Larry Bucshon

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of 21st Century Cures, an initiative that gives hope to patients and families who have battled or who will battle one of the 10,000 diseases with no known cures, like my good friend and mayor of Jasper, Indiana, Terry Seitz, who lost his wife and the mother of their two daughters, Ann Seitz, to ALS 5 years ago on Thanksgiving Day, the family's favorite holiday. As Mayor Seitz put it, 21st Century Cures gives patients and their families the opportunity for hope and the ability to cope. These two things mean the world to those fighting a rare disease who face so much uncertainty about what the future may hold. 21st Century Cures turns hopelessness into hope. Mr. Chairman, we have a real opportunity today to improve the lives of these patients across the country, and we need to seize it.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2576, the TSCA Modernization Act of 2015, which updates the Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA, of 1976. This legislation will benefit the Eighth District of Indiana and our Nation by improving the regulation of chemicals in commerce. Indiana's Eighth District has a strong and diverse manufacturing sector, including plastics, fertilizer production, automobiles, and medical devices, which play pivotal roles in the local and State economy. H.R. 2576 will improve the EPA's outdated regulatory process for these industries and manufacturers, fostering conditions for stronger interstate commerce, and ensure robust protections for public health and the environment. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, in Indiana, the medical device industry employs over 20,000 Hoosiers in over 300 medical device companies. These are good-paying jobs that pay 56 percent more than the average wage. As Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently put it in a letter to our delegation: ``This industry is vital to Indiana's economy and the health and well-being of people across the Nation and the world.'' Unfortunately, this critical industry is living under the shadow of a job-killing tax put in place to pay for the Affordable Care Act. In fact, companies in Indiana have already halted research projects and plans for expansion. The medical device tax is crippling innovation of lifesaving products like the ones I used as a surgeon, and it is putting patients and jobs at risk. This is about patients, at the end of the day, and their access to health care. We have had broad bipartisan support for repeal of the medical device tax in both Chambers before. It is time to put an end to this onerous tax once and for all. I also support an IPAB repeal. As a physician, I urge my colleagues to support the rule and the underlying bills.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a fellow Hoosier, Dr. Richard Helton, the retiring president of Vincennes University. Few have exemplified the university's timeless motto, ``Learn in order to serve,'' more clearly than Dr. Helton. Under his dynamic leadership, this 214-year-old institution founded by our ninth President, William Henry Harrison, has become a cutting-edge center for career and technical education that offers students tangible, employable skills and an opportunity for lifelong growth. Throughout his career, Dr. Helton has maintained a commitment to public education that has positively impacted the lives of countless students. Our State has benefited greatly from his vision and will forever be indebted for his service. Best wishes to Dick and Cindy Helton in the future ahead.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a manufacturer in Indiana on a tremendous milestone for not just the company, but our communities in southern Indiana. Just this month, Toyota Manufacturing in Princeton, Indiana, impressively surpassed 5,000 employees, and the plant plans to add an additional 300 positions by the end of next year. Mr. Speaker, these are good-paying jobs that support our families and our local economy. In addition to the workforce growth, the plant recently celebrated the production of its 4 millionth vehicle, which is a testament to the best workforce in America. These dedicated hard-working men and women are making topnotch products in Indiana that are being shipped across the country and around the world.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Escalade Sports, a fantastic Hoosier business in my home district. Escalade Sports is being awarded the President's ``E'' Award, the highest recognition a U.S. Company can receive for significantly contributing to the expansion of U.S. exports. This award was created in 1961 to provide recognition of the work that America's exporters undertake, and honors 45 companies every year for their contributions to the American economy. Escalade Sports embodies the spirit of this award as it produces many high quality American sporting and gaming products that range from basketball hoops, to table tennis equipment, to archery supplies. These products are then exported and sold to athletes and sports enthusiasts across the globe to enjoy and use. Escalade Sports is headquartered in Evansville, where it provides quality jobs to Hoosiers here in Southwest Indiana and many more across the United States in its various production and distribution facilities. The company's exports not only help show the world what amazing products are made here in America, but also keep Americans employed and help expand our economy. Mr. Speaker, we should all be grateful for the fine work of Escalade Sports, and the other ``E'' Award recipients across the United States for their contributions to the American economy.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of the greatest Hoosiers history has seen, who gave his life 70 years ago. Ernie Pyle, a Hoosier journalist, became a household name as he told of the everyday lives--the trials and tribulations, the honor and dignity--of our soldiers in WWII. Through his Pulitzer Prize winning column, Ernie Pyle brought the hard realities of war into the homes of families worldwide. And he was an advocate for the common soldier--the guys he rightfully argued wars can't be won without. Generations of young journalists--especially those who've studied in his shadow at the Indiana University School of Journalism--have greatly benefited from his legacy. Mr. Speaker, we should all be grateful for the sacrifice and service of great men like Ernest Taylor Pyle.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 8th district' constituent, John Sutton of Worthington, Indiana and former Army Specialist 4th Class. Mr. Sutton was awarded the Soldier's Medal for heroically rescuing a fellow solider from the burning wreckage of their downed helicopter on September 3, 1969. Even though Mr. Sutton was seriously injured, he and the surviving co-pilot bravely returned to the burning wreckage to pull the pilot, who lost both of his legs in the crash, to safety. The Soldier's Medal is the highest medal awarded to enlisted Army personnel for non-combat related acts of valor. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow Americans in thanking Mr. Sutton for his act of true bravery and selflessness. He is well deserving of this high honor.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, today is a great day for America's seniors. After years of flawed Medicare policy, we are finally creating a stable system that ensures Medicare patients will have access to their doctors. This new policy will move our Medicare system to one that is based on quality of care that is provided to our Nation's seniors. In fact, for the first time in decades, we actually achieve real structural reforms in the program that will help save this critical program for future seniors. I would also like to highlight that this legislation repeals CMS' policy to eliminate bundled surgical payments. Eliminating surgical payment bundles would force doctors to spend more time billing CMS that could be used for caring for patients. I would like to thank Chairman Pitts, and I would also like to congratulate Speaker Boehner, Minority Leader Pelosi, Chairman Upton, and Ranking Member Pallone for putting politics aside and putting America's seniors first.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, 90 years ago today, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history passed through the southwestern Indiana towns of Griffin, Owensville, and Princeton. Named the Great Tri-State Tornado, the deadly cyclone traveled three States and 219 miles over 3.5 hours, causing 695 deaths, destroying family farms, and devastating cities. This catastrophic event is an important reminder to Hoosier families: don't wait to get prepared. Make an emergency plan ahead of time. As we enter tornado season, take the time to stay informed. Hoosiers can access information on what to expect and how to prepare through the Department of Homeland Security at the Federal level, the Indiana DHS, the Red Cross, my office, and other organizations. Don't wait. Take the time to get prepared today.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Keystone XL pipeline, the most studied pipeline in American history. After 6 years and 22,000 pages of review, the President's own State Department tells us that construction of this pipeline will support over 42,000 good-paying jobs and do nothing to harm the environment. Pipelines have been shown to be the safest way to transport oil. Keystone has bipartisan, widespread support--Democrats, Republicans, industry leaders, and labor. Unfortunately, the President issued a veto threat, putting the wishes of environmental activists ahead of creating jobs for the American public. Mr. Speaker, let's say ``yes'' to much-needed jobs and approve the Keystone pipeline without any further delays.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Thank you for yielding, Congressman Terry. I rise today in support of American energy and the families that it supports. Mr. Speaker, American families are struggling. Many are living paycheck to paycheck as the price of everything continues to rise: a gallon of gas, a gallon of milk, electrical costs. And do you know who the rising electrical costs will affect the most? American's seniors on a fixed income and the poor. Here in the House we have solutions, like investing and expanding American energy production. It creates jobs on which families can depend and lowers costs at home and for businesses. Mr. Speaker, my father was a United Mine Worker in Illinois for over 30 years. It was hard work, but it was a good-paying job and provided for our family, and we are proud of the work my dad did. It afforded me the opportunity to pursue an education and become the first person in my family to receive a 4-year college degree. I went on to medical school and became a surgeon. His job as a coal miner made the American Dream possible for me. This is what America is about. In my home State of Indiana, over 80 percent of our electricity comes from coal. My district is home to nine coal mines, every mine in the State, and they employ thousands of Hoosiers. Next door, in southern Illinois, more coal mines, which employ Hoosiers. Coal not only keeps the lights on in Indiana, but it puts food on the table for Hoosier families. I have been to several coal mines recently, went down in the coal mine--because I like going down in coal mines since I did it when I was a kid--and talked to the hardworking men and women who every day are working these jobs. And I keep hearing the same thing, Mr. Speaker: Washington regulations are crushing our business and I am afraid for my job, what that may mean to my family. The fact is that coal is being mined cleaner and safer than it ever has. Despite what this administration would have you believe, the coal industry has made great strides in protecting our environment while providing low energy costs for their consumers. But every time they invest their own money to improve their mines, this administration moves the goalpost. They do this without consideration of how many jobs they are eliminating in southwest Indiana and other coal-producing States. How this impact on the energy prices consumers pay has an effect on Indiana's families. In my district, two coal-fired power plants are closing because of this administration's energy policies. It is not just coal jobs that are being threatened. Indiana's manufacturing jobs are beginning to feel the impact of these harmful energy regulations. You see, manufacturing makes up around 28 percent of our gross State product. We are a huge manufacturing State; in fact, the highest percentage of gross State product in the country. Indiana also leads the Nation in manufacturing employment, and low- cost energy is part of the reason. But the plants in my district are telling me they may not be able to survive when Washington continues to squeeze them more and more. How can Alcoa, with 3,000 jobs, stay open in my district if their energy costs double or triple? We can bring more manufacturing to the United States, Mr. Speaker, more jobs--which is what this is about--if we just get Washington, D.C., out of the way of American businesses. Yesterday, in a committee hearing, I asked the EPA to visit my district and, for that matter, other coal-producing States, to hear our story and listen to what my constituents have to say. While we wait for their response, the House is working. I am proud to have supported H.R. 2, the American Energy Solutions for Lower Costs and More American Jobs Act. This comprehensive package that has already been outlined by Congressman Terry included the best energy ideas that the House has produced this Congress. The most important piece of this legislation is it will ensure every American access to affordable, reliable energy. This legislation approves the Keystone pipeline, the most studied pipeline in history, which even the President's own State Department has determined will not negatively impact the environment. This project is critical to our future generations to address their future energy needs, but, unfortunately, this administration has been blocking his project for years for politics. While they turn their back on our Nation's energy needs, they have been implementing new regulations that have been costing our Nation billions of dollars. It just doesn't make sense. Part of H.R. 2 includes Representative Bill Cassidy's Energy Consumers Relief Act, which ensures congressional oversight of energy- related rules costing more than $1 billion. This commonsense bill will allow Congress to have oversight of some of those billion dollar regulations that are crushing American consumers across the Nation and that probably won't meet our standards once they are looked at by Congress. They are just costing too much, with no benefit other than an ideological approach for the administration. We need to get back to science and common sense. H.R. 2 also included legislation that helps speed up the permitting process on Federal lands, protects our Nation's electrical grid, and protects coal mining jobs. Most of these bills had already passed the House and are sitting over in the Senate waiting for action. They are waiting for a vote. In fact, they are waiting for a hearing, waiting for a debate amongst our Senators about the energy solutions the House has passed. I understand that the Senate at this point--or at least one party in the Senate--may not agree with these ideas, but let's have a discussion about it. Let's hear your ideas in the Senate to lower our Nation's energy costs. The House has spoken. This is what our constituents expect of us, Mr. Speaker, an honest, vigorous debate about the issues facing our Nation. Doing nothing is not an energy policy, and it is no way to legislate. I hope our friends across the Capitol and the President are watching and learning from the House's example. Mr. Speaker, finally, in closing, I want to say we need to tap our energy resources. We are on the verge of an energy renaissance in the United States, a manufacturing renaissance. What does this mean? Low- cost energy, American jobs, putting families back to work. And that is what we all want, that is why we are here, that is why we ran for office, Mr. Speaker, to help people. It provides for lower costs. We are doing it in a cleaner way than we ever have. Mr. Speaker, let's not look right in the face of success in creating jobs and look the other way. I am hopeful that the Senate will take up some of the House-passed bills, including this one, before the end of the year. If not, Mr. Speaker, the next Congress in this House will act again to show the American people we want lower costs for their energy, we want good- paying jobs, we want manufacturing in America, and we will act again and, hopefully, the Senate in the next Congress can see it to where they will step forward and act.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2996) to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Network for Manufacturing Innovation and for other purposes, as amended.

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. 2996, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 2996, the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014, or RAMI Act, strengthens a critical sector of America's economy: advanced manufacturing. Thanks to Congressman Tom Reed from New York for his diligent work on this legislation and to the gentleman from Massachusetts, Joe Kennedy. I also want to acknowledge the leadership of Science Committee Chairman Lamar Smith who worked with Mr. Reed and Mr. Kennedy and members on both sides of the aisle on our committee in order to reach a bipartisan consensus on this legislation. A strong manufacturing base is fundamental to U.S. economic success and national security. Manufacturing supports more than 17 million direct and indirect American jobs. This includes 12 million Americans--almost 10 percent of the workforce--who work directly for small, medium, or large manufacturing companies. For the millions of Americans who are employed in manufacturing fields, what matters most is that the manufacturing creates good- paying, family-supporting, community-sustaining jobs. Manufacturing is especially important to Indiana, as it makes up just over 28 percent of our gross State product, the highest in the country. Indiana also leads the Nation in manufacturing employment. In Indiana's Eighth Congressional District that I represent, I have seen firsthand the work being done at manufacturers such as Berry Plastics, Toyota Motor, and Alcoa. The thriving manufacturing industry in the Eighth District is also thanks to universities like Vincennes University, the University of Evansville, and the University of Southern Indiana producing a talented and well-trained workforce through degrees related to advanced manufacturing and working closely with the manufacturing employers in the district. Ivy Tech statewide also supports this effort. My district is also home to every coal mine in Indiana. Affordable energy from sources such as coal and natural gas are vital components in boosting production for American manufacturers and attracting others from across the globe. The United States continues to have one of the largest, strongest manufacturing sectors in the world and has demonstrated its ability to adapt and innovate time and time again. But our leading position is not guaranteed. Competing nations have been ramping up their investments in research and development and taking decisive steps to equal and surpass the United States. For instance, the World Bank reports that China already has forged ahead in high technology exports, with about 28 percent of the global market, compared to 18 percent for the United States. We need to take steps now to emphasize the strengths of American industry and shore up its weaknesses. With a limited government role, we can help our manufacturers to be competitive and ensure that American workers and their families reap the benefits of high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs. This bill will help our advanced manufacturers to accelerate the pace at which new technology is converted into better manufacturing processes and improved products. This legislation will help America remain globally competitive in manufacturing. It will ensure that new and innovative projects come equipped with ``Made in America'' on their labels. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to recognize the ranking member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee. Mr. Lipinski has worked on this issue for many years, including the Manufacturing Competitiveness Act that is included in this bill. At this time, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hultgren), a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, who is another sponsor of the bill.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, a strong manufacturing base is fundamental to U.S. economic success and national security. Again, manufacturing supports millions of good-paying American jobs; and, for the millions of Americans who are employed in the manufacturing field, that is what matters most, good-paying, family-supporting, community-sustaining jobs. I urge my colleagues all to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds again to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

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

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 484, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this important motion. Last year, I was honored to be a conferee on MAP-21, and I am proud of the bill our conference committee produced. Our Nation's transportation projects are being completed faster, and States like my home State of Indiana received more Federal funding than they had in the past. With construction season under way, we need to ensure that every State can continue with their important summer construction projects. This legislation--this motion--is vital to keep thousands of Americans working to rebuild our aging infrastructure. Funding our Nation's infrastructure should not be a political issue. We all agree that we need a long-term solution to fund our Nation's crumbling infrastructure, but today we need to approve this motion. The proposal from our Senate colleagues contained an error in financing for their bill that only paid for funding through October, not December. The error came in over $2 billion short. Nobody plans even the smallest transportation project on a month-to-month basis, and we should not be providing funding on a month-to-month basis. The Senate bill is not a viable solution for our States. I met with Indiana Governor Mike Pence this morning, who reiterated to me how important it is to continue to provide long-term funding for every State. The House bill is the only proposal that gives every State the opportunity to adequately plan through this construction season and into the spring. The House bill is the only solution that is going to keep people working to rebuild our Nation's infrastructure. I thank Chairman Shuster for his strong leadership on this issue, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this motion.

Mr. BUCSHON

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5035) to reauthorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and for other purposes.

Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5035, the bill now under consideration.