Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, I would like to present an amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I thank my Nevada colleague, Congressman Amodei, for his support on this bipartisan amendment.

Mr. Chairman, our amendment would provide increased funds for the Drug-Free Communities Support Program.

The opioid epidemic is hurting every corner of this country, and southern Nevada is no exception. We need to invest in local, community- based solutions to help people struggling with opioid abuse.

Unfortunately, local governments often have the fewest drug prevention resources and funds, even though it is the local communities on the front lines of this crisis.

In every State and congressional district, every day of the year, there are first responders and paramedics treating overdoses and abuse. Our bipartisan amendment will directly invest in local community efforts to combat opioid abuse in Nevada and throughout this country.

Mr. Chair, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chairwoman, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Madam Chairwoman, our amendment would provide an increase in funds for graduate medical education.

Just today, the Commonwealth Fund rated my home State of Nevada as the 48th State, overall, for healthcare performance. We trail the vast majority of States in access, affordability, and use of preventive care. Preventable hospitalizations are up, and adults with a regular doctor are down.

Our amendment would invest in graduate medical education slots, expanding access for Nevadans to get a primary care doctor or family physician.

I am grateful for the help of Chairwoman DeLauro on this amendment, as well as Congresswoman Porter for cosponsoring it with me.

Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairwoman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. DeLauro).

Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I again thank Chairwoman DeLauro for helping with this amendment, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.

Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Nevada's Third District, I rise today to recognize, ``Who is James Holzhauer?''

James, a local Las Vegas resident, shocked the world with an unrivaled run on ``Jeopardy!'' and he did it in a very Vegas fashion: betting big, making some noise, and laying it all on the line.

Madam Speaker, with 32 straight wins and just over $58,000 shy of the all-time record, James' ``Jeopardy!'' skills weren't the only thing on display. His charitable heart was as well. He donated his time and some of his winnings to noble local causes to improve the lives of our southern Nevada kids, students, families, and community as a whole.

He even paid tribute to the victims of the tragic October 1 shooting with the wager, as he put it, ``Vegas Strong, 10,117,'' as in 10-1-17.

James may have just missed the record, but he is a legend in our eyes, and he did southern Nevada proud.

Congratulations, again, to James. And if I ever see him out at a trivia night in Vegas, I will make sure to get him on my team. I will buy the beer. He can handle the questions.

Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx for their work in bringing this bipartisan Stronger CAPTA to the floor; as well as Representative Watkins, for drafting our bipartisan amendment that ensures that poverty alone cannot be used as evidence of abuse and neglect.

The fight against intergenerational poverty has many fronts, but one of the most important things we can do is preserve family stability for as many children as possible. Families struggling with poverty need supports to preserve stability, not additional toxic stress that can alter child development.

Let me be clear: Abuse and neglect know no socioeconomic barriers. Poverty alone is neither abuse nor neglect. I am proud that our amendment will ensure that no child is removed from

their family solely because that family is living in poverty.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and commemoration of the many victims and survivors of gun violence and to commemorate National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Nevada's Third Congressional District.

On average, 100 Americans are killed by gun violence every day and nearly 13,000 gun homicides occur each year. Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed with guns than people in other high-income countries.

Support for the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens goes hand-in-hand with keeping guns away from people with dangerous histories, and protecting the public's safety in the communities they serve.

Representatives and law enforcement officers know their communities best, are the most familiar with local criminal activity and how to address it, and are best positioned to understand how to keep their citizens safe.

In January 2013, Hadiya Pendleton, a teenager who marched in President Obama's second inaugural parade and was tragically shot and killed just weeks later, should be now celebrating her 22nd birthday. To honor Hadiya--and the 100 Americans whose lives are cut short and the countless survivors who are injured by shootings every day--a national coalition of organizations has designated June 7, 2019, the first Friday in June, as the 5th National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

The idea was inspired by a group of Hadiya's friends, who asked their classmates to commemorate her life by wearing orange; they chose this orange for two reasons: hunters wear orange to announce themselves to other hunters when out in the woods and orange symbolizes the value of human life.

Anyone can join this campaign by pledging to Wear Orange on June 7th, the first Friday in June in 2019, to help raise awareness about gun violence and honor the lives of gun violence victims and survivors.

We renew our commitment to reduce gun violence and pledge to do all we can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands, and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe.

I encourage all citizens to support their local communities' efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives.

Madam Chair, I was unavoidably detained on rollcall 177. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 177.

Amendment No. 19 Offered by Ms. Porter

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Madam Chair, my amendment would ensure that the administration takes into account the problems caused by water shortages and droughts when addressing climate change.

Climate change is no longer a threat to the future. We are experiencing the damaging consequences now globally and regionally in the United States.

According to the Government Accountability Office, climate change has already cost taxpayers over $350 billion over the last decade.

Water scarcity and drought conditions as a result of climate change have direct economic, legal, and national security implications for our society and for our systems of governance.

In my home State of Nevada, the water supply at Lake Mead is already dangerously low and could face emergency levels as soon as next year. As our water supply continues to diminish, water prices will continue to rise for families across southern Nevada, the United States, and the world.

Under Article 8 of the Paris Agreement, parties must recognize the importance of addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including drought and increased water scarcity. And since the United States cannot leave the Paris climate accord until November 4, 2020, we are still obligated to maintain certain commitments, and that includes recognizing the fact that rising temperatures pose an imminent threat to our water supply, especially in already arid regions.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chairwoman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, almost 2 months ago, I spoke on this very floor to congratulate the robotics teams at Nate Mack Elementary and Greenspun Junior High School for advancing to the global robotics competition.

Today, I am proud to report back that Nate Mack Elementary robotics team is now the 2019 VEX IQ STEM Research Award World Champions. Greenspun Junior High also put up a tough fight and made it to the world finals.

I have closely followed the journey of both these robotic teams this year and even visited them. They are big sources of pride for Nevada's Third District, and we could not be more honored to have been represented by them.

So, today, I want to congratulate Nate Mack Elementary robotics team and their coach, Casey Juliano, for their well-deserved win and once again recognize Greenspun Junior High and their coach, Matt Christian, for making it to the world championships.

On behalf of Nevada's Third Congressional District, congratulations. We are proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) from Chapter 17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

I foremost acknowledge their service to our country as veterans of one of the nation's deadliest wars. These brave men and women answered our nation's call to serve without hesitation and with the utmost commitment to service and country. Upon returning from this war, they continued their service to their brothers and sisters in arms by becoming active members of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

VVA members in southern Nevada and across the country are dedicated to improving their communities and the lives of their fellow veterans. From supplying wheelchairs to Las Vegas area veterans with disabilities, to providing countless resources to homeless veterans-- including job training, providing showers and haircuts, VVA goes above and beyond in serving their community. They also advocate for their fellow returning service members, helping them with Department of Veterans Administration disability claims and appeals assistance. These forms of aid are the bedrock of their continued commitment to service of both community and their fellow veterans.

Their duty to serving their country is unwavering, and our duty to them is as well. We all are responsible to care for every veteran and servicemember as they have cared for us. No veteran should be without adequate health care, housing, or employment. Health benefits need to extend to mental health services and suicide prevention, along with benefits for Vietnam veterans suffering from the effects of Agent Orange. After service, veterans become teachers, police officers, mechanics, and more, which requires the best job training and education to set them up for success. This is our duty as citizens and elected officials, and we must do our best to uphold our end of the deal.

The positive impact and influence of the VVA Chapter 17 extends as far as the mountains that encircle the Las Vegas Valley and as close as the lives they touch through their public works. In an area with a population of hundreds of thousands of veterans, we should be so lucky to count these individuals amongst our friends and advocates.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing VVA Chapter 17 for their commitment to service, to country, and to improving the lives of countless veterans of the Las Vegas Valley.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Nevada's Third Congressional District, I rise today to congratulate the robotics teams at Nate Mack Elementary and Greenspun Junior High School for advancing to the VEX Global Robotics Competition.

Nate Mack and Greenspun schools will be representing Nevada in the global robotics competition in Louisville, Kentucky, beginning April 27 through May 1.

Though these communities served by Nate Mack and Greenspun face challenges, these students will proudly show the rest of the world the great diversity and intellect in Nevada's Third District.

On International Women's Day, it is only fitting that I recognize that these teams embrace girl-powered movement in STEAM and are 50 percent girls.

Just this week, I visited the Nate Mack and Greenspun teams and talked to the students about their experience. I even got to test-drive a robot, which was pretty cool.

Today, I want to congratulate the Nate Mack Elementary and Greenspun Junior High School robotics teams, thank them on behalf of the people of Nevada's Third District for representing us at the VEX World Robotics Competition, and wish them the best of luck.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 276) to direct the Secretary of Education to establish the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program recognizing excellence exhibited by classified school employees providing services to students in prekindergarten through high school.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

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

Mr. Speaker, despite being under the weather, I decided to come down here to thank my colleague and the dean of our delegation, Congresswoman Dina Titus, for leading this bipartisan effort.

This legislation would establish the Classified School Employee of the Year RISE Award Program to recognize the achievements and contributions of classified school employees to student education in schools across the country.

Classified school employees are critical members of the education workforce, making up one out of every three public school employees who assist students in our Nation's public schools. Classified school employees provide essential services, such as transportation, facilities maintenance and operations, food service, safety, and healthcare.

It is past time that the U.S. Department of Education recognize the tireless efforts of our Nation's outstanding classified school employees. The stature of the Secretary of Education in recognizing the RISE Award will provide national leadership and partnership to encourage broad participation in the development, selection, and recognition process.

Classified school employees across the country do extraordinary and inspirational things in their schools and communities to promote quality education, foster positive learning environments, and ensure student success. The RISE Award will recognize the contributions of classified school employees to student success.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Ms. Titus), the lead sponsor of H.R. 276.

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

In closing, I would like to thank Representative Titus for her leadership in bringing forth this bipartisan piece of legislation.

When it comes to delivering the promise of a great public school for every child, it is a team effort. Classified employees keep the lights on, students fed, and learning environments safe and welcoming.

This past year, we have seen unprecedented activism from teachers and school staff demanding better support for public schools across the country. While the media often speaks first about the contributions and working conditions for classroom teachers, it is important to recognize that behind every teacher is an army of classified school employees.

Passing this bill to recognize the contributions of classified school employees is an important first step, but I urge this body to do more. We must come together and continue to work across the aisle to invest in public education. We must invest in the staff who support our public schools and in students who count on public schools to reach their academic potential.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that swift passage of H.R. 276 is just the beginning, and I look forward to future action in this Chamber in support of public schools. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

Mr. Chairman, my amendment clarifies that every veteran is able to access childcare services guaranteed by the underlying bill, regardless of whether they are using the services at a VA center, medical center, or a vet center that is not on the campus of a VA facility.

I am pleased to be joined in offering this bipartisan amendment by my Republican colleague Congresswoman Lesko from Arizona. I would also like to thank Congresswoman Brownley for leading this bill, as well as Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their assistance and leadership on this vital issue.

No veteran should be forced to choose between caring for their children or caring for themselves. In several States, including my home State of Nevada, veterans use both the VA medical centers and the community-based vet centers to access the care they need.

Vet centers provide a wide array of social and psychological services to help veterans readjust to civilian life, and I am very proud of the work they do to serve those who served all of us.

For many of those who do not have access to a local VA medical center, vet centers are the only VA facilities they can use. To ensure that all veterans and, in particular, women veterans are able to receive the care they need, our amendment would clarify that any veteran receiving care, whether at a VA facility or an off-VA-campus vet center, would be eligible for the childcare authorized under this legislation.

We never want any veteran to choose between receiving the care and support they need or caring for their child. Our amendment would guarantee that all veterans would be able to access care regardless of where and how they seek treatment.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Mr. Chairman, I have no other speakers, and I am prepared to close at this time, if my colleague is as well.

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

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Nevada's Third District, I rise again to say it is time to end this shutdown. My office is currently working with a couple, both of them Federal workers, one of them a veteran, who are furloughed and now being evicted because of this unnecessary shutdown.

Nevada's SNAP and housing authority are preparing to draw on their reserves to make up for the lack of Federal funding. Over 400,000 Nevadans will face devastating consequences if these programs run out of money.

Our Governor just asked our higher education board to step in and protect Nevada's college students from penalties, and the speaker of our legislature just introduced a bill to protect Federal workers from debt collectors and landlords. Get the picture?

We are now stressing our State and local governments because our President and our Senate cannot step up and do their job. This shutdown has gone on far too long. My colleagues and I just voted for the 11th time to reopen the government. I ask the Senate and the President to do their duty and open it up now.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Nevada's Third District, I rise today to say it is time to end the shutdown.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to meet with Federal workers in my district who are dealing with the very real consequences of this unnecessary shutdown.

One employee is now driving for Uber. Another one has been forced to sign up for food stamps at the age of 51.

A high-tech employer in Nevada who employs Federal contractors is dealing with his third Federal Government shutdown in 12 months. His highly skilled employees are sick and tired of the uncertainty and missed paychecks. If this shutdown persists, he will lose employees, which will not only hurt his company, but our overall economy as well.

Madam Speaker, this is no way to run a country. The government should never be shut down over a single policy, any policy.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying bill. I am proud to help these communities recover and families rebuild their lives after the devastating effects of extreme weather.

But this bill is also a reminder of the cost of ignoring climate change. As the planet continues to warm because of manmade causes, more and more communities are at risk of extreme weather.

In my home State of Nevada, Lake Mead is 50 percent as large as it was in the year 2000. As the water level continues to fall, water prices will continue to rise for families across southern Nevada.

According to the GAO, climate change has already cost taxpayers over $350 billion over the past decade.

We must take concrete steps to curb climate change. The costs--both human and financial--are already too high.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bill.