Larry Bucshon

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in that support. As everyone knows, families in Flint, Michigan, have not been able to trust the drinking water coming out of their taps for more than 2 years, and bottled water and filters are only temporary solutions. They want answers, and they want results. The package before us includes legislation that will authorize funding to help improve the health of the people in Flint and in other communities who have had Federal emergencies declared due to there being unsafe levels of lead in their drinking water. Specifically, this package authorizes $100 million in Safe Drinking Water Act capitalization grants to States that respond to a Presidentially declared disaster for health threats posed by their drinking water. This bipartisan package also expresses that $20 million should be approved under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for eligible projects. It authorizes $20 million for the creation of a Lead Registry and Advisory Committee at the Department of HHS, and it authorizes an additional $15 million in appropriations for the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at the CDC. It also authorizes $15 million for the Healthy Start Initiative at the Department of HHS. This fully offset package will not only serve as the basis for responding to decaying lead service lines across the country, but will also directly respond to the tragic toll that has been taken on the minds and bodies of Flint's youngest victims due to repeated exposures to elevated concentrations of lead in drinking water. We must pass this authorization to ensure the appropriation proposed in the continuing resolution does what we want it to do, not what the EPA might come up with for that funding. As for the other parts of the WIIN Act, they are not perfect, but they represent a bipartisan, bicameral compromise that I expect the President to sign. Under the jurisdiction of the Energy and Commerce Committee, there are several other proposals that address lead and other contaminants in drinking water: WIIN includes the public notification provisions that the House passed this past February with 412 votes. Specifically, it requires public water systems to notify their customers if the utility, on a systemwide basis, is exceeding the Federal lead action level for the concentration of lead in its drinking water. If the water utility and the State fail to make the notice, then the EPA must advise the public. These provisions also call for the creation of a strategic plan between the EPA, the State, and the local water utility for household- specific notification if the EPA learns about a particular household getting water above the Federal lead action level. This legislation also targets assistance to small and economically disadvantaged communities, particularly those communities with any kind of formal plumbing or inadequate water delivery service. Beyond Flint, WIIN institutes a new program to help communities finance activities to reduce the lead in their treated drinking water. The priority for these grants goes to economically disadvantaged communities that have concentrations of lead in their drinking water that exceed Federal standards. This bill also provides grants to States for voluntary testing programs for lead in school and childcare center drinking water systems. There are other worthy provisions that are contained in this bill that I urge my colleagues to look into, but I want to mention two of them: Buy American iron and steel and State permitting for coal ash. While these provisions have been carried in appropriations bills for years, WIIN inserts a requirement into the Safe Drinking Water Act that iron and steel used in projects financed with Federal money have to be primarily made in the United States. This language sends a strong signal that Congress supports American businesses and workers and will not allow foreign competitors to use our markets as a dumping ground for cheap products. Concerning coal ash, after 6 years of trying, we are close to reaching our goal of enacting legislation to establish permit programs for coal ash. The language in WIIN provides for the establishment of State and EPA permit programs, which will alleviate the issue of the citizen suit enforcement of the EPA's final rule. Like past House proposals, States may incorporate the EPA final rule for coal combustion residuals or develop other criteria that are at least as protective as the final rule. States and utilities alike are supportive of the language. I commend our colleague, David McKinley, for his dogged determination on this issue and our Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus for their work on this subject. In summary, Mr. Speaker, this bill is, on balance, better than the status quo, and it is done in a more fiscally responsible way than the version that passed the other body: no direct spending, fully offset, and in line with House rules and protocols. It addresses critical issues facing our Nation in both water infrastructure and drinking water policy. It is worthy of our support, and it will benefit all Americans. I urge a ``yes'' vote on S. 612. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time I have remaining?

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Zinke).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Lance).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of S. 612. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Rokita from the Fourth District for yielding and for putting together this Special Order on behalf of our State. You know, Indiana boasts two of America's Presidents and now eight Vice Presidents. We are the home of Hoosier hysteria, a great basketball tradition, and the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indianapolis 500. We love our breaded pork tenderloins and our sugar cream pie. We have the sixth largest National Guard in the Nation, made up of over 13,000 Hoosiers that has defended this country in wars, from the Battle of Tippecanoe to World War II to the global war on terror. Most importantly, Indiana is home to the most humble, generous, compassionate, and hardworking citizens in our country. And our great State--all 6.5 million Hoosiers--is now celebrating 200 years. I want to take a minute to briefly highlight a few of the things specific to the Eighth Congressional District in Indiana. This year, my annual art competition for high school students focused on celebrating Indiana to commemorate the Hoosier State's bicentennial. We had a lot of creative submissions from talented students across southern Indiana and Wabash Valley. The winning art piece recognized the 100-year anniversary of Bosse Field in Evansville, a baseball field. Bosse Field is the third oldest ballpark in the country and is still in regular use for professional baseball. It was also featured in the popular film in 1991, ``A League of Their Own.'' A lot of that was filmed at Bosse Field in Evansville, Indiana. I am also proud to say that communities in Indiana's Eighth Congressional District were exceptionally involved in the Bicentennial Legacy Project. The Bicentennial Legacy Project showcases the best of Indiana to promote and support important community projects and programs across the State. It is really the best of the best for what the Hoosier State has to offer. There are nearly 300 officially sanctioned bicentennial legacy projects undertaken in counties and communities in the Eighth Congressional District. The Eighth District is also home to premier places of historic, cultural, and natural significance. Lyles Station in Gibson County is a small farming community that was an original settlement of freed slaves nearly 200 years ago. Lyles Station is highlighted nationally at the Smithsonian Institution's new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Vincennes in Knox County was established in 1801 as Indiana's first city. It served as our territorial capital and was a key player in the American Revolution. It is also home to George Rogers Clark National Historic Park and President William Henry Harrison's Grouseland, his home when he was Governor of the Indiana Territory. New Harmony in Posey County was first established as a communal utopian society and later a center for knowledge and science. Spencer County is the home of President Abraham Lincoln as a youth and a young man and is home to Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial. We have a strong German Catholic heritage in southwest Indiana with Saint Meinrad Archabbey in Spencer County and Monastery Immaculate Conception in Dubois County. Indiana's Eighth District is also home to Naval Support Activity Crane, the U.S. Navy's third largest installation in the entire world. Last week, the base celebrated its 75th anniversary. In 1915, the Root Glass Company developed the very first Coca-Cola bottle in Terre Haute, Indiana. That is one for the trivia question book: Where was the first Coca-Cola bottle designed and made? It was made in Terre Haute, Indiana. That bottle has now become an iconic, world-recognized brand. Of course, we have Hoosier National Forest, which takes up a good portion of the southern area of my State, which is home to a lot of activities that Hoosiers enjoy with the great outdoors, along with Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge near Oakland City, Indiana, and it serves the same purpose. Of course, we have the world-famous Santa Claus postmark. Santa Claus, Indiana, every year at Christmas has literally tens of thousands of boxes of Christmas cards sent to Santa Claus so they can have the unique postmark from Santa Claus, Indiana, that is usually designed by a local student in a competition. They pick that, and every year around Christmastime I get the pleasure to go over to Santa Claus to the post office and postmark some of those Christmas cards myself. In manufacturing, everything from noodles to nuclear components are made in the Eighth District of Indiana. We are also a principal supplier of the world's agricultural products. As you can see, Indiana's Eighth Congressional District has a rich history, and I am proud to represent this area. It is an honor and a privilege to serve with all of my Hoosier colleagues. Thank you again, Representative Rokita, for putting this together.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I want to use some of the last time that we have to honor a great Hoosier. I know others will have comments and, today, as we recognize Indiana's 200th birthday, it is also important to acknowledge the contribution of one of those who has made an indelible mark on our shared history. Without a doubt, one of those people is a man who delivered his final speech from the Senate floor this past week with a heartfelt message about preserving the freedoms that make this country so great. Senator Dan Coats exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. He has dedicated his life to improving the lives of his fellow citizens. He served his country in the United States Army; he has spent time in both the U.S. House and the United States Senate; he served as an Ambassador to Germany, assuming that role just 3 days prior to the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001. After this distinguished career, Senator Coats answered the call to serve his fellow citizens once again in the United States Senate, where he has been a national leader on reducing Federal spending, fixing our economy, and keeping our Nation safe and secure. And a little personal story. I was a cardiovascular surgeon prior to coming to Congress. And when I spend time at events with Senator Coats, he always likes to tell everyone he feels very comfortable because, if he has a heart problem, Congressman Bucshon will pick up a butter knife or something and fix him up right there on the spot. It is a really humorous story that I enjoy his telling every time we are together at an event. Senator Coats has a great sense of humor. While his time in the Senate has come to an end, I am also confident he will continue to be a voice and an advocate for the issues he cares about most. Our State and our country are lucky to have benefited from the service of a great man like Senator Dan Coats. I wish Dan and Marsha all the best.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of a premier U.S. military base in my district, Naval Support Activity Crane. Seventy-five years ago today, December 1, 1941, Crane Naval Installation officially opened. One week later, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and the need for an ordnance facility safe from attack on the coasts became obvious. Today, at 100 square miles, Naval Support Activity Crane is the U.S. Navy's third largest installation in the world. The base is home to two vital tenant commands: Naval Surface Warfare Center, a center of excellence in strategic systems, electronic warfare, and expeditionary systems; and Crane Army Ammunition Activity, through which 25 percent of the Department of Defense conventional munitions passes every year. Crane is also a regional economic powerhouse, supporting 5,000 civilian employees and contributing $2 million a day to Indiana's economy. This critical military asset is a national treasure for research and development and an outstanding Hoosier neighbor. I proudly salute the men and women who call it home.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Madam Speaker, this is about infant lives, but I would like address what else it is about. It is about science and research. The other side seems to only want to focus on politics and scare tactics. From the beginning, we recognized the other side would try to avert attention from our investigation by falsely claiming we are opposed to science. As a doctor, I find that offensive, and I think it is a dangerous practice to introduce fear into important scientific debates. Every member of the panel is committed to medical research that finds cures. The rhetoric that we are opposed to cures for Zika, HIV, Alzheimer's, or Parkinson's is just ridiculous and wrong. The United States of America is a global leader in scientific research. We should all be proud of the research enterprise in our country and support it with tax dollars. The House Select Panel on Infant Lives shares this support. We are strongly committed to promoting both basic and clinical research. The goal of the House select panel is not to oppose science but, rather, to determine how best to support science so that this important work can advance as rapidly as possible without ethical compromise. As the history of biomedical research in the 20th century clearly demonstrates, when scientific research is separated from ethics or the law, grave injustice can occur. We here in Congress, like the rest of Americans, care deeply about protecting the rights of patients and ensuring ethical oversight of research procedures. These are not meant to ``hinder'' advances in science but, rather, to ensure that the scientific enterprise more perfectly fulfills its promise to society by advancing in a manner that is both just and ethical. Through the panel's investigation, we have discovered inaccuracies about the role of human fetal tissue and have sought to correct them to realistically address the obstacles facing research. Any argument from the 1950s--or even the 1990s, for that matter-- about biomedical research is outdated, and the actual record is clear: human fetal tissue did not directly result in a vaccine for diseases like measles. Similarly, the Nobel Prize was not awarded for curing polio using human fetal tissue. In fact, of the 75 vaccines in use today, not one was produced using fetal tissue. Furthermore, the NIH has not funded fetal tissue transplant grants for nearly 10 years. That should tell us something. We examined 30 major grants that were funded by the NIH over the last 5 years and found that human fetal tissue research represents only a tiny fraction of the overall scientific enterprise. In fact, only 0.2 percent used human fetal tissue. Hysterical calls for enhanced fetal tissue research through expanded abortion licenses are a matter of politics, not medicine or science. A small subset of NIH-funded grants use fetal tissue to study things like birth defects. These types of grants represent only 1 in 100,000.

Mr. BUCSHON. Tissue or cells for these studies could be derived from another source than aborted babies, like premature natural demise infants whose parents are willing to donate. The other grants use fetal tissue when alternatives are easily available, like placenta, cord blood, or modified adult stem cells. Some grants even study adult macular degeneration. Research on adult macular degeneration should be conducted on adult donor eyes, but these grants are instead using fetal eyes from aborted infants--not because of science, but because of convenience. Madam Speaker, I know these things can be uncomfortable to discuss, but that is why the other side wants to avoid the facts and that is why this debate is so important. It is about conducting medical research in an ethical and just manner. So let's sit down and talk science with the NIH and others so that research works for everyone in an ethical and moral way.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Senate amendment to H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. Over our country's history, American innovators have proven among the best in the world, especially in the field of drug and device research. 21st Century Cures streamlines the process for American innovators to see their research and development reach patients faster than ever, while maintaining a safe and effective review process. It also invests in the areas we need it the most, to advance research and testing on the most complex and devastating diseases in our country. It also gives young scientists the support they need to bring new ideas to the scientific community. The mental health and opioid abuse provisions in this legislation are also critical. As a physician who has relied on medical innovation to care for patients, working to pass the 21st Century Cures Act and ensuring America remains on the forefront of cutting edge research has been one of the highlights of my time in Congress. I thank Chairman Upton and Representative DeGette for their leadership and commitment to this legislation.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young Americans ages 10 to 24. To put that in perspective, for kids in the fourth grade to young adults just starting their careers, suicide is the second leading cause of death. As a father of four all in this age group, I can't tell you how heartbreaking it is that kids across the country feel hopeless and feel that suicide is their only option. Tragically, we know that many of the individuals who experience suicidal thoughts suffer from some form of mental illness but have not received proper treatment. Here in the House, we passed landmark legislation to overhaul our Nation's mental health treatment system to make sure these individuals have access to the care they need, and we need to see it across the finish line. That is why I am here on the floor today to recognize National Suicide Prevention Month and, more importantly, to bring awareness to this tragic problem and recommit our efforts to help our fellow citizens struggling with mental illness.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Department of Labor's misguided overtime rule because it will undoubtedly harm Hoosier small businesses, nonprofits, universities, and the jobs they support. We all agree our Nation's overtime rules should be updated; however, this administration has proposed a rule that will stifle job growth, limit opportunity, and lead to less hours and flexibility for Hoosier workers. The director of an Indiana-based nonprofit that aids individuals with physical and mental disabilities recently said the new rule will have dire consequences for the organization's workers. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 4773 and H.J. Res. 95, to stop implementation of this rule, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Southwest Indiana Chamber on an outstanding and well-deserved national recognition. In August, the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce was named the National Chamber of the Year at a gathering of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. This national designation is a testament to the indelible impact the men and women at the Southwest Indiana Chamber have made in the community to improve education, transportation, economic development, and the quality of life of our fellow citizens. Southern Indiana has a reputation as a great place to live, work, and raise a family, and people around the country are taking notice, thanks in part, to the hard work and dedication of this organization. So congratulations to the entire staff, board, and members of the Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce on this outstanding and much- deserved recognition.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 495, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, the University of Southern Indiana's College of Nursing and Health Professions received the first-ever Nexus Award from the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education in August. The Nexus Award is a prestigious national honor that recognizes the interprofessional, team-based approaches that connect higher education and health care with goals to transform healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and decrease costs. I have personally toured USI's healthcare programs and met with the college's leadership as recently as last month, and I have long supported USI's work to fill healthcare delivery gaps, including serving urban and rural populations that would otherwise not receive primary healthcare services. Congratulations to USI Dean Dr. Ann White, as well as the professors and students, for this outstanding national recognition.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a source of inspiration for a community in the Eighth District of Indiana. Known as the patrolman of Franklin Street on the west side of Evansville, Nic Didia, an 18-year-old with muscular dystrophy, is often seen patrolling the area in front of his mother's stores. Nic has always wanted to be a police officer and has become known for his support of local law enforcement and first responders. His dream recently became a reality as he was welcomed on to the Evansville Police Department as an honorary officer during a ceremony with family, friends, and other members of the community. He now proudly wears badge number 980. Congratulations, Nic. Your dedication and service to your community serve as an example to us all.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 482, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a local act of courage. Earlier this week, in my hometown of Newburgh, Indiana, a car wreck at a local gas station quickly turned into a life-or-death situation. In what was described as a scene from an action movie, Boonville native Scott Meador, who was a bystander to the incident, bravely pulled the driver to safety before the car was consumed by flames, saving the driver's life. Scott Meador is a hero and an example for us all. Because of his selfless action, a family remains whole. That is what it means to be a Hoosier--to come to the aid of your fellow citizen when they are in need. Mr. Speaker, it is important to highlight the positive things that happen daily in our country. Regardless of what may be going on around us, events like this remind us what is really important in life.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4981, the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act, is the product of months of stakeholder engagement, expert input, and bipartisan negotiation. The opioid epidemic has left no area of this Nation untouched. Day in and day out, we hear from our constituents and see in the news the direct impact this has on the everyday lives of our fellow citizens. The evidence is clear that this epidemic is growing and it will continue to grow unless immediate action is taken. As a doctor, a father, and a public policymaker, I want to do my part to help our communities overcome this challenge. That is why I am proud to offer H.R. 4981, the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act today with my colleague from New York (Mr. Tonko). We have worked together over the past several months to find common ground and move forward with a well-crafted policy solution. Our final bill represents months of stakeholder engagement and bipartisan work to improve access and quality treatment for opioid use disorder while limiting diversion of treatment medications for abuse themselves. H.R. 4981 targets four main areas: Increase access to opioid use disorder treatment where it is most needed; Empower physicians through education, training, and quality-of-care measures; Encourage a multi-pronged approach to opioid use disorder treatment; Deter bad actors and reduce diversion, as previously was mentioned. This is a positive step toward increasing access for treatment for opioid use disorder while raising the quality of care and reducing diversion. Again, I want to thank Mr. Tonko and all those who have worked with us throughout this process. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4981's passage, and I look forward to productive discussions with the Senate to get critical opioid legislation to the President's desk.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to an outstanding community in Indiana's Eighth Congressional District. It is no secret that the Hoosier State is home to hardworking, innovative, and compassionate people. In the Eighth District, we are leading the way. Today I want to highlight a couple of great accomplishments in Princeton, Indiana. Earlier this month high school senior Jackie Young, a star guard at Princeton Community High School, was awarded the Naismith Trophy. This prestigious award is presented annually to the men and women's college and high school basketball players who achieve great success on the court and solidifies Jackie as the Nation's top high school woman basketball player. To us in southern Indiana, the award comes as no surprise. With 3,268 career points, Jackie is Indiana's all-time leading scorer. She is a natural leader on and off the court. Congratulations to Jackie. We wish her all the best as she prepares for her next step, playing for Notre Dame. Additionally, a community leader and anchor of our local economy, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, will soon celebrate the 20th anniversary of its ground breaking in Gibson County. Over the past 20 years, the plant has been a leader in economic development for our region, providing thousands of jobs and supporting local organizations. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of the hardworking and dedicated team members at Toyota in Princeton. These men and women make quality products in Indiana that are being sold across the country and around the world, and they take pride in doing it. On behalf of all Hoosiers across the Eighth District, I thank everyone at Toyota Motor Manufacturing for your continued commitment to our community and congratulate them on this tremendous milestone. As one of Indiana's designated Stellar Communities, Princeton is, without a doubt, a shining example of what our great State has to offer. It is an honor and privilege to represent the people of Gibson County and Princeton here in Congress.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3716.