Transcripts For CSPAN U.S. 20240704

Host she talked about there were 200 thugs in the crowd on january 6. Guest thats not true. The january 6 committee investigated that, that is not true. Host dorothy in baltimore, morning. Caller good morning ladies, and please give me a message from the president of the United States. The secretary mr. Speaker. The speaker pro tempore madam secretary. The secretary i am directed by the president of the United States to deliver to the house of representatives a message in writing. The speaker pro tempore pursuan t to clause of rule 20 well suspend the rules■ s5 on which e yeas and nays are ordered or votes objected to under rule 6 of clause 20. The house will have proceedings on postponed questions at a later time. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 4403. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar 239, a bill to amend the 2002 to make improvements to securing the citys program and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuan t to the rule, the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Green, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Carter, each will control 20 minutes. The gentleman from tennessee. I ask all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material. The speaker pro tempore without objection. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of h. R. 4003. For years the d. H. S. Worked to preparing the citys program to help the cities respond to nuclear or radiologic throats. ■v h. R. 4403, the securing the citys improvement act will remove the requirement for a jurisdiction to be designated as a high risk urban area by fema. Diminishing the uncertainty for cities to be removed from the s. T. C. Program. Additionally, this legislation will provide transparency by requiring the department to establish performance metrics and milestones for the s. T. C. Program to track its performanc. Thank you for your work on this, congressman carter. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4403 and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter im pleased were here to con bill h. R. 4403, the securing the citys improvement act. My bill will help■ cities build and maintain their facilities against nuclear or radiological threats. I want to emphasize the critical nature of my bill, its effectiveness hinges on the rescuers of the d. H. S. Office of encountering weapons of mass destruction. Cwmd. Without cwmd the securing the citys program will cease to operate. Securing the cities called stc was launched by the department of Homeland Security in fiscal year 2007 as a Pilot Program to support newark and new jersey in preventing nuclear or radiological threats. Today the s. T. C. Program provides 14 local governments including my hometown of new orleans with detection equipment, training, exercise support, operational and technical support, subject matter, expertise and programmatic support. S. T. C. s work in new orleans supported events such as mardi gras. Well have the super bowl next year and will have critical impact on its safety delivering joy to our country and our world. To high risk urban areas designated by the federal Emergency Management agency understand the urban Area Security initiative or uasi program. Linking s. T. C. And uasi together can create uncertainty for local governments participating in the program. As a composition of jurisdictions in the i program can fluctuate from one year to the next. To ensure stability within the s. T. C. Program and maintain partnerships with atrisk cities, i introduced the securing the citys improvement act. My legislation allow cwmd to determine which cities to partner with the s. T. C. Program based jurisdictions capability and capacity to prepare for and respond to attad other high consequence events utilizing nuclear or other radiological materials. It would also establish performance metrics and milestones for the s. T. C. Program and monitor expenditures for the program. Furthermore, the legislation requires d. H. S. To provide a report to Congress Regarding participation in the s. T. C. Program, the establishment of metrics and milestones for the program and any proposed modifications for this program. The bill is a commonsense measure, one that will ensure our cities are protected from nuclear or radiological threats. With that, mr. Speaker, i encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting h. R. 4403, and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i yield myself the balance omy the speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter h. R. 4403 is important for sustaining local jurisdictions for encountering chemical, nuclear and radiological threats. Without the support of programs like s. T. C. , addressing and mitigating threats could become more difficult or cease to exist altogether which would jeopardize the safety and wellbeing of every individual residing in our country. Passage of this legislation is vital to maintaining our preparedness and ensuring the security of the nation against the evo posed by terrorist attacks and other high consequence events that utilize nuclear or radiological materials. With that, i urge my house colleagues to support h. R. 4403 and i wish to thankur chairman green for his support in this pressure. I i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green i yield myself the balance o ttempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4403. I also want to again thankrter,m louisiana, for his excellent work on this and i yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass h. R. 4403. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the affirmatie rules are suspended and the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. 5969 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 332, h. R. 5969, a bill to direct the secretary of Homeland Security to revise certain regulations to prevent certain children to accompany their parents or legal guardians entrt lanes and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore pursuan t to the rule, the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Green, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Carter, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee. Mr. Green i ask all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on h. R. 5969. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Green thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. E the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of h. R. 5969, the Global Entry Program managed by u. S. Customs and Border Protection grants expedited clearance for preapproved low risk travelers. Millions of users are enrolled in the Global Entry Program and kiosks are employed at many airports throughout the United States. However, issues can arise when families are traveling with minor children who are not enrolled the Global Entry Program. Because global entry benefits are memberspecific, Young Children not enrolled in the program are not currently allowed to join their parents in the global entry line. H. R. 5969 would rectify this by allowing children ages 10 and younger to join their global entry enrolled parents or guardian through the global entry lane. Thank you to congressman very important bill, and i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 5969 and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter h. R. 5969 aims to make global entry more Family Friendly by allowing children ages 10 and under to accompany their parents or legal guardians toms in the United States. I think we would like to see all families with Young Children Stay Together throughout the customs process. And this bill will make travel more Family Friendly without compromising security. This bill also makes it possible for parents to schedule interviews for global entry for their kids as groups as opposed to in the current format which schedules separately. A logistical nightmare for parents. With that, mr. Speaker, i reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Gene id like to yield three minutes to the sponsor of the bill, mr. Luttrell. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for three minutes. Mr. Luttrell i rise to advocate for the passage of our bill h. R. 5969, improving travels for families act. Global entry has been a criticae for preapproved low risk travelers in the United States. Reduced wait times in excess to expediting entry in the United States are all benefits of global entry membership which began as a Pilot Program in 2008 with availability in just three airports and tod the Global Entry Program offers expedited preapproval for millions of travelers and is available in 60 u. S. Airports. Our bill would improve International Travel for families by allowing children ages 10 and younger who are not enrolled to accompany their parents and guardians who are in the program. And the designated clear lanes, upon arrival at International Airports in the United States. Additionally, the bill would streamline the entry process by permitting parents or guardians to schedule a for up to four children at a time instead of booking multiple appointments, thereby reducg a n the Global Entry Program. Under current law, only preapproved global entry travelersdless of age are allowed to use the lanes at the kiosk and creates a inconvenience for global entryeh Young Children not currently enrolled. Id like to thank chairman green, congressman glenn ivey and members and staff of the Homeland Security committee for working with me and my staff on this important bill. I urge my colleagues to support this sensible legislative measure that will afford lawabiding parents to travel with their children and i reserve back. Good mr. Green i reserve. Mr. Carter i yield as much time as may be consumed by the gentleman from maryland, mr. Ivey. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Ivey i thank the gentlemen for yielding and rise in strong support for the traveling families act. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation with the committee colleague from texas, representative morgan luttrell. This bill aims to make the g. D. P. Entry program easier at our International Airports by allowing children ages 10 or under to accompany their parent or guardian through global entry when clearing customs in the United States. The bill also makes it possible for parents to schedule interviews for global entry for their kids as a group. It will do all of this without risking the security of childrel requires multiple steps, including a background check. As a father of six, i know how difficult the logistics can be for families traveling whildren. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense Bipartisan Legislation that will make travel more friendly for families without compromising security and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from louisiana reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and i am prepared to close after the gentleman from louisiana closes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i yield myself the balance of the time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. ■ mr. Carter i commend representative luttrell for introducing this bill and mr. Ivey as cosponsor as improving the travel experience for families. I believe this bill will help families traveling with Young Children eliminate some of the difficulties they may experience along the way. Im happy to support this bill and urge a m same. With that, mr. Speaker, i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana mr. Green mr. Speaker, i yield the balance or myself the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i again urge my colleagues to support h. R. 5969 and of course i want to thank again mr. Luttrell for his excellent work on the bill. I yield back the balance of my the speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is will the house pass the bill, 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. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill, s. 206. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title. The act to require the commissioner of the u. S. Customs and Border Protection to regularly review and update policies and manuals related to inspections at ports of entry. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from tennessee, mr. Green, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Carter, each will c the gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous on s. 206. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Green thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of s. 206. In 2019, the Government Accountability Office Issued a report which determined that u. S. Customs and Border Protection did not regularly update their inspection policies at ports of entry. In some cases, policies had not been updated in 20 years. And did not accurately reflect current operating conditions, presentdy deployed technology presently deployed technology or adequately how to address things like fentanyl. S. 206 would require c. B. P. To review and update policies and manuals at least once every three years and also provide reports to congress made by those updates. This should ensure that c. B. P. Is employing the latest and most efficient methods to the ports f entry and stop it from entering the United States. Thank you to senator scott and congressman guest for your important work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to support s. 206 and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from tennessee reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i yie myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter this bill is a commonsense step to address the fentanyl crisis and save lives. By requiring u. S. Customs and Border Protection to incorporate and continually update uniform policies and standards f the operations at ports of entry, we can be sure our officers continue toheir inspection practices to the changing dynamics of illicit activities along the u. S. Borders. Its important that we continue supporting necessary improvements for our ports of entry where approximately 90 of c. B. P. s fentanyl seizures occur. This bill compliments the unprecedent complements the unprecedented progress the department of security has made in recent years to stop fentanyl from entering our communities. D. H. S. Has launched new crossgovernment efforts to target smugglers and put more t, infrastructure and resources at our border. As a result, d. H. S. Has seized more fentanyl and arrested more criminals for in the last two ys than over the last previous five. Combined. D. H. S. Has taken serious action to thwart Human Trafficking and human smuggling through ports of entry. The end fentanyl act builds on these efforts as■rel with that, mr. Speaker, i urge my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from lisiana reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, id like to yield three minutes to the leader of the house companion bill to s. 206, the gentleman from mississippi, the vice chair of the committee on Homeland Security, mr. Guest. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from missouri is recognized. Mississippi is recognized. Mr. Guest thank you, mr. Speaker. And thank you, chairman green. I rise today in support of s. 206, the end fentanyl act. Im a proud sponsor of the house companion bill and i want to thank my friend, senator rick scott, for leading this bipartisan effort in the United States senate. And i also want to thank congressman david trone for coleading this legislation in the house. This bill would require the United States customs and Border Protection, c. B. P. , to regularly review and update their inspection practices at ports of entry. It would also require respond to any new or innovative smuggling methods. This bill would require c. B. P. To brief congress on new inspection practices. The goal of this bill is to ensure that c. B. P. Is employing the most uptodate methods to interdict and prevent illegal activity such as the smuggling of deadly narcotics like fentanyl into our country. As chairman green said, this bill was introduced in direct response to a 2019 Government Accountability Office Report which found that c. B. P. s inspection speck neeks were not uniform techniques were not uniform across different ports of entry and in some cases found that they were entirelyed. The g. A. O. Report determined, and i quote, because c. B. P. Has not updated many of its policies, and in a few cases for almost 20 years, they do not always reflect changes in technology or processes such as those conducting searches and the handling of fentanyl. The end fentanyl act will be a valuable tool in our fight against the deadly scourge of fentanyl, which has devastated families and communities across our country. From may of 2022 to may of 2023, the u. S. Suffered over 112,000 Overdose Deaths with many of those deaths being attributed directly or indirectly to the use of fentanyl. Fentanyl poisoning is now the leading cause÷ ■< of dges of 18 and 45. As cartels continue to develop new methods to traffic these deadly drugs in the United States, this bill will ensure that c. B. P. Responds to any new smuggling techniques in a the mt uptodate and effective practices. In closing, this bill will save lives and this bill is a first step to securing our border from those smuggling drugs into our communities. With that, i urge my to join me in supporting s. 206 and with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields can back. The gentleman from tennessee reserves. And the gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and im prepared tohen the gentleman from tennessee is prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, im prepared to close. I have no other speakers after the gentleman from louisiana closes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as heporee gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter i thank my colleague from mississippi, mr. Guest, for introducing the end fentanyl act. Its a step toward ensuring that were better prepared to stop fentanyl smuggling. By regularly improving our strategies at our ports of entry, we can ensure that the department of Homeland Security is keeping our Community Safe. We all of my colleagues to support this incredible measure and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee isd myself the balance of my time and i again urge my colleagues to support s. 206 and i thank mr. Guest for h assisting senator scott and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back the balance of his time. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass nate 206. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 of those voting having responded in the affirmative, mr. Green mr. Speaker, i object to the vote on the grounds that a quorum is not present and i make a point of order that a quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 4467, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 190. H. R. 4467. A bill to direct the undersecretary for management of the department of Homeland Security to assess contracts for covered Services Performed by contractor personnel along the United States land border with mexico and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore tennessee, the rule, the mr. Green, and the gentleman from louisiana, mr. Carter, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that members have fiver legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on h. R. 4467. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Green thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of h. R. 4467. As we are all aware, the volume of m encounters along the u. S. Mexico border has increased exponentially in the past few years. As such, it has been necessary for the Department Services from contractors to care for migrants taken into custody by u. S. Customs and Border Protection. These contracts enabled our dedicated Border Patrol agents and c. B. P. Officers to remain focused on their primary mission of securing our borders. Unfortunately in the past, d. H. S. Has had issues with respect to awarding such contracts. H. R. 4467, the d. H. S. Border Services Contracts review act, directs to assess active contracts for covered Services Performed by contractor personnel along the u. S. Land borderexico and submit to congress a report with recommendations and strategies to improve the procurement and delivery of services through such contracts. I want to thank congressman for his work on this bill and i urge my colleagues to join me in support of this very important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues h. R. Had 467 and h. R. 4467 and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mook, i yield my mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter d. H. S. Spends billions of dollars on Service Contracts to support its various missions. Including its mission to secure the southwest border. These contracts provide a wide range of services such as and facilities to house migrants. Given both the cost and the importance of these contracts, h. R. 4467 introduced by mr. Brecheen, seeks to improve d. H. S. procurement of Contractor Services used along the southwest border. The bill requires d. H. S. To identify Service Contracts valued at more than 50 million used along the southwest border. And to assess whether those contracts are necessary to assist d. H. S. In carrying out its mission. The bill also calls upon d. H. S. To identify areas to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness in its use of Service Contracts along the southwest border and to develop a strategy and Implementation Plan to carry out such improvements. Finally, the bill also requires d. H. S. To share its assessments, strategies and plans with congress, both through a report and in standing briefings. H. R. 4467 has bipartisan support, both from congress and last passing through the committee by voice vote. Wi t to support this important measure and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green mr. Speaker, i yield five minutes to the sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from oklahoma, mr. Brecheen. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from oklahoma is recognized. Mr. Brecheen thank you, mr. Speaker, thank you, mr. Chairman. I rise also in support of h. R. 4467, the d. H. S. Borderka , h. R. 4467. It goes without saying that the Border Patrol is overwhelmed when handling hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens coming a across coming across our southern border and our National Debt is increasing by nearly 1 trillion every 100 days. Congress must provide the oversight necessary to provide the power to simultaneously assist Border Patrol and also cut back on inefficient spending. Federal contractors have a role within d. H. S. When the federal government cannot meet the requirements necessary to carry out its mission. In the last decade, d. H. S. Has increasingly relied on Service Contracts to carry out these operations. According to the g. A. O. , the Government Accountability office, d. H. S. contracted services have increased 40 between fiscal year 2013 and 2018. And nearly 70 billion in contracts over that fiveyear window have been expended. In may 2020, the g. A. O. Conducted a study on d. H. S. Services and the department uses for assistance and they examined ei that 3 4 of those contractors were never given any guidance by d. H. S. On actions that are inherently under thea. O. Also rs no consistent plan for contract oversight necessary to prevent overlap of contracting. This lack of guidance and overlap potential, overlap in functions, highlights a glaring need for this report, especially considering the dilemma financially that we find ourselves in today. To combat this potential problem, h. R. 4467 directs the department of Homeland Security under the secretary for management to assess contracts above 50dz million 50 million for covered services by contract perso u. S. Border with mexico and to minimize overlap and cut inefficiencies. This legislation requires the them to requires them to report to congress on recommendation on how they can better be used to increase efficiency and the criteria used to determine when a Contract Personnel is necessary for d. H. S. To carry out its mission. If enacted, this bill will provide needed clarity and oversight for Service Contracts and helping d. H. S. At the border room for improved efficiencies. To ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly, it includes a provision that prohibits the department from requesting additional funding to carry out this legislation. Im going to reiterate that. Section 2c specifies that this legislation will not cost a dime green, the committee staff, and i urge all members to support this commonsense legislation and i yield back the balance of my time. ■ the eaman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers, im prepared to close when the le i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. Mr. Green i reserve until after mr. Carter closes. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Carter i yieldyself the remaining time. I commend mr. Breechen on this bill. With that i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4767 and yield back my time. E speaker pro tempe gentleman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green i yield myself the balance of my time. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 4467 and i yield back my time. The speaker pro tempore the question is will the shouse suspend the rules and pass the bill as amended. 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 the bill is passed and without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from tennessee seek recognition . Mr. Green i move to suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 6174. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar h. R. 6174, a bill to protect the biodetection and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore the chair recognizes the gentleman from tennessee. Mr. Green i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include trail on h. R. Include extraneous material on h. R. 6174. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Green i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Green i rise in support of h. R. 6174, the department of Homeland Security establish the Biowatch Program to test and collect air samples of biological agents likely to be used in a biorrorism attack. However, theres been ample criticisms and effectiveness of the Biowatch Program. As such, in 2019d. H. S. Launched a new Acquisition Program to move in the next generation of biothreats and to replace the Biowatch Program with new and more reliable technology. However, d. H. S. Has not used all the resources at its disposal, including the National Laboratories housed within the department of energy. H. R. 6174, the d. H. S. Biodetection improvement act will ensure d. H. S. Is doing everything it can torove biodetection, research, and development, including requiring d. H. S. To explain how it plans to utilize the expertise of the department of energys national labs. Congressman strong, i want to thank him for his work on this bill and hope all the members will support this legislation today. I urge my colleagues to support h. R. 6174, and with that i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from tennessee reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. As much time as i my consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter i rise today in support of h. R. 6174, the d. H. S. Biodetection improvement act. This bill seeks to enhance biodetection at the department of Homeland Security by leveraging resources at the Departments Energy National Laboratories. Currently, d. H. S. s office of counterwpons of mass destruction or cswmd leads the biodetection work. The premiere biodetection program is biowatch which is outdated, expensive, and labor intense pitch. Cwmds more recent[ efforts to enhance biotechnologies has been delayed because of this. H. R. 6174 would move d. H. S. s by requiring the department to complete an assessment of how it is utilizing the department of energys National Laboratories o create a defined program and technical requirements necessary to advance biodetection programs including Critical Research and development. Further, the bill requires the Homeland Security congress withy for conducting regular external evaluations to identify mend contingency plans if biodetection technologies underperform. As foreign and security threats evolve, congress support for advancements in biodetection programs is key. With that, i encourage my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from louisiana reserves. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green im proud to yield to mr. Strong. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from alabama is recognized. Mr. Strong i thank the chairman and i appreciate your support and my colleagues who joined me in introducing this legislation. H. R. 6174, the d. H. S. Biodetection improvement act, threats from americas enemies have continued to evolve and become more complex. The anthrax attack of 2001 opened our eyes to a new Threat Landscape that includes acts of bioterrorism. In the wake of the 2001 attacks, the department of the Biowatch Program which monitors, collects, and tests air samples for biological agents likely to be used in a terrorist attack. This technology is vital in protecting americans against bioweapons, and we must have full confidence that if we deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to our partners that operate this system. As a First Responder myself, i know the difference that Early Detection makes. This becomes more vital when responding to an act of bioterrorism which could have catastrophic consequencess. We have worked across all levels of government to improve prevention, detection, a■cnd response capabilities, but there remains work to be done. D. H. S. Has faced continuous challenges in developing and acquiring newve forward the nexn of national biodetection. This legislation will ensure that d. H. S. Is fully leveraging every tool and resource to accomplish this goal, to include energys national lab to develop new technologies related to biodefense, developing a plan to acquire existing technologies that can meet the departments biodetection mission needs, conducting external evaluations to identify gaps and potential failure points, and to report to conga defined plan for the future of biodetection. As our adversaries watch on, we cannot afford to fall behind. Americas security depends on it. I was proud to introduce this tn improvement act to ensure d. H. S. Is prepared to protect americans against bioweapons. Igues to support this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee reserves. The gentleman from louisiana is recognized. Mr. Carter i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Carter while d. H. S. Has ■mwo the biodetection ability, the Current Technologies are aging. H. R. 6174 bears and National Laboratories which will improve biodetection innovation and will ultimately keep our Community Safe from biological threats. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this critical bill and i yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The gentleman from tennessee is recognized. Mr. Green i and i urge my colleagues to support h. R. 6174 and appreciate mr. Strong for his hard work and yield my time. The speaker pro tempore will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 6174. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative mr. Green i object to the vote on the ground a quorum is not present and make a point of order a quorum is not present. The speaker pro tempore pursuan t to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. For whe gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Rose i move the house suspd the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3391 as amend. The speaker pro tempore the clk will report the title of the bi. The clerk a bill to amend the National Research program at the National Institute of health and for other purposes. Tempore purt to the rule, mr. Guthrie and dr. Fryer each will control 20 minutes. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i ask unanimous consent all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous materis on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection, so ordered. Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i yied myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i rise in s h. R. 38991, the gabriela researh act 2. 0. It is estimated 10,000 childrenn 2013 will be diagnosed with cancer. 85 of children with cancer now live 5 years or older. Estimates predict tragically o 1,000 children will still die fm cancer this year. Making it the leading cause of this information will ensure progress on better understanding Childhood Cancer and structural birth defects will continue and prioritize nondupe cametive research at the National Institutes of he health and Pediatric Research. I urge support on the underlying bill and i reserve the balance f my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. Dy from washs recognized. Ms. Weatherton i yield myself such time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. I rise to speaker on behalf f the Gabriela Miller research act 2. 0. Ms. Schrier this legislation sponsored by wexton provides a crucial row for cancer research. This bill is named in honor of Gabriela Miller, a virginia resident diagnosed with a inoperable plain tumor at the ae of 10. She was an inspirational activit who tirelsly advocated for research into childhood diseases like cancer until her passing in october of 2013. Her strong voice and bravery turned tragedy into the original Gabriela Miller Kids First Research act which was signed io law in 2014. This Research Program at the National Institutes of health hs made progress towards understanding Childhood Cancer d disease. The original law established a 10year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund and authorized funding for childhood disease research. The law has also led to the founding of the Gabriela Miller kids first Data Resource centera comprehensive Data Resource for research and patient communities meant to vance discoveries. Despite this progress, cancer is the top disease related cause of death for children and teens in the United States. It is 9500 American Children under age 15 will be diagnosed with cancer ts year. I want to thank my friend, representative wexton, for her leadership on this legislation. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes to make a significat impact in the fight against pediatric cancer. I reserve the balance of my tim. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i yield two minutes to the gentleman from florida, e chairman of the subcommittee on Consumer Protection leader in Consumer Protection on this congress, mr. Bilirakis. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized for two minutes. Mr. Bilirakis thank you, mr. Speaker. I appreciate it very much. I rise in strong support of h. R. 3391, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research act 2. 0. Im proud to be a coleader on this bipartisan piece of legislation with my friend and colleague, representative jennifer wexton, who does an outstanding job on these issues. And again, shes retiring at the end of the term and were going to miss her. She did such wonderful work, particularly on the parkinsons bill. Were goingo gete. Im grateful for her leadership on this particular bill as well, to reauthorize the kids first pediatric Research National insf health. Our bill will continue the critical work being done to conduct Biomedical Research and discover new insights into pediatric conditions such as Childhood Cancers. The Kids First Program has helped facilitate a better understanding of shared genetic pathways between Childhood Cancers, birth defects and other pediatric conditions and h. R. 3391 ensures that this research will continue for another five years. Further, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research act requires coordination of all federal efforts related to pediatric cancer resrch, a as a report detailing current federally funded programs and initiatives and all advancements made thus far. And we have there have been several advancements. We all agree that these scientific discoveries could developing future treatments and cures for our most vulnerable patients, our kids, who suffer from pediatric and rare diseases. We continue to fight the battle against kids cancers, both inside and outside the federal government. To support our bill, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research act 2. 0 and i yield back. Thank you. But ill yield back the 30 seconds. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlemanes. The gentlelady from washington is recognized. The gentlelady reserves. Mr. Guthrie i have no further speakers. If the gentlelady ispa the speaker pro tempore does the gentleman reserve . Mr. Guthrie reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady from washington. The gentlelady is recognized to close. I simply want to speak in support of this bill. I want to encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this important bill to help cancer research. Ms. Schrier and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields back. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr speaker. I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill and i reserve the balance of my time. Excuse me. I yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields back. The question is, will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill 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 mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i request 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. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. The speaker pro tempore for what purpose does the gentleman from texas seek mr house suspend the rules and pass the bill, h. R. 3838, as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk Union Calendar number 196. H. R. 3838. A bill to amend title 3 of the Public Health surface actf states in their work to save and sustain the health of mothers during pregnancy, child birth and the postpar disparities in Maternal Health outcomes for pregnancyrelated and pregnancyassociated deaths, to tiedify solutions to improve Health Care Quality and Health Outcomes for mothers and for other purposes. The speaker pro tempore and the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Schrier, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from texas. Mr. Burgess mr. Speaker, i ask unanimous consent that a■3 members may have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials into the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Burge■]ss mr. Speaker, i tn yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Burgess i rise today in support of my legislation■ , h. R. 3838, the preventing maternal deaths reauthorization act of 2023. During march, we celebrate National Womens history month. We honor the strong women in our lives and especially our mothers who make great sacrifices to bring life into this world. According to the latest United States data, the Maternal Mortality rate rose yet again in 2021 to almost 33 100,000 live births, compared to a rate of 23 per 100,000 in 2020. While we know 80 of pregnancyrelated deaths are preventable, we also understand that even one is too many. Preventing maternal requires to works to understand and reduce maternal mortalities by reauthorizing federal support for stateled materna■4l mortaly review committees. Maternal mortality review committees are disciplinary committees that review the causes of maternal deaths in their state and make recommendations based on their findings to prevent future deaths and improve Maternal Health outcomes during pregnancy, child birth and the first year afterward. H. R. 3838 also requires the centers for Disease Control andn consultation with the Health Resources and Services Administration to disseminate best practices for the prevention of mortality and morbidity to hospitals and other health care providers. Maternal mortality review committees are vital to undetanding the drivers of maternal deaths and informing effective interventions. This way well help to ensure that resources are directed where they will have the most positive impact. Since its initial authorization in 2018, we have already seen the work of the Maternal Mortality review committees make a significant difference in increasing the number of Maternal Mortality review committees from 32tates■ to 49 states, the district of columbia, new york city, philadelphia and puerto rico. Through their work, this body was able to discover that over 50 of pregnancyrelated deaths happen between one week and one year after delivery. Leading to the extension of the state plan amendment for medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Program to 12 months for postpartum coverage. The critical importance of this bill is furthered by the news from my home state of texas just 2024, texas extended postpartum coverage for the full 12 months for eligible medicaid and Childrens Health Insurance Programnts through texas. The texas health and Human Services commission will administer this and i certainly want to thank Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature for their continued efforts to protect and defend life, especially the laisks of the lives of new mothers and newborn babies. Today i am joined by 740 of my fellow obgyns who are on the hill with the American College of obstetricians and gynecologists urging a yes vote on this critically important bill. I want to thank my fellow representatives, degette, carter, kelly and cammack and kraftor, for castor, for working with me on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, i stand in strong support of h. R. 3838 and urgfi fellow members to vote for its passage today and i will reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier thank you, mr. Speaker. Id like to yield as much time as she may consume to my colleague, representative degette from the state of colorado. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Degree degree i thank the gentlelady for ms. Degette i thank the gentlelady for yielding. As dr. Burgess said, were facing a Maternal Health crisis in this country. From 2018 to 2021, the overall Maternal Mortality rate in the United States nearly doubled. Were simply failing american women as they become mothers. And were particularly failing black americans who in 2021 were nearly three times as likely than white americans to die while becoming mothers. Irrespective of education or socioeconomic status. This is exactly the trend that the former gentleman from washington, and i sought to address when we passed the original preventing maternal deaths act in 2018. Through the programs developed by that legislation, we now have a much gater knowledge of whats causing this crisis and the infrastructure we need to build further understanding and drive solutions. Data generated by the maternalee provided us with the insight that 80 of maternal deaths are preventable. This understanding is the first step toward solutions and we have to ensure that not only we dont lose but that we strengthen the process we have made in building understanding and standardizing data so that we have a clear picture across the country of why this is happening. The preventing maternal deaths reauthorization act will continue and bolster our support for the Maternal Mortality review committees. It will also ensure the timely and frequent dissemination of best practices to prevent Maternal Mortality. Make no mistake, further action is needed and this reauthorization in itself will not solve the crisis. But that further action depends on the from this legislation. Its the foundation on which the solutions stand. Im veryrateful that my friend, dr. Burgess, has taken up the mantle on this legislation, also my dear friend kathy castor and our ranking a s vote on the legislation and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore does the gentlewoman reserve . Man from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess thank you, mr. Speaker. At this time im pleased to recognize the gentleman from georgia, mr. Carter, for three minutes. The speaker pro trezed. Mr. Carter i thank the gentlelady for yielding and before i begin the gentleman for yielding and before i begin, mr. Speaker, i want to thank m s bill, dr. Burgess, for his outstanding work in health care especially as a member of this august body. For many years hes served here and i know hes going to be retiring at the end of this year and were certainly going to miss his leadership, particularly in the health care space. And we appreciate you very much. Mr. Chairman, i rise today in strong support of h. R. 3838, the preventing maternal deaths reauthorization act, which i a coleading with dr. Burgess. Maternal mortality is something that ive worked on for many, many years as a member of the Georgia State legislature and now as a member of congress. It baffles me as to why georgia, my home state, would be one of the leading states in the nation in Maternal Mortality. Have not been able to get my arms around that and understand why that is. But it is. Our nations mortality crisis, which as i say severely impacts georgians, is alarming and trending in the wrong direction. In fact,■ in georgia, the Maternal Mortality rate has increased to over 30 detects deaths per 100,000 live births. For women of color and People Living in rural communities, those numbers are much higher. The United States is trending in the wrong direction as well. And weerstand why moms are dying, despite us spending 4. 4 trillion on health care in 2022. As a father, as a■n grandfather and a health care professional, i believe that we can and we must do much better. Its time for this to become a national priority, which is why im proud to be coleading the preventing maternal deaths act with dr. Burgess. This legislation would ensure continued support for the critically important work that the state mortality Maternal Mortality review committees have done in addressing the Maternal Mortality crisis. State maternal mtality review committees are crucial to collecting data so that each state can form a plan to address Maternal Health issues impacting their communities. This bipartisan bill is an important step towards ending the Maternal Mortality crisis in the u. S. We value women. We value life. And this bipartisan bill prioritizes both. Id like to thank again dr. Burgess forue and i urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier mr. Speaker, i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier mr. Speaker, the United States faces a significant crisis with one of the highest Maternal Mortality and morbidity rates among ■s nations. According to the most recent data, in 2021 more than 1,200 women died as a result of child, continuing an upward trend over nearly 20 years. Racial disparities in mat outcomes continue with black and Indigenous Women dying at three times the rate of whriet women white women. Additionally, rural areas experience higher rates of Maternal Mortality compared to urban areas. And yet experts and Research Review Committee Data indicates that at least 80 of maternal mortalities are preventable. H. R. 3838, the preventing maternal deaths reauthorization act of 2023, is a Bipartisan Legislation t support for statebased Maternal Mortality review committees until 2028. These committees play a Critical Role these committees play a Critical Role to make recommendations for the prevention of future mortalities in their state. The legislation also requires te centers for Disease Control and prevention, the c. D. C. , to work with h. S. , the Health Resources and research association, hrsa,o prevent and health care providers. Enacting this legislation will provide the needed ongoing suppt of Maternal Mortality review committees ultimately enhancing the safety of women throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experiences while es and outcomes. The legislation is supported by over 85 million associations across the health care s beforey and encourage all my colleagueso vote yes on this important bill. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Burgess i want to point out this bill, one of the most important aspects is the collection and dissemination of data by the c. D. C. And hrsa, the best practices that occuros reae excellent statistics and another hospital has questionable statistics. We should be able to be good enough that every hospital■ has excellent statistics. I know this to be true because where i did my residency at Parkland Hospital in dallas, thy consistently had some of Maternal Mortality statistics in the country and take care of a population thats low income, women of color, uninsured, underinsured and the populations you would think would be at greatest risk. I know we can do it because ive seen it done and its importante collect and disseminate this da. I reserve my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i yield as much tie as she needs to ms. Castor of california. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Castor i support the materl mortality act. Unconshe knowably, its the wort in the developed world. Each of us deserves to live a healthy life and for women it includes access to the care they need before, after and during isgnancy. Too often traumatic or lifethreatening, and our materl Health Crisis in many places is tearing families apart. This is particularly true for black women who often experience worst outcomes due to disparitys and access to medical care, the care they need and deserve. Our bill will help re health of our neighbors by ensuring more moms can have safe pregnancies and by improving Health Outcomes for patients at the highest risk of Maternal Mortality and morbidity. In the tampa bay area, im proud to represent outstanding ob gyns and providers like clinics like havara health or organizations like reach up and healthy start coalitions and more. Theyve worked tirelessly to address our Maternal Mortality rates and improve the quality ce for new and expecting mothers. This bill will help them. And similar organizations across the country in partnership with c. D. C. By building upon the comprehensive framework of preventing maternal deaths act, supporting Maternal Mortality review committees and strengthening lifesaving initiatives to improve Health Outcomes. For example, floridas c initiatives to reduce deaths associated with postpartum bleedingnd opiod youth disorder. But we have to do more. I look forward to working with y colleagues to address americas Maternal Mortality crisis throuh research, through prevention, ad evidencebased practices. And i want to thank my partnersn the energy and commerce committe who have brought this bill to te floor, congresswoman degette, congressn carter, congresswoman kelly for her years of advocacy, dr. Slie, ms. Cammack as well. Families are counting on us. Please vote yes and i yield back my time. Ms. Schrier i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman from texas is recognized. Mr. Rg the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i yields to mrs. K. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Mrs. Kelly this is one of the most glaring inequities is the disparities of the maternal heah outcomes. In the richest country in the world, the United States is mothers and babies. Over 1,000 women died in 2021 because of complications from childbirth. This is up from 861 deaths in 20 and 754 deaths in 2019. Whats even worse, as youve heard, is that bla are nearly three times more likely o die from pregnancy related causs as Nonhispanic White women and that depends where you where i represent is six times s likely. Indigenous women are more likel, more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy related as Nonhispanic White women. Again, it depends on where they live but this is unacceptable. Im proud to say this legislatin will bring us closer to a future where no mother has to worry tht growing her family will cost her life. The preventing maternal deaths s burgess, castor, carter and degette and cammack will strengthen the s review committr mmrcs, state fashioned mmrcs e tasked with identifying maternal deaths and analyzing the factors that contributed to those deaths and translating those lessons io policy changes. Im proud to say that a piece of my comprehensive Maternal Health legislation, the mamas act is included this in this legislati. The preventing maternal dth act ha received unanimous bipartisan support from the energy and Commerce Health subcommittee and the full committee. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill and save moms lives. Thank you and i yield back. Ms. Schrier i have no more speakers and im i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from texas. Mr. Burgess i am prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlelady is recognized. Ms. Schrier im pleased this bl is before us today and i urge my colleagues to vote yes on this important will to save lives. I yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The gentleman is recognized. Mr. Burgess i yield myself the rest of my time. My fathers father was a academc obstetrician at mcgill hospitaln montreal from the end of the fit that time, maternalth in 1939. Mortality was substantially reduced. The caregivers of that time prir to the introduction antibiotics made Great Strides in reducing Maternal Mortality. Some of that was through the imposition of preventative medicine, some of that was becae of improved anesthesia and blood bank techniques and of course wh the introduction of antibioticsn 1940, the rates came down even substantially more. So we know it can be done. At that time, the major driversf Maternal Mortality were hypertension, hemorrhage, and infection. Now the major drivers are well after delivery, and they fall in the realm of cardiovascular disease,ui drug overdose. So this expansion of postpartum coverage the first year after delivery was work that was established in our committee. We did the research on that ande provided the guidance that now s been taken up by a great many states. So i look forward to a day where significantly reduced even over where they are now because of te changes that we have made as a. Its important work. I want to encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes on the underlying billnd i will yield back the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass amen. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objecti mr. Burgess mr. Speaker . I would ask for the yeas and na. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman asks for the yeas and nays. All those in favor of taking ths vote by the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number havingri na. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purposeoeleman from kek recognition . Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3821. The speaker pro tempore the clk will report the title of about e pill. The clerk Union Calendar 137, h. R. 3821, a bill to reauthorie th firefighter cancer registry act of 2018. The speaker pro tempore pursuat to the rule, the gentleman from kentucky, mr. Guthrie, and the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Schrier, each will control 20 minutes. The gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Guthrie i a members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record of the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i yied myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i rise in support f h. R. 3821, the firefighter cancr registry reauthorization act. Firefighters are among our nations First Responder heroes. Theyre on on the frontlines of the most dangerous and frighteng emergencies and they bravely answer the call to save our famy members and loved ones from har. Tragically, cancer remains one f the leading causes of death for firefighters and firefighters ae more likely to develop certain types of cancer than the general public. This legislation authorizes the voluntary National Firefighter registry for cancer, which will help us monitor, study, and understand the relationship between toxic exposures firefighters face and cancer ri. I want to thank representative pascrell and fitzpatrick for thr work on this Bipartisan Legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Chrier i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i rise in support f h. R. 3821, the firefighter cancr registry reauthorization act of 2023, sponsored by representatie pascrell from new jersey. H. R. 3821 reauthorizes funding r Critical Research from the c. D. To monitor and study the relationship between career Long Exposure to dangerous fumes and xivns and the instance of cancer in firefighters from 2024 to 20. Created in 2018, the National Firefighter registry was established to address knowledge gaps and improve nationwide collection capabilities and monitoring of cancer incidents from a large and diverse population of firefighters. Studies have shown that firefighters may have a greater risk of some types of cancer due to their exposure to smoke, toxins, and hazardous chemicals. The registrys work is a collaboration among epidemiologists, Public Health experts, clinicians, and firefighters, thousands of firefighters have enrolled, makg it the most Extensive Initiative ever undertaken in our country o comprehend and mitigate cancer risks among firefighters. This bill is supported by the International Association of fie chiefs, the National Volunteer fire council, fallen firefighters foundation, among others. I encourage all my colleagues to vote yes on this important bill. And i reser■ the speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i have no fur furtr speakers and am prepared to cloe but would reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i like to yield as much time as he may consume to e gentleman from new jersey. The speaker przed. Mr. Pascrell thank you, mr. Speaker. I want to thank the members of e energy and Commerce Committee on both sides of the aisl for this reauthorization act. The time flies. When we put this together five years ago, it was bipartisan as well. Time flies. When we when we put this together a year ago, it was bipartisan. I thank them. Our firefighters run into buildings when we run away. They make harrowing rescues every single day, saving lives are dangerous property. Carcinogens lurking in the air that they breathe. And in the equipment that they use. The effects of these toxins are not fully known. It may take years to 2022, the L Association for research on cancer found that the occupation of firefighter, the very occupation, causes cancer. Were talking about thousands of volunteers and thousands of career firefighters. Cancer is the leading cause, as you just heard, of line of duty deaths for firefighters. But behind each statistic is a beloved public servant. Eduardo diaz, a firefighter in north bergen, passed away from pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. Firefighter diaz was a resident of hasper heights and a member of the professional firefighters of new jersey, who are federal aid for firefighters. In my hometown of paterson, my close friend, fmba firefighter jeerny benke, tragically died from brain cancer. These are but two firefighters lost to cancer. When someone is diagnosed with ncer, it is reported to the cancer registry in the state. Democrats and republicans saw the significance of this f ago. There was no registry. Butpv details about their work are now collected. To focus attention on this issue results in 2018 that congress rightfully the congress rightfully created the National Cancer firefighter trej industry. This is the largest effort in history towns and reduce cancer among firefighters. Because of it, the c. D. C. Has made a database of firefighters with cancer to monitor andween g exposure to dangers, fumes, and toxins and incidents of firefighter cancer. Since its opening year, more than 10,000 firefighter voluntarily enrolled for the registry. My bill would reauthorize the registry for another five years. At a funding level. For what we hope can be lifesaving work. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this measure so we can get it to the president s desk as soon as possible. I thank you, all of you, and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves . Ms. Schrr im prepared to close and i reserve. Mr. Guthrie im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i want to emphasize how important it is that we look out for our hero, our firefighters, as well as they look out for us. I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on this very important bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman yields. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i yield myself as much time asay gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i thank my friend if new jersey for bringing this forward and working hard for this. We know his community has seen what happens to firefighters many if his community from 9 11 and on. Its really important work that our firefighters do. Theres a group from kentucky ie to talk with, the heros that go into burning buildings that save our families and all the other things they do for us. So i by strongly urging my colleagues to support h. R. 3821 and ill yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The question is will the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 38 1 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. The gentleman is recogze mr. Guthrie i request that the vote be recorded by yay or nay. The speaker pro tempore in theg in the affirmative. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i request that the votesrecorded. By yea or nay. The speaker pro tempore the yeas and nays are requested. Those in favor of taking the the yeas and nays will rise and remain standing until counted. A sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule 20, further proceedings on this question will be postponed. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Guthrie i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 498 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clerk will report the title of the bill. The clerk h. R. 498, a bill to amend title 5 of the Public Health service act to secure the Suicide Prevention lifeline from Cyber Security incidents and for other purposes. The speaker pro mr. Guthrie, and the gentlewoman from washington, ms. Schrier, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentleman from kentucky. Mr. Guthrie i ask unanimous consent that all members have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the record on the bill. The speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Guthrie i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise in support of the 988 lifeline Cyber Security responsibility act led by mr. Obernolte. In 2021, more than 48,000 people died by suicide in the United States. That equates to 132 day. These are our family members, our neighbor, and our friends. This number is staggering and unfortunately suicide deaths are continuing to rise. People need hope and healing. The 988 suicide and crisis line lifeline,s crisis centes used to support people in suicidal crisis or Emotional Distress. This is proven to be vital resource, especially during the covid19 pandemic when governmentimposed lockdowns led to increased social isolation the lifeline suffered a Cyber Security attack in december, 2022, and was proactively taken offline for several hours. It is unknown how many individuals were hurt by the outage but we do know that individuals in Emotional Distress or suicide crisis were unable to utilize the lifeline for hours. H. R. 498 would improve the lifelines Cyber Security protections by requiring coordination between them and h. H. S. It requires lifeline administrators and local call centers to report Cyber Security toj smhsa and others. My hope this will prevent future outages so individuals can get the help they need. I urge my colleagues to support the underlying bill and urge the balance and reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier i rise in support of h. 498, the 988 lifeline Cyber Securityct fromentatives d obernolte. On july 16, 2022, the 988 lifeline became available to all cell phone and landline users, the suicide and crisis lifeline is there for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation. Since its launch, according to the data if the Kaiser Family foundation, the 988 lifeline has received almost five million contacts. Nearly one million are from the veterans vie sis line a designated part of 988. The others consisted of. 6 million call, almost three quarters of a million chats and more than00,000 texts. In december of 2022, the 988 lifeline experienced a Cyber Security breach which resulted in a daylong outage across the country. This lifeline is imperative to Suicide Prevention and utilized by constituents in every one of our districts. The legislation on the floor today require better coordination and reporting on potential Cyber Security vulnerabilities within the 988 lifeline with the goal of preventing future Cyber Attacks and disruption of service. The bill requires coordination between the lifeline and the chief Information Security officer at the department of health and Human Services to prevent Cyber Security attacks. The suicide hotlines regional and local administrators would also be required to notify the government or Cyber Security vulnerabilities and incidents. Finally, the government accoun conduct a study evaluating Cyber Security risks and vulnerabilities in the 988 lifeline system. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes on this important bill and reserve the plans of my time. The speaker pro tempore the gentma the gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield three minutes to my good friend from california, the a leader in Cyber Security in this congress and a member of the energy and Commerce Committee, mr. Obernolte. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Obernolte id like to thank the gentleman from kentucky, my friend and colleague, for the opportunity to present my bill, h. R. 498, the 988 lifeline Cyber Securityonsebility act. Mr. Speaker, according to the c. D. C. , in 2022, nearly 50,000 americans took their this is a shocking and frankly shameful commentary on the state of Mental Health in this country. Mr. Speaker, that amounts to over 100 suicides a day. In response to this growing crisis, inongress authorized the 988 lifeline. 988 is a 24hour, seven day ah suicidal thoughts can call to be connected to counseling and to resources. In the first year of operation, the 988 lifeline received nearly 50,000 calls in its and its continued to grow in the years sincen. It has undoubtedly saved thousands of american lives. Mo, the 988 lifeline was taken down by a cyber attack on its systems operator. Mr. Minute that lifeline is offline is the potential for the loss of american lives. Because those resources are not available to them. This bill is an attempt to solve that problem. H. R. 498 988 systems operators to report Cyber Security vulnerabilities and would require the department of health and Human Services to coordinate in addressing those vulnerabilities. The bill also requires the comptroller general to create a study of the Cyber Security vulnerabilities on the hotline and the ways those vulnerabilities can be addressed. Mr. Speaker, the■ 988 lifeline is a vital res so source for americans that height be having suicidal thoughts or might be contemplating the irrevocable act of taking their own lives. This is a vital step to make sure that vital lifeline remains available to americans who are depending on it. I thank the gentleman for from kentucky for bringing this bill to the floor. I urge my colleagues to vote yes and pass i yield back. Mr. Guthrie i reserve. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentleman from washington is recognized. Ms. Schrier i have no more speakers, i am prepared to close. Mr. Guthrie im prepared to close. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier before i yield, i do have oneakhe state of california is here to discuss this bill. I yield as much time as the he may require. The speaker proem mr. Cardenas thank you for yielding, thank you, mr. Speaker. I rise today to as a proud partne actually ran over here as a proud partner work my colleague, republican obernolte to support the passage of the sy responsibility act to help protect 988 from future cyber interference. Unfortunately, suicide is the second leading cseur young peopn america. And prior to covid19, prior to the pandemic, was the 10th leading cause of death in our nation. We need to treat this as the legitimate Health Crisis that it is. This is one of the reasons w i believe theres so much promise in 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Not only does the threedigit calling code provide a 247 crisis from anywhere in the United States, it also represents a change in the way we think and respond to Mental Illness as something that warrants help and support just like other kinds of health conditions. 988 in its fullest form is not just a number but a connection to a full mental Health Crisis response. Because i know that i have limited time theres much more to be said but let m tell you this is a perfect example why the people of america send us to washington, d. C. To come together, recognize what we need fixing and to come together as republicans and democrats from both sides of the aisle to Work Together to create one of the best systems this country and this world will ever know. 988 is something that any american can take for granted because we created that almost 70 years ago. Where people will call■ 911 ad they know, somebody is going to come and save a life. Life. 988 is what we need to do for the american people. Thats why im so proud to work with my congressman, obernolte to make sure we move this forward and put our country and families and communities ina better place in any moment of a mental Health Crisis. With that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentlewoman from washingtons recognized. Ms. Schrier i i now have no more speakers and im prepared to close. Ive visited the 988 center in my area and seen the dedicationf the providers, and we need to me sure we protect this lifeline fm cybersecurity risks, and with tt i encourage my colleagues to voe for this bill and i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentlelady yields. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempe gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, this s an important bill and we have or two good friends from californi, bipartisan, energy and Commerce Committee and this is a good bil to move forward and urge my colleagues to support it and yid back. Will the house tempore the suspend the rules and pass h. R. 498 as amended. Those in favor say aye. Those opposed, no. In the opinion of the chair, 2 3 being in the affirmative, the rules are suspended, the bill is passed and without objection, te motion to reconsider is laid upn the table. For what purpose does the gentleman from kentucky seek recognition . Mr. Guthrie mr. Speaker, i move the house suspend the rules and pass the bill h. R. 3836 as amended. The speaker pro tempore the clk will report the. The clerk Union Calendar 134, a bill to facilitate direct primay care arrangements under medicai. The speaker pro tempore pursuat to the rule, mr. Guthrie, and te gentlewoman from washington, ms. Schrier, each will control 20 minutes. The chair recognizes the gentlen from kentucky. Mr. Guthrie i ask unanimo consent all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks. And also to insert extraneous materials on the bill. E speaker pro tempore without objection. Mr. Guthrie thank you, mr. Speaker. I yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Guthrie im proud to suppot the work today of congressman crenshaw, a fierce advocate for patients in this country. Primary care is the backbone of our Health Care System and we kw investing now and connecting americans to primary care will keep people healthier along the way. The primary care improvement act is a straightforward bill that will help clarify current law to ensure states have the tools and flexibility needed to offer primary Care Services through te settings of the medicaid progra. One way to deliver primary care that shows promise is called direct primary care. Direct primary care clinics have been expanding around the county and allow patients to pay a to a primary care doctor to help address the basic need of health care. This legislation makes sure the state could explore an option le this for medicaid enrollees in their state. Its a simple yet effective bil. And i believe it will ld outcoms dollars in the long run. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this bill and i reserve the balance of my time. The speaker pro tempore jars. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman reserves. The gentlewoman from washingtons recognized. Ms i yield myself as much time as i may consume. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. Ms. Schrier mr. Speaker, i rise in support of h. R. 3836, the medicaid primary care improvemet act sponsored by representative crenshaw from texas and myself. As ad a congresswoman, im excited to se the medicaid primary care improvement act come to the flor today. Direct primary care model is a huge shift in the way that medicaid patients and doctors interact for the better. Primars structurally different than traditional care models because its not designed around fee for Service Billing but rather, focused entirely on providing patients the best care possible. This is made pbling medicaid pay an affordable monty fee that in turn allows doctors the time and flexibility with a set number of patients to provie the best possible care and the ability to schedule appointments that are the right length to provide all the support those patientsme appointments might t0 minutes, some might take 10. In the direct primary care model doctors have a number of patiens or a Patient Panel that they are responsible for caring for and e smaller Patient Population means more time spent on things like education, Preventative Care measures and being able to talk through and address critical topics like nutrition, exercise, stress, and social determine instance of health that cant always be thoroughldrd in a typical timelimited primary care appointment. In turn this means better patiet understanding of an involvementn their own health care, fewer visits to the emergency, and ideally, better outcomes. Other trials of direct primary care have shown exactly those outcomes. Dr. Garrison bliss is a pioneern this effort, starting up the fit direct primary care practice in Washington State in 1997. His last year in practice was 2020, the year we were met with covid. Had just 450 patients wie average patient in their mid 60. Their age put them at an incread risk for covid morbidity and mortality and patients in this r group generally require more ca, just a smaller sized panel. Not a se patients died from covid during that firt year when we still didnt have vaccinations and treatments ande about the disease. He credits this to the fact he could reach them and they could reach him readily and have conversations about their care d about their covid concerns. He could send out newsletters directly with pertinent question about whether or not to go to te emergency room, he was available to give advice by being there fr his patients. Consulting with him prevented e. Visits with no compromise in ca. Have more pilots around the t■o country, hopefully with similar results, better outcomes, lower costs, tighter relationships between■jient, and improved patient and physician satisfaction. And if these benefits are consistently achieved, then all people, no matter their level of income or insurance deserve the option of a direct primary care model, including medaid. I encourage all my colleagues to vote yes on h. R. 3836 and i reserve the balance of my time. Although i have no further speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman reserves. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie thank you, mr. Speaker. Ill yield three minutes t a strong proponent for primary cae and one of the strongest in congress, the gentleman from texas, mr. Crenshaw. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman is recognized. Mr. Crenshaw thank you, i risen support of my bill, the medicaid primary care improvement act and want to thank the chair and Ranking Member for their support and also want to really thank representati schrier for being an excellent colead and advocae and representative smucker, blumenauer, and pettit who continue to give primary care. A lot of attention gets paid to the members who come down here d scream and yell at the things theyre mad at because they want the public to know what theyre mad at and sometimes we can raie voices and raise our arms on god things we do together to improve Peoples Health care. This bill is just that, a first step for addressing some of the most important issues in health care which is access. See, we can promise people healh insurae, we can add more money to it but it doesnt necessarily translate to actual access to a provider. Direct primary care is one of to deliver primary care to patient. Its a payment model that makes sense to patients because its simple. To primary care providers by paying a monty fee. Its a winwin for patients and doctors because it simplifies ad guarantees that relationship. It keeps patients out of costly Emergency Rooms and saves money for the entire health care systm and encourages more efficient■f preventative medicine as well. This means treating prediabetes before it becomes diabetes and this means treating heart issues before they become heart diseas. And so the market is already created direct primary care ands a model that thrives in districs like mine wheree have doctors like glen davis whose primary ce practice saves businesses lots f money on their Premium Payments and delivers quality care to patients. But as usual, the government has not caught up. This bill removes the uncertainy whether medicaid can pay for direct primary care access and empowers states with the guidance to provide direct primy care for vulnerable patients who need it most. Its a game changer because many medicaid patients arent accessg primary care right now and more likely to show up at an e. R. Thn schedule visits with a ; primary care physician and e. R. Numberso up because people arent getting the care they need. The truth is a lot of primary ce doctors cant serve medicaid patients due to low reimbursemet rates. If we allow states to tailor thr programs to direct primary care this bill can tunnelly change this fundamentally change this dynamic. It clarifies current laws dont bother direct payments and dires those who want to use direct cae in their programs like my home state of texas. I hope we can push forward in au and with that i yield back. The speaker pro tempore the gentleman yields. The gentleman from kentucky reserves. Ized. Ms. Schrier mr. Speaker, i have no more speakers and im prepard to close. And ierve. Mr. Guthrie i have speakers. The speaker pro tempore the gentlewoman is recognized. The gentleman from kentucky is recognized. Mr. Guthrie thank you, mr. Speaker. I will yield two minutes to a member of the ways and means