Caring for Our Veterans Here at Home
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize John Enstrom of Elk River and the Disabled Veterans of America organization for all the incredible work they have done and continue to do for our Nation's veterans.
On August 5, John is hosting a charity fishing event in Ramsey, Minnesota. He is hosting the event for disabled American veterans. Along with friends and volunteers, John plans to bring 150 wounded veterans to a private lake for a great day of fishing, games, and simply enjoying the great Minnesota outdoors.
Our veterans have stood for our country's freedom and individual liberty, all the while putting their lives on the line. Disabled veterans have sacrificed in order to protect and serve our great Nation.
It is an extraordinary kind of person who cares for others so deeply. I would like to thank John and the Disabled Veterans of America not only for all the work they have done for this event, but for also recognizing that veterans need and deserve to be cared for once they return home.
SMALL COMMUNITY BANKS HARMED BY DODD-FRANK
Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the fifth anniversary of Dodd-Frank to share a story from a small community bank that has three locations in my district. This bank is struggling due to the additional regulation that Dodd-Frank has imposed on them.
They were forced to hire a full-time compliance director in addition to retaining two outside compliance firms. This has cost the bank nearly $100,000 more a year. In addition, numerous other staff members now have to take time away from revenue-generating activities to satisfy the compliance regulations of Dodd-Frank.
They told me: ``Compliance has always been a cost that is just a part of our business. However, since Dodd-Frank, this cost has expanded greatly. Unfortunately, since there is no offsetting revenue for the expanding cost, we are forced to consider passing on costs to our customers with additional fees.''
Mr. Speaker, I wish I could say this is an isolated occurrence, but a recent study shows that Dodd-Frank has added 61 million hours of paperwork and more than $24 billion in final rule costs for the financial industry in this country. Nationwide, we have lost approximately 1500 community banks already.
The 5 years since Dodd-Frank was signed into law have been marked with 5 years of failure.
UNDEFEATED SEASON ENDS WITH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE
Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the Anoka-Hennepin Mustangs for being named the 2015 Minnesota State champions in physically impaired adapted softball.
Comprised of students from Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Champlin Park, and Coon Rapids, these players were a force to be reckoned with at this year's State championship tournament. Having earned the number one seed, the Mustangs went into the tournament boasting 11 wins, with more than 167 runs scored during this season.
With the momentum of an undefeated season, the Mustangs cruised to victory at the recent State championship. After scoring nearly a dozen runs and completing a few notable double plays, the Mustangs won the championship game with an 11-8 victory over the Rochester Raiders. Even more impressive, the Mustang championship win ended a 6-year winning streak for the previous defending champions.
I ask that this body join me in congratulating these tremendous athletes.
Well done.
SIDING WITH AMERICAN FARMERS
Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the House Agriculture and the Energy and Commerce Committees' actions on the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015, of which I am a cosponsor.
Biotechnology is nothing new. Norman Borlaug, a researcher and legend in my home State, was the ``father of the Green Revolution'' while at the University of Minnesota due to his groundbreaking work on high-yield crops that have fed billions of people around the globe.
American farmers already deal with heavy compliance regulations to ensure that our food is safe to eat. Families must know that Borlaug's incredible accomplishment and the hard work of the American farmer is not in vain.
It is no surprise that I am not a fan of the Federal bureaucracy, but on this issue we must stand with American farmers on the health and safety of our food. We should move in the right direction, and the House should pass this bipartisan legislation that will create a voluntary label that supports farmers and American families.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source