Stephanie Bice

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. I had not heard that, so that is incredibly interesting information. I think that with the mandates that are being put in place by the administration, asking for vaccinations of Federal employees, vaccinations of our military, how about we test and vaccinate people who are illegally coming into this country if we are going to ship them all over the U.S.?

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. It is an incredible irony. I will say I appreciate this whistleblower coming forward and providing that information to us because you are right, we are not being given accurate or timely information about what is happening on the border currently.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the former Flying Aggie, Oklahoma State University graduate, and my Alpha Chi Omega sorority sister, Mary Wallace ``Wally'' Funk, who today became the oldest woman to have traveled to space. At 82 years old, Funk has led an amazing life, from breaking down gender barriers to careers in aviation, and now space travel. In my home State of Oklahoma at Fort Sill, Funk achieved many firsts, including the first female civilian flight instructor, first female air safety investigator, and the first female FAA inspector. Persistence is just one of the many wonderful qualities to describe Funk. When NASA began accepting women to go to space in the late 1970s, she applied three times. As a pioneer of the aviation and space exploration, Funk's courage, perseverance, and leadership has positively impacted the science industry, especially for women. Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to recognize Wally Funk for her vast achievements.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing economic crisis our Nation is facing. Study after study has found that the Democrats' budget proposals attack every part of our economy, from gas prices to groceries to middle-class workers and small businesses. Americans are struggling to make a living. Gas prices have skyrocketed to $3.15 per gallon, the highest price for a gallon of gasoline since 2014 and a 42 percent increase from last year. As we continue to fall back into pre-pandemic routines, families hoping to travel this summer can't afford the rising prices for fuel. I am also deeply concerned by the rising costs of everyday necessities. Over the past year, consumer prices have shot up 5.4 percent, reflecting the biggest increase since 2008, which was the last economic crisis the United States faced. The bottom line is that hardworking American families cannot withstand the negative impacts of rising inflation. As long as this administration continues to spend trillions of dollars on failed policies, Americans will be left to foot the bill. I will continue to fight to ensure Oklahoma families and businesses do not suffer more in this economic crisis.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Hyde amendment. For over 40 years, the Hyde amendment, which prevents taxpayer-funded abortions has had strong bipartisan support. However, the Biden administration aims to end this longstanding bipartisan tradition by striking the amendment in the fiscal year 2022 budget request. The Hyde amendment is one of the longest standing Federal pro-life policies and has prohibited publicly funded abortions since 1976. After decades of support, it is gravely concerning that President Biden has reversed his position on this important pro-life protection. I vehemently support life and defending the unborn. I encourage all my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, to support this important protection for the lives of the unborn. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Dr. Stephen Prescott, former Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation president. Dr. Prescott served OMRF with outstanding leadership for 15 years, building the institution into what it is today. He dedicated his life to a scientific career, immersed in medical research, and loved traveling the world, often in conjunction with his professional commitments. But what he loved more than anything was his wife of 52 years, Susan, his two children and grandchildren. During his time at OMRF, Dr. Prescott oversaw the largest campus expansion in the foundation's history, making the facility one of only 11 Autoimmunity Centers of Excellence in the United States. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, authored more than 250 scientific articles, served on the NIH, and even founded a biotech company. As a direct result of his many years of hard work and accomplishments, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2020. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Prescott made an immense impact on OMRF, and as a result, the lives of thousands of Oklahomans. As a leading facility for health research, I want Americans to know how instrumental his role was in creating a facility where researchers are working hard to understand and develop new treatments for diseases like cancer, heart disease, and aging. I am honored to recognize Dr. Prescott, and I am grateful for the profound impact he has had on my district and far beyond. He will be greatly missed.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Oklahoma's efforts to bolster its economy and get its citizens back to work. There is no doubt the pandemic caused not only illness, but major interruption in our daily lives. Millions became jobless through no fault of their own and had to rely on additional Federal unemployment assistance to survive. But today the situation has changed, Mr. Speaker. We have a rebounding economy and over 158 million Americans have received at least one vaccine dose. With more than 8 million job openings nationwide, the time has come to encourage Americans to get back to work. The continued expansion of Federal assistance is hampering this promising economic recovery across the country and in my home State of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to say Oklahoma is leading the country's economic recovery by providing $1,200 signing bonuses beginning in June, for individuals who go back to work and stay employed for six continuous weeks. There are over 68,000 job postings in Oklahoma currently, with 7,500 in Oklahoma City alone. These are good-paying jobs across a variety of industries, including the energy and manufacturing sectors. Hundreds of employers are offering competitive wages and generous benefits.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Sergeant Gerald Dixon of the Edmond Police Department. Sergeant Dixon has faithfully served our community for 32 years, 13 of which he spent as a school resource officer. In his time as an SRO, Sergeant Dixon has had a long-lasting impact on countless students in Edmond. Years after graduating, students still recall how much his presence meant to them. Looked up to as a great man and a fixture of school, Sergeant Dixon's commitment to his community is evident. Not only has Sergeant Dixon's presence helped make school a safe place, but his leadership, warm spirit, and love for his job also made students comfortable. They confided their struggles in him, shared countless experiences, and are better off from having Sergeant Dixon serve in their school. Madam Speaker, Sergeant Dixon has dedicated his life to the community and made countless sacrifices to ensure the safety of our students and the public at large. I am truly honored and humbled to recognize Mr. Dixon, and I am grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind. I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the combined rule and to the underlying measures, including H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. Once again, our friends across the aisle are making an attempt to gain more control in Congress, this time in the Senate, by trying to hide behind the guise that residents of the District of Columbia do not have the means for adequate representation in Congress. While Americans deserve full voting representation from their national government, our forefathers never intended for the Federal seat of government to serve as a State. The Founders intended the Capitol to be a neutral ground for equal sovereign States to work together to conduct the Nation's business. This bill does not at all follow what our forefathers envisioned. H.R. 51 overlooks the U.S. Constitution in which Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 designated Washington as a Federal district, not a State. That alone should make this legislation unconstitutional. Because the District of Columbia's status is spelled out, it would take a constitutional amendment to grant permission for this Democratic power play. There have been several alternative proposals and amendments put forward by Republicans, none of which have been heard. My colleague, Representative Dusty Johnson from South Dakota, has proposed the District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act, which I have cosponsored, that would revert the majority of D.C. residential areas back to the State of Maryland. The National Mall and other Federal buildings would remain as the District of Columbia. Before we create a new State, we should return D.C.'s residential areas back to the original State they were served. With H.R. 51, Democrats have yet again failed to examine the consequences of their rushed actions to gain more control in Congress. The District of Columbia has received billions of dollars from the Federal Government to fund its entire judicial branch of government, among other things, which would end under statehood. But Democrats weren't thinking about how to make D.C. a State before proposing H.R. 51. The only thought in their minds was two more Senate seats, more control of the government, more control of the American taxpayer dollars, more out-of-control spending, more Federal overreach into the lives of everyday Americans. We have been down this path many times in Congress, voting yet again on a bill that has had no input from Republicans, nor has had much chance of receiving any Republican support on the floor. President Biden was elected on the premise of working together with Republicans, extending a hand across the aisle to do what is best for the American people. I have struggled to find many examples of that bipartisanship to share with my constituents in Oklahoma. But what I do have are plenty of examples of Democratic power plays, an unwillingness to let the voices of Republicans be heard, and H.R. 51 stands as a prime example of both. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to oppose the combined rule and to oppose H.R. 51.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Mrs. Frances Percival, who has dedicated 63 years of her life to the students of Millwood School District. Mrs. Percival began her service in 1958 as a volunteer with the Millwood School District, and then served in the Parent Teacher Association for several years. She was affectionately known as ``Mrs. P'' and a ``homeroom mother''. Fifty-one years ago, Mrs. P made the decision to run for the school board and was successful. In her five decades on the board, she was the recipient of many awards, including the National School Boards Association Award for Distinguished Service. In addition to being a strong leader, Mrs. Percival said her mission was to teach Millwood students to appreciate life and show respect for humanity. Madam Speaker, we should let Mrs. Percival's story be an inspiration for us all to focus on improving the lives of our children, our communities, and our schools. Individuals like Mrs. Percival hold together schools and communities across this Nation. I thank Mrs. P for her years of service, and I wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the combined rule and to the underlying measures, including H.R. 842, the PRO Act. We find ourselves today, Madam Speaker, at a time when businesses are struggling just to stay afloat, and in many States, unemployment numbers remain high. The last thing Congress should be doing at a time like this is making it harder for workers to find good employment. But that is just what the PRO Act would do. It cuts the opportunity for employers to make decisions based on what is right for their businesses, takes away the freedom of choice for workers who want to keep more of their paychecks, and makes it impossible for entrepreneurs to operate as independent contractors. Proponents of this bill don't want you to know that the so-called ABC test, based off a flawed California State law and used in this bill to define employment, would essentially abolish independent contracting and upend the gig economy. There is a reason that in the last few decades 27 States, including my home State of Oklahoma, have passed right-to-work laws. We the people want freedom in the marketplace, not a bill that does the bidding for union bosses. I implore my colleagues to oppose this bill and instead focus on solutions that make it easier for Americans to find good jobs in the economy.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the package of en bloc amendments. These amendments continue to go down a path that is partisan and unnecessary. I also strongly oppose the underlying bill, H.R. 1, the so-called For the People Act. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1 would retract the hard work that States such as Oklahoma have done to improve our election laws. When I served in the Oklahoma State Legislature, we implemented requirements to ensure the security of our elections in our State. However, H.R. 1 includes a Federal mandate that would take away the ability of States to oversee and manage their own elections. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from Paul Ziriax, the secretary of the Oklahoma State Election Board, in which he raises serious concerns that H.R. 1 would supersede most of Oklahoma's election laws. Oklahoma State Election Board, Oklahoma City, OK, February 25, 2021. Hon. Jim Inhofe, United States Senator. Hon. James Lankford, United States Senator. Hon. Kevin Hern, United States Representative, District 1. Hon. Markwayne Mullin, United States Representative, District 2. Hon. Frank Lucas, United States Representative, District 3. Hon. Tom Cole, United States Representative, District 4. Hon. Stephanie Bice, United States Representative, District 5. To the Honorable Members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation: As Oklahoma's chief election official, I am writing to make you aware of my concerns regarding H.R. 1, as introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, and its U.S. Senate companion, S. 1. H.R. 1's election administration component would result in an unnecessary federal takeover of election administration policy across the nation. One sponsor's stated goal of this legislation is to ``overcome rampant voter suppression''--yet I have seen no evidence of such rampant ``suppression'' here in our state. H.R. 1 would supersede most of Oklahoma's election administration and election integrity laws, making our elections less secure, more complicated to administer, and much more expensive to conduct. Although H.R. 1 claims to only apply to ``federal'' elections, almost all elections here could be affected because Oklahoma's state and county elections are held on the same dates as federal elections. Although the concerns with H.R. 1 are too numerous to provide an exhaustive list in this letter, there are some fairly amazing levels of micromanagement of elections in this legislation: from requiring ``self-sealing'' return envelopes, to setting the number of days of ``early'' voting, to mandating that new state voting systems be capable of ``ranked choice'' elections, to dictating how close voting locations must be to public transportation stops. H.R. 1 is incompatible with many of Oklahoma's existing state laws. For example, Oklahoma law requires that federal elections must be certified one week after the date of the election. But H.R. 1 disregards such deadlines, requiring absentee ballots to be accepted and counted 10 days after Election Day--which is three days after the state must certify the election results. This legislation takes direct aim at Oklahoma's existing election integrity laws, making it virtually impossible for election officials to verify the identity of in-person and mail absentee voters, requiring states to allow untrackable absentee ballot harvesting, mandating voter registration by telephone, and making it nearly impossible to prevent double voting by allowing voters to vote anywhere in the state whether they are registered to vote at that location or not. In an H.R. 1 world, Oklahoma election officials would have no means to reassure the electorate that an election is fraud- free. Other provisions will add great uncertainty to elections in Oklahoma, such as the requirement that tribal leaders can determine certain voting locations on tribal land--which given the recent U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt decision, might be interpreted as most of the State of Oklahoma. Finally, H.R. 1 does not include realistic timelines for implementing its election administration changes. By our estimation, implementing even a few of its major provisions might take years--yet H.R. 1 demands that dozens of major new election administration policies and technologies be put in place in time for the 2022 elections. This is setting up election officials for failure, and I fear that many experienced election administrators in our state may quit or retire rather than attempting the near-impossible task of implementing the provisions of H.R. 1 should it become law. There are legitimate disagreements about election policies. In fact, most states have very different election procedures. This is by design. Under the Constitution and our federal system of government, it is the responsibility of State Legislatures to determine the time, manner and place of elections. Congress should not attempt to implement a one- size-fits-all set of election rules for the states. For this reason, it seems likely that the enactment of H.R. 1 would almost certainty lead to costly and lengthy litigation. If you or your staff would like to discuss this issue further, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Sincerely, Paul Ziriax, Secretary, Oklahoma State Election Board.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, the Constitution is clear that States prescribe the time, places, and manner of holding elections. While the majority claims that this is a bill to reform our political system, the reality is that the changes in this bill would likely lead to a greater incidence of voter fraud and would deprive States of the right to oversee the administration of their own elections.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question today, we will call up a resolution that I introduced, H. Res. 178, which would instruct the House Clerk to modify the text of H.R. 1319, the American Rescue Plan Act, to direct $140 million from Speaker Pelosi's pork subway project and to instead put those funds toward critical mental health services for the Nation's children who have continued to suffer in isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. My resolution would ensure that mental health and suicide prevention services are provided in States where children do not have the option of in-person instruction in school, as isolation has been a major driver of mental health impacts on our Nation's kids. Mr. Speaker, children across this Nation have been disproportionately affected by the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that social isolation has had a significant impact on America's children. Social isolation during quarantine has caused many to develop feelings of sadness, anxiety, and loneliness. Unfortunately, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that there has been an increase in suicides among children following the imposition of stay-at-home orders last year. Another study by the Virginia Pediatrics Association found a 90 percent rise in cases among children involving depression, anxiety, and academic struggles. Mr. Speaker, there is hope. The CDC recently released new guidelines that recommend students return to in-person instruction where it can be done safely. Dr. Anthony Fauci himself has backed these new guidelines and has spoken in support of getting our Nation's kids back in school. The feelings of social isolation felt by so many children today can be quickly alleviated by reopening our schools. In areas of the country where reopenings are not happening, my resolution would provide $140 million to bolster mental healthcare for these affected children. I think we can all agree that the mental health impacts on our children should be swiftly addressed on a bipartisan basis. Mr. Speaker, let me state again that America's children deserve the very best. Let's defeat the previous question today so that we can provide needed relief and critical mental health services to children who are suffering across the Nation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote to defeat the previous question.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to thank Representative Cammack for bringing this idea of honoring our hometown heroes to the floor. It is long overdue. There are so many who have made an impact in our communities over the last year. When I think of the countless hours our healthcare workers have dedicated, their time spent away from family to take care of others, the doctors, nurses, and first responders, we can never fully thank them for their dedication to our country during this difficult time. But as my team and I discussed who from Oklahoma's Fifth District has helped this community survive the pandemic, who worked on the ground with people in need, one name was mentioned over and over, and that was Pastor Derrick Scobey of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He and his band of volunteers have worked countless hours to make sure Oklahomans everywhere were fed, not just in the surrounding community but in towns and cities across the great State of Oklahoma. In partnership with the World Vision Organization, Pastor Scobey distributed more than 91,000 boxes of fresh food in the past year. That is 2.3 million pounds of food hand-delivered by Ebenezer Baptist Church and his countless volunteers throughout the State. My team and I had the pleasure of assisting Pastor Scobey with a few of his distribution events in Oklahoma City. I was overwhelmed with the gratitude on the faces of those who were receiving these food boxes. This man right here is truly making a difference to those in need. He has been on the ground day in and day out making sure that more than 150,000 Oklahomans did not go hungry during this pandemic. In addition to food, he made sure that those needing furnishings did not go without. His group distributed 2,300 pallets of furniture to the underserved as well. It is a monumental task that Pastor Scobey took on, but he saw the need in his community. He heard from pastors and communities from across the State with similar needs, rolled up his sleeves, and he got to work. This Nation needs more pastors like Derrick Scobey, who aren't afraid of the hard work of feeding our communities not just with the word of God on Sunday morning, but with hours of heavy lifting, sweating in the heat of the summer, or trying to stay warm in the subzero temperatures, all to make sure those who were hungry have something to eat. So, Mr. Speaker, I thank Pastor Scobey for being a hero to Oklahomans from every corner of the great State of Oklahoma.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for yielding. I rise today as the president of the 117th Congress Republican freshman class to express our profound sadness that we all share for the loss of our friend and colleague, Luke Letlow. Luke was a great American who was committed to serving his country and the people of his home State of Louisiana. Sadly, Luke was taken from us way too early. I never actually had the chance to meet Luke. He was elected on December 5, which was the last day of the second week of New Member orientation. But as the freshman class president, I felt it my duty to make sure that he felt included by texting him, connecting him with other Members, and making sure that he had all of his needs met as he joined this 117th freshman class. Our entire class looked forward to being sworn in together on January 3, and we were devastated by the news of his passing on December 29 of 2020. We all know that Luke would have been a tremendous addition and someone who would have made a positive impact on this great Nation. I join with all of my colleagues in sending our thoughts and support to Luke's family, including his wife, Julia, son, Jeremiah, daughter, Jacqueline, and I am keeping them all in my prayers. It is interesting to see In God We Trust above the Speaker's chair because one thing I do know is that Luke trusted God.