Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to stress the importance of supporting our allies in the region buckling under the weight of radicalization and a refugee crisis. The current surge of Syrian refugees sweeping across Europe is challenging the European Union to decisively manage and absorb hundreds of thousands of people fleeing hostilities in the Middle East. Within the United States, we have also begun to feel its effect on our borders. In an effort to further address the continued challenges associated with relocation and placement, members of the United Nations gathered yesterday for a summit to address the mass movement of refugees, with the goal of unifying member countries behind a more coordinated, humane response. Sadly, with reports of violence related to this crisis and an emboldened enemy that has vowed to take advantage of this vulnerable population through means of infiltration and radicalization, we must remain vigilant, and the safety and security of the United States must be our paramount concern. As political and religious minorities are forced to flee their homes to find safe haven, we must work with our allies to ensure that those who prey on these individuals and sow fear internationally reap only swift justice in return. We can ill afford for ISIS and its network of radicalized lone wolves to gain a critical foothold in Europe from which to stage and broadcast its horrifying brand of terrorism. One of these vulnerable allies currently in the crosshairs of the refugee crisis is Greece. In fact, just yesterday, one of Greece's largest refugee camps went up in flames, forcing thousands to flee. With civil wars in both Libya and Syria, Greece is strategically situated to respond, or fall, to foreign threats posed by ISIS. Souda Bay, located in the northwest corner of the Greek island of Crete, extends our security response capabilities by providing, operating, and sustaining superior facilities and services dedicated to combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments, and personnel. Souda Bay has and continues to play a key role in providing security to a region under continual assault from threats to humanity. Along with our strategic partner, Cyprus, which houses airbases used in the fight against ISIS, Greece is a key forward base for the Western alliance. While Greece's location allows Western forces a convenient base from which to confront ISIS, it also makes the country the front line of the refugee crisis. Because of its numerous Aegean islands, Greece is one of the largest countries in the world by coastline. As we witnessed during the height of the refugee crisis, that coastline provides many landing spots for refugees crossing the Aegean from Turkey. Just as Greece stands with us in the fight against ISIS, we must stand with Greece, providing technical assistance, surveillance and intelligence, and equipment, as it faces increased flows of refugees. Greece represents the easternmost borders of the West, and we must ensure that this border is protected. I agree, Mr. Speaker, there is a better way with regard to our national security. Moving forward, it is paramount that we work with regional allies like Greece in order to mitigate the rising death toll, provide a safe area for moderate opposition to form governing structures and rebuild civil society, and allow for the introduction of humanitarian aid. This issue should not be a partisan one, Mr. Speaker. Our national security is a priority we can all agree on. America has always been at its safest when we lead from the front and not from behind. We must not be afraid to stare down evil and take action with our allies around the globe, especially in the Mediterranean. Together, we must stop ISIS' growing empire of evil before more innocent lives are destroyed.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I introduced the pregnancy and infant Zika registry. This bill will establish a CDC registry program for pregnant women and will track infants up to the age of 5 so that researchers can get a better understanding of the Zika impact. This registry will collect information on pregnancy and infant outcomes following laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The data collected will be used to update recommendations for clinical care, to plan for services for pregnant women and families affected by the Zika virus, and to improve prevention of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. I invite all my Floridian colleagues and fellow Members to cosponsor this bill. It is a responsible tool to increase our knowledge of Zika and help increase the quality and standard of care for patients.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, and I thank the chairman for filing the bill. H.R. 5620 provides additional resources and flexibility to the Secretary to remove employees for poor performance or misconduct. What is wrong with that? It further improves the protections of whistleblowers that continue to receive retaliation from simply wanting to do the right thing. I thank the chairman for putting that language in there. Additionally, this bill improves the veterans appeals process with reforms sought to decrease excessive wait times for those waiting on a disability rating. I thank Representative Titus for that language, as well. In my district, I still hear veterans waiting too long for a decision to be made, which could take additional years on average in the appeals process--much too long. Mr. Chairman, this process is broken and needs to be modernized right now. So again, with that, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the seven inventors who have been recognized as the 2016 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. These inventors were nominated by their peers and have undergone the scrutiny of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Selection Committee, having had their innovations deemed as making a significant impact for the citizens of Florida and the United States on quality of life, economic development, and welfare of society. The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 by Paul R. Sanberg, Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, and Judy Genshaft, President, at the University of South Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Senate with Senate Resolution 1756 and adopted on April 30, 2014. Its mission is to encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to strive toward the betterment of Florida and society through continuous, groundbreaking innovation by commending the incredible scientific work that has been or is being accomplished in Florida and by its citizens. Nominations to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are open to all Florida inventors who are or who were residents of Florida and whose connection to the state has informed their inventive work. The nominee must be a named inventor on a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The impact of the inventor and his or her invention should be significant to society as a whole, and the invention should have been commercialized, utilized, or led to important innovations. The 2016 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are: William Dalton, Tampa physician, founder and CEO of M2Gen at Moffitt Cancer Center, for his revolutionary developments in personalized cancer treatment; Yogi Goswami, Distinguished Professor at the University of South Florida in Tampa, for his pioneering contributions and technology development in solar energy and indoor air quality; Alan Marshall, professor and chief scientist at Florida State University in Tallahassee, who invented the Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry, used to analyze complex structures; Nicholas Muzyczka, microbiologist at University of Florida in Gainesville, whose ground breaking research in adeno-associated virus has led to numerous breakthroughs in gene therapy; Jacqueline Quinn, environmental engineer at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, who invented multiple, globally-impacting environmental cleanup technologies, including NASA's most licensed and recognized technology for groundwater remediation, Emulsified Zero Valent Iron (EZVI); Andrew Schally, Nobel Laureate, Distinguished Professor at University of Miami School of Medicine, and Distinguished Medical Research Scientist and Chief of the Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute at the Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, for his discovery of hypothalamic hormones and subsequent applications of their analogues to treatment of cancer and other diseases; and MJ Soileau, professor at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, for his innovative research in the advancement of high energy laser optics used by the Department of Defense and leading the development of UCF's internationally recognized Center for Research & Education in Optics & Lasers (CREOL). These contributions made to society through innovation and invention are significant and life changing. I commend these individuals for the work they have done to benefit the world. In contemplating the work of these inventors, future generations can strive to emulate these honorees and their dedication to innovation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this past week, the Tampa Bay Area was impacted by the flooding as a result of Hurricane Hermine. I personally visited the flooded areas in my district throughout the weekend, and I saw families and properties that were devastated. Some of the worst-hit areas were along the Anclote River Basin. Unfortunately, despite infrastructure improvements throughout the county, this area has been repeatedly impacted by flooding. One potential solution is to dredge the Anclote River to help improve flood water egress through the basin. This will help provide residents with long-term relief. I have reached out to the Army Corps of Engineers to ask that the agency help craft a permanent, workable solution. The safety of our community is at stake, and I will not rest until we get this done.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I agree with Representative Graham that we must fund this and we must fund a clean bill. Whatever it takes, Madam Speaker, we have to get this done as soon as possible. I have been focused on the growing problem of Zika since March, when the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on Zika preparedness, and we have been working together in a bipartisan fashion to get this done. Zika is a unique problem that will only increase. As of the end of August, there were 2,686 cases of travel-associated Zika within the United States. These cases came from international travel where the individual acquired Zika abroad and discovered it when they returned to the United States. There have also been 35 cases of locally acquired mosquito-borne Zika. As a matter of fact, we have a nontravel-related case in our county, Pinellas County. There are 35 individuals who got Zika because a mosquito bit them within the United States. Because of this local transmission for the first time ever, we now have a CDC travel advisory about an area within the United States in the Miami area. If you expand the incidences of Zika to include the territories, there would be 14,059 cases of locally acquired infections of Zika. Mr. Speaker, this is a large amount. We must act now. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has nearly 14,000 cases of locally acquired Zika. That number will only grow, unfortunately. 624 women within the United States had Zika while pregnant, and 971 women from the territories. We don't know the full impact that Zika will have on their infants. Already, CDC reports that 16 infants have been born with birth defects within the United States. I don't know how many more when we include the territories. Zika can cause microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to other babies. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly. People are really scared, Madam Speaker. We have to get this done in a bipartisan fashion. Not all babies who have been exposed to Zika while in utero, have been born with visible birth defects. However, we cannot say that they were born without any effect of Zika. It is possible that they may have delayed development. That's why I plan on introducing tomorrow, the Pregnant Women and Infants Zika Registry. This bill will establish a CDC registry program for pregnant women and will track infants up to age five, so that researchers can get a better understanding of the impact of Zika. This registry will collect information on pregnancy and infant outcomes following laboratory evidence of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. The data collected will be used to update recommendations for clinical care, to plan for services for pregnant women and families affected by the Zika virus, and to improve prevention of Zika virus infection during pregnancy. I invite all my fellow Floridians and fellow members to cosponsor this bill. It's a responsible tool to increase our knowledge of Zika and help increase the quality and standard of care for patients.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, hopefully I get an opportunity to speak and continue tomorrow. General Leave

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the House voted to pass our Conference Committee's work on S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. I was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to be on this Committee and serve as a voice for so many grieving parents, loved ones, and close friends who have tragically lost someone from prescription or substance abuse. The product of our work gives a voice to those that unfortunately are not here to share their own stories. Opioid abuse and addiction is a top concern. It is especially prominent in our Veteran population. Our Veterans often return with both physical and mental wounds. The invisible wounds they sustain serving our country are just as serious as the physical ones, and we must find the best ways to care for each and every hero. Recent statistics show that 20-22 Veterans commit suicide each day. This is deeply troubling. We must do all we can to prevent Veteran suicide and ensure they receive the quality care they have earned and deserve. I am grateful to my colleagues for accepting some of my priorities that I have been diligently advocating for this Congress. Specifically, my initiatives, the Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery or COVER Act (H.R. 271) and the Jason Simcakoski Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise or the PROMISE Act (H.R. 4063), were incorporated into this bill along with other measures I have authored in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The COVER Act is a bipartisan provision which provides a pathway forward that will eventually allow Veterans to have a range of options for mental health treatments such as outdoor sports therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and service dog therapy. The PROMISE Act will increase safety for opioid therapy and pain management by requiring the VA and DOD to update their Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. It also requires VA opioid prescribers to have enhanced pain management and safe opioid prescribing education and training and further requires the VA to increase information sharing with state licensing boards. My bill encourages transparency and will further efforts to hold the VA accountable by requiring GAO to report on recommendations for improvement and assess the level of care Veterans are receiving. Additionally, the PROMISE Act will authorize a program on integration of complementary and integrative health within the VA and encourage more outreach and awareness of the Patient Advocacy Program to educate Veterans on their care options. Mr. Speaker, our Veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and we have a responsibility to ensure they are receiving the quality of care they have earned and deserve. We must hold the VA accountable and encourage optimal care for all Veterans who have fought for the freedoms we enjoy on a daily basis. Enactment of both these bills sends a clear message that enough is enough. Even one life lost is one too many. Those that have been bestowed the sacred duty of caring for our true heroes must have the training, resources and passion to do right. This victory would not have been possible without the commitment and tireless work of so many. I sincerely thank everyone for their support and advocacy in our efforts to combat the opioid epidemic in our country. Through the collaboration with families back home, stakeholders, and many others, we were able to come together to make necessary reforms and investments to really take a stand and save lives. First and foremost, I want to extend my appreciation to the Simcakoski family. Like so many others who have been affected by similar tragedies, hearing firsthand from families such as the Simcakoskis highlighted the need that we can and must do more for those who have proudly served to defend our great nation. I greatly appreciate the support from my colleagues in the House and Senate, especially Senator Tammy Baldwin for spearheading this effort in the Senate, Representatives Ron Kind and Kathleen Rice for taking the lead with me in the House, and those who cosponsored the PROMISE Act and COVER Act. I want to thank the following groups for their efforts and letters of support as well including: the American Legion, AMVETS, Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Disabled Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Blinded American Veterans Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VetsFirst, the Fleet Reserve Association, the United States Conference of Mayors, American Dance Therapy Association, American Music Therapy Association, American Art Therapy Association, Brain Treatment Center, Mental Health America, Boston Scientific, U.S. Pain Foundation, Performing Arts Alliance, the Certification Board for Music Therapists, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse, the Sixth Judicial Circuit's Veterans' Treatment Court, National Alliance for Mental Illness Pasco/ Pinellas, BayCare Behavioral Health, Veterans' Alternative Center, my Veterans' Advisory Committee, the Pinellas County Veteran Service Office, the Pasco County Veteran Service Office, the Hillsborough County Veteran Service Office, and the organizations that signed onto the letter led by the Coalition to Stop Opioid Overdose. I also want to thank Dr. Kevin Kip, who oversees the Accelerated Resolution Therapy program at the University of South Florida, Dr. Edi Dopking, Director of Quantum Leap Farms, Inc., Judge Shawn Crane of the Sixth Judicial Circuit's Veterans' Treatment Court, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Chris Nocco of the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, and Doug Leonardo, Executive Director for BayCare Behavioral Health, for their input and hard work to help our heroes. To everyone else who was involved, advocated for the COVER and PROMISE Acts, and those who spread the word on the importance of these bills through social media, thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart. Our Veterans deserve it all, and getting this done on their behalf symbolizes our commitment to uphold our promises as a grateful nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Conscience Protection Act. This legislation helps us protect our Nation's most vulnerable and protects healthcare providers' right of choice. The Conscience Protection Act will enable healthcare providers, charities, small businesses, and churches to have the power to make decisions regarding their practices. Our government should not force these entities to participate in or perform abortions against their deeply moral, ethical, or religious beliefs. No American should be forced to act against their beliefs. I am proud this bill provides protection to those who do not wish to be a part of these practices. I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce for their work on this very important bill. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, last week, the House passed a comprehensive opioid bill. I am pleased my Medicare part D drug management program was included in this legislation to help address the growing opioid problem within Medicare. This measure, which has the support of CMS and is recommended by the inspector general and GAO, would leverage a program successfully used in commercial insurance, Medicaid, and TRICARE. The growth in commonly prescribed opioids in part D increased by 56 percent from 2006 to 2014. This part D drug management program will help address this growing opioid problem within the Medicare program while assuring those who need medications will have access to their prescriptions. I am proud we could get this done for our seniors and all who are struggling across the country.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. We all have experienced the opioid epidemic in some way, whether it is through family, friends, or heartbreaking stories from constituents back home. Opioid addiction is prevalent in our veteran community, and I am proud many of my provisions to help our heroes were included in this legislation. I want to thank the chairman for including those provisions in this particular conference report. My bills, the PROMISE Act and COVER Act, will update the clinical practice guidelines used to treat our servicemembers for pain management and provide a pathway forward to implement complementary and integrative health alternatives within the VA. With this bill, we can help our struggling heroes and others battling addiction across the Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, of which I am a cosponsor. I want to thank Chairman Murphy for the extensive amount of time and attention he has put into addressing mental health and substance abuse disorders. He even joined me in my district to hear directly from my constituents about this particular bill. I thank Chairman Murphy again for that. We discussed the struggles that individuals with mental illness face and how Congress can best address the need of those we serve. With their input, we worked to address every aspect of this overall problem. This legislation will help countless individuals and families in my district in Florida and in communities across our country. I urge my colleagues to support this great piece of legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart. This past weekend, our Nation suffered a terrible attack in an Orlando nightclub. This was an act of terror. This was an act of hate. This was an unacceptable, unfathomable tragedy. Our neighbors in Orlando remain in our thoughts and prayers. As we mourn the tragic loss of life, we must stay laser-focused on rooting out radicals in our Nation who heed the call to radical jihad and aim to harm our friends, neighbors, and families. We must provide law enforcement and intelligence officers the tools they need within constitutional restraints to prevent the spread of incitement to violence and to hunt down the radicals. Protecting our homeland should never be taken for granted. In light of this tragedy, we must unite and stand firm against the evil in the world. Orlando, we are here for you.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, we are in the midst of hurricane season. My constituents and all Americans in coastal regions are susceptible to these devastating storms. Disasters can strike at any time, often with little warning. Just days ago, my district was hit by Tropical Storm Colin. The winds and heavy rains were intense, causing dangerous flooding. It is important that we have a plan in place. We must all be prepared with supply kits filled with potential lifesaving items, like flashlights, radios, and batteries. It is also crucial to follow local weather forecasts and heed any emergency warnings. The best way to guarantee safety is thorough preparation. My Web site at Bilirakis.house.gov as well as FEMA.gov both have important resources available to you. This year, be sure you are ready and safe.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Heck).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3969) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, as the ``Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic'', as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill is sponsored by Congressman Joe Heck from Nevada, and I thank him for introducing this piece of legislation. Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean was born on August 11, 1947, and enlisted in the United States Navy when he was just 17 years old. Throughout his time in the Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer Dean served on numerous ships and on several overseas assignments and earned several awards and commendations. Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean served our Nation both in and out of uniform. He served his fellow veterans and neighbors in Nevada. It is entirely fitting that with the passage of H.R. 3969, as amended, we name the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Laughlin, Nevada, the Master Chief Petty Officer Jesse Dean Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This bill satisfies the committee's naming criteria, and, as Dr. Heck said, it is supported by the entire Nevada Congressional Delegation as well as by veterans service organizations, including the American Legion and the VFW. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this great bill. I would appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3953, legislation to designate the Elfers post office as the Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office. I never had a chance to meet Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell, but after working on this legislation with his family and friends, I wish I had. Private Fussell was born in New Port Richey, Florida, and graduated from Gulf High School in 1968. Despite his love for hunting, fishing, and repairing old cars, Private Fussell pursued his calling by enlisting in the Marine Corps. On June 6, 1968, Private Fussell entered the service along with his friend, Jack Mathison, under the Buddy System program. They went to basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where Roger was the high shooter for his platoon. He also was honored with the Expert Marksman Medal for superior scores in rifle range shooting. Private Fussell then continued on to advanced infantry training at Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton. Private Fussell departed for Vietnam in March of 1969 and served with honor and distinction. On the 1-year anniversary of his enlistment, he was killed by mortar fire in service of his country. For his bravery and sacrifice, Private Fussell earned several awards, including the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, which is awarded for acts of valor and heroic conduct during an armed conflict. He also received the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, which is the highest military decoration that was bestowed by South Vietnam during the Vietnam war. Clearly, Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell is a hero who is deserving of having his hometown's post office in Elfers, Florida, dedicated in his honor. I have worked closely with Roger's family and with the entire Elfers community on this legislation to help solidify the memory of Private Fussell's bravery, American spirit, and optimism. His actions served as an inspiration for his brother, Timothy, who has gone on to serve his community as chief of the Port Richey Fire Department. Honoring Private Fussell with the Elfers post office's designation also honors the work of his sister, Myra. Myra served her community in this very post office for 20 years. Let's honor this American hero and his family by passing H.R. 3953 and by designating the Elfers post office as the Private First Class Felton Roger Fussell Memorial Post Office.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our Nation's incredible law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, we are reminded of the important work our local law enforcement officers do each and every day. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe. They are incredible. I am especially grateful for the life and service of Tarpon Springs Police Officer Charlie K. Kondek who made the ultimate sacrifice on December 21, 2014, protecting the citizens of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy John Kotfila, Jr., whom we tragically lost earlier this year. Let us never forget the sacrifice of these local officers--they are terrific--and others who have fallen in the line of duty, and let us be thankful for those who keep our communities safe. They are true American heroes, Mr. Speaker. I thank all who protect us. God bless them all. God bless the officers, and God bless America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 186, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay.''

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 4641. Prescription drug abuse, particularly with opioids, has become a national epidemic. It affects all of our communities. The bill before us today will authorize an important task force to determine and disseminate best practices for pain management. The need for best practice guidelines was highlighted last week during a substance abuse panel I hosted in my district with Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Botticelli. One woman shared her story of addiction and struggle to receive help following a surgery she had had as a 15-year-old gymnast. We must give people like her the tools they need for prevention and treatment in order to stop the spread of this epidemic. I thank the gentlewoman for sponsoring this bill. Please support this great bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4978, the Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act. This bill will help our most vulnerable Americans. H.R. 4978 will require the GAO to study and report on the prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome to help determine the size and scope of this prescription drug problem and its impact on newborns. Neonatal abstinence syndrome refers to a group of conditions that occur when a child is born addicted to narcotics and is going through withdrawal. This, unfortunately, affects my district in Florida and all over the country. I visited babies in the hospital. In 2013, during a drug summit in Pasco County, health officials discussed the growing problem of babies born addicted to prescription drugs. Pinellas County, my home county, at that time ranked first in the State for babies born addicted. We must do all we can to help those struggling infants and their families. This bill also includes two provisions I have worked on to reform Medicaid payments for abuse deterrent formulations and fight fraud in Medicare and Medicaid. Currently, Medicaid does not sufficiently cover abuse deterrent formulations for generic drugs. During a hearing, I spoke to Secretary Burwell about this problem, and she expressed to me the need for a legislative fix to this payment issue. This bill provides a solution and helps prevent drug abuse within Medicaid. This bill also includes a provision to protect the predictive analytic algorithm which identifies and prevents the payment of improper claims in Medicare. These tools, designed to prevent fraud, need to be protected from being disclosed to bad actors. Back in 2013, I introduced legislation to protect these predictive analytic algorithms from the Freedom of Information Act disclosure, and H.R. 4978 includes this important legislation. This legislation will help protect our newborns and all those facing prescription drug abuse and addiction. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank Representative Jenkins and the Energy and Commerce Committee, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4978.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and the ranking member. I appreciate it. I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4063, the Promoting Responsible Opioid Management and Incorporating Scientific Expertise, or the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act. This important bill helps us fulfill our promise to past, current, and future veterans, our true American heroes, Mr. Speaker. I introduced the PROMISE Act in response to the tragic death of Marine Corps Corporal Jason Simcakoski at the Tomah, Wisconsin, VA Medical Center. Jason's death, caused by a mixed drug toxicity and the combination of various medications, was an avoidable tragedy. My colleagues and I worked with local veterans, veterans organizations, and other stakeholders to get this done right. I am honored to discuss the need for this bill in the presence of Jason's family, who join us in the Capitol on this memorable day. We could not do it without them. The PROMISE Act can't bring Jason and others like him back. But, like Jason's family expressed to me, this will ensure future veterans get the treatment they need for their physical and invisible wounds. Currently, VA treatment for chronic pain is largely the prescription of opioids without consideration of a patient's personal history or preferences. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data on veteran opioid use. There are also inefficiencies in the VA identifying abuse of opioids and with patient follow-up to determine effectiveness of these drugs on a case-by-case basis. The PROMISE Act is the congressional action needed to rectify these problems. The PROMISE Act increases safety for opioid therapy and pain management, ensures more transparency at the VA, and encourages more outreach and awareness of the patient advocacy program for veterans. My bill also acknowledges that VA patient services do not stop at the initial consultation. It requires the VA to maintain realtime tracking of data on opioid use to help prevent overmedication and misuse or overuse of medication. I want to thank Speaker Ryan; Representative Butterfield, of course; our great chairman, Mr. Miller from Florida, a real good friend of mine; Representative Kind, Representative Rice, and many others who supported this bill and worked to make this happen. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to uphold our commitment and promise to those that pay the ultimate sacrifice.