Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives U.S. House Of Representatives 20240713

The chair lays before the house a communication. The clerk the honorable the speaker, house of representatives. Madam, pursuant to the permission granted in clause 2h of rule 2 of the rules of the u. S. House of representatives, the clerk received the following message from the secretary of the senate on october 28, 2019, at 12 27 p. M. That the Senate Passed senate 2665. That the Senate Passed senate 2107. With best wishes i am sinned sign searly, cheryl l johnson. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the chair will postpone further proceedings today on motions to suspend the rules on which a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered or votes objected to under pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18 clause 6 of rule 20. The house will resume proceedings on postponed questions at later time. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from oregon seek recognition . Miss bonamici, mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4334, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4334, a bill to amend the Older Americans act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2020 through 2024, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from oregon, miss bonamici, and the gentlewoman from new york, ms. Stefanik, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlewoman from oregon. Miss bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker miss bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Bonamici i rise in strong support of h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act of 2019. I introduced this bipartisan bill to reauthorize and update the Older Americans act, or o. A. A. , which was first passed in 1965 as part of president Lyndon Johnsons Great Society initiative. For more than 50 years o. A. A. Programs have helped Older Americans maintain their independence and dignity. Today the Older Americans act serves about 11 million individuals each year. With three million of those americans relying regularly on o. A. A. Programs to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, funding for the Older Americans act lags far behind the increasing demand for its services. Although the population of americans over age 60 has grown more than 60 since 2001, o. A. A. Funding has only grown by about 20 . Adjusting for inflation, this means that o. A. A. Funding has declined by about 16 . That erosion of funding exacerbates the vast unmet need. In my home state of oregon and across the country. It means that every day in our community there are seniors who do not have the care they need and deserve. I have heard and read too many stories about seniors rationing medication or saving portions of their meal so they can stretch their resources just a bit further into the week. Ill never forget the story i heard of an 80yearold woman in oregon living in her car. She did not know where to turn for help. Far too Many Americans continue to face poverty, discrimination, and barriers to basic necessity. This is in part because o. O a. A. Programs are underfunded and not fully supported. According to a 2015 g. A. O. Report, o. A. A. Services do not reach 83 of the low income Older Americans who experience food insecurity. Thats more than four out of every five seniors in need. Today we recommit to investing in o. A. A. Programs because we have an obligation, moral obligation, to take care of those who cared for us. The dignity in aging act authorizes record levels of funding for o. A. A. Programs, which will help expand access to food assistance, transportation, and other basic services that the growing population of seniors need to live independently. Under this bill, all o. A. A. Programs are eligible to receive and immediate 7 increase in funding and a 6 increase each year thereafter. This will result in a more than 35 total increase in Program Funding over the five year reauthorization program, restoring o. A. A. Funding to prerecession baseline. This is a good investment because o. A. A. Programs help seniors stay in their homes and out of costly facilities. The bill also recognizes the need to support Family Caregivers and direct care workers. It extends the raise Family Caregivers act which helps develop a National Strategy to recognize and support those caring for their loved ones. My 91yearold mother has alzheimers so i know how important caregivers are. H. R. 4334 strengthens our focus on combating social isolation, which greatly increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, dementia, and premature death t does so by incorporating social isolation screening into the health and Supportive Services that seniors receive and by empowering local organizations to evaluate solutions for social isolation. The dignity in aging act also establishes a National Research demonstration and Evaluation Center for the aging network. This center will be responsible for conducting, promoting, and coordinating research, including evaluation and demonstration projects, and related Technical Assistance through the act. The center will increase the repository of information on evidencebased programs and interventions available to the aging network. The bill improves Economic Opportunity and engagement for Older Americans. It includes individuals who are just as involved as the priority population for the Senior Community Service Employment program. The bill also encourages the inclusion of Arts Education and cultural experiences among other Supportive Services, and further allows for demonstration funds to be used for multigenerational collaboration projects that provide opportunities for older individuals to participate in multigenerational activities and Civic Engagement activities. Finally, this Bipartisan Legislation seeks to improve services for historically underserved and marginalized individuals. Including native americans, Holocaust Survivors, and lgbt seniors. For example, it will create a national Technical Assistance center dedicated to expanding the aging Networks Compass to the deliver person centered trauma snfed service that is meet the needs informed services that meet the needs of survivors. It recognizes the ongoing importance of work and improves the Data Collection and outreach for all Resource Centers that focus on population meeting additional or unique services. This bill provides a rare bipartisan opportunity to help millions of Older Americans across the countryle spend less of their limited income on costly care and just as importantly to empower every individual to age with dignity. Id like to thank education and Labor Committee chairman bobby scott and Ranking Member virginia foxx, as well as my coleads on the bill, representative elise stefanik, subcommittee Ranking Member representative james comber, and refives susi lee, suzanne wild, and johnson for working together to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor. I also want to thank the hardworking staff, especially carry and ally from the committee. My personal to the office staff. And the staff on both sides of the aisle. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation so we can better care for those who have cared for us. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from oregon reserves the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Stefanik thank you, mr. Speaker. As the representative of a district that has one of the largest constituencies of Older Americans, i am proud to rise as a coauthor of h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act. Bipartisan legislation that reauthorizes the Older Americans act, which will directly benefit the seniors in my district and the seniors across the country. Since 1965 this statute has provided a wide range of social and Nutrition Services for americans aged 60 years or older. In addition to wellknown programs like meals on o wheels, the Older Americans act support services that include Nutrition Programs providing meals at senior centers, schools, and churches. Care to prevent abuse, negligent, and exploitation of seniors. Family caregiver support systems, and Community Service Employment Opportunities for Older Americans. This legislation is full of bipartisan agreements and priorities and during times of stark political you divide it is encouraging to be here today with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to speak in support of the dignity in aging act, which is the product of a diligent congenial effort that embodies the good that can come from working across the aisle. The bill before us today provides states the flexibility to spend funds on the issues impacting their senior communities, which includes support for Older Americans who have become caregivers of younger relatives due to the devastating toll of the Opioid Epidemic in our communities. It enhances the costeffectiveness of Critical Programs, ensures Program Accountability and integrity by prohibiting the renewal of grants that do not demonstrate effectiveness. It assists formerly incarcerated old oer individuals reenter the work force rather than reoffend. And ensures that funded programs are evidencebased and effectively serving seniors. Additionally, this bill includes long overdue updates from the younger onset alzheimers act that i coled with my friend and colleague from new york, congresswoman kathleen rice. Those under 60 with this heartbreaking disease face unique hardships for themselves and their families of the the current support structures for individuals with alzheimers are focused almost exclusively on seniors. Leaving the 200,000 americans living with younger onset alzheimers without access to these critical services. This bill ensures individuals of any age living with alzheimers receive full access to the services and support provided by the Older Americans act. I am also very proud to say that included in this bill is language from another bipartisan legislative proposal that i coauthored, encouraging the use of caregiver assessments to identify the needs a family care delivers. This individualized approach to care will ensure both caregivers and those who require assistance are provided tailored support to achieve the best possible health outcomes. There is another group of Older Americans in this country that we must not forget. The nearly 80,000 Holocaust Survivors who live among us. As victims of the very worst of humanity, Holocaust Survivors deserve devoted care and support to address the unimaginable horrific trauma they experienced. Sadly one third of our countrys Holocaust Survivors live in poverty. During the markup process in the house education and Labor Committee, i was honored to work with my friend and colleague, representative bonamici, on a provision that workstodress the needs of aging Holocaust Survivors. Institutional placement can present a unique challenge to those who have suffered the trauma of the holocaust. It is critical these individuals are identified for the Services Necessary to support independent living. Our provision will ensure local outreach efforts place a special emphasis on Holocaust Survivors and other at risk for institutional placement. Additionally, the bill recognizes the specific needs of this community by ensuring that Nutrition Programs should meet the religious, cultural, or ethnic dietary requirements of all Older Americans. These men and women have survived unable suffering yet many continue to live with physical and emotional scars from the horror they faced. Together we acknonl their resilience and seek to offer opportunities that allow them to live healthy, dignified, and independent lives through their elder years. Mr. Speaker, im encourage the by the bipartisan effort from the education and Labor Committee that resulted in the meaningful slayings before us today. I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes on h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act n doing so we reaffirm our commitment to our nations older generation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman new york reserves the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from oregon is recognized. Ms. Bonamici mr. Speaker, im pleased to yield three minutes to the chairman of the education and Labor Committee, the gentleman from virginia, mr. Scott. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from virginia, mr. Scott, is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank representatives bonamici, stefanik, lee of neverauskas, comber, wild, and johnson of south dakota for their work on this bipartisan bill. I wranto specifically recognize i want to specifically recognize miss bonamici for and the ms. Bonamici for her leadership we are here to consider the dignity in aging act and to reauthorize the Older Americans act and thereby support an investment in our nations seniors. The Congress First passed the Older Americans act in 1965, along with medicare, medicaid, and other civil rights legislation as part of president johnsons great stoig society. 54 years later this 45 years later, it continues to support programs that support 11 million americans maintain independence and avoid institutional care. This includes three million americans who regularly use o. A. E. Services to address basic needs, especially food, transportation and social action. Unfortunately it has not kept pace with inflation and the growing population of aging americans in 2010 americans. N 2010, the annual funding was 40 per senior. Its now 27. This weakens the services at a time theyre in high demand. According to a g. A. O. Report the services failed to reach a vast majority of lowincome americans who have food insecurity. This investment will allow us to not only help senior with us also help us save money. O. A. E. Services allow Older Americans to delay or altogether avoid costlier care by promoting healthier behaviors and promoting critical support of services. The bill funds o. A. E. Services at record levels, focuses on the vital role of Family Caregiverers as direct workers and allows those with early onset als himmers to benefit from the act. As the number of Older Americans continues to increase, the dignity in aging act is an opportunity for us to strengthen essential services that allow millions of americans across the crunt toy age independently and with dignity. I urge my colleagues to support the dignity in aging act of 2019 and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Stefanik i yield two minutes to mr. Comer, the rank egg member of the civil rights committee. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Comer todays Life Expectancy is at a historic high which is great news but it also means we need to be doing all we can tone sure americans have access to services to allow them to live independently in their homes as long as possible. Since 1965, the Older Americans act or a. A. Or o. A. A. Has governed the delivery of services throughout the country. With more than 41 million americans age 65 and older the social and ewe nutritional programs offered by o. A. A. Are critical to helping them maintain independence. The reach of this law is substantial and covers many aspects of elder care. In addition to well known programs like meals on wheel, o. A. A. Support Services Provided by more than 300 state organization and approximately 20,000 local providers some of these include Nutrition Program prossviding meals at senior centers, schoolsing churches, care to prevent the abuse, the flect and neglect and exploitation of seniors, and employment programs employment taunts for Older Americans. These programs offer valuable assistance for americas seniors and we must ensure the law is aging as well as the people it serves. Im proud that our committee has worked together to produce Bipartisan Legislation, effective legislation to support our nations seniors. Specifically, the dignity in aging act we are considering today eliminates the arbitrary cap on percentage of funding area agencies on aging can use to provide services to older aer givers raising younger relatives. These provisions will be beneficial for my constituents in kentucky where in the midst of the opioid crisis, many older relatives have taken on the responsibilities of raising children whose parents are not present or are unable to take care of them. As an original cosponsor of this legislation and the Ranking Member of the subcommittee of jurisdiction, i appreciate the work of chairwoman bonamici and my colleagues on the ecommittee on education an loy boar to advance the dignity in aging act of 2019. I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation to build upon the flexible policies found in the Older Americans act to promote consumer driven independent living for our nations el ler i elledler i elderly population. Thank youened i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time from kentucky has expire. The gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentlewoman from oregon is recognized. Ms. Bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. Im pleased to yield one minute to a member of the education and Labor Committee, the gentlelady from illinois, ms. Underwood. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized for one minute. Ms. Underwood i rise in strong support of the dignity and aging act of 2019. This is a strong bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Older Americans act which provides Vital Services and support to seniors an their families in our communities. Reauthorization has been an important local priority in my community in northern illinois. During the august work period, i held a round table on the issue at the Fox Valley Older Adult Services with local stake holders. Their priorities included increased fund, transportation, Legal Services and support for seniors to age in place. And their care givers. And thats why im so proud that the bill we are discussing today among other improvements increases overall Transportation Program fund big 35 and improves access to that funding, increases availability an accessibility of meals for seniors an strengthens support for family care givers including those cares for individuals with younger onset alzheimers disease. Im so proud this bill includes my bipartisan amendment to ensure that programs that serve seniors are ready to respond to outbreaks or other Public Health more thans. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the dignity in aging act so that our seniors have the services an support they need and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewomans time has expire. The gentlewoman from oregon reserves. The gentlewoman from new york is regular niced. Ms. Stefanik i yield two minutes to the gentleman from georgia, mr. Allen, the Ranking Member on the subcommittee of Early Childhood development and aging. Mr. Allen 54 years ago, our country made a commitment to Older Americans and their families. In 1965, the Older Americans act was enacted to provide a range of services for those over the age of 60678 by passing this legislation, congress made a promise to help provide Compassionate Care to our nations most vulnerable adults who are sometimes exploiting, abused or neglected. This legislation is vital to georgia seniors and it supports many important communitybased Services Like Nutrition Programs, churches and Family Caregiver support. Ive seen the benefits of these programs firsthand as ive had several opportunities to deliver meals on wheels to those who are unable to grocery shop or prepare a warm meal for themselves. What a privilege as a member of congress to visit with these older adults and talk to them about their contribution to this great country as we deliver these meals. This legislation upholds the dignity of those who are aging and has received bipartisan support for more than 50 years. Today should be no different. As we have a responsibility to uphold the promise that was made to support our nations seniors. I urge my colleagues to once again reauthorize the Older Americans act. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemans time has expired. The gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentlewoman from oregon is recognized. Ms. Bonamici im pleased to yield three minutes to the gentlelady from new york, miss rice, who along with representative stefanik, were lead sponsthoferse early onset alzheimers act included in this legislation. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognize for three minutes miss rice i rise in support of h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act of 2019 which includes key provisions from our bill the younger onset alzheimers act. This will amend the hOlder Americans act to ensure hundreds of thousands of americans living with early onset alzheimers receive the care they deserve. The Older Americans a act was enacted in 1965 and supports a range of home and communitybased programs to support those age 60 and older. It includes meals on wheels, inhome and adult day casework transportation service, legal aid, elder abuse prevention and vital assistance and support for family care givers. These programs have become absolutely essential to those living with alzheimers and their families. However, today, 5 of americans living with alzheimers, approximately 250,000 people are living with younger onset alzheimers, a disease that has a particularly devastating effect on families with diagnoses coming in an individuals 30s, 40s, or 50s when they still have young children, new homes an growing careers. Theyre in the prime of their lives an they dont always have the Financial Stability to leave the work force which is usually inevitable. And because of their young age, they are currently ineligible for all o. A. A. Funded programs. Virtually overnight these families face unimaginable and unforeseen strain and are denied access to programs we know work and that so many people with alzheimers rely on every day. By including major provisions from our bill, the dignity in aging act will ensure that younger alzheimers patients and their families have access to Critical Programs and support. Before i yield back, mr. Speaker, i want to take a moment to acknowledge two of my constituents who helped bring this issue to my attention. Karen henley and connie wasserman. Karen lost her husband, mike, to younger onset als himmers in 2012. He was diagnosed at the age of 36 and passed away at 47. Karen, mike, and their two children experienced firsthand how challenging it is for people with this disease to find affordable and quality care. Connie wasserman is the associate executive director of social services of the jacobson s. C. C. In new york. Shes played a crucial role in helping families of those living with young onset alzheimers. Because the gth doesnt fund alzheimers programs for those under the age of 60, connie had to start her own and relies almost entirely on private funding. Connie and karen have become tireless advocates for those with younger onset alzheimers and worked closely. States should have it, today is karen and mike henleys wedding anniversary and in honor of them i ask my colleagues to support the dignity in aging act of 2019. I want to thank my friending, my colleague, and fellow new yorker, ms. Stefanik, and with that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewomans time has exer food expire. The gentlewoman from oregon is the gentlewoman from oregon reserves. This gentlewoman from new york. Ms. Stefanik i yield two minutes to the gentlelady from North Carolina, dr. Foxx. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Foxx thank you, mr. Speaker. I would like to begin by thanking representative stefanik for her leadership on this legislation before us today. I rise today to speak in support of h. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act, which will reauthorize the Older Americans act through 2024. For over 50 years the Older Americans act or o. A. A. Has helped provide social and Nutrition Services to Older Americans. More than 40 million americans age 65 and older, the programs and Services Offered by o. A. A. Are helping them maintain independence and the data shows overwhelmingly that these programs help Older Americans live Higher Quality lives. The reach of this law is substantial and covers many aspects of elder care beyond just wellknown programs like meals on wheels. O. A. A. Supports Services Include Nutrition Programs providing meals at senior centers, schools and churches, care to prevent the abuse, neglect and exploitation of seniors, Family Caregiver support systems and services to help Older Americans move into employment. This reauthorization is the product of bipartisan hard work with members of the education and Labor Committee and shows the good that can come from working together. Through productive conversation and compromise we have successfully authorized grants for states and area agencies on age, a. A. A. s, responsible for coordinating services for older individuals. Specifically the Supportive Services Program Funds a wide range of social services aim at helping our older population remain independent in air own homes and communities. These Services Include case management, adult day care, and other numerous activity of senior centers. Additionally, states are required to devote a certain portion of funding to Access Services home care and legal assistance. Furthermore, local agencies implement the law on the ground will receive additional clarity about costsharing policy designed to increase the cost effectiveness of o. A. A. Programs. The bill also infuses additional candlelightability other hardworking taxpayer funds into these programs by requiring programs to demonstrate they met their stated goals prior to receiving a renewal of their grant. In addition to funding for Supportive Services and Nutrition Services, h. R. 4334 also provides for caregiver support. The bill continues support for the National Family care givers support program which provides funds to states to support americans caring for aging family members. The Program Provides a range of Services Including information and assistance to care givers about available services, counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver education. Respite services to provide families temporary relief from care giving responsibilities, and Supplemental Services to complement care provided by other care givers. The bill also provides increased flexibility to states by lifting a cap on the percentage of funds that can go to older relative care givers which allow for Additional Support for those seniors who have taken responsibility for caring for family members due to the growing problem of opioids in our nation. Mr. Speaker, im very encouraged by the teamwork and bipartisanship that went into this bill. H. R. 4334, the dignity in aging act reflects Congress Commitment to our nations seniors and builds upon the laws the laws flexibility policies, allowing Older Americans to age with health, dignity, and independence in the communities of their choosing. Id like again to thank representative stefanik for her diligent work on this legislation an thank chairman scott for his commitment to bipartisanship. I strongly urge all my colleagues to support this reauthorization that will benefit an entire generation of Older Americans and with that, i yield back. Gentlewoman from new york reserves. The gentlewoman from oregon is recognized. Im onamici mr. Speaker, pleased to dwreeld three yield three minutes to the entlelady from pennsylvania, ms. Wild, a passionate advocate for suicide prevention. The speaker pro tempore the pennsylvania is recognized. Ms. Wild thank you, mr. Chairman. President 5 when Lyndon Johnson signed the Older Americans act, congress codified into law an essential and universal truth, that each a responsibility to protect and support those who for us. Nd have cared these bonds of solidarity tie our society together. We are stronger, both as individuals and as a nation, up. We hold each other the objectives of the older mericans act were to secure adequate income in retirement, the best possible physical and Services Without regard to economic status, uitable housing and transportation, restorative services, and employment pportunities free of discrimination. The programs funded through the immensely popular, but funding has not kept pace. 2010, o. A. A. Funding was pproximately 42. 95 per senior in todays dollars. Oday, it is just 27. 25 per senior. Every time funding fails to meet demand, the foundation of our society is chipped away. Every time funding fails to meet of nd, we run the risk malnutrition, unsafe living conditions, and social isolation our seniors. Fortunately, there is a is tion, and that solution the legislation we are voting on today, the dignity in aging act 2019 is a bipartisan reauthorization of the o. A. A. , o. A. A. Programs an immediate 7 increase in iscal year 2020 and a 6 increase every year thereafter. Reflecting the fact this is a priority, transcending differences of party and politics, three of my republican colleagues, representatives dusty johnson, representative representative comer worked alongside as origins cosponsors of this egislation, which was introduced by my colleague, representative bonamici. Ritically, this legislation includes provisions that will guide o. A. A. s nutrition rograms like meals on wheels, programs that meet an urgent need across our country. To include language that will benefit our seniors by nsuring access to Nutritional Services that are culturally sensitive and reflect the diverse needs of our communities. I am particularly proud that this bill updates the o. A. A. By on ing a greater focus countering social isolation. Empowering local organizations solutions and incorporating social isolating health andnto mental Supportive Services that seniors receive. Thats why i proposed an unanimously adopted by the education and Labor Committee as part of the legislation to add screening for suicide risk to the disease prevention and promotion Services Offered under the o. A. A. Older americans are among the atrisk members of our population when it comes to the uicide epidemic across our nation. We must stand with these fellow americans and offer them our as we all work to break the stigma around suicide and as we all worknd to build a society in which we Mental Health just as we do physical health. With that i thank you. The speaker pro tempore the entlewoman from pennsylvania yields back the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Im prepared to close if the gentlelady is prepared to close. Like to yield id myself such time as i may consume to enter into the record supportowing letters of and then ill be prepared to close. d like to enter into the record letters of support from aarp supporting h. R. 4334, a jewish rom the federation of north america letter ng h. R. 4334, a from the Alzheimers Association and Alzheimers Impact Movement supporting the legislation, a from 72 National Organizations representing older adults and caregivers across the a letter from meals 4334. Els supporting h. R. Its attention to the impact of social isolation. Reserve. E to the speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentlewoman from oregon reserves the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from new york is recognized. Ms. Stefanik in closing, id like to, again, thank my good riend, the gentlelady from oregon, ms. Bonamici, our colleagues and our staff on the education and Labor Committee all of their work on this bipartisan bill that will help improve the lives of millions of across the country. As i said at the beginning of debate, my home district isct is home to one of the largest constituencies of Older Americans. So i could not be prouder to have led the reauthorization of the Older Americans act, which tangibly tly and benefit the seniors in new yorks 21st district and seniors country. E our nations seniors deserve to age with health, dignity, and communities in the of their choosing and, again, i urge a yes vote and with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the new york yields back the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from oregon, ms. Recognized. Ms. Bonamici thank you, mr. Speaker. I urge all of my colleagues to upport the bipartisan dignity in aging act of 2019. O. A. A. That the programs, meals on wheels, programs, eal protection against older abuse help Older Americans live their dignity. H once again, i want to thank representatives stefanik, lee, johnson, for leading in this effort. Again, thank chairman scott and foxx for mber supporting this legislation as it moved through the committee process. The bipartisan engagement and involvement of many tomittee members was crucial to achieving this legislation to successfully address many priorities that incorporate the stakeholders. Ous im grateful for all those support passage of this bill today so we can better older american to age with dignity. Again, i urge my colleagues to i port this legislation, and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from oregon yields back the balance of her time. Question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the 4334 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. Chair, 2 3ion of the having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for the gentleman es from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules the bill h. R. 2440, the full utilization of the harbor fund act, as ust amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. A bill to h. R. 2440, provide for the use of funds in the Harbor Maintenance trust the purposes for which the funds were collected and to ensure that funds credited to the Harbor Maintenance trust used to support navigation, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the oregon, mr. M defazio, and the gentleman from arkansas, mr. Womack, each will 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from oregon. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and and include remarks on h. R. S material 2440, as amended. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Speaker, i mr. Yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon is recognized. Askdefazio mr. Speaker, i unanimous consent to enter into the congressional record a letter from chairman john yarmuth, the House Committee on waive agreeing to consideration of h. R. 24 40 2440, as amended, as well as my yarmuth for irman orking cooperatively on this legislation. The speaker pro tempore will be covered under general leave. Mr. Defazio ok. A long time coming. Ronald reagan worked with the congress and passed a tax, tax paid by every american, americans in arkansas and every other state. Every time you buy an imported through a ame container into our country, you pay a minuscule sales tax. Dont know that. But congress is well aware of it. Has or decades, congress been stealing that money. The money was intended to harbors and our ports, critical to our maritime critical to our competitiveness in the world economy, and our ports are in condition around the nation. As we hear so much about our crumbling infrastructure, the working on, i am you know, our waste water, our drinking water, we dont have any money. We have the money. We actually have money. We have taken it from the American People. Tax. Ve paid that but congress is stealing it. Harbors. Pplying it to now, this has been a bipartisan problem over the years. His is not something that was republicans or democrats who created this program. And its been democratic republican ons, administrations who have been diverting these needed funds. On a daily basis, our largest have only about 38 of their authorized capacity. That means longer lines of ships out to sea, more costs in the movement of goods. Particularly for our exports. Now, i note this bill is supported by the alabama, senator shelby, and senator shelby of the need ecause to export from his state. Thoseess what, a bunch of exports come from the state of arkansas. Why would someone from that state, where half of their is exported, you know, where they have 3. 1 agricultural exports be opposed to more efficiently moving their goods out of the and adding costs to their farmers . I dont understand. Who here are some people think ports dont affect them. Orts affect every single american every day. Costs hat are imported more when our harbors arent properly and our trade deficit grows when we are not world tive in the economy. So has been coming i started working on this 23 years ago guy named bud shuster. His son, bill shuster, succeeded as chair over the last six years before we took back over the house as chairman of that committee. Twice we moved that bill out of the committee unanimously, spend ng provisions to the Harbor Maintenance tax on Harbor Maintenance. To thats a radical idea some people inside the beltway in washington, people who just right here in washington. They are not focused on the nation, the needs of the nation, of their farmers, the needs of others who are exporting and importing goods. Maritime nation thats falling behind. That isnt going to be ready to ships the largest new because we dont have the money to dredge the harbors. We have the money. In billion is sitting over the treasury. There are those here who dont the money on its lawful purpose. Oh, my god, it breaks the budget caps. Really . The budget caps . Year ow, the deficit this was 397 billion higher than left resident obama office. Now, be whos been in charge of the last two years . Wrote those budgets that put us up to nearly 1 trillion . Afford to we cant dredge our harbors. Shut them down. Shut them in. Jetties decay. We cant afford it. We can afford it. His is one place with bipartisan support where we can infrastructure needs without raising a new tax on the American People. Administration actually had some concern about underspending of the tax and the diversion of the money to he treasury so actually the president s propused to cut the proposed to cut the tax. Written by Mick Mulvaney, the president s chief o. M. B. F and the chief of staff when i said we had 10 billion, mr. Bank, ent, sitting in the ready to be spent on infrastructure needs at our he turned to kudlow and he said, spend that money. Hats where the president stands. Thats where senator shelby stands. Hes been trying to get into any and every bill moving through senate. Every one of these budget deals hes been trying to get it in. Hear arguments we cant afford to spend the tax that was taken from the American People on the purpose for which it was intended. I do not agree with that argument. With that i retain the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Womack i rise in opposition to this bill to no surprise to my friend from oregon. Let me help him a little bit with how i give opposition in context. As the Ranking Member of the budget committee, mr. Speaker, it is not possible for me just to consider how were going to get soybeans out of arkansas as the sole limiting factor on how we budget. It is important. Its important to my producers. But at the end of the tai we are 23 trillion in debt. 23 trillion. And the deficit this year to add to that 23423 trillion is expected to approach 1 trillion. H. R. 2440 would disrupt the recently enacted budget agreement. Now, mr. Speaker, you know that we did months of negotiation on some agreement to keep the government open and operating. This body established Discretionary Spending caps for the next two years with the passage of the bipartisan budget act of 2019. The bill before us today breaches that law. It increases that deficit. Is my question is what was the point of us going through that arduous process of negotiating a bipartisan, bicameral agreement with the president so that just three months later we could shoot a 10 billion hole in it. This bill would increase the deficit by up to 10 billion, which i believe is unacceptable given our fiscal condition. According to the congressional budget office, the annual deficit this year will be 1 trillion, adding to the already 23 trillion in debt. Now let me be clear. I acknowledge that there are structural budgetary challenges associated with a Harbor Maintenance trust fund. They need to be fixed. I think everyone agrees that this is not fair that our shippers are required to pay a tax for Harbor Maintenance but then the funds cant be spent on the very service they are supposed to provide. That, we can agree on. The work is critical to american jobs and the economy, we need to fix the flaws in the trust fund, however this bill is not the answer. Its no a longterm solution, its just a quick fix. Id like to work with members on both sides of the aisle to assess not only the Harbor Trust Fund butal guft but all Government Trust funds and evaluate their funding mechanisms to make sure they make sense. This is an attempt to spend more money without offsets and increase the deficit. Theres a determined opposition in the United States senate. Senate budget Committee Chairman enzi and i released the following joint statement in opposition to 2440. Reads the bipartisan budget act of 2019, which increased spending caps for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 was enacted less than three months ago. Instead of prioritizing additional funding for Harbor Maintenance activities under this agleam, h. R. 2440 would further increase spending by as much as 10 billion over the next two years. This approach is irresponsible and would not provide a lasting solution. With annual deficits in excess of a trillion dollars for this foreseeable future congress should be working on reducing the deficit rather than increasing it. I believe 2440 is fiscally irresponsible and i urge my colleagues to vote no and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from arkansas reserves. The gentleman from oregon is ecognized. Mr. Defazio i yield myself such time as i may consume. Cant do it now, like to do it another time. Ive heard that on the floor for the last sick years when we did the Water Resources development act, became a bipartisan, unanimous, out of the Transportation Committee when the republicans chaired it. And this year when i chaired it. Bipartisan out of the committee. Well fix it later because the technical budget act is going to be violated and the caps are going to be violated. Id observe that i believe the gentleman was here and the gentleman voted for the tax cuts. When Obama Left Office we had a deficit of 587 billion. This year its 984 billion. Due to principally the tax cuts. So waive all the rule whence it comes to cutting taxes but when it comes to collecting taxes, not just from shippers, but every american pays more for every imported good that comes through a port, with the intention in a bill signed by Ronald Reagan, that that money would be spent to min tain those harbors. As i pointed out this has been a bipartisan problem. Clinton, bush, clinton or ba ma, all of them. Even the budgets proposed by Mick Mulvaney in the name of the president would further cut Harbor Maintenance. We would continue to collect the tax from the American People if Harbor Maintenance and continue to quert it over divert it over here. How can you increase the deficit when youre spending taxes that are already collected deposited in the treasury of the United States and can only be spent on Harbor Maintenance and youre not spending them, thats increasing the deficit . Seriously . Oh, come on. Now i would note that in a rare moment of we have a list here of 70 organizations who support this legislation. Including the association of general contractors of america who are going to key vote this issue. They realize how critical this is for the future of the american economy, a great maritime nation. The association of general contractors will key vote this issue. We also have the National Grain and feed association, and a long list of others on here who support this. So you know, its just we can talk a lot about making a major investment in infrastructure, weve been hung up on how are we going to pay for service transportation, 47,000 bridges need repair or replacement. 47 of the national highway system edetieror ated to the point we have to rebuild, not just recoat it and tch a 100 billion backwilling in transit to bring it up to a state of good repair. Those are just the needs in surface. Then you go to wastewater. Then you go to airports. Then you go to drinking water. But guess what . For every single one of those things, were going to have to raise revenues one way or another. This one thing, the need to invest in our harbors, we have the money. Its sitting in the bank and were being told because of budget caps it cant be spent. Seriously . And the president himself said when i was there, spend that money. So if we get the bill through the house, if they dont derail it, and it gets through the senate, the president will sign it. Plain and simple. This is commonsense. Outside the beltway. But just budget weirdness inside. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Womack mr. Speaker, i yield myself 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Womack in our process, its not as simple as just spend the money. It has to go through a process. We call it the appropriations process, mr. Speaker. Youre well aware of it, having serve thond eAppropriations Committee. Heres the deal. The budget a greement is indifferent as to the source of that money. Whether its Harbor Maintenance trust fund issue or whether its spending that is were roed from china or from the International Bond market its indifferent to it. It goes through the same process. This bles a 10 billion hole in the deficit that is just three months away from the agreement we had three months ago. With that, mr. Speaker, id like to yield three minutes to the gentleman from utah, pli friend and colleague on the Appropriations Committee, mr. Stewart. Reporter the gentleman from utah, mr. Stewart, is the speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah, mr. Stewart is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Stewart im prows to proud to rise with my friend, mr. Womack, to speak in opposition to this measure. If youre going to pull something tell us why. This bill would break the spending caps this body agreed to just a few months ago. This is laughably unacceptable. I also need to point out and i know this is going to shock many people, that the budget caps they agreed to were hardly a model of fiscal discipline. Quite the contrary. They were very liberal, very generous. I have no problem with this particular funding. I want to be clear on that i have no problem with this particular funding. It may be a very wise use of taxpayers money. But if thats true, then have the courage to stand up and say this is how were going to fund it. This is how were going to pay for it. Adjust pts agreed to the spending caps adversely impact our ability to monetary dis monitor Discretionary Spending by awe log allowing them outside the caps. While it may be true the trust fuvend needs to be fixed this is not the way to address the issue by adding 10 billion to what is, what, a 22. 5 trillion deficit. For our children and grandchildren, this is not the way to move forward. Now i want to mention one other final and experience would show certainly a reasonable fear. And that is this. H. R. 2440 sets a dangerous precedent for other programs looking to operate also outside of the spending caps. If we bust the caps for this, what other reasonable programs must we fund outside of the budget caps . Everyone has a special program they want to fund. Everyones got a sacred cow they want to fund. Sadly, there are no many cows in heaven because all the sacred cows are down here in congress trying to find a way to be funded. We must remain defiant toward adding onto our already existing and as has been pointed out including by our friends in the opposition, our already existing exiss ten rble threat from runaway spending. I stand in opposition to that and with that, mr. Chairman, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from utah yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from arkansas reserves. The gentleman from oregon is ecognized. Mr. Defazio name another program gentleman from utah, ok, he cant im going to a question. Name another program with a dedicated tax where were diverting the money over to the treasury instead of spending it on a welldocumented need . Just name another program i would be happy to research that for you. Mr. Defazio i reclaim my time. Thank you. You cant. We are taking this money, its a sales tax. The American People are paying it. Like some of you live in sales tax states. I dont live in a sales tax state but my people are still paying this sales tax on imported goods. And they expect the money as Ronald Reagan signed that bill to be spent on maintaining our harbors. I can list the needs in my harbors that arent being met today because the corps of engineers is underfunded. But we hear we cant d this. The other argument here is, this this busts the caps, breaks the agreement. No. All of this money which has been taken from the American People and deposited in the treasury is subject to appropriations. It gives discretion to appropriationors to determine whether or not we will finally honor our compact with the American People and spend the Harbor Maintenance tax on Harbor Maintenance, not on illusory deficit reduction. With that, i retain the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from arkansas, mr. Womack is recognized. Mr. Womack im pleased to yield two minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Meadows ill be glad to address the gentlemans question. There are a number of different areas where we actually collect money, the lwcf is one of those. 900 million a year. Comes from oil producers, supposed to be spent on something, goes back to the treasury. If we want to get into a colloquy back and forth ill be glad to do that with the gentleman from oregon. That being said, we have had this debate. The Ranking Member is exactly right. We this is the only place you can exceed an unlimited budget by 10 billion. We agreed to something and all of a sudden what happens is is now they start to push back. They start to push back because you know what . This priority wasnt included in the budget caps deal of which we spent. Its amazing that my colleague opposite now is all of a sudden becoming a fiscal conservative. Ill give him an honorary invi decision to join the freedom caucus. Its amazing how fiscally conservative some of the members opposite get when it comes to some special project that they want to overlook. So mr. Speaker, i would just say, the truth here today is, is that not only do we need to be fiscally responsible for the american taxpayer, we need to start showing some fiscal restraints here in this body. Eventually, you run out of other peoples money. And i think that day is now. With that, i thank the gentleman for his leadership. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from arkansas reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio i always enjoy gentleman. The ess hearing from the gentleman. The tax hes referring is not a tax. Its fees paid by the oil and gas industry which you can say, oh, theyre having to pay a fee use federal lands and to take and extract a resource. Mr. Meadows if the gentleman yield . Mr. Defazio i wont yield to my friend at this point. Its not quite the same thing. Imported good n today that came through no, i am not yielding to the gentleman. If the gentleman will yield . Ill be glad to clarify. Mr. Defazio i give him 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. So if the gentleman from oregon suggesting dont is suggesting we dont pay for that fee in the gas tax, hes part of the the portation hes chairman of the Transportation Committee and he would know that embedded in mr. Defazio reclaiming my time. The speaker pro tempore the entleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio the federal gas and diesel tax hasnt changed since 1993. American people are not paying for that. The price of oil goes up and to speculation and wars and conflicts and all sorts of other things. Is that is a fee paid by the Oil Companies that of t or might not come out their profits and goes into a fund which is being underspent fully be consistent, i support and have supported fully expending the land and water a servation funds on permanent program, you know, on legislated and purpose. Thats the same thing here. This is, again, a little different. Anybody today who bought a good that came into a port in the america in a of container is paying a very small sales tax increment on that good ronald l signed by reagan. That money is supposed to be to maintain our harbors. Our harbors are coming in. The jetties are falling apart. Accommodate some in some harbors who want to accommodate them the new largest world, thehips in the most efficient way to move goods carbon ter, the least intensive way is to move goods on water. By not re impeding that spending that tax for the purpose for which it was legislatedd which is in law. Thats all were asking to do here today. With that i reserve the balance of my time. Reserve the right to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from arkansas is recognized. Mr. Womack yeah, thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time ill yield two minutes to the gentleman from mr. Graves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana is recognized for two minutes, mr. Graves. Thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, listening to this debate, its not hard to nderstand why things in this body dont ever get done. Heres the deal. Of truthstually a lot that are being spoken here. We do have a debt thats completely out of control. It. Es no question about the gentleman from arkansas, the gentleman from North Carolina, the gentleman from utah, theyre right. 23 trillion were leaving to our children and our grandchildren. Outrageous. But my friend from oregon is in that we are charging a fee for a purpose diverted. Ing its not right. Were if i f i ran a notforprofit and if i was going to charge excuse me if i was the to collect funds from public and i said i was collecting them for a purpose of providing health care to someone needed it and i decided to take those funds and spend them else, theres word for that in the private sector. Embezzling, and people go to jail for it. In congress, we call it its wrong. Nd so let me go back and just this. Ize absolutely we need to have a balanced budget. Day. Upport it every single i support every Single Members not being paid until we have one. This needs to be in the budget caps, but this has been a discussion thats been going on years. Rs and years and as my friend from oregon ndicated, having a paper balance of 9 billion or 10 billion, and its not like we need. Have a we have channels that are shoaling up. We put draft restrictions on. Not at the depths we need to be at to meet the new trends in shipping. About them concerned debt. I want to make sure we address this, but this has been going on too long, these dollars have been diverted orem or embezzled. I urge adoption of this bill. It ave to figure it to get under the budget caps where it belongs. I support this legislation. I urge adoption. Back. Ld the speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from arkansas reserves. From oregon, mr. Defazio, is recognized. R. Womack im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves. The gentleman from arkansas is recognized. You, mr. K thank speaker. Facing, numbers were deficits, 23 trillion in debt, whats another billion . Mr. Speaker, its obvious that needs to start making decisions. The responsibility is at our feet. Article 1 of the constitution. Hat same constitution we all took an oath to in january. And im not talking about tough decisions regarding the Harbor Trust Fund by itself. I am talking about a lot of programs. All mandatory spending programs. An inconvenient truth, mr. Speaker, is this. Economy, ntage of our andatory spending is going higher, Discretionary Spending, money were talking about today, getting lower. I wish my friend from oregon would bring the same passion to the loor that he brings on Harbor Maintenance trust fund to ship on righting the spending in the country as a whole to include solutions to mandatory spending programs hat continue to skyrocket, totally unchecked by the congress. I want more money for education. I want more money for science and health care. Harborant more money for maintenance. I have backlogs in my own district. Prioritized. To be this discussion should have three months ago. In fact, it did. Here were other issues addressed in the negotiation for the budget caps that we operate today. May i remind my friend from about, we had a long talk census. It made it in. Harbor maintenance. Mission, mr. A. Speaker, and that was in excess of 20 billion, but somehow we get it beneath the caps. Day, only one the of those negotiating topics into the ade it discussion. So now here we are expected to relitigate the other cap adjustments. What other types of spending give special t to privilege to . Proponents are saying we dont what we want to lets just bust the caps. Thats a dangerous precedent. Never be considered in the same context as overseas contingency and disaster we all know ch caps. E above the t would behoove us to take a look at our nations wellbeing. Offer with i unanimous consent approval the tatement by the National Taxpayers union. Things, in ng other urging a no vote on the of this Harbor Maintenance trust fund act that the congress of the united asking for d be healthier trust funds, not those trust funds. So i ask unanimous consent that union ional taxpayers statement is entered into the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Womack mr. Speaker, im and ded of the old saying, my dad, who grew up on a yellow it ty, arkansas, farm said often. Son, if you find yourself in a digging. T we will s h. R. 2440, ave added yet another shovel nations ficit to our fiscal situation. Vote, and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from arkansas yields his time. Alance of the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, is recognized. As defazio may i inquire to how much time remains . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman has seven minutes remaining. Mr. Defazio ok. I wont use all seven. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio well, the wants healthy he trust funds. Heck of a t a ealthful trust fund when this comes to Harbor Maintenance, but we also have a massive deficit maintenance. We are projecting that were need an extra 15. 8 and on in between now just 2020 to meet the demands of arger and heavier ships that are going to come through the panama canal and come here. That . E we going to meet well, we could spend the Harbor Maintenance trust fund on harbor but, no, it wasnt part of the budget caps. To the nd tell that people who are dependent upon getting their goods in and out ports. Nations and say, oh, sorry. We cant do that jetty. Harbor dredge that because we cant spend the money that we took from you and put in the bank on that need even hough the need is not being met. Boy, i dont think thats a real inning subject outside the beltway. But inside the beltway, it people. S with certain again, pleased to hear from the union, the association of general contractors will key issue. Is this is a program created during the reagan administration, signed by Ronald Reagan. Money has been diverted between republican president s and democratic president s for years. Its time to stop doing that. This president expressed personally to me in a meeting wants to stop diverting that money. Mick mulvaney, following the having arguing were here, keeps trying to cut the pending on Harbor Maintenance so they can divert more of the tax paid by the marn people to people to merican create a losery deficit reduction to put money in the bank. How does that reduce the deficit . It doesnt reduce the deficit. It doesnt. The real world, its the budget act that is and its talking ns that were about here. Not the real needs of the American People. Not the real needs of the american ports. Not the real needs of our shippers. Not the real needs of our exporters. Thats what were hearing today. We can hear tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. To it some other time. 23 years ago i started working on this with republican chairman bud shuster. 23 years. Century. Of a this is something we can do for the American People. Providing nt ran on trillions of dollars of infrastructure investments. O far all of the budgets written by Mick Mulvaney in his has that hinch person he over at o. M. B. Have proposed reductions in transportation spending, has proposed in Harbor Maintenance. Even though we have a dedicated pay for it. Ld in any sensible world, wed take tax and spend it purpose. Wful and that only lawful purpose is to get into our ports and jetties and dredge for the larger ships that are coming to america. And so we can be more competitive as a maritime nation. Maybe reduce the trade deficit. Of discussion about the deficit and, again, i would just recall that the is up almost 400 billion in two years. Which the uring republicans controlled the , the white enate house. I think it had something to do with a tax cut. 3 trillion. Hear more about budget caps and deficit concerns. It was going to pay for itself, revenues. Didnt raise revenues. It didnt get raised and, oh, by way, it didnt pay for itself. I would hope that members here ill realize that the vast number of americans i bet if you went out and polled them, tax for aying a little Harbor Maintenance and being deposited in the treasury to smaller, eficit look you think thats a good idea . I think its one thing that people on both sides of the the united ross states of america would say, no, our ports. Oney on with that i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the oregon yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the 2440, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 aving responded in the affirmative mr. Womack mr. Speaker. I ask for the yeas and nays. The peaker pro tempore yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays remain standing ntil counted. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1306 this efederal disaster coordination act, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1306, a bill to develop a study regarding streamlining ancon sol dating information collecting in preliminary Damage Assessments and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, thend gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadow, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio. Mr. Defazio i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material as a material on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Defazio i yield myself such time as i may consume. Im pleased to be standing here on the floor with my colleague, mr. Meadow, at this time perhaps a bit more in agreement. This bill h r. 1306, the Disaster Assistance coordination act, was introduced by representative meadows and peters. It amends the Disaster Recovery reform act, drra, socalled, to help federal agencies streamline and consolidate Information Collection and preliminary Damage Assessments following disasters. When a disaster occurs, americans dont have time to wait around for the bureaucracy to get the assistance theyre entitled. To today there are too many barriers that stand between Emergency Response and americans in crisis due to a disaster, whether its a flood, a hurricane, a wildfire, an earthquake, whatever that disaster might be. The federal Emergency Management agency and other federal agencies are supposed to be there to help. Its currently the implementation of those Recovery Efforts and that disaster ssistance is hampered by inefficient Information Collection and assessment conducted by multiple agencies. Some come in a year after the fact and say wait a minute, wait a minute, we didnt authorize that. That kind of stuff has to stop. This will remove Information Collection barriers that currently impede disaster aid, it creates a working group to identify cue dew publictive assessment we dont need to waste money on those. And propose getting rid of them by administrative rule or if necessary by legislation. Further, it would streamline federal Disaster Recovery efforts by concluding that a Single Agency is sufficient to conduct Damage Assessments to account for the needs of disaster victims. Again, we have multiple agencies with con flibting opinions and numbers and sometimes they come back to communities and want money back. Really . That other Agency Approved the money. Oh but you didnt think this has got to be done better. More efficiently. In coordination with a single lead. So im pleased that this bill is before us today. And with that i obviously recommend an aye vote. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves. The gentleman from north arolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows i thank the gentleman and thank him for his kind comments. Ive often wonders in the pharmaceutical commercials you see on tv, who is the individual who can speak as fast as the narrator, i have found the gentleman from oregon to be that individual. Its a good day for me. I thank the gentleman for his support. Certainly i rise in support of h. R. 1306, the federal Disaster Assistance coordination act. As the chairman was noting, this this is a bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation that would amend the Disaster Recovery reform act and to establish a process to identify ways to streamline it, consolidate the collection of certain disaster information. I would be remiss, mr. Speaker if i didnt mention the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Graves, an his work along with mr. Peters and his work in terms of trying to make sure that when we allocate dollars it gets to the people suffering most. The last thing we need is for them to be caught up in a bureaucracy not of their own making. So following disaster, many times Damage Assessment needs are to be done quickly and i can tell you in North Carolina, even most recently, some of those get into a lot of finger pointing back and forth, mr. Speaker. So just last week, the committee on transportation and infrastructure received testimony from state and local Emergency Managers on how that cumbersome process is, what it is now. And so while fema is certainly the lead federal agency on disasters, theres often an alphabet soup of federal agencies that have to get involved in the Disaster Response and its the local federal i mean the local coordinators that have to work in this recovery. Its critical that we look throughout all our agencies to minimize the overlap, certainly as it relates to assessments and consider the use of newer technologies and how to streamline the process, specifically this bill will establish a federal working group, led by fema, that would work with the counsel of inspectors general on integrity and efficiency to determine how Damage Assessment process can be streamlines and whether new technologies can be used to speed up the process. This is just a Good Government bill that will improve Disaster Recovery and you know, being from the great state of texas, as well as i do, when people are hurting, from disasters, what they want to fast, efficient Recovery Efforts and so hopefully this bipartisan effort will do that. I encourage support of this and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio is recognized. Mr. Defazio i dont see any speakers, so im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows thank you, mr. Speaker. We have we had one other individual as i mentioned, the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Graves, was come do you think to speak on this matter but seeing that hes not oh, seeing that he is or at least seeing theres finger pointing to suggest that he is, i would yield two minutes, actually, three minutes to my good friend from louisiana, mr. Graves. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Graves is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Graves thank you, mr. Speaker, i want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina. You have two sorts of members. You have members that have experienced a and been through disasters and the constituents they represent and you have people that will. Those are the two types of members you have in this body. And the gentleman from North Carolina is one of those folks that has been through this. The people that he represents have been been have been through. This the current disaster process we use often times revictimizes the very disaster victims that were trying to help that were trying to save. This legislation is very important and its insightful. Its insightful because number one it brings newer ideas and newer tknologies to the table on how were actually going to quantify the damages associated with disasters. Lets not use these technologies and techniques from the 1950s and 1960s, when its 2019 and 2020. We need to be taking advantage of these new technologies. What that does, mr. Speaker is it results in better, more accurate Damage Assessments, to where were not contributing to the debt and wasting money as we discussed in previous legislation. It results in faster, faster recovery, Faster Response to those disaster victims that are out there this legislation helps to ensure that instead of out there, and weve had in my home state of louisiana, weve had our assessors out there doing work. Weve had our state home lan Security Officials out there doing assessments, weve had s. B. A. , h. U. D. , fema and theyve all come up with different numbers youll be shocked to learn. The most efficient thing to do, the right thing to do, is come up with a common set of principles, use new technology, quantify the disaster, inform how much money is needed and where it is needed and lets help get response and recovery activities moving much faster, much better, much manufacturer efficiently. And let me say it again, weve got to continue to stay focus on these disaster victims. So that faster, better, cheaper, ends up benefiting them. Weve had these diskeck, different programs, using different metrics and milestones. I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina, i want to thank my friend from oregon for working together on this its an important, insightful piece of legislation that that is going to result in saving taxpayer funds, better, more efficient response, stopping the tripping over each other and move in a direction where you have seamless sequencing of response and activities. I yield back. The speaker the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from is recognized from North Carolina. Mr. Meadows i thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank the gentleman from louisiana. When you think of Disaster Recovery and a champion who has been wanting to address this not just on this bill but each and every bill that he lacks at, theres no greater advocate that the American People have than the gentleman from louisiana. Id also in closing, since the gentleman, the chairman is ready to close, im going to go ahead and close. I want to thank him. Many times we can have different opinions on different particular pieces of legislation. But the gentleman has always been thoughtful and certainly under his leadership, in his chairmanship, has worked in a bipartisan manner to advance legislation. I appreciate his willingness to allow this bill to come to the floor and would urge the adoption and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon, mr. The defazio, is recognized. Mr. Defazio i yield myself such as i may consume. In reference to what the jell said earlier, when barney frank used to serve here, i was friendly with one of the recording clerks. She would rate how many words, you know, per minute, barney was faster than me. Sometimes id be sitting here and people would say, what did he say . I said, i can translate that. I grew up in that that area. But returning to this. This is important. This is not the end of our reforms. As the gentleman from louisiana pointed out just think of it this way. We had a very rare, bizarre snow event last winter. I had five trees fall at my house. The insurance adjuster comes out, says ok, came we agreed on what it could take to fix the house. Imagine if that company had sent five different adjusters on different days and all came up with different figures, how would we i would still be the house was just finished last weekend, took nine months. But i would still be waiting for repairs to start. Thats what happened to people in some of these disasters. Theyre still waiting for the approval they need to go forward and do the repairs. Or they got funding from one agency for emergency Housing Assistance and then theyre being told they cant get Housing Assistance or cant get their home repaired because they took that money even though no one told them when they took that money that that would disqualify them from some other agency. Its got to get straightened out. The federal government needs to coord mate this response. This is just, i believe, the beginning of reforming these Disaster Assistance programs. And oh, by the way, the federal Flood Insurance program is broke. Weve got to do something about that too. Including some reforms. With that, i urge a yes vote and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon yield back the yields back the balance of his time the question is, will the house pass the bill h. R. 1306. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Without objection, the title amended. For what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1775rk the notice to airmen improvement act of 2019. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the titetholve e title of the bill. He clerk h. R. 1775, a bill to establish and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Graves, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from oregon. Mr. Defazio i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h. R. 1775. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Defazio i rise in support of the bill introduced by the gentleman from minnesota, representative stauber. H. R. 1775 will create a task force to review existing methods for presenting notices to airmen or notems, which provide pilots with essential realtime information regarding abnormalities, issues in the National Airspace system. They alert pilots to hazards in an air space or airport, theyre used in space launches and hings like that. Also more mundanely, closed taxiways. Pilots are required to review notems before flight. Theres been concern about the completeness of information contained in them and how the information is displayed to and organized for pilots. And make recommendations to improve the presentation of notam information, while ensuring the accuracy and completeness. Recommendations from the task force could help prevent future aviation accidents and near accidents. July, 2017. An air canada a320 almost landed on top of five jet liners with more than 1,000 people onboard, awaiting takeoff at San Francisco International Airport before executing an emergency goaround. The aircraft came as close as 60 feet above one of the planes on the ground. That would have been catastrophic. If that plane had descended, just descended a little bit more. There were no injuries, but this could have been catastrophic. The safety board determined the cause of the incident was the pilots misidentification of the taxiway for a runway, based in part on their ineffective review of no tams. No tams notams. Notams can and must be better and more clear for pilets. I expect the task force pilots. I expect the task force established will lead to good work, recommendations that will improve safety, hopefully in the near future without any sort of lengthy rulemaking process. With that irgs urge all of my colleagues that, i urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Graves thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is how legislations supposed to work. I want to thank my friend from minnesota, mr. Stauber, thank congressman desaulnier from california for introducing this Bipartisan Legislation and legislation that is in direct response to an ntsb and National Transportation safety board recommendation. As you just heard, the Committee Chair covered a story back at San Francisco International Airport in 2017. There was an air canada flight coming in on an occupied taxiway. They had been given a in the, they misread and didnt fully understand what they had been given or didnt fully abide by it and there were four to five fully loaded airliners on that taxiway. You can imagine the disaster. At would have happened four fullyloaded planes with the air canada flight coming in fully loaded planes with the air canada flight coming in. This area had been closed. They had been noticed that it was closed but it was not a message that they properly either understood or received. After the ntsb investigation, they found that weve got to find a better way of communicating to airmen under the notam or notice to airmen alerts. And so what this does, this is in direct response to what weve seen from the ntsb, direct response from what weve seen in this incident, what this does is it brings together a group of experts in this field to ensure that we can find a better way to apply lessoned learned lessons learned, to make sure that we get better and these close calls do not happen again. So, mr. Speaker, i urge adoption of this legislation and i want to reiterate the great thanks that i have to my friend from minnesota, mr. Stauber, for leading this and congressman desaulnier from california for working together in a bipartisan way to ensure that were applying lessons learned, were applying common sense and we are ensuring the safety of air passengers across the United States and the globe. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Graves mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentleman from minnesota. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from minnesota is recognized. Mr. Stauber thank you, mr. Speaker. I would before i begin, i want to thank chairman defazio and Ranking Member graves for their great leadership on the transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I am pleased to rise in support of my Bipartisan Legislation that improves the safety of air travel. I would also like to thank my colleague, mr. Desan yea, for his support and desaulnier, for his support and leadership on this legislation as well. Notice to airmen or notams are extremely important to safety in our skies. Theyre critical as they relate Safety Information to pilots that allow them to understand the possible hazards and conditions of airports and runways before actually getting to the destination. The Current System simply is not working as well as it should. Notams are often buried in lengthy reports, conflating important Safety Information with more common alerts. These inefficiencies have the potential to create lifethreatening situations. My bill creates a task force at the f. A. A. With important input from Safety Experts and industry professionals to address what changes need to be made to notams to make air travel even safer than it already is. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on future legislation that directly helps the American People and urge support for my bipartisan bill, the notice to airmen improvement act. Thank you, mr. Speaker, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from minnesota yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Graves mr. Speaker, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon. Mr. Defazio im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Graves mr. Speaker, i just in closing, once again i want to thank the bipartisan work on this legislation, from mr. Stauber, mr. Desaulnier. I want to thank the full committee Ranking Member, sam graves, and mr. Defazio, the chairmen, for all working together. I urge support of this important legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio i regret that representative desaulnier couldnt be here today because he partnered with representative stauber on this legislation. Hes been very concerned in raising this issue with me repeatedly because of the incident at San Francisco and general concerns he had about runway intrusions and other problems. He is on an airplane, as we speak, flying here. Hopefully safely. Thats unfortunate, since he be here to actually get credit on the floor. But i want to exceed that to him and i want to thank Ranking Member graves for his support on this and the other Ranking Member graves for his support on this. And representative larson, who is probably also on an airplane somewhere. Its rare that i would be here on a monday. The Harbor Maintenance bill attracted me to be here. So i would urge that this be adopted and urge a yes vote. This is one more little bit of an addition or major addition to our Safety Culture in aviation in this country, with the largest, most complex air space in the world, and this is a necessary step to make it safer. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 1775. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the bill is passed and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from oregon seek recognition . Mr. Defazio i move that the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 2502, the transparency in federal buildings projects act of 2019 2019. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 109. H. R. 2502. A bill to amend title 40, United States code, to require certain per spectaculars for public buildings to be made publicly available and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazzyorks and the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Defazio, and the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Meadows, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentleman from oregon. Mr. Defazio i ask unanimous consent that all members have legislative days within which to revise and extend my remarks and include extraneous material on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Defazio mr. Speaker, im recognized. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Defazio thank you. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise in strong support of h. R. 2502, the transparency in federal buildings project act of projects act of 2019, introduced by the gentleman from alabama, mr. Palmer. Its simple. But its important. Its also common sense, contributes to government transparency. The federal government, through owners. A. , is the largest of commercial office space in the United States of america. The program can use some improvement and this will help shine a light on some of the issues and concerns we have as we look for some reforms in the way we acquire property in the most costeffective manner for the american taxpayer. Sometimes a g. S. A. Does things that makes little or no sense when they get into lease agreements like they did with the department of transportation, beautiful new building. We have bought we are now going to buy the building for the second time, essentially, by having paid for the lease for a number of years. These things can be done more effectively and more efficiently and this legislation will help set a path to that kind of cost savings. It requires the General Services administration to publish on its website all prospects for leasing design or construction activity, update the information quarterly, and maintain the information for no less than 10 years in a readable, accessible and, this is key, searchable, searchable form. Not just posted its like, oh, sorry, theres no index. It has to be searchable. Mr. Chairman, this is a Good Government bill. Designed to provide taxpayers with the information regarding the g. S. A. s leasing design and Construction Projects for federal agencies and i urge my colleagues to support this legislation. With that, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from north time. Na is the gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Meadows thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of h. R. 2502, the transparency in federal buildings act. As the chairman just mentioned, it is a commonsense piece of legislation. Id like to thank the gentleman from alabama, mr. Palmer, for his leadership on this bill. And im pleased that im actually a cosponsor of this particular legislation. H. R. 2502 does provide for Greater Transparency to the taxpayers on the public building projects and leases. It actually would require the General Services administration or what we refer to as g. S. A. To include on its websites all project proposals and associated information and submit that to congress under the public buildings act for approval. This is a simple action, but it can have a Significant Impact on improving the accountability and transparency that all american taxpayers yearn for. And while g. S. A. Includes some information on its website, that information provided is somewhat limited. This bill would ensure that taxpayers know what projects have been proposed, how much they will cost, and which have been actually approved. In 2013 the committee on transportation and infrastructure began filling this void by posting this information on its website. Since that time, the committees website has become a critical resource, not only for the public and private sector, but also for federal agencies. However, to ensure the continuity and in this and that this information continues to be regularly updated and maintained, this bill would place that responsibility on g. S. A. As i mentioned, this is a commonsense, straightforward bill, id like to thank the chairman, mr. Defazio, and running backing Ranking Member graves, for their willingness to address efficient and effective Government Agencies and i encourage all of my colleagues to support this legislation and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon is recognized. Mr. Defazio i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows i yield to the sponsor of this particular piece of legislation, the gentleman from alabama, mr. Palmer, as much time as he may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from alabama is recognized. Palm pham i thank mr. Graves and mr. Meadows for their work and chairman defazio from their support. The General Services administration is required to submit to the committee and to the Senate Committee on enment and public works that contain information on proposed public projects for committee consideration. In recent years, the Transportation Infrastructure Committee has posted this information about these projects on its website to provide access to the public and private entities. While the transportation and Infrastructure Committee has become a resource for the public and even for federal agencies, this bill, the transparency and federal buildings project act would require the g. S. A. Make available all the associated information pursuant to the public buildings act. This reform will ensure that taxpayers have more information about how their dollars are being spent and managed. The bill would strengthen transparency in construction, and leasing projects and i urge my colleagues to support it. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from alabama yields back. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Meadows i thank the speaker and am prepared to close. Im assuming that the gentleman is. As we close, i thank the chairman for his support and thank the leadership and the sponsor of this particular bill. We beeve that g. S. A. In posting this information in a searchable fashion will provide for a more open and transparent government. And i urge my colleagues to support that. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman from oregon, mr. Defazio is recognized. Mr. Defazio i yield myself such time as i may consume. I congratulate the gentleman from alabama for proposing this new transparency legislation. Im certain in the end that it is ultimately going to save the taxpayers money and lead to g. S. A. Perhaps performing in a more efficient manner. So with that, i yield back the balance of my time and i urge a yes vote. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oregon yields back. The question is will the house uspend the rules and pass h. R. 29012. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . Ms. Bass i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 886 as amended. The clerk h. R. 886 a bill to direct the attorney general to establish and carry out a veteran Treatment Court program. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from california, ms. Bass, and the gentleman from for 20 minutes. Ms. Bass i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Bass i yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise to support h. R. 886 the veteran treatment coordination act. This bill stands to the commitment that congress has to veterans, those who have serviceconnected mentalhealth disabilities. By establishing a Grant Program called the veteran Treatment Court Program Office in the department of justice, the bill makes permanent our support for the hundreds of local Treatment Court programs around the country that successfully rehabilitate veterans. It would build upon the success of hundreds of veterans courts programs by standardizing reporting methods serving resources and distributing information nationwide on best practices on how to improve the administration of veterans courts. And many veterans continue to face hardships after completing their military service. One Study Reports that approximately 9 of veterans who served in iraq and afghanistan have been arrested since returning home. The bureau of justice statistics estimates that approximately 180,000 veterans were incarcerated in state and federal prisons between 20112012. Of those veterans surveyed, 48 and 55 of veterans in jail reported they have been told by a Mental Health professional they had a Mental Health disorder. Communities can i reserve the balance of my time. Veterans who commit crimes and support victims by ensuring that they pay restitution before they may receive a dismissal. Veterans courts provide more effective means of rehabilitating. Although 20 of veterans courts participants receive jail sanctions, only 14 experience a new incarceration during an average of nearly one year in the program. This rate of this is substantially less of the 23 to 46 found among none veteran prisoners. They report less than five drop outs. There are over 500 veteran Treatment Courts operated by state, local and tribal governments. This bill ensures existing programs will continue their mission to serve our veterans and make it easier for jurisdictions to start new veterans programs and adopt best practices. I thank our colleague, charlie crist, for his leadership in authoring this bill and his dedication to supporting our veterans. This is a thoughtful and important bill that will help veterans who need our assistance. I reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Collins she did a great job plaining this bill and one that we should come to and why suspensions exist. On a personal note as a member of the air force reserve and someone who has been in the navy and air force, this is something very good in my home county, the veteran court has been set up for several years. We see the mentoring aspect and the peer activity that we gain in the military and something vital for these individuals who have had runins on the law especially if it has to do with things that came out of their service, we owe them know greater debt other than to make sure they get their life back straight. This puts the emphasis on a federal level. I couldnt think of a better way to start this week and holding a good bill and get this to the senate as quickly as possible and to the president s desk. And with that, i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia reserves. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Bass i yield four minutes to the gentleman from in florida, mr. Crist. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Crist i thank the speaker. Fter 91 9 11, thousands signed up to serve our country to keep all of us here and our loved ones safe. Many of these heroes suffer greatly with wounds that you can see and in many cases, wounds that you cannot. Too many veterans face mental and physical disability. Too many veterans come home without support structure. Too many veterans lack opportunity. And too many veterans selfmed indicate, find themselves in the criminal Justice System and are forgotten. In 2008, the first veteran Treatment Court was established in buffalo, new york. The idea is that veterans face unique challenges that require veteranspecific care. While the v. A. Can be an option for a veteran in crisis including at the bill young Critical Center in my district, not every veteran goes to the v. A. And if they do, they might not have someone to check on them. Veterans Treatment Courts are diversion programs. Working with special lifts at their local v. A. Medical center. Social workers and counselors and veteran service organizations, vet courts get nonviolent veterans instead of just locking them up. After they complete the requirements, the veteran can have their record ex punked, providing housing and Employment Opportunities. 10 years after the first court, there are hundreds all around the country including one in my home county. Each vet court is different. Starting with community from scratch and coordinating the people and organizations that will help rehabilitate veterans in their program. Congress recognized the importance of these courts in our districts, has provided funding for vet courts including 25 million in the housepassed justice science commerce bill. However, unlike other programs, there are not adequate coordinations to provide best practices, support as well as Technical Assistance to communities who have vet courts or want to start one. This fixes this. Establishing the veteran Treatment Court program in the office of justice program, im thankful to my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee of which i am a member including chairman lowey and chairman serrano for their steadfast support of the veteran Treatment Court funding. However, the department of justice which administers the grants needs an office to help guide communities who want to access grants or want to set up their own veteran court. I thank the the gentlewoman from from new york for her ork work over the past year and chairman nadler and the gentlewoman from california, chairwoman bass, for their leadership on the Judiciary Committee fighting for criminal justice reforms as well as diversion programs. Lastly, i want to thank all of the organizations, veteranservice organizes and criminaljustice professionals who helped build support over the past two years and who worked in our districts to make veteran Treatment Courts so successful, this is the National Military and veteran alliance and the National District attorneys association, all of which endorsed the legislation along with 19 veteran total groups. When a veteran is suffering because of their Service Makes a mistake, we have a duty as a country to do all we can to give them the very best possible outcome. We have a duty to fight for those who fought for our freedoms. I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from florida yields back. The gentlewoman from california reserves. The gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Collins i ask the gentlelady if she has any more speakers . I would say this is a good bill and i appreciate the hard work that has gone into it. When we lock arms and do these kinds of bills, these are things that move the needle for people back at home and this is very easy to support. Get this done. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia, mr. Collins, yields back. The gentlewoman from california, ms. Bass, is recognized. Ms. Bass let me thank the Ranking Member. This bill would help provide support to more than one million veterans diagnosed with serviceconnected disabilities as well as the this thousands who are undiagnosed who will be exposed to the criminal Justice System. Supporting rehabilitative courts programs is the least we can do to treat our veterans with compassion and care. For these reasons, i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california, ms. Bass, yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass bill h. R. 886 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on he table. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from california seek recognition . Mr. Bass ms. Bass mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 3942, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3942. A bill to apply requirements relating to delivery sales of cigarettes to deliver sales of electronic nicotine Delivery Systems and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from california, ms. Bass, and the gentleman from north dakota, mr. Armstrong, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from california. Ms. Bass i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Bass i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Bass h. R. 3942, the preventing online sales of ecigarettes to children act, is an important bill to protect our young people. I applaud the gentlelady from connecticut for taking lead on this issue and introducing this Bipartisan Legislation. This bill addresses a very serious Public Health crisis in our country. One which is tragically affecting our children. Since last summer, a mysterious and is severe disease associated with the use of ecigarettes and the practice of vaping has sickened over 1,000 mostly young and otherwise healthy people, 18 of whom have died. Public Health Advocates place the blame for this crisis on the aggressive marketing of vaping products that appeal to kids, including eliquids are fruit, bubble gum or even cotton candy flavors and packaging that features superhero or cartoon characters. Advocates also cite the mushrooming popularity of us u. S. B. Flash light drive of ecigarettes which have a high nicotine content, appealing flavors and can easily be concealed. Evidence of this is reflected in staggering statistics. According to the 2018 National Youth tobacco survey, between 2017 and 2018, there was a 78 increase in ecigarette use among High School Students and a 48 increase amongst middle school students. H. R. 3942 will play an Important Role in addressing this crisis. Congress regulates the sales of Tobacco Products via interstate shipment through the 1949 jenkins act. In 2010, congress extended the jenkins act to regulate delivery sales of Tobacco Products over the internet through the prevent all cigarette trafficking act or pact act. It curbed Internet Sales of cigarettes to underaged people by encouraging and requiring the delivery agents check i. D. On the person when the product is delivered. H. R. 3942 amends current law to cushion line esale cigarettes to minors. It amends the definition of cigarette to extend to any electronic nicotine Delivery System which includes ecigarettes, vape pens and other electronic devices. A violation of the provisions of the jenkins act is a federal felony punishable by up to three years in prison. Amending current law to extend these protections to ecigarettes is the right thing to do and i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important bill. I reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from North Carolina is recognized. Mr. Armstrong thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong i rise today in support of h. R. 3942, the preventing online sales of ecigarettes to children act. This bill can be summarized like this. If minors cant buy ecigarettes in a store, they shouldnt be able to buy them online. Today anyone who purchases alcohol or tobacco at a brick and Mortar Retail store is subject to age verification requirements. Online retailers of alcohol must also verify a purchasers age to ensure the sales comply with state and federal law. However, online retailers of ecigarettes are exempted from verifying the age of their customers. When the pact act was passed in 2010, it did a great job of curbing the use of smoking. Unfortunately ecigarettes were not in existence yet. This loophole exists at a time when youth vaping is at epidemic levels. Today one in five High School Students are using ecigarettes. Kids can have ecigarettes delivered right to their door without requiring an adults signature. Teen vaping rates have doubled since 2017 and in over three million minor and over three million minors used ecigarettes last year. The lack of age verification is hurting kids. The preventing online sales of ecigarettes to children act would require age verification upon delivery of Online Purchases of ecigarettes and other vape products. It closes the online delivery loophole and will prevent the underage purchase of these cigarettes on online. This bill has a Broad Coalition of support. Id like it thank representative delauro for her partnership on this legislation, to protect the next generation. Id like to thank house Judiciary Committee Ranking Member doug collins. This bill also has bipartisan support in the senate with senators dianne feinstein, senator john cornyn and senator van hollen all onboard. Patient advocacy organizations like the american cancer society, cancer action network, and the American Lung association also support this legislation. Business and trade associations like the National Association of convenience stores, the Petroleum Marketer association of america, and the Convenience Distribution Association all also support this bill. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina north dakota reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Bass we do notice that theres a number of young people that are in the gallery. So we are hoping that they pay close attention to this debate, since its all about you guys. Mr. Speaker, i yield two minutes to the gentlelady from florida, representative mucarselpowell. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to refrain from referring to people in the audience. The gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Mucarselpowell thank you, mr. Speaker. Today i rise in support of h. R. 3942, the preventing online sales of i cigarettes to chk ecigarettes to children act. The spread of ecigarettes is a Public Health crisis. I have had multiple conversations with parents that are seeing their children become addicted to Tobacco Products. And as a mom, i refuse to stand idly by as a new generation of children become addicted to this substance. Weve seen multiple deaths from the use of vaping products and several hundred lung disease cases in florida alone. Approximately 5,600 kids in florida are becoming new daily smokers each year. This is affecting children regardless of zip code or income level. For years ecigarette companies have targeted our children, using specialty flavors like cotton candy, and made their products easy to purchase online, without any age verification. We have the responsibility to do everything we can to keep this addictive substance out of the hands of our kids, including requiring online and inperson verification for ecigarette purchases. The health of our nations children is at risk because of ecigarettes and vaping products. The time to act is now. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The gentlewoman from california reserves. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong mr. Speaker, how many speakers we reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from california. Ms. Bass mr. Speaker, 3942 is an important measure to address a threat to the health of our children and young people. For the reasons discussed here today, i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this Bipartisan Legislation and i yield back the balance of my ime. The speaker pro tempore the entlewoman yields or reserves . The gentlewoman from california reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from north dakota is recognized. Mr. Armstrong thank you, mr. Speaker. I have a 12yearold daughter. I have a 9yearold son. There are schools across the country that are removing doors on bathroom stalls, banning hoodies. Teen vaping and youth vaping is a real issue. This bill is a small step forward to start canceling that. At its simplest this bill works to modernize federal law to treat ecigarettes the same as any other nicotine product. And thats a good thing. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from north dakota yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from california is recognized. Ms. Bass i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this Bipartisan Legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields back the balance of her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 3942, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid n the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Scott mr. Speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules nd pass the bill, h. R. 4860, the equity crowdfunding act of 2019, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 4860. A bill to amend the securities act of 1933, to subject crowdfunding vehicles to the jurisdiction of the securities and Exchange Commission and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from georgia, mr. Scott, and the gentleman from North Carolina, mr. Mchenry, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Speaker. That allnimous consent members may have five legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation, and to insert extraneous materials there on. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Scott mr. Speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Scott first of all, mr. Speaker, id like to thank our Ranking Member of the Financial Services committee, representative mchenry, for his efforts in crafting this very important piece of legislation, to help startups finance their operations while still protecting the investors who entrust their hardearned funds to those companies. Equity crowdfunding is a highrisk, highreward investment that allows hundreds or even thousands of retail vestors to invest in startup companies. But because of the unique heightened risk posed by and unding, Congress Securities and Exchange Commission have put in place guardrails to prevent these less sophisticated investors from suffering financial ruin while still being able to access this area of the market. Now in 2012, congress cautiously approached equity crowdfunding by creating a number of investor protections. Protections in the jumpstart our business startups act or the jobs act. The s. E. C. Followed our directions and finalized a crowdfunding rule that protects investors by setting reasonable investment limits based on income and provides helpful disclosures for invests of to for investors to weigh the risk. This bill aims to enhance the investor and Company Experience and crowdfunding by authorizing crowdfunding vehicles to pool investors together, allowing them to make joint investments a single 1 million in business. These vehicles would be advised by registered Investment Advisor with a finish duty to act in the fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the fund. Importantly, the investors would have the same rights to sue, sue companies as if they had directly invested in the company itself. A very, very important point, mr. Speaker. This bill also clarifies that as long as a Crowdfunding Company continues to make ongoing disclosures to investors required in the s. E. C. s rule, it would not have to make the more detailed public reports ntil it had either a 75 illion value or 50 million in revenue. This change is consistent with the levels set under regulation a, another exempt offering sold to retail investors. Im pleased the bill incorporates targeted improvements to crowdfunding to all investors and startups and lacks problematic provisions that were opposed by consumer advocates like the Consumer Federation of america in previous congresses, including additional changes that chairwoman waters and our Ranking Member agreed this congress. Although crowdfunding should be viewed as highly risky in terms of investment, especially for retail investors, this bill will ensure a larger choice of high quality Crowdfunding Companies and a higher degree of financesavy investors and in addition, it will help to ensure compliance with regulation rowdfunding. Mr. Mchenry i thank the chairwoman for the house Financial Services committee for her support as well. I would like to, if i may, ask unanimous consent to insert my statement for the record. Im grateful for the work of chairwoman waters a and her staff for the hard work they put in to help investors and help Small Businesses and i thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Scott i urge all our members to vote for this bill and i commend the Ranking Member for his excellent work. And i reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Mchenry i yield back. I urge adoption of the bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from North Carolina yields back. The gentleman from georgia, mr. Scott, is recognized. Mr. Scott i urge all my members to support this fine bill. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the ill h. R. 4060. The rules are suspended and without objection, the bill is passed and the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Scott mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2514, the counter act of 2019. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill mr. Scott as amended. The clerk h. R. 2514, a bill to make reforms to the federal Bank Secrecy Act and antimoney money lauppedering laws and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia and the gentlewoman from missouri are recognized for 20 minutes. Mr. Scott i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Scott i yield myself such time as i may have. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia, mr. Scott, is recognized. Mr. Scott thank you, mr. Speaker. In recent weeks, we had the opportunity to discuss the valuable antimoney laundering aspects of the counter act of 2019, h. R. 2414 introduced by my colleague, mr. Cleaver, of missouri. This important piece of legislation is the first major eform in the United States antiantimoney laundering regime since 2001 and makes critical changes to ensure better enforcement of this countrys a. M. L. And Bank Secrecy Act laws. I would like to highlight how this bill addresses the cost and burdens of the bank see crease si act and antimoney laundering compliance for smaller Financial Institutions including Credit Unions and community banks. This bill includes multiple avenues to improve information sharing and feedback loops including new programs of omestic liaisons for Financial Crime Enforcement Networks. Sending officials to the field to connect directly with Financial Institutions and also makes permanent the Exchange Program allowing for morrow bus exchange of threat information and analysis among participants nd revised the earl review which was a publication that provided timely Threat Detection information, which will help banks to Better Direct their resources and result in more efficient and effective collection of information for both banks and Law Enforcement. The counter act also codifies the federal Financial Regulation guidance to encourage revenue sharing. We heard from many smaller institutions, mr. Speaker, that they were more apt to invest in resource sharing if they knew that the permission to do so wouldnt change with new directors or administrations. The bill also raises currency transaction reports threshold, increasing it every five years pegged to inflation. This is a key issue for smaller institutions and addresses their concerns while balancing the investigator needs of Law Enforcement, further focusing on the compliance burden. This bill requires working with Law Enforcement to consider the design of the shortened modified picious activity report or form for certain customers and activities. These reforms are among the reasons that the National Association of federallyinsured Credit Unions, the independent Community Bankers of america, the credit union National Association, all of the state banking associations and many, many others have expressed support for this important bill. And overall, i believe that the counter act of 2019 is a significant step forward for Small Businesses, Law Enforcement and others other stakeholders. I want to thank mr. Cleaver for introducing this bill. And i want to thank our republican colleagues for working collaboratively with a team effort to refine this legislation. For this is truly a bipartisan bill. Ensuring that this bill passes out of the house Financial Services committee with a unanimous 550 vote. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from missouri is recognized. Mrs. Wagner i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from missouri is recognized. Mrs. Wagner i appreciate the majority moving the counter act of 2019 again. This week, as a standalone piece of legislation. Both republicans and democrats agree protecting the Financial System from bad actors is a priority. We must give Financial Institutions the tools and resources they need to fight these bad actors. According to a 2016 report by the u. S. Government accountability office, from january 2009, to december, 2015, federal agencies assessed roughly 5. 1 billion in fines, forfeitures and penalties for violations of the bank see crease si act and antimoney laundering regulations. An analysis of antimoney laundering enforcement found that penalties and fines significantly increased since the 2008 financial crisis. This report concluded that regulateors had become more aggressive in the wake of the crisis. However, this data is from 2016. We know that the current enforcement regime is outdated. Technology has outpaced the tools and Resources Available to federal agencies to pursue these bad actors. H. R. 2514 makes important changes to strengthen the enforcement. The bill includes key aspects of the reform package from last congress, including a provision that allows for tailored information sharing with Financial Institutions to better dentify suspicious activity. Reforms the star framework by requiring the Enforcement Network to carry out a study examining whether the current thresholds. The study will provide the necessary data to alter the regime in the future. There is a recognition on both sides of the aisle that the status quo is unacceptable. The bill encourages greater innovation and ensures efficiency and requires treasury to play a prominent role in an a. M. L. Policy. These measures will help ensure that the most effective policies are being used to stop terrorists and bad actors. I thank the gentleman from missouri, and the gentleman from from ohio for all their hard work and effort on this bill. Additionally, i want to thank the gentleman from missouri, mr. Luke meyer and mr. Riggleman and mr. Gonzalez. They have made the bill stronger and more focused which will enable agencies to carry out antimoney laundering processes. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 2514 and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from missouri reserves. The gentleman from georgia is recognized. Mr. Scott i yield myself the balance of the time. But may i inquire and let me just say ms. Wagner how i enjoy working with you, do you have any more speakers . Mrs. Wagner at this time, i yield back the balance of my time so you may close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from grea reserves. The gentlewoman from missouri yields. The gentleman from georgia is recognized, mr. Scott. Mr. Scott mr. Speaker, i yield myself the balance of the time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Scott this is a very critical piece of legislation for our Financial Services industry that will help close loopholes in existing law and prevent criminals, prevent terrorists and other bad state actors from escaping the united tates antimoney laundering and counterthreat fin an laws. Badly needed and this is why this is so important. And i support Small Businesses here today while we are making important and necessary updates to these regimes. And i would like to congratulate my colleague, mr. Cleaver, from missouri and as the chair of the house Financial Services committee, national security, International Development ander subcommittee for introducing this bill. A champion of Small Business himself, mr. Cleaver has diligently engaged stakeholders, including government industry, nongovernmental organizations and members from across the political spectrum on the text that we vote on here today. The result is this comprehensive bill with broad bipartisan support. And i urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important piece of legislation. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from georgia yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2514 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Scott madam speaker, i that the house suspend the ules and pass the bill h. R. 4067, the Financial Inclusion 2019, as g act of amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. 4067, be a bill to amend the Consumer Financial 2010 to direct of the office of Community Affairs to identify causes leading to solutions for underbanked, unbanked, and underserved and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the georgia, mr. M scott, and the gentlewoman from each willmrs. Wagner, control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the georgia. N from mr. Scott thank you very much, madam speaker. Ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and on this eir remarks legislation, and to insert material thereon. The speaker pro tempore without ordered. , so mr. Scott i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Scott thank you, madam speaker. This bill, my bill, h. R. 4067, response, madam speaker, to a National Crisis that we have terms of taking care, taking of the inancial care American People. Called the financial nclusion act, and almost the entirety entirety of what were doing is included in those words, Financial Inclusion, and it truly reflects the key legislation, which this nation,hat in backgrounds, ofl levels s, of all income great cess to our our cial system and Financial Products that are safe, and , that are that meet their needs. Traditional of anking and of Financial Inclusion may not be immediately speaker, until ne considers the costs and the of financialuggles exinclusion. Magine, we have people, millions of households without account. Ecking imple tasks suddenly become more challenging without a account. More time consuming, more expensive. Account, the k simple act of assessing their paycheck causes consumers in millions to rely Services Check cashing orders. Fee money justpaying a utility bill, paying your light bill or gas town eans a trip across in line to y wait in line pay your bill in cash. A place where you an even cash your paycheck account. Bank the 30th of or each month arrives and the inancial ends dont meet, families are out there, millions who are es in america payday pay day lenders, to pawnshops, to actors, to loan sharks just to make do. And in the event of a tragedy, a family trip, a emergency, these challenges are many times over. In our ity is that technical, highly really ics, online bank ystem and broadband and in an increasingly creditbased underbanked nked, consumers are being left behind, abandoned to eing out redators that are there. Some very valuable tatistics from a report just a ew months ago, and they reported that 8. 4 million households thats not the individuals. The household. Households are that they in a way ave a checking or savings account. Households. American nobodys in the house, not mama, daddy, not granddaddy, not uncle, not cousin, nobody in household has even a bank account. Fdic,en, according to the an additional 24. 2 million households are underbanked, which means that has limited d ccess to traditional banking ut has to rely on the use of risky alternative financial to manage just basic financial n their lives. Moment, madamke a speaker, to fully explain and nature of this problem. Nd i hope the American People understand g, will now we i say we have a national risis, and this is why we need my bill. The Financial Inclusion in proud act, a bill i was to introduce earlier this year, to the heart of this issue. This is what it does. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to, research factors standing in the way of financial American People hurdlesn understand the that these individuals and our consumers face. The bill will also irect the cfpb to recommend best practices to increase the formal n in anking sectors, to bring our onsumers out of the shadows of risky, predatory, alternative services. And three, my bill will direct to work with minority epository banks, africanamericanowned banks and nstitutions, consumer advocates, civil Rights Groups o make sure that their recommendation, theyre out grapplin gday to day daytoday with the underbanked, we can find out hat we must do in order to reflect the needs of this most arginalized and unbanked consumers among us. And the most underserved across our nation, simultaneously strengthening and growing many minority owned banking africanamerican institutions, particularly, because, madam speaker, do you has not been a africanamericanowned bank and that we25 years re losing minority banking ownership. Who better opportunity, knows best this group that is marginalized. Solve two able to problems. Minority grow our depository institutions while at way toe time providing a stop nearly 58 million americans out of the grasp of these and into our great banking system. 4067 will , h. R. Promote e cfpb to trategies to improve Financial Education. Consumer have financial protection for the if you dont e ave Consumer Financial education for the American People. Is an integral part, which with the toolsem ecessary to manage their financial lives. Personal Financial Education is key, especially for our young people. Terribly ow how is . Ical this issue nly 17 states in our nation of 50 Public School systems even a course in Financial Education. 17. We can do much better. The wheel ill start to moving, and were going to be bringing another bill so that we be able to give the consumer inancial Protection Bureau authority. G madam speaker, we are the richest nation in the world. Resources, pply our legislation o pass that will mandate the teaching of Financial Education in all 50 states, not just 17. A lot of t to thank people for my bill thats been with me. First, i want to thank our chairlady, ms. Maxine waters, whos been her staff h us and nd my staff as we tackle this issue. Thank my friends from the other side, the are working with us as well for this is not a a republicansue or issue. This is an american issue, and the energy to make able to pass re this bill. Put the am proud to bill forth and i urge my colleagues to vote in favor of and i want to reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The chair recognizes the entlewoman from, mrs. Wagner from missouri. Mrs. Wagner madam speaker, i ield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Thank gner i want to and congratulate my good friend from georgia, the gentleman from georgia, mr. Scott, on so much heavy lifting and work that hes bring this bipartisan piece of legislation to the along with our former colleague from wisconsin, mr. Uffy, whos also very involved with you, madam speaker, on this bipartisan piece of legislation, 4067. According to the most recent unbank and of underbanked households, 6. 5 of unbanked inlds were 2017, meaning, no one in the or ehold had a checking savings account. Hat equates to approximately 8. 4 million american households. He same survey showed that an additional 18. 7 of households were underbanked, meaning, that household had a bank account but also obtained financial the mainstream banking system. Million u. S. Han 24 households composed of nearly 50 adults and 15 million children, madam speaker. These statistics point to the number of americans who have limited access to traditional banking services. While these numbers have declined since the financial crises, the office of Community Affairs has and continues to engage in efforts to examine the nbanked and underbanks and allocate resources. The office of Community Affairs works with the cfpb with the ffice of research to examine credits and equip with tools. The burro your money your Goals Program offers a variety of materials to help consumers pursue Financial Empowerment and resources for organizations aimed at helping financially vulnerable individuals. Despite the progress that has been made, this remains an important issue that merits our attention. By directing the office of Community Affairs to focus its work towards the underserved, we are working to ensure these consumers are not overlooked. This bill reaffirms our intent to engage in efforts to examine the unbank and underbank and identify solutions to deliver resources to americans who remain credit invisible. All americans deserve access to the basic financial tools that will help them achieve Financial Independence and this bill promotes Financial Inclusion and providing access to all americans. I want to thank the gentleman from georgia, mr. Scott, for all of his tireless efforts on this bill. And i urge my colleagues to support the Financial Inclusion in banking act. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott thank you, madam speaker. I would like to inquire if you have any more speakers . Mrs. Wagner im ready to yield back if you are ready to close. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. The gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott i yield the balance of my time. I am so glad that you mentioned sean duffy, thank you for doing that. Sean duffy, literally, to tell you the truth, i told him in committee when he didnt show up when we found out and couldnt give our great speeches for him, but i told him he broke my heart when i heard he wasnt coming back. I said here we are working on this monumental bill, he was the lead republican sponsor on it and has brought it a mighty long way. But a Great American has decided to retire from the congress, madam speaker. And that is sean duffy of wisconsin he and i served on that committee for years and he has plaid a monumental role with us in this bill. We wouldnt be with it here on the floor with the strong bipartisan support we have if it wasnt for the leadership of sean duffy, am i right about that . Mrs. Wagner i share the gentleman from georgias sentiment. Completely, madam speaker. And we are grateful to sean duffy and wish him and his family for making the choice to put his family first and retire from this wonderful institution. I thank you, madam speaker. And i thank the gentleman from ohio for yielding to me to say a word or two about my friend. I urge passage of h. R. 4067 and i thank the georgia for yielding. Mr. Scott im just urging that we get a unanimous vote on this, that every Single Member of congress that will send a powerful message that we are no longer going to stand by and have 58 million americans out there waiting for the pawns of these predatory lenders, these loan sharks and others. No. We want to bring them out of the shadow and bring them into our Great American Financial System. And i urge everyone to vote for the vote and i hope we have a unanimous vote. Thank you. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house pass the bill h. R. 4067 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from georgia seek recognition . Mr. Scott madam speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 1865, the national Law Enforcement Museum Commemorative Coin act as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1865, a bill to require the secretary of the treasury to mint a coin in commemoration of the opening of the national Law Enforcement museum in the district of columbia and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore prnt to e rule, the gentlewoman from georgia and the gentlewoman from missouri will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material thereon. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Scott i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Scott in 2000, Congress Passed and president clinton signed into law the national Law Enforcement museum act that that bill authorized the construction of the national Law Enforcement museum to commemorate the service and sacrifices of our u. S. Law enforcement officers. And a very, very important piece of legislation. The national Law Enforcement Museum Opened its doors in october of 2018 with a mission o honor the lives of service and sacrifice of americas Law Enforcement officers, serve as an important bridge between Law Enforcement past and present and strengthen the relationship between Law Enforcement and the communities that they serve. This Bipartisan Legislation authorizes the department of the treasury to mint 5 gold coins. Half dollar ns and coins. In 2021 to commemorate the national Law Enforcement museum and the services and sacrifice of Law Enforcement officers throughout history, proceeds from the sale of these coins will go towards funding the museums educational and Outreach Program and their exhibits. And i thank mr. Pascrell of new cally, as i affectionately him as the mayor of patterson,. W jersey and i urge members to vote yes. Thank you, madam speaker. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentleman reserves the balance of his time. At this time, i recognize the the gentlewoman from new jersey. Mrs. Wagner i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Mrs. Wagner i rise in support of h. R. 1865, the national Law Enforcement museum come rative coin act. I thank representative pascrell and my colleague, senator blunt, from missouri for all their hard work for their hard work on this important piece of legislation. In 2000, congress authorized, the creation of the national Law Enforcement museum and 18 years later, the museum was opened on october 13, 2018 in washington, d. C. , across the street from the national Law Enforcement memorial. Every day, our nations Law Enforcement officers put their uniforms on and go to work, not knowing if they will make it home. They selflessly protect us while asking nothing in return. The establishment of this museum serves as a reminder of the great sacrifices that Law Enforcement officers make. By educating the public on their work, the museum serves as a vital resource in sharing the daily experiences of our men and well in uniform. Madam speaker, h. R. 1865, the national Law Enforcement commemorative coin act directs the u. S. Treasury to mint a coin in 2021 in commemoration of the opening of the national Law Enforcement museum here in washington, d. C. ,. Additionally, the proceeds of is important commemorative will ensure that it is able to maintain a robust and diverse level of programming. The passage of h. R. 1865 will greatly honor our nations Law Enforcement and further support this remarkable institution. We should do our part by passing this bipartisan piece of legislation to have this commemorative coin. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott i yield five minutes to the distinguished the gentleman from new jersey, mr. Pascrell, the sponsor of this important piece of legislation. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pascrell thank you, madam chair. Nd thank you, mr. Scott. Madam speaker, i rise today in strong support of our brave men who put their ue lives on the line every day to protect our communities. ,n recognition of their service my cochair, the cochair of. Irst responders and our police to do whats yond right. And i thank mr. John rutherford, for your bipartisan work in this area, a former long time sheriff. Also talking about you on this bill because you put your life on the line for quite a few years. Duval county, i believe. In recognition for their service , i helped pass the national Law Enforcement museum act very early when i got to the congress. It was signed into law by president clinton. He signed it faster than i was able to get it passed. He signed it on november 9, 2000. This Museum Honors local, state and federal Law Enforcement officers in the United States. A decade later, construction of the museum began at Judiciary Square in this great city, right across the street from the national Law Enforcement memorial. Construction was just completed last year. This museum serves as a tribute to the lives, the sacrifices and the service of our nations Law Enforcement. This museum will play the vital role, as was mentioned before by the gentlelady, of educating the public on the varied work of our nations Law Enforcement officers, which i contend most people in the congress are ignorant of. As s well as promoting the safety of the men and women in uniform. H. R. 1865, the national Law Enforcement museum theemorative coin to direct United States treasury to mint a coin in commemoration of the this great museum. Proceeds from the sale of the will provide coins a muchneeded funding stream to law onprofit National Enforcement officers, their Memorial Fund for Educational Outreach programs and the exhibits at the national Law Enforcement museum. Will ensure our nations properly recognized for generations to come. Madam speaker, id like to take moment now to recognize those fficers who have made the ltimate sacrifice for their communities. 2018 and so far in 2019, we have of 266 men and in the line of duty, three of whom served in the state of new jersey. He first officer that i will mention is tammy yagen of the police department, my town. Spent 13 years of service in the police department. Yagen tragically died in april 22,ile crash on 2018. Christopher robutto from the Jersey City Police passed on january 5, struck by a ing vehicle. And new Jersey State Police Robert Emmett nagel who assed on november 6, 2018, 9 11 e of a 99 11 related illness. Family and their loved ones. I want to thank majority leader teny hoyer and chairwoman Maxine Waters for bringing this legislation to the floor. Id also like that my good in sharing artner the bipartisan chairing the bipartisan house Law Enforcement congressman john rutherford, a former sheriff, as before. He coequalled this bill. Thank marsha forento, the c. E. O. Of the National Law Officers Memorial Fund, for her and her colleagues work on this bill to make the bill a national Law Enforcement success. Seconds . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. You. Ascrell thank this bill has strong support enforcement law including police survivors, the fraternal order f police, the National Association of police organizations, the national this Association Sheriffs association and the police association. Strongly who are i strongly and look forward to its passage and into law. I thank you, madam chair, and i back the balance of my time. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the yields back. The lady from missouri is recognized, the gentlelady. You, madam thank speaker. Its now my privilege to yield three minutes to the gentleman republican , the ead and cosponsor of the Law Enforcement caucus, mr. Rutherford, for three minutes. The speaker pro tempore the recognized. S mr. Rutherford thank you, madam speaker. My kind colleague from opportunity. This madam speaker, i rise in support give. 1865, which will our Law Enforcement officers and their long honorable history the they so on that deserve. The national Law Enforcement coin act memorative will have the treasury, as entioned earlier, mint a commemorative coin in recognition of the newly opened museum Law Enforcement here in washington, d. C. The roceeds collected from sale of this coin will be given o the museum to support its operations. As you know, madam speaker, millions come from around the nations isit our capital every year. They learn about our culture, our founding nd principles. The they may also visit national Law Enforcement museum to learn about our Heroic Police dedicated their ives and in too many instances made the supreme sacrifice, laying down their lives in order safe. P their community as the former sheriff of jacksonville, florida, i saw the personal sacrifices and brave actions by countless officers command. Law enforcement officers around the country put on the uniform day, and they head out to protect their community willing for crifice their life their friends and neighbors. Adly, too many of those officers do not return home from their shift. 99 officers ear, have lost their lives in the ine of duty, offering their full measure of devotion to their community. This bill will ensure that their stories be told for generations to come, and i want to thank my friend, congressman pascrell from new jersey, enforcement he law caucus. Support, respect, and true Law Enforcement across this country is greatly, reatly appreciated by all of those organizations and men and women that you just listed. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me today in law rting our brave enforcement officers across this important pass this bill. With that, madam speaker, i yield back. The peaker pro tempore gentleman yields. And now we recognize the georgia. From madam speaker, may i inquire from mrs. Wagner if she any more speakers . Mrs. Wagner madam speaker, we have no more speakers and i am repared to yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. Mr. Scott and i yield back the balance of my time. Thespeaker pro tempore and gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the 1865 1865. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed, and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman recognition . Seek i move t mr. Speaker, that the house suspend the rules 2423, thehe bill h. R. Omens Suffrage Centennial commemorative coin act of 2019, amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of bill. The clerk h. R. 2423, a bill to require the secretary of the mint coins in commemoration of ratification of to the amendment constitution of the United States, giving women in the vote. States the right to the speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from georgia, mr. And the gentlewoman from each willmrs. Wagner, minutes. 0 the chair recognizes the gentleman from georgia. R. Scott yes, mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and on this eir remarks legislation and to insert thereon. S material the speaker pro tempore without objection. I yieldt mr. Speaker, myself such time as i may consume. 2020 marks the centennial nniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, granting to vote. Right centennial offers n unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of honor the nd to legacy of pioneers and patriots trail to lead r women to the voting booth. Bipartisan, bicameral legislation authorizes the treasury to the 2020 to silver coins in commemorate the work of women activists in the late 19th and early 20th century, and increase Public Awareness and of eciation for the history the Womens Suffrage Movement. From sales of these coins will go towards supporting smithsonian institutions merican womens History Initiative for the purpose of collecting, studying and programs ng recognizing diverse perspectives womens history and womens contributions that have the direction of our great nation. Ms. Stefanik for i roducing this bill, and urge all members to vote yes. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore i thank the gentleman. Missouri. Woman from how are you today . Id wagner mr. Speaker, like to yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. F mrs. Wagner mr. Speaker, i am quite well, and i rise in 2423, the h. R. Womens Suffrage Centennial act. Morative coin id like to thank the gentlelady from new york, my good friend, stefanik, whos introduced and brought this bill the e floor as well as gentlelady from tennessee, senator blackburn, for their tireless work on this bill. Orative coin congresswoman stefanik, senator blackburn, and all of the Women Conference have been tireless supporters of this issue. 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th guaranteeing and protecting a womans in titutional right to vote this country. We would be remiss if we did not and honor the work of he late congresswoman jeanette rankin, congresswoman rankin founded the committee on womens the fight inch led the house of representatives for that constitutional amendment would grant women nationwide the right to vote. Is these efforts for equality today. Are commemorating this Historic Centennial coin offers an unparalleled commemorate a milestone of democracy and to hed light on and honor the legacy of pioneers and patriots ho blazed new trails to lead women to the voting booth. 1848, the in july of first Womens Rights Convention new eld in seneca falls, york. Et, it was not until august of 1920, 140 years after signing declaration of independence, that the fight for a womans concluded in nashville, tennessee. Mr. Speaker, tennessee became the 36th and final state needed ratify the 19th amendment, marking the single largest extension of the Voting Rights our nations history and million american women. Mr. Speaker, this bill will help upcoming t the anniversary and the 72 years of by three erseverance generations of dedicated uffragists who sought to overturn centuries of law and illennia of tradition are commemorated and celebrated throughout the United States. Additionally, the womens centennial commemorative coin act will not dollars. Taxpayer mr. Speaker, all funding will the coin the sale of citizens with proceeds going to the history an womens initiative. This initiative is intended to be the nations most to rehensive undertaking document, research, collect, isplay, and share the rich and compelling story of women in america. Passage of h. R. 2423 will honor this nforgettable movement and support educating our future generations about the fight for womens equality. We should do our part by passing create this ion to commemorative coin. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore i recognize the gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to now yield five minutes to the the gentlewoman mrs. Lawrence, who is a National Leader in the fight for womens Voting Rights and is the lead democratic sponsor of this historic and important piece of legislation. I yield her five minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from michigan, brenda lawrence, we are honored to have you today. You are recognized. Mrs. Lawrence mr. Speaker, its an honor to be here and have you sitting in that seat. I want to thank my colleague, representative scott. And i want to thank Maxine Waters for bringing this legislation to the noor. Mr. Speaker, i ry in support of. R. 2423, the womens suffrage commemorative coin act introduced by my colleague, ms. Stefanik and myself. As cochair of the bipartisan womens caucus and cochair of the democratic womens caucus, i strongly support this measure which honors the legacy of suffrages who ratified support of the 19th amendment to the constitution of the United States. The suffrages began for the womens empowerment in 1848 in new york. And they were tireless and never gave up the fight. Women 72 years, the leaders protested for the right to the ballot. More importantly, proceeds from the sales of these coins will of rt the smithsonian american womens history for collecting and establishing programs recognizing diverse perspective or womens history and women who have influenced the direction of this nation. Mr. Speaker, i would like to always remind people that women are 51 of the population in this great country and we are ow 106 strong members of the u. S. House of representatives. I also want to bring to note on may 21 of this year, the house celebrated its 100th anniversary of the house passage of the 19th amendment and the passage of r. 354 introduced to support all women of congress. The senate followed two weeks later in june with the passage of the senate resolution. Today, over 68 million women participate in elections, which would not be possible without the suffrages who never gave up the fight for equal rights. Glass ceilings were broken and progress per veiled. Mr. Speaker, i know that you stand today recognizing that women are so important to the lives of so many in this country and to our strong government and democracy. I urge my colleagues to support this will legislation, and i yield the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore i want to thank the gentlelady from michigan. And now the gentlelady from missouri. Mrs. Wagner thank you, mr. Speaker. I now wish to yield three minutes to the the gentlewoman from new york, ms. Stefanik, the author of this piece of legislation. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms stefanik thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank my friend, the gentlelady from missouri, for yielding her time. The first Womens Rights Convention was in 1848 and the Womens Suffrage Movement would extend over the next 72 years. Generations of brave women dedicated their lives refusing to give up their fight for a more equitable future. August, 1920, 140 years after the declaration of independence was signed that this fight culminated with the adoption of the 19th amendment. Ratification of the 19th amendment marked the single largest expansion of Voting Rights in United States history and franchising 120 million. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment and i was proud to introduce legislation with mrs. Lawrence and my friend, senator blackburn from tennessee, to celebrate this historic andmon you mental movement. This is a bipartisan, bicameral legislation that authorizes the department of treasury to mint 1 sillier coins to commemorate the activists in the late 19th and early 20th century. This bill ensures on the 1th anniversary, the women who dedicated their lives to this fundamental right to women are commemorated throughout the United States. I know myself, i am looking to celebrating the 100th anniversary next year in my district where one of the most vocal critics was born and raised in johnstown new york. I would not be able to serve in this body if it werent for her. I commemorate a milestone of democracy and my hope that this bipartisan bill will encourage women to continue to be active participants in civic life. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore i thank the gentlelady. The gentleman from georgia. Mr. Scott prepared to close . Mrs. Wagner i congratulate the gentlelady from new york, ms. Stefanik, and congressman lawrence for their tremendous work on this. Mr. Scott thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, in closing, as i stand here at this moment and , im ing to the moments reminded of a woman whose name was isabela, but in new york city one day, the lord changed her name, because she had a vision from god. And god changed her name from Sojourner Truth. She was a pinener in womens rights and was the forefront of the battle coming out in the 19th century for womens rights, a fearless leader. Nd today, we have a statue honoring Sojourner Truth right here in the capitol. With that, i yield the balance of my time and i ask everyone and hopefully we will have a unanimous vote on this will very important piece of legislation. The speaker pro tempore i thank the gentleman. The question is will the house suspend the rules, pass the bill. R. 2423 as amended in the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed. And without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from illinois seek recognition . Ms. Schakowsky mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2781. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of he bill. Do you intend the gentlelady from illinois to call the bill up, as amended . Ms. Schakowsky yes. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title. The clerk Union Calendar number 169, a bill toll amend title 7 of the Public Health service act to reauthorize certain programs relating to the Health Professions work force and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from illinois, many ms. That could you sky and the gentleman from texas, mr. Burgess, each will control 20 minutes. The gentlewoman from illinois. Ms. Schakowsky mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and inexclude extraneous materials on h. R. 2781. And mr. Speaker, i yield i yield myself the speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Schakowsky as i may consume. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, i rise today in strong support of h. R. 2781, the medical educating professionals and optimizing work force efficiency and readiness for health act, which i introduced with my colleague, congressman burgess in may. Thfer legislation advances out of the committee advanced out of the committee on energy and commercial by unanimous vote, by 2032, the United States may see a shortage up to 122,000 physicians, but realready have a significant physician shortage. This Health Care Access equitable across all races, across socioeconomic status and geographic location, the United States would need 100,000 doctors immediately. This legislation is one solution to this real problem. The empower for health act will spur growth in our Health Care Work force and assure increased funding for several title education and Training Programs over the next five years. With that, i reserve the balance f my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves her time. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess i yield myself such time as i may consume. Empower for the health act, i rise in support of this bill, h. R. 2781. This move with strong bipartisan support through regular order in the energy and Commerce Committee and Health Subcommittee. As the chairman of the subcommittee in the last congress, i made it a priority to get this bill to the house floor. While i suck seeded in doing so, the senate did not take up succeeded in doing so, the senate did not take it up. I hope the senate will reauthorizize these programs. This reauthorizes the Work Force Programs for fiscal years 20202024, title 7 programs have expired. But they continue to receive appropriations. In fact, in this fiscal year in fact in fiscal year 2018, the appropriation levels for these programs actually increased. Reauthorizing these programs will provide the needed stability to those who depend upon this funding. Title 7 of the Public Health service act includes programs that are vital to maintaining a well educated and well maintained physician work force. The empower act reauthorizes centers at more than 40 million. These centers are critical in providing medical education and Health Care Services to medley underserved areas. The bill also reauthorizes programs that incentivize diversity in the physician work force including the centers for Work Force Program which authorizes 24 million. This particular Program Provides grants to medical schools that have a disproportionate number of students with the purpose of expanding the schools capacity or to improve curriculum. Primary care is an important part of our Health Care System and Many Americans receive their Health Care Services through primary care centers. This reauthorizes funding for our primary care training and Enhancement Program at more than 50 million. This Program Provides grants to hospitals and other professional schools to develop and operate supplemental primary Training Programs. Lastly, this bill aims to strengthen our work force to care for our engineer yacht rick population. Nd this helps the academic career awards. With an aging population, our work force needs top handle the unique needs of our seniors. These two programs enable physicians and other providers to be able to achieve that training. I thank representative schakowsky and the staff of the energy and Commerce Committee reauthorizing title 7 is long overdue especially at a time when our existing physician work force is struggling to keep up with the demand for Health Care Services. I urge support of this legislation and i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from illinois is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky for decades title 7 programs have assisted students from minority and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to enter the Health Professions by focusing on development, retention, ma tricklation and graduation. But we still have a lot of work to do. In 1998, about 7 of the medical School Matriculants were black and 5 were hispanic and latina. In 2016 those numbers only increased to 8. 2 for africanamericans and 6. 2 for hispanics and latinos. I believe the extreme Racial Health disparities in this country are directly linked to the lack of underrepresented minorities in medicine. This legislation reflects our commitment to a diverse work force by authorizing higher funding levels for the these diversity programs. We also have a rapidly growing population of Older Americans, as mr. Burgess mentioned. This legislation will add the will address the extreme shortage of Health Professionals expertly trained for care for the rapidly growing and diverse population of Older Americans. As well, the pediatric work force is at a crisis point right now. In my home state of illinois, for example, we face severe shortages of child and adolescent psychiatrists. The children with special or complex Health Issues often have to wait months before a specialist can see them and this is unacceptable. So this legislation will encourage physicians to specialize in pediatric care by authorizing funding for this Critical Program for the First Time Since 2010. And finally, this bill also creates a new program to increase diversity in the professions of fiscal therapists, occupation altherr occupational therapist and speech pathologists. This is a segment added by bobby rush from illinois and we appreciate that. This bill assures almost 2 billion in funding over the next five years. For these essential programs. And at this point, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess thank you, madam speaker. I have no additional speakers and am prepared to close. I yield myself the balance of our time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Burgess this is a good bill. This was a bill last congress when we passed it then and sent it over to the senate. These programs have, their authorization has expired, theyre continuing to receive funding. The people who depend upon these programs deserve the certainty that reauthorization will allow. So, with that, i yield back the balance of my time and i urge passage of the bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlelady from illinois is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky thank you, madam speaker. I will close with this. I thank all of the members who worked together to produce this great legislation, especially my colleague, congressman michael burgess, who has been a champion of these issues and introduced the bill, along with me, and chairman of our energy and Commerce Committee, pallone. I also would like to give a quick thank you to the energy and Commerce Health subcommittee staff on both sides of the aisle. D my Health Policy advisor madam speaker, i would also like to include in the record a few letters and statements from the American Association of medical colleges, the American Academy of pediatrics, the elder care work force alliance, the American Geriatric Society and the National Association of geriatric education and the National Hispanic medical association, all urging strong support for this legislation. And i certainly urge all my colleagues to support it and i close. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back the balance of her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 2781, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid n the table. For what purpose does the gentlelady from illinois seek recognition . Ms. Schakowsky madam speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 728. 728, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar 171, h. R. 278 728. A bill to extend advanced education nursing grants to support clinical Nurse Specialist programs and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlelady from illinois, ms. Schakowsky, and the gentleman from texas, mr. Burgess, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognize you the gentlelady from illinois. Ms. Schakowsky thank you, madam speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on h. R. 728. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Schakowsky madam speaker, im going to begin by yielding to my colleague, congresswoman bonamici, for a minute and a half. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from oregon is recognized. Ms. Bonamici i thank the gentlelady for yielding. I rise today in support of h. R. 728, the title viii nursing work force reauthorization act. And to highlight the importance of title viii programs, a critical life line for americas nursing work force and the the patients they serve. Demand for health care Services Provided by nurses continues to grow. So we must expand and support these programs to maintain a highly educated nursing work force. Title viii programs support more than 61,000 students and almost in almost every state. But there are still significant nursing shortages. In northwest oregon and across the country. Title viii programs increase the nursing pipeline and also create a culturally diverse work force to make sure our increasingly diverse Patient Population is cared for by culturally aware providers. Title viii programs prepare nurses to serve the most vulnerable communities and regions. Such as rural areas that are in desperate need of providers. Title viii programs also provide crucial support for our educate nursing educators, greater diversity in the nursing work force, and more successful careers for nurses who work tirelessly on the front lines of patient care. Our nurses are critical to the health and wellbeing of our communities, thats why im honored to serve as a leader on the nursing caucus, along with several other cosponsors of this legislation, representatives joyce, davis and gabbard. I thank them and the energy and Commerce Committee for their leadership on this bill. I look forward to our continued bipartisan effort and in advocating for the title viii programs. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from illinois reserves. Ms. Schakowsky i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I support h. R. 728, the title viii nursing work force reauthorization act of 2019. Which was introduced by mr. Joyce, our republican lead of ohio. This bill reauthorizes the title viii nursing Work Programs for fiscal years to 2020 through 2024. Title viii programs, in addition to the title 7 physician Work Force Programs, have actually expired but they continue to receive appropriations. According to a Health Resource and Service Administration report on nursing work force projections in 2017, the future supply of and demand for nurses will be affected by a host of factors, including population growth, the agings of the nations population, the Overall Economic conditions, expanded Health Insurance coverage, changing changes in health care reimbursement, geographic location and Health Work Force availability. The demand for our ends is projected to increase by nearly 800,000 between 2014 and 2030. Texas is projected to face a shortage of all types of nurses by 2030. Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nurses, certified nurse midwives will fall short of demand year after year from now until to 2030. This is an issue that we are facing across the country and h. R. 728 can help fix that. While our appropriations process has continued to fund these programs, without authorization there remains uncertainty regarding how much money the program will receive each year. These programs range from providing our advanced Practice Nurses with additional educational opportunities, to increasing nursing Work Force Diversity. In the midst of a nursing shortage, we must ensure that our Health Care System has the capacity to educate and retain a qualified work force. And this allows for and also allows for career advancement. This bill includes grants for nurses of Different Levels of education to obtain further education to advance within their profession. Additionally, this legislation reauthorizes loan repayments, scholarships and grants for education, practice, quality and retention. These provisions are essential in educating and retaining a qualified nursing work force. I urge support of h. R. 728 and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentlelady from illinois is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky i yield myself as much time as i may consume. I rise in great support of h. R. 728, the nursing work force reauthorization act, introduced by representatives joyce, gabbard, davis, bonamici, matsui, casten, mckinley and understoodwood. The title viii nursing Work Force Program ensures that we have a skilled, competent and diverse nursing work force and the nursing work force reauthorization act will go a long way in strengthening these programs. This bill provides grants to nursing schools, Academic Health centers and other entities to help in training graduatelevel nursing nurse practicings practitioners and clinical Nurse Specialist, certified nurse midwives and certified registered nurses and Public Health nurses. The bill also reauthorizes the successful nursing Work Force Diversity Grant Program, which has been shown to reduce Health Disparities and improve outcomes for patients. As our population ages, we are seeing a growing demand for qualified nurses. H. R. 728 helps us prepare for future for the future by training the next generation of nurses and nurse educators. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves the balance of her time. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess thank you, madam speaker. At this time i would like to recognize the republican lead on this bill, mr. Joyce of ohio, for four minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from ohio is recognized for four minutes. Mr. Joyce thank you, representative burgess, and thank you, madam speaker. I rise today in support of h. R. 728, the title viii nursing work force reauthorization act of 2019. With four million registered nurses nationwide, nurses are more than just the largest Health Care Work force in the United States. They are the backbone of the Health Care System. As a proud husband of a nurse and as cochair of the congressional nursing caucus, its easy for me to understand why nursing is the most trusted profession in america. I can personally attest to the dedication of nurses, putting in the care for their patients each and every day. The bottom line is that any challenge facing our nations nurses hurts the health and wellbeing of the American People. Unfortunately, despite the importance of nurses to the wellbeing of the patients, we are facing a nursing shortage that will leave far too many patients without the care that they need. The demand for nurses varies state by state but its estimated that the National Need for nurses will increase by 28 by 2030. On top of that, its reported that roughly 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every day. 10,000 every single day. To meet this demand, Congress Must address nursing recruitment and retention. My bill accomplishes that by reauthorizing title viii nursing Work Force Development programs. These programs are designed to address specific needs within the nursing work force and americas Patient Population. Importantly, they also provide targeted support for institutions that educate nurses for practice in rural and medically underserved communities. By passing this legislation, congress can ensure that those interested in pursuing a career in nurse having access to high quality education and training opportunities necessary to d so. By passing this legislation, congress can make a direct investment in our nations health. Before i close, i want to take a quick second to thank the American Association of colleges and nurses, the American Nurses association my colleague at the and my cochair of the nurses caucus. Representative tulsi gabrdard, representative davis and representative bonamici. I want to thank chairman pallone and Ranking Member walden as ll as health Committee Chairman eshoo and Ranking Member burgess. Im grateful for the overwhelming burn support this bill has received. I urge all my colleagues to support its passage. Thank you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas reserves. The gentlelady from illinois is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky im prepared to close with this. Nurses are the backbone of our Health Care System. It looks like in a bipartisan way Everybody Loves nurses. They provide frontline care in a variety of settings and often work to supervise and coordinate care for patients. We couldnt live without them and so were helping them today and with that, i urge the i age of this legislation, yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess i yield myself the balance of our time. Again, this is one of those bills that passed this passed out of the Health Subcommittee last congress, passed on the floor of the house and for some reason didnt see action in the senate. It needs to for all the reasons we have heard articulated today. I also am obligated to mention that my district in denton, texas, also is home to one of the largest and best Nursing Education programs in the country at texas womens university. I also would be remiss if i didnt acknowledge the work done in the last congress by lois capps who was our colleague at the time who is now no longer in congress, but it was also her it was always her passion to see this bill passed. I urge passage and yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 728 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentlewoman from illinois seek recognition . Ms. Schakowsky i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 2115 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 2115, a bill to amend title 11 of the Social Security act to provide greater transparent soif discount prossvided by drug manufacturers. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentlelady from illinois, ms. Schakowsky, and the gentleman from texas, mr. Burgess, each will control 20 minutes. The chair now recognizes the gentlelady from illinois. Ms. Schakowsky thank you. Madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on h. R. 2115. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Schakowsky madam speaker, i yield myself such time as i may nsume and first im going to begin by asking congresswoman spanberger, an author of this bill and supporter of this bill, four minutes, yield her four minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized for four minutes. Ms. Spanberger i rise in support of my bill, h. R. 2115. I thank my colleagues for their partnership on this Bipartisan Legislation. I thank congresswoman slotkin for her cooperation and commitment to our effort and i thank congresswoman schakowsky for her work here today. If we are going to make substantial longterm progress on the issue of Prescription Drug we cant be afraid to work in a bipartisan manner. And i thank my colleagues for joining me in this fight. I would also like to thank chairman pallone and chairman neal for their dedicated work to tackling Prescription Drug costs and the energy and commerce and ways and means committees for voting to advance our bill and making this floor vote possible. This bipartisan bill would help address the number one concern facing Central Virginias working families. Chronically ill and seniors. The rising cost of health care. In every community in the seventh district of virginia from chesterfield to culpeper, the extremely personal effects of rising Prescription Drug costs are on full display. Whether at a coffee shop, town hall or street fair, i always hear yet another heartbreaking story from a mother, father, grandfather or young adult struggling to afford Prescription Drugs. People genuinely feel helpless and its due to no nault of no fault of their own. In many cases, steep costs have forced them to make difficult decisions. Buying an expension expensive medication could mean not buying groceries, selling their home or not paying for their kids education. And theres an overwhelming fear what if i get sick or what if a loved one gets sick and we cant afford the medication. Back in august i held a round table with patients, pharmacist, and Health Care Providers to discuss this communitywide issue. Together we talked about the financial challenges caused by overpriced drugs but we also discussed the issue of pharmacy benefit managers, p. B. M. s. To those in the health care industry, p. B. M. s are known as middlemen between Health Insurers and pharmacies. But to many its a murky place. There are few window into the discounts p. B. M. s receive from drug companies. Theyre a black box in the long supply chain from the Pharmaceutical Company to the patient. One local pharmacist told how p. B. M. s continue to enjoy record profits while patients and pharmacists get stuck with unsustainable costs. Right now the three largest p. B. M. s control three quarts of the Prescription Drug market. Theres little transparency and where theres zero transparency theres rarely room for accountability or oversight. If we dont cast sunlight into this black box patients will continue to be left in the dark without the effect with the effect of p. B. M. s on the effects of prices on specific drugs. This would be a step toward bringing greating transparency to this broken system. Lets take the information already provided to the federal government and make it public. P. B. M. s are already declared to provide data to h. H. S. But under this bill this information would be posted publicly for the general public to see. Beyond the information, the goal is simpler, lowering drug costs for our neighbors. We would give seniors, family, and pharmacists a better sense of how p. B. M. s could be influencing excessive prices and we would start to address one of the root causes of our drug affordability crisis. In Central Virginia and across the country, families should not be wracked by constant uneasiness about their financial well being due to prizing rising drug cost and shouldnt be forced to accept the undisclosed p. B. M. Negotiations that could be bankrupting them. We need to show the American People that we want to see progress on this vital economic issue, that were hearing their stories and actually moving to reform a Prescription Drug marketplace that too often seems to be working against the best interests of the american patient. Today i call on my colleagues to pass the Public Disclosure of drug discounts act because we are long overdue for meaningful actions that can turn the tide. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from illinois reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess spg i yield myself such time as i may consume and rise oteak in support of h. R. 2115, the Public Disclosure of drug disdowns act. This bill includes three provisions that passed this ecommittee in july as part of a larger transparency package at that time called the metric act. The first provision aims to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable in the negotiation of rebates by requiring the secretary of the department of health and Human Services to make rebates, discounts, direct and indirect remuneration fees and other Information Available available on a public website. This policy includes a requirement that this information be displayed in such a way thate maintains confidentiality of individual drugs and plans. What i believe is the most important provision is one that requires Prescription Drug Plan Sponsors to include realtime benefit information in electronic prescribing and medicare. As a physician i recognize how important it is for docs to have as much information at their disposal in prescribing appropriate medications for their patients. I would like to thank my fellow texan Jody Arrington and pete olson for this policy. In the past few years we have begun to see the success of the 21st century cures act, see that success come to life. New treatment, new cures are coming to the market at an exciting place pace, providing great promise for americas patients. It is important that doctors be able to see and compare the prices of these medications so that they can help their patients assess their options. Price transparency at the point of prescribing will provide physicians with information regarding what would or would not be covered under their patients insurance and would help them discuss what would be the most affordable option that are available to their patients. While there are factor a lot of fact yoss factors doctors must consider when considering patient med case, med case adherence is essential. The stage is set for lack of adherence to the reck mened regimen. Weve all heard stories of paints showing up at the pharmacy counter to pick up their prescription at which point they learn its unaffordable. This would help reduce the number of prescription left at the pharmacy counter not pigged up due to cost concerns. The American Medical Association testified at our drug supply hearing in may that access to accurate patient coverage and cost sharing information at the point of care would streamline the process and reduce the burden for physician and patient and speed the delivery of the most appropriate care. I actually agree with that statement and im pleased that this legislation will improve act sess to realtime benefits data, further informing quality and doctorpatient Decision Making and improving access to affordable medications. I urge members to support h. R. 2115 and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady from illinois is recognized. Ms. Schakowsky i would like to yield three minutes to congresswoman slotkin on this legislation. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from michigan is recognized for three minutes. Ms. Slotkin thank you, madam chair, thank you, congresswoman schakowsky and congresswoman spanberger. I rise to speak inport support of my bill, the benefit act, which is incorporate in the bill today. It started with a simple request from seniors in my district. People want to know how much a prescription dill wil cost before they pick it up at the drugstore and deserve to know that its the best possible price they can get. This bill does that very thing. It provides medicare patients with the information they need about the cost of the prescription, whether there are generic alternatives, as well as the best pharmacy for the best deal before they even leave the Doctors Office. Right now, heres how the system works. A patient goes to the doctor gets a prescription and walks out. Then they take it to a local pharmacy, fill it, and pick it up. Its right to then at the counter in front of everyone else they find out the price of their bill. Theres no advance warning. No comparison shopping. No offer of generics. And no way of knowing if a different pharmacy could have it cheaperful by the time you get to the pharmacy they have you over a barrel. This bipartisan bill would fix that heres how it works. Insurers would be required to provide information to a common system, a realtime benefit tool, which doctors would access through their electronic prescribing program. Doctors and patients could sit together and receive realtime updates in the Doctors Office on the price of the drug tpwhinesd patients Insurance Plan as well as the price of any other cheaper drugs available. This realtime benefits tool will allow the will also list the price differences at each pharmacy. Rite aid vs. C. V. S. , to amake sure the patients are getting the low etc. Possible price. This lower out of pocket costs for seniors but also increases muchneeded Price Transparency into our system. Imagine if every time you went to the doctor you and your physician could see the differences in price of drugs. This is allamerican competition we need when it comes to Prescription Drugs. To be clear, the cost of Prescription Drugs is the number one issue i get asked about in my district. People come up to me in the grocery store, they grab my arm they ask me why their medication has increased by 200 in costs in the last five years. Connie, a constituent of mine in brighton, spends 10,000 a year on humira for Crohns Disease even though shes on medicare. Or joanna in my hometown was hospitalized for several days for complications because she could not afford her inhaler. Her complex health needs require a number of medications so she rations her medications to keep them manageable and still spends hundreds of dollars each month. This is wrong and our constituents regardless of party are asking us to do something about it. Democrats and republicans have both said the right things about the cost of prescription dru