Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated member of my staff, Drew Griffin, who will be leaving our office at the beginning of September.

Hailing originally from the Pacific Northwest, Drew has dedicated his career to public service, including time spent working on behalf of the people of Washington and Minnesota. We have been blessed to have Drew working on behalf of the Buckeye state for the past six years, three of which as my Chief of Staff, and we know it will be hard to replace him.

A dedicated sports fan, Drew could always be counted on to discuss the latest news impacting his Seattle Sounders or Washington Nationals. He instilled in everyone he interacted with a sense of comradery and purpose, showcasing the positive impact that individuals can have on their community if they worked together.

Drew is also a loving father to daughter, Eve, and son, Jack, and a dedicated husband to Ann. As he enters this next chapter in his life, I know that he will have the love and support of his family and friends to help him along the way.

I am eternally grateful for Drew for all he has done for me, and I wish him and his family the best.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7132, the Safe Connections Act, which was introduced by Representatives Kuster, Walberg, and Eshoo.

The Safe Connections Act will help streamline the process for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes, as well as their dependents, to leave a shared mobile phone contract with their abuser.

Survivors of domestic abuse routinely experience digital abuse, stalking, and coercion through the use of a

shared cell phone plan. This can lead to instability for survivors and make it even more difficult to escape an abusive relationship.

Abusers that share a mobile plan with a survivor of domestic abuse often monitor the location of their victim as well as their call and text history, which could provide an abuser insight into a victim's support network, family, friends, and coworkers.

As survivors begin the process of rebuilding their lives following domestic violence, it can be difficult to leave a shared mobile phone contract with their abuser. No Federal law requires mobile service providers to allow victims to leave their family plans very easily. While some States require victims to get a court order to leave a family plan, other States allow victims to leave family plans without a court order but instead compel victims to supply phone companies with evidence of their abuse.

The Safe Connections Act would require a mobile service provider to complete a line separation request within 2 business days, provide clarity to survivors on how to submit the request, and permit survivors to receive confirmation that the request is complete by remote means.

The legislation would also limit mobile service providers from making the line separation request contingent on paying an early termination fee, maintaining a contract with the provider, or requiring approval of separation by the primary account holder.

The Safe Connections Act is a step forward in helping domestic violence survivors and their dependents leave abusive situations.

Madam Speaker, it is very important that the House acts favorably on this piece of legislation because when you are thinking about what survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes go through--and also their dependents--it is absolutely essential that this piece of legislation be favorably acted on by the House.

We want to make sure that an individual can leave these plans but also still be able to remain connected with their friends and family and other individuals out there.

Madam Speaker, I ask that the House support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 7624, the Spectrum Innovation Act, which I am pleased to lead with my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Michael F. Doyle), the subcommittee chair.

I thank Mr. Doyle for working with me and my colleagues over the last several months to make improvements to the Spectrum Innovation Act and earn broad Republican support through the committee process. The legislation passed the Energy and Commerce Committee by a vote of 52-0, which is a testament to the bipartisan achievements that are included in this bill.

The Spectrum Innovation Act provides clarity and direction to NTIA to repurpose spectrum currently used by Federal agencies for commercial use. By providing this certainty, we will ensure that this auction receives the necessary oversight and certainty to result in a success for both Federal agencies and the American taxpayer.

It also includes the Extending America's Spectrum Auction Leadership Act of 2022, which will extend the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority for 18 months. Currently, this authority is set to expire on September 30. Without action, the FCC will not be able to make more airwaves available for 5G and wireless broadband services in rural areas.

With the proceeds of these auctions, Congress is funding critical public safety and national security priorities. The FCC is currently facing a $3.08 billion shortfall in funding to rip and replace untrusted equipment from our communications, like Huawei and ZTE, which this bill would address. Recent news reports further underscore the need to remove this equipment quickly to protect Americans from Chinese espionage.

Additionally, this legislation would provide up to $10 billion in future auction proceeds to upgrade our 911 infrastructure. For nearly a decade, Congress has worked to identify a path forward on facilitating a coordinated, nationwide transition to Next Generation 911. Today's legislation will bring that vision to life.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues Mr. Hudson and Ms. Eshoo for their dedication to bringing the public safety community, 911 professionals, and States together on this solution.

Finally, the Spectrum Innovation Act also includes the SMART Spectrum Act, legislation sponsored by my colleague from Kentucky, Mr. Guthrie, which will provide the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with another tool to help NTIA better manage the spectrum by Federal agencies.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased that we are funding these important priorities without adding more to the national deficit.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), the ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, again, there are many points why it is very important that this piece of legislation does pass.

Number one, the Spectrum Innovation Act provides clarity and direction to NTIA to repurpose spectrums currently used by Federal agencies for commercial use.

Second, it is going to extend the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority from 18 months.

Third, its replacement is so absolutely important because we have to make sure we remove this untrustworthy equipment from our communications networks.

Fourth, it will help provide up to $10 billion to help upgrade our 911 systems that we have to make sure are upgraded because as time goes by, it is absolutely essential.

Finally, it is going to help NTIA better manage our spectrums.

So, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this very important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, Reese's Law will require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish safety standards to protect children from ingesting button cell batteries. It also includes an education component for consumers to ensure they are keeping new and used batteries out of the reach of children.

I thank Representatives Arrington and Kelly for spearheading this effort, and to Trista Hamsmith for her tireless efforts.

We are all inspired by Trista, who has been willing to share her daughter's tragic story and channel it into an action that will help save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Arrington) who has worked on this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank all the Members that worked on this very important piece of legislation because this is a piece of legislation that is going to help save countless children's lives.

I also thank Trista for her unending work to make sure this legislation gets across the finish line.

So, Mr. Speaker, I ask the passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the retirement of Mr. Matt Polka, the longtime Chairman and President of ACA Connects. Matt's tenure, from the inception of the organization to the effective organization it has become today, has been marked by his integrity and his earnest commitment to representing the small, hometown businesses that have built and managed the cable and broadband networks that Americans depend on. Matt also distinguished himself in Washington by his common decency, his love of a good conversation about politics, and a desire to help anyone he could.

Those values have been clearly shaped by his deep roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There is not a person who worked with Matt that didn't know of his love and affection for his wife, Sharman, his daughters, Molly and Annie, and his pride in being from the Three Rivers area.

Under Matt's guidance and leadership, ACA Connects grew from an informal grassroots effort to being one of the preeminent telecommunications organizations in Washington. He ensured his members had a voice in all the important debates that have occurred since taking the helm of ACA Connects. Those efforts span the re-examination of the 1992 Telecommunications Act to each reauthorization of the satellite industry to the latest broadband deployment and adoption initiatives. His work was a mile wide and a mile deep.

Matt has helped my constituents in Ohio through his work to improve broadband infrastructure and access. Many of my constituents live in rural areas and Matt's advocacy has aided efforts to ensure that they can get online. Additionally, Matt has been a strong advocate for small businesses across the country and championed efforts to cut the bureaucratic red tape that hampers them.

ACA Connects earned its reputation through his unwavering vision and mantra to work with everyone, to find places of agreement, and to focus on common interests rather than focus on differences and partisanship. That approach has earned him the respect of so many Members, staff, and counsels across the Hill along with the various officials in administrations that have been in place during his time. The respect shown to Matt also comes from others--including consumer groups and businesses--even when his work puts him on opposite sides of an issue.

Guided by his faith, he has been a firm and determined advocate for his members and he has done so with conviction, character, and fairness. After 25 years of service to ACA Connects, I want to recognize his work and offer my best wishes for his next chapter of service in life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Andrew Kalmar's retirement as Wood County Administrator and recognize his outstanding career. Andrew has been administrator for twenty-two years and has proven himself to be a leader for both his department and county.

Andrew, originally from Troy, Ohio, graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He also received a Master of Public Administration degree. Andrew began his career with the Wood County Commissioners in January 2000 after serving as the director of the Wood County Park District.

Over the span of Andrew's tenure as administrator, Wood County has built a strong financial position, experienced economic growth and development, made improvements to county facilities, and increased efficiency of departmental operations. Also, Andrew played a key role in the construction of the Alvin L. Perkins Atrium at the Wood County Courthouse and office complex. During the last two years, Andrew has been instrumental in guiding Wood County through the COVID-19 pandemic while still maintaining productivity throughout all aspects of county work. Andrew's character and leadership have contributed to the success of Wood County, making it a remarkable place to live and work.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Andrew Kalmar in recognition of his service to Wood County. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I wish Andrew all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his many years of service.

Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school baseball team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young men of the Northview High School baseball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division I State Baseball Title. The Northview Wildcats overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division I State Baseball Playoffs.

In pursuing the State Championship, the Northview Wildcats defeated their outstanding competitors to win their first state baseball championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, in achieving this accomplishment should be commended.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Northview High School baseball team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual, Christopher Oaks, from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District who has served his region through his radio program, Good Mornings with Chris Oaks. Chris has focused his career in radio on keeping his community informed and up to date on a range of issues. Whether it is news, sports, or weather, Chris is on the air providing the listeners with the information to start their day. Chris has always been an influential voice on the air in Ohio. In his early career, he hosted radio shows in Bellefontaine, Lima, Cincinnati, and mornings and afternoons at WFIN's sister-station WKXA.

Chris joined WFIN in June of 2002. His program, Good Mornings with Chris Oaks, quickly gained a dedicated following every weekday morning. Chris provides in-depth insight on a wide range of issues including local and regional concerns as well as relevant state and federal issues. During the school year, listeners can rely on Chris to provide the latest school delay and closing information, which help hundreds of parents to arrange their busy schedules. His listeners know they can tune in to hear interesting interviews and compelling guests every day. Chris also writes a syndicated morning show preparation report which is published monthly.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the Twentieth anniversary of Christopher Oaks and his radio show Good Mornings with Chris Oaks. It is my great pleasure to recognize this outstanding achievement, and I thank Chris for his service to our community. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish Chris the best in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Father Michael Dandurand, an outstanding citizen from Assumption, Ohio, who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ordination on June 11, 2022. This milestone provides the opportunity to recognize Father Dandurand's service to the Catholic Church and to our country.

Born and raised in Tiffin, Ohio, Father Dandurand earned a bachelor's degree in history from Saint Meinrad College Seminary in Indiana, a master's degree in Corporate and Public Communication at Seton Hall University in 1993, and a Masters of Divinity from St. Meinrad school of Theology in 1997.

After ordination, Father Dandurand served as an Associate Pastor in St. Charles Parish in Lima, St. Rose Parish in Perrysburg, and St. Joseph Parish in Maumee. Father Dandurand also served as an instructor and chaplain at Calvert Catholic High School in Tiffin, Ohio. From 2006 to 2013, he was pastor at the St. Thomas More University Parish in Bowling Green, also serving as the Chaplain for the Bowling Green State University Football Team. At his current parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, he serves the students at the Holy Trinity School as well as the wider parish community. Father Dandurand was commissioned as an Air National Guard Chaplain in 2014 and was assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard. He deployed in March 2020 to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan and also served as the Catholic chaplain at the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Father Michael Dandurand's ordination. It is my great pleasure to recognize this outstanding achievement, and I thank him for his service to our country and his flock. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish Father Dandurand the best in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Austin Kohlhofer of Delta, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Austin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Austin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Delta High School in Delta, Ohio, Austin participated in student government and was on the honor roll. Throughout high school, Austin was involved with football, wrestling, and track and field, earning varsity letters in all three. I am confident that Austin will carry the lessons of his

student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Austin Kohlhofer on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Austin will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Haley Biskup of Whitehouse, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Haley's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our Nation' s military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Haley brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Open Door Christian School in Elyria, Ohio, Haley participated in Patriot Service Club, was a student ambassador, and was a member of National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Haley was involved with volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading, earning a varsity letter in all three.

After graduating Open Door Christian School in 2020, Haley attended Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio and studied science. She then went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Haley Biskup on her offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Haley will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Marc Baroncini of Perrysburg, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Marc's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Marc brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, Marc participated in community service for Zoar Lutheran Church. He competed in cross country and track and field, earning a varsity letter in both sports. After graduating Perrysburg High School in 2021, Marc went on to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School in New York.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Marc Baroncini on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Marc will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Aidan Swartz of Sylvania, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Aidan's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Aidan brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Northview High School in Sylvania, Ohio, Aidan participated in Leadership Academy and Football Leadership. Throughout high school, Aidan played football earning his varsity letter and becoming team captain. After high school, he attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Aidan Swartz on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Aidan will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Elizabeth Canfield of Bryan, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Elizabeth's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our Nation's military academies offers the opportunity to serve our country and receive a world-class education. At the same time, these young men and women undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Elizabeth brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio, Elizabeth participated in student government, show choir, and was a member of acapella choir. Throughout high school, Elizabeth was involved with cross country and swim and dive, earning a varsity letter in both.

After graduating Bryan High School in 2018, Elizabeth enlisted in the United States Air Force and attended the Community College of the Air Force, majoring in Human Resource Management. She then went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Elizabeth Canfield on her offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Elizabeth will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she continues her service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Maximus Closson of Northwood, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Max's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2026. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Max brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2026. While attending Northwood High School in Northwood, Ohio, Max participated in student government, Quiz Bowl, and was a member of National Honor Society. Throughout high school, Max was involved with cross country and track and field, earning varsity letters in both. I am confident that Max will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maximus Closson on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Max will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.