We now take you to the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore the house will be in order. The chair lays before the house a communication from the speaker. The clerk the speakers room, washington, d. C. , september 21 hshgs 2022. 2022. I hooeb i hereby appoint the honorable appoint the honorable Henry Cuellar to act as speaker pro tempore on this day. Signed, nancy pelosi, speaker of the house of representatives. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the house of january 10, 2022, the chair will now recognize members from lists submitted by the majority and minority leaders for morning hour debate. The chair will alternate recognition between the parties. With time equally allocated between parties and each member other than the majority and minority leaders and minority whip limited to five minutes. But in no event shall debate continue beyond 11 50 a. M. The chair now recognizes the gentlewoman from the virgin islands, ms. Plaskett, for five minutes. Ms. Plaskett thank you, mr. Speaker. The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy. While the path to full Voting Rights for all american citizens has been and still is long and challenging, this week we honor the heroes who fought to secure this right by encouraging and supporting all eligible americans to register to vote. This call to action would be incomplete if i did not mention the nearly four million americans living in u. S. Territories and those in the district of columbia that still do not have equal voting representation in this congress and in our country. As such, americans living in the territories and district of columbia are accustomed to being last in line or giving short relief for hurricane relief, infrastructure funding. We must remain committed to building an america where every vote matter and where every citizen has the ability and the right to participate freely in the democratic process. Thats why i stand with House Democrats to continue to work to securing the vote for all americans. Our nation depends on it. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to affirm my commitment to expanding Work Opportunities to all corners of the country, including the often excluded territory of the virgin islands. That means forming better paying jobs, Economic Opportunities so americans can work and live with dignity and security. The Democratic Caucus has remained committed to people over politics in this. Safer communities, better paying jobs, opportunities for all americans. Thats why they have supported and i support the three significant pieces of legislation that have been passed by House Democrats the chips and science act, which provides billions of dollars in new funding to strengthen American Research and development and rebuild our supply chain. The inflation reduction act, which has stimulated job growth through investments in clean, affordable, and secure American Energy. It will while simultaneously cutting American Energy bills and fighting the climate change. And lastly, the infrastructure, investment and jobs act. Let us not forget which aims to rebuild our roads, bridges, and transit systems while bringing broadband and clean Drinking Water to more communities. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to highlight the disparities that exist for black women due to the double pronged existence of institutional racism and misogyny in our country. Black women bear the unique burden of having both gender and racial discrimination. Weve seen this in health, wealth, education, and work, among all socioeconomic, geographic, and age groups. Black women earn 58 cents to the dollar of a white man, the same job, the same position, 58 cents to the dollar. Their earning gap is even more severe for mothers with black mothers only earning 46 cents for every dollar a white, nonhispanic father earned nationally. Its imperative that we demand pay equity for black women. And so today, i stand with all of my sisters and demand, implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support black womens equal pay day. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from kansas, mr. Mann, for five minutes. Mr. Mann mr. Speaker, i rise today to deliver the 14th installment of my farm bill impact series during a time when the effects of a poor harvest in kansas are only compounded by rising inflation. Kansas farmers are laboring under the burden of skyrocketing input costs while they work to keep our country fuel, fed, and clothed. And they need a workable solution to this inforeign relation crisis before the situation gets already worse. Farming is volatile without the burden of inflation. Input costs will continue to rise to astronomical rates throughout 222 and beyond 2022 and beyond. For the example, the corn harvest is under way in some parts of kansas and the results are a fraction of the yield far farmers hope for and bank on during the season. The farm bill, which congress will reauthorize in 2023, exists in part specifically for situations like this current corn crop to provide Emergency Assistance to ag producers even when Mother Nature doesnt cooperate. The weather in kansas canbeextremeandunpredict canbe extremeandunpre extreme unpredictable. The corn condition was 20 very poor, 20 poor, 24 fair, 20 good and only 2 excellent. Meanwhile, according to a drought monitor, 34 counties in my district alone are under extreme drought and 16 are in exceptional drought. The farther west you go in kansas the worse it gets. Even irrigated fields are not good. Many kansas producers are saying this is the worst corn harvest in recent memory. This is a dire situation. Just about missing harvest time in kansas doesnt mean missing out on the yield of a missed crop. It means missing out on a special kansas tradition, culminating all of the hard work. It leaves a void where camaraderie should be. Washington, d. C. , unfortunately, doesnt understand this. This nation has not been crippled like a loss harvest. Washington, d. C. Moves through the drought, heat, torrential downpours unphased. Thats why im standing here today to remind congress that one in 10 employed americans, nearly 20 Million People in this country, work in food and agriculture. Where weather creates a make or break situation to their livelihoods. And most importantly, every american has to eat. American agriculture producers are hurting, not only from the skyrocketing input costs that comes with inflation but also lower morale that comes with heat, drought, thin margins and a broken supply chain. In 2023, Congress Must reauthorize the farm bill with American Families at the front of their mind. I will be back on the floor to deliver another installment of my farm bill impact series and how like more programs and titles within the bill that i believe Congress Must understand and support to ensure that agriculture thrives in america. The people who feed, fuel, and clothe us all deserve our unwavering support. They also deserve a robust safety net in the farm bill and Workable Solutions to the inflation crisis before its too late. Thank you, mr. Speaker. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from washington, for five minutes. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise to celebrate the lives of two outstanding eighth district students. One passed away at the age of 94. Carmen was a pioneering figure in the fight against polio, a Tireless Community advocate and a beloved, she worked at Deaconess Hospital as a physical therapist, carmen was often the only thing standing between polio patients and debilitating pral is i. Ms. Schrier she was the only licensed physical therapist practicing in northwestern washington and as patients flooded through her doors, carmen devoted herself to the recovery of hundreds of patients. As the reflection of her tireless leadership, carmen became the head of physical therapy at Central Washington hospital until her retirement. Carmen remained a tireless advocate against polio in her later career. She was an active member of the wenatchee rotary club, one of the first women to join. She passionately led fundraising for global vaccine programs to ensure no family would have to experience the devastation of polio. Friends remember carmen as a pillar of the community, splitting her time between her beloved and eradicating polio. Were deeply grateful for her legacy and service. She will forever be part of the state. I join her friends and family in mourning the loss of an extraordinary woman. Also, mr. Speaker, id like to share the story of Gunnery SergeantArthur Branson summers, a u. S. Marine killed in action in world war ii. After 76 years, his body has returned home to his family members and laid to rest in east wenatchee, washington. Gunnery Sergeant Sommers of company i, sixth marine regiment, second marine division, was killed in the winter of 1943 in the island battle with japanese forces. Sadly, sommers was one of a thousand Service Members who died that day and one of almost 500 whose remains were never found. Tragically for his family, friends, and loved ones, they were deemed nonrecoverable in 1949 but this changed in 2009 thanks to the tireless work of the Nonprofit Organization history flight. After a small piece of military rain poncho was found near the site, history flight began excavations in 2009 and discovered the body of Gunnery Sergeant sommers as well as several lost Service Members. His body was brought home to his nephews. He received an honorable burial in east wenatchee, washington. Gunnery sergeantant you are branson sommers answered our nations call during a time of need and through his service, sacrifice, were forever thankful. I want to thank history flight for their work in returning sommers home and thank them for providing Gunnery Sergeant sommers an honorable burial on americas soil. On behalf of the grateful nation and the entire eighth district, were glad to have Gunnery Sergeant sommers in his final resting place in east wenatchee, washington. Mr. Speaker, id like to take a moment to honor some tremendous Young Athletes. The eighth district had not one but two teams representing our state at the Little League world series. The allstars represented the Northwest Region at the softball Little League world series. And the bonnie lake somer in Little League team represented the northwest state during the baseball world series. Im so proud of these Young Athletes who represented our districts and state so well on the national stage. Congratulations to them and their fum lease on their families on their success. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from michigan, mrs. Mcclain, for five minutes. Mrs. Mcclain thank you. I want to reiterate an important statement made by our president the pandemic is over. This weekend on 60 minutes President Biden finally said what most americans have known for months we are no longer in the covid19 pandemic. So if the president just admitted it, that means the National Emergency is over, correct . Well, if thats the case, then why did the president just tell the country that the pandemic is so bad that we should forgive billions of dollars of student debt . Or that its because of the ongoing pandemic that we must continue to enforce a Vaccine Mandate on our nations military . Ill tell you why. Its because it was never about the pandemic. It was about the president bypassing congress and the constitution to push his radical socialist agenda. Mr. Speaker, President Biden himself has President Biden himself has said the pandemic is over. It is past time we strip him of his Emergency Powers and end the Vaccine Mandates and reject all covid related funding requests. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from nevada, ms. Titus, for five minutes. Ms. Titus thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the las vegas aces on winning the Womens NationalBasketball Association championship this past sunday. On september 18, 2022, the las vegas aces defeated the c connecticut sun 7871 in game four of the wnba finals. The aces won the championship three games to one and secured the first major professional sports championship in the history of the city of las vegas. Even before the playoffs, the ace has an incredible season led by rookie head coach, becky hammond. Who became the first former nba player and rookie head coach to win the nba championship. Every member of the team, including keer sten bell, sydney coalson, chelsea gray, der reca ham bye, theresa pleasant. Kelsey plum, ileana reupert, kia stokes, aja wilson, and jackie young was critical to the success of the ace this is year. Since coming to las vegas in 2018, the aces have played well but unfortunately up until now they were unable to win it all. In 2020 during the covidshortened season and without key players due to injury, the team still made the wnba finals but were ultimately turned back. Then in 2021 the team was set for greatness, but, unfortunately, fell short in the heartbreaking fashion of game five of the western conference finals. In the leadup to the 2022 season, the team lost key players to free agency and former coach Bush Administration laimbeer retired form coach Bill Laimbeer retired. They took the league by storm. Led by prolific threepoint shooting. The aces dominated the regular season and ended with a league best record of 2610 securing the commissioners cup along the way. Heading into the playoffs, the team was primed for success. Led by forward aja wilson, who won this years regular season most valuable player, also defensive player of the year, and first team all wnba honors. Bela guard kelsey plum and wnba most improved player jackie young, the las vegas aces dominated the playoffs. In the finals chelsea gray delivered a tremendous performance averaging 18 points a game in the series and winning the wnba finals most valuable player. In the championship clinching game, williams scored a crucial 17 points with her incredible threepoint shooting to lead the victory lead the aces to victory. Following this victory, aces player chelsea gray, kelsey plum, jackie young, and aja wilson, who have competed in and won gold medals for the United States in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, joined an exclusive club of players who had won both olympic gold and the wnba championship. So in closing, i want to congratulate owner mark davis who his continued investment and caring has put Womens Basketball on the map in las vegas. Coach becky hammond, all the amazing players led by the fabulous aja wilson, and the entire las vegas Organization Led by president nicki fargas, and general manager natalie williams. Congratulations on this tremendous achievement. The city of las vegas and all of Southern Nevada are extremely proud of the aces. They certainly raise the stakes and they hit the jackpot. Thank you very much. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from veavment, mr. Cline, for five minutes. Mr. Cline thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the 250th anniversary of fin castle, virginia. In 1772, western moving settlers john mill and Israel Christian founded the town and by 1784 there were 59 homes as well as at that verns and the early formation of a justice system. Once virginias gateway to the west, fin castle is the county seat which once extended to the mississippi river. Meriwether lewis and William Clark visited there during their expedition into the west. William returned to fin castle and married Julia Hancock in 1808 in the historic home santalane. Passing settlers stopped on their way to the interior of what would become the United States. Conducting business and buying goods from the merchants in town. Today fin castle proudly main tains its heritage and history. Their version of the courthouse designed by president Thomas Jefferson is located in fin castle and contains records going back hundreds of years. Fin castles annual historic festival will be a bit more special this year celebrating the towns 250th anniversary and being held this weekend. Im proud to represent this historic town, a bedrock of the Oldest Colony and the greatest commonwealth of virginia. Mr. Speaker, i rise to criticize President Biden and House Democrats in washington for turning their backs on hardworking families. Month after month they have continued to advance a radical agenda that has crushed the american dream. Grocery costs are up 13. 5 . Electricity costs are up 15. 5 . Fuel oil costs are up nearly 70 . Everything has gone up since this failed president took office. Why . Because biden and the democrats are obsessed with spending taxpayer dollars and pushing socialist Green New Deal policies. Last week after yet another Inflation Report showed that prices were up again, joe biden and the democrats threw a party at the white house. To add insult to injury, on his recent interview on 60 minutes, President Biden had zero remorse for the devastating effects of his raging inflation crisis. He continues to claim that the economy is great and that tons of jobs are being created. Thats a lie. And heres what hes not telling you. Fulltime jobs are way down. And its only parttime jobs that are growing. Biden and democrats have sent a clear message that they dont care about American Families. There is one solution to this problem. Stop reckless government spending. Virginia families are sick and tired of paying the price for bidens radical agenda. When republicans retake the majority next year, well end this inflationfueled spending, fix this broken economy, and deliver power back to the american people. Mr. Speaker, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore members are reminded to refrain from engaging in personalities toward the president. The chair now recognizes the the gentlewoman from florida, ms. Frankel, for five minutes. Ms. Frankel thank you, mr. Speaker. About a year ago it was 4 a. M. In the morning when i got a call from the west balm beach paramedics. They had received a call from my mothers apple watch, believe it or not, and they rushed to her apartment and they found her lying on her apartment floor. She had fallen and broken her hip. I stayed close as she suffered through surgery and hospitalization and rehabilitation. I counted the endless medical bills paid by medicare and her own personal funds. I watch as my independent mom became fearful of living alone and moved into an assisted living facility. Mr. Speaker, there is some very good news about my mom. Shes alive and well. And adapting to her new lifestyle. She uses a walker and aging has reduced her stamina, but her Bridge Partners will tell you she still has a very sharp mind. But listen to this. Her surgeon told me that her recovery at her age, which was 96 at the time of the fall, was an exception. That most her age after a brutal injury quickly sun down to death. Mr. Speaker, you may ask why am i telling this story, because tomorrow is the first day of fall and not only are the leaves turning, but it marks the start of Fall PreventionAwareness Week a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventible. And also bring awareness to Fall Prevention strategies and resources. Mr. Speaker, after my mom fell i started hearing story after story from friends and colleagues about their own personal experiences of people who had fallen. You know what i learned . Falls are the most frequent cause of injuries and injury related death among people over 65. 36 million falls a year, people over 65 here in america, leading to broken bones and broken spirits. 34,000 of those becoming deadly. And the cost, this is an amazing figure, the cost to the American Health system is 50 billion a year from injuries relate totd falls related to falls. Thats billion with a b. Heres the most Important Message i have today, falls are preventible. I say it again, falls are preventible, there are simple things that seniors can do with assistance from their doctors and their families and friends and caretakers to stop the falls before they happen. Here are some of the top tips from centers for disease control. Make sure that medications dont have side effects that can cause dizziness or loss of balance. Stay hydrated. Get eyes checked. Every year. And becomes most falls happen in the home, make critical changes like installing grab bars, clearing tripping hazards, and making sure that the rugs are flat on the floor. And if necessary, use mobility aids like walkers and canes when needed, even in your own home. And there are also simple exercises seniors can do to improve joint strength, especially in the ankles, to help improve balance and stability. Im pleased to say, mr. Speaker, that the House Labor Health and Human Services budget pluses up Fall Prevention research and programs in the 2023 budget. Im hoping that the senate will go along with that. Mr. Speaker, i call on all my colleagues to recognize this week as Fall PreventionAwareness Week and help me spread the word, falls are preventible. Its on all of us to keep our loved ones on their feet. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair now recognizes the the gentlewoman from louisiana, ms. Letlow, for five minutes. Ms. Letlow mr. Speaker, i rise today to have disappointment and frustration of thousands of my constituents after our effort to bring h. R. 82, the Social Security fairness act, to the floor for a vote was delayed this week. The windfall elimination provision and the government pension offset are unfair. Bureaucratic deductions that cheat nearly two million americans out of their earned Social Security benefits. These rules impact our public servants, the teachers who educate our children, firefighters and Police Officers who keep our community safe. And at a time when we desperately need more men and women to enter these fields, knowing these penalties exist deter them from pursuing these occupations. G. P. O. Have been in place since the 1980s and congress has ignored this problem for decades. I want to be clear, we are not trying to create a new Entitlement Program or forgive debt. We are trying to ensure that retirees obtain the benefits that are rightly theirs. Just last week i received a letter from carla, a teacher from louisiana, who retired after spending 23 years in the classroom. Carla recently recently lost her husband to cancer at age 60. However, due to g. P. O. She is ineligible to receive his Social SecuritySurvivor Benefits simply because she was a teacher. If carla had chosen any other profession outside of public service, she would automatically receive those benefits just like any other american would. Mr. Speaker, carlas story is just one of the many from across my district and around our country and each one is heartbreaking and unjust. Not a single day goes by that i dont hear from a constituent who is impacted. Since i took office over a year ago, almost 3,000 people have contacted my office to ask us to fix w. E. P. And g. P. O. By far the most calls concerning a single issue. High inflation and record price hikes continue to plague our nation and now by refusing to address this, this congress is essentially telling hardworking americans that they must either not retire, reenter the work force, or find other means to make ends meet. Its outstanding to me that this administration and democrats spend trillions to forgive student loans, bail out industry and create new Government Programs but the people impacted by w. E. P. And g. P. O. Continue to be ignored. My colleague from illinois, rodney davis, brought forward h. R. 82 to repeal w. E. P. And g. P. O. Im a proud cosponsor of this bill along with 300 other members of this house. Since the 117th congress convened, we worked together as democrats and republicans to find a way to bring this bill to the floor for a vote and after nearly a year and a half of being denied, we worked to have it place on the consensus calendar, a process that could force the bill to come to the house floor. Only when we were on the cusp of forcing a floor vote and had 300 members ready to support this measure did democratic leadership take action to remove the legislation from the consensus calendar and eventually bog it down in a backlog. Mr. Speaker, it is unconscionable to know that some will play procedural games and deny this opportunity to vote on a bill that fixes such an obvious wrong. What am i supposed to say to the people like carla morrow . That despite the fact that we were sent here to solve problems, well just kick the can down the road, is that the answer were ok relaying to her and the two million americans who are adversely impacted . Mr. Speaker, i was sent here to represent the people of the Fifth District of louisiana and today, i can say with grave sincerity that their voices, along with two million other americans, continues to be silenced. Instead of me standing behind this podium today, we should be doing the will of the people and bringing h. R. 82 to the floor for a vote. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentlewoman from massachusetts, ms. Pressley, for five minutes. Ms. Pressley mr. Speaker, i rise this morning in solidarity with the millions of student loan borrowers across this nation who slept a little easier last night knowing that essential Student Loan Debt relief is on the way. Im thinking of every person whos pulled me aside in community, dropped their eyes to the floor as they described the financial burden and shame they were carrying crushed by student debt. The teachers, the electricians, the nurses, and indeed, even the grandparents are elders. Some 76 years old on fixed incomes whose benefits were garnished. The coalition that rallied around our calls to cancel student debt is broad and diverse as this nation because so, too, are the families personally impacted by this Economic Justice issue. President biden, we thank you for taking action, responding with the stroke of a pen, you moved to cancel student debt for millions of bosh borrowers and this will change and save lives. The department of education reported yesterday that 813,000 student loan borrowers in massachusetts stand to benefit from student debt cancellation. I get emotional thinking about the profound impact this will have for our families, especially families that have been systematically denied the opportunity to own or build generational wealth. This is the type of transformative policy that sends ripples for generations. Student loan cancellation will change and save lives. I want to thank my dedicated par partners in this effort, senator warren and senator schumer, congresswoman omar, congresswoman adams, m mr. Clyburn, mr. Jones, and our partners in the congressional progressive caucus and the congressional black caucus, including senator warner, also chairwoman jayapal, chairwoman beatty and chairwoman waters. Our work to make education a accessible and affordable across the country continues with urgency and many will start 2023 Student Loan Debtfree thanks to the bidenharris administration. And that is a beautiful thing. Mr. Speaker, i rise in recognition of hispanic heritage month. The massachusetts seventh is one of the most diverse districts in the country due in large part to the rich hispanic and latinx people who live there. The colombians and ecuadorians in east boston and chelsea. The dominicans and Puerto Ricans and cubans in Jamaica Plain in the south end, the mexicans and brazilians. Many of these champions are on the front lines of fights that matter not just for their own community but for our very humanity. They are justice seekers, movement builders, and given the number of service men and women and veterans, they are defenders of democracy and freedom. And their sweat equity makes our country stronger and our policymaking more informed. Im proud to call them partners in the work to build a more just and equitable world because, mr. Speaker, its a story of america is one of progress, then we owe it to the collective power, resilience, and collective advocacy of our hispanic and latinx siblings. To those in massachusetts and across the country and those on my dedicated staff now and in the past, from isa to lina to luz, to alanna, to ricardo, to dago, to kayla, we thank you. This month and every month we give you your flowers. And finally, mr. Speaker, i rise to recognize september as alopecia awareness month. Across the country approximately seven Million People have alopecia and auto an autoimmune disease i live with that attacks ones hair follicles. People of all genders, races, from every walk of life are living with this condition. And thankfully although this does not threaten our lives, it does not mean it does not impact it. Collectively we are fighting for bold investments in skin disease research, comprehensive medical coverage, and meaningful Public Education to combat the stigma, discrimination, bullying, and indeed even depression and suicide ideation that so many of us experience. Whether we are sharing a meal in the heart of the massachusetts seventh or sharing our stories to someone who is newly diagnosis, we choose strength over shame and purpose over pain. I could personally attest to the fortitude that defines our community each and every day. Although there is no cure, there is community. And we work to create space so all of us may show up in the world as our full and authenticselves. This transformation i live with is not one of my choosing but one that ive learned to embrace unapologetically with the support of my loved ones, team, to not wear a wig, recognizing the power of that representation for the seven million strong Alopecia Community in this country. That is why this september on the floor of the house of representatives, i can affirm that alopecia is my superpower. I am free to be me. And i commemorate alopecia awareness month. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Thompson, for five minutes. Mr. Thompson thank you, mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to recognize the importance of agriculture education. Last week we celebrated National Teach ag day. This recognition of agriculture education is more important than ever. The average age of an American Farmer is around 57 years old. Its critical for our Food Security to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders, and this starts in the classroom. Ive had the privilege of spending time with agriculture educators throughout pennsylvania and our country. Future farmers of america and f4 are advancing agriculture education. And exposing our youth to the agriculture industry. Over the past few months i had the opportunity to witness these Agriculture Programs firsthand. I visited fourth graders at Glendale Elementary School in Cambria County who were working closely with seniors from the institute of science and technology to bring textbooks to life. The lesson i participated in focused on science, soil, and agriculture operations. I had the opportunity to work directly with the students where we discussed the plants journey from seed to full growth. We examined soil and students made observations of plant growth. We interact with agriculture at least three times a day and it is critical students have the opportunity to learn really to really learn about the industry and the Career Opportunities that it offers. In july, i joined sinclaire and the ymca at the ribbon county of the antihunger program for at morgan run farm. This initiative will serve as a hands on Community Center educational tool to further families understanding of agriculture processes, farming, nutrition, and community development. Right now more than ever we understand Food Security is national security, and a country that cannot feed itself often finds itself in surmiami. Programs like the antihunger program at morgan run and the science lesson at glendale elementary are the first step in educating our youth about our food sources. As i mentioned earlier, we are at a critical point in our agriculture future with the average age of our farmers hovering around 57 years old. It is important we develop the next generation of farmers. That is why in august i held a listening session focused on the next generation of the farmers. We discussed how we can engage and support our next generation of farmers and encourage youth to get involved in the agriculture industry. We had remarkable panelists who were incredibly accomplished in their fields. Together we highlighted their work to promote Innovative Technologies that inspire, engage the next generation of agriculturists. As a Senior Member of the education and Labor Committee and part of the career and technical caucus, proud member of the f. F. A. Caucus, im pass passionate about advancing agricultural education in schools. Id like to take a moment to thank all of our agriculture educators across the country, the commonwealth, and in the 15th Congressional District. Their work invests in our agriculture education, helps prepare the next generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers. Ill always enjoy my meetings with f. F. A. And 4h students as theyre clearly our future and their conversations give me hope in the direction of our agriculture community. Mr. Speaker, in closing, id like to once again thank all those involved in agriculture education and empowering our next generation of farmers. Mr. Speaker, i rise today to congratulate cabbing u weather on their accuweather on their 60th anniversary. They provided trusted and accurate Weather Forecast for individuals, businesses. Communities. They are the most accurate Weather Forecast. Their warnings saved thousands of lives and protected people from harm and property from damage. Congress cited accuweather during Hurricane Katrina saving thousands of people thanks to their accurate forecast. 4. 5 billion people rely on accuweather to plan their day. They have the largest collection of data at the Global Weather center which receives more information than any other facility on earth. Most importantly, accuweather is a proud pennsylvania 15th Congressional District business with more than 500 employees and headquartered in ferguson township and center county. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating accuweather, their founder and c. E. O. Dr. Joel meyers and their entire team for over 60 years of service and excellence in forecasting the weather. Thank you, mr. Speaker. And i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the chair now recognizes the gentleman from new york, mr. Espaillat, for five minutes. Mr. Espaillat mr. Speaker, i rise today to continue to raise awareness to the destruction that Hurricane Fiona has brought about to the caribbean, namely to puerto rico and the Dominican Republic. Let me start, mr. Speaker, by saying that yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Maria, a Natural Disaster that left 3. 5 million americans without power and killed over 3,000 lives. While hurricanes in the islands are not new, Hurricane Maria exposed the vulnerability of puerto rico and five years later, uncertainty remains in the wake of Hurricane Fiona which occurred this past weekend. 100 blackout on the island when the hurricane landed, as of 10 00 a. M. Yesterday, 73 of the island had no power. 60 of the island had no water. I commend the Biden Administration for the swift actions to declare a state of emergency for the region, and im hopeful that it will approve the governors request for a major disaster declaration soon which will follow additional lifesaving resources for puerto rico. For this reason, i join senator schumer and congresswoman velazquez in speaking with fema administer urging the administration to reimburse 100 of the cost, allow document flexibility for accessing aid and advance funding to puerto rico in this critical moment. We must do all it takes to ensure relief assistance to help residents recover. We cannot turn our backs on our brothers and sisters in puerto rico. Yesterday, i held a strategy planning call with leaders from new york, puerto rico, and the Dominican Republic and Emergency Services organization in response to Hurricane Fiona. We have witnessed catastrophic devastation across puerto rico and the Dominican Republic, and it will require a multilevel government approach to ensure vital resources to the region in a timely manner. As of today, more than one Million People in the Dominican Republic are without access to utility and shelter. At least one Million People in the Dominican Republic have no access to running water. More than 700,000 homes and businesses have been left in the dark as they suffer power loss. Additionally, at least 3,000 homes at least 3,000 homes why damaged or destroyed and four bridges collapsed. The situation is dire and we must do all we can to help the people of the Dominican Republic during this moment of crisis. For this reason i am urging the u. S. Agency for International Development to deploy a Disaster AssistanceResponse Team and continue coordination with other u. S. Government agencies and partners to advance relief efforts. The federal response must be swift, robust, and continue for as long as is needed. The impact of this devastating Natural Disaster hits close to home. As in my district we have many folks in washington heights, in the bronx, and harlem that have family members in puerto rico and the Dominican Republic. Who are in need of supplies and other disasters relief. My heart is with the people of the caribbean. We will continue to monitor this situation closely. Thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Burchett, for five minutes. Mr. Burchett thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise to honor Brigadier GeneralThomas Coffin and American Patriot who served 38 years in the Tennessee Air national guard. He was inspired as a child watching his dads career as a pilot in the air guards 134th fighter intercepter group which later became the 134th air refueling wing. In 1984, he followed his dads a footsteps and started his commission after getting his bachelor of science in Civil Engineering from the university of tennessee. After getting his pilot tra training, he flew combat and support missions during desert storm, joint forge, allied force, enduring freedom, and noble eagle. He went to the 134th air refueling wing and ended up serving as its commander for seven years. He then became the director of staff at the joint force headquarters, tennessee, and chief of staff of the entire Tennessee Air national guard, mr. Speaker. Last month he retired after 38 long years of faithfully serving his country and he plans to spend more time with his wonderful wife, their two kids, and their grandchild. He also plans to get more involved with the community by volunteering with the employees support of the guard and reserve and get more involved with the east tennessee military affairs council. It is my honor to recognize Brigadier GeneralThomas Coffin as tennessees Second District 2022 veteran of the month. I congratulate him on a well earned retirement. Mr. Speaker, i want to take a moment to appreciate some Power Lifting champions in east tennessee. Thats correct. I said Power Lifting. Last week i was on the plane back to knoxville from washington when this fellow started talking signature next to me and he was telling me excitedly about his two children, 17yearolds ari and ethan. A couple of twins 40 go to Webb High School in knoxville and they were Power Lifting champions. Their dad used to power lift as a hobby and he got his boys in the sport when they were 9. They all train together and as time went on they ended up loving the support as much as their dad. This year the boys decided to compete for the first time in the tennessee championship and they blew the competition out of the water. Both boys won their divisions and ari set a world record, mr. Speaker, for his age and weight class by lift ago total of 1,668 pounds between his dead left, bench, and squat. Its cool to have a world record holder to have a school in my district, but cooler how the shared love of Power Lifting bonded the father and sons in a unique way. They didnt grow up just as bickering brothers as most do, they grew up as training partners. They supported each other. Kept each other safe. And pushed each other to keep pursuing their goals. Unfortunately, ari tore his a. C. L. And wont be able to compete in the squat or dead lift this year. He isnt letting that get him down. He plans to compete in the Bench Press Competition and he kret idz credits his brother. He isnt giving up on competing in the u. S. A. Power lifting competition. I have a teenage daughter, and shes also an athlete. She does horseback riding competitions. Shes a barrel racer and pretty good at it, mr. Speaker. I know exactly how awesome it is to be a dads who is incredibly proud of their kids accomplishments. We want our kids to do well in life and see them push themselves and exceed everyones expectations is a feeling like no other. Scott and ari and ethan are prime examples of what we can accomplish when we set goals and work hard every day to achieve them. I just want to take a moment to recognize that, mr. Speaker. I yield back my time. Thank you, brother. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from california, mr. Costa, for five minutes. Mr. Costa thank you, mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend and speak for five minutes. The speaker pro tempore without objection, the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Costa mr. Speaker, since russias invasion of ukraine, the world has changed. Socially, economically, and the political landscape. Putins war has killed thousands of ukrainians, innocent citizens. And displaced millions who have struggled to get food and resources in this region. I spoke on the floor back in april after the attacks and labeled president putin for what he is, a war criminal. As russia continues to this unprovoked attack on ukraine, we must continue to stand strong and united against him. I traveled to kyiv, ukraines capital city, as part of a european strategic strategy conference recently. As one of the only members of congress to have stayed overnight, spent a couple days, i witnessed the 24hour cycle of capital city finding energy once again. Revitalizing itself through its daytoday routines. I saw parts of the city where russias tanks entered the suburbs and killed innocent civilians, destroying homes, apartments, and schools. As well as children. Mass graves with over 166 individuals. Even through this tragedy, ukraine has remained resilient. And kyiv returns to life. I felt relatively safe as i walked the streets in the central city. Looking back to where the city was six months ago, its a reminder to me on how precious all of our freedoms are. As i met ukrainians across thele capital, it was inspiring to see their home for better days that are coming and that ukraine will prevail. During my visit, we met with nato allies and many of the Panel Session that is we had on how we will continue our support for ukraine amidst russias brutal war that was unprovoked. Critically we discussed matters related to ukraines defense. Its economy recovery plans, and humanitarian aid. As it prevails continuing with russias countless attacks. Strong Economic Security is critical to rebuilding ukraine and preserving its sovereignty. Thats what we must do after the war. We saw Ukrainian Armed forces execute one of the most pivotal 48hour counter offenses during the past six months and it continues. The liberation of territory to the north of kharkiv is one of the countless displays of bravery and sacrifice that has come to define ukraines fight. Ukraine is putting up a stronger fight than russia was anticipating through strength, unity, and lover of country. Ukraine will prevail. But today we heard that putin is enlarging his forces by 300,000. And its inferring that everything is on the table. We must call his bluff. Congress and President Biden have provided significant support to ukraine since the beginning of the war and its made a difference on a bipartisan basis. And we must continue that when we pass the continuing resolution later in the next week. Ukraine has been able to strengthen its defense systems, bolster its refugee service, and tackle food insecurity. Millions of ton of grain coming out of odessa through the agreement reached through turkey and the u. N. However challenges remain and the war has not been won. We the United States with our nato allies must continue to unite against putin and provide ukraine with the tools to defend itself and to protect its sovereignty from this brutal invasion. As we craft upcoming continuing resolution, we must continue additional funding. This is Pivotal Moment in our history. Our actions today will determine foot teur of the 21st century. The world has changed in the last eight months. Future generations will look back in history and judge us if we made more good de decisions than poor decisions to preserve their rights and liberties. We must not let putin win. Democracy must prevail. This is the test of our time and our generation among our nato allies and here in america to stand up for liberty and democracy. Mr. Speaker, how much time do i have left . The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california has 30 seconds remaining. Mr. Costa thank you, mr. Speaker. Will he me also rise today to condemn azerbaijans attack on armenia. Nearly 200 armenian troops are confirmed kill. Attack on sovereign territory. Speaker pelosis visit is the United States commitment to peace pull prosperous armenia setting up its own democratic nation. Thats why im pushing to include mining assistance and other aid for armenia in the fiscal year 2023 budget. We must stand with the people of arkenya for all the right reasons. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 12a of rule 1, the chair declares the house in recess until noon now available at the cspan shop, cspans 2022 congressional directly. Order your congressional directly. This compact spiral bound book has Contact Information for every member of congress, including bios and committee assignments. Also, Contact Information for state governors and the Biden Administration cabinet. Order your copy today at cspanshop. Org or scan the code with your smart phone. Every cspan shop purchase helps supports cspans nonprofit operation. Cspan now is a free mobile app featuring your unfiltered view of whats happening in washington live and on demand. Hearings from the u. S. Congress, white house events, the courts, campaigns, and more from the world of politics. All at your fingertips. You can also stay current with the latest episodes of washington journal and find scheduling information for cspans tv networks and cspan radio. Plus, a variety of compelling podcasts. Cspan now is available at the apple store and google play. Download it for free today. Cspan now, your front row seat to washington anytime, anywhere. Middle and high school students, its your time to shine. Youre invited to participate in this years cspan student cam documentary competition. In light of the upcoming midterm elections, picture yourself as a newly elected member of congress. We ask this years competitors, what is your top priority and why . Make a five to sixminute video that shows the importance of your issues from opposing and supportive perspectives. Dont be afraid to take risks with your documentary. Be bold. Amongst the 100,000 in cash prize a 500,000 grand prize. Videos must be submitted by january 20 hshgs 2023. Visit studiocam. Org for competition rules, tips, resources and a