Richard Burr

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we are here today to address the House resolution that deals with recognizing suicide as a national problem. When I am back in my district, I spend a tremendous amount of time in our country's schools. It is very interesting to watch the children in elementary and middle and high school these days, as they talk about the problems that they hear their parents talk about around the dinner table, not the ones that influence us on the nightly news but the ones that truly affect their quality of life. I cannot imagine a school child without hope, but, believe me, in our world today there are many children that go to bed at night without that hope. This is a reason that I cosponsored House Resolution 212 introduced by Mr. Lewis, my colleague from Georgia. I received a letter recently from a student in my district, and I want to share part of that letter with my colleagues here today. Her letter said: This letter concerns my opinion on teen suicide. There are more and more teen suicides, and it is becoming more and more popular. I think that teen suicide could be prevented. There could be classes that teens could take, not for a grade, but for them to build their self-esteem. If they do not feel badly about themselves, they will not have a reason to kill themselves. Let me read my colleagues some statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control, despite a decrease in the number of overall deaths of children age 5 through 14 from 1980 to 1998, death itself due to suicide in that age group doubled. While the overall number of deaths age 15 to 24 also dropped during the same period, suicide increased 3 percentage points. Mr. Speaker, any death leaves a hole in a family. A suicide not only leaves a hole, but many painful unanswered questions. It is my hope that by passage of House Resolution 212, fewer families will have to live with the pain, and more individuals will receive the help they desperately need. House Resolution 212 states that, one, Congress recognizes suicide as a national problem and wants suicide prevention to be a national priority. Two, no single suicide prevention program or effort will be appropriate for all populations and/or communities. So while a self-esteem class may be what is right for children in the Fifth District of North Carolina, House Resolution 212 says that Congress needs to promote a variety of types of intervention and treatment programs so that there is one suitable for every community in this country and their needs. Suicide prevention is an inexact science. It takes the efforts of all areas of society, teenagers, teachers, families, health care providers and, yes, even Congress. House Resolution 212 specifically encourages initiatives to, one, prevent suicide; two, respond to people at risk for suicide and people who have attempted suicide; three, promote safe and effective treatment for persons at risk for suicidal behavior; four, support people who have lost someone to suicide; and, five, develop an effective national strategy for the prevention of suicide. I think this is an excellent resolution, and I would urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 212.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, like this legislation, that would protect consumers, and I look forward to additionally protecting consumers with the gentleman from Louisiana.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. I yield to the gentleman from Louisiana.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2921. This legislation delays for 18 months CARP's decision to increase royalties paid by satellite carriers on retransmission of network broadcasts. During this period, we will have time to examine the impact that an increase will have on consumer rates and on competition. While copyright holders certainly deserve compensation for the use of their signal, rate adjustments should not be used to create competitive disadvantages. By passing this bill, we will help ensure fairness for rural viewers who cannot receive over-the-air broadcast and live in areas not served by cable TV. I would also like to take this opportunity to add that we could help all satellite subscribers by enacting legislation like my SALSA bill, which allows DBS providers to retransmit local TV stations to their local markets. This will provide a long-term solution to problems highlighted by recent court cases. In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2921, and to continue working on the other outstanding issues facing the satellite TV industry.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I missed rollcall votes 356 and 357 because I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote 356 and ``aye'' on rollcall vote 357.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to rise in support of H.R. 872, the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act. Biomaterials are the raw materials or component parts used by manufacturing companies to make implantable medical devices. Almost 8 million Americans have had their lives saved or improved by biomedicals, including anyone using a pacemaker, a heart valve, a hip joint, a knee joint or who have received sutures during surgery. Last year the Committee on Commerce found that only 25 percent of the biomaterials companies are currently willing to supply implant manufacturers with necessary raw materials for production of medical devices. The other 75 percent have banned sales of their raw materials to medical implant markets in the United States. This means that in the United States my colleagues and their families may no longer be able to get the pacemaker or heart valve or knee joint, once stockpiles run out. Why are these companies no longer willing to provide these lifesaving products? One hundred percent of the companies surveyed stated that a key factor driving them out of the American market was our out-of- control legal system that is bankrupting their operations. Tens of millions of dollars are being wasted on litigation cost for biomaterials suppliers to protect themselves from liability. Tens of millions of dollars that could be spent on research or making health care more affordable for the American people. Any American who has been sued knows how the system works. Even if they are innocent, they risk going broke just to pay their legal fees to prove themselves in the case against them. This bill does not protect the manufacturer of medical devices. They will still be liable to the injured victim for defective products. Nor does this bill protect the seller of medical devices. Consumers will still have every opportunity to get their full recoveries from the responsible parties. This bill merely says that the entities who provide the raw materials used in medical devices, but do not manufacture or sell the device, and, therefore, are never found liable by the courts should not have to prove themselves out of the same types of litigation year after year after year. H.R. 872 was reported unanimously out of the Committee on Commerce and has been negotiated on a bipartisan, bicameral basis with the participation and assistance of the administration. Eight million Americans are relying on us to protect the continued supply of raw materials used for medical devices. I urge everyone in this House to support this unanimous consent request.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, would the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Thursday, July 30, 1998, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 1998.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on the legislative day of today, it adjourn to meet at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 1998.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Special Agent John Gibson, Officer Jacob ``J.J.'' Chestnut, duty, honor, country. Many Members of Congress have expressed our collective grief over the loss of Special Agent Gibson and Officer J.J. Chestnut, but it is worth repeating over and over again. Officers, law enforcement, fire personnel over the country every year lose their lives helping all of us, American citizens. We should express our grief today and remember them as they remembered us, helping us through difficult situations. Condolences to the family. God bless you all. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley).

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today a saddened but grateful Nation pays tribute to two brave men, Jacob Chestnut and John Gibson, who gave their lives to protect the lives of others. There are some among us, even as I speak, who might not be here to celebrate the courage of these two men were it not for their actions in a moment of crisis. Let us pay tribute as well to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center located in Brunswick, Georgia, for the outstanding training of Federal law enforcement officials and the protection they provide. The Capitol Police undergo intensive training at this state-of-the- art facility, and they learn not only the skills that will allow them to act decisively in the moments of danger but the professional attitudes and corporate culture that make all the difference in a job that serves all America. The outstanding performance of Officers Chestnut and Gibson was no accident. The arduous training they received at the FLETC Training Center saved the lives of so many who are here today to say thank you and God bless you, Officer Chestnut and Officer Gibson.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support today of H.R. 2379. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I believe this is an excellent opportunity to provide a fitting tribute to a great North Carolinian, Judge Hiram Ward. Judge Ward is known throughout North Carolina as a distinguished veteran, attorney, and Federal judge. After his plane was shot down in a World War II mission over Burma, Judge Ward was decorated with the Purple Heart and Air Medal and soon returned to the United States dedicated to his education and his career. Following his military service, he was quickly accepted and enrolled as a student in Wake Forest College, and not university at that time, where a course in business law became his gateway to a distinguished career as a private attorney. Judge Ward went on to serve 20 years as a private attorney, gaining the highest respect from his peers and colleagues for his devotion, his honesty and perseverance in his work. Judge Ward's passion and dedication to his work is echoed still today by his peers and colleagues in the North Carolina Federal District Court and the Fourth Circuit. This reputation ultimately earned Judge Ward an appointment to the Federal bench by President Richard Nixon in 1972. In 1982, he became chief judge, where he would stay until 1988, when he elected to take his senior status. Mr. Speaker, Judge Ward is a man of commitment, service, and honor. He has provided North Carolina with the kind of service and dedication that I can only hope for in our future. It is my sincere belief that the legislation currently before this House to designate the Federal Building at 251 North Main Street in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as the ``Hiram H. Ward Federal Building and United States Courthouse'' is both a fitting tribute for a man who gave so much selfless service to his country and to the people of North Carolina. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) for his sponsorship of this legislation and for the rest of the North Carolina delegation who in a very bipartisan way supported this tribute to Hiram Ward. I think I can best say, in summation, that though we are here to rename a building in recognition to the good work and the dedication of Hiram Ward, in fact his reward has already been felt in the city of Winston-Salem and in the State of North Carolina by his accomplishments, his deeds and his commitment to the people of our great State. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tonight we have gathered to thank God for the life, the influence, the attitude, the service and the blessed spirit of Terry Sanford. He served as FBI Special Agent, Paratrooper, Governor, Senator, University President, Husband, Father and Grandfather in his life of service to his family, community, state and country. Terry Sanford left a great legacy of good work. Terry Sanford was a man dedicated to making the world a better place for those who were in need. He understood that by bringing people together much could be accomplished. Whether it was visionary goals for education or the advancement of the arts, I think it was his love of his country, his state and his family that drove him to succeed with every initiative he tackled. Terry Sanford was a very special person, willing and determined to do whatever he could to positively affect the lives of others. When the history of North Carolina is finally written, a prominent place will be given to this man who will be missed, but forever loved by so many.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 2174. It was never my intent to become a cosponsor of this legislation, and I believe a simple clerical error caused my name to be attached.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 196) to correct the enrollment of the bill S. 830.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask support for a concurrent resolution to correct the enrollment of S. 830, the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997. This concurrent resolution makes 6 small changes in the FDA reform act to correct technical drafting problems that have been identified since the bill was passed in the House and voice voted on Sunday. This concurrent resolution corrects section references, clarifies the definition of terms used in the bill, makes grammatical changes and corrects the effective date of the act. These corrections have the full support of the Republican and Democrat sponsors of this legislation in both the House and the Senate. In addition, I have a letter from Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala regarding the user fees authorized by this act. These fees will be dedicated toward expediting the drug development process and the review of human drug applications. The specific performance goals that FDA has agreed to which are referenced in section 101(4) of this act are specified in the letter entitled PDUFA Reauthorization Performance Goals and Procedures from Secretary Shalala. Mr. Speaker, I hope that these corrections will be adopted by the entire House. Mr. Speaker, the text of the letter is as follows: The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, November 13, 1997. Hon. Thomas J. Bliley, Jr., Committee on Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington,

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. 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 this legislation.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, today we take a historic step towards the future of health care in America. Today we will vote on the conference report for the Food and Drug Administration modernization legislation, originally H.R. 1411 in the House, and now S. 830. FDA modernization is not radical, it is responsible. It is not senseless, it is safe. For thousands of patients and their families, the FDA has become a cold, inhuman and indifferent bureaucracy with a lagging drug and medical approval process and a culture of unresponsiveness and disconnect. The FDA has become an obstacle in some American families in the hope for new treatments. The FDA, regulating 25 cents of every dollar in the U.S. economy, affects every American family. This legislation will prepare the agency for technology and medical breakthroughs for the 21st century. This legislation provides hope from the corner store pharmacist who wants to provide the best medication possible to his customers, to the hospital passionately fighting against an outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant bacteria strain, to the rural doctor who desperately seeks medication to treat patients, to the terminally ill cancer patient who has no medical option left in the struggle against a devastating disease. This legislation in fact puts a human face on the Food and Drug Administration. By infusing common business sense into the daily operation of FDA, we will enable the agency to approve safe drugs more efficiently and to reduce skyrocketing costs of research and development that is bogged down in bureaucratic red tape. I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Bliley], the chairman of the committee, Chairman Jeffords in the Senate, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Dingell], the FDA Reform Task Force, the committee staff, my staff and the Senate staff who literally spent hundreds of hours working on this very important legislation that I believe deserves the support of our entire House membership. Today we celebrate hope and life. This legislation would not be possible without hundreds of patients who brought their personal stories to Washington. Unfortunately, many of those patients did not live to see this day.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule, even though some have signed off on this crazy agreement. This rule waives all points of order. Earlier this year as the Committee on Appropriations moved this bill through this House, one section was struck. It was a section that dealt with reauthorizing the fees that pharmaceutical companies pay to have the approval process expedited for their drugs that are currently under the approval process at FDA. It was struck because in fact it is not the authority of the appropriators to authorize and extend that. Today we are faced with a rule that waves the point of order, does not allow us to strike from this conference report an issue that is clearly the responsibility of the Committee on Commerce. What are we in fact here to talk about? We are here on the brink of the ability to for once help patients in America, because user fees are great if in fact we have a process at FDA that works. For the first time since I have been here, the Food and Drug Administration was willing and has sat down and talked about real reform and real modernization at the approval process, real reforms that mean quality of care and better health for Americans. In fact, with the passage of this, with this point of order not having an opportunity to be raised, we put that in question. We put in question, can we actually get modernization of the Food and Drug Administration? Will the Bonnie Skylers of the world, who wait for noninvasive glucose monitors so she will not have to prick her finger 4 times a day at 4 years old to check her blood sugar, will she still have to do it with this? Probably so. Because we are so close but we have allowed this to step in the way. I urge my colleagues in this House to defeat this rule. Let us send it back to the Committee on Rules. Let us do the work in a manner that we are supposed to.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BURR of North Carolina

Mr. BURR of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. The gentleman from Wisconsin is correct, the chairman of this subcommittee has done an unbelievable job of trying to raise the funding of what is a very, very crucial health issue in this country, and I commend the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Porter] for his work and I commend the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Obey] for, in fact, his work also. But when we are faced with the reality that there are 1,000 new patients utilizing ADAP per month, then, quite honestly, the growth that we have was not quite enough. The chairman was very responsive to the request of a number of Members for a specific amount, and as this year has gone on, and this process, quite honestly, we realize that it is not enough; that as States, 35 as the gentleman from Oklahoma has stated, start putting conditions on those who quite frankly will die without this potential treatment that will not cure them, but it will slow the growth of the disease until possibly we can find a cure, then in fact the gentleman from Wisconsin is right, to some degree we are prioritizing where the American people's money is spent. Prioritizing it when we take it away from bureaucrats in Washington is a relatively easy thing; where we give a benefit to some and not to others, that becomes much tougher. Hopefully, Congress will see in the future that if we eliminate more bureaucrats, we do not have to make choices between those who get and those who do not. But, in fact, we have a very distinct population that we know are sick, that in fact the population that is affected is shifting from predominantly males now to women and infants, to those that we are going to be emotionally tied to in the future; that their hope for life is on our ability to recognize the progresses of science and of medicine and to make sure that in fact no person who is sick is deprived of a way to access that medicine. We will have individuals in this country without additional funding for ADAP that will fall through the cracks. They will not and cannot be recognized for Medicaid payments. And in fact, 16 States instituted waiting lists for access to certain protease inhibitors. Thirteen States have capped ADAP enrollment. Fifteen States capped or restricted access to protease inhibitors. Eleven States reduced the numbers of drugs covered by ADAP. To my colleagues on the floor, I would only say there is a wrong trend. For those of us who have to deal with health issues, the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi] and others on the minority side have worked tirelessly to make sure that the concerns and the real health problems of many in this country have been addressed. And they are not limited just to those with HIV; they span across party lines. And I would suggest to my colleagues this has no party affiliation; this is an issue about health. My only concern is that for those patients, be it those with HIV or others who have visited my office this year, who will not be back next year because we have stymied the development of new drugs or because we have underfunded those that we have, will in fact be the losers, not those of us here, not the American taxpayer. In fact, the loser is the one who we could not get the treatment to. This is about treatment, it is about compassion, it is about prioritizing where the Federal dollars are spent. I am confident that this body will in fact make the right decision and increase this funding even more so that in fact those who are most at risk will receive the benefit they are due.