Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak against H.R. 986.

I think everyone in this Chamber can agree that individuals with preexisting conditions should be protected and that the American people should have access to affordable and quality healthcare. This bill falls short of achieving, or even making progress towards, these important goals.

This bill showcases a fundamental misunderstanding of section 1332 waivers, which allow States to pursue more creative and innovative strategies to provide their residents with access to high-quality health insurance. This bill actually rolls back the ability of States to innovate lower costs and expand coverage options for patients and families.

Additionally, this bill is disingenuous in suggesting that it is protecting individuals with preexisting conditions when section 1332 waivers already require States to do so. Rather than calling this the ``Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act,'' this bill would be more appropriately named the ``Don't Let States Innovate Act.''

Not surprisingly, this bill also neglects to address the grievous shortcomings of ObamaCare.

In my district, not a day goes by that I don't hear from constituents about the untenable costs of ObamaCare. It is no secret that ObamaCare has led to skyrocketing premiums and deductibles, offering anything but affordable care to the American people. However, the data clearly shows that States using section 1332 waivers to create their own reinsurance programs saw premiums drop by an average of nearly 20 percent.

We must make our country's healthcare system work better by supporting choice, access, and affordability. This bill forces our country on a pathway towards one size fits all, Big Government-centered healthcare. And this Democrat vision of a top-down healthcare system is one that I absolutely cannot support.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the rule and the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize the distinguished service of Technical Sergeant Justin Martz of Jonestown. After 26 years serving Pennsylvania in the Army National Guard and in the Air National Guard, TSgt. Martz is retiring this June.

I have a profound admiration for those individuals who answer the call to serve and dedicate themselves to both country and community. TSgt. Martz's service has earned him the Army Service Ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal, and multiple State Service ribbons. Most important, however, TSgt. Martz has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow guardsmen. His service has taken him around Pennsylvania, across the country, and to the furthest reaches of the globe, but no matter what the mission, TSgt. Martz remains an exemplary citizen and soldier.

TSgt. Martz, his wife, Heather, and their family represent the very best in our Citizen Soldiers. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking TSgt. Martz for his dedicated service to the United States and his many contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We wish him the best as he enters this next chapter in life.

Mr. Chair, I thank Ranking Member McCaul for yielding.

Mr. Chair, in my district in Pennsylvania, we are conservationists. But with this bill, H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, more appropriately known as the U.S. energy disadvantage act, the American people are being told yet again that Big Government is the solution to all of the people's problems. The American people know better than that, and they expect solutions, not more government.

The latest data is revealing. The U.S. is actually a global leader in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2017, while global CO2 emissions increased by 1.6 percent, the United States reduced its CO2 emissions by more than 42 million tons, an annual reduction of 0.5 percent, the largest reduction of any country in the world.

The data also underscores that we have not seen this type of progress from other countries that are still part of the Paris Agreement. American leadership is ongoing while countries like Spain, Canada, India, South Korea, and China and the EU are all increasing their CO2 emissions by 100 million tons and more.

If the U.S. stayed party to this agreement, it would be a huge and unnecessary drag on our economy that would be passed on to the American taxpayer. Moreover, it would not improve the situation, as most of the world is moving in the wrong direction.

The U.S. is reducing our emissions without the heavy hand of this Congress. This will continue, and it will be factual, as it will be measured.

We need to harness American talent and energies, not squander them with bogus plans like the Green New Deal or ineffective climate agreements.

We need access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, oil, and clean coal. We need to empower our private sector to continue to innovate and develop new technologies. What we need is a true all-of-the-above and all-of-the- below energy plan.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to consider this and vote against this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the sacrifice of Fr. Ignatius Maternowski, a Franciscan Friar Conventual and Chaplain to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne during the Second World War. Fr. Ignatius is the only chaplain killed in action during the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France.

Fr. Ignatius and his regiment parachuted into Normandy at 1:30 a.m. on D-Day, June 6, 1944. In the ensuing days, he and the regiment moved through Normandy and he ministered to the wounded and dead in heavy hedgerow during the fighting. Fr. Ignatius was compassionate and steadfast in his ministry, successfully negotiating with German soldiers to establish a joint aid station for both German and American soldiers. On June 13th, one week after landing in France, he was killed by a German sniper while trying to find a doctor to treat a wounded comrade.

Fr. Ignatius' story expresses the courage of the brave individuals who served, and who continue to serve, our country as military chaplains. These individuals share in the sacrifice of our men and women in the Armed Forces and on behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, and the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District, I am proud to honor the heroism of one such as Fr. Ignatius Maternowski.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to honor ErieI Gaylord, Sammy Saldana, and Melany Davila, from Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Pennsylvania. These students participated in the 2019 National C-SPAN Student Cam Video Contest, and out of 3,000 entries, their five-minute entry entitled, ``America's Homeless,'' earned them an honorable mention.

This was certainly a profile in courage, as one of the students, ErieI Gaylord, bravely shared her experience with homelessness. In telling her story, Eriel helped to raise awareness and educate others on the many challenges faced by homeless youth--while encouraging other individuals and families, who face similar challenges, to take advantage of the resources available in our communities to help them obtain housing security.

Each American faces their own challenges and pursues their own passions; resilience, however, is a defining characteristic of Pennsylvania's Ninth District. No matter the challenges we face, the determination with which we rise to meet them defines us more than our trials themselves.

Eriel's story and the context in which it is presented should inspire each of us. Although it is troubling that such daunting challenges face young people in my own district, I am inspired by their engagement, advocacy, and passion. It is an honor to recognize Eriel's bravery, and the work of these students. May they continue to engage their passions, pursue solutions, and showcase American resilience.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this rule and to H.R. 1644, also known as the government-controlled internet act.

Once again, House Democrats are putting Federal Government control over freedom and bringing to the floor yet another partisan, central command government bill.

H.R. 1644, or the government-controlled internet act, which, fortunately, has no chance of being signed into law, goes against everything that made the internet what it is today.

There is a reason the United States is home to the top internet companies in the world. This doesn't happen by accident. It is because of the laissez faire approach that allows for an environment of economic growth, competition, and innovation.

Instead of building on the pro-innovation approach that has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and stay connected, this legislation would impose heavy-handed, top-down regulations that would box the internet into outdated rules written in the 1930s.

Why is the Democratic majority supporting a bill that will take the internet backwards?

This bill is the quintessential solution in search of a problem. If we want to protect constituents, promote investment, and encourage innovation, H.R. 1644 is not the solution.

If my colleagues across the aisle are serious about protecting consumers and ensuring access to a free and open internet, then we need to find bipartisan consensus on net neutrality principles that address blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. We need a modern framework that allows for continued American innovation and investment, not another Federal Government regulatory takeover.

H.R. 1644 is not a serious solution to protecting our constituents and advancing American ingenuity. I urge my colleagues to oppose this effort and send a clear message that we need to move the internet forward, not backward. I hope they will oppose this rule and the underlying legislation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the brave service of World War II U.S. Army Veteran Henry W. Smith of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is the esteemed recipient of the rank of Knight in the order of the Legion of Honour.

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military or civilian service. This award is reserved for those extraordinary individuals around the world who have made outstanding achievements and have dedicated themselves to defending the principles of liberty and equality. In the case of Mr. Smith, through his courage and conviction, he went above and beyond his call to serve during the Second World War.

Mr. Smith bravely fought on the shores of Normandy, even surviving a boat crash and supporting our frontline efforts. He also participated in campaigns in Germany, Belgium, Holland and the Ardennes. He has received various military awards and decorations, including five Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.

By virtue of his service, Mr. Smith has made great contributions to the American story, defended democracy, and most importantly, preserved our freedom. On behalf of the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer my most sincere and humble thanks to Mr. Smith for his service and sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, we, our country, over the past 2 years have lived through persistent and daily accusations against our President of Russian collusion in his election, accusations made by many Democrats and the media. Our President was accused of nothing short of high crimes and misdemeanors.

A 2-year, thorough investigation was carried out. Last Friday, perhaps the most thorough investigation in recent history concluded. The investigation enjoyed not only complete, unlimited access to witnesses, but the resources of the entire Federal Government, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the intelligence community.

The Mueller investigation reached a conclusion that no Russian collusion took place nor was there any evidence of any participation by any persons in the campaign.

The verdict is in. Nevertheless, our Democrat colleagues continue to talk about a further investigation. Any further investigations would not have the fraction of resources of the Mueller investigation.

I ask: Seriously? Another investigation? This one was not enough? Or are we prolonging for the sake of prolonging this issue?

We owe it to the American people to accept the facts from a 2-year investigation, move on, and do the work we were sent here to do. We owe this to the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Mr. Matthew Anthony of Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Matthew proudly represented Carbon County at the North American Special Olympics in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was named the Special Olympics North American Unified Gold Medalist in bowling.

Matthew competes with his father, Christopher, and they are the first Special Olympics unified team from Carbon County, as well as the first bowling team from our area to make it to the national competition.

Matthew has been actively involved with the Special Olympics since the Carbon County delegation was established fourteen years ago and has competed in a variety of different sports in addition to bowling, including floor hockey, track and field and bocce. Matthew is a strong competitor and a positive voice for all members of the vibrant Special Olympics community and the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District.

In his free time, Matthew works at his family business in Palmerton, plays video games, and enjoys restoring his 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Wood Panel Station Wagon. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Matthew for his many achievements and outstanding legacy of continued sportsmanship and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Delina Rodrigues of Carbon County, who represented the United States at the Special Olympics World Games in the United Arab Emirates. Delina took home three medals from the games: a bronze medal in the bench press competition and two gold medals in the deadlift and overall lifting events.

Delina's success at the Special Olympics is the result of her many years of hard work and dedication to power lifting and track and field events. Having competed in various sports for Carbon County's Special Olympics Organization for fourteen years, she continues to exhibit great mental strength, athletic skill, and sportsmanship as she competes on the global stage.

In addition to her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Delina is also a graduate of Carbon County Technical Institute. She is a great representation of the values we hold dear in Pennsylvania's Ninth District: courage, enthusiasm, and perseverance.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in celebrating Delina's remarkable achievements and wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors and competitions.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Paul Karpovich of Luzerne County. Master Sgt. Karpovich was recently presented with the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal and is the first recipient of this distinguished award.

The Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal is reserved for those within our great Commonwealth who go above and beyond to support Pennsylvania's veterans. A member of the National Guard, Master Sgt. Karpovich has transcended his call to serve. He has become an instrumental member of the veterans community in Pennsylvania, giving selflessly to many men and women who served before him.

For nearly 20 years, Master Sgt. Karpovich has served on the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Committee, he is also a life member of AMVETS Post 59, a member of American Legion Post 395, serves on the board of directors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Veterans Multi- care Alliance, and is a member of the Honorary First Defenders.

Nearly 800,000 veterans call Pennsylvania home. We are fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Master Sgt. Karpovich who work to support our heroes. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Paul Karpovich on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for the many contributions he has made and continues to make, to our veterans.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1.

The people have a right to know what this bill truly is: a Big Government, central command takeover of our elections by the new House majority. This bill should be called the Democratic Politician Protection Act.

This legislation is virtually a complete takeover by the Federal Government of State and local voting jurisdictions. It imposes new mandates, including more than 2 weeks of mandatory early voting and same-day registration, and diminishes the process of election day voting by expanding absentee voting and allowing both current and newly registered voters to cast their ballot by mail, with no additional safeguards to that process.

The bill also allows felons to vote, violating our Constitution by usurping the 14th Amendment ability of States to determine whether felons may vote or not.

An example of its impracticality can be seen in Lenhartsville Borough, Berks County, in my district, a small borough with a polling place that averages 60 voters each election. This bill would mandate that Lenhartsville open and operate a polling place for 15 days of early voting. That is absurd.

Astonishingly, this bill also includes a 6-to-1 match of public funds to the campaign of a candidate that individual taxpayers may not even support on contributions up to $200. That is a possible $1,200 match of public funds going to fund political campaigns for each contribution.

This legislation is not for the people. It is for partisan power. H.R. 1 isn't just terrible policy, it is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the political process itself and change the rules to favor one side.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I hope they will stand with me in defending the Constitution and the sanctity of our elections. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Madam Speaker, I was present, did insert card and voted No on final passage on Enhanced Background Checks Act, but my vote was not recorded.

personal explanation

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize Dr. Stanley J. Dudrick and his many contributions to the field of medical science and to his home community in Northeast Pennsylvania.

Dr. Dudrick grew up in Nanticoke, a small Pennsylvania coal mining town, and through hard work and dedication, grew to become a prominent figure in the medical profession. His research led to the development of a technique that revolutionized patient care--the practice of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN allows individuals who are unable to obtain adequate nutrition through the digestive tract to receive much- needed nutrition intravenously. The TPN method has helped save an estimated 10 million children and has been acknowledged as one of the most important advancements in surgery of the past century.

Dr. Dudrick's contributions to the medical profession extend beyond his pioneering research. He has published over 700 works related to the care and management of surgical patients and has authored or co- authored over 2,500 scientific referenced citations--the most for any general surgeon. In addition to serving the residents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District as the medical director of the physician assistant program at Misericordia University and professor of surgery at The Commonwealth Medical College, Dr. Dudrick is chairman emeritus in the Department of Surgery and director emeritus of Program in Surgery at Saint Mary's Hospital, and professor emeritus of surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine.

Advancements in medical research have allowed us to make important strides in increasing the quality of life for individuals who suffer from a variety of medical conditions, finding more effective and less invasive treatments, and most importantly, saving more lives. Dr. Dudrick is a pioneer in this regard, and his ingenuity, scientific prowess, and dedication to the human condition has made him a fixture in the medical community.

Dr. Dudrick, through his creative thinking and ground-breaking invention, has improved the health of millions around the world and contributed to the survival of countless more. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and thanking Dr. Dudrick for his many contributions to the medical community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Jason Witmier, Assistant Fire Chief of the Pottsville Fire Department and President of the Good Intent Fire Company. Jason is ending his tenure after bravely serving the city of Pottsville and its residents for over twenty-five years.

An exceptional public servant, Jason has acted with pride, humility, and courage as a firefighter since 1991 and as Assistant Fire Chief for ten years. He has responded to countless emergency situations, always with an eagerness to help and a willingness to comfort those who are faced with unfortunate circumstances.

Jason has spent his career safeguarding the wellbeing of his fellow citizens and improving the safety of his community, which has made him a cornerstone of Pottsville. He is a truly valued member of his community and serves as an example for his peers and younger generations to follow.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Jason for his dedicated and brave service to Pottsville. We wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.