Congressional Record, House, December 22, 2022, Page H9988
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A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated December 22, 2022, at page H9988. It carries one-minute remarks in which Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania congratulates his colleague James Langevin on his retirement and credits their work on career and technical education. It also carries farewell remarks by a departing Member who thanks the 13th District for allowing him to represent it for the last 10 years, thanks staff, police and family, and describes his approach to party leadership as the psychology of consensus. The remarks are the speakers' own.
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“Congressional Record, House, December 22, 2022, Page H9988.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2022-12-22-crec-2022-12-22-pt1-pgh9988-4-b2ea41f75a/
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H9988 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 22, 2022
Thank you to the 13th District of Illi- possible to utilize the energy sources My friends on both sides of the aisle
nois for allowing me to represent you that are under the feet of my constitu- may be glad to know that this is the
for the last 10 years. ents. last time, perhaps, that I will be able
Thank you to my colleagues on both f to avail myself of that privilege. I in-
sides of the aisle who were willing to tend to use this extended minute to re-
CONGRATULATING CONGRESSMAN flect on what we have achieved to-
work together to make life better for
JAMES LANGEVIN gether during recent years and on a
our constituents.
Thank you to my hard-working staff (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania principle that I am eager for us to con-
over the years who have been in the asked and was given permission to ad- tinue to apply in the years ahead.
trenches alongside me. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- As Democratic Caucus vice chairman
Thank you to the dedicated men and vise and extend his remarks.) and chairman, as cochair of the Demo-
women who serve our legislative Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. cratic Steering Committee, as Demo-
branch and keep our House operations Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank, cratic whip, and as majority leader, I
running. celebrate, and congratulate my dear approach my work in leadership with
Thank you to our brave Capitol Po- friend and colleague, JIM LANGEVIN, one principle in mind: the psychology
lice who saved my life on more than who will be leaving us to enjoy his of consensus.
one occasion. much-deserved retirement. What is this psychology of con-
Thank you to my kids, Toryn, Grif- It has been an honor and privilege to sensus?
fin, and Clark, and my best friend in work so closely with him for more than It means having a greater sense of
the world, my wife, Shannon, for going a decade, especially in our efforts to our being in this work together than
on this journey with me all these advance career and technical education apart.
years. for Americans of all ages. It means waking up and saying: I am
While I will no longer be a Member of We have made great strides to im- on the team, the American team, privi-
Congress come January, I will continue prove access and public awareness to leged as citizens to serve in this body
the many benefits of career and tech- on behalf of all our fellow citizens.
to be this institution’s biggest advo-
nical education. By giving students the It means setting out with the inten-
cate and know that the great work will
ability to explore career paths and tion to make progress, not to block it;
continue because of all of you. and it means focusing on what unites
So as I leave, I would like to offer build transferable skills, we are one
step closer to developing a stronger, us as Americans. Democrats have put
some advice to the incoming freshmen. this ethos into practice to hold the
My friend Lee Brice sings in one of his more skilled American workforce. I
party line when we needed every vote
best songs ‘‘Love Like Crazy″: ‘‘Don’t thank JIM for making such a difference
or nearly every vote. Our Members re-
outsmart your common sense.’’ in our work on that.
mind one another: Consider how you
I hope I remembered every time that I send my very best wishes to JIM as
can be with us before deciding whether
I got in front of a microphone here or he enters this next stage. I will miss
to have to vote the other way.
in a committee hearing that I had our conversations, our dinners, and his Let me share some examples of this
these words come to my head sung by presence around the Halls of Congress. success.
one of the greatest rock bands ever, I thank JIM for his friendship and In 2008, President Bush asked us to
Nickelback: ‘‘These five words in my leadership over the years. He will be take emergency action to prevent a fi-
head, scream, are we having fun yet?’’ sincerely missed. nancial catastrophe. He was joined by
So thank you, Congress. It has been f the Secretary of the Treasury and the
an honor. PAYING TRIBUTE TO Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
I yield back for the very last time. CONGRESSMAN BOB GIBBS Sadly, in our first effort, upon being
f asked by President Bush, less than one-
(Mr. BALDERSON asked and was
AMERICAN ENERGY DOMINANCE third of the President’s party was ini-
given permission to address the House
tially willing to take that action. We
(Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania asked for 1 minute and to revise and extend needed to ensure that we had enough
and was given permission to address his remarks.) Democratic votes to work with Presi-
the House for 1 minute.) Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I
dent Bush and the Senate to enact that
Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam rise today to pay tribute to our col- legislation. And we did.
Speaker, last week, during a telephone league and my dear friend, the Rep- Not long after, in 2009, our economy
townhall, a woman in my district resentative from Ohio’s Seventh Con- was in free fall, the American people
asked what Congress was planning to gressional District, Congressman BOB were struggling, and Congress was di-
do about the cost of her fuel bills. She GIBBS. vided on how to respond. But despite
could no longer afford to heat her Throughout his more than 20 years of that challenge, Democrats came to-
home, and she has been forced to use a public service in both the Ohio legisla- gether to pass the American Rescue
wood stove just to maintain a normal ture and Congress, BOB has been a and Recovery Act. That legislation set
temperature in her home. steady and strong advocate for his con- our economy on a path to recovery,
The temperature in my hometown in stituents and a trusted voice on agri- saved and created millions of American
Altoona, Pennsylvania, tomorrow culture and waterway issues. jobs, and restored confidence in the
night will be 1 degree Fahrenheit. While we will miss seeing him here American Dream.
For months, we have warned of con- on Capitol Hill, I know he is looking The psychology of consensus also
stituents being unable to heat their forward to many new adventures and helped Democrats deliver a major vic-
homes when truly cold nights come time spent with his grandkids back on tory for the people in 2010: the Afford-
this winter. And guess what, now they the farm. able Care Act; for all Americans, irre-
are here, and the Biden administration To his bride, Jody, get that honey-do spective of party, giving access to af-
has still refused to act. list updated. He is all yours now. fordable, quality healthcare.
President Biden has refused to slash f Although there were disagreements
red tape and get pipelines and liquid b 0915 on the specifics of how best to reform
natural gas facilities online that could our healthcare system to make it more
address these soaring energy prices. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONSENSUS accessible and affordable, we all recog-
That is why we need to enact in Con- (Mr. HOYER asked and was given nized the urgent need to take action.
gress our Commitment to America and permission to address the House for 1 We worked together in good faith to
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return not only to energy independence minute.) secure the votes for that landmark law
but to energy dominance. Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, as ma- which made affordable health coverage
We as Republicans will cut through jority leader, there has been no benefit attainable for 35 million more Ameri-
government regulation. We will work of this job that I have appreciated, cans, banned discriminatory practices,
to solve permitting reform, and we will very frankly, more than my magic 1 and dramatically slowed the growth of
finally bring the change that makes it minute. I intend to take it now. healthcare costs.
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December 22, 2022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H9989
Interestingly, the model for that was As part of that commitment to de- Ukraine by providing critical military
a bill signed by MITT ROMNEY, then- mocracy and human rights, I have been and humanitarian aid during their
Governor of Massachusetts, now a proud to be a leader of the broad, bipar- hour of danger, our hour of danger, and
United States Senator representing tisan coalition supporting the U.S.- the world’s hour of danger.
Utah. Seven years later, consensus Israel relationship and Israel’s pursuit Last night we welcomed and cheered
among Democrats also proved essential of security and peace in that region. Ukraine’s courageous President who
as we defended the Affordable Care Act That effort exemplifies how to build guards the front door of freedom, inter-
against a President and congressional and sustain consensus in this House. national order, and a peaceful global
Republicans who were determined to This bipartisan approach must con- community based on the rule of law.
repeal it. tinue, and I will keep working next We must continue to support the
The psychology of consensus benefits Congress to ensure that both parties Ukrainian people for however long it
not only our Democratic Caucus, but I stand firmly with Israel. takes to ensure that they remain
would suggest the entire Congress. We Recently, the pivotal 117th Congress democratic, free, and sovereign.
are seeking the psychology of con- gave us example after example after John Kennedy—a great hero of mine
sensus as we speak. example of how this philosophy helps and an inspiration for my entering pol-
If we focus on what unites us as cultivate bipartisanship. Both of our itics—said at an inaugural address that
Americans who serve in the people’s parties ought to pursue that. Frankly, goes down in history as one of the
House, then surely, we can carry out we are seeing an example of that being greatest: We will pay any price and
better the people’s work. Surely, we elusive for our friends on the other side bear any burden to defend freedom here
will not achieve consensus on every of the aisle as they try to elect a and around the world.
issue. If we search, however, for com- Speaker. That psychology of consensus made
mon ground before running to our re- We came into office facing a the 117th Congress a success. The same
spective corners, then compromise and cratering economy, a deadly pandemic, ethos ought to characterize the next
progress become far more likely. and grave threats to American democ- Congress as well, and I will work to-
I learned this lesson early, not only racy. Halfway through, we also had to wards that end with my Republican
as president of the Maryland State respond to the most serious threat to colleagues.
Senate but also working together with global security since the Second World Our majority will soon come to an
Democratic and Republican House col- War: Vladimir Putin’s criminal, un- end—or, as I believe, a 2-year hiatus.
leagues to achieve bipartisan victories. justified, and unprovoked invasion of The time has come, as President Ken-
The Americans with Disabilities Act, Ukraine. nedy said to my generation when we
one of the most consequential pieces of The margin of our majority was slim, were ready to step up and serve, for the
legislation in our lifetimes, shines for 222–213. Many predicted the math torch to be passed.
me as an example of that working to- would make our efforts to govern un-
gether. In 1990, I joined with Tom Har- b 0930
workable. Two weeks after the election
kin, Bob Dole, Ted Kennedy, Steve in 2020, the Republican leader told re- I will not be in the elected leadership
Bartlett—a Republican who was the porters: We might not be able to sched- of my party next Congress. I will, how-
mayor of Dallas after he left here—and ule the floor, but we are going to run ever, remain here, serving the country
others as then-President George H.W. the floor. and this institution that I love.
Bush signed that law into being. On our side, our psychology of con- I will keep urging bipartisanship
As a result, those with disabilities sensus, however, made this one of the wherever possible and work to unite
must now receive reasonable accommo- most productive Congresses in recent Democrats in opposition whenever cir-
dation, have greater access to oppor- history and in which I have served. cumstances demand.
tunity, and are treated with greater Not only by striving for consensus I offer Mr. JEFFRIES, Ms. CLARK, and
dignity. All of us in this House can among our caucus, which proved the Mr. AGUILAR my strongest support, the
take credit for that on both sides of the naysayers wrong, but by reaching counsel of my experience, and whatever
aisle. We achieved that by asking our- across the aisle to Republicans—to fel- assistance they may seek.
selves how we could get to ‘‘yes’’ on low Americans—when we needed their I am excited for them to take the
legislation that would benefit literally help to deliver results. Indeed, how- helm. I know they are ready to lead us
millions and millions of Americans. ever, we ran the floor because of the back to the majority and help our
We did it again after the 2000 election psychology of consensus. Members deliver for the people.
revealed serious problems with our vot- Coordinating with the Senate and the My colleagues still will see me on the
ing infrastructure. Colleagues from Biden administration, our House ma- floor regularly as I speak—albeit more
both parties, skilled legislators like jority enacted major legislation even briefly, sadly—on behalf of the people I
Bob Ney, my dear friend; Chris Dodd; against unified Republican opposition. proudly represent in Maryland’s Fifth
my good friend and still to this day one Our Members stuck together on very District.
of my best friends, ROY BLUNT; and tough votes. The American Rescue It is because of their support, their
others sat down together. We ulti- Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act encouragement, and their allowance
mately secured the Help America Vote were the result. These laws arrested that I have been able to serve in the
Act of 2002. the economic free fall, deployed hun- leadership since 1989 and serve in this
The psychology of consensus—com- dreds of millions of lifesaving vaccine body for over four decades. I am so
ing together, working together, being doses, reopened businesses and schools, thankful to them and look forward to
together, and making it happen to- created a historic number of new jobs, continuing our work to make Mary-
gether—made it possible. It has also and set us up to tackle the climate cri- land’s communities safer, stronger, and
led many of us to cooperate to promote sis head-on while enabling American more prosperous; to make America
freedom and human rights around the workers and entrepreneurs to Make It safer, stronger, and more prosperous;
world. In America. and to make our alliance with the rest
As a former cochair of the U.S. Hel- Much of our success in the 117th Con- of the world and freedom-loving peo-
sinki Commission, I have been honored gress, however, resulted from biparti- ples stronger, safer, and more pros-
to meet with those who risk everything sanship. We encouraged Republican perous.
to promote freedom and democracy in colleagues to ask themselves how they We still have much more to do on
our countries. Democrats and Repub- could get to ‘‘yes.’’ And enough did projects that will benefit our districts
licans have worked together success- that we enacted a bipartisan infra- and our State, and I look forward to re-
fully to support them in that effort and structure law, the CHIPS and Science turning to the Appropriations Com-
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to ensure that America remains a Act, the Bipartisan Safer Communities mittee as a senior member to advance
bright beacon to all those living in Act, the Respect for Marriage Act, and those efforts.
darkness. As Reagan pointed out, we other crucial legislation for our coun- My work in the House will continue
are the shining city on the hill. The try. with the same energy, enthusiasm, and
psychology of consensus is needed to We also resoundingly expressed dedication as I hope I have dem-
keep that city and that beacon shining. Americans’ support for the people of onstrated over the last 42 years.
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H9990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 22, 2022
I also thank my Democrat colleagues have been privileged to get to know communities, and our country; to pre-
who have supported me in leadership. I them and their families. They are dear, serve and defend our Constitution and
hope that I have kept the faith. I hope dear friends, and like so many, they our democracy; to keep faith with
that I have done as they would have are great patriots. those who protect our Nation and the
hoped. They are part of a department that allies who stand alongside us; to rep-
I hope they believe I have rep- has faced enormous strains over the resent the American people, to effect
resented our Congress, this institution, past 2 years. We must never waver in their will, to reflect their generous
America, and, yes, my party as they our support for the U.S. Capitol Police spirit and deep sense of justice to the
would have expected. officers, who every day protect all who best of our ability—in short, to work
I am proud to serve with the first work in and visit this Capitol complex. together to create a more perfect
woman to be Speaker of this House, the They are the frontline defenders of Union.
indefatigable NANCY D’ALESANDRO our legislative branch. They are the With great reluctance, and even
PELOSI. frontline defenders of our great democ- greater hesitation for this special
Our journey of service together began racy. We owe them more than grati- privilege I am about to lose, though
as interns more than five decades ago tude; we owe them support. with great hope that, in the future, I
after we heeded President Kennedy’s Most of all, I thank my family, my will at least be able to talk, but for all
call. We sat together in a small office wife, Judy, who died much too soon; your sakes, not as long, I yield back
in the Russell Building, working for my daughters, Anne, Susan, and the balance of my time.
Maryland Senator Daniel Brewster. Stefany; my son-in-law, Loren; my f
We end two decades of partnership grandchildren, Judy, James, and Alexa,
and leading the House Democrats, along with Judy’s husband, Chris Gray. PRESIDENTIAL TAX FILINGS AND
along with our good friend JIM CLY- They are the parents of my four great- AUDIT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF
BURN, who I have known for 50 years. grandchildren, Ava, Braedon, Brook- 2022
I salute Speaker PELOSI and her lyn, and Savannah. Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, pursuant
trailblazing tenure. Your love and support have sustained to House Resolution 1529, I call up the
We, my colleagues, have had the me throughout these years. bill (H.R. 9640) to amend the Internal
great privilege of serving with two his- I hope the lessons of my time in lead- Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for ex-
toric Members of this House: John ership and the victories we achieved to- amination and disclosure with respect
Lewis and NANCY PELOSI. gether, Republicans and Democrats, to Presidential income tax returns, and
Throughout my years in House lead- Members of Congress, 435 people sent ask for its immediate consideration.
ership, I have had the honor of employ- here by their neighbors and friends to The Clerk read the title of the bill.
ing those I believe are the finest, most represent them on issues directly af- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs.
capable, and most professional staff on fecting them, their families, and their LURIA). Pursuant to House Resolution
Capitol Hill. NANCY said the same of country, I hope that those lessons 1529, the bill is considered read.
her staff. achieved together under our Demo- The text of the bill is as follows:
America—we, yes, but America—is cratic majority will guide the House in H.R. 9640
blessed by the extraordinary patriots meeting the challenges still ahead. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
that serve as staff of this institution The psychology of consensus provides resentatives of the United States of America in
and of individual Members. They are us with a blueprint for success. We in Congress assembled,
extraordinarily able people, and they this House are, after all, all Americans SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
are great patriots. whose common heritage should drive This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Presidential
Whether with me for two decades or Tax Filings and Audit Transparency Act of
us to a common purpose.
2022’’.
just a few months, they have displayed In 2 weeks, there will be a new major-
SEC. 2. EXAMINATION AND DISCLOSURE WITH
unrivaled dedication, ability, and in- ity. It will be like ours, a very narrow RESPECT TO PRESIDENTIAL INCOME
tegrity. I thank each and every one of one—indeed, the same margin we have TAX RETURNS.
them. They have my gratitude and my had, 222–213. The challenge it poses to (a) AUDIT.—Subchapter A of chapter 78 of
deep affection. both our parties and to each of us and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended
If I sang the praises individually of to the next Speaker and majority whip by redesignating section 7613 as section 7614
each member of my team, my magic is all too familiar. and by inserting after section 7612 the fol-
lowing new section:
minute would turn into a magic day, so Democrats overcame it through the
‘‘SEC. 7613. EXAMINATION WITH RESPECT TO
I won’t do that. Suffice it to say any psychology of consensus. All of us, all PRESIDENTIAL INCOME TAX RE-
praise earned by me belongs equally to 435 of us, ought to overcome it with TURNS.
them. that same kind of psychology: One Na- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—As rapidly as prac-
A number of them were here in the tion under God, indivisible. ticable after the filing of any Presidential
Capitol on January 6, 2021, a day like Guided by a dynamic new leadership income tax return, the Secretary shall con-
December 7, 1941, that will live as a day team of shared vision and experience, duct an examination to ascertain the cor-
of infamy in the history of this Nation. House Democrats will approach our rectness of such return and enforce the re-
quirements of this title with respect to the
They were housed in a small, insular brief time in the minority the same taxable year covered by such return.
office in my office, terrified by those way, ready to continue standing up for ‘‘(b) REPORTS.—
without and in our hallways who called our principles, for our ideals, and for ‘‘(1) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than 90
for the death of the Speaker and of the America with a united front—hope- days after the filing of a Presidential income
Vice President of the United States of fully, not just a partisan united front tax return, the Secretary shall disclose and
America. but a united front, indivisible. make publicly available an initial report re-
They are an extraordinary group of Republicans would be wise, I think, garding the examination with respect to
talented public servants. Notwith- such return. Such report shall include—
to take the same approach and seek
‘‘(A) the name of the taxpayer,
standing that terror, they came back common ground with Democrats. Did ‘‘(B) an identification of the subparagraph
the next day to do America’s work. I we do it often enough? Maybe not. Did of subsection (c)(1) which describes such re-
thank them for who they are and for we do it successfully? Not always. But turn,
what they have done. together, we must achieve consensus. ‘‘(C) the date that such return was filed,
Another group of individuals who I Democrats may not schedule the and
have come to know well and who have floor next year, but I hope that the ‘‘(D) the date on which the examination
been at my side deserves recognition. successful approach we modeled will with respect to such return commenced (or,
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The men and women of the U.S. Capitol continue to run the floor. if such examination has not commenced as of
the date of such report, a detailed descrip-
Police who have served on my protec- Madam Speaker, as we close this
tion of the reasons that such examination
tive detail are among the finest law en- 117th Congress, let us look ahead with has not commenced).
forcement professionals in our country. determination and dedication to the ‘‘(2) PERIODIC REPORTS.—Not later than 180
They are my friends. They are part of cause that brought each of us to this days after the disclosure of the report de-
my family. I will love them always. I Capitol: to serve our constituents, our scribed in paragraph (1) with respect to any
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