Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for his leadership on this important issue.

Right now, the clock is ticking. Do you hear it?

Our communities are being destroyed by the illegal fentanyl that continues to pour across our southern border and, tragically, it pours into the hands of many unknowing Americans.

In just 2 weeks from now, the emergency class-wide order that makes it illegal to possess this deadly drug will expire, and many forms of fentanyl will become legal on American streets. If this happens, police officers will be powerless to stop this drug from wreaking havoc on our communities.

We know the consequences of leaving this drug. Sadly, fentanyl overdoses are the leading cause of death among 18- to 45-year-olds, the leading cause of death.

Just a half a mile from where we stand here in the Capitol, the fentanyl crisis claimed three more lives last week.

In my district alone in Pennsylvania, over 400 men, women, and children lost their lives to opioid overdoses.

Being a part of a community means taking responsibility for one another. By not bringing this vote to the floor, liberals in this body are failing their responsibility to the American people. Our communities cannot wait any longer.

Madam Speaker, now is the time to permanently ban this deadly drug. Now is the time to give law enforcement the tools that they need to keep our neighbors, our families, and our communities safer. Americans are counting on us.

Can you hear the clock ticking?

Now is the time to act. I thank the gentleman for leading this Special Order Hour this evening.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the crisis that is causing energy prices to skyrocket and hurting Pennsylvanians.

This year it is estimated that Americans will pay 32 percent more to heat their homes than they did last year. This sudden spike in prices is the result of President Biden's war on affordable energy sources, sources like oil, natural gas, coal, and the Marcellus shale that is so readily available in Pennsylvania.

Instead of promoting these affordable baseload power sources, the Biden administration has doubled down on their failed policies. So far, President Biden has canceled projects, including the Keystone XL pipeline. He has refused to sign new drilling leases that would ultimately lower the cost of energy for my constituents.

President Biden and his far-left administration are fighting against American businesses and against American families.

The dead of winter is not the time to implement the Green New Deal. The coldest months of the year are no time to raise heating costs. These reckless policies must end.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katy and Travis McCabe as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Small Businessperson of the Year Award.

Despite the unprecedented challenges small business owners have endured, and in the face of adversity, Katy and Travis McCabe have responded in stride with positivity, and unwavering determination as they operate Greenbean Coffee house. On their first day of business in 2017, they served over 1,500 drinks, and that number only grows as they have expanded into new and exciting locations and a full-fledged catering service. I wish them well as they plan a new location that will open this year.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Travis and Katy for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Becky Stevens as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce's ATHENA Award.

This honor is awarded to individuals who continually strive for the epitome of professional development, and in turn, can excel in their career but also in our Blair County community. Becky embodies the power and wisdom of the Greek's mythological Athena

through the educational workshops she holds for our community's women, and her incredible efforts as a Divorce Financial Analyst. It is not an understatement to say that Becky is a champion for our women.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their work to create an environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Becky for their tireless work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Richard L. Lockard, Sr. of Altoona, Pennsylvania, who passed away on January 14, 2022, after eighty-six years of exceptional life.

Dick was a 1953 graduate of Altoona Area High School, which he later revisited to spend over forty years serving as the longest tenured board member in Altoona Area School District's board. This is unsurprising, as his colleagues describe him as a man with incomparable drive and focus on creating opportunities for the community's youth- even after their graduations.

Athletics were clearly a passion of Dick's. As chairman for the school district's athletic council, he encouraged the life lessons and character development that could be fostered from youth participation in sports. Equally as important, he encouraged friendship, and fun.

Individuals of this caliber are few and far between. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, it is my privilege to celebrate the life of Richard L. Lockard, Sr. and honor his legacy. As we remember Richard for his many contributions to Blair County and its community, I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Scott Brenneman as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership Award.

This honor is awarded to those who embody servant leadership by making the conscious choice to serve first, and then lead, as a way of furthering their service. These qualities are admirable, and for such a reason, I am honored to recognize Mr. Brenneman as a pillar of our Blair County community. After twenty-one years of military service, Scott continued a path of selflessness and excellence, dedicating himself to involvement in Sweat for Vets, Operation Evergreen, and the Hollidaysburg Area School District Board.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their work to create an environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Scott for their tireless work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sue Griep as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Leadership Blair County Fellow Award.

This award was created in 1997 when the Leadership Blair County Steering Committee understood the need to recognize those who uphold their mission of leadership and stewardship towards the Blair County Community. While no small feat, Sue's efforts to benefit those around her have rippled through her neighbors, and her modesty only underlines the true selflessness of her dedication.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Sue for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dee Martin-Spallone as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious George Award.

Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, alongside the Blair County Chamber, present this award to a community member whose tireless volunteer effort do not go unnoticed, despite their ceaseless humility and modesty. Dee Martin-Spallone has been selected for her embodiment of hard work and dedication without desire for acknowledgement. Dee founded the National Organization First Book in Blair County, as well as Angel Feet Ministry, to ensure that children in need have access to new socks, shoes, and books. Further, she personally creates and sells products to raise money for the Roaring Spring Community Library, and directly works with the Altoona Area School District to provide mentorship and guidance to our community's youth.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Miss Martin- Spallone for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jamie Stumph as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit Award.

This award was created to honor Joseph Rosenhamer, a longtime Chamber Member who served with the most ideal traits of a businessperson--with altruism, integrity, and selflessness. Mr. Rosenhamer's wisdom regarding the effectiveness of teamwork is recognized through the award's recipients, particularly through Jamie. Her dedication to the Young Entrepreneurs Academy has spanned over six years, and she has remained an active member of various other forums and councils.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Jamie for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rebecca Culp as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Young Professional of the Year Award.

Rebecca has been awarded with this honor due to her investment into the Blair County community, and demonstrated a history of excellence, creativity, and initiative to emit a positive impact on her neighbors. As the administrative lead for Berry Solutions Group,

she has used her management experience to co-chair the Young Professionals of Blair County.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Miss Culp for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nicole Zernick as the recipient of the Blair County Chamber's prestigious Judith A. Rossie Educator of the Year Award.

Jodi Rossi was a beloved educator that is honored through an award that represents the importance of having a positive impact on students and our community's school systems. Nicole has served as a key between the business and educational communities in Blair County, and we are proud to applaud her. She has selflessly helped countless high school students take the steps to identify possible career paths through education and encouragement.

On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I am grateful to the Blair County Chamber for their environment that fosters community growth and success, and for constituents like Nicole for their tireless efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Congressman Bud Shuster, who represented the people of central Pennsylvania for over 30 years and wish him a happy 90th birthday.

Throughout his career, Bud Shuster worked tirelessly to serve his constituents. As Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, he built broad coalitions of support that tackled some of our nation's greatest challenges and worked to improve virtually every aspect of the nation's infrastructure including our roads, bridges, airports, ports, and waterways. Congressman Shuster was also a driving force in the construction of Interstate 99, a vital route that connected Altoona, Bedford, and State College to the rest of our Commonwealth and beyond.

His work in Congress as the top Republican on the House Select Intelligence Committee was key in the creation of the CIA's Counternarcotics Center and in passing legislation that specially equipped intelligence planes to locate Central American drug cartels, which attempted to bring deadly drugs into our communities.

His work in the halls of Congress undoubtedly made our nation stronger, safer, and more prosperous.

As his 90th birthday approaches, Bud Shuster's example should continue to inspire every member in this body to work to serve their constituents. On behalf of the people of the 13th Congressional District, I wish Congressman Bud Shuster a happy birthday and many more happy and healthy years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New Jersey, Mr. Smith, for his leadership in this incredibly important issue. Year after year he has stood for the unborn. Personally I want to thank him for that leadership.

Mr. Speaker, in the 49 years since the case of Roe v. Wade was ruled on by the Supreme Court, 63 million innocent unborn children have lost their lives to abortion.

Now, members of the radical left are trying to raise the number of abortions performed in the United States by repealing the Hyde amendment, which for decades has ensured that no taxpayer dollars are used to fund this barbaric procedure.

As a doctor, I swore an oath to ``first, do no harm.''

When I was in medical school I swore that I would never perform, assist, or support an abortion procedure. As a medical student, as an intern, as a resident, and as a board certified physician for 25 years, I lived up to that pledge.

As a legislator in the United States Congress I took a pledge to continue to stand for life.

Now is the time for Congress to pass legislation that defends the rights of the unborn.

Now is the time for us to end abortions in this country.

On this 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade let us remember the lives that have been lost and recommit ourselves to defending human life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to address the drug crisis that is decimating communities and destroying families.

Earlier this month, the CDC released data showing that fentanyl overdoses are now the number one killer of Americans ages 18 to 45: number one killer. This data is tragic. No family should have to deal with the sudden loss of a loved one.

Fentanyl is often ingested unknowingly, and a dose smaller than the size of a penny can be lethal.

In 2021, President Biden swung open the doors to our southern border, and the impact of that continues to be negative. That decision invited drug traffickers into our country. Last year, Border Patrol agents seized enough fentanyl to kill every man, woman and child in my home State of Pennsylvania.

We cannot solve this crisis while our borders remain open. We cannot solve this crisis while the Biden administration fails to act.

This deadly drug will continue to pour into our country if we fail to build the wall. It will continue to pour into our country if we do not get the border agents the support and the tools that they need.

This issue is far too important to continue to ignore. Our communities continue to suffer. Congress should act now to make fentanyl analogs a schedule one narcotic.

The Biden administration must secure our southern border. Our communities, they are counting on us to act. We can no longer continue to let them down.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Edward Averill on his upcoming retirement.

After forty-six years of service with the United States Army as both a soldier and as a civilian, Mr. Averill will retire after serving as the Deputy to the Commander for Letterkenny Munitions Center.

Originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Averill has served our Nation with honor and distinction. In 1979, after leaving active- duty status, he continued to serve our country and community by enlisting in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Mr. Averill began his work at Letterkenny Army Depot in 1981 as a Munitions Destroyer, through his leadership and subject matter expertise he rose to the position of Deputy to the Commander in 2013.

Today, I am proud to recognize Mr. Averill for his continued service to our Nation and the people of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District.

I thank him, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.