I thank the gentleman for drawing attention to the issue. It is my hope that we can move forward with the fiscal year 2018 process, and my colleague and I can continue to work together with the relevant agencies to address this issue so…

It is my distinct honor to bring to the House floor the fiscal year 2018 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Before I go into the details of the bill, I would like to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen for his…

Reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for drawing the House's attention to the road construction and maintenance needs of the Forest Service. I would be pleased to work with him and anyone else interested in our national forests as we…

I support competition, and these competitions, as a whole, have been beneficial to the Department of Defense. The OMB has reported that, regardless of whether the Federal Government or the private contractor win the competition, the act of…

I would say we have a duty to taxpayers to perform the best we can, to give the best product to our warfighters at the best price. I urge a ``no'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on…

I claim time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Franks of Arizona). The gentleman from California is recognized for 5 minutes.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. Last winter, two miracles occurred 3,000 miles apart. Here in Washington, our Nation's Capital, Republicans and Democrats came together and passed a significant water bill that was signed into law. Back…

I am pleased to be here today in strong support of H.R. 1873, the Electricity Reliability and Forest Protection Act. As we enter wildfire season, it is of the upmost importance that the federal government act to prevent these devastating…

On rollcall votes 207 and 208 I was unable to vote due to obligations in my congressional district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall 207, the Motion to Recommit, and ``yes'' on rollca11 208, related to H.R. 1431…

On rollcall votes 481, 482, 483, 484, and 485, I was unable to vote as I was detained in my congressional district to attend the funeral of a dear friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 481, and 482. Had I…

On rollcall votes 479 and 480 I was unable to vote as I was detained in my congressional district to attend the funeral of a dear friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall votes 479 and 480. Personal Explanation

The majority and the minority have agreed to these amendments en bloc. They are noncontroversial amendments that affect a variety of issues. Additionally, the sponsors of the amendments have agreed to consideration of these amendments en…