Floor Statements

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 3003, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act.

Our communications networks are a critically important asset for facilitating domestic and international commerce. For decades, the U.S. has led the development of wireless technology with like-minded nations. With the deployment of the next-generation wireless technology 5G, which is expected to skyrocket in the coming years and months, we must continue to focus on bolstering the foundational elements to make sure the United States continues to lead on future technological advances.

As these standards are set in global, industry-led standards bodies, we must enhance participation by U.S. companies and remain vigilant that bad actors don't game the system for their own economic and national security interests.

To keep accountability and ensure proper transparency, we must ensure participation by trusted like-minded partners. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, plays a central role in these efforts as the executive branch agency with technical expertise on wireless innovation. It has decades of experience working with industry and other stakeholders to develop these technical standards globally. I would also like to thank the dedicated career staff who worked tirelessly to advance U.S. global wireless leadership.

As we move into the next decade, it is critical that we continue to enhance participation in critical standards-setting bodies and preserve U.S. wireless leadership.

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

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3003, again a very important piece in our infrastructure in this country, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on H.R. 678, the PHONE Act. This legislation will ensure that Americans whose homes are lost during a fire or other natural disaster do not have to worry about losing their home phone numbers.

As we have seen from the horrific fires over the last several years, they destroy everything in their path. No matter how resilient a home or communications tower may be, you cannot regulate your way out of a fire's burning path.

Today, when a natural disaster strikes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, is activated to provide housing assistance and other resources to respond to the crisis at hand. If your home is completely burned to the ground, the last thing that you should have to worry about is if your home phone number will be available when you return.

Thankfully, the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, can prevent that from happening. The FCC can waive rules and regulations that require landline phone numbers to return to the pool of available numbers when a home is completely destroyed by a natural disaster. This bill codifies that process, but we still must be cautious. This type of relief should only apply to areas where significant physical damage has occurred to render a home uninhabitable, as is the objective of the bill.

It is FEMA's role to determine which households have actually sustained damage in an affected county, which this bill does not codify, and we hope can be addressed as it moves through the process. As the experts on the ground, we should defer to their assessment before these regulations go into effect.

While it may be easy to grab a cell phone upon evacuating, landlines cannot be brought on the go. For many people, especially our seniors, they rely on their landline phone number to stay connected to family, their doctor, and others during such a trying time in their life. During a traumatic event, one less thing they should not have to worry about is losing their home phone number.

I ask for support of this measure moving forward, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close. I support H.R. 678 moving forward, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Jeff on his future endeavors.

Our staffs do so much for us. As the chairman was speaking, I was thinking that the hours that they put in aren't ever recognized, including the work over the weekends. I know when I have talked to our committee staff, especially when we have worked on pieces of legislation the last several Congresses, with the amount of work that goes into it, we have to thank our staff.

For all his years of service here and for his future endeavors, I give him my best wishes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the One Hundredth Anniversary of the McComb Public Library. The McComb Public Library is a staple in the local community where people of all ages are able to gather to read and learn about an array of topics.

The library has a deep-rooted history of serving the people of McComb and the surrounding area, and this anniversary highlights its commitment to the area. Its continued dedication speaks volumes about the library's value to the community and is evidence of an unwavering devotion to public service amongst its staff, past and present.

A century ago, Reverend W.D. Trumbull, the Church of Christ pastor in McComb, decided that it was time for the community to have a library. With the help from Mrs. C.V. Griswolf, Mrs. Joe Wasson, and Mrs. Sam Light, the McComb Public Library was created. Throughout its history, the library has changed locations, grown, and continued to be a beacon of education for McComb and Hancock County. The generosity of community members like Mrs. Blanche Fletcher, who left her entire estate to help construct the current building, and Jane Rader, who was library director for forty-four years, has continued to help the library become what it is today.

Congratulations to the McComb Public Library on its One Hundredth Anniversary. The people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio are grateful for the contributions of the library and its staff to the community and wish them all the best in the future.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my disappointment and opposition to the INVEST in America Act and the amendment process.

The majority has missed the mark with this so-called infrastructure bill that doesn't even allow States to build new roads or bridges.

How are my constituents in rural Van Wert County going to get to school, work, doctor's appointments, or the grocery store without roads to drive on?

Rural America is not considered in this bill, and it does not increase safety on our roads.

I filed my legislation, the SELF DRIVE Act, as an amendment to create a Federal safety framework for autonomous vehicles, but it was not made in order. My amendment would have supported the safe testing and deployment of self-driving cars. This technology will save lives on roads, improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and keep innovation and jobs in America.

Ironically enough, an amendment expressing the sense of the House to develop this type of Federal framework was made in order. Yet the bipartisan solution--the actual framework to improve roadway safety-- will not be considered on the floor today.

I am disappointed this House is not prioritizing safety and American leadership by supporting self-driving vehicles. I remain at the table to work with Members on both sides of the aisle to enact legislation establishing a national AV framework.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S.J. Res. 14, which would increase the cost of energy for consumers and result in the loss of good-paying American jobs in our energy and manufacturing sectors.

My district in northwest and west-central Ohio is home to over 60,000 manufacturing jobs, with thousands more to come with recent announcements made in the past few weeks. One of the key factors that businesses consider when they make decisions about expanding or relocating is their ability to keep energy costs down while still being able to maintain profitable operations.

Because of the American energy renaissance, fueled by lower domestic oil and natural gas production costs and the Trump administration's commonsense regulatory approach, we have seen more companies come to or return to the United States and bring with them high-paying, quality jobs to our communities.

My fear is that by returning to the Obama EPA standards, we will be reasserting an outdated and burdensome regulatory regime that will sacrifice all the gains we have made in building up America's manufacturing sector.

If the argument is about addressing climate change, then we really need to acknowledge the fact that the United States has been a global leader in emissions reduction since 2005. Since that time, emissions have fallen by more than 20 percent on a per capita basis.

We should be focusing on innovative solutions and not accelerating the promulgation of cumbersome or duplicative regulations.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose S.J. Res. 14, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson), my colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).

Mr. Speaker, for more than 40 years American taxpayers have been protected from paying for abortions on demand with their tax dollars. Alarmingly, President Biden's budget proposal calls for the Hyde amendment to be removed. This radical, immoral policy makes it legal for taxpayer dollars to support and enable the abortion industry.

Nearly 60 percent of Americans agree that taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund abortion. This is not a partisan issue. One of the most basic ways we can protect innocent life is ensuring that taxpayer money is not being used to fund abortions.

As a defender of the unborn, I do not support the removal of the Hyde amendment. I oppose all efforts to mandate taxpayer funding for abortion.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the

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 Cayden Smith of Maumee, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Cayden's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025. 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.

Cayden brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, Cayden participated in his student government, Environmental Awareness Club, Boy Scouts of America, and was a member of National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Cayden was involved with cross county and crew, achieving his varsity letter in crew. I am confident that Cayden will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cayden Smith on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Cayden will excel during his career at the Naval 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 George Roush V of Whitehouse, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

George's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025. 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.

George brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending the Aerospace and Natural Science Academy of Toledo, George participated in Boy Scouts of America, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Skywalker Flight School, and was a member of National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, George was involved with marching band, and he earned his

academic varsity letter. I am confident that George will carry the lessons of his student leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating George Roush V 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 George 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 Jackson Grefe of Sylvania, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Jackson's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025. 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.

Jackson brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio, Jackson participated in student government, Speech and Debate, German Club, and was a member of National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Jackson was involved with cross country and track and field, achieving his varsity letter in both. I am confident that Jackson 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 Jackson Grefe 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 Jackson 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 Leia McIntosh of Toledo, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Leia's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025. 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.

Leia brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio, Leia participated in Spanish Club, was an elementary school cheer coach, and a member of National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Leia was involved with tennis, cheer, and track and field, achieving her varsity letter in tennis and cheer. I am confident that Leia will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Leia McIntosh on her offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Leia will excel during her career at the Military 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 John Shaffer of Maumee, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

John's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025, 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.

John brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, John participated in lacrosse, for which he earned his varsity letter. He also coached and refereed youth lacrosse.

After graduating Perrysburg High School in 2017, John attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida and majored in aeronautical engineering. He 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 John Shaffer 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 John 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 Nolan Barber of Monclova, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Nolan's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2025. 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.

Nolan brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2025. While attending Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, Nolan participated in football, wrestling, and track and field, earning his varsity letter in all three. After graduating from Anthony Wayne High School in 2020, Nolan attended the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, Rhode Island.

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

I thank my friend for yielding and hosting tonight's Special Order.

Quite a few of us have gone down to the border in the last several weeks, and, Madam Speaker, we do have a crisis at the border. When I say, a crisis, I mean an unmitigated crisis at the border.

We were at McAllen and going in to see the border crossing that night and the people streaming across, the Border Patrol was probably going to process over a thousand people that night. A thousand people.

The next morning, we were able to go to the Donna facility. And the Donna facility, the best way to describe it, it is a canvas building, you might say, a very nice building. It has air conditioning and all, but it was only built to hold 250 people. The day we were there, there were 3,500 people being housed there, the vast majority being kids.

We went into the pods they have. These pods are only supposed to hold 33 children. One held 412. Another had 450. And the week before there were over 600 in one.

There is a problem; it is a crisis. But it is not being seen as a crisis down at the White House. I implore the President and the Vice President to go down there and see what is happening. It is absolutely essential, because these children that are being held there, according to what they say, they are supposed to only be there for 72 hours. Some are being held for 3 weeks. One little girl was there for over 28 days.

So we do have a crisis at the border. It has got to be noted, and the President and Vice President have to know it. It is absolutely essential.

Let me just finish with this: The other thing that is happening, when you take 40 percent of our Border Patrol offline and put them into the facilities and also in processing, we have got drugs flowing across the border. Last year we had 88,000 people in this country die of overdoses. That is going up exponentially.

So let's get something done down there, Mr. President. It is essential. We have got to do it today.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate my good friend from Florida for yielding. I also thank the chairman of the committee for bringing this bill before us today on the floor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1002, the Debarment Enforcement of Bad Actor Registrants Act of 2021, or the DEBAR Act.

In the 116th Congress, we worked vigorously to tackle the coronavirus and address the needs of those who were suffering. One of the hardest issues facing Americans during this time was substance abuse, which, on average, takes nearly 130 lives each day in our Nation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that more than 88,000 drug overdoses occurred in a 1-year period ending in August of 2020, making it the deadliest year for U.S. overdoses.

In Ohio alone, opioid overdoses reached record levels, rising 16 percent in the second quarter of 2020. Prior to the pandemic, these rates were, thankfully, declining over a 24-month period.

We need to act immediately to put an end to this crisis. The DEBAR Act provides the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, debarment authority to permanently prohibit a person or entity that has violated the Controlled Substances Act from being able to receive a registration to manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled substance.

This legislation would also close loopholes and reduce the circulation of illegal substances across our Nation and keep bad actors from reapplying for new licenses once revoked. There is no silver bullet when it comes to fighting the opioid epidemic; however, the DEBAR Act will help address what is needed to combat this crisis, save lives, and stop bad actors from contributing to addiction.

Again, I thank the chairman, my friend from New Jersey, for bringing the bill to the floor. I also thank our ranking member from Washington for her help on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school wrestler in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Jarrett Hornish of Wayne Trace High School has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division III State wrestling title. Jarrett overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the Division III State Wrestling Championship.

In pursuing the State championship, Jarrett Hornish defeated his opponent in the finals of the 126-pound classification. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the mat, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He has achieved an impressive season record bringing pride to his school and community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Jarrett Hornish of Wayne Trace High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.