Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7666, the Restore Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022.

I am proud to be a member of a committee that works in a bipartisan way to help solve the problems facing our constituents every day. Right now, that means addressing the Nation's mental health crisis.

Though many challenges existed before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2\1/2\ years of widespread fear, social isolation, and financial uncertainty has further increased Americans' need for mental health support systems.

This bill reauthorizes many of the critical mental health programs Americans currently rely on, but also provides for new measures.

Especially important to me is the inclusion of the TRIUMPH for New Moms Act, a bipartisan bill I coauthored with Representative Barragan. It aims to establish a no-cost, interdepartmental task force to address the U.S. maternal mental health crisis by eliminating duplication and coordinating Federal resources toward maternal mental health.

This task force would also work closely with State Governors to alleviate the maternal mental health challenges in their States.

Current Federal efforts to support women suffering from maternal mental health conditions lack coordinated action and organization toward this issue. And, as a result, 50 percent of these new moms never receive treatment.

This bill will increase mental health support for pregnant and new mothers by offering targeted solutions that have proven success, a fact that is particularly important to me, given Indiana's maternal mortality rate, which is one of the highest in the Nation.

Passing this bill will help provide better support for future generations of mothers and children.

Again, I thank the chair and ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their dedication to these issues, and I look forward to passage of H.R. 7666.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bipartisan Food and Drug Amendments of 2022.

This is an important reauthorization that is necessary to help drive innovation and make sure patients have continued access to critical treatments and cures.

I am pleased to see the continued focus on innovation this agreement brings, as well as its included policies like the DIVERSE Trials Act, which I helped author, which will help increase diverse participation in clinical trials.

More can be done to protect patients. One example being diagnostic testing, specifically lab-developed tests.

For well over 5 years, I have been working on the bipartisan VALID Act, H.R. 4128, with my colleague Diana DeGette, which establishes a risk-based regulatory framework for diagnostic and laboratory-developed tests.

This legislation allows for leading-edge development and innovation to thrive while assuring doctors and patients have the certainty that their test results are analytically and clinically valid. The draft version of the user fee agreements introduced in the Senate addresses the issue by including a version of the VALID Act.

Mr. Speaker, I again express my strong support for the Food and Drug Amendments Act of 2022, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act.

Just 1 year ago, our country was comfortably meeting our energy needs, and we were a net exporter of energy for the first time in 50 years. However, under the Biden administration, we have seen a continued assault on American energy that has killed jobs, increased our dependency on foreign energy sources, and most recently jeopardized our national security.

The administration continues to block new oil and gas lease sales from moving forward, all while placing undue regulatory burdens on American energy development. Just this week, President Biden proposed $45 billion worth of tax increases on fossil fuels in his budget to further weaken America's ability to power our country.

These proposed tax increases are just another example of the administration doubling down on the anti-American-produced energy policies that have sent prices skyrocketing here at home. The administration's energy agenda has not only undermined our country's energy security, but has also forced our European allies to become even more dependent on Russia to meet their energy needs.

Instead of turning to America's own energy sector to meet our energy needs, this administration is asking countries like Iran and Venezuela to compensate for the ban on Russian imports and ignoring American energy producers. In doing so, they are prioritizing oil produced by dictators over American energy producers who support jobs and businesses here at home.

The administration must reverse course and stop depending on foreign dictators to ship oil to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to flip the switch and reduce our dependence on foreign energy by unleashing American energy. I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question.

Madam Speaker, we all share the same goal of lowering the cost of prescription drugs, especially insulin. But H.R. 6833 doesn't get to the actual factors that drive the pricing.

The bill before us today is just another attempt by Democrats in Washington to pass a political solution and set Federal price controls. And once they open that door, what happens when they don't stop with insulin? What happens when they decide to move on past healthcare, set price controls on other sectors of our economy?

Why not cap what you can sell your house for in order to get the cost of housing down? Congress can't be for government price controls, as that is a slippery slope.

Now, some of my colleagues may bring up the fact that Republicans' bipartisan alternative, H.R. 19, also caps seniors' out-of-pocket costs. But let me point out the distinction, it is Medicare part D.

H.R. 6833 caps Medicare part D and private health plans. That is a direct, government price control on private companies.

Madam Speaker, I am a doctor. I am also the co-chair of the House Kidney Caucus. I have an acute understanding of how expensive prescription drugs are and the need for Congress to act. However, I also understand that it is a structural issue and simply slapping price controls on it would not actually solve the problem. This will only raise premiums and shift the costs to patients with other diseases.

Thankfully, there is a better way. H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act is a truly bipartisan solution to lower costs of all prescription drugs, including insulin. The bill caps out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs in Medicare part D for seniors, allows high deductible health plans to cover insulin before the deductible kicks in, increases low-cost options by bringing more generic and biosimilar competition to the marketplace, and increases drug price transparency for patients. And the best part: Every provision is bipartisan.

So let's get back to working together on bipartisan solutions that actually lower drug prices rather than resort to government price controls and a march towards government-run healthcare.

Madam Speaker, if we adopt the motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on Energy and Commerce to consider my amendment to H.R. 6833, which is H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act of 2022.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the table of contents of this amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.

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

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

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address America's energy crisis and the administration's continued assault on American-made energy that has killed jobs, increased our dependency on foreign oil, and most recently jeopardized our national security.

Just 1 year ago, our country was comfortably meeting our energy needs, and we were a net exporter of energy for the first time in 50 years. However, under this administration's leadership or lack thereof, we have dramatically increased our dependence on foreign oil, sent gas prices sky high, and increased heating bills during the winter.

Instead of turning to America's own energy sector to meet our energy needs and continue to make us independent, this administration is asking countries like Iran and Venezuela to compensate for the ban on Russian imports and ignoring American energy producers.

In doing so, the administration is prioritizing oil produced by dictators over American energy producers who support jobs and businesses here at home.

I urge the administration to flip the switch and reduce our dependence on foreign energy by increasing production of oil and gas at home. We can do this.

Modernizing and Streamlining Diagnostic Testing

Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to legislation that I have been working on with the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette) called the VALID Act, a bipartisan, bicameral solution to modernize and streamline diagnostic testing through establishing a risk-based framework for review and approval of laboratory-developed tests or in vitro diagnostic tests.

Many of you might be thinking, why does this matter? Well, let me tell you. Right now in America, laboratory-developed tests are not regulated for clinical or analytical accuracy. This is a problem. CMS and FDA have both told us that this is so. They do not regulate these tests.

Every single day there is a new story of inaccuracy of these diagnostic tests that can be life changing and life altering with severe consequences. As a doctor, it breaks my heart to hear of situations where, for example, a young woman falsely tests positive for a potential risk for cancer, takes preventive action to save her life potentially,

an irreversible action that might prevent her from ever having more children, only to find out that the test was falsely positive and inaccurate.

A recent article in The New York Times outlined the inaccuracy of some prenatal diagnostic blood tests, which were very inaccurate. This may lead to potential life-changing medical decisions based on these false results. It is absolutely devastating.

If passed, the VALID Act would protect patients and save lives by ensuring Americans can rely on the test results they receive while also allowing leading-edge development and innovation to thrive in our hospitals and laboratories.

Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Lyles Consolidated School located in Gibson County, Indiana. This school served as a cornerstone of Lyles Station, a town that began as an African American farming settlement, until its closure in 1955 and again today as a museum where the history of the site and town are preserved.

Throughout its history, the Lyles Consolidated School produced exemplary graduates including; Alonzo Fields, the Chief Butler for Presidents at the White House for 21 years, Burniss Priestly, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Aaron Fisher, the most decorated African American soldier from Indiana to serve in World War I, and Matthias Nolcox, the first principal of Indianapolis' Crispus Attucks High School.

It wasn't until 1999 when this outstanding piece of our history was recognized and protected by being added to the National Register of Historic Places, an important step in preserving the building after it had fallen to disrepair after closure. Today, the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum continues the tradition of educating visitors on the contributions, struggles, and achievements of the African American Hoosiers who studied and lived here. The school is filled with period-correct seating, books, and other materials that help bring the site to life for those that visit.

I am grateful to the Hoosiers that painstakingly work to preserve this part of our history, and encourage my colleagues and all of their constituents to come visit southern Indiana so that they can stop by the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum to recognize their centennial and contributions to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I grew up about 20 miles from Springfield, Illinois, and President Lincoln's boyhood home is in my congressional district in Spencer County, Indiana. President Lincoln's birthday is this Saturday, February 12, so I want to highlight some of his speeches and recognize the enduring importance of his words.

First is his farewell speech to Springfield delivered February 11, 1861: ``My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything.

``Here I have lived a quarter of a century and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born and one is buried.

``I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.

``Without the assistance of the Divine Being, who ever attended him, I cannot succeed.

``With that assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well.

``To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.''

Notice the importance of faith to President Lincoln in his farewell speech to Springfield. I do believe the loss of faith amongst elected officials has been detrimental to our country. It seems that we go out of our way to eliminate any mention of faith in public life. This is a mistake.

Next, Mr. Speaker, President Lincoln's address at Independence Hall February 22, 1861, on George Washington's birthday: ``I am filled with deep emotion at finding myself standing here, in this place, where were collected together the wisdom, the patriotism, the devotion to principle from which sprang the institutions under which we live.

``You have kindly suggested to me that in my hands is the task of restoring peace to the present distracted condition of the country. I can say in return, Sir, that all the political sentiments I entertain have been drawn, so far as I have been able to draw them, from the sentiments which originated and were given to the world from this hall.

``I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence. I have often pondered over the dangers which were incurred by the men who assembled here and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence.

``I have pondered over the toils that were endured by the officers and soldiers of the army who achieved that Independence.

``I have often inquired of myself, what great principle or idea it was that kept this Confederacy so long together.

``It was not the mere matter of the separation of the Colonies from the motherland; but that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but, I hope, to the world for all future time.

``It was that which gave promise that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders of all men. This is a sentiment embodied in that Declaration of Independence.

``Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon that basis? If it can, I will consider myself one of the happiest men in the world, if I can help to save it. If it cannot be saved upon that principle, it will be truly awful.

``But, if this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it.

``Now, in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be no bloodshed and war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may say, in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it be forced upon the Government, and then it will be compelled to act in self-defense.

``My friends, this is wholly an unexpected speech, and I did not expect to be called upon to say a word when I came here. I supposed it was merely to do something toward raising the flag. I may, therefore, have said something indiscreet. I have said nothing but what I am willing to live by, and, if it be the pleasure of Almighty God, die by.''

It is impossible to compare any situation we, as a Nation, are in today with a battle between families, brothers, sisters, and Americans that was the American Civil War. I am not attempting today in any way to do so. With that being said, the words of President Lincoln in his second inaugural address, which I am about ready to read, is an inspiration, I think, and should be to all of us.

``With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us strive on to finish the work we are in to bind up the Nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish just and lasting peace amongst ourselves and all nations.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 550, the Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021.

Immunization information systems serve as a vital link between public health officials, community providers and individuals, not only in cases of disease outbreak or emergencies, but also during routine vaccination efforts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear that our immunization information systems are in need of modernization.

Decisions in response to outbreaks must be based on science, and we must ensure our States and localities have access to meaningful data to make targeted decisions that lessen the spread and quickly reopen our economies.

H.R. 550 would repurpose previously appropriated funds to be spent through an existing grant program to improve and enhance the ability of immunization information systems to securely exchange real-time immunization record data between all public health programs.

As a doctor, I would take my patients' medical privacy very seriously. Therefore, I want to make clear that the immunization information systems are secure, confidential, population-based databases, and are completely deidentified.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Kuster for her partnership, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, the archbishop of San Francisco said, ``This proposed legislation is nothing short of child sacrifice.''

The inappropriately named Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 would codify the ability to obtain abortions for any reason at any point in pregnancy. This bill would also preempt and repeal State laws that require informed consent, ultrasounds, or other testing and counseling before undertaking an elective abortion.

As a practicing heart surgeon for 15 years prior to coming to Congress, I operated on children as young as 23 weeks gestation, late second trimester. In fact, the smallest baby I operated on weighed only 650 grams, which is about 1.4 pounds.

I spent my career in medicine caring for patients regardless of their situation, so I take access to healthcare very seriously. I can assure you that my tiny patients were people.

I find it troubling that those on the other side, most of whom have never spent a day taking care of patients, continue to mislead the American people about what constitutes healthcare.

The archbishop also said, ``A child is not an object to be thrown away.'' Vote against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the bill in its current form. I support the efforts to address dangerous, high levels of PFAS in our drinking water systems and other areas of our environment. That is why I submitted a bipartisan amendment with Mr. Schrader that would simply exempt PFAS used to manufacture medical devices and drugs that are approved by the FDA. It was a very limited amendment.

Polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, seen in the graph on the board behind me, is used to treat atrial septal defects, most of the time in young children. Thanks to great advancements in medical technology like this procedure, it is now done in an outpatient setting, rather than open-heart surgery. For years, I did open-heart surgery on people with ASDs, and now they can repair them with a device. This is one device that could be banned.

Vascular grafts to repair aneurysms or bypass blocked arteries are another example. I implanted hundreds of these type of devices in patients. The fact of

the matter is, it has been shown over and over that PTFE in devices poses no risk to people or to our environment. The bill in its current form fails to consider that fact and jeopardizes patient access to lifesaving drugs and devices, leaving physicians and patients with no viable alternative or an inferior alternative. Would anyone want to be treated with an inferior alternative when we are unnecessarily banning the best treatment? I would argue no.

Unfortunately, my commonsense, bipartisan, lifesaving amendment was not made in order. I hope this bill does continue to move through the legislative process and that we can work to address this issue. I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, William ``Bill'' Springer, for his more than thirty years of work advocating for the betterment of his community.

A true son of Sullivan County, Indiana, Bill, his two sisters, and two brothers were raised in that community. Bill and his beloved wife, Rita, raised their two sons in Sullivan. He demonstrated his dedication to the youth of the community each year by his involvement in annual events like the Easter Egg Hunt at City Park and the annual Halloween Walk Around the Square.

In recent years, Bill has operated the Sullivan County Indiana News on social media, a source that his community has relied on for important local information.

Bill has been dedicated advocate for responsible government. He led his political party for thirty years and assisted with federal, state, and local campaigns. His tireless efforts have helped several people take on leadership roles in Sullivan County.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring William ``Bill'' Springer, a native son of Sullivan County dedicated to improving the lives and communities of his fellow Hoosiers

Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak in support of S. 164, the Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021, which is the Senate companion of H.R. 1873, a bill that I introduced with my friend and colleague, Congressman Scott Peters from California.

This bipartisan, bicameral bill will require FDA to create a public website to educate patients and providers about biological and biosimilar products.

As new biological and biosimilar products become available, it is important that physicians have current information on these therapies in order to choose the best treatment for their patients.

Availability of information and education on these new and complex treatments for providers and patients will lead to healthy competition in the biologic and biosimilar product space and ultimately help to lower the cost of these important drugs for patients.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I look forward to the President signing it into law.

Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record clarifying comments from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in response to a question I asked during a House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup on February 12, 2021. During the Markup, I asked about the scope of the Medicaid drug rebate provisions, specifically section 3101(a)(4), in the American Rescue Plan.

CMS responded: ``Regarding whether section 3101(a)(4) preserves the status quo, we do not believe this language extends rebates to drugs or biological products not currently subject to rebates under the MDRP. Meaning, it keeps the status quo.

``We agree this provision is drafted similarly to the `fix' for MAT. Like MAT, since states would be required to cover drugs under this new COVID treatment benefit, confirming that states would still be required to cover such drugs absent any rebate agreement.

``Note that we do not believe current statute compels a manufacturer to enter into a rebate agreement. So if the intent is to compel payment of rebates for drugs covered under this new benefit, this provision would have to be drafted differently.''

Madam Speaker, I was unfortunately unable to attend votes on March 8, 2021, due to unavoidable personal obligations.

Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 63, and NAY on Roll Call No. 64.