Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, this morning, 40 million Americans will begin their day without access to broadband internet. These high-speed broadband connections, which were once a luxury, have now become essential tools for students, businessowners, farmers, and patients.

Last year, historic BEAD funding was disbursed to the States. Today, it is critical that these funds are used efficiently, not to gold-plate the infrastructure in our cities, but to finally connect our rural communities to fast, reliable, high-speed internet.

Recently, I was proud to introduce the 5G SALE Act to require the FCC to release previously auctioned spectrum in order to expand access to 5G internet for communities across central and western Pennsylvania.

Bridging the digital divide has never been more important as we fight to ensure that our students can learn from home, that small businesses can operate from home, and that patients can heal from home.

Enacting Republicans' Commitment to America

Madam Speaker, in the past 10 months since retaking the majority, House Republicans have fought to enact our Commitment to America, working each day to forge an economy that is strong, to build a nation that is safe, to create a future that is built on freedom, and to once again have a government that is accountable to the American people.

We fought to reopen the people's House. We passed H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act, 225-204, because Americans are paying too high a price for gas. We passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, 219-213, because President Biden's border crisis has made each and every State a border State. We passed H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act, 213- 208, because parents deserve to be involved in their children's education.

These legislative victories have only been possible because House Republicans have remained united and willing to stand up to President Biden's radical agenda. It must be a top priority to fight President Biden's out-of-control spending, his Green New Deal initiatives, and his threats to strip away our constitutional rights.

Madam Speaker, it is time for House Republicans to renew our commitment to the American people and to our shared conservative values. The work that is still ahead is too great to waste any additional time.

Mr. Speaker, last month, more than 400,000 illegal immigrants crossed the Darien Gap into Central America on their way to our southern border, nearly double the number that had arrived in all of 2022.

Let's put that number in perspective. Mr. Speaker, 400,000 is more than double the populations of Altoona, Johnstown, Chambersburg, Lewistown, Breezewood, Gettysburg, Waynesboro, Mifflintown, Newport, McConnellsburg, Greencastle, Huntingdon, Shippensburg, and Bedford combined.

It is clear that President Biden's border policies, which welcome illegal immigration, have created a national security crisis, a public health crisis, and a humanitarian crisis, all due to the porous southern border.

Since Joe Biden took office, there have been a total of 7.6 million encounters at our southern border, and for the third year in a row, Americans are now on track to see the worst border crisis in our Nation's history.

This year, we have seen public schools used as holding facilities for illegal immigrants instead of being used for American students who are already suffering from historic learning losses following Biden's prolonged school shutdowns.

While an influx of illegal immigrants has strained the food banks, the shelters, and the hospitals along our southern border, this administration continues to turn a blind eye and refuses to assist the communities that are threatened and in need.

It is time for the Senate to pass the Secure the Border Act, which would: first, force the Biden administration to restart construction of the border wall; second, increase the number of Border Patrol agents; third, end catch and release; and, finally, deploy the new technologies that our Border Patrol agents have requested in order to help secure our southern border.

President Biden's failure to address this crisis is simply unacceptable. Report after report from Eagle Pass, San Diego, and McAllen shows that this crisis will only continue to worsen each and every day.

We can't afford business as usual from Washington, and we cannot abandon our Border Patrol agents who deal with this problem. It is time for Democrats in Congress to join us and deliver real solutions and not more empty promises to the American people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Bishop Guilfoyle High School football coach Tom Irwin.

Over his four decades on the sidelines and in the classroom, Coach Irwin taught thousands of young men to be team players, to work together for the common good, to sacrifice for one another, and to be men of character both on the field and off of the field.

As one of Coach Irwin's former players, I personally am grateful for his leadership.

Through his words and his deeds, Coach Irwin taught his students what it meant to be an individual of faith,

what it meant to pray, and to seek God's guidance during both victory and defeat.

Leading teams of young men onto the football field, Coach Irwin prepared his students not only to confront the conflict of crossing the goal line, but to prepare for the trials that each man would face later throughout their lives.

As a coach, as a teacher, as a mentor, and a counselor, Tom Irwin has impacted the hearts and the souls of countless young students, both those who wore football pads and those who did not.

Mr. Speaker, last week our national debt reached a record $33 trillion. During the next 30 years, the interest payments alone on this debt will become

the Federal Government's single largest expenditure.

Now more than ever, we need to address the runaway spending that has created this debt crisis while sending inflation skyrocketing and costing American families an extra $10,000 a year.

Pennsylvanians cannot afford business as usual from Washington. It is time to put an end to the wasteful spending in our budget. It is time to stop the inflation that has driven up the prices of gas and groceries. It is time to rein in the runaway spending and once again pass a budget that is truly worthy of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, each year, Americans attend nearly 1 billion medical appointments and emergency room visits and quite often are unaware of how much their treatments will cost until after their appointment has ended.

Now, the House has a chance to pass bipartisan legislation to address this issue and to stand up for our patients.

The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act would immediately benefit patients by providing clear price transparency for medical procedures, allowing patients the flexibility to choose where they will receive their care.

This bill includes legislation that I authored to provide funding for community health centers, which provides care to over 30 million Americans nationwide. From pediatric checkups to dentistry, rural communities rely on these health centers to meet their daily medical needs.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, since President Biden took office, there have been over 5.8 million illegal crossings on our southern border and 1.6 million illegal immigrants have evaded apprehension.

Instead of funding our Border Patrol agents to deal with the rise in attempted crossings, President Biden has chosen to incentivize crossings by ending President Trump's remain in Mexico policy.

At a time when the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45 is overdoses, Democrats' failure to pass comprehensive border security legislation is an indictment of their failure to protect the American people. Instead of addressing the importation of fentanyl-related substances, liberals in this body have voted against legislation like the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is legislation that would permanently classify these drugs as schedule I narcotics and impose harsh penalties on the dealers who traffic these deadly poisons.

In the past year, I have spoken with too many first responders who have administered Narcan on 911 calls. I have spoken with too many county coroners conducting autopsies on young people killed far too soon by fentanyl poisonings. I have spoken with far too many families who have lost a loved one to an overdose.

It is time for the Senate to stop sitting on the sidelines while Americans suffer and die. It is time to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act. It is time to secure our border.

Our top priority must be to protect our Nation's border and put a stop to drug smuggling and illegal immigration that have made every State in our Union a border State.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

There is truly nothing more American than the freedom of the open road. Americans have built their lives around reliable and affordable transportation, and now, government overreach is threatening to put the cars, trucks, and SUVs that hardworking Americans need out of reach.

At its core, the vote on H.R. 1435 asks a very simple question: Should consumers or the Federal Government decide what type of vehicles Americans can drive?

This legislation is designed to address an issue created by California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations that seek to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the next decade by requiring 35 percent of new vehicle sales to be electric vehicles in 2026 and fully 100 percent of sales to be electric vehicles by 2035.

Because of the fact that 17 other States have adopted portions of California's Clean Air Act regulations, this decision could potentially impact over 40 percent of the American auto market, and if enacted, would create a de facto ban on all gas-powered vehicles in the United States.

As originally created, California's carve-out in the Clean Air Act of 1970 was designed to combat smog and pollution in and around Los Angeles, and it was never intended to be used as a tool to ban the vehicles that have transported Americans for over 100 years.

Currently, the only thing standing in the way of California's implementation of this policy is a required EPA waiver.

That is why I, along with Representatives Latta, Bilirakis, and Obernolte, introduced H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. This bill would prevent the EPA Administrator from granting a waiver to any regulation that would limit the sale or use of new vehicles with internal combustion engines.

We cannot expect vehicle manufacturers to build one car for California and another one for Pennsylvania.

In areas like my district in central and western Pennsylvania, electric vehicles are unable to perform in the mountainous terrain and lose range in high heat and in extreme cold.

On a recent trip, Energy Secretary Granholm was unable to use a fleet of electric vehicles to travel across the State of Georgia without using a gas-powered vehicle to block a public charging station ahead of her arrival.

Mr. Speaker, not every family will have an advance staffer ready to reserve a charger for their vehicle. Even the Biden administration's EPA Administrator Michael Regan did not support the banning of internal combustion engines.

In May, when I asked Administrator Regan if he supported such a ban during an Energy and Commerce Committee hearing he responded: ``No, not at all.''

It is clear that more government interference cannot deliver innovation that Americans rely on.

There are fundamental issues of our Nation's infrastructure that would prevent us from transitioning to an all-electric model, including the state of our electric grid.

Under President Biden's Green New Deal agenda, we have seen coal- powered plants close, we have seen him stop the production of natural gas, and we have seen new drilling leases canceled from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico.

Instead of utilizing the power sources underneath the feet of my constituents, President Biden's administration has attempted to subsidize energy sources like wind turbines and solar panels that have been proven to be ineffective at providing our grid with the power necessary for charging electric vehicles en masse.

As we look towards the future of electric vehicles, the Chinese Communist Party is taking aggressive steps to position themselves as the leader in developing EV battery technology.

Through the CCP's control of the critical minerals and resources needed to make electric batteries, a full transition to these vehicles would be a boon for the Chinese economy while hurting Americans.

It has become clear that transitioning to a fully electric auto market would put China and not American autoworkers in the driver's seat.

Today, it is time for the House to pass the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act and allow American families and American consumers to choose the vehicles that they want and the vehicles that they can afford.

The Governor of California does not have the right to determine what type of vehicle my constituents in Pennsylvania are able to buy. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leah Shackley of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who won a second gold medal this past Thursday at the World Junior Aquatic Swimming Championship in Israel as a member of Team USA.

A senior in high school, Leah has won races across the country, and now around the world. Through her commitment to training at both the Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg and in her family's pond in Bedford County, Leah has shown that hard work and determination can provide an incredible recipe for success.

As she represents both our district and our Nation, Leah faced tough competition from over 600 athletes representing 100 nations. During the team relay event, Leah set a personal record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 57.75 seconds.

With Leah's continued success in the water and her support of friends and

neighbors in Bedford, she continues to set an incredible example for student athletes in central Pennsylvania.

On behalf of all of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Leah and all of Team USA on their success in the World Junior Aquatics Swimming Championship.

Pass a Farm Bill that Ensures America's Security

Madam Speaker, during the August district work period, I traveled over 3,200 miles across central and western Pennsylvania.

As I met with members of our agricultural community, from orchard growers in Adams County to dairy farmers in Cambria County, I saw firsthand the need for Congress to pass a farm bill that supports the farmers in our rural communities.

This legislation is vital to ensuring America continues providing our country with abundant and affordable food. Very simply put, food security is national security, and now more than ever we need a farm bill that addresses the concerns facing our Pennsylvania farmers.

As production costs continue to soar because of President Biden's inflationary policies, we must find ways to ensure that our food remains affordable for families, while also protecting our local farmers.

We need to better target resources to maintain our commitment to rural farmers and the rural development that is at the cusp of what they do. What we don't need is legislation that overregulates and overburdens the farmers that we rely on to grow the food and provide the dairy products and the wholesome grains that are so important to the economy and to the health of all Americans.

It is time to pass a farm bill that ensures our security and allows at the same time for our farmers to prosper.

Mr. Speaker, since its founding in 1873, The United States Naval Institute has been a tireless advocate for our Nation's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The United States Naval Institute, which is located at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, provides an independent forum for those who work to advance our understanding of sea power along with issues critical to our National security.

This independent, non-partisan and innovative platform was created to promote the free exchange of ideas to generate and advance the knowledge of America's Sea Services, thereby preserving our naval and maritime heritage.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the United States Naval Institute on its 150th Anniversary and commend the staff and over 100,000 dedicated supporters worldwide for their commitment to our Nation's servicemembers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Adam Holliday Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and thank them for their work to preserve our Nations heritage, while educating our next generation on the importance of upholding our constitutional values.

As Constitution Day approaches, we remember the words of Benjamin Franklin who was asked by a group of citizens as he exited the Constitutional Convention what type of government had been created.

He replied: ``A republic, if you can keep it.''

Each day we strive to uphold the Republic that was created that day in Philadelphia.

Both in the halls of Congress, and across the country we must remain committed to protecting our constitutional rights that have helped us to become the most prosperous Nation the world has ever known.

As we celebrate Constitution Day, we remember our founding fathers and strive to uphold their legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the incredible victory of the West Suburban Little League Softball Team on winning their second straight state championship this season.

Under the leadership of team manager Dave Lynch this incredible team comprised of members from schools such as Westmont, Biship McCort, and Richland have worked together achieve an incredible level of success.

As our students continue to participate in organized sports they learn valuable skills including teamwork, dedication, and good sportsmanship.

Even in the face of adversity, the Red Rage players came together and found a way to win time after time.

Congratulations to the entire West Suburban Softball Team including Addy Dunbar, Kylie Durst, Bella Kist, Sienna Kubic, Alea Ladika, Elleigh Ladika, Cali Lynch, Kelsie Muto, Audra Rudolph, LaMya Stephens, Kristin Stiles and Elizabeth Veranese on their hard work and dedication.

On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate the West Suburban Little League Softball Team on their victory, and wish them every continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the athletic accomplishments of Solie Stenger, from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, who at 16 years old, has excelled in the sport of water skiing.

Utilizing the beautiful Lake Heritage to practice her sport, the local community has rallied behind her to support her travels to high- level tournaments across North America.

Recently, Solie came in first place in the U17 Girls Slalom at the Jr. Canadian Open and pulled in two other top-three finishes. She was one of only five Americans who won titles at the open and is on track to reach her goal of competing professionally one day.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the athletic ability of Miss Solie Stenger and look forward to her continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize the 65th Anniversary of Operation Sunshine, a scientific expedition on behalf of the United States Navy that sent our Nation's first nuclear submarine, the USS Nautilus, to the North Pole.

Nicknaming themselves ``PANOPOs'', an acronym from the phrase ``Pacific to the Atlantic via the North Pole'', one-hundred and sixteen crew members made the historic voyage under the polar ice, showing true American dominance in science, innovation, and naval capability.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I am proud to recognize the 65th Anniversary of Operation Sunshine and thank both Nautilus Alumni Association and the Submarine Force Library and Museum Association for their dedication to keeping American history alive.

Mr. Speaker, more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians lack access to fast and reliable internet service at their homes, often adding a layer of difficulty to students who are trying to learn, to businesspeople who are trying to engage in commerce from their homes, or to patients who are trying to connect with their physicians for telehealth visits.

As I travel throughout my district, I hear from farmers who struggle to implement precision farming due to a lack of GPS signal. When I visit schools, I hear from teachers about students who struggle to complete their homework simply because they lack access to high-speed internet in their homes.

These problems are persistent, and each contributes to the larger issue: that rural communities are suffering from a lack of access to broadband internet.

To ensure that our rural communities are not left behind, it is time for Congress to commit to building out rural broadband infrastructure as part of the agriculture and rural development appropriations.

Ensuring high-speed internet connections, whether from fiber-optic cables, wireless towers, or satellite, will ensure that students are able to learn from home, that employees are able to work from home, and that patients are able to heal from home.

We as a Congress must stand committed to rural broadband development.

Protecting Our Farmland

Mr. Speaker, right now, nearly 400,000 acres of American farmland are owned by Chinese investors.

The increasing reach of the Chinese Communist Party is incredibly alarming, as this land is being purchased near sensitive military installations and other areas critical to our national security.

It is imperative that the Biden administration gain a better understanding of these land purchases and develop programs to halt the purchase of agricultural land by those associated with China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

We must ensure that the USDA is able to improve tracking of foreign land ownership and help to ensure that our communities are protected and safe from the actions of the Chinese Communist Party.

This is a national security issue, and it is time for Congress and the Biden administration to take swift and decisive action to protect our American farmland.

Mr. Speaker, in President Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address, he called on our Nation to care for those ``who shall have borne the battle.''

As we debate legislation this week to support our Nation's 16.5 million veterans, we must remember that charge that was given to us by President Lincoln to care for those who have given so much of themselves, of their time, in order to keep our Nation free and our Nation safe.

It is essential that we honor our commitment to those men and women and fully fund veterans benefits and VA programs. We owe an incredible debt of gratitude to those who have worn a uniform in service of the United States.

From inpatient hospitalizations to outpatient primary care and addiction services, our veterans hospitals provide the essential services that our veterans can rely on.

While working as a doctor, I was proud to treat veterans at the James E. Van Zandt Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Blair County, Pennsylvania. These men and women have served in conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Having the opportunity to provide care to these veterans is one of the proudest moments of my medical career.

Moving forward, we must ensure that our veterans hospitals are equipped with the latest tools, technologies, and treatments to ensure that our veterans are receiving the highest and utmost care.

Unbearable Conditions for Farmers

Mr. Speaker, this summer, farmers across Pennsylvania will grow produce, milk dairy cows, till their fields, and tend to their orchards that help to feed our entire Nation.

Recently, I spent time at Richards Farm in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, and met with the owner, Ryan Richards, to talk about the challenges that are faced by dairy producers who work to provide the nutritional products that Pennsylvanians and all Americans rely on.

Sadly, the failed policies of the Biden administration have made conditions unbearable for family farmers. It is time to stop the handouts to liberal special interests and reinvest in the policies and programs that enable our American farmers to succeed. It is time to rescind the $1 billion allocated for Green New Deal programs in President Biden's so-called Inflation Reduction Act. It is time to put an end to runaway spending and finally support our great American farmers.