Michael K. Simpson

Mr. Speaker, Bob Naerebout has committed his life's work to the dairy industry. In fact, there is no job in dairy that Bob has not had the opportunity to perform, which makes his worth to Idaho and its agriculture sector irreplaceable. That is why it is bittersweet to congratulate him on his well-earned retirement from the Idaho Dairymen's Association.

When Bob came to Twin Falls with his family in the early 2000's, Idaho had a strong dairy industry. Fast forward more than twenty years and Idaho is a leader in the dairy industry, consistently ranking in the top three states for milk production. I will take that a step further and confidently say that the congressional district I represent is the number one dairy producing district in the country. Bob just so happens to be a constituent.

If you know Bob, you know that his passion in life is helping lift up others in his community and beyond. This is where his professional and personal life have intersected to help advance common sense immigration reform. Bob has brought together agriculture, law enforcement, faith- based organizations, non-profits, and more to create serious momentum around farm labor reforms on a national level. Without Bob Naerebout, none of the progress our Nation has made on this issue would be possible.

I know this great work will continue because like any good retiring dairy farmer, Bob created a succession plan and leaves the organization in the capable hands of his son Rick.

I am honored to recognize Bob and wish him the best in his retirement. I know that I will see him and his wife Doris in their RV as they traverse the country visiting all the friends they have made over the years. I wish safe travels to my friend. It has been an honor to work with him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2001, the Action for Dental Health Act.

This bill reauthorizes grants to State and local organizations to address dental workforce needs and improve access to care for patients.

Administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration, or HRSA, these grants play a vital role in supporting programs that provide oral healthcare to vulnerable and underserved populations, especially children, seniors, and those living in rural areas.

Since it was first implemented, the Action for Dental Health Act has delivered meaningful results. It has enhanced dental services for hardworking American families, strengthened the dental safety net, and brought disease prevention and education programs directly into communities that have been overlooked for far too long.

It has also increased awareness of the importance of oral health to overall health. This is why this reauthorization is so critical.

Congress still has a lot more work to do, especially with dental workforce shortages and the alarming number of adults and children suffering from untreated dental diseases.

According to the American Dental Association, 9 out of 10 dentists report difficulties in recruiting dental hygienists and assistants, a challenge that is particularly difficult in rural areas. As a result, many dental practices are overwhelmed by trying to see their patients in a timely manner.

As a former dentist in my hometown of Blackfoot, Idaho, I have seen firsthand the value of good oral health and the consequences of neglect. For people who don't have access to dental care, oral health disease is almost 100 percent inevitable. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease affecting children in the United States.

The more dentists can provide patients with an early diagnosis, the better off these patients and our healthcare system will be.

As co-chair of the Congressional Oral Health Caucus, I am in a fortunate position to have the ability to impact the oral health initiatives that deserve to be prioritized.

That is why I thank my colleague from Illinois, Congresswoman Kelly, for her continued leadership on this issue. I was proud to partner with her in 2018 when the Action for Dental Health Act was first passed, and I am pleased to see the House of Representatives working again in a bipartisan fashion to consider this reauthorization.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to getting this important bill across the finish line and sent to the President's desk, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Senator Jim Risch, to recognize the 125th anniversary of Idaho State University, an institution that embodies the best of the American promise: that through hard work, discipline, and opportunity, individuals can improve their lives and strengthen their communities. For 125 years, Idaho State University (ISU), has educated generations of Idahoans, meeting the needs of a growing state and preparing students for lives of purpose, responsibility and contribution.

From its home in Pocatello, Idaho State University operates as a statewide institution, with a meaningful presence in Idaho Falls, Meridian, Twin Falls, Lewiston, and Coeur d'Alene. ISU meets students where they are and opens doors for those willing to work for something better. It serves first-generation students, working adults, and those balancing family, school, and career. It delivers an education that is practical, rigorous and tied directly to opportunity. It reflects a clear mission, steady leadership and a culture on delivering results.

Idaho State University is a partnership institution. It works closely with community colleges, with its sister universities, and with employers across Idaho to build pathways that lead to real outcomes. In health care, ISU helped bring Idaho's first medical school to its campus, and it continues to grow medical education through a strong public-private partnership with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. At the same time, the university expands medical residency programs and clinical training opportunities that help ensure physicians train in Idaho and choose to stay in Idaho. ISU educates nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants and other essential providers who serve communities across our state, especially in rural and underserved areas.

That same focus on service and outcomes drives the rest of the university. Idaho State University advances energy research and workforce development that supports Idaho's role in the Nation's secure energy future. It prepares teachers who educate Idaho's upcoming generation. It invests in the arts and humanities because strong communities require civic and cultural depth as well as economic strength. Across disciplines, ISU aligns its programs with the needs of Idaho and adapts with purpose to meet them.

Please join us in recognizing Idaho State University for 125 years of impact and in celebrating the work it continues to do on behalf of the people of Idaho and the United States of America.