Floor Statements

Thank you very much. I appreciate the gentleman for yielding, and also, I want to extend my thanks for all your many, many years of work and leadership to protect the life and lives of the unborn. We really appreciate everything you have done, and I know, across the country, it is appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I do rise today to voice my support for the right to life of unborn children. During my time in the Ohio General Assembly and, now, as a Member of Congress, I have always been a strong supporter of pro-life legislation. I firmly believe we must be vigilant in protecting the sanctity of human life.

As previously mentioned by other Members, it is heartbreaking to know that, since 1973, there have been more than 55 million abortions in the United States. Fortunately, a report released in February 2014 found abortion rates and ratios are continuing to decline in the United States and the rate of abortion has dropped to its lowest since its legalization; however, there is still more work to be done. That is why I continually support legislation to protect the unborn.

Tomorrow, tens of thousands of our fellow citizens will be in Washington to participate in the March for Life, and I salute them for their steadfastness in our cause for life. They will be here to let their voices be heard.

I can speak that, in our church, I know that we sponsor a couple of buses that will be coming down from Bowling Green State University, my alma mater. There will be high schoolers from across my district that will be here, and we salute them, again, for making sure that they are here to have their voices heard.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to those who have tirelessly worked for years to defend the right to life; and, again, I thank the gentleman for his efforts.

``No Senator or Representative shall, during the time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil office under the authority of the United States, which shall have been created, or the emoluments whereof shall have been encreased during such time; and no person holding any office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his continuance in office.''

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5705) to modify certain provisions relating to the Propane Education and Research Council.

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 in support of H.R. 5705, the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014, which I introduced along with Congressman Walz. This important, bipartisan legislation directs the U.S. Department of Commerce to more accurately calculate consumer propane costs. It also enables the propane industry to use its resources to mitigate price spikes.

Last winter in my home State of Ohio, as well as across 26 other States across the country, the lives and livelihoods of many Americans were threatened due to the propane shortages that were being experienced. Access to heat is a requirement for survival and employment, and we want to make sure that Americans do not face the same hardships again this winter or in future winters.

This bill would take the necessary steps to allow the propane industry to adequately address propane supply in pricing issues so consumers are not negatively impacted this coming winter.

In 1996, Congress enacted the Propane Education and Research Act, PERA, authorizing the propane to collect and use its own resources for safety, training, research and development, and education for the benefit of propane consumers and the public. The law also established the Propane Education and Research Council, PERC, to accomplish these goals.

To prevent this program from creating a disproportionate demand for propane, the Department of Commerce is required to annually calculate the price for consumer grade propane and compare it with an index of prices of specified competing fuels. If the price of propane exceeds a certain threshold, PERC is restricted from conducting its educational outreach activities.

In 2009, due to a misinterpretation of the law by the Department of Commerce, the restriction was triggered and all educational outreach by PERC ceased. While the Department of Commerce believes Congress intended PERA to focus only on residential-only propane, the text of the law does not limit it to the residential market.

To correct this discrepancy, the Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act of 2014 would clarify the language in the law to require the Department of Commerce to use the proper data and bring the application of the law back in line with Congress' intent. It would also amend the existing functions of PERC to include training distributors and consumers in strategies to mitigate the negative effects of propane price spikes.

Over the past year, I have been working on this legislation with stakeholders and with Congressman Walz to help mitigate having another propane shortage. This legislation is an important step in helping to achieve this, and I urge full support by my colleagues for H.R. 5705.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers on the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Again, as the gentleman from Minnesota pointed out, we had a great shortage last winter that affected small family farms and large farms across the country. We had situations where businesses were being affected and having to shut down. So this is a very important bill that will help folks make sure that hopefully we don't have that situation occur again.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 5705.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), the chairman of the full committee, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5728, the STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014. I am pleased to see the

bipartisan and bicameral effort that took place to bring forth this must-pass legislation.

Through the leadership of Chairman Upton and Chairman Walden and with the bipartisan support of Ranking Member Waxman and Subcommittee Ranking Member Eshoo, this legislation underscores a commitment to ensuring that our communication laws maximize the potential for investment, innovation, and consumer choice.

Mr. Speaker, I am especially pleased this bill incorporates a bipartisan and pro-consumer provision to eliminate the current set-top box integration ban, similar to the one that I, along with Congressman Gene Green, sponsored in the House. Repealing this outdated technological mandate will foster greater investment and innovation in the set-top box market. It is clear that the integration ban is simply unnecessary and does not reflect the technological advancements or consumer demands of today, which have been agreed upon and supported on a bipartisan level, even by the Progressive Policy Institute.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and support this bipartisan legislation. Again, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 2141) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide an alternative process for review of safety and effectiveness of nonprescription sunscreen active ingredients and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 2539) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain programs relating to traumatic brain injury and to trauma research, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 2583) to promote the non-exclusive use of electronic labeling for devices licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce on being named the Chamber of the Year for 2014 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Chamber of the Year is the most distinguished award that a Chamber of Commerce can receive, and this award recognizes the organization's strength and impact on key community priorities, including education, transportation, business development and quality of life.

I applaud the Toledo Regional Chamber on receiving this award and thank them for the important work they do to support the businesses and communities in our area.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5161) to promote the non-exclusive use of electronic labeling for devices licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

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

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 5161, the E-LABEL Act. This legislation that I introduced is a bipartisan and bicameral measure that marks an important step forward in modernizing our laws to reflects today's information and communications technology marketplace.

Over the past 20 years, there has been tremendous growth and innovation in both the communications and manufacturing industries. Smartphones, tablets, and other revolutionary devices come equipped with functionalities we could only imagine just a short time ago. In the midst of this innovation era, it is critical that our laws recognize these advancements and are updated to foster continued investment and opportunities for future development. The E-LABEL Act will facilitate this effort.

The E-LABEL Act establishes a timeline for the FCC to move forward with a rulemaking to permit the use of electronic labels instead of physical labels to certify that devices with screens have been approved for commercial use. Not only will this give manufacturers greater flexibility to design innovative products that consumers demand, but by some estimates, e-labeling will save manufacturers over $80 million a year. Consumers will also benefit from efficiencies created by e- labeling. E-labeling can expand consumer access to relevant device information and enhance the overall quality and availability of equipment identification records through supporting software. The E- LABEL Act represents good policy for both manufacturers and consumers and should be advanced without delay.

I thank Ranking Member Eshoo, Congressman Welch, and Congresswoman Blackburn for their support on this measure. I also thank Chairmen Upton and Walden for their continued support and leadership in modernizing our communication laws for the digital age. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would urge the House to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

I thank the gentleman, the chairman of the subcommittee, for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4572, the STELA Reauthorization Act.

For the last several months, Members of Congress have been earnestly engaged in collaborative discussions and a great deal of work regarding the reauthorization of the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act. This must-pass legislation is key to ensuring that over 1.5 million consumers of satellite television service do not lose access to programming they rely on when the current measure is set to expire at the end of this year.

Through Chairmen Upton's and Walden's thoughtful leadership, the STELA Reauthorization Act also includes a few discrete and narrow reforms to laws governing the video marketplace. These reforms represent a critical step forward in modernizing our communications laws to reflect the rapidly evolving, dynamic, and competitive communications marketplace we have today.

I am especially pleased that a provision from my bipartisan bill, H.R. 3196, with Congressman Gene Green was included in this measure to eliminate the current set-top box integration ban. Repealing this outmoded technological mandate will foster greater investment and innovation in the set-top box market but, more importantly, will help decrease the cost of delivery to consumers.

Since the FCC adopted the integration ban, we have seen a tremendous amount of progress and competition in the video marketplace organically developed outside the set-top box retail market, all absent government regulation. Now, given the myriad devices and means through which consumers can access video content, the integration ban is an unnecessary regulation that does not reflect the state of competition, technological advancements, or consumer demands of today.

The elimination of the integration ban, along with the few other targeted reforms included in STELA, underscores the bipartisan commitment to ensuring that our communication laws maximize the potential for investment, innovation, and consumer choice.

I once again commend Chairmen Upton and Walden for their leadership in this effort.

Our priority in reauthorizing STELA has long been to ensure a continuity of service for satellite subscribers, and today's vote marks a critical step toward fulfilling that responsibility.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Kentucky, for yielding. I appreciate it.

Mr. Chairman, American innovation in advanced drilling technologies has unleashed an abundance of domestic energy resources. For the 60,000 manufacturing jobs I represent, the U.S. energy renaissance has increased our global competitiveness, resulting in expanded operations and new jobs.

Ramped-up domestic energy production has also helped absorb recent crude oil price volatility amid the turmoil in the Middle East. When it comes to natural gas, we now have more than enough that surplus can be exported to other countries, without impacting the affordability of our domestic supply.

For our allies looking to diversify their energy supply, especially in the European markets, American natural gas can provide secure access, while bolstering our geopolitical standing.

While the energy industry has been a story of positive growth and American innovation at its best, it is also a source of unnecessary frustration. President Obama likes to take credit for this growth, but growth in the energy industry has occurred, despite his best efforts to lock up access and regulate producers out of business.

Recent studies have made clear that virtually all the increases in production have occurred on State and privately-owned lands, while overall production on Federal lands has decreased.

Beyond limiting access to domestic resources, the Obama administration has also been creating unnecessary obstacles for developing much-needed energy infrastructure.

As previous speakers have already stated, we are aware of the unnecessary delays that the President has placed on the Keystone XL pipeline, the 830,000 barrels of oil it would bring into the United States each day, and the over 40,000 jobs it would create.

We can't afford to have more pipelines delayed that would help America's energy security. This is why the North American Energy Infrastructure Act is an important and necessary piece of legislation.

I thank Chairman Upton for his leadership on the issue. This bill embodies the type of good governance hardworking American taxpayers deserve, and I urge my colleagues' support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 70th anniversary of the D-day landings on the beaches of Normandy, France.

On June 6, 1944, combined Allied forces began the opening phase of Operation Overlord in an effort to break the Nazi stranglehold on Western Europe. The initial assault included over 156,000 troops, along with 11,590 aircraft and 6,939 naval vessels. In that first day alone, approximately 10,000 Allied personnel were either wounded or killed, including 6,000 Americans.

The D-day landing was the largest single amphibious assault in history, and soldiers of six divisions--three American, two British, and one Canadian--stormed upon five different beach landings in Normandy. Just hours before that, U.S., British, and Canadian airborne troops dropped into France to support the landing.

The world owes a debt of gratitude to the members of the Greatest Generation who assumed the task of freeing the world from Nazism and fascism and restoring freedom to millions in Europe.

Next week, as we commemorate this important day, I ask everyone to remember the importance of this 70th anniversary of the D-day landings on the beaches of Normandy, France.

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 Olivia Bair of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Olivia's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2018. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Olivia brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2018. While attending Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, Olivia served as secretary for both the Red Cross Youth Council and Findlay's chapter of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Olivia was a member of her school's soccer and golf teams. Olivia also participated in the Latin Club as well as played club soccer. In addition, Olivia volunteered her time to her community at City Mission of Findlay. I am confident that Olivia will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Olivia Bair on the offer of her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Olivia will excel during her career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to the 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 John Wendt of Sylvania, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

John's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2018. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

John brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2018. While attending Sylvania Northview High School in Sylvania, Ohio, John served on the Principle Advisory Committee, as a member of Sylvania's chapter of the National Honor Society and served as an office aid.

Throughout high school, John was a member of his school's soccer and basketball teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. John also participated with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and the Big Serve Mission Trip his freshman year of high school, Latin Club as well as played club soccer. I am confident that John 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 John Wendt on the offer of his 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 the 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 Evan Ulinksi of Elmore, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Evan's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2018. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Evan brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2018. While attending Woodmore High School in Elmore, Ohio, Evan served as a member of the Key Club and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization.

Throughout high school, Evan was a member of his school's football, baseball and wrestling teams and earned varsity letters in all three sports. I am confident that Evan 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 Evan Ulinski on the offer of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Evan 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 the Nation.