Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jon Van Utrecht of Ottumwa.

Since its creation in 1854 in Fairfield, Iowa, the Iowa State Fair has been a yearly tradition for Iowans, attracting millions of people from across the country. With a wide variety of entertainment, food, and activities, such as the world-famous butter cow, it is not surprising why millions are attracted to the fair.

Each year, farmers across Iowa are encouraged to enter a variety of crops to be judged for size, weight, and quality. One of my favorite things to do at the State fair is attending competitions and seeing the impressive crops our farmers have grown.

That is why I was thrilled to see Ottumwa's Jon Van Utrecht's pumpkin as one of the winners of the big pumpkin competition. Jon's pumpkin came in sixth place and weighed 300 pounds.

Iowa's State Fair is filled with countless entertainment options for families across Iowa and shows why Iowa is the best place to live, work, play, and raise a family. I look forward to seeing what next year brings.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish a happy birthday to Helen Friell. On September 23, Helen will become 100 years old.

Happy birthday, Helen.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Guthrie for yielding me time.

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act.

As a physician and former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I am uniquely positioned to understand the true implications of this bill and how this bill will affect both doctors and patients, and rural Iowans are no exception.

Interestingly, I just heard my colleague talk about how families may be kicked off their healthcare, and it doesn't seem to me that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle cared about that when they passed the Affordable Care Act and premiums rose dramatically.

Allowing the Federal Government to set limits on drug pricing will limit competition and drastically reduce innovation within the pharmaceutical industry. Innovation also comes even after FDA approval to determine if drugs can be used for more than just their initial purpose.

Additionally, narrowing the drug formulary by drug pricing through Medicare and negotiations will end up taking medications that you may already be prescribed and taking successfully, taking them off of the formulary and not being covered.

Let me also illustrate, when Medicare part D went into effect, the fact that there was not a negotiation by Medicare allowed generic drugs as low as $4 a medication. That was tremendously helpful to millions of seniors and continues to this day.

The United States is the leading developer of new drugs, but without market competition, American companies will lose the incentive to undergo cutting-edge research.

What does that mean to the average person? It means fewer cures for rare diseases or debilitating diseases. Fewer cures, less treatment for debilitating diseases.

Inevitably, the United States will become dependent on countries like China for pharmaceutical research and development, and patients will be limited in their options. Didn't we already see that through the pandemic?

Additionally, this bill will extend ObamaCare subsidies enacted in the American Rescue Plan, which do not have income restrictions. Rather than helping those who are most in need, the wealthiest Americans will continue to receive the largest average benefit.

This enormous spending package is bad for Iowans, bad for the economy, bad for hardworking Americans, and bad for the future of American innovation.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Carter for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Republican motion to recommit H.R. 3771.

We can all agree that preventing myocardial events in Asian Americans and all populations is important, but the health of our children coming through the pandemic is critical.

The Republican motion to recommit would require the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress on the education crisis in K-12 public schools as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This report would include the total number of days schools were closed, the impact that school closures had on our most vulnerable population--which includes both academic achievement and mental health--and the amount of classroom instruction time that was lost.

As a mother of two children, I understand how important it is for all kids to be in school and learning among their peers. Unfortunately, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools had vaccine mandates, masking requirements, and virtual-only learning which has resulted in students paying the price through learning loss. The report to Congress this motion to recommit authorizes will provide us with the data that will help us move forward from this pandemic.

Early in the pandemic there was a lot of focus on limiting people's interactions with others. However, by summer of 2020, I would argue that the risk of keeping schools closed and how to reopen them as safely as possible was known. In fact, this was widely the practice in Europe.

As a physician and former Iowa director of public health, I recognize that children are at infinitesimally low risk of severe illness with COVID. In fact, in February of 2021, The New York Times reported that 86 percent of pediatric disease experts recommended in-person schooling regardless of vaccination status. In addition, a recent study found that grade-schoolers are at a lower risk than vaccinated adults.

By using transparent data from the CDC, we can make the best decisions for students when it comes to in-person instruction, vaccine and masking mandates, and their mental health, given the startling rise in youth suicide.

I believe that it is imperative for students to go to school and have in-person instruction. Our future leaders depend on the best education possible, which starts in the classroom. Let me repeat that: in the classroom.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the Republican motion to recommit. As we are entering a new school year after 2 years of a pandemic, our students deserve to be back in the classroom among their peers.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the 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, I rise today in support of H.R. 4040. This bill would extend telehealth flexibilities under Medicare until 2024. These flexibilities allow physicians to be more widely available to patients who no longer need to wait weeks for a visit or take hours off work to sit in a doctor's office.

While I support this bill, I am disappointed that the majority did not follow the regular committee process, which could have further improved the bill in a bipartisan way.

For example, the committee could have incorporated elements of the Greater Access to Telehealth Act, which I am proud to co-lead with the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Schweikert) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter). This bill would extend the telehealth flexibility until 2026 and includes policies to support health savings accounts. But the majority did not follow regular order, and that is a great disservice to a commonsense bill like H.R. 4040.

Regardless, and despite the procedural irregularities, I support the bill, and I encourage my colleagues to vote for H.R. 4040.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Michael Welsh of the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

Dr. Welsh recently won the 2022 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine for his discoveries of defects causing cystic fibrosis and his development of medicines that reverse those defects.

Dr. Welsh has spent the past 40 years of his career researching cystic fibrosis and looking for solutions at the University of Iowa. The Shaw Prize is awarded to those whose discoveries in biomedical sciences have created solutions to illness and suffering.

This is a remarkable achievement, and Dr. Welsh's research and discoveries should be highlighted. I am excited to see where his research takes him and those he inspires and mentors, and how the University of Iowa will contribute to the cure of cystic fibrosis.

Recognizing Regina Catholic High School Softball Team

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Regina Catholic High School's softball team.

Last weekend, the Regals concluded the State softball tournament hosted in Fort Dodge and won the 2A State championship title. This victory marks Regina Catholic High School's fourth 2A State championship in 11 years.

Despite a difficult first inning, the Regals were able to come together, work as a team, and finish with a 6-4 victory over Wilton Jr.-Sr. High School.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate both teams, as both teams are in my district. How outstanding that two of my district's teams would be in the State championship softball tournament. They put on a spectacular championship game, showing the talent that our district has at the State level.

Madam Speaker, I look forward to cheering on both teams next year as they compete for another State title.

Celebrations

Madam Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to Steve Schleffer.

I wish a happy 43rd anniversary to Mary and Kirk Ferentz on August 11. Happy anniversary, Mary and Kirk.

On August 13, Kurt and Cathy Haller will celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary. Happy anniversary, Kurt and Cathy.

I wish a happy birthday to Blake Dickerson.

And I wish a happy birthday to William Ahlquist.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter) for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4551, the RANSOMWARE Act. This important legislation will help protect consumers and businesses from ransomware and cyberattacks.

Almost every day, there are reports of foreign bad actors using ransomware to attack companies, hospital systems, law enforcement agencies, schools, and municipalities.

Last year, the largest meat processing company in the world, JBS, which has a meat processing plant in my district, was hacked by a Russian-led cybercriminal organization. These hackers threatened to delete the company's internal files unless a ransom was paid. JBS was forced to halt processing operations at over a dozen plants, causing the price of meat to rise and impacting economies across the globe.

We have also seen this in our municipalities and schools in Iowa, prompting us in the State legislature to enact legislation addressing ransomware attacks.

This particular legislation will help avoid attacks like these by focusing resources to better understand the threat posed by attacks from our foreign adversaries in China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act and against H.R. 8373. My colleague, Dr. Michael Burgess, has listed its many flaws, and this is an extreme bill from a desperate majority.

I was proud to join my colleague, Representative Hinson from Iowa, in introducing this bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit so we can bring this bill to the floor. This bill would make FDA-approved oral contraceptives available for over-the- counter use.

In 2019, I championed similar legislation as a member of the Iowa State Senate that would allow women over the age of 18 to access over- the-counter oral contraceptives.

As a physician, a former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, and a mother, I understand how important it is for women to have increased access to oral contraceptives. The Iowa Senate knew it, too, which is why our State senate passed that bill with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, and it would have passed with only Republican support.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 8373 and for the motion to recommit.

Madam Speaker, over the past month, the issue of abortion has been a prevalent topic in the news in light of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. I am pro-life. Most of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are not. But regardless of our stance, we can all agree that we should enact policies to reduce the number of women who feel the need to seek an abortion.

The evidence is clear. One of the best ways we can prevent abortions is to increase access to contraception. Research has shown us time and time again that if you make it easier for women to access oral contraceptives, you lower the rate of unplanned pregnancies.

Providing over-the-counter contraceptives is safe and effective for women. Oral contraceptives were first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1960 and have been on the market since. But H.R. 8373 would allow non-FDA-approved drugs and devices.

The ones that have been approved are safe and pose fewer health risks than some drugs that are already being sold over the counter. Oral contraceptives are one of the most popular methods for preventing conception and avoiding pregnancy.

In addition, women use birth control pills or oral contraceptives for a variety of other reasons. They can use them for regulating menstruation, to prevent anemia, to prevent painful heavy periods, and to address acne.

Making oral contraceptives available over the counter will also provide benefits to populations that have historically faced challenges in accessing healthcare, such as low-income, rural, and young women. The NIH conducted a study that compared women receiving oral contraceptives through a prescription to women who were able to get oral contraceptives over the counter. The results of this study indicated that women were more likely to continue taking oral contraceptives if they are able to buy them over the counter.

We can also ensure that young women have timely and more affordable access to care, but we do not want women to circumvent getting their preventative healthcare. We can ensure that young women who are statistically less likely to seek regular care at a primary care provider OB/GYN have access to oral contraceptives, and we can ensure that low-income women who may face financial challenges in taking time off their job to attend a doctor's appointment still have access to oral contraceptives.

I want to be clear that this bill is not an effort to circumvent the need for women to seek regular, preventative care. If oral contraceptives are approved for over-the-counter use, then women should continue to meet with their primary care provider, and they should continue to see their OB/GYN. It is imperative that women are fully apprised of any potential side effects of contraceptives and advised if they are at increased risk of potential side effects, but that is not what H.R. 8373 does. It does not protect women's health.

In my experience as a doctor in caring for women, we are knowledgeable; we are capable; and we are not going to avoid going to a doctor merely because we can get drugs or medicine without having seen that provider for a prescription. So, I trust the intelligence and capabilities of women to make informed decisions about their own care.

Let me be clear. Our oral contraception bill is pro-family, pro- women, and pro-life. H.R. 8373 is not.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing. Vote ``yes'' on the motion to recommit and against H.R. 8373, and let's bring this commonsense bill to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, in Iowa, the official start of summer also brings the official start of county fair season.

All 99 counties in Iowa have a county fair that brings together kids, families, 4H, FFA, farmers, and the broader community for their games, fair food, arts and crafts, the showing of livestock, concerts, tractor pulls, and also car races.

The amount of work young people put into raising bottle-to-bucket calf, hogs, horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, and even llamas is incredible. They take great pride in showing their animals at the fair, and they develop tremendous confidence.

There are also static exhibits, which are arts and crafts. At one of the county fairs, I met Wesley, who was going into the first grade, and he showed his pencil drawings, photographs, cupcakes that he baked, and also his corn for that group. He won 10 blue ribbons at the age of 6.

The fair is such a great opportunity for families to get together and young people to develop the confidence they need to succeed in life. It is a wonderful summer educational opportunity packed with hands-on learning in a fun-filled week.

I encourage everyone to visit a county fair in their own State, and I applaud all of our children's dedication, compassion, and work ethic.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, the Honorable Representative Rodgers, for yielding me time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 8296. The Supreme Court recently took the important and correct step to return the power to regulate abortion back to State legislators and voters within the individual States while recognizing the sanctity of life.

This concept is so novel and repugnant to the Democrats that they would put forward a radical and extreme abortion bill that would permit abortion even up until birth for any reason. Only seven countries, including China and North Korea, are this extreme.

As a doctor, I am knowledgeable that mid- to late-term abortion is a barbaric procedure which can include dismemberment of the baby and crushing of the skull. This is far more cruel than many of the laws of States that define prisoner abuse of convicted felons and what constitutes animal cruelty. It is a procedure done when the mother is given anesthesia, but the baby can feel pain. Madam Speaker, even though you cannot hear it scream, it can respond to music and respond to touch and the voice of its mother.

We wouldn't allow animals to be treated this cruelly.

Do Democrats think that this elevates women and is compassionate?

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an article from the Charlotte Lozier Institute.

[From the Charlotte Lozier Institute, Feb. 2014]

Gestational Limits on Abortion in the United States Compared to

International Norms

(By Angelina Baglini, J.D.)

Abstract: The United States is one of only seven countries

in the world that permit elective abortion past 20 weeks.

Upholding laws restricting abortion on demand after 20 weeks

would situate the United States closer to the international

mainstream, instead of leaving it as an outlying country with

ultra-permissive abortion policies.

This report compares gestational limits in United States

abortion law with gestational limits in the abortion law of

the international community. The goal is to determine where

the United States stands in comparison to international

norms, with its federal policy enshrined in Roe v. Wade,

which allows abortion past 20 weeks and without restriction

until fetal viability.

The sample group for this project included a total of 198

countries, independent states, and semi-autonomous regions

with populations exceeding 1 million. Of these 198 countries,

independent states, and regions worldwide, 59 allow abortion

without restriction as to reason, otherwise known as elective

abortion or abortion on demand. The remaining 139 countries

require some reason to obtain an abortion ranging from most

restrictive (to save the life of the mother or completely

prohibited) to least restrictive (socioeconomic grounds) with

various reasons in between (e.g., physical health, mental

health).

Currently, the United States permits abortion on demand

through viability, which is usually marked around 24 weeks.

For this report, it is appropriate to compare the United

States with the other 58 countries that allow abortion on

demand up to some point in pregnancy. The remaining 139

countries require some reason to obtain an abortion (that is

to say, they do not permit abortion on demand) and are, by

definition, more restrictive than the United States on the

issue of gestational limits. To require some reason before

obtaining an abortion is inherently more restrictive than not

requiring any reason at all.

This report finds that the United States is one of only

seven countries in the world that permit elective abortion

past 20 weeks. This finding suggests that current proposals

in the United States to restrict elective abortions past 20

weeks would move the United States from the fringe, ultra-

permissive end of the spectrum to a position closer to

international norms.

Terminology and Method of Comparison

Not all countries or statutes use the same terminology when

drafting restrictions on late-term elective abortion. When

drafting a restriction on elective abortion past 20 weeks of

pregnancy, the most common measurement of ``weeks of

pregnancy'' is gestational age, or in short form

``gestation.'' Gestational age marks the duration of

pregnancy, which is most commonly and medically measured from

the date of the woman's last menstrual period. The woman's

last menstrual period is the most identifiable date by which

to measure the duration of pregnancy, and occurs

approximately two weeks before conception or fertilization.

The vast majority of countries in this international survey

of abortion laws use gestational age to measure duration of

pregnancy. Over 80 percent of countries maintaining some

restriction on elective abortion use gestational age as the

method of calculating duration of pregnancy. However, a

minority of countries measures duration of pregnancy from

``conception'' or ``fertilization.'' One country measures

from the time of ``implantation,'' which occurs approximately

one week after conception or fertilization. Some statutes do

not even specify a method of measurement, simply using the

vague term ``weeks of pregnancy'' without indicating a

precise method measuring the duration of pregnancy.

Conception or fertilization is the moment when an ovum and

sperm unite, which creates a unique human organism. The date

of conception or fertilization is often difficult to

determine, as few women know the exact date they conceived.

Because the last menstrual period is a more ascertainable

date, in many cases doctors add two weeks to the woman's last

menstrual period to approximate the date of conception or

fertilization.

This report uses gestation to compare restrictions based on

duration of pregnancy. More than 80 percent of countries

already use gestation in establishing duration of pregnancy

restrictions on elective abortion

and measuring the age of the unborn child using gestation is

in line with common medical practice.

For those countries that use a different measurement of

age, such as conception or fertilization or pregnancy, this

study converts the measurement of age into gestation by

adding two weeks to date back to the woman's last menstrual

period. Using gestation as a common method of measuring

duration of pregnancy restrictions on elective abortion

produces a more meaningful comparison.

International Gestational Limitations on Elective Abortion

The sample group of countries for this project included a

total of 198 countries, independent states, and semi-

autonomous regions with populations exceeding 1 million.

Of these 198 countries, independent states, and regions

worldwide, 59 allow abortion without restriction as to

reason, otherwise known as elective abortion or abortion on

demand.

The remaining 139 countries require some reason to obtain

an abortion ranging from most restrictive (to save the life

of the mother or completely prohibited) to least restrictive

(socioeconomic grounds) with various reasons in between

(e.g., physical health, mental health).

Of the 59 countries permitting elective abortion:

9 countries limit elective abortion before the 12th week of

gestation,

36 countries limit elective abortion at 12 weeks gestation,

6 countries limit elective abortion between 12 and 20 weeks

gestation,

7 countries permit elective abortion past 20 weeks or have

no gestational limit.

1 country maintains a federal system where abortion policy

is determined at the state/territory level, and at least two

of those states permit elective abortion past 20 weeks

Australia is the one country where a federal system is in

place, but abortion policy is determined on the state or

territory level. Three states or territories within Australia

permit elective abortion, and two allow elective abortion

past 20 weeks. However, other states and territories of

Australia maintain more restrictive abortion policies and

some do not permit elective abortion at all. Due to the

diverse range of abortion policy in Australia, from

restrictive to ultra-permissive, this study does not include

Australia, as a whole, as a country that permits elective

abortion past 20 weeks.

More than 75 percent of the countries permitting abortion

without restriction as to reason do not permit elective

abortions past l2 weeks gestation.

Only 12 percent (7 out of 59) of the countries permitting

abortion without restriction as to reason permit elective

abortion past 20 weeks gestation.

The U.S. is among these 7 countries that permit elective

abortion past 20 weeks. This is true whether 20 weeks is

measured from the last menstrual period (gestational age),

conception, or implantation. No matter how duration of

pregnancy is measured, whether by gestational age or

conception or fertilization, or implantation, all countries

in this category pass the 20-week threshold. These countries/

territories are:

Canada (no restriction in law)

China (no restriction in law)

Netherlands (24 weeks)

North Korea (no restriction in law)

Singapore (24 weeks)

United States (viability)

Vietnam (no restriction in law)

The United States is within the top 4 of most permissive

abortion policies in the world (7 out of 198) when analyzing

restrictions on elective abortion based on duration of

pregnancy.

Implications for Current Policy in the United States

Under U.S. law, abortion on demand is permitted without

restriction through viability. Viability can vary, and is

decreasing in terms of weeks of gestation as perinatal

medicine advances, but normally occurs no earlier than 24

weeks.

Recently, in the United States there has been great

interest in restricting abortion on demand after 20 weeks.

Two states have had 20-week laws on the books since before

Roe v. Wade. Eleven more states have enacted 20-week laws in

recent years. A proposed 20-week law in Albuquerque, New

Mexico failed to gain majority support in 2013 but was

notable for the engaged citizen activism that resulted in the

proposal being put on a municipal ballot for a direct vote.

There is also interest at the federal level in restricting

elective abortion after 20 weeks. In 2013, the U.S. House of

Representatives passed a 20-week law. A similar law has been

introduced in the U.S. Senate.

Permitting abortion on demand past 20 weeks places the

United States among the top 4 percent of most-permissive

countries in the world based on duration of pregnancy

restrictions on abortion. If the United States adopts a

federal policy restricting elective abortion past 20 weeks,

or if more states adopt such policies, the U.S. will more

closely align itself with the international norm that limits

elective abortion past 12 weeks. Policies imposing

gestational limits on elective abortion have been

overwhelmingly adopted by countries permitting abortion on

demand, indicating policies that encourage woman's safety in

limiting abortion to early pregnancy and policies that

protect unborn children from pain and prolonged exposure to

the risk of-abortion.

Conclusions

In terms of gestational limits, the United States ranks

among 7 countries with the most permissive abortion policies.

The clear norm among countries that permit elective abortion

is to limit abortion to before 20 weeks gestation, and

elective abortion is more commonly limited to 12 weeks (the

first trimester).

Twenty-week abortion laws in the United States are neither

extreme nor unreasonable. Rather, they move the United States

closer to international norms of legislating what is safe and

healthy for the mother and what grants unborn children more

protection in the womb.

Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues on every seat in every aisle of this Chamber to vote against this extreme, radical, and cruel abortion bill, H.R. 8296.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our PACT Act.

When the House first passed the PACT Act in March, I spoke on the floor and urged my colleagues to find a bipartisan solution to give toxic-exposed veterans the care and support that we as a country owe them. This bill is that bipartisan solution, and I am proud to support it.

As a 24-year military veteran, I have seen firsthand the effects that toxic exposure has had on my fellow servicemembers, whether it is herbicides like Agent Orange in southeast Asia or burn pits in the Middle East.

In fact, my knowledge is so intimate that my husband, who is also a 30-year veteran, and I, have a close friend, Jay, who, after his deployment to Desert Storm, that very brief conflict, in coming back to the United States came off of the plane and collapsed. He developed a heart condition called cardiomyopathy, which led this 30-year-old to have a heart transplant, aseptic necrosis of his hip with a replacement of his hip, and soon his untimely and young death.

Exposure to these substances can lead to severe life-altering diseases. However, under the current system at the VA, it can be extraordinarily costly, time-consuming, and in some cases, impossible for a sick or disabled veteran to prove that their condition is related to the toxins to which they were exposed during their military service.

The bill we are voting on today ensures that this will no longer be the case. Under the framework created by the PACT Act, toxic-exposed veterans will finally receive the care and benefits they deserve and have earned. This bill ensures the VA will administer those benefits in a responsible, fair way.

This new version of the PACT Act includes important reforms to build on the VA's existing framework for toxic-exposed veterans, and it ensures that the VA has the flexibility to respond and adapt to new scientific evidence on toxic substances.

Importantly, it also ensures that veterans who are most in need-- those who are terminally ill, homeless, elderly, or experiencing hardship--receive their benefits immediately so they do not have to wait any longer for our government to act.

Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support the PACT Act. This bill is not perfect by any means, but we should not allow perfect to be the enemy of the good. Make no mistake, this is a good bill for our Nation's veterans. I am proud to support this bill and I am proud to stand with the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the record- high inflation hurting working families in Iowa caused by the Biden administration.

When President Biden took office in January 2021, inflation was at 1.4 percent. As of May 2022, inflation is 8.6 percent, the highest in 40 years. President Biden has been exclaiming that the rise in inflation would be a temporary problem, but the data does not reflect his claims.

Inflation is hurting families in Iowa and all across the country. With food and housing prices increasing, families are having to make sacrifices to make ends meet. It is unacceptable for the Biden administration to advocate for more government spending that caused inflation rather than addressing these pertinent issues, such as rising prices.

This rising inflation in fuel prices is hurting rural farmers in Iowa. Gas and diesel prices are now expected to cost farmers an extra $900 a year, and $500 to families, as well.

I call upon the Biden administration to take necessary steps to address inflation, such as increasing domestic energy production and stopping wasteful government spending. The Biden administration's policies are hurting the families it is meant to serve.

I would also like to take this time to wish a happy birthday to Michael Pinette, and I wish my sister Mari-Eleanor Martino a very happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Ottumwa's Collins Clingman.

Collins recently won gold in the men's 100-meter walk and the bronze in the 50-meter run while representing

Team Iowa at this year's Special Olympics USA Games.

Collins is used to the competition after participating in Special Olympics for the past 25 years, competing in multiple track and field events and bowling.

As a fellow Hawkeye and Indian Hills fan, I applaud Collins' accomplishments in Orlando and representing Ottumwa and Iowa in the Special Olympics. I cannot wait to cheer him on in future USA Games.

Recognizing the Accomplishments of Maxwell Rantilla of Bettendorf, Iowa

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Maxwell Rantilla of Bettendorf, Iowa.

Maxwell is currently a junior at Bettendorf High School. This past year, Maxwell joined millions of students across the country in taking the ACT test. This test is used by colleges to help with admissions decisions and tests students on their knowledge of English, reading, math, and science.

Maxwell's commitment to studying paid off when he got a perfect score on the ACT. Out of the millions of high schoolers who take the standardized test, only 0.5 percent receive a perfect score.

Maxwell is very involved at Bettendorf High School, qualifying for the national tournament the past 3 years in the speech and debate club. He is a member of the school band and the president of Bettendorf High School's National Honor Society.

I congratulate Maxwell on this outstanding accomplishment. I know that this is just the beginning of his journey, and I cannot wait to hear about his future accomplishments and endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6493, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act. As we are coming out of a two-year pandemic, taking care of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, especially college students, is crucial.

H.R. 6493, requires schools to develop evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies for college students and employees. H.R. 6493 requires both the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services to identify and promote successful programs.

As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I know just how critical evidence-based practices are for prevention of alcohol and substance use disorders and how life saving these practices can be for any student. It is equally important for college campuses and the medical community to come together to do what is best for our nation's students.

I look forward to voting in support of H.R. 6493 and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member McMorris Rodgers for yielding time.

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

This bill takes serious action to address mental health and substance use disorder, especially as we are coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased that the House was able to come together to create a bipartisan solution to deliver real results to the American people, both adults and children.

I also thank Ms. Schrier for partnering with me as we introduced the Supporting Children's Mental Health Care Access Act, which is included in this bipartisan package. This bill reauthorizes two grant programs that support pediatric mental and behavioral health services and interventions. Reauthorizing the pediatric mental health care access grant program is an important step in ensuring that our students have equal access to quality mental health care.

I would also like to thank Representatives Axne, Bucshon, and Pappas for joining me to introduce the Timely Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Act which is also included in H.R. 7666. This bill increases access to treatment for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder. Opioid addiction does not have a timeline and does not discriminate. Patients should be able to begin treatment for opioid addiction as soon as possible.

I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 7666, the bipartisan, results driven, and commonsense Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of an incredible student athlete from Iowa's Second District.

Iowa City High School's Ben Kueter is a local legend in eastern Iowa. He is a four-sport star for the Little Hawks, dominating in football, wrestling, baseball, and track.

I have recognized Ben on the floor of the House twice already, as he is a dominant wrestler, a three-time State champion, and currently holds a 72-0 record going into his senior year.

Recently, Ben not only earned a spot on the Team USA U20 national wrestling team and will now represent the United States at the world championships in Bulgaria this summer.

Ben is an outstanding outfielder for Iowa City's baseball team and ran the second leg of the distance medley relay team that took second place at the 2021 Drake Relays. A standout football player, Ben plays both tight end and linebacker. Last fall, Ben committed to both football and wrestling programs at the University of Iowa.

I look forward to watching Ben help the Little Hawks win State championships next year and helping our beloved Hawkeyes when he heads down College Street next year.

Good luck, Ben. Go Little Hawks and Go Hawkeyes.

Recognizing Lisa Hoerschelmann

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the feats of Lisa Hoerschelmann.

Lisa has been an employee of First Gateway Credit Union for over 10 years and has always gone above and beyond in customer service and ensuring that customers receive the best service and advice for their accounts.

Lisa's commitment to customer service paid off when an elderly woman was influenced by a scammer to withdraw a large sum of money from her retirement fund. Thankfully, Lisa caught the scam and prevented the scam from occurring.

Because of Lisa's commitment to looking out for her customers, she was awarded the Consumer Protection Hero Award from the Iowa State Government.

I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Lisa. Her attentiveness and quick thinking protected a member of her credit union. I am thankful that there are hardworking and thoughtful people like Lisa looking out for the citizens of our community.