Larry Bucshon

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of H.R. 6082, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act. This legislation will improve the ability of medical professionals to properly care for patients by allowing physicians access to a patient's full medical record, including information about substance use disorder treatment, while ensuring robust privacy protections. As a physician, I know that patients don't always notify their doctors of all the medications they are taking, and not having a complete medical record or knowing a patient's background can result in potentially life-threatening complications related to medical treatment. I have seen this in my own practice, and my wife sees this almost daily in her anesthesia practice. This is commonsense legislation which will ensure patients receive appropriate healthcare, while also ensuring the medical information remains private. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6082.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Thomas. A. Kazee upon his retirement as the 23rd president of the University of Evansville. A political scientist by preparation, this Ohio native became the face of UE. While reaffirming its decades-old tradition of world- renowned higher education, Dr. Kazee championed the role of the modern university and wisely recognized that it must continue to evolve and respond to contemporary challenges. As creator of the ``UE Guarantee,'' Dr. Kazee boldly defined UE's commitment to its students with emphasis on substantial financial aid, internships, international study, and graduation in four years. He prompted the University to reexamine its career development strategy even after graduation. He led a collaboration with the Indiana University School of Medicine and its crosstown neighbor, the University of Southern Indiana, in a transformational Center for Health Sciences in downtown Evansville. He orchestrated a master plan that led to construction of student townhouses, renovations of key academic buildings, and positioned the stately Lincoln Avenue campus for decades to come. With profound gratitude for Dr. Kazee's career as an academician, community leader, and outstanding steward of a great university, I join all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in his retirement.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Linda L. M. Bennett as she retires as the third president of the University of Southern Indiana. Dr. Bennett's steady leadership, wise counsel, and dedication to academic excellence has vaulted this still-young state university to a heightened stature. She raised the profile of its academic offerings, particularly in nursing and engineering, and expanded its reach through statewide involvements, community service, and online programming. During her nine-year tenure, USI experienced dynamic growth and diversity in its student population, attracted top-flight faculty, and became a higher- education destination throughout Indiana and across the globe. The campus, itself, took on a signature personality with new structures that helped define an enduring physical character. A highly regarded civic leader, Dr. Bennett has lent her talents to countless organizations and civic causes, and she has been widely recognized for her thoughtful contributions, many, of which, were conducted outside the public eye. I am grateful for Dr. Bennett's legacy of stewardship in guiding USI's development, and join all Hoosiers in extending my best wishes in her retirement.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Signature School in Evansville, Indiana for being named the ninth best charter school in the United States, the seventeenth best high school in the United States, and best high school in Indiana by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 rankings. Founded in 1992, Signature School became Indiana's first public charter school in 2002. Located on Main Street in downtown Evansville, Signature School has offered an advanced education for students all over Southwest Indiana for over 25 years. The education young Hoosiers receive at Signature School not only helps them prepare for college, but also for success in life. Signature School students routinely out perform national SAT and ACT averages, are recognized as National Merit Finalists, achieve a 100 percent graduation rate, and are offered millions of dollars in college scholarships. Ensuring all Hoosiers have access to a quality education is of the utmost importance because today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. I am grateful for Signature School's commitment to educating young Hoosiers and congratulate them on receiving this outstanding distinction.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor the life and service of Officer Robert Shawn Pitts of Terre Haute Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Friday, May 4, 2018. Officer Pitts was born in Vincennes, Indiana, and dedicated his life to the security and protection of his community. He proudly served with the Terre Haute Police Department for the past 16 years and with the Sullivan Police Department for 6 years prior to joining the force in Terre Haute. He was also a member of the Special Response Team and the U.S. Marshals Task Force. I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Officer Pitts, especially his three children: Brooke, Austin, and Dakota. Law enforcement personnel across this country go to work every day to serve and protect our communities. These brave men and women risk everything to keep our cities and our families safe and secure. Events like these are somber reminders of what heroes who stand on the thin blue line and their families sacrifice on our behalf.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Baker's Creek Baptist Church in Eureka, Indiana for 200 years of service and fellowship in Southwest Indiana. Dating back to 1818, the Baker's Creek Baptist Church is the second oldest church in Spencer County. It has served not just as a place of worship, but also as a refuge for those in times of trouble and means of encouragement for men and women of faith, including influential Americans such as President Abraham Lincoln. Through the Lord's grace and the devotion of leaders like Pastor James Carl Jones, Baker's Creek Baptist Church has remained a place for the congregation to worship and come together as a community. I am grateful for Baker's Creek Baptist Church's rich history of service over the past 200 years and excited for what the future holds. Again, congratulations on achieving this tremendous milestone.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of First Lieutenant Clay Cullen. On the weekend of January 20, 2018, Lieutenant Cullen was killed in a training accident while serving in the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. He was an American hero and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Lieutenant Cullen was 25 years old and the son of Robert and Julie Cullen of Bicknell, which is located in Knox County, Indiana. He was an enigmatic young man that left a wave of positive impressions on the people he touched. He attended North Knox Junior/Senior High School where he excelled both in the classroom and on the field. He was named most valuable player of the soccer team while also being an active member of the National Honor Society and the student council. After graduating from high school, Lieutenant Cullen enrolled and attended Vincennes University before moving on to attend Indiana University where he served in the National Guard. Upon graduation from IU in 2015, he became a commissioned officer on active duty. During his years of service, Lieutenant Cullen received several awards including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Cullen served his country to his fullest ability and his service will never be forgotten. Please join me today in commemorating the life of First Lieutenant Clay Cullen for his service to our nation.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an important milestone in Indiana history, the bicentennial of Spencer County, Indiana. Founded in 1818 by Captain Spier Spencer, this rural county along the Ohio River was the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln. Years later, when recalling his time in Spencer County, the man who became our 16th President stated quite succinctly: ``There, I grew up.'' In addition to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and a scenic state park, Spencer County is home to St. Meinrad Archabbey and Indiana's premier tourist destinations, Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. Wildly recognized as the world's first theme park, Holiday World draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the county each year. Today, strategically connected to the world by Interstate 64, US 231, rail, and the Ohio River, Spencer County has become a leader in agriculture, manufacturing, maritime and ground logistics, steel production, power generation, and world class family entertainment. I proudly salute the citizens and the wonderful hometowns of Spencer County on this notable occasion.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Whether it is turning on the light above the kitchen table in a home or powering heavy machinery in a factory, the American people expect there to be reliable and affordable energy to power their lives and our economy. That is why it is important that we take advantage of all forms of American-made energy. According to Department of Energy estimates, there are more than 50,000 suitable nonpowered dams across the country that collectively have the technical potential to add 12 gigawatts of hydropower capacity. To put that in context, that is the same potential capacity as two dozen coal-fired power plants. Back home in Indiana, there are six nonpowered dams located in the Eighth District that could benefit from an expedited permitting process that promotes hydropower generation and provides quality Hoosier jobs. Unfortunately, unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean, renewable energy from hydropower at existing nonpowered dams. The current regulatory process simply takes too long, taking up to a decade to approve a project, which stifles the investment needed to bring additional capacity at existing dams online. We have the opportunity to change this with H.R. 2872, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act. Specifically, this legislation cuts through the red tape and instructs FERC to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in just 2 years or less. Streamlining the permitting process for qualifying nonpowered dam projects represents an important first step in modernizing our existing infrastructure. Additionally, it will incentivize investments in clean hydropower development, allowing us to take advantage of an American source of energy. I applaud both sides of the aisle for their work to reach a bipartisan solution, and I ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2872.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act, which extends the State Children's Health Insurance Program, SCHIP, for another 5 years. In 1997, Congress created S-CHIP in partnership with the States to meet the healthcare needs of lower income kids. Last year, nearly 100,000 Hoosier kids received health insurance thanks to this critical program. I am proud that this legislation will continue to protect vulnerable children in the Eighth District of Indiana. This bill also extends 2 years of funding for federally qualified health centers, family-to-family health information centers, and other important public health programs. This funding provides important healthcare services, resources, and information for families in the Eighth District and across America. I urge my colleagues to support passage of the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion for higher education, Dr. Daniel J. Bradley, the 11th president of Indiana State University. During his 9-year tenure at Indiana State, Dr. Bradley has led ISU to achieve the highest enrollment in school history, added new degree programs to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce, and completed more than $300 million in capital projects on the campus. Most importantly, Dr. Bradley has improved student success by increasing the student retention rate and increasing the student graduation rate. From his service to our country in the U.S. Army to his service to the students of Indiana State University, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Bradley on his retirement at the end of this year.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a notable Hoosier milestone, the bicentennial of the city of Petersburg, Indiana. Located in Pike County, this southern Indiana community was settled on land donated by Peter Brenton in 1817, and was established just 1 year later after Indiana had become a State. From its earliest days as a pioneer settlement near the Buffalo Trace and the White River, Petersburg is today a vibrant commercial and residential community and the seat of the county government. Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, it is a leader in Indiana's power generation industry. While rightfully proud of its favorite son, baseball great Gil Hodges, Petersburg is squarely focused on a promising future. It boasts wonderful, new downtown housing, a new county public library, and just dedicated its new fire department. It looks forward to exciting development opportunities along I-69. I proudly salute the city of Petersburg; its mayor, R.C. Klipsch; and its loyal citizens on this historic occasion.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor an important milestone for a Hoosier manufacturer. Berry Global, located in Evansville, Indiana, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. What started as an operation of three employees has grown to an international powerhouse of 2,400 employees and 23,000 employees throughout the world. As the Evansville Courier and Press wrote recently, ``Berry Global is an undeniable Evansville success story.'' Berry Global has been a pillar of our community and helped support our economy in southern Indiana. This success is an undeniable testament to the hardworking men and women who go to work at Berry Global every day. Congratulations to everyone at Berry Global on a tremendous 50 years. Here is to the next 50.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, self-driving cars, once a providence of science fiction, are quickly becoming a reality. Self-driving vehicle technology has the potential to increase access to transportation in our rural communities, freedom for those unable to drive today, and improved safety for thousands of Hoosiers and other citizens across the country. Furthermore, development of this innovative technology maintains America's technological leadership in the world and presents new economic opportunities for our citizens. The SELF DRIVE Act creates a regulatory framework to allow for self- driving vehicle technology to continue moving forward while also ensuring consumers are protected. I ask my colleagues to join me today and vote in favor of this bipartisan package.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a rebounding community in the Eighth District of Indiana. Sullivan County, Indiana, is located in central western Indiana, along the Wabash River. It is home to roughly 21,000 proud, hardworking Hoosiers. The local economy relies on manufacturing and the coal and transportation industries. In the first 6 months of this new administration, we have worked with the Trump administration to roll back the aggressive, job-killing Federal regulations of the last 8 years that have devastated this area of the country. The agenda we have set forth of less regulation and lower taxes is breathing life into our local economies and communities like Sullivan, Indiana. As of May 2017, the unemployment rate in Sullivan County is at a 27- year low, sitting at 3.3 percent. Just a year ago, the unemployment was 7 percent. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to work on behalf of the American people, I am hopeful this trend continues.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of a time-honored U.S. Navy tradition: the change of command at NSWC Crane, a vital military command in my district in southern Indiana, located on the Navy's third largest base in the world. Today, as we welcome our new commanding officer, Captain Mark Oesterreich, and family, to southwest Indiana, we say good-bye to Captain J.T. Elder, who has steered this premier center of excellence for the past 3 years. Captain Elder empowered his team to manage NSWC Crane by focusing on people, connecting with its workforce, and being a champion for leadership development. As a community leader, he realized that fostering relationships with neighboring cities, towns, and counties was essential to attracting and retaining Crane's outstanding workforce, and nurturing its workforce for the years ahead. As Hoosiers everywhere join in salute, we are deeply indebted to Captain Elder for his remarkable 28-year contribution to our Nation's defense. I wish Captain Elder and Cynthia fair winds and following seas in the next chapter of their lives.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, the FDA Reauthorization Act we are considering today provides the FDA the resources it needs to ensure innovative and lifesaving drugs and medical devices are brought to the market in a safe and expedient manner, while providing transparency and certainty to manufacturers. Further, the device inspection and regulatory improvements title reflects language I introduced with Representatives Brooks, Peters, and Butterfield, which sets forth a risk-based approach to medical device establishment inspections and improves predictability for scheduled inspections, among other provisions. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I look forward to moving it through Congress and sending it to the President's desk.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, let's be clear. So-called sanctuary cities have become a safe haven for illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. They undermine Federal law and put the safety of law-abiding citizens at risk. Kate Steinle was murdered in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant who had seven felonies and had been deported five times. Where was Kate's sanctuary? We are a country of laws, and we must enforce them and hold accountable anyone who violates them. Sarah Root was killed by an illegal immigrant, street racing drunk. Grant Ronnebeck was murdered in cold blood by working the nightshift at a convenience store. Mr. Speaker, no family should ever have to go through what these families have faced. Kate's Law and the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act will help protect our communities and help protect families from these senseless and preventable tragedies.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Chair, as a physician I have seen firsthand how frivolous lawsuits against experienced physicians have hindered the health care system and increased costs to all patients. It is imperative we address this through common sense legislation. This amendment would require expert witnesses in medical malpractice negligence cases to have practiced in the same specialty and geographical area as the physician defendant. This limitation ensures that the expert witness has the qualified experience with and knowledge of the standard of care recognized in their local communities. I was a heart surgeon. I was not qualified to testify in a dermatology case. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting yes on Dr. Roe's amendment and the Protecting Access to Care Act.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for holding this Special Order tonight to talk about this really important subject on behalf of the American people. The opioid abuse disorder and drug addiction have impacted every community in our Nation. The epidemic knows know boundaries; does not discriminate based on age, gender, or socioeconomic status. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 91 American lives are lost every day from an opioid abuse overdose. Unfortunately, drug overdoses in Indiana have increased fivefold over the past decade, and southern Indiana and the Wabash Valley, the area I represent, are bearing the brunt of this devastation. This year in Vigo County, Indiana, population around 108,000 citizens, authorities have responded to over 16 opioid- or heroin- induced overdoses already this year. Vanderburgh County, Indiana, 182,000 citizens, saw 29 deaths from overdose in 2016, which is a fourfold increase from the prior year. This year, the county has seen 25 confirmed heroin- or fentanyl-related overdoses already, but the coroner thinks it may be more. Just this month, we have seen reports of instances of an opioid-based drug called gray death in Evansville, Indiana. We are working here in Congress with our States and local communities to finally bring relief to these families, but a lot of work has to be done. While we still have much to do, over the past couple of years, we have actually made significant progress to bring hope to our communities and expand access to treatment for those who need it. I was proud to be part of our efforts that we put into law, the landmark legislation, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA, and I had the opportunity to author a portion of CARA that expanded access to medication-assisted opioid use disorder treatment, ensure patients have wider access to more comprehensive-based treatment options, and helped minimize the potential for diversion. As Congressman Murphy mentioned, the key here is ongoing therapy, counseling, and monitoring. Medication-assisted treatment is not a panacea, but it is a component of a more comprehensive treatment plan for each individual. Through our work in implementing the 21st Century Cures Act, Congress has provided significant funding for the States. In fact, Indiana recently was granted nearly $11 million from the Department of Health and Human Services to help us with this epidemic. Again, most of us know someone, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, who has been impacted by this epidemic in some way. As a physician, I have seen the power of addiction up close and have focused on shaping real policy solutions here in Washington, D.C., to improve access to treatment for patients who are battling their problem every day. We all share in this fight, and we can't end this epidemic through policy changes alone. It is ongoing, and it is going to take all of us working together as a community to meet this challenge. In that respect, I have met with and have been working with people who represent medical schools and residency programs in our country to help better educate the physician on prescribing habits as it relates to pain, whether that is surgical pain or chronic pain. It is a multifaceted approach, and I commend Congressman Murphy for his dedication to helping end this crisis in our country, and I thank him for yielding.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officers across this country go to work every day to serve and protect our communities. These brave men and women risk everything to keep our communities and our families safe and secure, and they do it selflessly. I recently attended a ceremony in Putnam County, Indiana, honoring the service and sacrifice of the Indiana State Police officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. Yesterday I was at the White House with Vice President Pence to recognize the dedication of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police and to remember the service of the late sheriff's deputy of Howard County, Carl Koontz, who was killed in the line of duty. Events like these are somber reminders of what these heroes who stand on the thin blue line, and their families, sacrifice on our behalf. We should all be grateful. Mr. Speaker, this legislation ensures that officers who fall in the line of duty, and their families, receive the justice they deserve. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation that confirms the United States Congress stands behind our law enforcement.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, when ObamaCare was debated 7 years ago, I wrote my Member of Congress to urge him to vote against what I saw as a government takeover of our healthcare system. At that time, I was a practicing physician, and I could foresee the disastrous consequences of this law and what it would do to patients across this country, including my own. And I wasn't alone. Citizens from every corner of America stood up and demanded that Congress reject the ObamaCare bill, but we were ignored. Since then, out-of-pocket costs for families have skyrocketed, patient-choice has evaporated, and ObamaCare has inched closer to the brink of collapse. In that time, those same Americans who fought against passage of ObamaCare have delivered Republicans majorities in the House, in the Senate, and put a Republican in the White House. They did so, in part, based on our promises to repeal and replace ObamaCare. And here we stand, 7 years after ObamaCare passed, with the opportunity to finally deliver on that promise, and to bring relief to patients across this country who haven't been able to find the care they were promised at a cost they can afford. It is an opportunity for us to fulfill our promise to our constituents. Let's be clear: a vote against this bill today is a vote for preservation of the ObamaCare disaster, a vote to keep critical healthcare decisions in the hands of bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., and a vote against the largest entitlement reform in a generation. I urge all of my colleagues to do the right thing and vote for this bill.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, many of us have come here to the floor to share with the country and our colleagues statistics and data demonstrating how ObamaCare is failing patients. We have shown the numbers related to skyrocketing premiums and deductibles and reduction of patient choice. Today, I want to share what my constituents are saying about their firsthand experiences with ObamaCare. From comments we have received: My deductible went from $250 to $2,500. Our deductible skyrocketed to double the amount we were paying. Plus, it provided fewer options. Our premiums have skyrocketed. We had few options from plans. We had to switch doctors. We own a pharmacy. We see many with high premiums who can't afford the very things they need. Cost of insurance keeps going up. It has never gone down. I don't have insurance. It is too expensive, and I have kids to feed. Mr. Speaker, the status quo under ObamaCare is unacceptable. It would be irresponsible and unethical not to act. Our plan, House Republicans, will bring families relief by repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act with reforms that lower costs and expand access to quality affordable health care to all of our citizens.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, last week, I met with a group of my constituents to discuss their experiences with the Affordable Care Act. Here is what I heard: My deductible went from $2,500 to $6,000, so it wasn't even worth it. The first year wasn't too bad until I found out I needed a knee replacement, said a constituent who found out her surgery wouldn't be covered because her physician was excluded from her plan's network. A professor who saw his hours cut after passage of ObamaCare and lost his insurance because it didn't comply with the law's mandates said: I had to get a second job and sometimes a third job, and it made it very difficult. A local small business owner saw premiums on his group plan increase by as much as $2,500 a month for family coverage and $975 a month for single employee coverage. There were skyrocketing premiums, unaffordable deductibles, restricted access to physicians, and loss of coverage. Mr. Speaker, these are real stories from real people in my district who want relief from the Affordable Care Act. We are working to save patients from this disastrous law and to build a better healthcare system that lowers costs, expands access, and empowers patients.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, as a medical provider, I understand how critical and necessary patient choice and input is to the overall quality of our healthcare system. Put simply, patients are better off when they are equipped to make their own decisions. Unfortunately, ObamaCare limits patient choice, as outlined in this chart. In fact, in the ObamaCare marketplace, patients in two-thirds of our country are limited to a choice of one or two insurers. Across five entire States, patients have only one option. To me, the marketplace looks more like a government-created monopoly under a system where every American is required by law to purchase the product. To make matters worse, the onerous mandates in the law have led to restricted physician networks. So not only do patients have little choice regarding their insurers, they are also limited to what physicians they can see. It turns out we can't keep our doctors even if we like them. That is why we are offering a Better Way plan that expands choice and empowers patients.