Kevin Brady

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 528, had I been present, I would have voted no.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 527, had I been present, I would have voted yes.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, my wife and I are adoptive parents. We have a family only because two women in very difficult situations chose life. So this issue of protecting the unborn is dear to me and my family, which is why, whether you are pro-choice or strongly pro-life, as I am, I think Americans can agree, we should never use taxpayer dollars to fund these abortions, and we should never use taxpayer dollars to reward organizations that harvest the unborn lives or tissues for profit or compensation. These are gruesome practices. It is time to defund any organization, Planned Parenthood or others, and to begin to seek criminal penalties against those who profited from the sale of body parts of unborn children. This is the true human rights issue of our time, and those who defend this funding or these gruesome practices are on the wrong side of history.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, residents in Montgomery County are blessed to have non-profit organizations that provide a true safety net for struggling families and individuals. One of those organizations is the Montgomery County Food Bank which has been helping families since 1985. This food bank is an integral part of our community today because a group of individuals led by Betty Hardy saw a need and found a way to fill that need by partnering with other agencies. Betty Hardy has put others first as long as any of us have known her. She is a blessing to our community. She went from helping people on the crisis hotline to ensuring families in need had a meal on the table. Betty's passion to put others first is what led her to bring together several like-minded friends each week to organize and create food pantries, food drives and deliveries. Out of her commitment--and her garage, trunk and backseat--grew the program we know as the Montgomery County Food Bank. From the food bank's initial one-room office space this program has grown to service countless families. The Food Bank went from serving nearly 18,000 meals in the first year to 400,000 annual meals just a short decade later. In 2007, the food bank opened its first official warehouse with the help of a community development grant. Today, the food bank operates out of a 60,000 square foot facility that distributes several million pounds of food every year. They coordinate with a network of approximately 50 food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers and other agencies to provide fresh produce, meat and non-perishables to more than 32,000 people each month. Betty's dream of helping Montgomery County residents weather a crisis has evolved into the sixth largest food bank in Texas. Betty Hardy is proof that one person's determination, dedication and willingness to roll up her sleeves can have a far reaching impact on individuals and families who need to know there is hope and support in their community. Today, the Montgomery County Food Bank will hold its inaugural Food for Life Luncheon celebrating its past, present and future. That celebration begins with the accomplishments of Betty Hardy and her efforts to fight hunger in our community.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I didn't take an oath of office to defend my President. I took an oath in office to defend my country. The world is a dangerous place, and nothing makes it more dangerous than a nuclear-armed Iran. This isn't a Republican versus Democrat issue. This is true security versus false security at a critical moment in world history. I have read the agreement, and I have studied it. You have got to ask yourself three key questions: Does this stop Iranian's nuclear capability for the long term? No. Does it stop the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East? No. More importantly, does this make America and our allies like Israel safer? The answer is no. And even supporters believe that to be true. No. America deserves, Israel deserves, our world deserves, an agreement that dismantles Iran's nuclear capability, not just delays it for a small while at best. That is why I oppose this agreement. It makes our country and our allies at risk. That is why I support stopping the President, suspending the President, from lifting the sanctions in this agreement.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the 10th anniversary of The Montgomery County Association of Business Women of Montgomery County, Texas. Founded by my good friend Carol Gooch in 2005, the MCABW not only provides a forum for business women to develop and enhance professional and personal relationships with their peers, the group actively works to improve Montgomery County. After graduating from Leadership Montgomery County in 2003, Carol decided to form a group so that women could network and grow their businesses. The group was one of the first womens' networking associations in Montgomery County and its success has spurred the creation of many more similar groups. In addition to providing an invaluable forum for women to network, the group has continued to give back to their community. MCABW sponsors college scholarships for women graduating high school in Montgomery County and supports members who wish to continue their education. At their inaugural fundraising event this year, the group raised $12,000 which will be used to fund additional scholarships and charities. Not only does the group mentor women, MCABW has helped virtually every non-profit organization in Montgomery County including: Interfaith of the Woodlands, Montgomery County United Way, Children's Safe Harbor, Humane Society, and the Montgomery County Food Bank, just to name a few. While the ranks of MCABW have grown far beyond the original 52 members in the ten years since its founding, the mission of the group has continued to focus on a team effort. By working together, the group has grown to the largest nonprofit business women's networking association in Montgomery County. Members enjoy monthly coffees, luncheons and evening mixers while continuously mentoring new members who want to start their own business, learn more about networking or social media, or who just want to meet other like-minded women in the community. MCABW has helped organize the annual WISE (Women Inspiring, Supporting, Empowering) Conference. These conferences have given female entrepreneurs access to tremendous speakers and learning opportunities while raising money for charity. This year's WISE Conference has partnered with Rettsyndrome.org to raise funds for research for treatments and a cure for Rett Syndrome. The women of MCABW represent all walks of life--there are members returning to the world of work, young members who are just starting their careers, and seasoned professionals willing to pass on their wisdom and knowledge. Today, I ask all of America to join me in congratulating the dynamic Carol Gooch, and all members of the MCABW, on ten years of excellence. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Montgomery County Association of Business Women.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I honor my dear friend, Don A. Buckalew, and the golden anniversary of his ownership of Buckalew Chevrolet. For five decades Don and his family have supported our community and been a huge part of the Montgomery County success story. Raised by L. A. and Nellie Mae Buckalew in the sawmill community of Magnolia, Don was Valedictorian of Magnolia High School before earning his business degree at Baylor University. After starting his automotive career in Tomball and Humble, he became a partner in the Weisinger Chevrolet Company in Conroe. When W. B. Weisinger sold 50 percent of the company to Don in January of 1965, the name became Weisinger- Buckalew Chevrolet. After Mr. Weisinger's passing, Don bought the remaining 50 percent and the name became Buckalew Chevrolet. Over the last half century, the name Buckalew has been synonymous with customer service and community. Don has served as chairman of the Board of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and on the Board of Directors of the Houston Automobile Dealer Association. This Lion of the Year, Past International Director and Lions International Ambassador of Goodwill is a Lifetime Executive Committee Member and Director for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Lifetime Executive Committee and past Chairman of Montgomery County Fair Association, and has served as Chairman of Greater Conroe Economic Development Council, two-time Chairman and Man of the Year of Conroe/ Lake Conroe Area Chamber of Commerce, President of Conroe Industrial Park, Inc., and Chairman of Montgomery County Hospital District. From being awarded the Time Quality Dealer Award by Time Magazine and National Automobile Dealers Association to receiving the Texas Automobile Dealers Association Legends Award, Don's industry and community accolades prove that with strong business and family principles, everything is possible. Don Buckalew's unwavering support of youth and education is evident in his service as past President and Board Member of the Conroe Independent School District Board of Trustees. In a rare honor, Conroe ISD opened Don A. Buckalew Elementary School in 1998. In keeping with Don's love for all things Baylor, the Bear was named the school mascot and the colors are, not surprisingly, Green and Gold. Don and his wife Elaine are members of First Baptist Church Conroe. They have 7 children, Debbie, Donnie, Denny, Deann, Kristen, Bryan and Lacey and 13 grandchildren. Five of Don's children, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren have earned Baylor degrees and at least two more grandchildren will soon follow. An outstanding record of leadership, service, honesty and integrity and love of family are only part of the Don Buckalew legend. My friend's philanthropic heart--his unsung support of those in his community who need it the most--is an example to us all of how to walk in the steps of Our Lord. Please join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Buckalew Chevrolet in Conroe and in honoring the man who has set that standard, Don Buckalew.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the 50th anniversary of The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce of Tomball, Texas. There is no doubt that the Tomball area is experiencing exciting economic growth. The area, once known for agriculture, oil, and the railroad is now a bustling corridor home to tech start-ups and manufacturing firms. Throughout this growth, one thing has stayed constant--the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce's small town friendliness. Although the Chamber was not formally incorporated until 1965, it was first organized in the 1920s when a group of local businessmen identifying themselves as the chamber sent a telegram to a Marshall, Texas doctor to entice him to move to the area. Built upon a mission to provide resources and foster relationships that empower businesses to prosper, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is truly the model of excellence for all Chambers. The Tomball Chamber's great success is due in no small part to the local business leaders who over the years have worked so hard to make Tomball the great community it is today. Those men and women have been supported by a tremendous group of Chamber executives including Pete Still, Doris Johnson, Diane Holland and Bruce Hillegeist. I had the privilege of working firsthand with Diane and Bruce as a chamber executive myself in nearby Montgomery County. Diane not only led the Tomball Chamber for 20 years but was the first woman to hold the post of Chairman of the Board of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. Bruce, who currently serves as the Tomball Chamber's President, held that same post in 2010 and is widely respected for his vision, energy, and leadership. Continually advocating on behalf of its members, the Chamber was a driving force in the creation of the Tomball Tollway which has brought much needed relief from congested roadways. Additionally, the Chamber was a key player in bringing the community college to the Tomball community. Now known as Lone Star College-- Tomball, the college has become an integral part of the Tomball economic infrastructure with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. Today, I want all of America to join with us in celebrating 50 years of excellence. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. I thank Chairman Ryan for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, free trade is economic freedom. It is the freedom to buy and sell and compete around the world with as little government interference as possible. It is really one of the great economic rights of every American. Given the choice between more economic freedom or less, we should always choose more. We know if America doesn't lead in free and fair trade, we will grow weaker and our foreign competitors will grow stronger, and our factories and farmers and manufacturers will be priced out and shut down. Texas is made for trade. America is made for trade. It is time, through expanded trade, to preserve these economic principles that have helped us thrive and grow over the century. That is why Congress flexing its constitutional muscles and setting clear rules for future American trade is not just a good thing for America; it is a great thing.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I agree with the gentleman from New York that this is a bill that brings, really, a team of Republicans and Democrats together with their best ideas on how we can help improve Medicare for our seniors. This bill is titled ``Securing Seniors' Health Care Act.'' It is aptly titled. I am hopeful that today is just one example of more common ground between Republicans and Democrats, not just on the Ways and Means Committee, but through the House as well. I urge strong support for passage of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2582) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the risk adjustment under the Medicare Advantage program, to delay the authority to terminate Medicare Advantage contracts for MA plans failing to achieve minimum quality ratings, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2582, currently under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn), one of the thought leaders on health care on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong support of H.R. 2582, the Securing Seniors' Health Care Act of 2015. When Medicare began implementing the STARS ratings measurement system, they did so using the typical Washington approach of one size fits all. The STARS program uses the same measures to evaluate plans with different benefit designs and different coverage mixes. Congress needs to work with stakeholders and Medicare to reform this system to make it work for all. CMS should continue to study issues like the effect that socioeconomic conditions have on health care and the effect that coverage of duals has on various rating systems and thus properly serve their populations. This legislation is common sense. Let's not restrict seniors from plans they have chosen and like just because they aren't performing well under CMS's poorly managed STARS standards. Until we truly understand the effects of duals and low-income beneficiaries on the plan's STARS ratings, we shouldn't be terminating them. A 3-year delay will do just that: give CMS and Congress the time to address the STARS rating system and allow all seniors access to the plans they choose and that they like. CMS has made some poor policy decisions in recent years through the regulatory process in Medicare Advantage and part D of the prescription drug plan, and this years's call letter and rate notice is no exception. The changes to the risk adjustment system include masking coding intensity adjustments, while in press releases CMS touts not exceeding statutory levels of coding intensity adjustments. In plain English, Medicare Advantage plans are managed care plans, and the changes in the recent regulations handcuff plans from properly managing some of our frailest seniors suffering from, for example, blood and kidney diseases. This bill requires that CMS review the changes made in their most recent regulatory cycle and reverse those that negatively affect risk adjustments. This bill has CMS reviewing the use of encounter date as well. CMS has told Congress, the Government Accountability Office, and MedPAC that the data is not ready yet to show us; yet it is being used for risk adjustment in Medicare Advantage? That doesn't make sense. We need to see a stronger commitment by CMS to be transparent about their policies and their data in Medicare Advantage. The changes made this year to MA just don't make sense, and I look forward to working with all my colleagues to reverse some of these changes and make continued improvements to the system as a whole. I want to thank Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Rangel, Mrs. Blackburn of Tennessee, Mr. Guthrie, and Mr. Loebsack for their hard work in getting this policy moving forward. I want to, again, reiterate my thanks to Mrs. Black and Mr. Blumenauer on our committee for their leadership regarding these issues. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), a new member of the Ways and Means Committee and a businessperson who understands the openness and transparency required to improve Medicare.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), one of the key authors of the legislation and one of the leaders of health care on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I appreciate the leadership of Mr. Kelly, Mr. Bilirakis, and Mr. Kind from Wisconsin, who together, Republicans and Democrats, crossed committees and recognized the need for openness. Knowledge is power. Knowledge of Medicare Advantage and who is receiving it in whose district we think is very important to strengthening Medicare as an entire program going forward. I urge support for this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2505 currently under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, after my remarks, I will include in the Record an exchange of letters between the committees of jurisdiction. I stand in strong support of H.R. 2505, the Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015. This is commonsense legislation. It is truly about transparency in healthcare data. Medicare Advantage currently makes up close to one-third of the Medicare program's enrollees. The Congressional Budget Office projects that Medicare enrollment numbers will swell over the next decade and that Medicare Advantage will grow to over 40 percent of Medicare. It will be beneficial for Members of Congress to fully understand what the makeup of health enrollment is in their district, whether it is Medicare Advantage; part D, the prescription drug plan; or fee-for- service. Members and their staff will be able to serve their constituents better and more fully with access to this data. As we continue to work on, process, and pass legislation to improve the Medicare program, getting this enrollment snapshot will provide very necessary transparency and openness. I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly), Mr. Kind, and Mr. Bilirakis for their hard work in getting this legislation through the committee and to the House floor. With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. .House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, June 12, 2015. Hon. Paul Ryan, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Ryan: I write in regard to H.R. 2505, Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015, which was ordered reported by the Committee on Ways and Means on June 2, 2015. As you are aware, the bill also was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I wanted to notify you that the Committee on Energy and Commerce will forgo action on H.R. 2505 so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. This is done with the understanding that the Committee on Energy and Commerce's jurisdictional interests over this and similar legislation are in no way diminished or altered. In addition, the Committee reserves the right to seek conferees on H.R. 2505 and requests your support when such a request is made. I would appreciate your response confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2505 and ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during consideration of the bill on the House floor. Sincerely, Fred Upton, Chairman.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 2570, currently under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a very good bill. It is a good improvement to Medicare Advantage, and it is really a case of Republicans and Democrats finding common ground and doing it in a way that helps seniors with their choices and really tailoring health care to them. I strongly urge support for this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Black), a key member of the Committee on Ways and Means and a healthcare professional herself.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2507) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish an annual rulemaking schedule for payment rates under Medicare Advantage, as amended.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2507 currently under consideration.