Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of dual-American and Israeli citizen--Omer Balva--who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending Israel from terrorism.

Omer grew up in Rockville, Maryland, where he lived until he was 18. Every summer, he traveled to Israel to visit relatives, and quickly fell in love with the beautiful country, where his parents came from. After graduating high school from the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, he moved to Israel to join the Israeli military--ready and willing to step up and defend his new home, his family, and his friends. He finished his three-year IDF service and then enrolled in college. A few weeks ago, Omer traveled to America with his girlfriend to vacation and visit friends--including his best friend, Ethan Missner, and Ethan's father, Jonathan Missner, whom I consider a friend.

After the heinous terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7th, Omer was recalled from his vacation in America to his unit in order to mobilize and deploy to the Lebanese border to protect against ongoing attacks. On Friday, October 20th--just three days after being deployed--he was killed in action. He was 22 years old.

Omer had big life plans. He was soon to get married, start a family, work at his father's

business, and teach his future children to love Israel as much as he did. He had his whole life ahead of him, and today we mourn the life he lost.

His commitment to the greater good, his unwavering bravery, and his altruism were a guiding light for all who knew him. And although we can never repay Omer or his family for his courageous efforts, may his memory be a blessing.

We must honor Omer Balva for his service and strength to fight back against terrorism as we hope for peace in Israel and beyond. May his memory be a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of Mr. Andy Flick, my former Chief of Staff, as he departs the People's House after 14 years to serve Vice President Harris as her new Director of Legislative Affairs.

When I was elected to Congress in 2018, I had achieved success in business, but I was a novice at operating in the halls of Congress. I had big ideas about what our country needed, and I knew I needed the right team in place to execute and help me be as effective a legislator as I possibly could. It was recommended I speak with Andy, who had significant experience in the House, an impressive professional network, and was brimming with ideas on how to run a Congressional office.

I hired Andy and we were off and running. Andy knew how to both move legislation and manage a team to bring out their potential. Our best conversations revolved around my experience running a business and applying it to management on Capitol Hill. From Andy, I learned from his insights into politics and procedure. As a manager, Andy ran our team with professionalism and empathy, and consistently pushed the team to achieve our shared goals. Andy helped me realize one of my top priorities in Congress when we founded the Freshman Working Group on Addiction--which has since grown into the Bipartisan Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Task Force, a 140-member group dedicated to overcoming the opioid epidemic. We signed four bills into law my freshman term and chalked up more wins in the 117th Congress.

As a true talent, Andy was eventually offered a position he couldn't refuse--to become Executive Director of the New Democrat Coalition. Over the three years he served in my office, Andy proved himself a consummate leader by hiring and training a team that operated with his same dedication to public service--and so was able to take the new opportunity, knowing he left the office in good hands. Similarly, he leaves the New Democrat Coalition for another opportunity, leaving behind a Coalition that is stronger and more impactful for his leadership.

I will continue to support Andy to achieve all his professional and personal goals. His hard work and innovative thinking have earned my respect, and his commitment to public service has earned my admiration. He will always be my first great advisor in public office, and a true friend.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the staff of my office past and present, I celebrate Andy's 14-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives and wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.

Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding. Here we are, 3 days from a government shutdown voting again on extreme Republican-led bills that do nothing to prevent it. The ink wasn't even dry on the bipartisan debt ceiling bill deal before Republican leadership reneged on their word, reneged on their promise.

Instead, the bills we are considering this week include disastrous funding cuts and culture war priorities--priorities that apparently play well in fundraising emails but fail to address our Nation's problems like the opioid crisis.

This Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill would dedicate $2 billion in taxpayer money to build a border wall--a 6th century solution to a 21st century problem, especially considering 90 percent of fentanyl comes to the border at legal points of entry driven by American citizens.

As a member of this subcommittee, I find this unbelievable.

Across the board, the Republicans' funding bill undercuts our ability to take care of America today and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

It is about time the Republicans put the needs of the majority over the loud few and pass a government funding bill that meets America's needs.

Campaign season is over.

Campaign season is over. It is time to govern. I urge my colleagues to reject this hyperpartisan bill and pass the bipartisan Senate bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Congressman Roscoe Bartlett, who faithfully represented Maryland's 6th Congressional District for 2 decades, from 1993 to 2013.

As one of the longest-serving representatives in Maryland history, Congressman Bartlett and I have shared the honor of representing Western Maryland in the U.S. House of Representatives.

And while our politics differ, one of Congressman Bartlett's efforts that I strongly commend was to expand green energy and fight against climate change. As former Leader Steny Hoyer once said, ``Roscoe was green before it was cool to be green.''

Congressman Bartlett embodies the spirit of a true self-made American. Born a few years before the Great Depression and raised on a tenant farm in Western Pennsylvania, he persevered to become an engineer for the U.S. Navy, earn a Ph.D. in physiology, and serve as a Member of Congress. Beyond his congressional service, he is a loving husband and a devoted father of 10.

Today, we thank Congressman Bartlett for his service to this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the achievements of Miss Jessica Thompson, a resident of Middletown, Maryland and member of the Frederick County Knucklers marble shooting team. On June 22, 2023, Miss Thompson won the 100th Annual National Marbles Tournament. In addition to winning the top title in the girls' division, she won the honor of Good Sportsmanship. These titles earned her a college scholarship.

As this year marks the 100th annual tournament, it is regarded as the oldest children's competitive sport in the United States, having started in 1922. During the week of June 22nd, young girls and boys from all across the nation gathered to participate in tournaments, engaging in over 1,200 games of Ringer. Throughout the intense three- day event, Jessica displayed her exceptional skills by competing in more than 100 games. With determination and skill, she clinched the championship.

It is with great pride that Maryland's sixth district welcomes the Queen of Marbles home to Middletown, and we wish her continued success in all of her endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on June 22, 2023, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on rollcall No. 285.

I strongly oppose H. Res. 529, a resolution to refer H. Res. 503 from the House floor to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Committee on the Judiciary. That resolution impeaches President Joe Biden for high crimes and misdemeanors relating to actions taken that involve immigration and the southern border. President Biden continues to lead with integrity and has done more than any other President to combat substance use disorder and address the mental health crisis. In the absence of Congressional action, I have been heartened to work with the Biden Administration to make significant and meaningful reforms to address the immigration challenges facing our Nation. Rather than consider legislation that is purely politically driven, it is my hope that we get back to the serious work of legislating on the real issues our country faces. for the People.

I also would have voted ``NAY'' on rollcall No. 286. I strongly oppose H. Res. 461. condemning the use of elementary and secondary school facilities to provide shelter for aliens who are not admitted to the United States. Migrants deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and I commend anyone who follows the Golden Rule and finds shelter for those most in need.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to condemn the extreme Republicans' action to hold our economy hostage and their refusal to pass a clean bill to raise the debt.

Today, we are 7 days from defaulting on our Nation's debt, 7 days from seniors losing their Social Security checks, 7 days from our veterans losing their healthcare benefits, 7 days from our country losing all financial credibility.

Not only are the Republicans determined to cut billions from vital programs, they are also now telling Members to go home for the weekend. Hard to believe.

We came to Congress to work on issues important to our States and our country. American families are depending on us to pay our bills on time, just like they do every single month. But as our Nation is on the brink of an economic tailspin, Republicans are headed to the airport.

Well, America is running out of runway to avoid a default. It is time we acted like it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote against the extremist Republicans' default on our debt act.

The legislation, offered by Speaker McCarthy, really begs the question: Is this what we stand for?

The default on our debt act means a 22 percent cut to our education system, our students, and our Nation's competitiveness. Is this what we stand for?

It means a 22 percent cut to the VA, cutting law enforcement, including healthcare for America's brave; cuts to State grants to fund the prosecution against domestic violence. Is this what we stand for?

It makes a 22 percent cut to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children that feeds 53 percent of the infants in the U.S. and ensures they have nutritious food to survive. Is this what we stand for?

It is certainly not what I stand for, and I plan to vote ``no'' on the legislation.

Madam Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 212, the Protecting our Land Act.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear everybody supports this legislation. All of my police departments, all of my sheriffs, all support this legislation.

I urge my colleagues to pass the Law Enforcement De-Escalation Training Act, a bill I am proud to co-lead with my friend, Los Angeles' new mayor, Karen Bass.

By funding improved training for police calls involving individuals suffering from mental or behavioral health issues, we make our communities safer.

Up to 10 percent of all police encounters involve a person experiencing serious mental health issues.

This bill will equip our officers with skills that better secure the safety of our citizens and our first responders. That is what matters.

De-escalation improves the trust between law enforcement and the community they are sworn to protect. That is what matters.

Building safer communities and protecting lives. That is what matters.

After passing unanimously in the Senate, this effort deserves similar support in the House. I thank Senators Cornyn and Whitehouse, and Representatives Bass, Chabot, and Issa for their leadership on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, it is time we do right by our officers in our community.

Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Porter), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, today I rise in support of the mental health of our students at institutions of higher education.

Studies show that 73 percent of college students suffer a mental health crisis during their time in college.

I came to Congress to improve the future outlook of our country. Well, Mr. Chair, our children are that future.

How will our children succeed if they do not have the proper support to flourish?

The underlying bill will benefit the mental health of our youth and college-aged students, and my amendment seeks to provide additional guidance to colleges that are trying to help.

My amendment would require the Department of Education to provide recommendations on how to improve the mental health and substance use disorder resources on college campuses and guidance on how to adhere to the current Federal laws around access to mental health disability services.

We owe our children the best possible opportunity to succeed, and that means paying attention to their mental health in the same way we pay attention to their grades, by keeping them mentality fit.

I thank Representative Porter for her continued advocacy for students' mental health, and Representative Bonamici for cosponsoring the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chair, I sit on three college boards, and all the commentary of the colleges' presidents is the same. We have a major issue dealing with mental health in our colleges, and they would love to have guidance from experts at the Department of Education.

Will this be perfect? No.

Is anything perfect? No.

We all know perfection is the enemy of the good.

I suggest we move forward and pass this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to urge my colleagues to pass the Honoring our PACT Act to give our veterans the healthcare they earned.

Over 3.5 million veterans have been exposed to toxins, such as burn pits, during deployment, causing horrific health impacts. To add insult to injury, the disability benefit claims process places the burden on our vets themselves to jump through hoops. This is a shameful problem-- a shameful problem--one we are determined to fix.

This legislation, which includes my FASTER Presumptions Act, will help cut the red tape and streamline procedures for veterans who have earned it to access their healthcare benefits faster. Our veterans served our country with honor and we have to honor their service.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to honor our PACT through this bill, and I thank Chairman Takano for his leadership.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to applaud the passage of Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, a comprehensive package of over 30 bills, 6 of which I proudly led.

Today, over 50 million Americans struggle with mental illness, and over 20 million Americans struggle with substance use disorder. We have lost nearly 1 million lives to suicide and over 1 million Americans to drug overdoses in the last 20 years.

Today, we are on course to lose another 1.2 million Americans in the next decade to drug overdoses. We cannot afford to wait until tomorrow, so today, we took action. This effort served as a first step of a continued journey to end these crises that have taken far too long and taken too many.

We proudly cast our vote to help save the lives of our fellow Americans. I thank Chairman Frank Pallone, Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers, Leader Hoyer, and their teams for making this vision a reality.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass our bill, the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022, so we keep tackling mental health stigma across this country.

It has been almost 3 years since Montgomery County Officer T.J. Bomba passed away from suicide. He was 38 years old and left behind a wife and two sons.

In the immediate aftermath, we brought together Officer Bomba's colleagues and the head of NIMH, Dr. Joshua Gordon, and others to chart a course of action. We discussed access to care, the stigma surrounding mental health, and how we could be advocates for change.

The roundtable produced two calls to action: increasing peer counseling support opportunities for mental health and providing parity and benefits for mental health conditions.

I made a promise that day to do everything I could to turn these ideas into law. Six months ago, we accomplished one of our goals when I stood alongside Officer Bomba's wife and two sons as President Biden signed the first of our two bills into law.

The COPS Counseling Act increased access to peer support and will help fight stigma and improve access to mental health services. Today, I stand here and applaud the passage of our second bill, the Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022.

According to research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, public safety officers are 25 times more likely to develop acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health conditions than our general public, and the conditions often go untreated due to the stigma of mental health.

As it stands, mental health is excluded from the PSOB program. For officers killed in the line of duty, the family is eligible to receive benefits. However, when an officer dies by suicide that is directly tied to their job, the family is unable to seek death benefits.

This bill will address the issue of stigma and provide the overdue parity between physical and mental injuries.

Officers that are totally disabled as a result of their service will have access to disability benefits. The families of officers who pass away from service-linked suicide will have access to death benefits.

This approach has been endorsed by numerous mental health organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

With the help of the public safety officer community, mental health experts, and my colleagues in Congress, I am proud to bring this piece of legislation before the House.

I thank everyone who joined the roundtable in 2019. We have taken a tragedy and turned it into actionable solutions.

I thank all the stakeholders who have worked hard to bring this legislation to the House floor. I appreciate their hard work. I thank, Congressman Reschenthaler, for co-leading this bill and for helping us give it strong bipartisan support.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3527) to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transfer the name of property of the Department of Veterans Affairs designated by law to other property of the Department.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on S. 3527.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of S. 3527, a commonsense piece of legislation introduced by the chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Jon Tester.

The purpose of this bill is to ensure the Secretary has the authority to transfer the name of a facility to another physical property should VA decide it needs to relocate the facility. Such a relocation could occur if there is a need to increase clinic space or to move a facility closer to the veteran population.

I hope my colleagues see the benefit of such authority and will join me in supporting this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing S. 3527, and I yield back the balance of my time.