Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2520, the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021.

Today, State and local governments are not in the position to defend their networks against cyberattacks from sophisticated foreign adversaries or cybercriminals. State and local governments are rich targets for cyber adversaries, and the frequency of attacks is only accelerating as budgets are increasingly constrained.

The Federal Government needs to redouble their efforts to support State, local, Tribal, and territorial government entities to bolster their cybersecurity posture.

To help remedy this, this bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide for engagements with SLTT entities to increase Federal support and information sharing.

Additionally, the bill expands DHS' responsibilities concerning grants and cooperative agreements. The bill also provides DHS the ability to coordinate with SLTT entities to conduct exercises, provide technical and operational cybersecurity training, as well as promote cybersecurity education and awareness.

S. 2520 will help shore up SLTT vulnerabilities against malicious cyberattackers and will go a long way to strengthen our more localized entities that are closer to the everyday American.

I urge Members to join me in supporting S. 2520, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6873, the Bombing Prevention Act of 2022. Between just January 4 and February 16 of this year, the FBI reported more than 50 bomb threats against domestic targets.

The DHS Office of Bombing Protection, or OBP, has a mission to protect life and critical infrastructure by building capabilities within the general public and across public and private sectors to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate bombing incidents.

To that end, this bill will more aptly enable OBP to conduct its mission by requiring: a strategy for securing critical infrastructure against terrorist explosives; promoting awareness of risks posed by the misuse of explosive chemicals and bomb-making materials; and a database of capabilities and requirements to track public and private terrorist explosive threats.

This legislation is a critical step toward ensuring that threats to our domestic security posed by bombings and malicious use of explosives is mitigated to the best of our ability.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6873, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Crawford).

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 6825, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program Improvement Act of 2022.

FEMA's Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an important resource available to nonprofit organizations, especially our houses of worship. As we all know, faith-based communities across the country face varying levels of discrimination, and it is vital that we strengthen our Nation's emergency preparedness posture to prevent violence against all religious groups.

H.R. 6825 expands the use of Nonprofit Security Grant Program funds to include alteration or remodeling of existing buildings or physical facilities and facility security personnel costs, including costs associated with contracted security.

This bill requires more accountability on the part of FEMA to Congress by requiring the Administrator of FEMA to include information on the number of applications submitted by eligible nonprofit organizations to each State, the number of applications submitted by each State, and specific operations of the grant office in FEMA's annual report to Congress.

Finally, this legislation also establishes an office within FEMA to provide outreach, engagement, education, and technical assistance to support eligible nonprofit organizations. This will better ensure that eligible organizations, including houses of worship, know the resources available to them.

I urge Members to support H.R. 6825, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I proudly rise in support of my bill, H.R. 6871, the DHS Acquisition Reform Act.

The Department of Homeland Security has many critical missions, including: protecting the Nation from terrorist attacks, enforcing our trade and immigration laws, and securing our borders, among many others.

The goal of this legislation is to make DHS a better steward of taxpayer money. We need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent in a way that is transparent and accountable to the American people. DHS continues to face challenges in its acquisition program, such as the inconsistency of organizational and oversight structures, and variability in the application of Department policies.

In January 2021, the Government Accountability Office reported that of the 24 acquisition programs it audited, 10 had been in breach of their cost goals, schedule goals, or a combination of both, at some point during fiscal year 2020. This means it will cost the Department-- and subsequently, the taxpayer--more money to get what the Department needs. We need to do what we can to stop this.

Further, in 2018, the inspector general reported that DHS components have a habit of acquiring goods and services before they adequately define the requirements or develop performance measures. The more DHS tacitly accepts this type of behavior in its programs, the more program costs can be expected to grow.

Given these challenges, and the significant level of DHS investment in these programs, it is vital we ensure that the proper oversight and organizational structures are in place for DHS to acquire goods and services in the most efficient and effective way possible.

This bill designates the DHS Under Secretary for Management as the Department's chief acquisition officer, or CAO, and outlines specific responsibilities and authorities regarding acquisitions.

These responsibilities include overseeing the DHS Acquisition Review Board; exercising acquisition decision authority to approve, modify, or cancel acquisition programs; and establishing and distributing policies regarding acquisitions.

The bill also lays out in statute two critical offices at DHS: The Office of Test and Evaluation and its responsibility to oversee independent testing of acquisition programs, and the Program Accountability and Risk Management Office and its role in DHS acquisitions.

In addition, the bill describes the acquisition responsibilities of other senior DHS leaders, including: the chief financial officer, the chief information officer, and the Under Secretary of Strategy, Policy, and Plans.

This bill will ensure that DHS has the appropriate mechanisms in place to succeed and will make its acquisition process open and transparent to the American taxpayer.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Torres, for cosponsoring this measure, as well as Ranking Member Katko and Chairman Thompson for bringing it to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6871, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 6868, the Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act of 2022.

Last year, cybersecurity authorities observed incidents involving ransomware in nearly every critical infrastructure sector. Given the rise of cyber threats to our country, it is more important now than ever that we grow an expert cyber workforce capable of defending Americans against nation-state actors, criminals, and other malicious cyber actors.

Research estimates a deficit of 3.1 million skilled cybersecurity professionals needed to perform this work and keep our country safe. There is a multitude of issues contributing to our cyber workforce shortage, which is particularly acute in the Federal sector. Lack of exposure, uneven education, and Federal agency onboarding issues all exacerbate the problem.

This is why it is more critical than ever to support efforts that deliver cybersecurity, STEM, and other computer science curricula and resources to our K-12 educators.

The Cybersecurity Grants for Schools Act of 2022 enables the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, to award grants or other financial assistance for cybersecurity and infrastructure security training and education programs at the elementary and secondary education levels. The ability to offer financial support for this cyber training will enhance cybersecurity education to bolster the country's next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

I thank my colleague on the Homeland Security Committee, Representative Garbarino, for his consistent leadership on cybersecurity.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 6868, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 5658, the DHS Roles and Responsibilities in Cyber Space Act.

Many recent cyber events, to include the Russian probing of U.S. critical infrastructure, have shown that enhancing the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure must be a top priority for Congress and for the Nation.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, is the lead Federal Agency for asset response during a significant cyber incident, as directed by Presidential Policy Directive 41. CISA is also the lead Federal coordinator for securing critical infrastructure across all 16 sectors, in coordination with designated sector risk management agencies.

This bill outlines specific reporting requirements that DHS, in concert with CISA, must submit to Congress. These requirements include: review of utilization of Federal cyber incident response plans; explanation of roles and responsibilities of DHS in the Federal Government's response to a cyber incident; explanation of DHS authorities and how its components respond to a cyber incident; and recommendations to provide further clarity on roles and responsibilities of DHS in cyber incident response.

This bill will help clarify Federal roles in cyber incident response, thereby eliminating confusion in the midst of an actual cyber event.

I thank the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) for sponsoring this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to join me in supporting H.R. 5658, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of George Nettels. A Pittsburg, Kansas, native and U.S. Army veteran, George attended Pittsburg High School, graduated from the University of Kansas, had a successful career in the private sector, and went on to serve as the chair of the Kansas Republican Party.

At a time when many Americans in their fifties would start to slow down, George was just speeding up. George and his wife, Josie, lived a full life of travel and adventure and raised a beautiful family. To top it all off, at the age of 84, George joined his grandson Jack in a 10,000-foot tandem jump.

Beyond teaching me important lessons about being grateful for those that help you, George has personally inspired me and many others to live a life of service to others. That is what George did. Whether it was the community of Pittsburg, southeast Kansas, the State of Kansas, or our great Nation, George put the well-being of others before himself.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the brave men and women across Ukraine fighting for their freedom and standing strong against Vladimir Putin and his gang of thugs. As our adversaries look on, it is time our Nation's leaders step up on the world stage and restore peace through American strength and power.

Make no mistake. This unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is an attack on democracy, and Russia must be held accountable for their actions. The United States must immediately impose additional crippling economic sanctions against Putin and provide further military and humanitarian aid to the Ukraine fighting forces.

Most importantly, it is vital that we end our Nation's reliance on Russia's energy industry by unleashing domestic energy production right here in the United States. Energy security is national security.

I continue to be inspired by the countless acts of bravery and leadership by President Zelensky and his people as they fight for their freedom and independence. May God give strength and comfort to the people of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women's Army Corps 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation that created the Women's Army Corps, and with the help of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McCloud Bethune, the opportunity to serve in overseas units was soon extended to African-American women and the Six Triple Eight unit was born.

The Six Triple Eight began their service in 1945 and were stationed in areas throughout England and France. Despite the dangerous conditions, these brave women helped sort and deliver millions of vital pieces of mail to soldiers on the front lines and helped quickly eliminate a 6-month backlog at several mail stations.

I am honored to help introduce this legislation to award the Six Triple Eight with the highest honor in Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal, for their heroic service to our Nation.

I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Moore, for leading this effort in the House and my fellow Kansan, Senator Moran, for helping get this bill across the finish line in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill that gives these heroic women the recognition they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important issue that is deeply concerning to Kansans: Rising drug prices.

So far this year, the price of hundreds of lifesaving pharmaceutical medications have already increased. Hardworking Kansas families are facing skyrocketing inflation and many simply do not have the funds to keep up with the never-ending rise in healthcare costs.

For the past three decades, the bipartisan 340B program has helped low-income families afford essential medications by requiring pharmaceutical companies to give safety-net and rural healthcare providers discounts on prescription drugs. In my home State of Kansas, we have over 80 hospitals that use 340B savings. Not only do 340B hospitals provide heavily discounted prescription medications, they also make additional healthcare services, such as trauma care and substance abuse treatment available to most of our vulnerable patients.

As the 340B program celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is vital that we reaffirm our commitment to protecting this program and ensuring all Kansans have access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 6619 which will prohibit local education agencies from receiving Department of Education funding unless schools are open for in-person learning, and allow parents to opt out of mask mandates on behalf of their children.

Over the past 2 years, our children have suffered academically and socially throughout the pandemic. As a father of four young children, I know how important it is that kids are back in the classroom and free of unnecessary and distracting mask mandates. Parents, not politicians, should have the power to make the best decisions for their children. Let me repeat that because so many across this country and some in this body don't understand that fundamental truth. Parents, not politicians, should have the power to make the best decision for their children. And that includes whether or not they wear a mask in school.

It has been over a year since the CDC implemented universal mask mandates in schools with little science to back up their claim. Studies have shown that students can safely return to prepandemic educational settings; meaning in a classroom and without a mask.

The House has also appropriated $120 billion to reopen schools, nearly three times what the CDC had requested. Yet, we still have school districts across our country refusing to return to in-person learning or forcing kids to wear a mask against their will.

These school districts should not be given any more hard-earned taxpayer dollars from the Department of Education or any other Federal agency.

To make matters worse, the same elected officials who are implementing these draconian mandates are often seen disregarding them completely. The lengths some elected officials will go to gain a political advantage at the expense of the well-being of our children is truly astounding.

The reality is, my colleagues across the aisle are not following the science, and it is damaging an entire generation's educational and social development.

It is time we give parents the power to let their kids experience normal once again. I urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question and support H.R. 6619.

Madam Speaker, today, I come to the floor to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of my most important constituents, my Grandma Ruby.

Ruby Ellen Talley was born February 9, 1932. Grandma Ruby married my late grandfather, Joe LaTurner, on October 5, 1951. Together, they have 6 children, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great- great-grandchildren.

Nursing was her profession, but what is clearly most important to her is faith and family. As matriarch of the LaTurner family, Grandma Ruby has aggressively instilled the values of honesty, hard work, empathy, and always caring more about the one who is down on their luck.

For me personally, she helped raise me, and I hear her voice in my head every single day, insisting that I have both confidence and humility. I hear my Grandma Ruby say, as I have throughout my entire life, that I am the best and can achieve anything I am willing to work hard enough for. And I also hear her saying maybe even louder: ``Don't get too big for your britches.''

I would not be standing on this floor today without her. I love my Grandma Ruby dearly, and I wish her a very happy 90th birthday.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5577, which would name a post office after our former House colleague, John Robert Lewis.

Besides being a long-term Member of Congress and serving as chief deputy whip in the 110th Congress, he is best known for his role as a leader of the civil rights movement.

Congressman Lewis' legacy is inspiring.

John was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s. He was one of the original Freedom Riders in 1961.

In 1963, John helped organize the March on Washington.

In 1965, John led the first of three marches between Selma and Montgomery across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

There are few Americans as distinguished as John R. Lewis, and I am proud to support this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Federal procurement and acquisition process is often cumbersome, complex, and inefficient. Doing business with the Federal Government is expensive and time-consuming. In fact, many commercial vendors must hire staff who are responsible for understanding the Federal acquisition regulatory requirements just so they can do business with the government.

For small businesses with fewer resources, this is an even greater challenge. In reality, most small businesses are struggling to survive in the Biden economy, let alone trying to navigate complex procurement processes and regulations.

The Department of Homeland Security's Procurement Innovation Lab has issued reports stressing the need for innovative approaches to making Federal procurement more effective and efficient. Thankfully, the PRICE Act will help put those insights into action.

The PRICE Act requires DHS to develop department-wide guidance and training to improve procurement methods. These procurement best practices, which encourage reducing the time to award contracts, achieving cost savings, and better serving agency mission outcomes will be shared with other Federal agencies via a report.

Also under the PRICE Act, the Office of Management and Budget will convene a working group within the Chief Acquisition Officers Council to identify and disseminate government-wide best practices to modernize Federal contracting. Such best practices will focus on better utilizing small businesses, increasing procurement efficiency, improving program outcomes, and achieving a better customer experience at agencies.

The working group will provide its recommendations to Congress, which will help us identify and pursue smart procurement policy reforms. This is critical to ensure our Nation's Federal agencies can efficiently purchase the best products and services to serve the American people.

Mr. Speaker, this is not a Big Government bill. It is a big idea bill. The PRICE Act does not mandate that the Government employ certain approaches. Rather, through reporting requirements, it will equip Federal agencies with innovative acquisition practices. It will develop best practices to improve procurement methods across the government and the PRICE Act will help small businesses conduct business within the government.

This bill does not establish permanent programs or requirements but simply requires key Federal entities to conduct careful study and distribute the resulting recommendations government-wide and to Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.