Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important issue to both our nation's employers and their employees; and that is regarding the applicability of the Airline Deregulation Act (ADA) to State Workers' Compensation programs. When Congress enacted the ADA in 1978, one of the main goals was to place maximum reliance on competitive market forces to help lower prices and improve efficiency, innovation, variety, and competition in the delivery of air transportation services.

But the ADA was never intended to prohibit states from regulating workers' compensation systems.

In my home state of Texas, there has been litigation on this issue for over a decade, and there is no end in sight. That is why Congress needs to step in and why I filed Amendment 300 to H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act.

My amendment, which unfortunately was not able to be made in order as part of the House's consideration of H.R. 3935, would have amended the Airline Deregulation Act to clarify that the original intent of the ADA was not to preempt state workers' compensation laws with respect to billing and payments for air ambulance services.

The foundation of the state workers' compensation system is individual state regulation of reimbursement amounts under their workers' compensation medical fee schedules, thereby creating cost transparency. In most states, this is accomplished by setting workers' compensation medical fee services at a percentage above what providers receive under Medicare.

As a result, workers' compensation coverage is widely available to employers of every size across all industries; and ensures employees are protected from the economic impact of workplace injuries.

Unfortunately, the protections and certainty this system affords both employers and workers alike started to be undermined in 2010 when numerous air ambulance service providers began asserting the ADA preempts state workers' compensation medical fee schedules, creating a pathway for air ambulance fees to unreasonably skyrocket.

The preemption of state workers' compensation laws within the ADA is a pure accident. When Congress passed the ADA in 1978 to deregulate the airline industry, it certainly did not intend to deregulate workers' compensation insurance payments to air ambulance companies.

As part of the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act, Congress established the Air Ambulance and Patient Billing Advisory Committee at the Department of Transportation to address several issues involving air ambulance companies, including medical fees, consumer choice, and protecting consumers from balance billing. In March 2022, the Advisory Committee submitted its report to Congress, which included a recommendation to amend the ADA to clarify that it does not preempt state laws relating to state regulation of workers' compensation insurance programs.

My proposed amendment to H.R. 3935 embodies the Advisory Committee's recommendation and will address the accidental preemption of state workers' compensation laws and the inadvertent federalization of a part of state workers' compensation systems. This simple clarification that the ADA preemption provision does not apply to state workers' compensation payments for air ambulance services will return the issue to the states where it belongs, and air ambulance companies will have every opportunity to make their arguments on the appropriate payment amounts for their services within each state's workers' compensation system.

Unfortunately, my amendment was not included in the bill that was considered by the House, but I will continue to work with other members on legislation to address this important issue.

Mr. Speaker, none of us in this Chamber thought that we would have a President, even as a Democrat, that would let the country get this way. Strengthening our national security and prioritizing the well-being of the American people should be a bipartisan issue. This is the strongest border security bill to come to the House floor in decades, but my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to support this commonsense legislation, instead using terms like cruel, horrible, and heartless Republicans. The American people won't fall for that. They don't fall for that.

The Biden administration has created a humanitarian and security crisis unlike anything we have ever seen. They have outright refused to enforce the law, prioritizing the livelihoods of illegal aliens over American citizens. Drug cartels are running rampant. NGOs are handing out debit cards and bus tickets to migrants paid for with our taxpayer dollars. Human traffickers are targeting migrant children; it is heartless to do nothing about that and let the status quo continue.

However, it gets worse tonight at midnight. When title 42 lifts tonight at midnight, we will see yet another migrant surge to add to the historic numbers this administration has already amassed.

The Secure the Border Act strengthens protections for migrant children during a time when the Biden administration is losing over 85,000 unaccompanied minor children due to foolish and reckless practices. This bill protects migrant children, American citizens, and American workers.

H.R. 2 has my full support, and I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to join the American people in our fight to secure our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the unconstitutional Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). During the 117th Congress, I filed an amendment to the omnibus spending bill to strip language from the bill that had been intended to ``fix'' the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which was found unconstitutional by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on November 18, 2022, because Congress had unlawfully delegated its lawmaking power to a private corporation called the ``Authority''. The Appeals Court said the Authority needed more oversight from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), but the language included in the omnibus had been hastily put together and failed to address the underlying issue raised by the Appeals Court. The so-called ``fix'' still did not allow the FTC to make policy decisions. The FTC still may only reject rules proposed by the Authority if they are inconsistent with the Act, but the Act is written so broadly that no rule will ever be rejected. After the rules have gone into effect, the FTC may now issue its own rules, but it still may do so only to make them consistent with the Act. It cannot impose its own policy decisions on the Authority's rules. Unfortunately, my amendment did not receive a vote in this era of governing by omnibus, but I will be working this Congress to pass legislation through regular order that will fix the constitutional problems with HISA.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Shelton Gibbs III, the minister of Greenville Avenue Church of Christ (GACC) in Richardson, Texas, on his retirement. During his 53 years of service, Brother Gibbs passionately dedicated himself to his community, always putting the needs of his neighbors, his congregation, and his family before his own.

Brother Gibbs followed in the footsteps of his late father, Dr. S.T.W. Gibbs, Jr., who served as the Stop Six Church of Christ minister for over 50 years. He is also the grandson of both the late S.T.W. Gibbs, Sr. and C.C. Morgan, two great pioneer preachers. In Brother Gibbs' 40 years of service to GACC, the congregation has grown from 140 members to over 2000. The Gibbs family tradition of faithful service to the church of Christ is an example to us all.

In the early 1970s, Brother Gibbs' ministry brought him from Illinois to Texas. He served in various roles at Southwestern Christian College, including his current position on the Development Board of Lifeline Chaplaincy and founding the school's Guardian Plan. Brother Gibbs' commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders at Southwestern Christian College was evident to the entire staff and student body.

Brother Gibbs began preaching 53 years ago and enthusiastically demonstrated his love for God and his congregation at several churches around the State of Texas, including Clarksville, Mineral Wells, Abilene, and Edgewood. His evangelistic work was not limited solely to the United States; his passion for growing the church led Brother Gibbs on campaigns in Jamaica and Ghana.

Brother Gibbs is retiring as minister of GACC after 40 dedicated years. His wife of 50 years, Jeanette Gibbs, their four children, and ten beautiful grandchildren have been his greatest support system throughout his service at GACC, and I wish them all the best.

I applaud Brother Shelton Gibbs III for his commitment to serving the congregation of Greenville Avenue Church of Christ.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership and commitment of Dr. Coy Holcombe, who serves the Fifth District of Texas as Superintendent of Eustace ISD. An essential figure and true asset to our community, Dr. Holcombe is retiring after 21 years of service.

Dr. Holcombe began his career as an educator and coach in 1984 before joining Eustace ISD in 2001. His brilliance in finance and his leadership skills have not gone unnoticed in the community, especially during the trials of COVID-19. Dr. Holcombe has successfully maintained a healthy fund balance within the school district and navigated the community through student population growth over the years. His leadership during the pandemic was stellar in ensuring students' education, health, and well-being were properly monitored and prioritized. His dedication to every student within Eustace ISD will leave a legacy of excellence and compassion in the Fifth District of Texas.

I commend Dr. Coy Holcombe for his commitment to the students and families of Eustace ISD and for 21 years of hard work and service as Superintendent.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership and commitment of Dr. Coy Holcombe, who serves the fifth district of Texas as Superintendent of Eustace ISD. An essential figure and true asset to our community, Dr. Holcombe is retiring after 21 years of service.

Dr. Holcombe began his career as an educator and coach in 1984 before joining Eustace ISD in 2001. His brilliance for finance and his leadership skills have not gone unnoticed in the community, especially during the trials of COVID-19. Dr. Holcombe has successfully maintained a healthy fund balance within the school district and navigated the community through student population growth over the years. His leadership during the pandemic was stellar in ensuring students' education, health, and well-being was properly monitored and prioritized. His dedication to every student within Eustace ISD will leave a legacy of excellence and compassion in the fifth district of Texas.

I commend Dr. Coy Holcombe for his commitment to the students and families of Eustace ISD and for 21 years of hard work and service as Superintendent.

Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider legislation to force President Biden to restore our energy independence.

The United States was the largest producer of oil and gas in the world under President Trump. In less than a year, President Biden has destroyed our energy sector, created the highest gas prices in American history, and crippled our economy in the process.

There is no logic to this administration's refusal to unleash our full energy potential. It is time to ask if this administration is holding the reins of power, or if radical environmentalist groups are calling the shots at the White House.

For 2 years, I have been demanding an investigation into foreign funding of these environmental organizations. Vladimir Putin has a long history of spreading misinformation and using activist groups to deter domestic energy production. In just 10 years, the European Union went from producing more natural gas than Russia to relying on them for 40 percent of their natural gas consumption. Russian dark money is to blame, and we have to prevent the same thing from happening here at home.

Russia will use every tool at their disposal to undermine our national security. And by listening to these radical groups, the Biden administration has allowed them to succeed.

Madam Speaker, we are relying on foreign adversaries and authoritarian regimes when we have the resources here at home to bring down gas prices and help our allies in Europe. Instead of calling Venezuela and Iran, the President should be calling Texas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a staple of Texas journalism in my Congressional district. This year marks the 173rd anniversary of the oldest weekly newspaper in Texas, The Cherokeean Herald.

The Cherokeean Herald, published in Rusk, Texas, was established on February 27, 1850, when Texas had only been a State for four years. The joint publishers and owners of the historic newspaper, John and Penny Hawkins, have worked diligently in the community to make the publication an authentic representation of Rusk's rich history. From local sports events to statewide and national politics, The Cherokeean Herald has excelled at keeping the community informed of various issues for over a century.

I commend The Cherokeean Herald for its dedication and commitment to the state of Texas and the Cherokee County community for 173 years of hard work and service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pastor Byron (Boonie) Jones of First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas, on his retirement. During his thirty-five years of service, Byron has been a stalwart of the community, always putting others' needs before his own.

Byron first joined the Ministry in 1979 at Eastside Baptist Church in Rusk, Texas and served on staff for three years before joining as Youth Minister at First Baptist Church, Gresham. In 1985, the First Baptist Church Gun Barrel City was fortunate to have Byron join as Pastor. When Byron first came to Gun Barrel City, the church was meeting in a city council meeting room until they were able to build a house of worship. Now, the First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas, is one of the largest churches in Henderson County.

After 35 years of service, Pastor Byron Jones more than deserves a peaceful retirement, and I wish him the best.

I commend Pastor Byron Jones for his dedication to serving the people of Texas, and I know the First Baptist Church in Gun Barrel City will be sad to see him go.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Rotary Club of Quitman, Texas, which is celebrating 75 years of service.

Since January 7, 1946, the Rotary Club of Quitman has consistently served not only the Quitman community, but also Wood County, Texas, and beyond.

The membership of this club has included innovative leaders of business and government, city council members, mayors, school principals, administrators, superintendents, doctors, lawyers, members of the clergy, and numerous prominent citizens of the Quitman community.

While membership is important, the true measure of a club or organization is the service they provide to their community. In this regard, the Rotary Club of Quitman is truly admirable.

The club concentrates its efforts to support the youth of the Quitman Independent School District and other worthy community initiatives. During its long history, it has funded college scholarships for graduating seniors, sponsored a Rotaract club for high school students, funded the first infrared camera for the city's fire department, supported youth at Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp, as well as other efforts to support the youth. One of the scholarships honors a local veteran of the Vietnam Conflict who, after a distinguished military career, served as Wood County Judge and a Rotarian.

I wish to thank each member of the Rotary Club of Quitman for their continuous, dedicated commitment to improving the lives of others. It is an honor to represent these members in our Nation's Capital.

Again, congratulations to the Rotary Club of Quitman, Texas on 75 outstanding years.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill.

This partisan proposal would allocate over $2 billion of taxpayer resources for a wall around the U.S. Capitol and spend money on other things, like Members' personal security at home.

I don't believe the American people support that. I don't believe they understand what is in this bill. And I believe this bill would only serve to further separate the American people from their elected representatives here in Washington.

This is not the way we do business in the United States of America. It is not the way we should do business.

There are so many issues that are more worthy of our attention. The crisis at our border is unlike anything we have ever seen. We are recording 20-year highs in border crossings. But instead of completing the wall at our southern border, which would protect innocent children from being exploited by human traffickers and drug cartels, Democrats would rather spend $2 billion on a wall around this building in D.C.

This is the people's House, Madam Speaker, and I cannot support this proposal to take my constituents' hard-earned money and use it to keep them out.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 175th celebration of the founding Henderson County, Texas. Henderson County was formed April 27, 1846, and named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first attorney general of the Republic of Texas, and secretary of state for the republic, and most importantly the first Governor of Texas.

Henderson County has a rich history, including the one-time Black- Eyed Pea Capital of the world, and the home of the hamburger. Now, many Texans enjoy the wide-ranging activities Henderson County offers including recreation, entertainment, hunting, and fishing, along with the Texas Forest Trail and the Texas Lakes Trail. The county also brings in visitors from across the state and nation with events such as the Old Fiddle Reunion, held in May, and the Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree which is held in July.

After 175 years, Henderson County continues to be a vibrant community that supports family, sports, fine arts, churches, and numerous organizations for more than 84,000 residents that make up 20 municipalities.

I am proud to represent Henderson County and the many people who make it a wonderful place to live. Congratulations to everyone in the county on celebrating their 175th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, in what alternative reality does it make sense for this Congress to take away people's rights to defend themselves and, at the same time, defund the police? That makes no sense.

What we have seen in the last few days and the last week in this Congress is an effort to punish the law-abiders in this Nation. We have to stop doing this.

If we take away guns from law-abiding citizens, we are doing nothing to reduce crime. Look at Chicago. The law-abiding citizens there do not live in a safe environment. They are able to follow these procedures that you are passing, but it is not going to do anything to stop the violence.

We have to get away from this. We have to stop these laws that do not represent the will of the American people.

Let's stop punishing the law-abiding citizens of the United States and get back to what they sent us here to do.

Mr. Speaker, I was shown voting aye on rollcall No. 60. I intended to vote no.

Members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress

Amodei (Kelly (PA))

Boyle, Brendan F. (Jeffries)

Buchanan (LaHood)

Cardenas (Gomez)

DeSaulnier (Matsui)

Deutch (Rice (NY))

Frankel, Lois (Clark (MA))

Gaetz (McHenry)

Grijalva (Garcia (IL))

Hastings (Wasserman Schultz)

Huffman (McNerney)

Kelly (IL) (Kuster)

Kirkpatrick (Stanton)

Krishnamoorthi (Brown)

Langevin (Lynch)

Larson (CT) (Courtney)

Lawson (FL) (Evans)

Lee (NV) (Kuster)

Lieu (Beyer)

Lowenthal (Beyer)

Meng (Clark (MA))

Moore (WI) (Beyer)

Moulton (McGovern)

Napolitano (Correa)

Palazzo (Fleischmann)

Payne (Wasserman Schultz)

Pingree (Kuster)

Roybal-Allard (Escobar)

Ruiz (Aguilar)

Rush (Underwood)

Speier (Scanlon)

Vargas (Correa)

Watson Coleman (Pallone)

Wilson (FL) (Hayes)