Floor Statements

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5657, the Medical Marijuana Research Act.

I first thank Mr. Blumenauer, Mr. Harris, and, of course, the chairman of the committee, but Mr. Harris and Mr. Blumenauer are the lead sponsors of this legislation.

Though our long-term goals for marijuana regulation may differ, the three of us share a strong conviction that scientific data should form the basis for policymaking whenever possible. For four Congresses now, we have joined forces to advocate for more research on the use of cannabis products to treat medical conditions.

My belief that medical marijuana probably can be beneficial when used in the proper setting for treatment of certain medical conditions is based largely on anecdotal evidence from constituents and citizens.

Despite the increasing use of cannabis products around the country, there have been very few legitimate, peer-reviewed studies to determine the effects of cannabis on the body, particularly over a long period of time.

This lack of research is due, in large part, to the Federal Government standing in the way. Marijuana's schedule I status makes it extremely difficult for scientists to, one, obtain approval to conduct cannabis research; and, two, obtain a quality product of marijuana to use for that research.

H.R. 5657 addresses both of these issues. It encourages medical marijuana research by establishing a new set of research standards that are specific to cannabis. This will allow cannabis to remain classified as a schedule I substance while increasing access for those who wish to study it.

It also ensures the availability of verified cannabis products necessary for legitimate research by establishing a new registration process. Entities who choose to register and are approved will be able to legally manufacture and distribute marijuana for the purpose of conducting such research.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield to gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) as much time as he may consume.

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

I would say, Madam Chair, you have heard the comments from both sides of the aisle. We need the research. It is good for the American public to know whether or not this stuff works.

But you hear accounts from citizens that they are having to buy marijuana on the street. Maybe they can get it in some of these States now. But when you are dealing with epilepsy, for example, they have to boil up a tincture to make sure that it has the CBD and some level of THC, but nobody really knows what level of THC is necessary to help with juvenile epilepsy. We just don't know. We have no research.

Parents out there, concerned about the well-being of their children, have turned their children into guinea pigs. Yet, because in many States it is still illegal, and was illegal until just a few years ago, they haven't been able to report their findings to anybody who is working on this in an official sense.

It is time that ends. Let's do research on cannabis. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I am disappointed that all Members could not reach an agreement on this bill. I have an

amendment that would specify the types of conditions required to be addressed by this bill, which would help clarify its intent for the implementing agencies.

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the text of my proposed amendment.

In the heading of section 2, strike ``congenital anomaly or

birth defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or

maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect''.

In section 2799A-11 of the Public Health Service Act,

section 726 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of

1974, and section 9826 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,

as proposed to be added by section 2--

(1) in the heading, strike ``congenital anomaly or birth

defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial

congenital anomaly or birth defect''; and

(2) in subsection (a), strike the term ``congenital anomaly

or birth defect'' and insert ``craniofacial, oral, or

maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect'' each place

such term appears.

Madam Speaker, the stated goal of the bill is a good one, making sure those who, through no fault of their own, are born with a condition requiring extensive medical care can eat, drink, and thrive.

I would love to be able to tell families like the one in my district with two children experiencing ectodermal dysplasia that insurance would pay for the hundreds of thousands of dollars of surgery necessary to allow their teeth and mouths to function properly. But this bill needs more work, and my amendment could have addressed its most significant flaw.

Had the bill gone through regular order, I would have offered this corrective amendment.

The biggest problem here is that not one person can articulate which medical procedures or treatments would be required to be covered by insurance.

The bill is titled healthy smiles, referencing cleft palate, ectodermal dysplasia, et cetera, but not one person can articulate which medical procedures or treatments would be required to be covered by insurance. This is, in part, because the FDA has no statutory or regulatory definition of what a congenital anomaly or birth defect is.

Further, one part of the bill requires insurers to ``include any medically necessary item or service to . . . restore any body part to achieve normal body functioning or appearance,'' while another part provides that ``'treatment' shall not include cosmetic surgery.''

Technical comments from the Department of Labor support my belief that these two provisions ``seem to be in tension.'' There is a tension between the two sections.

Because the language is so vague, CBO found it difficult to estimate the cost. They expressed uncertainty around identifying the procedures and services that would be considered medically necessary. Nonetheless, they took a stab at it and guessed it would cost around $1.8 billion.

My amendment would resolve these concerns by replacing the phrase ``congenital anomaly or birth defect'' with ``craniofacial, oral, or maxillofacial congenital anomaly or birth defect'' to specify the types of conditions advocates of this bill have been discussing for months. Most of the people who signed on as cosponsors thought that was just what they were doing. They didn't know they were going to cover, as the gentlewoman has said, the 4 percent of children born with any kind of a birth defect.

Given that my amendment cannot be considered today, I will be voting ``no.''

Now, you may wonder, how did I come to this conclusion? When my oldest son was born 16 years ago, when I called my wife's father, his first question was, ``Does he have all his fingernails?'' because my wife was born with a congenital birth defect. She doesn't have fingernails on her index fingers. This has caused them to be injured numerous times over the years.

There is no question it qualifies under this bill for some kind of treatment, whether it be an implant to replace those nails--if this bill passes, we will be doing everything from the healthy smiles that the bill purports to do all the way down to fingernails.

Now, she is fine. She has grown up. She has adjusted. Everything is good. But the first question my father-in-law asked was, ``Does he have all his fingernails?'' because, for years, it was a concern to him as a father, as a parent.

This bill would deal with that, and that is why it is hard to say what it is going to cost because a lot of smaller defects like my wife's fingernails would be covered under this.

And if it is covered, by golly, you know they are going to fix it. The worst thing she has to do now is wear gloves when we take out the Christmas tree and try to be careful. But as a child, it was a bigger issue, and like I said, the tips of her index fingers are a little bulbous. She might be offended by this, but if you look closely, it looks a little bit like E.T.'s finger, though it is not quite as long and it doesn't light up. But it is a birth defect that this bill would cover at huge cost to the American public and to the American taxpayers.

This bill goes too far. I wish we had the opportunity to accept my amendment, which we can't do on a bill that is on suspension, because then we could make sure it dealt with the big items that only affect a much smaller part of the population and that truly do need to be dealt with.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I will submit that my amendment was not offered at the full committee. Two years ago, when we were taking this bill through regular order, at that time it was discussed that we would try to work on language that would narrow the scope before it came to the floor. I assumed that that would be done before this bill was brought up on a suspension; that has not happened. I would be more than happy, if we have to come to loggerheads over it, that we have that discussion where we can discuss all the potential costs, all the potential birth defects that might be covered, including the minor ones, the ones that don't have an effect on lasting smiles, which is also included in this.

Now, the gentlewoman's heart is in the right place, and I have great respect for her, and understand what she is trying to do. I just think that there is so much unknown cost for so many minor birth defects and small inconveniences that might be cosmetic or might not be, depending on which doctor makes that decision, because we don't have a good definition either in the bill or in the standard lingo of the FDA, et cetera.

I think we are buying a whole lot more expense, both to the American taxpayer, and, I believe, this is going to push up the cost of health insurance on families that are already having difficulties making those health insurance payments. All of that is correct.

And the chairman of the committee--also his heart is in the right place--mentioned ectodermal dysplasia. I have no problem with us treating that. It affects a small number of people. It is a huge cost on a handful of families out there--maybe a few more than a handful-- but it does affect people disproportionately who cannot afford to have that fixed, and it does create huge problems on eating, on talking, et cetera. Those are the things we want to go after.

What I want to make sure we are not doing is spending billions of dollars of American taxpayer dollars or raising the cost of health insurance because we are going to take care of everything down to two index finger fingernails missing, et cetera. That is my concern.

Madam Speaker, as you can tell, I feel passionately about this, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of William Frank Chapman, Jr. of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on March 20, 2022, at the age of 88. Frank served in the Armed Forces and was a businessman and active community leader.

Frank was born on January 25, 1934. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School. He then attended Fork Union Military Academy and was recruited by North Carolina State University on scholarship to play football, which he did for two years before transferring to the University of Virginia to finish his education.

He served in the United States Navy before returning to Salem. Upon his homecoming, he founded and served as president of Chapman-Taney- Painter-Logan Insurance, Inc. and Bonding for many years. He later worked at Sherwood Memorial Park in operations. After his retirement, Frank dedicated much of his life to service to his community.

He and his friend, Burks Logan, worked as co-chairmen of a capital campaign for the Salem Museum and were honored as ``Hometown Heroes'' in 2012 by the Roanoker Magazine. He was a life member of the Salem Museum and Historical Society and served as president of the board for five years.

I had the pleasure of knowing Frank personally. He was a friend and fellow Republican. I recall when I ran for the Virginia House of Delegates for the first time, he vowed to support me. But one of his close friends, with whom he had endured many hard times, decided to run against me. Frank approached me, hat in hand, to apologetically ask that I release him from his commitment. I respected his candor and loyalty. He was a true southern gentleman.

He faithfully served his community and party. He was a Trustee of the Virginia Agents Political Committee, a lifetime member of the Salem Rescue Squad, former state director of Salem Junior Chamber of Commerce, and former president of the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce. Frank also served on many committees at the First United Methodist Church in Salem, where he was a lifelong and third-generation member.

Frank was also an avid outdoorsman. In 1981, then-Governor John Dalton appointed him to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Commission to represent the sixth district. He served as vice-chairman from 1984 to 85. Frank also served as vice-chairman of the Catawba District of Boy Scouts of America. He was a member of the Salem Rotary Club and was recognized as a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow in 2005. Throughout his life, he held many esteemed titles and leadership roles--all to serve, lead, and better his community.

Frank was predeceased in death by two wives, Billie Lee Bates Chapman and Page Clark Chapman; his parents, William Frank Chapman, Sr. and Wilma Cross Chapman; and a sister, Lula Cross Harris Russell.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Stagg Chapman; three children, Lee Ann Chapman Critz and her husband, Blake, Frank Bates Chapman, and Catherine Chapman Mosley; four grandchildren, Sara Catherine Critz Kronstain and husband, John, Benjamin Lee Critz and wife, Anna, Luke Bates Mosley, and Addison Grace Chapman; and five great-grandchildren, Emma, Thomas, Matthew, Mason and Olivia. He also leaves behind his beloved stepchildren and grandchildren. I would like to offer my condolences to the family on the loss of this great man, friend, and community leader.

Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the loss of Officer Caleb Daniel Ogilvie of the Covington Police Department.

Officer Ogilvie was killed in the line of duty on March 14, 2022, at the age of 35. Though he was taken too soon, his life was evidence of his noble commitment to protecting the safety and freedom of others above himself.

He was born in Wisconsin to Daniel Raymond Ogilvie and Delora Anne Chambers Ogilvie.

Before serving the City of Covington in law enforcement, Officer Ogilvie served his country for four years in the United States Marine Corps. Two of his tours were spent in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was also a volunteer firefighter and an emergency medical technician for Roanoke County.

Officer Ogilvie was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend. Along with his parents, he is survived by his wife, Natasha Erin Ogilvie; and four daughters, Emersyn and Wrenley Ogilvie, and Kileigh and Rilyn Ogilvie and their mother, Malarie Ogilvie. He is also survived by his sister, Abigail Chave, and two brothers, Rian and Benjamin Ogilvie; along with many other beloved close family and friends.

Officer Ogilvie lived a life of self-sacrifice. He was a distinguished public servant who put his life on the line every day as he courageously defended those around him. The death of Officer Ogilvie is a grievous loss to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Covington. I mourn his loss, yet I am grateful that he and the other men and women of law enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full well the risks they face. His bravery and selfless service will not be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Walter Delaney, Jr., who died on February 14, 2022, at the age of 81. Mr. Delaney dedicated his life to public service as a law enforcement officer who honorably fulfilled his professional duties.

Mr. Delaney was born on March 15, 1940, to the late Walter L. Delaney, Sr., and Rebecca Minor Delaney. Mr. Delaney attended Roanoke City Public Schools. From a young age, he always led with a heart of service. He volunteered with the Huntington Life Saving Crew, and this inspired him to become a Roanoke County Deputy Sheriff. So, he left his job at the Eaton Corp. in Salem to serve his community.

He worked as a patrolman, an investigator, and in the courts. Mr. Delaney became the first Black deputy for the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. As a practicing attorney in the Roanoke Valley, I worked with Mr. Delaney for many years. He was always professional and courteous. He never drew attention to the fact that he was the first black deputy. In a time when the country was going through desegregation, Mr. Delaney was a trailblazer in his community. In every role he held, he constantly worked hard and selflessly served those around him.

In addition to serving in law enforcement, Mr. Delaney was also an active member of the Sweet Union Baptist Church and deeply valued his faith.

Mr. Delaney was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Susie M. Larry Delaney; his son, Ricky H. Delaney, his sister, Loreli Cherrylene Delaney; his brother Xavier Jacques Delaney; and his brothers-in-law: Rodney Buford Larry and Phillip Larry.

He is survived by his children Gary Hancock, Robbie Delaney Majors and Anthony Delaney, Sr.; siblings, Yvonne Delaney Oliver, William Delaney, Essie J. Manns, Johnny Delaney; grandchildren, Gary Kasey, Antonio Taylor, William ``Tre''' Majors, Anthony Delaney, Jr., Jarek Hancock, Naya Delaney, and Dallas Delaney; great grandchildren, Jamauri Majors, Jaylen Majors, TreMaine Bond, Jin Lee Taylor; and many other beloved family and friends. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this good man.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of I. Ray Byrd, who passed away on January 30, 2022. Mr. Byrd was a businessman and community leader in Salem, Virginia.

Mr. Byrd was born on September 1, 1928, in Martinsville, Virginia to Daniel Edward and Virgie Holt Byrd. He attended Randolph Macon College and finished his education at the Medical College of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. He later went on to spend two years as a United States Marine and attained the rank of Captain.

He and his wife, Nina, moved to Salem, Virginia in 1954. This is where he and his dear friend, Ervin Pollard Brooks, founded Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy. Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy became an iconic Salem location and is still open today. Further, the pharmacy's patrons benefited from the kindness of Mr. Byrd. In a throwback to an earlier age, it allowed their regular customers to carry accounts forward. This was very helpful to many struggling families throughout the years--including single-parent households such as mine when I was a kid. The community will be forever indebted to Mr. Byrd and Mr. Brooks for their dedicated, selfless service.

Throughout his pharmaceutical career, Mr. Byrd also served as a pharmacist at the Bradley Free Clinic, Richfield Pharmacy, and the VA Hospital. He was also a member of the Roanoke Valley Pharmaceutical and the Virginia Pharmaceutical Associations.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Byrd devotedly volunteered and worked to improve his community. He served in the Salem Kiwanis Club, Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Museum, Salem Sports Foundation, and the Salem Industrial Authority. For five years he served as the chairman of the City of Salem School Board. Mr. Byrd especially valued faith and family. He was an active member and trustee of the Salem Baptist Church.

Mr. Byrd's survivors include his wife, Nina Byrd; his children, Dr. Carol Byrd and her husband, I. Ray Byrd, Jr. and his wife, Mary Catherine Ruskan, and Laura Byrd Earle and her husband; his grandchildren, Bradley Barr, Dr. Ann Cameron Barr and her husband, Dr. Andrew Barr and his wife, Nicholas Byrd and his

wife, Alison Byrd Walker and her husband, Caroline Byrd Heflin and her husband, Matthew Ruskan, Catherine Ruskan, Nina Earle, Samuel Earle, and Hank Earle; and great-grandchildren Alicia Byrd, Cecilia Byrd, Smith Barr, Ellis Barr, and Sophia Walker. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Carl Ray Snodgrass of Wise, Virginia, who passed away on February 3, 2022, at the age of 84. Mr. Snodgrass was foundational to the region and the Wise County community.

Mr. Snodgrass graduated from J.J. Kelly High School and Clinch Valley College. He went on to serve in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1960 to 1967. At the start of his professional career, he began banking with the Wise County National Bank--later to become President of First State Bank.

The steadfast work of Mr. Snodgrass overflowed into his service to his community. He served on the Wise Town Council and as Mayor of the Town of Wise. For the last three decades, he has been an active, vital leader for the economic development initiatives in Wise County. He devotedly served with Wise County Economic Development and the Industrial Development Authority. He held a fundamental role in bringing the Dominion Power Plant and the Lonesome Pine Business and Technology Park to the area.

Mr. Snodgrass cherished his faith and devotion to the Lord. He was a member of the First Church of God. His life was evidence of his selfless heart of service unto others. He left a profound impact on the Wise community, and he will be greatly missed.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Fredrick and Pearl Frazier Snodgrass; as well as sisters, Laura Ellen Grasham, Mary Arlena Little, Mavis Light, Eula Mae Conklin, and Velma Snodgrass; and brothers, Charles Sidney Snodgrass and William Albert Snodgrass.

Mr. Snodgrass is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Adams Snodgrass; son and daughter-in-law Scott and Beth Snodgrass; granddaughters, Lily Elkins, and her husband, and Emma Snodgrass; sister, Doris Aileen Snodgrass; and many other beloved friends and family. I would like to offer them my condolences.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Roger Hollandsworth of Floyd, Virginia, who passed away on January 27, 2022, at the age of 64. Mr. Hollandsworth served the Floyd County community as an emergency first-responder and a businessman.

Mr. Hollandsworth was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Virginia Tech. For 33 years, he was the owner of a cherished Floyd business, the Xpress Market. Through his business, he graced everyone that walked in with his kindness and friendly nature.

His love and service toward others were reflected in his work as a member of the Floyd County Lifesaving and First Aid Rescue Squad. He faithfully served for more than 40 years. Throughout the majority of that time, he acted as the squad's treasurer.

Community members and fellow Rescue Squad members speak very highly of Mr. Hollandsworth and his legacy in Floyd County. There have been countless rescue stories displaying his courage and heroism. His kindness on and off the job made a profound impact on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Rowena Albert Hollandsworth; and brother, Don Wayne Hollandsworth.

His survivors include his wife of 39 years, Jennifer R. Hollandsworth; son, Dustin N. Hollandsworth and his wife; grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett, Kylie, Wyatt, Arick, Lilah and Emberly, as well as many other loved ones. I offer my condolences on their loss.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of my longtime dear friend Wallace Jay ``Wally'' Nelson, Jr. of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on January 28, 2022.

Wally was a native Virginian and a graduate of Emory & Henry College, where he and I were roommates. While there he studied economics and went on to receive his master's degree in business from the University of Virginia.

Wally started his professional career at Burlington Industries. He worked hard and gave his all, earning the spot as the youngest-ever plant supervisor. His time there helped pave the way for the rest of his career in the commercial insurance industry, where he worked for more than three decades. He most recently served as the Vice President of SIA Group.

His life was evidence of his commitment to the improvement of the communities in southwest Virginia. He cared deeply for all people and was greatly involved in public service. Over the years, he was an active Republican that aided in fundraising efforts for numerous political candidates. He also served with the Blacksburg Partnership, Junior Achievement,

and the Roanoke Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president of the group's recruitment division. He also served as a co- chair for the New River Valley Rail 2020 to lead the effort to expand the passenger rail service.

Wally lived to serve and care for others. He prospered in any situation that allowed him to unite and care for others--he never met a stranger. But most of all, he adored his family. His humble giving heart, hard-working nature, and steadfast faith are just some of the most notable characteristics that defined the kind of man Wally was.

Wally was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Wallace and Helen Nelson. He is survived by his cherished wife Heather; children Crandall Murphy and husband Shannon, Wallace Jay Nelson III and wife Tory, Krystine Hammerle and husband Ryan, Katherine Nelson and Ben Stovall; grandchildren Jackson and Paige Nelson, as well as many other beloved extended family and friends.

A man whose legacy and love for family, neighbors, and community will long be remembered. Wally was a dear friend that will be greatly missed. I am honored to pay tribute to Wally's life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, in 2020, my State of Virginia hit a tragic milestone: Fatal drug overdoses hit an all-time high of 2,309. Fentanyl and its analogs caused or contributed to 71.8 percent of those deaths. The statistics we have for 2021 indicate it may surpass that heartbreaking number of overdose deaths.

We have tools at our disposal to reduce the availability of illicit substances such as fentanyl and meth and, in turn, prevent overdose deaths, but they are not being used. Cartels are taking components of fentanyl from China, manufacturing it in Mexico, and smuggling it across the border.

In fiscal year 2021, fentanyl seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection increased by 134 percent, but the Biden administration is weakening our country's ability to secure its own border, allowing not only more illegal immigration, but smuggling of deadly drugs.

Meanwhile, fentanyl-related substances have only temporarily been listed as a schedule I drug, with extensions passed every few months, including today we extended it another 3 weeks, but not a permanent scheduling.

To correct this problem, I have introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act with Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio. It would permanently schedule fentanyl- related substances. But our bill doesn't stop there. It streamlines research on fentanyl analogs so we can better understand the effects of these substances.

At a recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Health, we heard testimony there are as many as 4,800 fentanyl analogs. We have data on fewer than 30 of them; in other words, fewer than 1 percent of them.

Most of the fentanyl-related substances we have data on are dangerous, but some are inert and may even have properties that block opioid addiction. We simply need to know more.

Our bill makes room for researchers, not just at Federal agencies, but across research institutions, to get to work. I believe our bill would save lives. House Democrats should help us send it to the President's desk.

But this bill alone will not solve the problem. It helps, but it will not solve the problem. We have to use all the tools available to us.

We need to increase the number of border agents that we have, particularly on the southern border.

We need to give them the tools they need.

We need to give them more drones for electronic surveillance in the air.

We need to give them more dogs to help them figure out what is going on, to sniff out the drugs when they can. It is coming across in small amounts. Here you see it, 2 milligrams, a lethal dose for most Americans, and there it is compared to a penny. They need more dogs at the border.

They need more horses because some of that terrain is not suitable for motor vehicles.

And last but not least, Mr. Speaker, we need to finish building the wall.

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

I believe pre-dispute arbitration agreements are useful in some circumstances. They can allow common, foreseeable disagreements to be resolved quickly and efficiently, but we must acknowledge in the case of sexual assault and sexual harassment, nobody signs on to an employment agreement thinking that oh, I am going to be sexually harassed or I am going to risk sexual abuse. They don't sign up for that. And most of these contracts, Madam Speaker, are what we call adhesion contracts. You have to accept it.

And what often happens is there will be a couple of pages that have all the big items: Terms of the employment, salary, promotion, vacation. And then they will incorporate a handbook. The handbook will then have buried in it language that says all disputes must go to mandatory arbitration. And oftentimes the people who are doing the arbitrating aren't lawyers. The rules of evidence aren't applied. The rules of law are not applied. It is just how they feel after they hear everything.

This has created a situation that, related to sexual assault and sexual harassment, is unconscionable. It shocks

the conscience. And in fairness, it is a violation of public policy, in my opinion, and should be eliminated as part of a contract.

I am surprised courts haven't already come to that conclusion, but instead of having each court in each of the States and territories make that decision, this act will do it once and for all, and we will have done our jobs to make sure that in these egregious situations the individual who is making the claim and who has probably been assaulted or has been harassed or has some kind of a valid claim will have an opportunity to go to court or have an opportunity to go to binding arbitration, if that is what they choose, but they will have a choice instead of having to go in front of company-picked arbiters who will make a decision for them that will affect them the rest of their lives.

Now, I will tell you that it is important that we move forward with this bill, and it looks like things are going well, but you never know. But I will also tell you that there has been an allegation that it is retroactive--and that is not accurate--as to cases currently pending. It is accurate as to contracts currently signed.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment.

As we just heard, this was the majority party taking into account the views of the minority party, which is why we have support on both sides of the aisle for this amendment.

This amendment will bring more Members of the minority party onto the bill. As one of the cosponsors of the bill, I think that is a good thing.

I think this is an appropriate amendment. I think it does clarify.

I commend Mrs. Bustos and Mr. Buck for their hard work on this amendment. I ask that everyone vote for the amendment.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of John H. Kilgore, Sr. of Gate City, Virginia, who passed away on January 29, 2022. John had a faithful and enduring presence in Southwest Virginia's public life.

John was born on April 20, 1938, in Nickelsville, Virginia, to Glen C. and Pasty Akers Kilgore. He served in the United States Navy and worked for 33 years at the Eastman Chemical Company. Over the course of his life, John served numerous community causes. He was the chairman of the Scott County Republican Party for more than 30 years, served several terms on the party's State Central Committee, and regularly attended county, district, and state conventions. He was on the Scott County Telephone Co-op Board beginning in 1986 and served as chairman for fifteen years. Virginia Governors George Allen and Jim Gilmore appointed him to the statewide Department of Housing and Community Development Board. John brought his talents as a singer to his family quartet and the Smith's Chapel United Methodist Church, where he also taught Sunday School. He belonged to the Copper Creek Ruritan since the 1970s.

I was able to attend his visitation. His funeral was attended by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Speaker of the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert, and many current and former members of the General Assembly, a sign of the high esteem in which John was held.

John took great pride in his family and was blessed to see his children and grandchildren embark on careers in public service. Terry Kilgore now serves as the Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, Jerry Kilgore served as Virginia's Attorney General and Secretary of Public Safety, John Kilgore Jr. serves as Executive Director of Scott County's Economic Development Authority, and Kyle Kilgore recently took office as Commonwealth's Attorney of Scott County.

The faith, kindness, and wisdom of John inspired his family. Fortunately, these qualities were shared generously with the rest of us, too. He leaves behind a great legacy as a family man, neighbor, and citizen.

John is survived by his wife Willie; sons Terry and wife Debbie, Jerry and wife Marty, and John Jr. and wife Rhonda; grandchildren Kandace Haigler, Kayla Dickenson, Klarke Kilgore, Kyle Kilgore, Kaden Kilgore, and Kelsey Kilgore; great grandchildren Holston Haigler and Hendrix Haigler; great grandchild on the way Nola Kilgore; sisters Joyce Hillman, Joann Penley and husband Sam, and Glenna Carter and husband Norman; and brother-in-law Otis K. Hill. l would like to offer my condolences to his loved ones on the loss of this fine Southwest Virginian.

Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider my bill, H.R. 6148, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act.

Every Member of this body knows someone who has been affected by the drug overdose epidemic plaguing our country. We recently learned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that between May 2020 and April 2021, more than 100,000 overdose deaths occurred in the United States, an increase of nearly 30 percent over the previous year.

These record numbers are due, in large part, to the increasing presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, which are approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.

Because fentanyl has a proven medical use, it is considered a schedule II narcotic, but illicit derivations of fentanyl, also called fentanyl analogs, or fentanyl-related substances, do not tend to demonstrate medical value. Right now, they are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a temporary scheduling order which expires on February 18 of this year.

My bill aims to curb overdose deaths by permanently scheduling fentanyl analogs as schedule I substances. This will strengthen law enforcement's ability to prosecute fentanyl traffickers and act as a deterrent.

The HALT Fentanyl Act also promotes research by removing barriers to that research. In committee, we heard there are as many as 4,800 analogs. Our experts at NIH, FDA, and other agencies, have studied roughly 30, 30 of those 4,800 analogs, less than 1 percent of the potential fentanyl analogs.

By encouraging research of schedule I substances like fentanyl analogs, we can better understand how these substances work and how we can prevent potentially harmful impact in the future.

Time is running out. The cartels in China and Mexico know how to play games with these fentanyl analogs. Congress must act to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act before February 18 of this year. It must be done.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Carroll Edwin Swain of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 94. Often referred to as ``The Colonel,'' he was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and public official in the City of Roanoke.

Colonel Swain was born on August 6, 1927 to Robert Swain Sr. and Mahala Woods Swain. He was a native of Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Lucy Addison High School in 1945. He served as a military policeman in Italy from 1946 to 1947 before returning to Virginia to work for the railroad.

He graduated from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, in 1953 with a bachelor's degree. His academic success allowed him to receive the honor of an appointment as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Artillery Officer. When he completed his service, he held the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Over the years, Colonel Swain executed staff and command assignments in a number of different units. He performed duties that were related to nuclear weaponry and helped in devising direction and instructional programs to advance race relations in the U.S. Army. His service earned awards including the Soldier's Good Conduct Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster.

In 1971, Colonel Swain returned to Roanoke and took on a career in education in the Roanoke City Public Schools before retiring in 1992.

In addition to his accomplishments in the U.S. Army and education system, Colonel Swain went on to serve on the Roanoke City Council. He worked to improve crime rates, employee welfare, educational resources, economic development, fiscal efficiency in government spending, as well as a variety of other issues to better the City. Colonel Swain lived a selfless life of leadership and service to others, and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Welthea Kasey Swain; his sons, Carroll ``Edwin'' (Faith) Swain Jr. and Michael (Jacqueline) Swain; daughter, Pastors Stephanie S. (Lewis) Tucker Jr.; four grandchildren, Rae Swain Page, Justin Swain, Kyah and Kourtney

Tucker; as well as many other beloved family and friends. I offer my condolences to them upon the loss of Colonel Swain, who led a remarkable life.

Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Theodore Jackson (Ted) Viars, who passed away on December 13, 2021 at the age of 87. Dr. Viars was a longtime educator in western Virginia who positively impacted generations of students.

Theodore Viars was born on December 26, 1933 in Radford, Virginia. His parents were Robert and Louise Viars. He was a student athlete throughout his time at Radford High School, from which he graduated in 1952, and the University of Virginia. At UVA, he earned a football scholarship and played varsity baseball while earning a place on the Dean's List, serving on the Student Council, and belonging to the Varsity Club and the SAE fraternity. He later earned a master's degree and a doctorate from Virginia Tech.

Education became Dr. Viars' mission. He began his career as a teacher and assistant principal at Pulaksi High School from 1956 to 1960. Subsequently, he worked as principal at Clifton Forge from 1960 to 1963 before moving to Salem to become Glenvar High School's first principal. After Glenvar, he held a variety of roles with the Roanoke County Schools, including Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent for Instruction. He retired from the school system in 1990 and taught as an Associate Professor of Education at Hollins College from 1991 to 1994.

Dr. Viars was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Salem for over 57 years and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

Dr. Viars was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Viars. He is survived by his wife, Johnsey; children, Kelly Viars Coudriet (Greg), Ted Viars II (Tracey), and Martin Viars (Sherry); grandchildren, Jackson Bradley, Kelsey Legra, Kayleigh Cox, Teddy III, Max, and Brock Viars; and great-grandchildren, Cayden and Roman Legra. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this committed lifelong educator.