[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H7055]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           THE BUFFALO BILLS

  (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, in my western New York community, there is 
no shortage of pride for our NFL Buffalo Bills. Taxpayers are currently 
investing millions into the existing stadium, and the community is 
engaged in discussions about future ownership and potential 
construction of a new stadium.
  Despite this, outside interests are making moves to pull the team out 
of Buffalo, and antiquated rules turn TV screens black on game day. 
Both threaten to take the team away from its loyal fan base.
  Our legislation, the Furthering Access and Networks for Sports Act, 
eliminates the antitrust exemption that gives NFL teams the ability to 
black out home games that haven't sold out and ensures that local fans 
will be able to watch their teams from home.
  The people of Buffalo have stood by our team. And the next owner of 
this franchise, the Buffalo Bills, must be one that will stand with 
this community for generations to come.

                              {time}  1215

  (Mr. HARRIS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, article I of our Constitution says Congress 
makes the laws, article II says the President enforces them, and 
according to article III, the judicial branch resolves conflicts 
between Congress and the executive. That is the system the Founders 
gave us. That is why the House of Representatives is taking the 
President to court to stop his unlawful actions.
  According to legal experts, legislators sued the executive branch 41 
times. Sixty-eight percent of the time, they were brought by Democrats, 
including the Rules Committee ranking member, who joined a 2006 
Democratic lawsuit against President Bush. Now, you would think the 
Democrats could have better spent that time working to avoid the Great 
Recession of 2008.
  President Obama unilaterally delayed the legislative mandate in the 
Affordable Care Act without consulting Congress. This is only one of 
many areas he has abused his executive authority, with the latest abuse 
leading up to the current border crisis.
  No President of either party should ever abuse their power. That is 
why this lawsuit is so necessary.

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