Jake Auchincloss

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, recently the United States has considered issuing a central bank digital currency. CBDCs are digital liabilities issued by a central bank and made available to the public. The implications for the United States dollar as the world's reserve currency, and for domestic fiscal and monetary policy, of a US CBDC are hotly debated by experts. What should not be controversial, however, is that the Federal Reserve, Treasury, and all other executive agencies cannot issue a CBDC without explicit authorization from Congress. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants that power ``to coin money'' and ``regulate the value thereof'' exclusively to Congress. Under section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act, the Fed can issue ``Federal Reserve notes,'' but CBDCs are not Federal Reserve notes. The law restricts Federal Reserve notes to paper notes printed on ``plates and dies'' engraved by the Treasury Department according to a detailed process that clearly does not apply to digital money. The Federal Reserve has consistently recognized that it lacks authority to issue a CBDC without congressional authorization. The Fed published a report on CBDCs in January of 2022 and said that it would not issue a CBDC without ``clear support'' from Congress ``in the form of a specific authorizing law.'' Fed Chair Jerome Powell has personally affirmed that view on multiple occasions since that report was published. For example, last September, he said during a panel discussion on digital finance that the Fed ``will need approval from both the executive branch and Congress to move ahead with a central bank digital currency.'' Although the Fed understands that it cannot issue a CBDC without authorization from Congress, some commentators continue to suggest that legislation may not be necessary. They are wrong. The Framers of the Constitution understood the importance of a strong and stable national currency, which is why they granted Congress the exclusive power to coin money and regulate its value. Congress must not forfeit this power, which is why I am introducing the Power to Mint Act. This bill clearly prohibits the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department from issuing a CBDC without authorization from Congress. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Representative French Hill, who is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and Inclusion on the Financial Services Committee for his work with me on this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill).

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent from votes on May 15, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 213, and YEA on Roll Call No. 214.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent from votes on May 10, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 205, NAY on Roll Call No. 206, and NAY on Roll Call No. 207.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I was necessarily absent from votes on May 9, 2023. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 203 and YEA on Roll Call No. 204.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to a Texas judge's attack on women's reproductive freedom. This ruling undermines proven scientific research and needlessly restricts women's access to healthcare. Mifepristone is a safe and effective medication that has been used by millions since it was approved by the FDA two decades ago. Medical determinations should be left to medical professionals. I am thankful for the work of the Healey administration in my home State to insulate Massachusetts residents from this decision. The Commonwealth must not let Texas set the agenda for women's healthcare. I also strongly support the work of organizations like Mayday Health, who are informing and empowering women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health and working to get the medication across State lines. On the Federal level, I joined my colleagues in submitting an amicus brief to the Supreme Court urging them to protect a woman's right to choose. I will not stop fighting to ensure access to safe, effective reproductive healthcare for all Americans.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I have cosponsored H.R. 830, the HELP Copays Act, to ensure that patients have affordable access to lifesaving care, prescription medication, and treatments. This bill would require health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses for an enrollee toward their cost-sharing requirements. I support this bipartisan effort to reduce out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs. Should the bill move forward in the legislative process, I recommend limiting its provisions to drugs without a generic competitor. This ensures that patients who only have access to one expensive, branded drug to treat their condition can access payment assistance from manufacturers, but also incentivizes the use of lower-cost, generic drugs when possible. Narrowing the bill in this manner would prevent pharmaceutical manufacturers from abusing copay assistance programs to steer patients toward branded drugs that burden our healthcare system as a whole. I urge Congress to move forward with this proposal to provide relief to patients who may be forced to delay lifesaving care due to high cost-sharing and copay requirements.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a strong partnership between the United States and Taiwan. I recently returned from a bipartisan congressional delegation to Taiwan, where I met with the president and government officials of both parties, business executives, and military commanders. The scope and severity of the threat from the Chinese Communist Party is crystallized in the Taiwan Strait, which is under constant harassment. But so also does Taiwan's vibrant democracy and strong economy represent opportunity in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and Taiwan should help support each other's democracies through collaboration on countering disinformation and propaganda. We should also strengthen one another's economies through increased flows of trade and investment by negotiating expanded market access, common rules, and the end of double taxation on Taiwanese investment in the United States, which is especially critical as we seek to revive U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. As the United States seeks to strengthen our position in the Indo- Pacific, let us commit to Taiwan as a long-term ally.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of responsibly ending the COVID-19 emergencies and in opposition to showmanship that would unnecessarily disrupt American's access to healthcare. President Biden has committed to end the COVID-19 public health and national emergency designations by May 11, choosing an orderly, predictable wind down over the disruptions and dislocations proposed by House Republicans. Their actions this week could immediately kick tens of millions off their health insurance, leaving nursing home residents without staff to care for them, and cut off telehealth services for people struggling with mental illness. Governing requires planning and deliberation. Unfortunately, Republicans have put messaging over substance. We can and will keep schools open and make sure government officials are delivering for constituents while sustaining flexibilities and efficiencies from the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, for that reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose these measures and support President Biden's responsible drawdown of emergency authorities.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today because I am planning to reintroduce the United States-Israel Artificial Intelligence Center Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that will cement a mutually beneficial partnership between the United States and Israel on artificial intelligence research. This is a critical step forward in an era where AI and its implications are taking center stage in public discourse. We must collaborate with international partners like the Israeli Government to ensure that the United States maintains a leadership role in AI research and development and responsibly explores the many possibilities evolving technologies provide. The United States-Israel Artificial Intelligence Center Act will allow us to tap into the expertise of both countries and draw upon each other's resources to explore and develop cutting-edge AI advancements.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the changes the House rules package made to the Office of Congressional Ethics. OCE is a critical independent ethics watchdog, and it is a poor indication of the GOP's commitment to integrity that House Republicans have gutted the OCE as their first act in the majority. The Republican rules package term limits the members of the OCE board, and in doing so removes the three Democratic members of the bipartisan board, giving Republicans a majority of seats instead of maintaining an even partisan divide. These rules also require the OCE to hire staff within a month, which requires a vote of four board members, guaranteeing a partisan lean amongst most staff. With these rules changes, my Republican colleagues are deviously turning the Office of Congressional Ethics into a zombie, alive in name but unable to execute its vital mission of investigating misconduct and ridding Congress of corruption. After 14 failed Speaker votes and the undermining of independent ethics reviews, House Republicans have demonstrated their commitment to dysfunction and poor governance.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 2607) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the former hostages of the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1979 1981, highlighting their resilience throughout the unprecedented ordeal that they lived through and the national unity it produced, marking four decades since their 444 days in captivity, and recognizing their sacrifice to the United States.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to include extraneous material thereon.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2607, the Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act, sponsored by Senator Padilla, which is a companion to a House bill sponsored by Representative Suozzi. I thank Representative Suozzi for sponsoring this bipartisan bill, which would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 53 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis, which occurred from November 4, 1979, to January 21, 1981, in recognition of their bravery in the face of egregious human rights violations. It has been more than 40 years since their release. Representative Suozzi has been a tireless advocate in honoring these U.S. embassy employees who were taken hostage and uplifting their humanity. Last week, Representative Suozzi said on the floor that he was 17 years old when the hostages were taken and remembers the Iran hostage crisis as a painful time in our history. I am so appreciative of his dedication to this important issue and ensuring that these hostages are properly recognized for the sacrifices they have made that have had lasting effects until today. I am pleased to be able to vote ``yes'' for this bill before his retirement at the end of this term, and I congratulate him on this important bill to celebrate the resilience and strength of the hostages. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I appreciate Representative Suozzi's dedication to this important issue. This bipartisan bill will honor the bravery of the 53 hostages of the Iran hostage crisis, the U.S. Embassy employees, who were held hostage for 444 days. Mr. Speaker, I again thank Representative Suozzi for championing this issue and urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I am awaiting the arrival of the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), who has performed able and faithful service in the House over his career, I would like to reflect on the Iran hostage crisis and its unfortunate foreshadowing of the behavior of the Ayatollah's regime that we are witnessing now on our TV screens today as they persecute brave men and women on the streets of Iran's major cities who are protesting for basic human and civil rights. I know that I speak on behalf of my constituents in Massachusetts' 4th District when I say that the American people stand with those who are protesting the repression and the discrimination, particularly against women, that have been the hallmark of the Ayatollah's regime and that we feel that the values that they are fighting for are universal values, core human rights, and certainly hope and expect that they will be achieved. Mr. Speaker, I also want to reflect on the great service of Mr. Suozzi, who has been an able member of the Ways and Means Committee and a wise counselor to those of us like myself who are new to this business in how to best represent our constituents and advance their priorities and reflect their values. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Suozzi), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a more secure future for offshore wind and for Massachusetts' leadership in this growing clean energy sector. The removal of the proposed crewing amendment is a win for offshore wind and for Massachusetts. I am proud to have fought on behalf of clean energy independence and my district's economic development. However, we should not replay this saga every Congress. With Republicans taking the gavel, I am ready to work across the aisle and with dissenting voices in my own party to negotiate a permanent solution that advances offshore wind and anchors American jobs at home. I look forward to working on a bipartisan compromise to support domestic mariners and shipbuilders and to safeguard our clean energy future.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the climate crisis and clean energy investments we need to continue as we double down on the work we started this Congress to protect a planet of clean air and clean water for future generations. During the district work period, I hosted a conference on climate action and clean energy at Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts. Across three panels of experts, we covered policy and industry, clean energy science and technology, and international affairs. Despite the challenges we discussed, I am optimistic. There is growing political will, abundant talent and innovation, and increasing global cooperation around the imperative of a clean energy transition. Next Congress we must build on that political will in order to achieve a future of clean air, clean water, and clean energy that is too cheap to meter.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the urgent need to tackle the affordable housing crisis. The cost of housing is the single biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Last week, I hosted an affordable housing conference in Attleboro with my friend and colleague Juana Matias, the HUD regional administrator for New England. We spoke with housing officials and developers across the district about the programs and funding available for affordable housing development. I reiterated my commitment to policies from zoning reform to LIHTC expansion to increased production of affordable housing. Expanding affordable housing is a multigovernment effort that needs support on the Federal, State, and local levels. As the next Congress approaches, we must recommit ourselves to making housing more affordable for working families.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act. Historically, there has been a double standard between Federal and corporate whistleblowers seeking reprieve for retaliatory actions taken against them. While corporate whistleblowers can have their day in court, Federal whistleblowers' cases fall only under the jurisdiction of the Merit Systems Protection Board. The Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act would remedy this by allowing certain Federal whistleblowers to file their claims in district court. My amendment would ensure that we continue to make evidence-based improvements to the Federal whistleblower case review process by requiring the GAO to study the outcomes of this bill. Specifically, my amendment calls on the GAO to report on the timeliness of MSPB rulings and the rates of Federal whistleblowers opting for district court trials. It requires the GAO to offer recommendations for the MSPB to make improvements to its review process so that Federal whistleblowers who put their jobs, careers, and reputations on the line to call out wrongdoing are given the respect of a timely review. This bill is critical to improving protections for Federal whistleblowers and enhancing accountability across the Federal Government. My amendment would ensure that we collect the evidence necessary to continue to make improvements. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendments en bloc.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, the Inflation Reduction Act represents the biggest climate action in history and rightfully boosts offshore wind production to meet our renewable energy goals. First, the bill provides a $10 billion investment tax credit for clean energy manufacturing facilities. This will benefit wind turbine manufacturers, propelling a nascent industry that will create jobs and clean energy both in Massachusetts and across the country. Further, the bill provides additional tax support to manufacturing projects located in energy communities, including those that previously housed coal power plants, like Brayton Point in my district. Offshore wind farms that connect to wholesale electric grids in such communities should be eligible for this additional support, as well, to maximize these credits' impact. The Inflation Reduction Act is a generational step forward in taking on Big Oil and Gas and driving our Nation toward a clean energy future. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to join me in passing this bill.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, I will begin by thanking the Chairwoman of the Financial Services Committee for her support of this legislation and for her career-long support for financial access and inclusion; and, also, my colleague from Arkansas' support to make this a bipartisan initiative. Madam Speaker, our economy has not always worked for all communities equally. This is evident in the glaring wealth disparities for American families emphasized in the 2019 survey of Consumer Finances Federal Reserve Report. One way to address these issues is to ensure access to diverse and affordable financial services that can help individuals save money and help small businesses raise capital. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote for my bill, the Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act. Over the last several decades, there has been consolidation among banks and credit unions. This has effectively limited the products available to consumers and artificially driven up costs while closing banking branches for people who already did not have many choices. My bipartisan bill is the first step to increasing the supply of banking services by directing banking regulators to work together to address the challenges that new depository institutions, including MDIs and CDFIs, face when applying for a charter. Starting and maintaining a new bank or credit union is hard work. It is the banking regulators' responsibility to measure and mitigate the challenges that new banks face. MDIs and CDFIs play a unique and vital role in our financial system and often have a close relationship with their consumers. By investing in and supporting MDIs and CDFIs, Congress can foster economic opportunities for people who otherwise are unable to access affordable banking services in a system that is already restricted and restrictive. My bill will help new banks, and in so doing, it will expand access to affordable services for unbanked communities. I believe this bill is a necessary step toward advancing economic equality in our country, and I ask your help to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable banking services regardless of their address.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the en bloc package, which includes my amendment to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic records system. One of the most insistent casework requests I receive is from veterans who are unable to receive care due to the Department's records request backlog. I have raised with the Department individual cases, and I have also been working with local veterans service organizations to advocate on behalf of their members. Yet, it still takes anywhere from 6 to 8 months to get anything back from the archives. That is not acceptable. Digitizing veterans' records will expedite their requests and improve their experience. I know first-hand what veterans experience while on Active Duty. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have access to the high- quality care and services promised to them when they swore an oath to protect and serve our country. Mr. Chair, I urge support for my amendment.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Biden administration's efforts to expand and strengthen the Abraham Accords. When I met with Israeli political and military leaders last month, they emphasized the importance of regional defense and deterrence against Iran's malign activities. That is why President Biden's reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Israel's security during his recent trip to the region is so important. Our alliance with Israel is built on shared values and shared interests, which includes strengthening regional security and economic opportunity. Saudi Arabia's decision to open its airspace to civilian flights to and from Israel is a significant step toward regional integration and diplomatic normalization. This important step, thanks to President Biden's diplomatic efforts, lays the groundwork for additional economic, political, and security ties between these two countries. I commend President Biden for his success in building on the Abraham Accords, and I look forward to working with the administration to further deepen regional partnerships that benefit Israel's security.

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall Vote Number 350 on H.R. 7900, I mistakenly recorded my vote as Yes when I should have voted No. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Allred (Neguse) Barragan (Correa) Bentz (Obernolte) Bowman (Neguse) Brown (MD) (Trone) Cardenas (Correa) Castro (TX) (Neguse) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Fleischmann) Connolly (Beyer) Crist (Stevens) DeFazio (Pallone) Deutch (Stevens) Doggett (Beyer) Dunn (Cammack) Evans (Neguse) Fallon (Carl) Gonzalez (OH) (Armstrong) Hartzler (Bacon) Herrera Beutler (Moore (UT)) Jacobs (CA) (Correa) Jayapal (Pallone) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kahele (Correa) Katko (Meijer) Kelly (IL) (Kuster) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Lawrence (Stevens) Leger Fernandez (Kuster) Lieu (Beyer) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Moulton (Stevens) Newman (Beyer) Panetta (Beyer) Pappas (Kuster) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Pingree (Kuster) Porter (Neguse) Pressley (Neguse) Reschenthaler (Keller) Rice (NY) (Murphy (FL)) Ryan (Beyer) Salazar (Cammack) Sires (Pallone) Stewart (Curtis) Suozzi (Correa) Taylor (Armstrong) Timmons (Armstrong) Trahan (Stevens) Upton (Meijer) Walorski (Baird) Wasserman Schultz (Stevens) Wilson (SC) (Lamborn)

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS

Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an unaddressed contributor to labor shortages across our economy, a drop in legal immigration. Researchers at the University of California at Davis found that: ``By the end of 2021 there were about 2 million fewer working-age immigrants living in the United States than there would have been if the pre-2020 immigration trend had continued unchanged.'' This has hit certain industries hard, including food, hospitality, construction, transportation, and healthcare, particularly nursing, at a time when our economy is overheating in its recovery from COVID-19. A significant part of lowering cost and avoiding a recession is expanding the productive capacity of the economy. Until we address staffing shortfalls, we will continue to artificially constrain the supply side of our economy and drive up costs for everyday people. We must recognize and reverse this trend by clearing the visa backlog, documenting immigrants and Dreamers already here, and increasing caps for both immigration and refugee resettlement. It is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic one.