Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. House Of Representatives U.S. House Of Representatives 20240714

For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill h. R. 1844. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 1844, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 66 grove court in elgin, illinois, as the Corporal Alex martinez Memorial Post Office building. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman california, mr. Rouda, and the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Keller, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Rouda thank you. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Rouda thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. Madam speaker, i am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of h. R. 1844, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 66 grove court in elgin, illinois, as the Corporal Alex martinez Memorial Post Office building. At this time i would like to yield such time as he may onsume to representative mr. Krishnamoorthi . Mr. Krishnamoorthi thank you, to congressman krishnamoorthi. Mr. Krishnamoorthi thank you. I rise in support of my own legislation, to designate the facility of the u. S. Postal service located at 66 grove court in elgin, illinois, as the Corporal Alex martinez Memorial Post Office building. Corporal Alex Martinez, a lifelong elgin resident, wanted to join the marine corps since he was a little boy. From a young age, he yearned to follow in the footsteps of his father, enrique martinez, who was a Longtime Navy reservist and an aunt who served in the army. As a senior in high school, with his whole life ahead of him, he decided to follow his dreams. He surprised his friends and family by attending Summer School to graduate early, enlist in the marine corps and marry his high school sweetheart, juliana martinez, at the age of 18. After graduation from basic training, Corporal Martinez was assigned to the first combat engineer battalion, first marine division, one marine egs expeditionary force, where he excelled as a combat engineer. In this role, he had the dangerous but crucial responsibility to guide Ground Forces away from lifethreatening obstacles such as lethal improvitesed explosive devices improvised explosive devices. On his second deployment on april 5, 2012, a unit that Corporal Martinez was guiding began receiving enemy fire. Despite facing an immediate threat to his own life, he continued to calmly and systemically clear lanes for marines to maneuver against the enemy. Tragically, Corporal Martinez was killed after an explosive device detonated in helmand province. In that moment, Alex Martinez became the first and only elgin nate to have fall in combat native to fall in combat since the terror attacks on september 11. While in afghanistan, Corporal Martinez would tell his loved ones his plans to start a family and to continue his Selfless Service by becoming a fireman or a Police Officer. But as a consequence of his sacrifices to this great nation, and the people who inhabit it, he never could pursue those dreams. Madam speaker, you and i and the many members of this chamber are fortunate to live in a diverse nation with innumerable freedoms. But we can only enjoy these freedoms and the peace and prosperity that accompany them because of the sacrifices made by Corporal Martinez and the millions of men and women who dedicate their lives to defend our democracy. To honor Corporal Martinezs honorable sacrifices to this country, to recognize the sacrifice of his loved ones, and to express solidarity with all Service Members and veterans of the United States, i strongly urge my colleagues to support h. R. 1844. Thank you, and i reserve the alance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois yields back. The gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly thank you, madam speaker. I yield my jerry kelly mr. Keller thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise today in support of this bill, introduced by representative krishnamoorthi. This names the Postal Office in elgin, illinois, after alex mar ar tins. Alex martinez knew he was destined for pubsee military, f fathers footsteps. Then upon retirement, he would continue in Public Service as a Police Officer or firefighter. Shortly after high school, alex joined the United States marine corps, filling step one of his boyhood dream. After boot camp, he was assigned to the first combat engineer battalion, first marine division. Corporal martinez was deployed twice to afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring freedom. On april 5, 2012, Corporal Martinez was conducting combat operations in helmand province, afghanistan, and was killed after an explosive device detonated. While Corporal Martinezs life of service was tragically cut short, his sacrifice and bravery will not be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i have no further speakers and urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 1844. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid n the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill, h. R. 3305. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 3305, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service lobalingted at 2509 george mason drive in Virginia Beach, virginia, as the Ryan Keith Cox post office building. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Rouda, and the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Keller, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Keller mr. Rouda thank you, madam speaker. I ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Rouda i yield myself such time as i may consume. Madam speaker, i am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of h. R. 3305, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2509 george mason drive in Virginia Beach, virginia, as the Ryan Keith Cox post office building. At this point, i yield such time as she may consume to representative luria of virginia to further explain her bill. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from virginia is recognized. Mrs. Luria thank you, madam speaker. I rise today to honor the life and heroic actions of Ryan Keith Cox. On may 31, the years largest mass shooting in america struck in our Virginia Beach community. Keith was amongst the 12 wonderful people who lost their lives in the tragedy. In his final moments, keith showed extraordinary bravery. Keith was an active and irreplaceable member of our community. He regularly attended his fathers church, new hope baptist church, where he sang in the choir with his renowned, golden voice. He had hopes to follow his calling and in his fathers footsteps and become a more active and become more active in the ministry. For 12 years, keith served in the city of Virginia Beach as a Public Utilities employee. His coworkers described him as someone who is always nice to others and treated colleagues to lunch. One colleague called keith a teddy bear who always knew what to say to make an upset colleague smile. Those who know him say keith embodied leadership. Keiths friends and family agree that he made his impact by putting the needs of others before his own. Keiths last day on earth was no different. During the shooting, keith led several of his coworkers to safety. Keith then refused to take refuge, stating, ive got to see if anyone else needs help. Keith stood watch and checked on his colleagues, voluntarily exposing himself to a deadly line of fire. One of keiths colleagues summed it up. If it wasnt for him, there would have been several more people who perished. In our communitys darkest hour, keith prioritized the safety of his colleagues over his own. He was a true servant leader who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is our chance to tell keiths story, to showcase his heroism to our community, our commonwealth, and our nation. I was proud to introduce this bill to name a local post office after keith. When we walk by that post office and see keiths name, well think of the sacrifice and of the lives that he saved. I thank the virginia delegation for supporting this Bipartisan Legislation to honor keiths legacy and impact on our Virginia Beach community. I urge support of this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from virginia yields back. The gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Keller thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I rise today in support of h. R. 3305, introduced by representative luria. The bill names a post Office Located in Virginia Beach, virginia, in honor of Ryan Keith Cox. Ryan keith cox served the city of Virginia Beach for 12 years. He worked in the Public Works Department as an accountant clerk until he was murdered saving the lives of his friends and coworkers earlier this year. On the morning of may 31, 2019, a City Employee resigned from his job at Municipal Building where cox worked. That afternoon the former employee returned with evil intentions. When a coworker ran into the office with news that there was an active shooter, keith remained calm and thought only of how to keep others, other coworkers safe. He led them to safety to a small room and directed them to barricade the door. Then, despite the danger, he continued to look for more of his colleagues. By the time the shooting stopped, keith was among the 12 innocent victims that were killed. His surviving colleagues remember him as a kind, softspoken, and big teddy bear. Keiths heroics will not be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 3305. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, and the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i move that the house suspend the rules and agree to the bill, h. R. 2325. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 2325, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Calle Alondra in san juan, puerto rico, as the 65th infantry regiment post office building. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from california, mr. Rouda, and the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Keller, will each control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from california. Mr. Rouda madam speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on this measure. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Rouda thank you. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of h. R. 2325, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Calle Alondra in san juan, puerto rico, as the 65th infantry regiment post office building. In 18 9, a year 1899, a year after the spanish american war, congress authorized the creation of a unit of volunteer soldiers in the New Territory of puerto rico. Redesignated in 1920 as the 65th infantry regiment of the United States army, this unit served admirably in world war ii and the korean war. In world war ii, the 65th infantry regiment suffered casualties defending against enemy attacks with regiment members earning one distinguished service cross, two civil two silver stars, two bronze stars and 90 purple hearts. In the korean war, when General Macarthur ordered the evacuation of an enclave, the 65th infantry regiment played a crucial role. And ultimately under the regiments protection, 105,000 troops and 100,000 refugees were evacuated. These brave americans protected the very foundation of this great country. Naming a post office to honor the 65th infantry regiment who served and sacrificed for us is but a small price of what these brave men and Women Deserve from the country to whom they have given so much. Madam speaker, i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Keller thank you, madam speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. I would like to recognize my friend from puerto rico, miss gonzalezcolon, for as much time as she may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from puerto rico is recognized. Miss gonzalezcolon thank you, madam speaker. And thank you, congressman keller, for the opportunity. Im very humbled but at the same time very proud to rise in slaort of h. R. 2325, length legislation i introduced to designate the United States postal facility Postal Service facility located in san juan, puerto rico, as the 65th infantry regiment post office building. Sort shortly after puerto rico became a u. S. Territory in 1898, congress authorized the creation of a unit of volunteers , soldiers, on the island. Then in 1920s, the unit was redesignated as the 65th indiana fantry regiment of the United States infantry regiment of the United States army. It served as the nations last segregated unit, composed mainly of hispanic soldiers coming from puerto rico. Rs of this regiment, regiment represent the best of our islands proud and rich tradition of military service. Despite the relatively limited combat service in world war ii, the regiment suffered casualties defending against enemy attacks. Soldiers from this unit earned one distinguished service cross, two silver stars, two bronze stars and 90 purple hearts. During the korean war that the 65th recommending meant came to be widely known and admired. Fromg as a segregated unit 1950 to 1952, they participated in the toughest battles of the war. They were engineers, not only fought the enemies but had to overcome negative stereotypes held by their commanders and fellow soldiers. Brigadier general william harris, who commanded the regular meant during the korean war, recalled that he had been reluctant to assume command of the unit just because of the prejudice within the military, but that experience eventually led him to regard the members of the 65th infantry recommending meant as the best soldiers he ever seen. Eneral douglas macarthur, sill similarly say that Puerto Ricans form in the ranks of the gallant 65th infantry and give daily proof of their courage. The determination and resolute will to victory. Their invincible loyalty to the United States and devotion to those principles of human relations which the americans of the in the event and puerto rico have in common. They are winning and im proud to have them under my command. I wish we could count on many more like them. For this Extraordinary Service during the korean war, they received many unit level awards including two president ial citations, soldiers in this recommending meant earned nine distinguished Service Crosses and 250 silver stars, over 600 bronze stars and more than 2,700 purple hearts. ,ven 60 years of this situation Master Sergeant juan negron who served was posthumously awarded the medal of honor. In 2014, this same house enacted legislation to award the congressional medal of honor to them. He 65th became the first hispanic unit and the sole unit from the korean war to receive these distinction and the last unit to launch a battalionsized attack in the u. S. Army. Honor 5 allows us to them by designating the u. S. Post office in san juan as the 5th infan try recommending meant post office building. This is made more significant when considering that this Federal Building is located ajays nt to one of puerto ricos main avenues. It is the 65th infantry recommending meant after flew. The story of these soldiers is mblem matic of the thousands puerto rican soldiers who fought d bled along side our fellow americans. S puerto rico, i urge my colleagues to further recognizing their legacy by supporting this bill. And with that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from puerto rico yields become. The gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Rouda i reserve the baller balance of my time. I think representative gonzalez cologne articulately supported out why we should support h. R. 2325. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Rouda i encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i would like to thank the gentleman from pennsylvania for leading the minimum rit discussion today, the newest member of congress and honor to serve with you and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 2325. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended and bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentlewoman from indiana seek recognition . I ask unanimous consent that the committee on ways and means and the committee on energy and commerce be discharged from further bipartisan consideration of h. R. 2447, the jobs and premium protection act and ask for its immediate consideration in the house. The speaker pro tempore as recorded in section 956 of the house rules and manual, the chair is constrained not to entertain the request unless it has been cleared by the bipartisan floor and committee eadership. Under guidelines consistently issued by successive speakers, and the chair is constrained not to entertain the request unless it has been cleared by the bipartisan floor and committee eadership. Pursuant to clause 7a1 of rule 15 of h. R. 748 is the measure on the consensus calendar to be onsidered this week. For what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts seek recognition . Mr. Neal i move to suspend the rules and pass h. R. 748, the actle class Health Benefits of 2019 as amended. The clerk h. R. 748 a bill to amend the internal code to repeal the excise tax of Employer Sponsored Health coverage. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts, mr. Neal and the gentleman from pennsylvania, mr. Kelly, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from massachusetts 20 minutes. Mr. Neal i ask unanimous consent that all members may include extraneous material on this bill under consideration. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Neal i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized. Mr. Neal i rise today in support of h. R. 748 the middle class Health Benefits tax repeal of 2019. After a decade of fiercely debating the merits of the Affordable Care act, i hope we have turned acorner today and focus on strengthening the parts of the law that work in a manner that we intended and changing the parts of the law that are not unusual that we believe could be improved. This legislation championed by representative joe courtney of connecticut with 367 bipartisan cosponsors addresses the cadillac tax, the part of the aw that has unintended consequences that benefits were provided to American Workers. 181 million americans currently depend upon employersponsored Health Insurance. Thats the majority of the American People including retirees, low and moderateincome families, public seblingtor employees, Small Business owners and nonprofit workers. While the name cadillac tax implies that this excise tax applies to Luxury Health coverage, it will apply to almost every american with employersponsored Health Insurance. At a time when families are worried about their Health Care Costs that apply to them, the cadillac tax increased deduct i believe so as employers make changes in their plans designed to avoid the tax. We have found that the cadillac tax affects health plans that have higher number of workers with chronic diseases or serious illnesses and cover more than one million women and families or offer coverage to parttime workers. This was not the goal of this tax when it was originally included in the a. C. A. I know, because i helped to help write the Affordable Care act. Congress wanted to encourage employers and Insurance Companies to find ways to offer better coverage at lower costs. And while many actions did bend the cost curve and leading to better care and lower cost growth, this excise tax did not. We wanted employers to cover their workers with meaningful benefits. Good american job with a Strong Health benefit is part of security. Employers want this for their employees. They want this for their members and American Workers and their families want to know they can get the care they need when they need it. This legislation, as i noted earlier, has strong bipartisan support with a Diverse Group of stakeholder organizations endorsing the legislation from labor to chamber of commerce to patient organizations. If we fail to repeal the cadillac tax, we will leave working families with higher out of pocket Health Care Costs and little to no resulting wage increase. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. And i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly i yield myself such time as i may consume. This is a great day for us. And we worked with chairman neal on this and joe courtney and its nice to see a bunch of irish guys get together. To make sure we are protecting so many people who have earned health care through their employer. I think the last couple of days, if you look what happened here in the house and go back home and say cant you guys get along on anything, cant you put away these things that you fight over and start to talk about the things that help us . Cant you do things that help us . People back home say, they cant do anything. Im here to tell you thats not true. You will see a bipartisan effort on a bipartisan bill to make sure hardworking americans get to get their employersponsored health care. Those are the people in labor unions and every day businesses, Small Businesses and big businesses all across the board. Bauts what we are doing today is the move in the right direction. What we are doing is truly bipartisan and we hope it becomes bicameral. Today you are going to see republicans and democrats to do the right thing for the right reasons. And good things are going to come of that. It just doesnt get any better than this, especially at a time when you go back home and people look at this, whoa, on the floor of the peoples house . We are going to get along and do something that is really big and pass h. R. 748. Also known as the cadillac tax. I happen to be a cadillac dealer and cadillac has been described as the standard of the world. This piece of legislation is a standard of the world. This is too darn generous for generations of people who went to the bargaining table and negotiated health care. Too generous . Too good . For all those who thought that was a good statement or a good idea, thats just too bad. Because it was terrible. It made no sense. But today were going to change that. Were going to take the time we have today on the floor to talk about it and to talk to our colleagues and say, you all need to be onboard with this. And by the way, joe knows this because weve been working on it for a long time, and joe, its your bill this session, but before, thats gone back and forth, right, depending on who the majority is. But i have to tell you, this is the end of todays talking when it comes to partisan gridlock, because its not going to happen. Much like mark twain said, he was overseas one time in london and somebody printed in the paper that he was not only ill but he that but that he had the died. Mark twain replied, reports of my death are greatly exaggerated. Lets use that today when we talk about the fact that we cant get along. Here in the peoples house. Joe and i have worked hard on this. Last congress we had 304 cosponsors. This congress our legislation has more than 370 cosponsors. Thats the majority of both parties. Democrat and republican. Our bill is going to repeal this onerous tax originally passed as part of the Affordable Care act that would have assessed on any health plan that would provide more than 10,200 for individual coverage and 27,500 for family coverage. And i deplor the fact that it was called two generous. For hardworking americans to get up every day and go off to work who get up every day and go off to work, to make sure they can put a roof over the head of their family, food on the table, and somehow plan for their future. If thats a bad if thats a bad benefit, i want to see what a good one looks like. According to researchers, its projected, i think chairman neal went over some of these number, 75 of employersponsored health plans would be effected if we allow this tax to stand. That was part of the Affordable Care act but it was never enforced. Today we have a chance to fully do away with it. Just repeal it. Right, joe . Thats what were trying to get to. The groups that support this legislation go across the board. Theres millions of workers that are waiting for us to do something today to act in their best interest. More than 665 organizations have weighed in in support of repealing this tax. It is absolutely an incredible effort thats going to take place today and i cant say this enough, it is a bipartisan effort by the majority of both parties to get this done for hardworking americans and protect not only themselves but their families. It is a benefit of generational negotiations. Its an incredible piece of legislation that were going to get through today. I could keep talking about this forever, and i cant wait to get back home again to tell people we got it done. And keep in mind, im going to say, we got it done. Not i got it done. Ive never seen a place where people take place for legislation that he had nothing to do with but inheritted from previous sessions, that they list it as my bill. Ing are, its not my bill. This is bill really, its not my bill. This is a bill weve tried to get pulled off for many, many years, not just me. Not just joe courtney, but all of us together, democrats and republicans. Acting in the best interest of the people we represent, here on the floor of the peoples house. Madam chair, im going to reserve my time. Thank you. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. Without objection, the gentlewoman from washington is designated for the time and is recognized. Thank you. I yield three minutes to the lead sponsor of this legislation , to the gentleman from connecticut, congressman courtney. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from connecticut is recognized. Mr. Courtney thank you, congresswoman dell bennie, for your leadership managing this delbene, for your leadership managing this bill. The advocacy send as powerful message to the house to pass the middle class Health Benefits tax repeal act. I also want to thank my friend, representative mike kelly, for his bipartisan support of the bill, to defy the polarized politics. This bill today comes with the support of more than 660 Health Care Groups representing millions of americans who have joined together to repeal the 40 excise tax on health plans scheduled to go into effect in 2022. Madam speaker, this tax was a late addon to the Affordable Care act deliberations and has been rattling around inoperable in the federal tax code since 2010. Never actually having collected a penny of revenue, but nonetheless casting a statutory shadow over 180 million Americans Health plans, which we know in real life from h. R. Administrators and employee reps has added pressure to shift coverage into higher deductible plans which falls on the backs of working americans. The Commonwealth Fund recently reported, the number of americans who are underinsured as a result of high deductibles has grown by over 50 since 2005. Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 31 of Employer Health plans will get hit by the excise tax in 2022, and that number will skyrocket soon after. The passage of this bill will lift the shadow that overhangs employersponsored plans and stop the high deductible trend from worsening. As the bills lead sponsor, i want to foot stomp that the repeal of the tax does not touch the arc techture of the a. C. A. s Patient Protections. Repeal is completely sevrable from the other 440 sections of the law and leaves in tact essential Health Benefits and the elimination of preexisting condition exclusions and lifetime limits. Given that those Patient Protections have been in full operation for the last 10 years, while this zombie tax has been in a coma during that time, it is abundantly clear that the tax is disconnected from the rest of the law. Lastly, i want to underscore the c. B. O. Determination that passage will not result in any increase in the number of uninsured. Madam speaker, with 370 house cosponsors, i am hopeful that an overwhelming tally tonight will send a laserlike message to the senate to adopt this bill as soon as possible asis. I would ask permission to enter for the record a letter from families u. S. A. , a strong advocate for a. C. A. , as well as the council of Insurance Agents and brokers in support of the bill, and a 2009 letter signed by 188 supporters of the a. Crmple a. , dated a. C. A. , dated 2009, again, in support of the issue to repeal the excise tax. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Courtney thank you. And i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from connecticut yields back. The gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly madam speaker, at this time id like to yield two minutes to the gentleman from california, mr. Nunes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Nunes thank you, madam speaker. And thank you to mr. Kelly for giving me time to speak in support of h. R. 748, the middle class Health Benefits tax repeal act. This bill will make will provide muchneeded relief from one of the most burdensome and blunt taxes in obamacare. By repealing this tax, well save employers from paying a 40 tax on highcost employersponsored health care coverage. The bill will provide muchneeded leaf not only for employers but for the employees, some of who are lowincome earners with highcost Health Benefits. Who are forced to bear the repercussions of this tax. That said, i am disappointed that the majority chose not to repeal the medical device tax or the Health Insurance tax, both of which are harming hardworking americans across the country. Medical device tax is a 2. 3 excise tax on the value of medical devices sold domestically. Making lifesaving products more expensive is not only good policy is not good policy, and should be included in this repeal bill. The Health Insurance tax or h. I. T. Is a more than 100 billion sales tax on private Health Insurance that effects every private plan in the country. At a time when we are all trying to lower the cost of health care, why are the democrats in the majority preventing us from removing this unnecessary and burdensome tax . This bill could do so much more but i am happy that the majoritys finally admitting that the Obamacare Tax increases are bad for the country. And that good tax policy doesnt need to be replaced with more bad tax hikes. At a time when much of our Health Care System is failing, when Health Care Costs are still unaffordable for many people when medicare will be insolvent within a decade, and when medicaids uncontrollable costs are bankrupting our states, it still leaves millions of low and middleincome earners without access to doctors. We should be working harder to provide more access and choice to the American People and a fiscal and in a fiscal and responsible way. With all that said, i support the repeal of this tax and i urge adoption of the bill. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california yields back. The gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentlewoman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene thank you, madam speaker. I yield one minute to the gentleman from connecticut, congressman larson. Mr. Larson i thank the mr. Kelly for his hard work in bringing this bill to the floor, as he acknowledged in a bipartisan way. I think mike and everybody in this body understands and respects the per cystencey and hard work persistencey and hard work and dedication of joe courtney, who from its introduction and inception, from its first letter to its ultimately more than 370 sponsors has demonstrated that, yes, in this body we can arrive at Solutions Across the aisle, working together in the common interest of every american citizen. Joe courtney was chairman of the Health Committee in the connecticut legislature. He has forgotten more about these programs than most people will ever remember. But its his dell jens and persistence diligence and persistence and his ability to work across the aisle that has brought this legislation here today and will be passed unanimously. With that, madam speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly madam speaker, at this time id like to yield two minutes to the gentleman from kansas, mr. Esties. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kansas is recognized. Mr. Estes madam speaker, i rise today in support of h. R. 748, the middle class Health Benefits tax repeal act of 2019. This important bill repeals the socalled cadillac tax, a policy implemented through obamacare that would have placed 40 tax on highcost Employer Health care plans. The tax was originally included as a way to help pay for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care act commonly called obamacare, by targeting Expensive Health plans and Insurance Companies. However, in practice, it would have been middle class workers bearing the real burden to pay for it through taxes. It would have hurt Union Members and nonUnion Members, Small Businesses and nonprofits. In fact, the joint committee on taxation and the Congressional Budget Office predicted that a whopping 70 of the revenue collected by the cadillac tax would have come from higher income and payroll taxes, rather than excise taxes on insurers. This massive tax increase would have devastated middle class workers and families, many of whom continue to struggle with the rising costs of obamacare as it is. I want to thank my colleagues for realizing the bad implications of this failed policy and working in a bipartisan way to repeal the cadillac tax. Im hopeful that todays action will also allow us to move forward to address similar policies like the Health Insurance stacks and thed me tax and the medical device tax. Instead of propping up the failed Patient Protection and Affordable Care act through higher taxes and reduced choices, we must get serious about improving health care and our economy. I believe h. R. 748 is a great first step and i urge my colleagues to support it. With that, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kansas yields back. The gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentlewoman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene madam speaker, i yield 1 1 2 minutes to the gentleman from new jersey, congressman pascrell. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey is recognized. Mr. Pascrell thank you, madam chair. I want to ask for unanimous consent for the letters that i have in my hand to be inserted into the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Pascrell thank you. I support this legislation, h. R. 748. During our discussions on Health Reform in 2009, many of us strongly opposed the excise tax on socalled cadillac employerprovided health care plans. We were successful in keeping it out of the house version of the bill, but we all know it ended up in the final bill. It has been delayed since then, but now its enactment time. So this is eminent. We need to do something now. The cadillac tax would impact employers and families whose Health Insurance plans cost more than 11,100 for an individual and 29,750 for family coverage. This is not a small universe. The effects will be highly negative. If we do nothing, this tax would fall squarely on employees, couraging employers to shift the wages. As deductibles have risen more than 200 in the employersponsored insurance bills and plans, the costs continue to grow while wages remain flat. We must ensure that employers can continue to provide highquality health care. I urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan repeal of the cadillac tax and with that, i yield. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from new jersey yields back. The gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly thank you, madam chair. At this time i introduce the gentleman from indiana, mr. Banks, for two minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from indiana is recognized. Mr. Banks thank you for yielding. Madam speaker, this is a historic day. We have finally found a tax that members of my friends on both sides of the aisle agree needs to be cut. Im proud to be a cosponsor of todays legislation. And im excited that many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle as well are prepared exogget rid of this destructive to get rid of this destructive tax put in place by obamacare. While were at it, while we are repealing Obamacare Taxes, we should include an equally destructive tax in todays repeal. The medical device tax. Im very proud to serve the residents of war saw in warsaw in northeast indiana, the region often referred to as the orthopedic capital of the world. Unfortunately companies in my district and all across this country have been needlessly hampered by the inability of this congress to fully and permanently repeal the onerous medical device tax. When it was enforced, this tax destroyed 29,000 jobs and caused a 34 million reduction in investments in lifesaving research and development. So today, while we are voting on this Bipartisan Legislation to repeal the cadillac tax, i ask that all members of this body be equally mindful in moving swiftly to also repeal the medical device tax. With that, i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from indiana yields back. The gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. I yield 1 1 2 minutes to the congressman illinois, congressman davis. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from illinois is recognized. Mr. Davis i support this bill to eliminate the 40 tax on highquality benefits. Employers and insurers are using this tax to justify raising the cost of health care for hardworking americans by increasing copays, deductibles nd occupy are out of pocket expenses. This has exploded by 212 and spending on coinsurance has increased nearly 50 . The cazer Family Survey found that these are barriers for hardworking families and 50 responding that someone in their family postponed care due to costs. I stand with the National Labor unions and the dozzens of patient organizations and Health Care Advocates and Business Leaders who support this bill to protect Health Care Benefits for American Workers. Health care is a right. Im pleased to support this bill nd yield back. Ifments the gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly how much time is left the speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania has 9 1 2 minutes, the gentlelady from washington has 10 1 2 minutes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentlewoman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene i ask to enter letters of support into the record. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Ms. Delbene i yield to the gentlelady from california, ms. Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez i rise in the middle class benefits house repeal act. And i thank everyone for getting this legislation passed. I have been in support of the repeal. Last congress, i offered an amendment to repeal the tax during the Health Care Repeal and replace debate. Its important to remember that the cadillac tax doesnt just affect high value plans. It will hit hardworking families nd americans who receive employersponsored insurance. They are congress has voted twice to delay the tax but now is the time to repeal it. Im pleased we are taking this vote today. I look forward to passage today and will keep to work and protect Americas Health care. And i ask unanimous consent to submit letters from unions in support of this bill. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from california yields back. The gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Kelly i reserve. The chair the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from washington. Ms. Delbene i yield one minute to the gentlelady from california, ms. Chu. Ms. Chu i rise in repealing the socalled cadillac tax. Should be incentivizing employer sponsored insurance to be more and not less. When the president is working to dismantle the Affordable Care act and allow junk plans to flourish, we need to fight for more generous house plans. The plans cover small workers with dependent children, more Older Workers and employees at Small Businesses. These are the people that are being hit by rising premiums and more cost sharing in the Health System than ever before. A recent study showed that 58 of americans do not have 1,000 in savings in case of an emergency and the average deductible was 1,350. We must pass this bill and i ask unanimous consent to enter these etters of support for h. R. 748 such as the alliance for retired americans and the alliance to fight the 40 and college and university and professional association for human resources. The speaker pro tempore without objection. The gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentleman from washington. Ms. Delbene i yield 1 1 2 minutes to the congressman from pennsylvania, mr. Boyle. Boil boil i thank you more than anything, today is about fairness for americas workers. I come to this issue with the experience of remembering on several occasions when i was growing up, my parents were both hardworking members of organized labor going through a Contract Negotiation and wondering if they were going to go out on strike, what was going to happen and on more than one occasion, it would end like this, well, i. Ink we got a fair deal time and time again, thousands indeed, millions of American Workers made that decision that forgo pay increases to save health care. Decades later to face a 40 tax on that Health Care Just is not right and not fair to americas workers. Im proud to stand here with my fellow pennsylvaniaian with colleagues of mine on both sides of the aisle to repeal this cadillac tax which should have never been passed in the first place. I would like to enter into the record a number of letters from organizations all supporting this piece of legislation to repeal the cadillac tax. The speaker pro tempore without objection. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back. The gentleman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania. Mr. Kelly reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania reserves. The gentlewoman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene i yield 1 1 2 minutes to the gentleman from nevada, mr. Horsford. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Horsford thank you to my colleague for managing this important bill. I rise in support of the middle class Health Benefits repeal act. Cannot let this act to take effect. This tax would increase costs for americas working class families. Necessary medical treatment remains tragically unaffordable due to ex oshtant medical costs and deduct inls. If this isnt repealed, this crisis will only worsen. To avoid the excise tax, employers will reduce the value of their plans and reduce benefits and even increase their workers share of the costs. This would result in increases to out of pocket costs to more than 180 million workers and 1. 3 Million People in my home state of nevada and it would decrease access to Quality Insurance plans across the country. This vote helps labor throughout the country including the cullin area workers union. His allows them to stay afloat financially. And h. R. Detaylor, they drive used cars, not cadillacs and their health care does not include spot treatment. At a time when this is the reality for our constituents, congress should make sure that employers doing the right thing and providing High Value Health nsurance to their employees the speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for another 30 minutes. Mr. Horsford congress should make sure employers do the right thing and providing high value to their employees and not penalized with an egregious tax. I would like to enter from organizations. I urge my colleagues to stand with americas working men and women and support the middle class tax repeal health acts and vote in abolishing this act. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly continue to reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene i yield one minute to congressman ryan. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Ryan i thank the gentlelady. Madam speaker, always a pleasure to be able to come to this floor and join in agreement with the gentleman from pennsylvania. Im glad we could be here. This is about the working class. I represental district in northeast ohio that has high Union Membership. As the gentleman from pennsylvania stated a few minutes ago, there is a lot of Contract Negotiations that are always happening and more often than not over the last 20, 30 years, the men and women have been forced to negotiate contracts where they didnt get n increase, maybe a 1 , 1. 5 increase but were able to sustain their health care. This is a very important piece of legislation. I want to thank the gentlelady from Washington State and thank chairman neal from the ways and means committee. This has been a long time coming. I hope we can fix this and i hope this is the first step of building out a Health Care System that is more acceptable and more focused on prevention as we move down the road in the next several months. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly i reserve. The speaker pro tempore gentlewoman washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene i have no further speakers and am prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from washington reserves. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly im ready to close. I thank my colleagues on the other side. There is an old saying, sometimes you have a Second Chance to do the right thing. Eight years ago when the Affordable Care act was passed, im sure it was an oversight or undersight or just not actually understanding what was taking place that day. And my colleagues on the other side at that time were looking to pass the Affordable Care act and one of the victims was employersponsored insurance. We refer to it today as the cadillac tax. And im glad we use that. Im a cadillac dealer and but what we are going to dor today has nothing to do with fancy cars or extravagant health plans but everything to do with punishing hardworking americans and their families. What we are doing is protecting employersponsored Health Insurance for all americans. We are doing the right thing for the right reasons. Not just republicans or democrats but every single american that gets his our her Health Insurance through their employers. It is remarkable when we come together and agree we can right a wrong and make things right that maybe we had a different look at eight years ago and makes sense to do that. I want to give a special thank you to my good friends, tom reed and representative gottheimer for forming the Problem Solver caucus and they were able to bring up a rule that says if you have 290 cosponsors, you need to come forward. Joe courtney has worked on this many years. And but just couldnt get through the procedures to get to the floor. People say to me if you have so many people agreeing on the same thing, why cant you get it done . You have to say, not only do you not understand but i dont either. If we are acting in the best interests of the people we represent, we should be able to do those things. You look at things that are holding you back and there needs to change in the rules. The really great part is that republicans and democrats are coming together in the peoples house and doing the right thing, ensuring, at least from our part of the congress, that we can repeal this onerous tax on hardworking americans. Im glad to be here today and working with joe courtney. And this guy has had staying power and never gave up and stayed on it and stayed on it. And i got to tell you, joe courtney played through the echo of the whistle. To be here with my colleagues and this is the conclusion is really good. I want to thank my friends that came here and spoke today on behalf of our side of the aisle for supporting this. Weve had an opportunity this afternoon to do something, to do something not for ourselves, but for the people who sent us here to represent them. Having said that, i would urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of this piece of legislation. And pass it and send it on to the senate where we hope theyll understand that at this end of the capitol, theres overwhelming support for hardworking americans and their health care. Thank you much, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from pennsylvania yields back his time. The gentlewoman from washington is recognized. Ms. Delbene thank you, madam speaker. I strongly support h. R. 748, the middle class Health Benefits tax repeal act of 2019. This legislation has been a bipartisan goal since i came to congress in 2012. And permanent the permanent repeal of the cadillac tax. The original design of the cadillac tax was meant to be a narrowly targeted tax on the most ex traffic gantt plans extravagant plans. Instead the tax will hurt work hit working families. That includes age, geography and occupation. A recent analysis from the kaiser Family Foundation found that the cadillac tax will impact over 20 of employers when the tax goes into effect in 2022. When flexible spending account contributions are included, that number jumps to over 30 . And would effect just under half of all workers by 2030. While the intended goal for the cadillac tax was to put downward pressure on planned costs, the mechanics of the tax will put more costs onto working families in the form of higher deductibles and greater cost sharing so employers can avoid the tax. My colleagues, Health Care Costs are a top concern of the American People and today we can take a meaningful step to address that concern. I urge you to vote yes on this legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman from washington yields back her time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 748, as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and, without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. The gentleman from pennsylvania is recognized. Mr. Kelly i request a recorded vote. The speaker pro tempore does gentleman request the yeas and nays . Mr. Kelly yes, i do. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this uestion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek recognition . Mr. Green madam speaker, i rise to a question of the privileges of the house and offer a resolution previously noticed. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the resolution. The clerk resolved that donald john trump, president of the United States, is unfit to be president , unfit to represent the American Values of decency and morality, respectability and civility, honesty and propriety, reputeability and integrity, is unfit to defend the ideals that have made america great, unfit to defend liberty and justice for all as extoled in the pledge of allegiance. Unfit to defend the american ideal of all persons being created equal as exalted in the declaration of independence. Is unfit to ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare and to ensure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. As lauded in the preamble of the United States constitution, is unfit to protect government of the people by the people for the ople, as is in the geties gettysburg address, and is impeachable for high miss demeansers. That the following article of impeachment exhibited by the house of representatives of the United States in the name of it self, of the people of the United States against donald john trump, president of the United States. And in sfor of its impeachment against him for high miss demeaners created as president constituting harm to american society, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States. Article i, the house of representatives on july 16, 2019, strongly condemn president Donald Trumps racest comments that have legitimatized an increased fear and hatred of new americans and people of color by saying that our fellow americans who are immigrants and those who may look to the president like immigrants should go back to other countries. By referring to immigrants and Asylum Seekers as invaders, and by saying that members of congress who are immigrants or those of our colleagues who are wrongly assumed to be ingrants do not belong in congress or in the United States of america. In all of this, the aforementioned donald trump has by his statements brought the high office of the president of the United States in contempt, ridicule, disgrace and disrepute, has sound seeds of discord among people of the United States, has demonstrated that he is unfit to be president , and has betrayed his trust as president of the United States to the manifest injury of the people of the United States, and has committed a high misdemeaner in office. There are, donald john trump, by causing such harm to the society of the United States, is unfit to be president and warrants impeachment trial and removal from office. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from distribute resolution qualifies the resolution qualifies. For what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition . Mr. Mccarthy i have a motion to table the articles of impeachment at the desk. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the motion. The clerk mr. Mccarthy of california moves to lay the resolution on the table. The speaker pro tempore the question is on the motion to lay the resolution on the table. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The noes have it. The motion is not adopted. Mr. Mccarthy i ask for the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from california is recognized. Mr. Mccarthy may i ask for the yeas and nays . The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. All those in favor of taking this vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a 15minute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 332, the nays are 95, with one answering present. The motion is adopted. Without objection, a motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Proceedings will resume on questions previously post poped postponed. Votes will be taken in the following order. Ordering the previous question on h. Res. 492, adoption of h. Res. 492, if ordered, passage of Senate Joint Resolution 36, passage of Senate Joint Resolution 37, passage of Senate Joint Resolution 38, and adoption of h. Res. 497. Pursuant to clause the of 9 of rule 20, pursuant to clause 9 of rule 20, the following electronic votes will be conducted as fiveminute votes. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the vote is on 492 on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the resolution. The clerk house calendar number 37, House Resolution 492, resolution providing for consideration of the bill, h. R. 582, to provide for increases in the federal minimum wage, and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the question is on ordering the previous question. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 231, and the nays are 194. The previous question is ordered. The question is on adoption of the resolution. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess i request the yeas and nays. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those favoring a vote by the yeas and nays will rise. A sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ] the speaker pro tempore on this vote the yeas are 231, and the nays are 197. The resolution is adopted. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, the Unfinished Business is the vote on the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 36 on which the yeas and nays are ordered. The clerk will report the title of the joint resolution. The clerk Senate Joint Resolution 36, joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed transfer to the kingdom of saudi arabia, united kingdom, great britain, northern ireland, the kingdom of spain and aisle talian rep rick of certain defense italian epublic of certain defense articles and services. The speaker pro tempore members will record their votes by electronic device. This is a fiveminute vote. [captioning made possible by the national captioning institute, inc. , in cooperation with the United States house of representatives. Any use of the closedcaptioned coverage of the house proceedings for political or commercial purposes is expressly prohibited by the u. S. House of representatives. ]