Stephanie Bice

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, President Biden's waters of the United States rule seeks to insert the Federal Government into every stream, pond, and ditch in America, even those on private property. When I am back in Oklahoma, I regularly hear from farmers, ranchers, energy producers, and small businesses about their concerns with the Biden administration's WOTUS rule. For my constituents, it is absolutely unthinkable that a Federal bureaucrat from Washington would come on their private property to regulate an intermittent stream that may only have water in it for a few days a year. This is a huge overreach. It is also worth noting that regulations such as WOTUS, along with others from Federal, State, and local governments, account for up to 25 percent of the price of a new single-family home and over 40 percent for a multifamily development. Under WOTUS, the significant nexus test would result in increased regulatory uncertainty for Oklahomans. Furthermore, the ambiguous nature of its policies will further delay vital projects on strict timelines. Despite bipartisan opposition to the WOTUS rule, President Biden still elected to veto the resolution. American families, farmers, and small businesses are suffering under the economic crises caused by President Biden's policies. The last thing they need is more burdensome regulations. Today's vote to overturn Biden's veto would empower local landowners instead of giving power to unelected Federal bureaucrats. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chairman, I find it disingenuous for the other side of the aisle to continue to talk about polluters over people, and here is why: The Democrats are the ones that are wanting to pollute our environment. They are the ones that are supporting electrification, which requires batteries and rare earth minerals. Those same rare earth minerals that go into those batteries are being mined in China or other countries across the world with no regulations. They continue to pollute the environment, so to suggest that this bill is harming the environment is just ridiculous. Since President Biden took office, Americans have felt the pain of skyrocketing energy costs. Gas prices have reached historical highs and are still well over 40 percent of what they were when he was sworn in. Time and again, this administration has caved to environmental justice groups and held up critical energy infrastructure projects, canceling lease sales, and weaponizing the permitting process to cater to their political agenda. This is why the Lower Energy Costs Act is so critical. This legislation provides important safeguards to lower energy costs and help streamline the pace of projects by putting in place deadlines for filing litigation on final agency actions concerning energy and mining projects. The Federal permitting process is one of the most lengthy, arduous constraints that can delay projects for decades. I am glad to see vital fixes in the legislation, including my bill, the BLM Mineral Spacing Act, which removes duplicative environmental reviews and the need for Federal permitting when the Federal Government has no surface rights or only a minority share in the subsurface minerals. If the Biden administration truly wanted to lower energy costs, the President's budget wouldn't have removed intangible drilling cost deductions. If these vital provisions were eliminated, it would not only result in increased energy prices, but it would also cost the U.S. over 250,000 jobs and would have a disparate impact throughout the Nation. I am committed to cutting bureaucratic red tape, especially for our hardworking energy producers who have dealt with the stifling regulations from the Biden administration, and H.R. 1 is the first step toward lowering energy costs. The legislation is a commonsense, all-of-the-above approach, and promotes American energy producers. Simply put, we need to get back to what we do best--allowing Americans, like those in my home State of Oklahoma, to power our Nation with clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Madam Speaker, today the President will release his budget, and I thought it would be appropriate to stand before you to talk about how we got here today. There has been reckless spending under both Republican and Democratic administrations, but let me be very clear: We do not have a revenue problem. We have a spending problem. What is truly astonishing is that during the course of this 5-minute speech, the national debt will increase by $7 million. In the next 10 years, the debt is predicted to almost double. Furthermore, if the debt were divided evenly, each taxpayer would be responsible for $246,867 in debt. We should have heeded the words of George Washington, who said, `` . . . avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts, which unavoidable wars may have occasioned. . . . '' But it is not only George Washington, overall. The Founders generally disapproved of debt and believed that the amount the country owed should be limited. The U.S. national debt has increased by more than $8 trillion since late January 2020, the majority of which was under the Biden administration. This includes programs like the American Rescue Plan; the infrastructure legislation, which was really the Green New Deal in disguise; less than half of that funding went to traditional infrastructure; and the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. We can't continue with the status quo. For FY23, Biden proposed a $5.8 trillion budget. The national debt is becoming a leading national security concern. Foreign countries, such as China, hold nearly $870 billion in debt. It is Biden's executive orders that have led to increased regulations, higher inflation and, ultimately, higher national debt. Programs such as the student loan forgiveness program, canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, Waters of the U.S., and other executive orders that have cost Americans nearly $1 trillion. The CBO's Budget and Economic Outlook projects a Federal deficit of $1.4 trillion in 2023, an average of $2 trillion annually from 2024 to 2033. The President's budget will double down on failed economic policies that have been devastating for millions of hardworking Americans. It locks in historic levels of spending on far-left policies and higher taxes that will worsen inflation and drive our economy into recession. President Biden's answer--creating a culture of dependency that makes millions of families more reliant on the government. His approach will mean fewer people in the workforce, more people on welfare, and a stagnant economy for a generation. We are on the brink of an unprecedented fiscal crisis. Republicans have a strong vision for the country. It is called the Commitment to America. It is built on four main principles: An economy that is strong, a Nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable. Meanwhile, the Democrats have their own vision for this country, and it is weaker: An economy that is weak. The administration has significantly constrained economic growth, causing 15 consecutive months of 40-year high inflation. Prices for groceries, gas, and other household necessities have skyrocketed. They propose raising taxes on individuals, families, and businesses, which will result in even higher prices, lower wages, and fewer jobs. A nation that is at risk; President Biden's budget fails to prioritize the safety and security of the American people. It fails to adequately fund border security, leaving us vulnerable to crime, gangs, and drugs pouring into the country. A future that is built on dependency; currently, there are 11 million job openings in America, and 5.7 million unemployed individuals. This partisan agenda traps people in a cycle of poverty and government dependence. Lastly, a government that is unaccountable. The Democrats' proposed budgets represent a significant expansion of the Federal Government's role in our daily lives. It is essential we hold government accountable for spending and ensure that taxpayer dollars, yours and mine, are being spent wisely. There are theories that the rich and corporations don't pay their fair share. Businessowners pay taxes in numerous ways, corporate tax, capital gains, income tax. The top 1 percent pay 40 percent Federal income tax already.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the launch of the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, which will empower businesses and support the economic growth of the Asian community in Oklahoma. The Asian community is one of the fastest growing populations in the Nation and in Oklahoma, with nearly 50,000 Asian residents and more than 5,300 businesses in the greater Oklahoma City metro area, resulting in $203 million in payroll and $1.2 billion in sales. Clearly, the Asian community has fostered great innovation and boosted our local economy. I am proud to serve such a vibrant community and am grateful for their remarkable contributions to the district. Thank you to the incredible leaders and entrepreneurs who have created this new chamber that will benefit the community and beyond. I am particularly grateful for the leadership of Scarlet Le-Cao and her vision in starting the Greater Oklahoma City Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Her leadership will be vital for years to come.

Mrs. BICE

Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, since President Biden took office, he has waged a full-on assault on the oil and gas industry. Instead of unleashing American energy production, he has unleashed our energy reserves. Now, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level in 40 years. In an attempt to temporarily lower gas prices leading up to the 2022 election, President Biden has abused the SPR, which is supposed to be used for emergency purposes, and weakened America's energy security. Oklahomans and all Americans deserve more than the political games. H.R. 21 is a step toward allowing America to produce reliable and affordable energy and ensure we are prepared for true energy supply emergencies in the future.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I, too, rise in support of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support, or FLOODS Act, that we are considering here today. This legislation establishes and authorizes a number of activities that will improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's forecasting and communication of flood, tornado, and hurricane events. These extreme weather events occur across the country and impact millions of Americans each year. According to the National Weather Service, a typical year in the U.S. sees 26,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,300 tornadoes, and 6 Atlantic Basin hurricanes. My home State of Oklahoma is right in the middle of Tornado Alley. We are home to 86,000 farms that feed and clothe our State, Nation, and world. Entire families' livelihoods depend on weather patterns, so it is especially important that severe weather and excessive flooding is accurately predicted and quickly communicated. One of the most important factors in any farmer's operation is precipitation. It is common sense that too little rain results in a drought. But people often overlook that too much rain also presents problems for crop production. Precisely predicting extreme precipitation that can cause flooding-- whether it is over the course of an entire season or from a single extreme weather event--helps farmers determine what crops to plant, where they are planted, and when to harvest. But Oklahoma isn't the only State subject to the dangers of flooding. Coastal States face different challenges and have different factors that can drive their precipitation. The variability in weather across our country means there are no one- size-fits-all solutions. A mix of Federal and local services is ideal. That leads to many bodies seeking different data. S. 558 establishes a National Integrated Flood Information System--purposely modeled after the National Integrated Drought Information System--to coordinate and integrate flood research at NOAA. It also establishes partnerships with institutions of higher education and Federal agencies to improve total water predictions and establishes an interagency committee to ensure coordination of Federal departments with joint or overlapping responsibilities in water management. In one of the first Science, Space, and Technology Committee hearings this Congress, we discussed this bill along with the idea of a Federal climate service. I am pleased to see that in the bill before us today, my colleagues heeded my caution against increasing Federal bureaucracy by establishing new services. Instead, this legislation focuses on what we know works: enabling our established agencies to collect and acquire the data they need to be successful. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues who worked across the aisle to ensure this bill reached bipartisan, bicameral consensus; I urge the passage of this bill; and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, the FLOOD Act will be another arrow in the quiver when it comes to increasing knowledge that will help us adapt to changes in the environment. The National Integrated Flood Information System and an interagency committee created by this legislation are critical to that effort. But that is just the beginning. The legislation also sets the stage for weather prediction innovation through things like the National Weather Service hydraulic research fellowship program, and a directive to make flood-related data available to the public. My colleagues and I on the Science Committee had hoped this legislation would also be accompanied by a House-produced bill called the PRECIP Act that focuses more directly on precipitation data improvements. But under good-faith negotiations, we will pass the FLOODS Act today and see the PRECIP Act moved through another vehicle by the end of this Congress. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues in this Chamber and across the Capitol to continue to work with us to see this plan through, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I many consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7077, the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act. This bipartisan legislation would give the U.S. Fire Administration the authority to send specialists to assist local firefighter investigators in onsite investigations of major fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, last year had the highest number of home fire deaths in 14 years. As was mentioned, families in Representative Torres' district know the devastation of major fires after suffering through New York City's deadliest fire in over three decades. This single fire claimed the lives of 17 residents, including 8 children. By empowering the U.S. Fire Administration to partner with local fire departments, we can better determine the root cause of these tragedies and make sure that they never happen again. The U.S. Fire Administration is housed within FEMA, and it has valuable and lifesaving resources on preventing, responding to, and investigating fires. This bill would ensure that State and local governments can access their expertise and, hopefully, prevent major fires in the future. The bill directs incident investigators to examine the determined cause and origins of fires. It also requires them to assess broader systematic matters including use of codes and standards, demographics, structural characteristics, smoke and fire dynamics, costs, and associated injuries and deaths. Additionally, the bill also requires the U.S. Fire Administration to issue a report in coordination with Federal, State, and local authorities on their findings, and to provide recommendations to Federal, State, and local officials to implement to prevent similar fires from occurring in the future. This bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in May of this year. The Senate amendment added language to ensure that the U.S. Fire Administration would not affect or diminish the authorities of other Federal agencies when investigating major fires and would not grant the administrator authority to investigate a major fire for the purpose of an enforcement action or criminal prosecution. This bill incorporates stakeholder and agency feedback and is endorsed by the Fire Department of New York, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the National Fire Protection Association. I thank Representative Torres for introducing and leading the original bill, as well as the original cosponsors from our committee: Representatives Stevens, Meijer, and Gonzalez. I also thank Senator Peters for his work on the Senate amendment. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I rise again in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7077, the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act. As I previously mentioned, the U.S. Fire Administration has valuable and lifesaving resources in preventing, responding to, and investigating fires. This amendment would ensure that State and local governments have access to these resources and that the U.S. Fire Administration has the authority needed to conduct onsite investigations of major fires without diminishing the authorities of other Federal agencies or negatively affecting ongoing or potential criminal investigations. We cannot afford to let any more tragic and preventable fires like the one in Representative Torres' district happen in the future. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate my incredible Air Force fellow, Carol Hernandez, for her tremendous work this past year in my office. Carol has been instrumental in all things related to the Armed Services Committee, especially when it came to the NDAA and looking for ways to improve the DOD acquisitions process. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise has been crucial in helping address issues important to Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District. We will miss Carol, not for only what she brought to us legislatively, but mostly because of who she is as a person. Carol is truly one of the most kind, thoughtful, and genuine people I have ever met. She is also whip smart, an engineer, and an amazing mother to four daughters. Although I am excited for her new chapter, it has been a pleasure to have her in my office. She will be truly missed. Mr. Speaker, I thank Carol for everything she has done for Team Bice.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, last night I had the honor of being one of the co-captains for the Congressional Women's Softball Game which, for the first time since 2015, we beat the press. As was mentioned, this game is vital in raising awareness for the Young Survival Coalition, and for women who face the challenges of breast cancer. I again thank Natalie, Tori, Jim, and Atalie, and everyone else on the organizing committee, as well as the sponsors that made the game possible. But lastly, I especially thank Coach Perlmutter. This team--where is Ed? There you are. This team would not have gotten the win without you, and you, my friend, will be missed. It is always a good day when the Members of Congress get a victory over the press. And if they say they won, it is fake news.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. I rise in opposition to the rule to consider the Senate amendment to H.R. 5376, the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. This partisan legislation is full of new tax hikes, which will negatively impact Oklahomans throughout my district. Sadly, the legislation will only worsen inflation and further the Democrats' Green New Deal priorities. The bill should instead be called the Green New Deal lite. To make matters worse, the bill will not solve the energy crisis our Nation is currently facing. It raises the royalty rate for onshore oil and gas leases, imposes a new per-acre fee to nominate these parcels, and provides billions for so-called environmental justice initiatives. The legislation also includes a natural gas tax, which would make it more expensive to heat homes, cook, and more. Mr. Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to reject the rule and oppose this legislation.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I am offended that the other side of the aisle would make false accusations about Republicans' positions on contraception. This is fearmongering of the highest degree. I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 8373, the so-called Right to Contraception Act. This problematic legislation reinforces the left's pro-abortion agenda by utilizing an overly broad definition of contraception that includes pregnancy-terminating abortion drugs. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle would incorrectly have the American people believe that Republicans don't care about women's access to contraception. This is false. In fact, a report released just this week by the Independent Women's Voice demonstrated that 84 percent of Republican primary voters support safe access to contraceptives. I am pro-life, and I support a woman's right to access contraception. That is why I introduced H.R. 8421, the Access to Safe Contraception Act, which would preempt States from establishing a ban on contraceptives while still respecting pro-life values. My legislation would safeguard access to contraception for Americans, including my two daughters, and importantly, does not protect the use of pregnancy- ending medications, such as chemical abortion pills. I am also concerned that the bill we are considering today could endanger women by allowing the use of products or methods that are not FDA-approved. Madam Speaker, I say to my colleagues that we should reject this bill and instead bring up legislation to protect access to contraception in a way that respects the pro-life values of millions of Americans.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague for yielding. I rise in opposition to the combined rule, although I support the underlying NDAA. This year's NDAA makes targeted investments in our defense to protect us from increasingly aggressive adversaries like China and Russia. I was pleased to include a wide range of priorities for my home State of Oklahoma, and multiple amendments focused on supporting servicemembers, strengthening our cybersecurity posture, and deterring our enemies. Many Oklahomans were concerned when President Biden announced his intent to divest half of the E-3 AWACS fleet at Tinker Air Force Base. I worked on this issue for months and secured an amendment to slow the divestment and to retain the training pipeline that will be needed as we transition to the new E-7. I was also proud to work with my colleague and friend, Tom Cole, to secure $30 million for the new B-21 depot maintenance campus at Tinker Air Force Base. The NDAA also includes two bills I introduced: H.R. 7738 which would facilitate greater security clearance portability for departing servicemembers, and H. Res. 1143 which honors the USS Oklahoma City for three decades of service. With that said, I am concerned that the combined rule has excluded many important amendments that deserve to be debated. This includes an amendment I offered to stop the Department of Defense from recouping bonuses to servicemembers based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. I have heard about this issue from my constituents, and this practice must be stopped. Lastly, this combined rule provides for two abortion measures which I strongly oppose. I am deeply concerned that these measures would remove all pro-life protections at the Federal and State level. Constituents in my home State of Oklahoma overwhelmingly support these protections, and as a former State legislator myself, I find this approach to be unacceptable. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I urge my colleagues to reject the combined rule.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the release of the third coin in the American Women Quarters Program which features Oklahoma's own Wilma Mankiller. Ms. Mankiller lived an inspiring life, which has had a lasting impact on Oklahoma and beyond. Hailing from the Cherokee Nation, she was hired as an economic stimulus coordinator and founded the community development department. Through her incredible work, she became the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Under her leadership, she revitalized the Tribe's economy, education systems, and health and well-being programs. Her remarkable leadership made the Cherokee Tribe a national role model, but she didn't stop there. After leaving office, she remained an advocate for women across the globe. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given to civilians in the U.S., and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Ms. Mankiller's commitment to bettering her community and society as a whole is truly inspiring. May her legacy continue to live on forever.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the combined rule and the underlying fuel prices legislation in this package as it seeks to cast blame on hardworking Americans in the energy industry and offers no real solutions. The underlying bill, H.R. 7688, establishes de facto price control on fuels, a dangerous step that has the potential to create fuel shortages. Many Americans remember the long lines of cars waiting at gas stations in the mid-1970s, and they do not want to return to that scenario. But don't take my word for it. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned Congress last night that this bill has the potential to cause, `` . . . rationing, gas lines, and a much greater dependence on imported energy. . . . '' Madam Speaker, I remind my colleagues that the price of gasoline is determined on a global market based on supply and demand. The way to lower prices is to increase supply, and we can do that by unleashing American production. Sadly, the administration has been doing the exact opposite, delaying permit approvals, denying access to public lands, and gaslighting the energy industry. What is worse, just today, the administration announced that they are removing sanctions on Venezuela in order to import foreign oil from a hostile socialist country. In my home State of Oklahoma, nearly a quarter of all jobs are connected to the energy industry. Frankly, this legislation is insulting to hardworking Oklahomans throughout the Fifth Congressional District whose efforts power this great Nation. Instead of legislation that blames American energy producers, we should roll back the onerous energy policies of the Biden administration and unleash American energy. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject the rule and to reject the underlying bill.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 148th Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and Rich Strike's owner, OU grad and Edmond native, Rick Dawson. Rich Strike made history at the 148th Kentucky Derby overcoming 80-1 odds. This monumental victory is even more impressive as Rich Strike was not supposed to be in the Kentucky Derby, entering only after another horse was scratched. Rich Strike was added a mere 34 hours before the race was set to begin. Congratulations to Rich Strike and Rick Dawson for bringing the Kentucky Derby to Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 847, the Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act. This legislation supports research activities to advance innovative technologies to safeguard individuals' privacy. As Americans have moved more and more of their lives online, especially during the pandemic, it has also resulted in more digital consumer data and personal information being generated than ever before. This personal information has long been a target for cybercriminals, and it has only worsened over the pandemic. According to the Federal Trade Commission, identify theft increased by almost 3,000 percent over the past year. This problem is exacerbated by the failure of some companies to properly safeguard consumer data. This data is a valuable asset. In 2017 ``The Economist'' claimed data is now the world's most valuable resource. When safely utilized, it can do a great deal to spur our economy and support innovations like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our task is to ensure this resource doesn't fall into the hands of bad actors, putting Americans' private information at risk. Privacy Enhancing Technologies, PETs, may be part of the solution. PETs utilize cryptography and statistics to minimize the amount of personally identifiable information while ensuring the data sets are still usable. However, more research is needed to understand PETs' applicability and to encourage further development and adoption. This bill requires the National Science Foundation to support fundamental research into PETs, the mathematics that is the foundation of PETs, and additional technologies that promote data minimization principles. The legislation also directs NIST to work with stakeholders to develop voluntary consensus standards for incorporating these technologies into Federal and commercial applications. I thank Chairwoman Stevens and Representative Gonzalez for leading this very important legislation. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. In closing, Mr. Speaker, while the data revolution offers an opportunity to solve many of the world's grand challenges, we must also ensure these innovations don't put Americans' private information at risk. By supporting further research on privacy-enhancing technologies through this legislation, we are taking important steps to strengthen consumer privacy while enabling the use of consumer data. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5324, the NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, is dedicated to supporting, upgrading, and modernizing one of the best alert systems we have for extreme weather and other dangerous events. The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards system, known as NWR, is a highly successful, nationwide network of stations that broadcasts natural, environmental, and safety alerts to the public through radio broadcast frequencies. Whether it is an earthquake, tornado, chemical release, oil spill, or AMBER Alert, the NWR broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to 95 percent of the U.S. population. It is lifesaving and informative to everyone, no matter their location. Simply put, NWR is the single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. Many of my constituents in Oklahoma heard alerts through their National Weather Radio receiver last week when severe weather and tornadoes struck Seminole County in the late evening. Thankfully, there have been no reported casualties, and that is due in large part to citizens heeding the warnings of the NWR. The NWR is consistent, as it operates even when the power goes out and cell service is down. It is also trusted because of its accuracy and long track record of saving lives. But as with all technology, it needs to be upgraded and modernized to remain just as effective in the future as well as ensure current outages are short and infrequent. It was almost three decades ago, in the late 1990s, that the NWR network received its last upgrade. Since that time, operations and maintenance costs related to transmitters and antennas have increased. It should be obvious that technology has greatly advanced, as the very first iPhone wasn't available when these upgrades took place. As the world becomes more digitalized, we must ensure that older systems like this that protect lives and property don't get lost in the shuffle. That is why I introduced this legislation. H.R. 5324 authorizes upgrades to the existing system through timely repairs and ensures that the reliable infrastructure in place is not abandoned. This will help outages become less common. Mr. Speaker, to give you an idea of this need, right before coming down here, I checked the NWR's website to see that 19 transmitters are currently out of service, and nine are experiencing degraded signal. That means 28 areas and surrounding communities are at risk of severe events with minimal warning. This legislation also establishes a modernization initiative for broadcasts to transmit to IP-based communications and develop options for backup capabilities and enhanced signal transmission. This paves the way for future development and provides failsafe options, so NWR is never down for an extended period of time. Last but not least, H.R. 5324 requires NOAA to conduct an assessment of NWR access. This will ensure that the modernization efforts are effective and people across the country have easy, reliable access in a manner that is in line with modern technology. The benefits of the National Weather Radio right now are numerous. The signal can easily reach and educate vulnerable communities. It can cover both land and marine warnings. And when a disaster is over, NWR can issue an all- clear for a community that might be battered, but whose people are safe. Therefore, we should ensure its continued use by supporting its reliability and efforts to bring the system into the 21st century. I am proud to have introduced this legislation that does exactly that and will protect the lives of Oklahomans, as well as communities across the Nation. I thank the Environment Subcommittee Chairwoman Sherrill for leading this bill with me and for her efforts to work across the aisle for its passage. I also thank Representatives Kilmer, LaTurner, Bonamici, and Ellzey for cosponsoring it. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas), who is the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and dean of the Oklahoma delegation.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, the NWR Modernization Act of 2021 will ensure the continued safety of all Americans when experiencing severe weather and other emergency events. We have seen examples as recent as the past month of the NOAA Weather Radio saving lives in Oklahoma, Iowa, and Colorado. Although the National Weather Radio coverage is currently available to 95 percent of the U.S. population, I see no reason why we shouldn't strive for 100 percent. Every citizen, no matter how remote or isolated their location, deserves equal access to this lifesaving service. Additionally, because we have seen just how effective NWR is, we need to support its modernization and continued use for decades to come. Many services across different industries have used technology to adapt to a more modern age, and our country's emergency alert system should be no different. This bill allows NOAA to achieve both of those goals. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, we are now considering a Senate bill, S. 66, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act of 2021. I support this bill, and I would like to note that I especially appreciate that we are going through the normal legislative process here. Last Congress, the House passed H.R. 335, a bill introduced by Representative Mast, to address harmful algal blooms, HABs, in South Florida. This Congress, Representative Mast reintroduced the same language as H.R. 565 with Science, Space, and Technology Committee cosponsors Representatives Posey, Waltz, and Gimenez. H.R. 335, H.R. 565, and the bill we are considering now, S. 66, are all one and the same. It is simple language that is critically important to my colleagues in Florida and their communities, which are dependent on clean, healthy waters. The legislation requires the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia to produce an assessment of the causes, consequences, and potential mitigation options to reduce HABs and hypoxia in South Florida. The legislation also calls for the task force to assess our current work and identify gaps in research, monitoring, and management efforts. The task force will also develop an action plan for reducing, mitigating, and controlling HABs and hypoxia. This will build on the great work to reduce those in other parts of the country; namely, the Great Lakes region and the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is solid legislation, and I look forward to seeing its results in Florida. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act will help Floridians enjoy clean, safe, and healthy waters. That helps families and our economy. We have already seen how efforts like this can succeed in reducing harmful algal blooms in other parts of the country. This legislation will ensure southern Florida enjoys the same success. This is a great example of solid policymaking through regular order, and I appreciate all the work that went into it. I thank Senators Rubio and Scott for their work on the bill across the Hill; Representative Mast for his willingness to collaborate with our Senate colleagues; and Representatives Posey, Waltz, and Gimenez for leading this effort for the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7077, the Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act. This bipartisan legislation would help us better investigate and prevent deadly fires by giving the U.S. Fire Administration the authority to collaborate with local fire departments. With this authority, they can send safety specialists, fire protection engineers, codes and standards experts, researchers, and fire training specialists to assist with on-site investigations of major fires. The U.S. Fire Administration is housed within FEMA, and it helps enhance our ability to prevent and respond to fires through research and education. It has valuable and lifesaving resources in preventing, responding to, and investigating fires. This bill would ensure that State and local governments can access their expertise and, hopefully, prevent major fires in the future. The bill directs U.S. Fire Administration incident investigators to examine the causes and origins of fires. Their expertise will help local officials assess factors that contributed to the loss of property and life, including the use of codes and standards, demographics, structural characteristics, smoke and fire dynamics, and related costs. Additionally, the bill requires the U.S. Fire Administration to issue a report in coordination with Federal, State, and local authorities on their findings and to provide recommendations on how to prevent similar fires from occurring in the future. I thank Representative Torres for introducing this bill after New York's deadliest fire in over three decades claimed the lives of 17 residents, including 8 children. Representative Torres recognizes that it is critical that we empower the U.S. Fire Administration to partner with local fire departments to help determine the root cause of these tragic and horrific fires to make sure they never happen again. The bill incorporates stakeholder and agency feedback and is endorsed by the Fire Department of New York, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of State Fire Marshals, and the National Fire Protection Association. It is smart and practical policy to make the best possible use of our resources to protect American lives. In addition to Representative Torres, I thank the original cosponsors from our committee: Representatives Stevens, Meijer, and Gonzalez. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Meijer), my freshman colleague.