Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for the Keep Your Health Plan Act. I have heard from many folks across my district that they are losing the health care they have and like because of ObamaCare.

Jeff from Columbus Grove wrote to alert me of the cancelation notice he received indicating his insurance policy is being dropped as of December 1 of this year. He has less than 1 month to find a new plan, which will cost more, have fewer benefits, and have higher deductibles. In addition, his choices for new health care insurance limit his options for the hospital and local doctor he can choose.

Dwight from Arlington wrote that he and his wife received a notice that due to the ACA, his wife's insurance policy would no longer be available. Coverage would double from $189 per month to $394, with increased deductibles.

Finally, I have heard from a local township trustee that the township has received notice that their health insurance plan has been canceled because of the ACA.

These are just several examples of the hundreds of stories we are hearing from across my district and the State of Ohio. I remain committed to enacting quality and affordable health care legislation and continuing to work toward ObamaCare's full repeal.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 378.

The current U.S. sugar program is uncompetitive, outdated, it stunts American job creation, harms U.S. confectioners, and forces food manufacturers and families to pay a higher cost for any product made with sugar. Recent data suggests that without reform, the program puts 600,000 jobs in the sugar-using industries at risk. I am all too aware of these negative economic impacts during a recent visit to a leading confectioner in my district.

Headquartered in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler Candy Company is a family- owned business that has been providing consumers with Dum Dums, Saf-T- Pops, Circus Peanuts, candy canes, and other confections since 1906. This company currently has over 400 U.S. employees; but if it could purchase sugar at world-market prices instead of U.S. prices, that number would be closer to 600. That's a difference of 200 highly skilled manufacturing jobs in a single small midwestern town. Imagine the positive economic growth that would result from sugar reform nationwide.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution. Reforming the U.S. sugar program will restore fairness in the sugar market, encourage U.S. investment, and spur job creation in our local communities.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Drug Quality and Security Act of 2013.

Title II of this legislation, Drug Supply Chain Security, is based on H.R. 1919, the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013, which I introduced along with Congressman Matheson. H.R. 1919 was passed on the floor by a voice vote on June 3 of this year.

Title II of this bill relates to the drug supply chain, and I am pleased that a bipartisan, bicameral agreement was reached to secure our drug supply chain and protect patients. Securing our Nation's pharmaceutical supply chain is extremely important, and passage of this bill is an important step forward in protecting America's families.

Pharmaceutical distribution occurs nationwide, and it is estimated that within the United States there are more than 4 billion prescriptions filled each year. By replacing the current patchwork of multiple State laws with a uniform national standard, we're improving safety, eliminating duplicative regulations, and creating certainty for all members of the pharmaceutical supply chain. When anyone takes a prescribed medication, he or she should have full confidence that the medication is as prescribed and that no counterfeit or adulterated drug has entered the supply chain.

To protect patient safety, the bill creates a uniform national standard for securing the drug distribution supply chain, thereby preventing duplicative State and Federal requirements relating to tracing. No State can impose additional or inconsistent regulations related to tracing products on supply chain members. The bill increases security of the supply chain by establishing tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies, and repackagers based on the changes in ownership. The bill also establishes a collaborative, transparent process between the FDA and stakeholders to study ways to even further secure the drug supply chain through public meetings and pilot projects.

I was successful in including language in the FDA user fee law to allow hospital systems to repackage drugs within a hospital system in the instance of a drug shortage.

I will continue working with hospital systems on the issue of permitting these systems to prepare batches of compounded drugs in advance of a specific physician prescription or order.

Mr. Speaker, I want to especially thank Chairman Upton and Subcommittee Chairman Pitts for all their assistance in advancing this legislation. I want to thank the Health Subcommittee staff, especially my legislative director, Allison Witt, for all their hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I urge full support of H.R. 3204.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

I thank the chairman for yielding.

I rise today, Mr. Chairman, in support of the Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act.

Designating coal ash as a hazardous waste, which the EPA proposed in June 2010, would not only raise energy prices for families and businesses, but it would also destroy a large coal ash recycling industry and all of the jobs that go with it. H.R. 2218 will protect these jobs by setting minimum Federal standards that the States will be charged with implementing and by providing regulatory certainty that has ceased to exist within the coal ash industry since 2009.

If this legislation is not signed into law, the EPA will overturn 30 years of precedent and designate coal ash a hazardous waste despite findings from the Department of Energy, the Federal Highway Administration, State regulatory authorities, and the EPA itself, that the toxicity levels in coal ash are well below the criteria that require a ``hazardous waste'' designation. In fact, in the EPA's May 2000 regulatory determination, the EPA concluded that coal ash does not warrant regulation as a hazardous waste and that doing so would be environmentally counterproductive.

It is estimated that meeting the regulatory disposal requirements under the EPA's proposal would cost between $250 and $450 per ton as opposed to about $100 per ton under the current system. In 2008, 136 million tons of coal ash were generated. That means not passing this bill could put an additional $20- to $47 billion burden on the electricity generators that use coal.

Energy costs aside, about 45 percent of the coal ash generated is recycled, being used as an additive in cement, concrete, wallboard, roofing materials, road-based fill materials, and snow and ice control. Designating coal ash as a hazardous waste could halt these beneficial uses, which the EPA estimates will lead to $16.7 billion in increased costs per year.

It will provide certainty in the coal ash industry, and it strikes the appropriate balance of strong environmental protection without all of the economic consequences of a ``hazardous waste'' designation. I urge support of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 305, 306, and 307, on July 8, 2013, I was unable to be on the floor for votes. Due to weather delays and aircraft problems at the Detroit Airport. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. 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 Defiance High School baseball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division II State Baseball Championship.

In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division II State Baseball Championship Game, the Defiance Bulldogs overcame the challenges posed by intense competition.

In pursuing the State Championship, the Defiance Bulldogs defeated Plain City Jonathan Alder to claim their second state championship in their fourth appearance at the state baseball championship game. In winning the Division II Boys Baseball State Championship, the members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result and great support from their community. As a direct outcome of their hard work and dedication on and off the field, their accomplishment is truly outstanding.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the 2013 Defiance High School baseball team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the need for reforming our current sugar program. This uncompetitive, outdated policy is stunting job creation and is harmful to families, candy companies, and food manufacturers that are forced to pay a higher cost for any product made with sugar. Recent data suggests that without reform, the program puts 600,000 jobs in the sugar-using industries at risk. I became all-too-aware of this negative economic impact during a visit at a leading confectioner located in my district.

Headquartered in Bryan, Ohio, Spangler Candy Company is a family- owned business that has been providing consumers with Dum Dums, candy canes, and other confections since 1906. This company currently has over 400 employees, but if it could purchase sugar at world market prices, instead of at an inflated price, the number of

employees would be closer to 600. That is a difference of 200 manufacturing jobs in a single midwestern town. Imagine the positive economic growth that would result from sugar reform nationwide. I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 693, the Sugar Reform Act. Reform to the sugar program will restore fairness in the sugar market, encourage investment, and spur job creation in our local communities.

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 Adam Kleman of Fort Jennings, Ohio has accepted an offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Adam's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. 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.

Adam brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Fort Jennings High School in Fort Jennings, Ohio, Adam was a Member of the National Honor Society and ranked near the top of his class academically.

Throughout high school, Adam was a member of his school's soccer and track teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Adam was a member of the marching and pep bands, as well as the annual high school musical, junior fair board, 4-H, junior leadership, and Boy Scouts of America. I am confident that Adam 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 Adam Kleman on the acceptance 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 Adam 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, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1919) to amend the Federal Food,

Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain, 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 matters 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. 1919, the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013. This legislation is the culmination of many years of hard work by legislators and stakeholders alike, and I'm honored to have introduced this legislation, along with Congressman Matheson.

This is an issue that was brought to my attention when I was first elected to Congress 5\1/2\ years ago by concerned stakeholders in Ohio, and I am pleased that the legislation is being considered on the House floor today. Securing our Nation's pharmaceutical supply chain is an extremely important issue, and passage of this bill will be an important step forward to protecting America's families.

The pharmaceutical supply chain touches every part of the health care system, and it is imperative that we get the structure and segments of it connected in a safe, secure, and effective manner that provides the best protection for patients.

H.R. 1919 will make improvements to the current supply chain while providing a clear path for industry stakeholders towards enhanced supply chain protections.

Pharmaceutical distribution occurs nationwide, and it is estimated that within the United States there are more than 4 billion prescriptions filled each year. By replacing the current patchwork of multiple State laws with a uniform national standard, we improve safety, eliminate duplicative regulations, and create certainty for all members of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

When anyone takes a prescribed medication, he or she should have full confidence that the medication is as prescribed and will do no harm. It is of utmost importance that we implement commonsense solutions to safeguard our distribution supply chain against counterfeit and adulterated drugs, as well as improve security and integrity throughout the supply chain. This legislation is an important step forward to ensure greater patient safety for all Americans.

I was pleased to receive a support letter for H.R. 1919 from the United States Deputy Sheriffs' Association, which also recognizes that a national system will help curb criminal activity surrounding prescription drug diversion and criminal counterfeiting.

In the letter, it discusses how a national system could deter opportunists' ability to focus their efforts on differing State laws, or those States that have no laws or regulations, thereby allowing for criminal infiltration.

Specifically, the letter states that ``tracking packages destined for patients is a good defense against criminals who would profit from contaminating or stealing those medicines, and put patients at risk.''

To protect patient safety, this bill would replace multiple State laws and create a uniform national standard for securing the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain, thereby preventing duplicative State and Federal requirements.

It would increase security of the supply chain by establishing tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies, and repackagers based on changes in ownership.

The bill also establishes a collaborative, transparent process between the Food and Drug Administration and stakeholders to study ways to even further secure the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Finally, the bill puts in place a requirement for the FDA to issue proposed regulations on unit-level traceability. The timeline put forth in this bill for all those steps is reasonable and will allow enough time for stakeholders to comply with these new national standards and ensure that, through feedback from these same stakeholders, phase two is done efficiently and correctly.

As I stated earlier, this issue has been worked on for many years, and setting up a track and trace process is complicated.

Chairman Upton, I appreciate your leadership in moving the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act to the floor today. We made a number of changes in the Energy and Commerce

Committee to improve the language of the bill as we work to create a safer pharmaceutical distribution system to protect against the threat of counterfeit drugs.

This is a highly complex area, and I understand that additional changes were made to the language in the version we are considering today. Further changes are necessary to ensure that the wholesale distribution system meets the highest standards of safety and consumer protection. In order to achieve those high standards, I am committed to ensuring that language is included in the conference report brought back to the House that establishes a direct purchase pedigree for those wholesalers who only purchase pharmaceuticals directly from the manufacturers.

I know you share my goal of creating the strongest supply chain system, and I look forward to working with you as we move forward.

There has been much work done on this issue over the many years, and I am appreciative of all the input I have received on this bill from stakeholders and interested parties. And I again want to specifically thank Chairman Upton and Subcommittee Chairman Pitts for all their assistance in advancing this legislation. I urge full support of my colleagues for H.R. 1919.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton).

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts), the chairman of the subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Will the gentleman yield?

I thank the gentleman.

As we discussed a little earlier, I will be happy to continue discussing this with you.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley).

We have none.

Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers. I ask for support for the bill, and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 622) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to reauthorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and generic new animal drugs.

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.

I rise today in support of S. 622, the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Reauthorization Act of 2013. The Energy and Commerce Committee passed H.R. 1407, a nearly identical bill, through the committee last month with broad bipartisan support.

The agriculture industry, animal drug manufacturers, veterinarians, pet owners, and the Food and Drug Administration have all found both the Animal Drug User Fee and Animal Generic Drug User Fee to be very effective, and have asked Congress to reauthorize the programs as soon as possible. In addition, there is strong bipartisan support for the programs, which I think is a reflection of their success and effectiveness.

Passing S. 622 is extremely important for our Nation. First, having quality and safe medications is essential for ensuring the safety of our Nation's food supply chain. Second, these programs help livestock producers, poultry producers, and veterinarians keep their animals healthy. Third, these programs enable families to have safe and affordable drugs for their pets so they can live longer and healthier lives. It is essential that the House passes this bill swiftly so we can guarantee that these programs continue without interruption.

I would like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Shimkus and Mr. Gardner, for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation. It is no small feat to move legislation to the President's desk in such an efficient manner.

I would also like to thank our colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Harkin and Senator Alexander, for their leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton).

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts).

We have one, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Gardner).

I have none.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for passage of S. 622, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the largest caucus here in the House of Representatives, the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, which is made up of Republicans and Democrats, had its normal yearly shoot, which consists of trap, skeet, and sporting clays, and I'm glad to say that this year the Republicans retained the trophy.

If I could, I would yield to my cochair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

I thank the gentleman.

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 Nikolas Wolford of Van Wert, Ohio has accepted an offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Nikolas' offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. 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.

Nikolas brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Van Wert High School in Van Wert, Ohio, Nikolas was on the Honor Roll and earned Academic Letters and Scholar Athlete awards each of his 4 years.

Throughout high school, Nikolas was a member of his school's football and basketball teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. He was also captain of the football team his senior year. In addition, Nikolas was a member of the German Club, Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am confident that Nikolas 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 Nikolas Wolford on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Nikolas 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 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 Sara Pisarski of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.

Sara's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Merchant Marine Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. 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.

Sara brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Bowling Green Senior High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Sara was on the Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars.

Throughout high school, Sara was a member of her school's basketball team and earned a varsity letter. In addition, Sara was a section leader in the marching band and the symphonic band and was the Lt. Governor of

Ohio's Division 1 District Key Club. I am confident that Sara will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Merchant Marine Academy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sara Pisarski on the offer of her appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Sara will excel during her career at the Merchant Marine 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 young man from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am happy to announce that Caleb Lipscomb of Perrysburg, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Caleb's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. Attending one of our Nation's military academies is an invaluable experience that offers a world-class education while placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives.

Caleb brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Perrysburg High School, in Perrysburg, Ohio, Caleb was on the High Honor Roll and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Throughout high school, Caleb was a member of his school's wrestling and football teams and earned varsity letters in both sports. In addition, Caleb participated in several mission trips in Ohio and West Virginia and served as Master Counselor for Demolay International. I am confident that Caleb 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 Caleb Lipscomb on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Caleb 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 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 Joseph Pritts of Cygnet, Ohio has been offered appointments to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Joseph has accepted the offer to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

Joseph's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2017. 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.

Joseph brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2017. While attending Elmwood High School in Bloomdale, Ohio, Joseph was on the Honor Roll and was President of the National Honor Society his senior year.

Throughout high school, Joseph was active in gymnastics and his school's track and field and golf teams and earning varsity letters for each sport. In addition, Joseph was Secretary of Student Council and a member of the Spanish Club. I am confident that Joseph 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 Joseph Pritts on the acceptance of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Joseph 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 the Nation.