Larry Bucshon

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic, if there is one, was the proliferation of new, effective ways to deliver healthcare. Of course, we saw the rise of telehealth, but we also saw an increased use of mail to deliver prescription drugs to patients. Mailing prescription drugs to patients, especially those who live in rural communities, helped increase access to care and medication adherence by reducing the need to travel long distances to your nearest pharmacy. For seniors who may struggle with mobility, this change was especially important. Unfortunately, Federal laws limit the ability for seniors to take advantage of these benefits. CMS states that if a Medicare beneficiary wants to see an independent physician that also owns a pharmacy, the Medicare beneficiary must pick up their drugs from that physician-owned pharmacy in person. That pharmacy cannot mail the drug directly to the patient or let a family member pick up the drug on the Medicare patient's behalf. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS relaxed this restriction. I have heard from countless oncologists across my home State about how during the COVID-19 pandemic era, those flexibilities improved access to care. H.R. 5526 would clarify that seniors can get drugs from physician- owned pharmacies through the mail or have someone pick up those medications on their behalf, making it easier for seniors to get the care that they need. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Tennessee (Mrs. Harshbarger).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifesaving efforts of Deputy Quinten L. Might of the Gibson County Sheriff's Office and thank him for his continuing service to his community and state. Deputy Might grew up in the community that he serves today, attending and graduating from Wood Memorial High School in Gibson County. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a medic. He continued his record of service when he joined the Gibson County Sheriff's Office in 2019 as a correctional officer, and was sworn in as a deputy in 2021. At only 25 years old, Quinten has proven that he is willing and ready to protect and save the lives of those in his community, including in four separate incidents since July of 2023. One of these lifesaving occasions was on May 24, 2024, when Deputy Might and another deputy responded to a personal injury accident involving a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, Deputy Might came to the aid of an individual who was unconscious and not breathing. Despite multiple small explosions from the fire of the crash, the two deputies moved the victim to safety, and hooked up an AED unit and began two- person CPR until the individual thankfully regained consciousness, ultimately surviving the incident. More recently, on August 9, 2024, Deputy Might responded to a residence call about a two-year old girl who fell into a swimming pool and was unresponsive. As soon as he arrived, Deputy Might called an ambulance and quickly moved the child from the backyard to the front, during which time he freed up her airway by striking her back, likely saving her life. I am grateful that we have law enforcement officers like Deputy Quinten Might serving our communities today, and thank him for his service and dedication to Gibson County, and the State of Indiana.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifesaving efforts of Deputy Quinten L. Might of the Gibson County Sheriff's Office and thank him for his continuing service to his community and state. Deputy Might grew up in the community that he serves today, attending and graduating from Wood Memorial High School in Gibson County. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a medic. He continued his record of service when he joined the Gibson County Sheriff's Office in 2019 as a correctional officer and was sworn in as a deputy in 2021. At only 25 years old, Quinten has proven that he is willing and ready to protect and save the lives of those in his community, including in four separate incidents since July of 2023. One of these lifesaving occasions was on May 24, 2024, when Deputy Might and another deputy responded to a personal injury accident involving a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, Deputy Might came to the aid of an individual who was unconscious and not breathing. Despite multiple small explosions from the fire of the crash, the two deputies moved the victim to safety, and hooked up an AED unit and began two- person CPR until the individual thankfully regained consciousness, ultimately surviving the incident. More recently, on August 9, 2024, Deputy Might responded to a residence call about a two-year old girl who fell into a swimming pool and was unresponsive. As soon as he arrived, Deputy Might called an ambulance and quickly moved the child from the backyard to the front, during which time he freed up her airway by striking her back, likely saving her life. I am grateful that we have law enforcement officers like Deputy Quinten Might serving our communities today and thank him for his service and dedication to Gibson County, and the State of Indiana.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4581) to amend title V of the Social Security Act to support stillbirth prevention and research, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4581, the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act led by Representative Hinson. The United States sees more than 21,000 stillbirths per year, according to recent data reported by the CDC. This equates to 1 out of 75 births. This is unacceptably high, and a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health shows that one in four stillbirths may be preventable. It is clear that we must do more. States are authorized to use their Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant funding for stillbirth education and related activities, but due to a lack of clear Federal guidance, some States have refrained from using this funding for these purposes. H.R. 4581 clarifies that States can use this funding for evidence- based programs and outcomes research to help prevent and reduce the incidence of stillbirth. This bill supports the sanctity of human life by helping to prevent future stillbirths and supporting mothers and babies across the country. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Hinson.)

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I have one additional speaker. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6960) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6960, the Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act led by Representative Carter. Recent data from the Health Resources and Services Administration suggests that emergency departments with high pediatric readiness have lower mortality rates among children with critical illness. This data also found that more than 1,400 pediatric deaths may have been avoided had all the surveyed emergency departments been well prepared. H.R. 6960 reauthorizes the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, which provides support to States and schools of medicine to expand and improve emergency care for children. This bill will continue support for this critical program and help prevent avoidable pediatric deaths. I encourage my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bilirakis for those kind remarks. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Dr. Miller-Meeks' bill, the Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act, which I am proud to co-lead. Indiana is an extremely manufacturing-intensive State, home to more than 546,000 manufacturing jobs. This means that supply chain disruptions in recent years have been especially damaging for the Hoosier State. This bipartisan legislation will direct the Department of Commerce to study which products in critical sectors are being imported due to manufacturing and supply chain constraints. Based on this study, the Department will develop recommendations on how to stand up production capabilities in the U.S. in rural areas. Expanding our manufacturing capabilities in rural areas will help prevent supply chain shocks from occurring. I thank Dr. Miller-Meeks and other sponsors of this bill for their leadership, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6571, the Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, which I am proud to co-lead with my colleague, Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. During the COVID-19 pandemic, producers in sectors across the economy had to slow or stop production. They couldn't access the inputs they needed to operate due to shipping bottlenecks or a lack of diversified suppliers. My bill establishes a program within the Department of Commerce to map and monitor critical supply chains utilized by American producers. It will allow us to know where our strengths and vulnerabilities are, a critical step in improving our economic and national security. This program will also develop best practices to advise manufacturers on how to strengthen their supply chains and help government and private sector stakeholders plan for and respond to supply chain shocks. Hoosier manufacturers make some of the best products in the world and need reliable supply chains. Having the Department of Commerce study and advise on how to strengthen supply chains will allow producers to plan appropriately. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6571.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6572, the Deploying American Blockchains Act, that I introduced alongside Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. This bill will promote American innovation and help develop the use of blockchains and distributed ledger technologies throughout the U.S. economy. Americans are leaders in utilizing blockchains in public and private sector areas, ranging from ensuring the traceability of drugs to managing supply chains for manufacturers. Unfortunately, in recent years, our leadership position has seriously diminished as other countries see and embrace the promise that blockchains hold. According to a 2023 report, the United States is at serious risk of losing its global leadership in blockchain. In 2015, 40 percent of blockchain developers were based in the United States. In 2022, that number was just 29 percent and dropping. Our share continues to dwindle. The Deploying American Blockchains Act will help rectify this trend by requiring the Secretary of Commerce to create a program to help promote the competitiveness of the United States in the deployment, use, and application of blockchains. Instead of pushing American innovators abroad, the Department of Commerce should work with American innovators to build their products here. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Deploying American Blockchains Act.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I recognize the legacy of Dr. Michael Burgess and support this bill, H.R. 766. If Members of Congress can agree on one thing, it is that we seek to improve the lives of our constituents. Unfortunately, CBO's current approach to how it develops cost estimates for healthcare legislation interferes with that goal by failing to take into account all the future benefits of the legislation. CBO's current approach keeps Federal healthcare programs stuck in the status quo of simply providing care when you get sick, including expensive care, instead of focusing on providing care that keeps you healthy and hopefully from needing more expensive forms of care down the road. CBO's current approach defies common sense, and it is imperative that Congress directs CBO to more accurately reflect the long-term cost saving potential of preventive healthcare initiatives. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 766. To ensure Congress can better evaluate meaningful and impactful healthcare policies that bolster access and quality of care, Congress must pass this bill. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the Community Oncology Alliance supporting H.R. 766. Community Oncology Alliance, Washington, DC, March 18, 2024. Re Community Oncology Alliance Support of The Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventative Health Savings Act (H.R. 766). Hon. Jodey Arrington, Chairman, House Budget Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Arrington: On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Community Oncology Alliance (``COA''), we applaud the House Budget Committee for advancing The Dr. Michael C. Burgess Preventative Health Savings Act (H.R. 766) to a floor vote of this important bipartisan legislation sponsored by Congressman Dr. Burgess with Congresswoman Diana DeGette. As you know, COA is an organization dedicated to advocating for the complex care and access needs of patients with cancer and the community oncology practices that serve them. COA is the only non-profit organization in the United States dedicated solely to independent community oncology practices, which serve the majority of Americans receiving treatment for cancer. Since its grassroots founding over 20 years ago, COA's mission has been to ensure that patients with cancer receive quality, affordable, and accessible cancer care in their own communities where they live and work, regardless of their racial, ethnic, demographic, or socioeconomic status. The limitation of the 10-year scoring window is a severe obstacle to realizing the savings from preventive health care legislation. It is unrealistic to expect that many, if not most, preventative health care initiatives can return positive savings by 10 years. As a result of the current scoring mandate on the Congressional Budget Office, many, if not most, preventative health care initiatives are not implemented because of funding constraints. With cancer, we have more effective treatments, but it is essential that we look for ways of preventing this disease that impacts so many Americans. Unfortunately, artificial scoring mandates undermine the adoption of preventive care initiatives. As a result, COA supports the passage of H.R. 766, and we greatly appreciate your work and that of your staff in the landmark advancement of this legislation out of your committee. Sincerely, Ted Okon, Executive Director.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, one of the most important duties the Constitution assigns to Congress is to protect the American people and to safeguard our national security. After hearing from national security experts last week, it is clear the prolific use of media platforms controlled by the Chinese Communist Party and other foreign adversaries poses a danger to our country. I am grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for moving this legislation, showing we will take action to protect the American people by protecting their personal data and security from foreign interference and manipulation. We took an oath to do so.