Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on his retirement on October 3, 2018, I rise today to thank John Larry Carter for over 36 years of outstanding service to the United States House of Representatives.

John ``Larry'' Carter is a rarity, in that he spent nearly his entire career at the U.S. House of Representatives. He also joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in October 2000 and continues to serve the Reserves today, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, conferred on September 16, 2016.

Thinking at first it was an April Fool's joke, Larry began his Congressional journey on April 1, 1982 as a laborer under the Clerk, Don Anderson, moving furniture throughout the House campus and working as a storeroom clerk. Due to his outstanding work ethic he quickly moved up the ranks to Inventory Control Specialist and began inventorying furniture and completing service orders.

In the span of 3 short years, Larry was a laborer's helper, group leader, warehousing specialist and eventual finisher in the Finishing Shop. It is here in the Finishing Shop with the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) that Larry really shined. He spent the bulk of his career in the Finishing Shop, utilizing his experience from vocational school, to work on such projects as the House Floor, chairs and seats in the House Chamber, the dais, the House Speaker's Chair, and the page desks in the back. One of his major accomplishment is the original lectern still used today on the House Floor. Larry's imprint is on many furniture pieces in Congress and will no doubt be his legacy.

Larry was promoted to Manager of Furnishings in 1999, a position he still holds today, and considers one of his greatest career accomplishments. Larry's enthusiasm for doing the right thing and helping others to understand the challenges of safety and perfection for finishing furniture is immeasurable. Larry's list of accomplishments is long, and some of his most exemplary work can be seen on Speaker Tip O'Neill's Desk and the desk of Speaker Tom Foley, which included hand-painted birds on the desk. The finishing work that he and his staff completed in the House Chamber on the chairs and dais, will surely stand the test of time. He also made major contributions to 17 Congressional Transitions, assisted with Departmental budgets, developed his employee's training plans, and mentoring them to accept greater responsibilities and an appreciation for fine furniture.

Larry, as an aviation enthusiast, has mentioned as one of his fondest Congressional memories, besides all his finishing work accomplishments, is when he had the privilege to meet the Tuskegee Airmen at the Rayburn House Office Building. They were being feted and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, Congress's Highest Civilian Award, bestowed in 2006.

His compilation of the great antiquities found on the Hill truly is a great legacy he will leave behind since it will help future historians better understand the Capitol's and House of Representatives' true treasures. Mr. Carter has always been prompt, courteous, and helpful in dealings I have had with him. His expertise, skill, and knowledge will be missed.

Following his retirement, Larry intends to stay in Military Service and would like to spend more time with his wife of 25 years, Debbi, and his three children. He plans to continue his active lifestyle, fishing, running, teaching aviation, and spending quality time with his family.

On behalf of the entire House community, I extend congratulations to Larry for his many years of dedication and outstanding contributions to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him many wonderful years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4881, the Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act, as amended, to help improve high-speed broadband access for our Nation's farmers.

I represent the largest farm income-producing district in the State of Ohio; therefore, I am fortunate to visit farms across the region and learn about new technologies, like the Internet of Things equipment, that are helping to improve farm productivity and sustainability.

But the unfortunate reality is that lack of high-speed broadband in rural areas, specifically in farm communities, hinders the use of advanced technologies in agriculture operations. That is why I introduced H.R. 4881, along with my friend, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack).

Our bill would require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a task force, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, to review the connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture in the United States.

I believe by combining minds from these two expert agencies, along with relevant private stakeholders, the task force will be able to offer tangible solutions that will promote rapid, expanded deployment of broadband in unserved areas, creating a pathway for precision agriculture in our rural farmlands.

The true benefits of precision agriculture cannot be realized without the availability of reliable broadband internet access service. For example, with broadband, farmers can use connected tractors and other advanced technologies to collect field data in realtime to help with crop management. This type of technology helps farmers maximize resources, which can reduce costs and increase crop yields by up to 70 percent by 2050, helping to maintain America's long-term leadership in global food production.

Two farming seasons ago, I drove a tractor with GPS capabilities. My mom was raised on a farm in northwest Ohio, and, early on, my grandfather still used a team of horses. My grandfather would be amazed at how straight the furrows I made that day were, thanks to the connected tractor. I never touched the steering wheel. Because of broadband, the connected tractor was able to go down an entire row, without human control, and place fertilizer in furrows within one inch of where those seeds would be planted in the spring. It is technology like this that helps farmers maximize resources and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

My bill will encourage this type of technology by bringing much- needed broadband to rural, agricultural areas.

Not only do I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4881, but I would also like to quote the support of FCC Commissioner Carr. He said:

In my time on the Commission, I have seen firsthand the

difference that broadband connectivity makes for America's

farmers and ranchers.

He goes on to say:

. . . running agriculture operations today requires expertise

in agronomy, technology, and data analytics. Bringing all of

those skills together to improve crop yields and efficiency

increasingly requires a high-speed broadband connection. So I

am pleased to see this bill move forward and hope that it

becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his handling of the bill today, and I urge support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5333) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify the regulatory framework with respect to certain nonprescription drugs that are marketed without an approved new drug application, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5333, the Over-the- Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act.

Over-the-counter medications are widely used to treat common ailments such as colds, headaches, and seasonal allergies. In fact, more than 240 million Americans use OTC products every year and trust these affordable remedies to get well and stay well.

Despite the success and high utilization of these medicines, the Food and Drug Administration's regulatory framework for oversight of OTC products, also called the monograph system, is outdated and incomplete. The system was created more than 45 years ago, yet movement on unfinished items has ground to a halt due to the cumbersome notice and comment rulemaking process. I will give an example that was pointed out in committee that the FDA brought out.

The FDA advanced notice proposed rulemaking for this one started on December 4, 1979. Through a process of 20 different procedures they went through, they got to November 19, 1997, almost 18 years later, and what do they do? They reopen the administrative records to consider new data. It is taking too long. That is what this bill would remedy.

The lack of modernization makes it impossible for manufacturers to address safety concerns and offers little incentive to develop new products.

H.R. 5333, which I introduced with the Health Subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess); the Health Subcommittee vice chairman, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie); the Health Subcommittee ranking member, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gene Green), the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette); and the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell) would provide meaningful and long overdue reform to FDA's monograph system.

The necessary reforms would create a more flexible framework that accounts for advances in science, permits timely updates to safety information and label changes, and creates a workable process for completing unfinished monographs.

By updating the current burdensome process, Congress would also create a pathway to market for new and innovative products that greatly benefit our constituents and reduce strain on our healthcare system.

Safe, reliable, and affordable OTC drugs allow consumers to treat common ailments at home, usually without visiting a healthcare provider, saving the healthcare system $102 billion annually.

Our bill would improve regulatory certainty for manufacturers and, over time, we would see additional investment in research and development, leading to new, innovative OTC medicines that will continue to save Americans and our healthcare system money.

I thank my colleagues, FDA, and stakeholders for working so closely with me over the last 2 years to ensure that this modernization effort appropriately addresses and resolves this complex issue.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 5333 to modernize the broken monograph system, strengthen consumer protection, spur innovation, and increase consumer choice.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the chairman of the Health Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my friend and colleague.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I just want to thank all the members for all their hard work on this. Especially, I want to thank the gentleman from Oregon, the chairman of the full committee, for his work on this piece of legislation. Also, I want to thank the staff.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill.

Mr. 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 Jack Meinke of Millbury, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Jack's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

Jack brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio, Jack was active in the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and was an Honor Roll student. Additionally, he participated in Buckeye Boys State, Ignatian Guild Scholars, and various leadership and mentoring programs.

Throughout high school, Jack excelled on the football and wrestling teams, earning varsity letters and diligently serving as captain of the wrestling team. I am confident that Jack will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jack Meinke 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 Jack 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.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize WTOL's Jerry Anderson for his years of service to Northwest Ohio as today will be his last day before retiring. Jerry has served Northwest Ohio as a valued and trustworthy face on the local news for more than 40 years.

Jerry Anderson started his career in Bowling Green on the radio airwaves for WFOB in 1974 before beginning his TV news career in 1980. Jerry covered four national political conventions, the inaugurations of three presidents, and Pope John Paul II's visit to Detroit into the living room of families in Northwest Ohio, and he was someone that Ohioans knew they could count on.

Jerry is beloved and respected because he truly cares about Northwest Ohio and the people that live there. He's been active in local charitable efforts, including earning his certification as an auctioneer so he could volunteer for more than 20 charity auctions annually. He also can often be seen as an emcee at community events to help raise funding for local schools, disadvantaged families, and individuals with disabilities.

I know his dedication to our region, as I've spent many years next to him at the Applebutter Fest in Grand Rapids, Ohio. Jerry always made time to talk.

Mr. Speaker, Jerry Anderson is an institution in Toledo and Northwest Ohio, and while he'll be sorely missed, I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the commitment and dedication of longtime reporter and editor, Bonnie Knaggs, who recently retired as editor of the North Baltimore News. Bonnie has dedicated more than half of her life to reporting the news and has done a wonderful job serving the North Baltimore community.

A Bloom Township native and graduate of North Baltimore High School, Bonnie has been a village resident for 80 years. What initially began as a hobby taking picture out of her apartment windows soon transitioned into a career in newspapers. In 1959, Bonnie started work at North Baltimore News selling newspaper subscriptions before being named editor just six years later.

Throughout her decades-long career, Bonnie has served as a bookkeeper, photographer, and reporter. Her work as editor for the newspaper helped ensure that residents could stay up-to-date on what was happening in their community.

Bonnie helped cover some of the most important moments in her community including the installation of the first traffic lights and a massive fire at the Trout furniture building downtown. I want to thank her for her years of service to North Baltimore and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 449) to require the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to submit to Congress a report on the effects on public health of the increased rate of use of synthetic drugs, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H.R. 449, the Synthetic Drug Awareness Act of 2018. Synthetic drugs, such as synthetic marijuana and bath salts, are produced in the lab and can have chemical structures that are designed to mimic or even enhance those naturally occurring drugs.

Fentanyl, another synthetic drug, a substance that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, has numerous analogs.

These drugs are modified to circumvent the Drug Enforcement Administration's scheduling regime and are a serious public health risk. That is why H.R. 449 is so important, because it will require the United States Surgeon General to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on the public health effects of synthetic drug use among youth.

I would like to thank my colleague from New York, Representative Hakeem Jeffries, for his hard work on this important initiative, along with Representatives Chris Collins, G.K. Butterfield, and Trey Gowdy.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the committee for all his hard work and for especially shepherding these 57 bills that we got through committee on the opioid crisis

that we have in this country. I thank him for that and for helping on this piece of legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4284, the INFO Act, the Indexing Narcotics, Fentanyl, and Opioids Act.

In Ohio, we have experienced some of the worst of the crisis. In a 12-month period ending June 30 of last year, 5,232 lives were lost due to overdoses. That is a 39 percent increase from the previous year and three times the national average.

In talking with my constituents across the district, I have learned that to make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling with addiction, we need to get more data, information, and funding into the hands of the right people. That is exactly what the INFO Act does.

My bill creates a public dashboard consisting of comprehensive information and data on nationwide efforts to combat the opioid crisis. Establishing a one-stop shop makes it easier for advocates, healthcare providers, and State and local governments to access Federal funding, data on opioid abuse, and the best practices for treatment.

Due to this crisis, we are losing 115 Americans a day across this Nation. The time to act is now. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, before I begin, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas, the chairman of the committee, for his hard work on the bill. I appreciate it.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the precision agriculture connectivity amendment. This bipartisan amendment offered by myself and my friend from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) recognizes the need for broadband in rural areas, especially on agricultural lands.

I represent the largest farm-income-producing district in the State of Ohio. Precision agriculture technologies and practices, like the use of IoT equipment, provide a great opportunity to improve U.S. farm productivity and sustainability.

However, the lack of high-speed broadband in rural areas, especially in farmlands and ranchlands, hinder the use of advanced technologies in agriculture operations.

My amendment seeks to improve broadband access to farmers and ranchers by establishing a task force for reviewing the connectivity and technology needs of precision agriculture.

The task force would be created primarily by the Federal Communications Commission due to their expertise in broadband. However, we also recognize the value of the United States Department of Agriculture in this discussion. Therefore, the FCC would be required to work in collaboration with the USDA on gathering broadband data and for selecting the members of the task force.

This task force would be required to identify current gaps in broadband coverage on agricultural lands and recommend policies that will promote their rapid, expanded deployment of broadband internet access service in unserved areas.

Simply put, this amendment would help to address a significant need in agricultural lands. Without broadband, farmers cannot utilize precision agriculture that allows for the collection of field data in real time that can help with crop management. This type of technology helps farmers maximize resources to reduce costs and increase crop yields by up to 70 percent by 2050, helping to maintain America's long- term leadership in global food production.

Furthermore, advanced machinery helps promote environmentally sustainable practices.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment to help deploy much-needed broadband in unserved rural, agricultural areas.

Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comments. Again, it is important because, again, in the area I represent in the State of Ohio, we have a lot of unserved areas.

When we talk about unserved and underserved areas, we want to make sure that, especially out in agricultural areas, that we get that area served because they are unserved at this time.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for support of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. 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 Luke Beach of Haskins, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Luke's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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.

Luke brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Otsego High School in Tontogany, Ohio, Luke was a member of the National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, and the high school debate team.

Throughout high school, Luke served as captain of both the varsity basketball and varsity golf teams. Luke also ran his own business, Beach Lawn Care, volunteered with Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio and volunteered at Otsego youth sports camp. I am confident that Luke will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Luke Beach 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 Luke will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

Mr. 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 Ian Donahue of Sylvania, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Ian's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

Ian brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Northview High School in Sylvania, Ohio, Ian served as President of the National Honors Society, and participated in student government, World Language Club, and Spanish Honors Society.

Throughout high school, Ian participated in football and was captain for the lacrosse team, earning varsity letters in both sports. Ian was also involved in student council and Interact. I am confident that Ian will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ian Donahue 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 Ian 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.

Mr. 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 Daniel Walton of Perrysburg, Ohio has been

offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Daniel's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

Daniel brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, Daniel was a Summa Cum Laude scholar, Senior Class President, Student Council Representative, and a school tutor.

Throughout high school, Daniel served as a team captain for football, wrestling, and rugby, earning multiple varsity letters. Daniel was also Vice President of DECA, volunteered at the Vision Soup Kitchen and Toledo YES Project, and participated in Buckeye Boys State. I am confident that Daniel will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Daniel Walton 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 Daniel will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

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

Cameron's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

Cameron brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, Cameron served as Student Council treasurer, secretary for the Interact Club, participated in National Honors Society and is ranked fifth in his class.

Throughout high school, Cameron performed in the All-Nationals Honor Band, Symphonic Winds, and OMEA All-State Honor Band. Cameron also served as an officer in the environmental club, is an Eagle Scout, and participated in the Spanish club. I am confident that Cameron will carry the lessons of his student and extra-curricular leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Cameron 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 Cameron will excel during his career at 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.

Mr. 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 Stoner of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Austin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

Austin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Whitmer High School in Toledo, Ohio, Austin participated in the National Honors Society, earned the T.R.A.C. All Academic Award, and earned the Top 15 Award.

Throughout high school, Austin served as a captain of varsity baseball and participated in the 5 Minutes for Life and Ping Pong clubs. Austin also served as President of Student Council, Commander for the Pep Club, and a Math Honorary. I am confident that Austin will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Austin Stoner 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 Austin 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.

Mr. 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 McKenzie Mercer of Cygnet, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

McKenzie's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2022. 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 a lifetime.

McKenzie brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2022. While attending Elmwood High School in Bloomdale, Ohio,

McKenzie was a member of the National Honor Society and was a 4.0 and perfect attendance award winner. She also participated in the pep, jazz and marching bands, student council, Future Farmers of America and was involved in student government.

Throughout high school, McKenzie participated in volleyball and track, earning many honors and serving as captain of the track team. I am confident that McKenzie will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating McKenzie Mercer on the offer of her appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that McKenzie 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.