Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, our Nation faces serious challenges, including an ongoing pandemic, vaccine distribution hurdles, continued lockdowns from out-of-touch Governors, prolonged closures of our schools, and one-in-four small businesses face the risk of permanent closure.

At a time when the American people are concerned with election integrity, a top priority of our Democrat leadership is to federalize election laws, removing the authority of State legislatures expressed in Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution.

H.R. 1, the bill before us today, would allow for taxpayer-funded campaigns through a government match on political contributions at a 6- to-1 ratio. So a $200 contribution would be matched by the taxpayer to the tune of $1,200.

H.R. 1 would also hinder the rights of States to determine their registration voting practices, including mandating automatic voter registration.

The suggestion being made by my Democrat friends and colleagues that opposition to this legislation is somehow a form of voter suppression is ridiculous. I and my colleagues would never consider engaging in a course of

action that suppresses a citizen's legitimate right to vote.

This is a partisan power grab that threatens election integrity. ``One citizen, one vote'' is my solemn resolve. I oppose this amendment and the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Madam Speaker, over the past year, Congress has allocated nearly $4 trillion to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Democrat leadership is following through on a campaign promise made by President Biden to spend another $2 trillion.

Madam Speaker, further assistance is appropriate for those individuals, families, and businesses who have been hit the hardest, including restaurants; but this bill fails to recognize the improving economic conditions, as well as the fact that more than $1 trillion from previous relief packages remains unspent.

Just 9 percent of this bill goes towards combating the virus, and just 1 percent is directed for vaccines. Instead, the apparent priorities for Democrat leadership include a bailout for mismanaged States, pension funds, an increase in the minimum wage, and half a billion dollars for the arts and humanities.

Madam Speaker, Congress has already provided $68 billion for our schools, more than double the CDC's highest estimate of what it would take for our schools to open safely. We should be able to unite in supporting an economic recovery, open our schools, increase testing, and ensure the efficient distribution of vaccines.

Madam Speaker, I rise to support the objection.

Madam Speaker, a day that was intended to debate the importance of election integrity and the rule of law tragically became a day that will be a black mark in our Nation's history. Nevertheless, the work of this House must go on, as America will go on.

We must all sincerely thank the Capitol Police and Metro Police for their selfless actions today, putting their safety and lives on the line to protect this House. The lawlessness and violence of today must be condemned, just as all violent protests must be condemned.

Nevertheless, the fact remains, a large number of Pennsylvanians are enormously frustrated with actions taken by elected and appointed officials in Pennsylvania, which have led to a high level of distrust for this past election.

We have the United States Constitution, which is the reason we have been and will continue to be a great country and a country of laws.

The U.S. Constitution is unambiguous, Madam Speaker, in declaring that State legislatures are the entity with the authority to set election procedures and to enact any changes to election law. Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 states: ``The times, places, and manner of holding elections . . . shall be prescribed in each State by the legislature thereof.''

The authority of election procedures lies with the State legislature, period.

In Pennsylvania, this authority was indisputably usurped by the Pennsylvania Governor's office, by the Pennsylvania secretary of state, and by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

These unlawful actions include, but are not limited to, accepting ballots past 8 p.m. on election day; inconsistent application of verified signature requirements for in-person ballots versus mail-in ballots; authorizing the curing of mail-in ballots with less than 24 hours' notice, leading to inconsistent preparedness between counties; and authorizing the use of unsecured drop boxes, which is not permitted in statute.

If such unlawful actions are to be accepted, what do we have to look forward to next year? The Pennsylvania secretary of state allowing online voting because it may be raining in Philadelphia? It was a free- for-all.

Madam Speaker, it was back in 2005 when then-Minority Leader Pelosi, while leading 31 Democrats as they objected to the Presidential elector certification, as they did in the last three Presidential elections when a Republican won, stated quite well, actually:

The Members of Congress have brought this challenge and are speaking up for their aggrieved constituents, many of whom have been disenfranchised in this process. This is their only opportunity to have this debate while the country is listening, and it is appropriate to do so.

Thank you for those words, Madam Speaker. They were appropriate then, as they are now.

If there is an American ideal that all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, can agree upon, it is that we must have election integrity. We should not certify these electors, which were derived by unlawful actions and a result of inaccurate vote tallies.

Madam Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H. Res. 489, the

latest legislative attack on the President. Much like most of the ideas and comments coming from the leading members of the socialist left, yesterday's press conference was, at best, political theater.

In the last few days, Democratic Members of this House have attacked the President with claims of racism. Some have even said and then walked back similar comments referring to the Democratic House Speaker. None of those accusations are based in fact.

As the representative of the people of the Ninth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, I feel it is most important to address this matter and then move on to engage in the work and the matters of real substance and importance to the people of our country, rather than baseless name-calling and offensive lectures.

The ongoing policy debate across the country will continue to be socialism versus American exceptionalism. The people will decide our direction. What has really happened here is that the President and his supporters have been forced to endure months of allegations of racism and ``concentration camp'' accusations.

Mr. Speaker, this ridiculous slander does a disservice to our Nation and to the American people, and I, like many, am tired of it. I urge a ``no'' vote on the resolution aimed purely at harassing the President of the United States.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to honor Berks County Director of Veterans Affairs, Dale Derr. After 43 years serving our country and making an impact in our community, Dale is retiring this July.

Dale's commitment to service is remarkable. Beginning his military service in 1976 in the Marine Corps, Dale would spend 24 years in uniform, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force in 2000. As Director of Veterans Affairs for the last nine years, Dale has earned a reputation for his commitment to community and for getting things done for veterans and their families. He has touched countless lives in this capacity, helping veterans access benefits, supporting families, and organizing the nation's oldest Armed Forces Day Parade. Dale leaves an incredible legacy in Berks County and an unmatched example of public service for our community.

Dale, his wife, Susan, and their family represent the very best in community service. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Dale Derr for his decades of dedicated service to our country, to our veterans, and for his many contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Berks County. I wish him the best as he enters this next chapter in life.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer some observations regarding my first 6 months as a new Member of the 116th Congress.

2019 began with Democrat leadership denying the existence of an illegal immigration crisis at our southern border during a 35-day government shutdown. On 17 separate occasions since then, House Republicans have attempted to pass legislation that would provide $4.5 billion in humanitarian assistance.

While Democratic leadership is considering H.R. 3401 this week to discuss humanitarian aid at the southern border, their proposal will not direct funds toward expanding detention centers, nor will it provide resources to correct the crisis, which is precisely where this kind of funding is needed.

While this bill is fundamentally flawed, at least, at this point, there is a bipartisan majority that admits we have a real crisis that requires action.

Recent figures at the border are staggering. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced officers have apprehended or turned back nearly 700,000 migrants in the past 8 months. Further, apprehensions in May marked the highest monthly total in 13 years near the southern border, with U.S. authorities detaining or turning away more than 140,000 people.

It is our sworn duty to put the American people over politics, especially in the people's House. As elected Representatives, it is our responsibility to deliver on issues that are important to the American people.

This year's Democratic leadership agenda has focused on policy proposals that incentivize illegal immigration. Democratic leadership thought H.R. 1 was important to pass, though refused to support a motion that would have expressed that allowing illegal immigrants to vote be prohibited as it devalues and diminishes the voting power of an American citizen.

How would Democrat leadership expect this to pass in Congress, let alone get signed by the President?

This is certainly not in the spirit of compromise but is most certainly a dead-end bill.

Further, Democrat leadership passed H.R. 6, which includes various blanket amnesty provisions. Amnesty should never be passed by this House, especially when that bill includes no improvements to border security.

Not only is putting illegal immigrants ahead of legal immigrants wrong, but to propose an amnesty bill is an obvious incentive for illegal immigrants to cross over the U.S. border.

Another example is H.R. 987, a bill originally focused on lower prescription drug costs which was politicized so it, too, has no chance of becoming law.

The provisions of propping up failed aspects of ObamaCare and banning association health plans is contrary policy to what will drive down healthcare costs, which is choice, competition, innovation, and State's jurisdiction.

Making the Federal Government a monopoly over healthcare is exactly the wrong thing to do if we want to achieve the goal of quality, affordable healthcare for all. This goal can be accomplished while assuring a safety net is in place, protecting preexisting conditions, and keeping Medicare strong.

Additionally, bringing to the floor and passage of the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada agreement, known as the USMCA, is critical to our continued economic growth.

I state this as an objective outsider. House Republicans and the President continue to focus on growing the economy for all Americans, a strong national defense, including orderly humanitarian border security, reducing healthcare costs, free- and fair-trade agreements, revitalizing our stressed communities, regulatory reform, and improving the quality of life of American families. We need bipartisan policy which puts Americans first, not America alone, but country first.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Radewagen for yielding to me, and I thank my friend, Mr. Barr, for his leadership on this important issue.

We live in an information-based technological world. As we look around us, all our lives are touched by STEM innovation. It is the science- and math-based education that will continue to shape our country and world and drive our economy into the next century.

H.R. 2196 is a commonsense, bipartisan fix to give student veterans who are enrolled in STEM programs more flexibility to utilize the educational benefits they earned through their service.

By allowing student veterans to take additional credit hours, such as additional math and science courses, the Edith Nourse Rogers Scholarship helps veterans receive a strong STEM education, which is essential for succeeding in technological industries.

As I travel around my district in Pennsylvania, I consistently hear from local businesses about the widening skills gap, and I know these are sentiments echoed in districts throughout the Nation. Our workforce demands more individuals with a STEM education, and who better to have on the front lines of our evolving global economy than men and women who bravely served our country.

We owe it to our student veterans the ability to pursue a STEM education and to ensure they have the tools and resources they need as they transition back into civilian life. This legislation takes an important step in doing just that.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House to vote in support of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, this past week, we as a nation honored the heroes of D-day.

Today, I rise to pay tribute, for the Congressional Record, to the Honorable Patrick J. Solano as he nears his 94th birthday.

Pat Solano is a legend in Pennsylvania. In World War II, Pat flew 23 bombing missions over Berlin and was decorated for his service.

Since returning home from the war, Pat has been most instrumental in building Pennsylvania and in creating opportunities for so many. And Pat mastered--perhaps, originated--and continues to practice and preach the politics of inclusion.

Pat was an official adviser to nine Pennsylvania Governors and continues to serve as a senior adviser to his cherished Pennsylvania State Senate.

Pat's smart, beautiful, kind wife of 65 years, Marie, is equally outstanding and beloved; and they have six daughters and 11 grandchildren. Not a better friend or mentor could we ask for in our State or our community.

Mr. Speaker, I simply ask that we wish Pat Solano a very happy birthday and many more, and that we thank him for his great service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, commonly known as USMCA.

This new trade agreement, as negotiated by President Trump's administration, is critical to our Nation's economic growth. NAFTA is outdated, and this modernization to the world's largest free trade agreement is vital to building an economy that maximizes opportunity for all Americans--indeed, all of North America and Mexico.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico, for decades, have fostered a working trade relationship. This trade agreement is crucial to the manufacturers, fabricators, farmers, distributors, retailers, and all other businesses in Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District and across the country.

So much of Congress' energy this year has been focused on messaging votes and nonbinding resolutions. It is time that Democrat leadership here in the House put aside partisan politics and put the needs of the American people first.

The benefits to our economy are obvious and significant. I urge Speaker Pelosi to bring USMCA to the House floor for a vote.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize the JROTC cadets from Pine Grove High School in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Stefanchik.

These cadets are traveling overseas to Normandy, France, to help mark the 75th anniversary of D-day and to honor the beginning of the march to victory in World War II.

In addition to participating in the D-day memorial parade in Normandy, they are taking part in the ceremonies in Brittany and the American cemetery at Omaha Beach. These hallowed grounds are the resting place for thousands of American heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom and liberty and to save the world from tyranny.

2,014 Pennsylvanians stormed the beaches of Normandy. It is a great privilege to have these cadets from the Ninth District present to honor and remember the bravery of countless ordinary Americans who faced extraordinary times.

I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing these cadets' achievement and remembering the great and lasting sacrifices made at Normandy 75 years ago.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to honor Schuylkill Haven Police Chief Jeffrey Walcott for his 25 years of service. Chief Walcott has been a remarkable leader of the Schuylkill Haven Police Department. Through promoting public safety and community he has become a fixture of Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center's ``Salute to Blue Program.''

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Chief Walcott has been a model officer and public servant for citizens of all ages. He is a skilled officer, certified in firearms instruction, active shooter response, and teaches G.R.A.P.L.E for Law Enforcement and Military Personnel. He has certainly earned the respect of the community he protects and the officers he serves alongside.

After 25 years leading the ``Salute to Blue'' Program, I invite my colleagues to join me in saluting Chief Jeffrey Walcott for his dedicated service and dedication to the Greater Schuylkill Haven Community. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I extend my sincerest appreciation and respect for Chief Walcott's lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Roe for the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as well in support of H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, an important bipartisan bill that will finally guarantee equality for the blue water Navy Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.

Agent Orange was used by the U.S. military to strategically clear terrain and deforest areas during the Vietnam war. This tactical chemical has been linked, however, to prostate cancer, Parkinson's disease, and many other diseases.

For far too long, only veterans who served on Vietnam's landmass or inland waterways were entitled to the service-connected presumption of exposure to Agent Orange. This legislation ensures that the same automatic presumption is provided to those who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam. H.R. 299 addresses and permanently fixes this by properly defining those who will be eligible for VA benefits related to Agent Orange.

With this bill, we ensure that blue water Navy veterans will be treated fairly and will receive the benefits and care they deserve. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this important bill, and I will continue to work for our Nation's veterans, providing them the care and benefits they have earned.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to welcome the Mt. Carmel High School Band to our nation's capital. They are performing this afternoon in front of the United States Capitol to showcase their impressive musical talent, and drill team. This exemplary group of students are a fine representation of Pennsylvania's legacy of educational and musical excellence.

I have a great appreciation for the hours these students have dedicated to preparing for their concert. I am certain that they will impress us all and be a highlight for many other visitors to the Capitol today. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, and the citizens of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I proudly welcome the Mt. Carmel High School Band to Capitol Hill and extend my best to them in their performance.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the ninth annual Berks County March for Life, which I attended this past weekend. I was proud to join over 250 participants, and I would like to thank Helen MacMinn for organizing the event and Donna Lea Merritt for inviting me.

Madam Speaker, I am proudly pro-life and believe in the sanctity of innocent, unborn human life. I was deeply troubled to see a Democratic Pennsylvania State representative openly berate, verbally attack, threaten and, in fact, terrify peaceful advocates of the unborn.

This behavior is reprehensible for anyone, but particularly appalling from an elected official. This type of hostile discourse should be repudiated by all, Democrats and Republicans.

The Berks March for Life event was a wonderful reminder of the unity and kind spirit found among the pro-life

community in Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District. I commend Pro-Life Berks for their dedication.