Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Speaker, PFAS chemicals affect our drinking water, our crops, the air we breathe, and the products we bring into our homes.

As Members know, PFAS are a large class of chemicals that are highly persistent and mobile in the environment. They are commonly referred to as forever chemicals.

PFAS have contaminated more than 2,300 sites across 49 States, polluting the drinking water of an estimated 200 million Americans, including thousands of households in my home State of North Carolina and at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Forever chemicals have been associated with a wide range of serious health effects, including a probable link with cancer, thyroid disease, lower fertility, and more. Over 500 PFAS are included on the Federal inventory of chemicals that can be used in commerce, but we know very little about what these chemicals are, where they are manufactured and used, and how the American people and our troops are being exposed.

Thankfully, after years of indecision, Congress took bipartisan action in the fiscal year 2020 NDAA, directing EPA to complete a PFAS reporting rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The rule requires EPA to use its existing authority to obtain information about all PFAS manufactured since 2011, including their identity, where they are manufactured, total amounts produced, general categories of how they are used, and existing information on environmental and health effects.

We lack this information for virtually all of the PFAS that have been manufactured and released into the environment in our country, a critical blind spot that hinders our ability to understand the full scope of the challenge we face and how to protect the public and our troops.

Unfortunately, EPA's proposed rule contains a significant flaw. It defines ``PFAS'' far too narrowly, excluding hundreds of these forever chemicals, including some that have already been found in drinking water or that have been incinerated as waste around the country.

During the comment period, numerous stakeholders, including drinking water utilities, State environmental protection agencies, PFAS scientists, 17 State attorneys general, all urged EPA to use a broader definition in the final rule, with many advocating for the consensus definition recently adopted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

A reporting rule that fails to capture the full universe of PFAS will deprive EPA, Congress, the States, and the public of information necessary to address the effects of PFAS effectively and efficiently.

My bipartisan amendment with Representative Mace directs EPA to use a simple definition of PFAS--one fully fluorinated carbon atom--that is consistent with the international definition.

A final PFAS reporting rule using the definition in our amendment will ensure that we have the full picture of the nature and extent of the PFAS effects, enabling Congress and the administration to formulate an effective plan of action to address these problems.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to make it clear that this is a reporting rule, it is not a regulation. It is more like a law requiring labeling on food and packaging, and it gives the public information about chemicals that affect their health. Our water resource agencies are asking for this. We are trying to clean up some of the effects.

In North Carolina, we are seeing this in the Cape Fear River. Again, it is affecting the health of our people and our troops.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the public, in the comment period, has said that we need more information and a more robust definition.

It also belongs in the NDAA because it originated in the 2020 NDAA, and it has affected troops in North Carolina, particularly adjacent to the Cape Fear River.

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

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution H. Res. 1191 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 1191, for three measures.

First, it provides for consideration of H.R. 4176 under a structured rule. The rule self-executes a manager's amendment, provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, makes in order three amendments, and provides a motion to recommit.

Second, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 5585 under a structured rule. The rule provides for 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, makes in order one amendment, and provides a motion to recommit.

Third, the rule provides for consideration of H.R. 7666 under a structured rule. The rule self-executes a manager's amendment, provides 1 hour of general debate equally controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, makes in order 17 amendments, and provides en bloc authority and a motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule extends recess instructions, suspension authority, and same-day authority through July 13, and any requested roll call votes on suspension bills considered from June 21 to June 24 may be postponed through July 15.

Madam Speaker, I stand in support of the three bills in this rule: H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act; H.R. 5585, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act; and H.R. 4176, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act.

I want to start by thanking Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Pallone and Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers for their work crafting a bipartisan package to tackle the growing mental health crisis in our country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a dramatic rise in global mental health illness associated with anxiety, depression, and collective grief.

In my State, almost 45 percent of North Carolinians reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in February 2021, with more than 22 percent unable to get necessary care, largely because of prohibitive costs.

Almost 130,000 children ages 12 through 17 in North Carolina suffer from adolescent depression. Multiply that nationwide. More than half of the children in North Carolina did not receive any care in the past year. Once they reach high school, these children are twice as likely to drop out of school as their peers.

These statistics tell just part of the story of families disrupted, education delayed, and the barriers facing Americans striving to achieve their full potential and well-being.

Congress has a duty to address this crisis with the same urgency with which we passed COVID-19 legislation.

Today, we are doing just that with H.R. 7666, the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, which will provide improved access to healthcare for mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders.

This legislation boosts compliance with mental health parity laws, supports mental health care through telehealth, and reauthorizes key programs that fund mental health services, all deeply needed by our people.

This rule also includes H.R. 5585, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act, ARPA-H.

For decades, the United States has been the leader in biomedical research around the world. However, our country has recently shown signs of slowing in this sector.

Promising research opportunities are put on hold due to high cost, complex coordination, long wait periods, and many other factors.

My State of North Carolina became the first State in the country to have a State-supported entity dedicated to promoting growth of the life sciences industry after the creation of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center in 1984.

In my district of Wake County, the Research Triangle Park stands as the largest research park in North America. ARPA-H will have profound influences in North Carolina's economy and the national economy and stimulate the development of breakthroughs in health research that will benefit millions of Americans.

H.R. 5585 will authorize $500 million each year for the next 5 years to support ARPA-H and fund groundbreaking research and development to continue saving American lives.

Finally, this rule includes H.R. 4176, the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act. Most legislators agree that good policy should be evidence-based. Our Government collects demographic data to ensure we can identify whether certain groups of Americans are facing obstacles to the equal opportunities they need to thrive. However, Federal agencies are not currently required to collect demographic data on sexual orientation and gender identity. We need this data to know how to address issues faced by the LGBTQI+ people and combat discrimination.

In 2019, UCLA found that nearly one in four LGBTQ adults in the South, including in my State of North Carolina,

live in poverty, a rate higher than the overall poverty rate in the United States.

LGBTQI+ youth, in particular, face high levels of homelessness and are at greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts than their peers. With good data, we can implement good programs aimed at eliminating these disparities and help members of this community reach their full potential.

As Cathy Renna of the National LGBTQ Task Force says, ``If we don't get counted, we don't count.'' This community is asking to be counted. Our Nation has already gone through the poor policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. We now have a responsibility to reverse the effects of this policy to help members of the LGBTQI+ community live as their authentic selves.

We can do that by allowing individuals to voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation and gender identities. In other words, by asking and letting them decide to tell.

Madam Speaker, I urge support for the rule and the three bills it contains, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a June 11, 2021, CNN Business article entitled ``LGBTQ+ Americans aren't fully counted by the government. That's a big problem.''

[From CNN Business, June, 11, 2021]

LGBTQ+ Americans Aren't Fully Counted by the Government. That's a Big

Problem

(By Anneken Tappe and Alicia Wallace)

Government data help policymakers find and fix problems for

people in need. But that's tricky if some groups aren't

represented in the stats.

This is the case for the LGBTQ+ community, and it's a huge

problem. Here's an example: The government's monthly jobs

report shows how many men and women, Black, White, Asian and

Hispanic workers are unemployed. The stats lay bare a lot of

inequities, but there are no comparable federal data on

LGBTQ+ workers.

``We are invisible in federal statistics, when it comes to

some policymakers,'' said

Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the National LGBT

Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

Put more bluntly: ``If we don't get counted, we don't

count,'' said Cathy Renna, communications director at the

National LGBTQ Task Force.

Official stats, including the Census, are used to decide

how federal funds are distributed--to the tune of $1.5

trillion. But data gaps in the jobs reports, health surveys

and the decennial Census affect millions of people: 5.6

percent of US adults identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or

transgender, according to a Gallup survey published in

February.

Official data are needed ``to ensure that LGBT people are

included in efforts to reduce unemployment through increased

labor force participation, as well as to monitor compliance

with anti-discrimination provisions,'' researchers at the

UCLA School of Law's Williams Institute wrote earlier this

year in support of adding LGBTQ+ questions to the Current

Population Survey, which helps create the jobs report.

Recent research has found higher rates of poverty,

unemployment, health disparities, and workplace

discrimination among LGBTQ+ adults, according to the Williams

Institute. The negative outcomes were even greater among

transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ people of color.

Examples of how data can change outcomes for the LGBTQ+

community include the establishment of the Massachusetts

Commission on LGBTQ youth, school training services and

ongoing research after former Governor William Weld sought to

respond to an increase in LGBTQ+ youth suicides; the

improvement of individuals' medical care following research

asking patients about their sexual orientation and gender

identity; and the creation of equity programs within the Los

Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services

following a study that showed LGBTQ+ youth were

overrepresented in the youth foster system and experienced

harsher treatment.

Although independent research from the Williams Institute

and established pollsters such Gallup have provided some data

about the community, that research just doesn't carry the

same weight as government stats in leading to funding of

direct services and addressing the needs of people in the

queer community, Renna said.

Across government agencies, academics and the LGTBQ+

community itself, people have expressed a desire to better

understand the needs of that population. The government is

doing research to figure out how to best ask about sexual

orientation and gender identity.

But the business of big, robust data sets is complicated.

Government statistics are pretty sophisticated and the

methodology behind surveys goes through a lot of prodding.

But when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community, government

institutions haven't done enough research yet to make broader

improvements to the data.

The worry is that reporting errors on questions surrounding

sexual orientation and gender identity may lead to much

bigger errors in the eventual data.

``Questions for relatively small populations must be

formulated especially carefully; if they are not, even

relatively small sampling or reporting errors can lead to

large errors in estimates,'' the US Bureau of Labor

Statistics told CNN Business in an email.

The questions the Census Bureau asks also have to go

through an established process to review wording and

effectiveness. Ultimately the Office of Management and Budget

approves any new questions.

When the government surveys households, for example to

learn about America's employment situation, one person

answers questions for other members of their household. That

can make it harder to get accurate data on members of the

LGBTQ+ community, especially if a person hasn't come out to

their family, or if the survey respondent is uncomfortable

talking about another household member's sexual orientation

or gender identity.

``Not everyone's out,'' Renna added. ``Some of us live in

places where you can be fired if you come out.''

The NGLCC, which leans heavily on community-driven surveys

and private sector research, has yet to meet with the Census

and BLS on inclusive data-gathering efforts, Nelson said. But

he said he is optimistic about the Biden-Harris

Administration's efforts to broaden the scope of its data

collection.

President Joe Biden last week, in officially recognizing

June as Pride Month, urged Congress to pass the Equality Act

to ensure civil rights protections for members of the LGBTQ+

community and their families.

``We are a strong part of the economic fabric . . . not

just in Pride Month,'' Nelson said. ``We need to get

inclusive on data collection immediately, because the sooner

we can normalize that data collection, the less opportunity

there is for erasing it.''

The people behind government surveys are doing research to

move toward a world in which official data are more

inclusive.

Figuring out how to best ask about things as personal as

sexual orientation and gender identity is at the forefront of

that research. The willingness and ability to answer

questions about sexual orientation and gender of other people

is just as critical, the Census Bureau told CNN Business.

The last BLS research paper on the topic is from 2017.

While it's feasible for the government to ask these

questions, the paper recommends more in-depth analysis.

``The reality is that it's very chicken and egg,'' Renna

said. ``If you don't have the data, you can't understand the

community. If you don't ask the community questions, you

don't have the data.''

Some government surveys already collect information on

gender identity and sexual orientation, including the

National Health Interview Survey, the National Crime

Victimization Survey and the National Survey of Children's

Health.

Last year, the 2020 Census made history by including same-

sex marriage and same-sex unmarried partners as options on

its survey. The Bureau of Labor Statistics--which uses

surveys to compile the government's monthly jobs report--

began including same-sex married couples in its tally of

married workers in January last year.

Considering that only 20 percent LGBTQ+ people live in

same-sex married households, these surveys leave out the vast

majority of the community, said Kerith Conran, the Blachford-

Cooper research director and distinguished scholar at the

Williams Institute.

And there is a greater dearth of data especially when it

comes to LGBTQ+ youth, transgender people and gender

identity, she added.

Earlier this year, Conran and her colleagues highlighted

those and other inequities in a public comment urging the US

Census Bureau and BLS to add sexual orientation, gender

identity and sex assigned at birth questions to the Current

Population Survey.

``There are ongoing health and economic inequities that

aren't going to go away unless people start paying attention

to them,'' she said in an interview with CNN Business.

Data on sexual orientation and gender identity aren't

collected consistently across states--for example, only 30

states included the SOGI module in a US Centers for Disease

Control-backed behavioral risk survey in 2019. This creates

big gaps in the data, particularly in regions such as the

South and Midwest, Conran added.

``Those are the places where non-discrimination protections

and social acceptance are also lacking,'' she said. ``In the

places where people probably have worse conditions, [there

are] less data available to see what's going on for people.''

Madam Speaker, we rely on all kinds of data to inform our policymaking.

Right now, LGBTQI+ Americans aren't represented in Federal statistics, like for unemployment, poverty, health, and discrimination.

This gap severely impacts our ability to make smart decisions that may affect their community, let alone decisions that will help those in their community. It is imperative that we begin to let these individuals count in our Federal data system just as we do race, ethnicity, gender, and age.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, a group of 156 organizations committed to advancing equality and opportunity for the LGBTQI+ community, including the YWCA, wrote to Congress in support of H.R. 4176.

They said in their letter: ``Collecting this information in federally supported surveys, such as the Current Population Survey and the National Health Interview Survey, is essential to improving the well- being of LGBTQI+ populations across key areas of life. For example, although data are limited, research indicates that LGBTQI+ communities experience disparities across multiple domains of life compared to non- LGBTQI+ populations.''

This inclusive data ``is a crucial tool to better identify and address these disparities and to promote more equitable outcomes and opportunities for LGBTQI+ communities.''

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the letter signed by the 156 organizations.

June 14, 2022.

Hon. Carolyn Maloney,

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform,

Washington, DC.

Hon. Raul Grijalva,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chairwoman Maloney and Congressman Grijalva: As a

group of 156 organizations committed to advancing equality

and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,

queer, intersex, and other sexual and gender diverse

(LGBTQI+) people in the United States, we are writing to

voice our enthusiastic support for the amendment in the

nature of a substitute and passage of the LGBTQI+ Data

Inclusion Act (H.R. 4176).

The LGBTQ Data Inclusion Act, as introduced, would

facilitate the collection of voluntary, self-disclosed

demographic data on sexual orientation and gender identity

across federal surveys. The amendment in the nature of a

substitute would add variations in sex characteristics (also

known as intersex traits) to the data voluntarily collected,

and would accordingly change the bill title to the LGBTQI+

Data Inclusion Act. Collecting this information in federally

supported surveys (such as the Current Population Survey and

National Health Interview Survey) is essential to improving

the well-being of LGBTQI+ populations across key areas of

life. For example, although data are limited, research

indicates that LGBTQI+ communities experience disparities

across multiple domains of life compared to non-LGBTQI+

populations. This includes evidence of higher rates of

poverty, unemployment, and economic instability experiences

of homelessness and housing insecurity; worse mental and

physical health outcomes; heightened barriers to access

adequate health care, and widespread experiences of

discrimination. Due to the intersecting forces of racism,

xenophobia, ableism, ageism, and transphobia, for LGBTQI+

communities of color, LGBTQI+ people with disabilities,

LGBTQI+ older adults, and transgender people, these

disparities are often even more pronounced. LGBTQI+-inclusive

data collection is a critical tool to better identify and

address these disparities and to promote more equitable

outcomes and opportunities for LGBTQI+ communities.

Currently, most surveys fielded by the federal government

not collect data on sexual orientation, gender identity, or

variations in sex characteristics. For example, although some

surveys, such as the decennial census and American Community

Survey, ask questions that allow for the identification of

cohabitating same-sex couples, it is estimated that only 1 in

6 LGBTQ individuals are captured by those kinds of questions.

Although progress has been made in recent years, the overall

lack of routine data collection on sexual orientation, gender

identity, and variations in sex characteristics poses a

significant obstacle for policymakers, researchers, service

providers, and advocates dedicated to improving the wellbeing

of LGBTQI+ communities, especially those living at the

intersection of multiple marginalized identities.

The federal government collects survey data on a wide range

of subjects and populations and is uniquely positioned to

engage in LGBTQI+-inclusive data collection to generate

accurate, consistent, and representative data at a scale that

allows for the disaggregation necessary to describe the

diversity of LGBTQI+ communities. As demonstrated in the

recent consensus report by the National Academies, questions

about sexual orientation, gender identity, and variations in

sex characteristics can and should be added to federally

supported surveys. By doing so, federal agencies can take

meaningful steps to fulfill the Biden-Harris administration's

priorities to promote equity for LGBTQI+ and other

underserved communities through various actions, including

but not limited to expanding data collection efforts.

Passage of this bill is essential to better understand the

experiences of LGBTQI+ communities, generate policy solutions

that are inclusive of LGBTQI+ people and their needs, and to

evaluate the effectiveness of those policies to reduce

disparities and advance equity. Again, we strongly support

the amendment in the nature of a substitute for the LGBTQI+

Data Inclusion Act (H.R. 4176) and urge Congress to quickly

take up and adopt this important proposal.

Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to

contact Caroline Medina and Madeline Shepherd with any

questions.

Signed in partnership,

1Hood Power, A Better Balance, Ace and Aro Alliance of

Central Ohio, Advocates for Youth, AGE of Central Texas, AIDS

Action Baltimore, AIDS Alabama South, AIDS Foundation

Chicago, allgo, American Academy of HIV Medicine, American

Psychological Association, American Public Health

Association, American Trans Resource Hub, Amida Care, APLA

Health, Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization, Athlete

Ally, Atlanta Pride Committee, Austin LGBT Coalition on

Aging, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Believe Out Loud,

BiNet USA, Brooklyn Community Pride Center, Inc., Cathedral

of Hope United Church of

Christ, Center for American Progress, Center for Applied

Transgender Studies, Center for Black Equity, Center for

Disability Rights, Center for Economic and Policy Research,

Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP).

Center for Reproductive Rights, CenterLink: The Community

of LGBT Centers, Colors+, Compton's Table, Corktown Health,

Council for Global Equality, CrescentCare, Damien Center,

DBGM, Inc., Dolan Research International, LLC, Elton John

AIDS Foundation, Engel O'Neil Advertising & Public Relations,

Equality California, Equality Illinois, Equitas Health, Erie

County Dems LGBTQIA+ Caucus Erie Gay News, Family Eldercare,

Family Equality, Family Values @ Work, Fenway Health,

Freedom for All Americans, Gay Elder Circle, Georgia

Equality, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD),

GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality,

GLSEN, GLSEN New Mexico, Health Equity Alliance for LGBTQ+

New Mexicans, HealthHIV, Hetrick-Martin Institute,

Hispanic Federation, HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, HIV

Medicine Association, Howard Brown Health, Hugh Lane

Wellness Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, interACT:

Advocates for Intersex Youth, Jacobs Institute of Women's

Health.

John Snow, Inc., Justice in Aging, Kachemak bay Family

Planning, Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition, Lawrence, Lee McAvoy,

LMHC, Let's Kick ASS AIDS Survivor Syndrome, LGBTQ Center OC,

LGBTQ Community Center of Southern Nevada, LGBTQ Victory

Institute, LGBTQ+ & Equity Consulting, LLC, LGBTQ+ Spectrum

of Findlay, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Lyon-Martin Community

Health Services, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger,

Methodist Federation for Social Action, Michigan Organization

on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH), Minority Veterans of

America, Movement Advancement Project, Naper Pride, NASTAD,

National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for

Transgender Equality, National Coalition for LGBTQ Health,

National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), National

Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National

LGBT Cancer Network, National LGBTQ Task Force, National

LGBTQ+ Bar Association, National Organization for Women,

National Women's Law Center, National Working Positive

Coalition.

New York Transgender Advocacy Group, North Carolina AIDS

Action Network, NW PA Pride Alliance, Inc., one-n-ten, Out &

Equal Workplace Advocates, one-n-ten, Out To Innovate, Out

Youth, OutCenter Southwest Michigan, OutNebraska, Outright

Vermont, PFLAG National, PGH Equality Center, Philanthrofund

Foundation, Positive Women's Network-USA, PowerOn, a program

of LGBT Technology Institute, PrEP4All, Prevention Access

Campaign, Pride at Work, Pride Center of New Jersey, Prism

United, Project Weber/RENEW, Resource Center, Roots of

Change, SAGE, SAGE Metro Detroit, San Diego Pride, SF LGBT

Center, SIECUS, Silver State Equality-Nevada, Still Bisexual,

The AIDS Institute, The Center on Colfax, Denver, CO, The

Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading, the Montrose Center,

The Source LGBT+ Center, The Trevor Project, The Well

Project, Thriving Mental Health Counseling NY PLLC, Trans

Maryland, Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT),

Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, Transhealth

Northampton, Treatment Action Group, U.S. People Living with

HIV Caucus, Umoja Behavioral Health PC, Union for Reform

Judaism, University of Nevada Las Vegas, URGE: Unite for

Reproductive & Gender Equity, Vivent Health, Waves Ahead

Corp, We Are Family, Whitman-Walker Institute, Woodhull

Freedom Foundation, YWCA USA.

Madam Speaker, I ask the gentleman if he is prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, the three bills in this rule have the potential to transform the health and opportunities of millions of Americans.

The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act reauthorizes and establishes 35 critical programs that provide access to mental health care and substance use disorder treatment across the country.

Recognizing the benefits of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill promotes behavioral health integration into primary care through increased access to telehealth as part of the pediatric mental health care access grant program reauthorization.

The bill also requires self-funded, non-Federal governmental healthcare plans to comply with mental health parity laws. Mental health care is healthcare, and it is time we treat it as such.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health Act will jump-start our Nation's investment in medical research and innovation. I am privileged to represent part of North Carolina's Research Triangle Park and see the breakthroughs that happen there. By establishing and funding ARPA- H, we ensure that research like this will continue, that more people will be able to access groundbreaking treatments and cures, and that our Nation remains a leader in medical innovation.

The LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act will equip our government agencies with the data they need to reduce barriers and challenges facing this community. Good data helps us make good policy. Without data, we are forced to legislate blindly and guess at solutions to close disparities.

Madam Speaker, I note that the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act does not mandate that anyone disclose information about their gender identity or sexual orientation. Under this bill, individuals choose whether to share that information or not.

This bill, which we take up during Pride Month, will help us ensure the LGBTQI+ community is represented in policies aimed at closing disparities and helping underserved groups.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the rule and the previous question.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today because there is no greater moral imperative for us as Representatives than protecting the safety of our children and our residents.

In recent weeks, our Nation has been yet again shaken to its core by the

senseless attack on our most vulnerable. Heartbreakingly, mass shootings have become a steady drumbeat in American life, striking community after community, and instilling fear in the American people as we drop our kids off at school, go to the grocery store, or enter a house of worship.

Madam Speaker, after each of these terrifying events, after the vigils have been held and the new cycle has moved on, there is one thing that never fades. Every person who has had a friend, neighbor, spouse, or child taken by violence, carries with them the heartbreaking pain of that incomprehensible loss.

So what will it take for Republican leaders to join us in taking action? So many Republicans agree with us. How many kids need to die? How many families need to suffer before they finally say enough is enough?

I have spent much of my public life in public service, and I believe in American democracy. And I still believe in the ability of men and women in this Chamber to set their differences aside, to make transformative change for the public good.

Madam Speaker, my plea to my colleagues across the aisle is to stand up for what is right. Let's start the hard work of building a safer America. I come from a southern State with plenty of law-abiding gun owners, but people from across North Carolina have been reaching out to me and my office, including several Republicans and gun owners.

Madam Speaker, I support the rule and commend it to this body.

Mr. Speaker, this week 51 Senators voted to allow the Supreme Court to strip women of their fundamental right to abortion healthcare. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortion access will be left in the hands of State legislatures dead set on turning the clock backward 50 years.

We have already seen what Republicans are capable of when it comes to women's personal liberties, and now I fear women in my home State of North Carolina could face a similar fate. All that stands between us, and an egregious abortion ban is Governor Roy Cooper and enough of his allies in the legislature.

Despite this threat, I am still hopeful because I believe that the women of North Carolina will make their voices heard. We are ready to fight for our freedom and liberty. Women deserve to have their decisions protected and respected.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the urgent need for additional relief for our restaurants.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, restaurants in my district and across the country have been at the front line of our battle against

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great admiration for the strength and grace that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has demonstrated throughout her nomination process for the United States Supreme Court.

Last week, people from all over the world watched as she embarked on a journey that only five other women in history have taken. For too long, our judicial system and our government have not reflected the great talent and diversity of our Nation.

Like so many young women, especially our mothers and grandmothers, I had very few female examples to emulate at the beginning of my legal career. When I was at a pivotal age in high school, trying to decide exactly what path to take and what was even possible to achieve, I got to watch the nomination process for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.

She was the first woman ever nominated to our Nation's highest Court, and I was deeply moved by her poise and intelligence under questioning from the much older male Senators. Her confirmation solidified in me a passion for the law and a belief that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to.

I then went on to become a student of the Constitution myself, attending law school, practicing constitutional law, arguing in court, and fighting for justice as an attorney, a State legislator, and now as a proud member of the Judiciary Committee in the United States House of Representatives.

The world has completely transformed since I watched that confirmation hearing in 1981, yet, since that time, only four other women have joined our Nation's highest Court. Each of these Justices brought a unique perspective and inspired young women across the country.

Because of the small number of women who have been appointed, every time a woman is up for the bench, it is necessarily historic. I am ready for it to be less historic.

Although 51 percent of our population is female, of the 115 Justices in American history, 110 of them have been men. And none of them, not one, has been an African-American woman. Mr. Speaker, that needs to change at a faster rate.

Justice Ginsburg was once asked when there will be enough women on the Court. She responded, ``When there are nine.''

If confirmed, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the next, and the first African-American woman. I would like to say ``when confirmed.'' Her nomination marks a momentous step forward in the long struggle for a judicial system that truly represents every American and delivers justice, fairness, and equality for all.

I can relate to all the young women out there watching this nomination process, feeling inspired to follow in her footsteps. Don't be deterred or dismayed by the disrespect that she was shown by a handful of Senators. My message to the young women is: You can do this. No matter the challenges or the obstacles, you can achieve your dreams.

Judge Brown Jackson said last week that her nomination is truly a testament to the hope and the promise of this country. She continues to give us new hope, especially to young women lawyers, and her rise to the highest Court of the land holds out the promise of a brighter future for our country.

Mr. Speaker, Judge Brown Jackson is an exceptional, extremely qualified nominee, and I look forward to calling her Justice Brown Jackson.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the NC State women's basketball team, who won their third straight ACC championship this year.

On Monday night, the entire Wolfpack community watched an incredible game as the women played their hearts out against UConn.

Our players fought until the very end, coming back in the second half after trailing by double digits, scoring a 3 pointer that sent them into double overtime.

It was no easy feat, playing UConn in their own territory, and NC State never gave up.

Too often, women athletes don't get the attention they deserve. The team was an example to all female athletes and all boys and girls seeking to play at the collegiate level.

Congratulations to the Wolfpack on a fantastic season.

Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my amendment, along with my colleague from North Carolina, Representative Rouzer.

This amendment will require the Department of Defense to study additional non-fire extinguishing agent sources of toxic PFAS, known as forever chemicals on military installations.

Our amendment also requires the Department of Defense to make a recommendation to Congress on expanding the eligibility for the VA's registry of individuals exposed to PFAS during their service.

While fire extinguishing agents are a common source of servicemember exposure to forever chemicals, as the Speaker knows, PFAS toxins are ever present on military bases from other sources.

Studies have shown that these dangerous toxicants are ubiquitous in the kinds of ready-made meal packages, textiles, and cookware used on military installations. Use of these products has exposed servicemembers and veterans to PFAS, which have been proven to cause cancer, liver damage, birth defects, and other troubling medical conditions.

We must ensure that we fully understand the scope of PFAS exposure on military bases and expand our parameters for veteran eligibility for medical care accordingly. Doing so will give veterans exposed to these toxins the opportunity to receive care for the conditions they develop as a result of their service in uniform.

This amendment not only empowers and protects veterans, but it solicits a critically important study from the DOD to better understand the presence of PFAS on military installations and prevent exposure in the future.

In alignment with the mission of the Honoring our PACT Act, this amendment upholds our responsibility to prevent and mitigate the health consequences of exposure to toxic substances.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for his outstanding leadership in bringing this important legislation to the floor. I also thank Representative Rouzer from North Carolina for joining me in offering this amendment.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano), the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Madam Speaker, this amendment will help us understand additional sources of PFAS exposure on military bases and empower veterans to seek medical care accordingly.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment along with Representative Rouzer and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, Russia's assault on Ukrainian freedom and democracy is an assault on freedom and democracy everywhere. That is why America and our allies are linking arms and engaging in unprecedented cooperation. President Biden has marshalled the world to impose severe consequences on Putin and the Russian economy.

Because of these crippling sanctions, Russia now stands at the precipice of a punishing financial crisis. American troops, many from Fort Bragg and elsewhere in North Carolina, are already in NATO countries in Eastern Europe, and more are on their way.

The international community is also sending support to countries neighboring Ukraine, including North Carolina's close partner, Moldova. As we continue to work on a robust new aid package, the prayers and admiration of the people of my district are with the brave Ukrainian freedom fighters risking their lives to defend their homeland.

Mr. Speaker, today, thousands of veterans struggle with the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances during their training or deployment. Congress has an obligation to provide these men and women with the resources, including healthcare services, they need to live with dignity.

The Honoring our PACT Act fulfills this duty by streamlining VA processes to receive care for toxic exposure-related illnesses, reducing the burden on all veterans. It also takes preemptive measures to ensure that the VA conducts research to track and identify emerging toxins. This will ensure that we are proactive in our efforts to safeguard the health of future veterans.

I am particularly pleased that this bill includes the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which gives our servicemembers the opportunity to seek compensation for exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

For decades, marines and their families stationed at this base unknowingly consumed, bathed in, and used water containing harmful chemicals and industrial solvents. As a result of their service, many veterans and their family members now suffer from serious medical conditions, including cancer and birth defects.

For years, North Carolina law prevented these individuals from seeking relief in court. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act rights this wrong, bringing long overdue justice to affected veterans.

The Honoring our PACT Act also creates a registry of veterans exposed to PFAS, or forever chemicals, from use of fire extinguishing agents in military installations. I proposed an amendment to this section with my colleague from North Carolina, Representative Rouzer, which will require the Department of Defense to study additional sources of PFAS exposure on military bases and make recommendations to expand eligibility for toxic exposure benefits accordingly. I am grateful that this amendment was made in order. We owe our Nation's veterans an immeasurable debt for putting their lives on the line to defend our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the rule and the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and career of Dr. Dudley Flood, a recipient of North Carolina's highest civilian award, The North Carolina Award for Public Service, for his trailblazing leadership in desegregating our state's public schools.

Born in Winton, North Carolina and a graduate of North Carolina Central University, Dr. Flood began his career as an educator teaching grade school and eventually became a principal.

Following his teaching tenure, Dr. Flood joined the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he made a significant impact during his 21 years of dedicated service.

In the years following the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, Dr. Flood and the late Gene Causby were tasked with facilitating the desegregation of schools in all 100 counties of North Carolina.

In 1969, Dr. Flood and Mr. Causby began to travel across the state to help desegregate North Carolina school systems. Beyond the assistance they provided in navigating this challenging process, it was the visual of these two men--one black, one white--working closely together that made a powerful impression on teachers and students alike.

Through his honorable work, Dr. Flood became a state hero and North Carolina became a model for school desegregation.

By working to ensure that North Carolina is a place where all students can learn irrespective of race, Dr. Flood helped to bring together starkly divided communities and effectively ushered in a new era for public education in our state.

Dr. Flood retired from public instruction in 1990. Since then, he has served as Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, taught as a visiting professor at multiple North Carolina colleges and universities, and continued to be an active community member.

Now 90 years old, Dr. Flood has led an incredible career as a champion for equitable education. Today his achievements can be seen in schools statewide, as children of all races are able to learn and play together and support each other's academic success.

As we begin celebrating Black History Month, I am honored to share his extraordinary legacy with this body. He enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians through his many achievements.

The people of our state are forever grateful for the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Dr. Flood.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and especially thank our colleague, Cheri

Bustos, for bringing this important legislation to us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act.

In 2017, our country experienced a dramatic and needed shift. Women in a variety of industries responded to news of allegations against powerful men with the hashtag #MeToo, banding together in solidarity to expose predatory behavior that has been overlooked and excused for generations. But some women are still not able to speak out against their abusers because forced arbitration agreements prevent them from doing so.

Last year, the House Committee on the Judiciary heard testimony from women from a variety of backgrounds and political parties, who have suffered the dual injustices of sexual abuse and forced silence through arbitration. Their stories illuminate how forced arbitration agreements are too often used to protect assailants and their companies at the expense of working women. It is past time for Congress to enable these women to reclaim their voices and take control over their own lives.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4445.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and career of Dr. Dudley Flood, a recipient of North Carolina's highest civilian award, the North Carolina Award for Public Service, for his trailblazing leadership in desegregating our State's public schools.

Born in Winton, North Carolina, and a graduate of North Carolina's Central University, Dr. Flood began his career as an educator teaching grade school and eventually becoming a principal.

Following his teaching tenure, Dr. Flood joined the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he made a significant impact during his 21 years of dedicated service. In the years following the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, Dr. Flood and the late Gene Causby were tasked with facilitating the desegregation of schools in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

In 1969, Dr. Flood and Mr. Causby began to travel across the State to help desegregate North Carolina school systems. Beyond the assistance they provided in navigating this challenging process, it was the visual of these two men--one Black and one White--working closely together that made a powerful impression on teachers and students alike.

Through his honorable work, Dr. Flood became a State hero and North Carolina became a model for school desegregation. By working to ensure that North Carolina is a place where all students can learn, irrespective of race, Dr. Flood helped bring together starkly divided communities and effectively ushered in a new era for public education in our State.

Dr. Flood retired from public instruction in 1990. Since then, he has served as executive director of the North Carolina Association of School Administrators, taught as a visiting professor at multiple North Carolina colleges and universities, and continued to be active in his community, including with the Flood Group, a group of people who meet from across the State.

Now, 90 years old, Dr. Flood has led an incredible career as a champion for equitable education. Today, his achievements can be seen in schools statewide as children of all races are able to learn and play together and support each other's academic success.

As we begin celebrating Black History Month, I am honored to share his extraordinary legacy with this body. He enhanced the lives of hundreds of thousands North Carolinians through his example and his achievements. The people of our State are forever grateful for his remarkable life and lasting legacy.

Madam Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 900 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Fischbach), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

Madam Speaker, in a moment I will ask to amend the rule to make a technical correction regarding en bloc debate time.

Amendment Offered By Ms. Ross

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the pending resolution with an amendment that I have placed at the desk.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members be given 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Madam Speaker, the Rules Committee met and reported a rule, House Resolution 900, providing for the consideration of three measures: H.R. 3485, the Global Respect Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, makes in order six amendments, provides en bloc authority to Chairman Meeks, and provides one motion to recommit.

The rule further provides for consideration of H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, under a structured rule. This rule provides 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on the Judiciary. It makes in order one amendment, and provides for one motion to recommit. The rule also provides for consideration of H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act, under a structured rule. The rule provides 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, makes in order 261 amendments, provides en bloc authority to Chairwoman Johnson, and provides one motion to recommit.

Finally, the rule provides recess instructions, suspension authority, and same day authority through April 1, 2022, and provides that requested roll call votes on suspension bills considered on February 1, 2022, may be postponed through March 3, 2022.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the three bills we will consider under this rule: H.R. 4521, the America COMPETES Act; H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act; and H.R. 3485, the Global Respect Act.

H.R. 4521 will make historic investments to advance the production of American-made semiconductors, tackle supply chain vulnerabilities, and turbocharge America's scientific research and technological leadership.

Our Nation has long been a global leader in science and technology, propelled by companies and universities like the ones in my district that perform cutting-edge research every single day.

Maintaining this position requires significant investment and cooperation across the government and private sector.

This bill will increase funding for the National Science Foundation. It will support the work of the Department of Energy's Office of Science in fighting climate change. It will empower the next generation of STEM teachers, researchers, and scientists of all backgrounds.

Our legislation will also establish a new office at the Department of Commerce charged with leading a government-wide effort to strengthen supply chains, invest $52 billion to support American semiconductor manufacturing, and bolster our domestic solar manufacturing capacity.

In addition, H.R. 4521 will reaffirm American leadership abroad by reasserting our commitment to protect human rights and strengthen international trade laws to protect American workers and businesses from unfair trade practices.

I am proud to have led a number of bipartisan bills included in this legislation that will fund research activities, facilitate public- private partnerships to grow clean energy technologies, and mandate the development of a national science and technology strategy.

At a time when America faces unprecedented international competition, H.R. 4521 will reinforce our Nation's global leadership in science, technology, and innovation. I am thrilled we are bringing it to the House floor.

Madam Speaker, I also rise in support of H.R. 4445. Too often in our country today businesses use mandatory arbitration clauses to cover up sexual assault and harassment in the workplace.

Forced arbitration has a chilling effect on the ability of survivors to speak out, allowing businesses to take legal action against employees simply for seeking justice that was not provided during the arbitration process.

Last year, the House Judiciary Committee heard testimony from women in a variety of disciplines who have faced persistent harassment and abuse at their jobs. These women bravely recounted both the appalling behavior they experienced and how forced arbitration kept them from speaking out about their experiences and aiding others.

I am grateful to these women for their courage in shining a light on this abuse. Unfortunately, countless other women in our country are still silenced by mandatory arbitration.

When mandatory arbitration processes are used to preserve the reputations of companies, rather than to provide due process to employees facing mistreatment, Congress has a duty to step in. I am glad we are doing that by taking up this bill today.

Finally, I rise in support of H.R. 3485. Today, 68 countries, more than one-third of the United Nation member states, still criminalize same-sex relations. In nine countries, same-sex relations are punishable by death. That is a human rights violation.

In the United States, freedom is the foundation of our democracy, and the liberty to love whomever we choose without concern for retaliation or violence is safeguarded by our Constitution.

Denying the right of entry to foreign nationals who violate the human rights of LGBTQ people sends a clear message that hate has no home in the United States.

It is time to pass all three of these bills.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Morelle), a distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon), who is another distinguished member of the Rules Committee.

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Bustos).

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro), the distinguished chairwoman of the Committee on Appropriations.

Madam Speaker, I do have a few more minutes to share some information about the America COMPETES Act. Then I would be prepared to close.

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

In addition to having the privilege of serving on the Rules Committee, I also serve on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, which, as a freshman, I can tell you is probably the most bipartisan place in this entire Congress. It is also a privilege to represent the science and technology area of this country in the Research Triangle Park.

I must share information about the work that the Science Committee has done on this bill. The Science Committee bills included in the America COMPETES Act are strongly bipartisan. Every one of these bills either passed the House floor under suspension or passed through the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology favorably.

The House is ushering in a bold and prosperous future for American science and innovation with a suite of bills, including the National Science Foundation for the Future Act, the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology for the Future Act.

The Science Committee provisions included in the America COMPETES Act were built from the ground up with rigorous deliberation and input from the scientific community, industry, and other stakeholders on what they needed most to succeed in the 21st century. These provisions will ensure that the United States is well equipped to compete globally in science and innovation. These provisions will help build a strong and diverse STEM workforce ready to address our greatest scientific and societal challenges.

Our future prosperity depends on what we do now to nurture the STEM talent in our country. From clean energy technologies to emissions measurement, with the bold funding for science and innovation included in these provisions, we will be able to address a climate crisis head- on. These provisions will strengthen American manufacturing, bolster our national security, and enhance our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.

The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and innovation. We must invest in our Nation's future, and now is the time. The United States has endless potential to compete globally in science and innovation. The America COMPETES Act provides the critical resources and tools we need to achieve that, not just today but for the next generation.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to add to the comments that I made about the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Our chair, Eddie Bernice Johnson, will be retiring at the end of this session. The contributions that she has made to this Congress and to the State of Texas have been extraordinary.

I have an ``amen'' from our colleague from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

The gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson) has been a model of civility and bipartisanship on that committee. This bill, the America COMPETES Act, will just be a crown jewel in her legacy.

Madam Speaker, now is the time for Congress to take comprehensive action to strengthen our supply chain, support American manufacturing, and invest in innovation and scientific research. H.R. 4521 will accomplish these goals, bolster American semiconductor manufacturing, advance clean energy technology, and reaffirm our leadership on the global stage. Our workers, businesses, research institutions, and constituents are depending on us to pass the America COMPETES Act.

Madam Speaker, we also must pass H.R. 4445. As long as forced arbitration remains an option, businesses will be able to abuse this mechanism to put profits over people and silence survivors of sexual assault and harassment.

Our laws should end practices that enable the abuse of working women. Ending mandatory arbitration for sexual harassment and assault is a just way to put an end to one of these practices.

Finally, we must pass H.R. 3485. Our support of LGBTQ rights must not stop at our border. The global LGBTQ community deserves the full support of American diplomacy.

The Global Respect Act enshrines our commitment to equality in our foreign policy, and I am proud to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, John Russell, who passed away on November 30, 2021.

John was a passionate North Carolinian and his contributions to our community will live on for years to come.

Born on October 22, 1954, John spent the early part of his life in Greensboro, North Carolina where he was a proud alumnus and three-sport athlete at Grimsley High School.

Music also played a large role in John's upbringing. Growing up, he was constantly surrounded by Opera. His mother Peggy, was an

accomplished Opera singer and founded The Opera Company of North Carolina, located in Greensboro. John contributed to his mother's legacy by playing a crucial role in the formation and growth of her company, which eventually evolved into The North Carolina Opera.

Following high school, John went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with the highest honors in English before receiving a Master's Degree in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University.

After graduating from Columbia University, John spent a few years as the youngest editor ever hired by the Houghton Mifflin publishing company before deciding that he wanted to contribute to his community in a different capacity. He left New York to enroll in Harvard Law School, graduating with honors in 1985 before moving to Raleigh.

In our home of Wake County North Carolina, John practiced corporate law at Moore & Van Allen for 12 years. After, he joined Quintiles Transnational Corporation and during his tenure, he rose from Executive Vice President to General Counsel, eventually becoming the Chief Administrative Officer. In 2008, John became a partner in the Life Science Practice of the global law firm K&L Gates, where he practiced until his retirement in 2017.

John was extremely involved in the community and served on many boards and advisory roles including the North Carolina Railroad advisory, the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO), Elon Law School, the Center for Studies of the American South, the Gilling's School of Global Public Health, and countless others. This work is a testament to his character and his love for the people of our state and our community.

On top of these contributions, John's passion for literature led him to write two novels, ``Favorite Sons'' (1992), winner of the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for fiction, and ``All the Right Circles'' (2019). Both examine North Carolina politics, society, and history. He also was an avid member of our Triangle wide book club, and we enjoyed our time together sharing thoughts and opinions about the nonfiction books we read.

John lived an exceptional life, and I will always be grateful that I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a dedicated husband, devoted father, and a loving uncle and son. He will be forever missed by his wife Kelley, children Caroline, Taylor, Katie, Roddy, Fields, and Bess, as well as his beloved sister Susan, father, John B. Russell, and grandsons George and Oliver. I miss him dearly and look forward to highlighting his legacy and honoring his service to our community for years to come.