Suzanne Bonamici

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act. This bill, introduced by my colleague, Mr. Lucas, is a product of hard work and negotiation over the past two Congresses. In addition to Mr. Lucas, I thank Chairman Smith and also Environment Subcommittee chair, Mr. Bridenstine, and former chair, Mr. Chris Stewart, who were great partners in this process. The language before us today is a result of a truly bipartisan and bicameral effort. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible for many important tasks at the cutting edge of science and public service, and weather forecasting is one of the tasks most critical to our country. In the northwest Oregon communities I represent, my constituents rely on timely weather forecasts to decide when to harvest their crops, when to go to sea to fish, how to navigate the roads safely when there is freezing rain or snow, and to prepare for possible flood conditions. The National Weather Service provides excellent forecasting products to support our economy, but with the increasing frequency of severe weather events, there can be and should be improvements in our forecasting capabilities and delivery. For example, forecasts can be more precise regarding what will happen and when. Improved forecasts can provide more lead time to allow communities to prepare, especially in severe weather events. Forecast information should also be communicated more effectively to the public and those in harm's way to reduce the loss of life and property. This bill is designed to address those important goals. The bill connects the research side of NOAA, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, more effectively to the forecasting needs of the National Weather Service. This research-to-operations pipeline is essential for the continued improvement of our weather forecasting enterprise. The bill contains several provisions that will improve interactions and information sharing between NOAA's researchers and the National Weather Service. It also improves communications between NOAA and the broader research and private weather communities. The bill also establishes interagency coordination, through the Office of Science and Technology Policy, across multiple agencies outside of NOAA that share responsibilities for weather research and forecast communications. This is essential as we face budget constraints, and it will help speed the adoption of best tools and practices across the various agencies. H.R. 353 also recognizes that even the best forecasts will not serve the public's needs unless there are effective communications systems. The bill directs NOAA to do more research, listen to experts, and improve its risk communications techniques. The bill also reestablishes a program that allows NOAA to give awards to people who save the lives of others through NOAA's Weather Radio All Hazards program. The bill also formally establishes the pilot program currently operating at NOAA to engage in contracts with the commercial sector for weather forecasting data. Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to examine the benefits and costs of different sensors by running simulations of different configurations of instruments and datasets on forecasting accuracy. It is important that these requirements are not too prescriptive so that NOAA can use the most efficient, accurate, and cost-effective model for this situation. This legislation will produce advances in weather forecasting and capabilities that will result in better development of forecast innovations and technology. Ultimately, this will save American lives and property. I thank the Members on both sides of the aisle for their input and support. Also, I would like to thank the hardworking committee staff on both sides of the aisle for their efforts to continue negotiations to move this bill forward. I ask my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Section 3: ``He shall from time to time give the Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; . . .''

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4665, the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act, introduced by my friend from Virginia, Congressman Beyer. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation to highlight the importance of the outdoor recreation economy. In Oregon, we know how important the outdoor industry is to our economy. Northwest Oregon businesses like Keen, Columbia Sportswear, and Nike have thrived and brought thousands of jobs to our communities. Surveys conducted by the Outdoor Industry Association in 2012 show that, in my home state, the industry contributes 141,000 direct jobs, $4.0 billion in wages and salaries, and $12.8 billion in consumer spending annually. Nationwide, outdoor recreation generates $646 billion in consumer spending every year. The climbers, hikers, hunters, and anglers who are passionate about the outdoors spend time and money in hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and stores in nearby communities, providing an economic boost for local economies. They also purchase necessary attire, gear, and footwear from innovative businesses to help them reach the summit, catch fish, and enjoy our nation's natural treasures. I am proud to support the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule on H.R. 34, which is now the vehicle for the 21st Century Cures Act. Although I understand the detailed rules of our Chamber, I am deeply disappointed that the underlying bill, the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act, was completely stripped out and replaced with unrelated language. The Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act is bipartisan. It was passed by a voice vote on January 7 of 2015, and a similar version has passed the Senate. We have worked out our differences, and this legislation is ready to be signed into law, and it is vital for our West Coast communities. My constituents on the Oregon coast know that it is a matter of when, not if, our community will face a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake and tsunami. Most of the city of Seaside, including all of its public schools, is located in the tsunami inundation zone. It is some of my youngest constituents--the students of Seaside--who have been the most vocal about keeping their communities safe. Recently, I met with the students there at the high school. They have spoken all over the State about the dangers they face from tsunami. Their presentation was very strong. They made a case for moving their schools out of the tsunami zone. It helped the community pass a bond measure earlier this month to move the schools. That is a positive step for Seaside, but there is so much more to be done. I have an app on my phone. Almost every day, there is an earthquake off the coast of Alaska or Hawaii. Two days ago there were two earthquakes off the coast of Oregon. When there is a near-shore tsunami, the warning time is about 15 minutes. That is all. The Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act would help communities up and down the entire coast by strengthening the warning system, providing more assistance to local communities like Seaside to prepare for that disaster, coordinating government agencies to make sure they're sharing information and working together, and supporting community outreach and education programs. This is not just about Oregonians. Millions of people in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington State, California also face significant risk. We are overdue for the really big one. Now, I understand that the Cures Act may save lives, but I am very disappointed that the provisions of the tsunami bill, which is also lifesaving policy, was not retained in the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to oppose this rule so we can immediately consider swift passage of the Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act. Our West Coast communities are counting on us to keep them safe.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be in Washington, D.C. on November 14, 2016, because my flight from Oregon was delayed because of maintenance issues. If I had been present I would have voted in favor of H.R. 985, the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act, and H.R. 2669, the Anti-Spoofing Act of 2016. H.R. 985 allows producers of concrete masonry to collaborate on a coordinated research and education program to develop and improve markets for concrete masonry products. The bill authorizes the Department of Commerce to oversee the board administering the program. If I had been present I would have voted for the bill. H.R. 2669 expands current consumer protections to prohibit the transmission of inaccurate caller-ID information over text messages or Voice-over-Internet (ViOP) calls. Under current law, only voice calls are protected from inaccurate caller-ID information. Additionally, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide consumers with information to help identify scams that are perpetrated using inaccurate caller-ID information. If I had been present I would have voted for the bill.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a dedicated teacher, mentor, and public servant, Mr. James Barlow. Many of us in public service can name a person who inspired us or clearly remember an experience that ignited our interest in the important issues that are shaped through politics and government. For thousands of Oregonians, that spark was Mr. Barlow. Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1929, Mr. Barlow earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Oregon State University. He taught social studies in the Beaverton School District in Oregon's First Congressional District from 1962 until 2005. He always made his classrooms laboratories of curiosity. Some of his best lessons didn't take place in a classroom at all. They took place on the floor of the Model Presidential Nominating Conventions started by Mr. Barlow in the mid-1960s. Every 4 years for four decades, thousands of high school students from all over the State would gather, usually in Portland, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. They would step into the role of State delegations, vote on platform issues, cast ballots for the nomination, and broker and negotiate with other delegations. They got ready for this by studying their assigned State's demography, history, politics, and economy. Mr. Barlow and his colleagues prepared the students for months, leading class discussions on candidates in the primaries, the American political landscape, and the intricacies of delegate math. Student participants had to be sharp and organized. I know this firsthand because my son participated in the 2004 Model Convention and took preparatory evening classes with Mr. Barlow at Portland State University. These Model Conventions were no simple class simulations. Major Presidential candidates came by and spoke to the crowd of student delegates. Robert Kennedy, Nelson Rockefeller, George McGovern, Hubert Humphrey, Jesse Jackson, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Michael Dukakis, and Bill Clinton all stopped by at a Model Convention as they campaigned ahead of Oregon's Presidential primaries. The model conventions exemplified Mr. Barlow's leadership, enthusiasm, and imagination, but former students know that he also connected with and motivated his students in smaller, quieter ways as well. His psychology, philosophy, and current affairs courses were legendary at Aloha High School, where he spent most of his career. He inspired students to think beyond tests and essays, he challenged them to think critically, and he encouraged them to consider new perspectives on information they consumed. As a teacher, he saw the potential in every student. With his dry wit, his deep knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm for his subject matter, Mr. Barlow created a learning atmosphere where everyone felt, and everyone was, welcome and valuable. There was something that helped with the welcoming--doughnuts. Long before doughnuts became a craze in Portland, Mr. Barlow was bringing them to his classes and to his colleagues in the social studies office. He would announce: Coffee and doughnuts will be served in the starlight room. Now, there was no starlight room, but the phrase evoked a gracious and relaxed lounge space. The school year in the Portland metro area is typically rainy, and fall and winter school days often start before dawn, but his words and his treats were always a welcome pick-me-up. The day after Mr. Barlow's death, scores of his former students and colleagues observed ``coffee and doughnut day,'' going out for a sugary bite and a cup of coffee and posting pictures on social media. It was touching to all who knew him. The life and work of Mr. James Barlow matter also to those who never knew him. That is because he taught thousands of Oregonians to be active, engaged, and sharp-thinking participants in our democracy. Whether they went on to work in public service or not, and no matter what their party affiliation, the students of Mr. Barlow became better citizens because of his contributions. Mr. Speaker, I hope we can all be inspired by Jim Barlow's example as we serve in this remarkable House of Representatives. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, especially to his wife of 47 years, Susan, his former colleagues, and to the generations of students who mourn his loss.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on September 22, 2016, and I missed votes in the House. If I had been present, I would have voted against the motion ordering the previous question on H. Res. 879 (the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5931, Prohibiting Future Ransom Payments to Iran Act), against the rule (H. Res. 879), and against final passage of the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act (H.R. 5719). I would have supported H.R. 5320, Social Security Must Avert Identity Loss (MAIL) Act, H.R. 5946, the United States Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act, H.R. 2285, the Preventing Trafficking in Cultural Property Act, and H.R. 5523, Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act. I would have voted against ordering the previous question on the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5931 so that H.R. 4479, the Families of Flint Act, could have been made in order. I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4479, which would provide $765 million to improve water infrastructure and provide resources to the residents of Flint, Michigan. I was disappointed that the House moved the previous question and blocked H.R. 4479 from coming to the House floor. I would have opposed H. Res. 879, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 5931, because the rule limited amendments and did not provide for an open floor debate. I would have opposed final passage of H.R. 5719, the Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act, because the bill did not include a critical amendment offered by Rep. Crowley that would have provided an offset to the $1 billion in lost revenue created by the policy. Although I support efforts to promote employee ownership and reward employee's commitment to their companies, I was disappointed that the bill did not include Rep. Crowley's amendment. H.R. 5320, the Social Security MAIL Act, provides an important privacy protection to anyone receiving Social Security documents through the mail. The bill restricts the Social Security Administration from sending documents that include an individual's complete Social Security number through the mail unless completely necessary. This commonsense policy will protect Americans from having their sensitive personal information compromised, and I would have supported this bill. H.R. 5946, the United States Appreciation for Olympians and Paralympians Act, updates a provision of the federal tax code that requires Olympians and Paralympians to declare their prize winnings and medals as income for tax purposes. Although I would have preferred that this provision had been part of a comprehensive tax reform package, I would have supported this bill. H.R 2285, the Prevent Trafficking in Cultural Property Act, would bolster the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to protect against illegal trafficking of cultural property. The bill requires CPB and ICE to create a coordinated plan to update procedures and directive, and to train personnel in relevant laws and best practices for intercepting trafficked property. I support this bill and other efforts to ensure trafficked artifacts are not brought into the United States. H.R. 5523, the Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act, would prohibit the IRS from engaging in civil asset forfeiture of more than $10,000 without probable cause. Unfortunately, in recent years there have been many instances of small businesses having their money seized without probable cause, and they have struggled to recoup their losses. This bill provides important protections to individuals and small businesses, and I support its passage.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to the Hyde amendment, which, for too long, has been denying women their constitutional right to access safe and legal abortion. Mr. Speaker, restrictions on abortion do not make it go away. They make it less safe. For the last 40 years, the Hyde amendment has created an often insurmountable barrier for women across the country struggling to access affordable health care because it prohibits Medicaid coverage for abortion. It disproportionately affects low-income women: young women, immigrant women, women of color, women in rural communities. In fact, more than half the women who have their rights restricted by the Hyde amendment are women of color. It is long past time to do away with this harmful provision, which has been expanded over the years to deny coverage to Federal employees and their dependents, our military servicemembers, Native Americans, and even Peace Corps volunteers. Restricting Medicaid coverage of abortion means that about one in four low-income women carry to term an unwanted pregnancy. That is not a decision the government should make for women. There are many things that Congress should be doing, but one thing we should not be doing is interfering with a woman's constitutional right. So what should we be doing? We should be supporting policies that prevent unwanted pregnancies, like funding Planned Parenthood; and we should also pass the EACH Woman Act to lift the coverage ban that stands in the way of too many women who have the right to make their own decisions about what is best for them and their families. Two generations of women have been affected by the Hyde amendment over the last four decades. Let's end this policy and let each woman be able to do what is best for herself and her family.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. Across the country, my colleagues and I hear from communities and businesses about the need to invest in infrastructure. The federal investment in infrastructure has fallen to a paltry level, and our communities are feeling the consequences of this every day. Not only does investing in infrastructure put people to work, it also allows for the efficient movement of people and goods, an essential aspect of commerce, economic growth, and public safety. The lack of robust investment threatens our global competitiveness and the safety and quality of life of our constituents. The original Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) bill included language that would set a schedule to direct all of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) revenues to be used for the maintenance of U.S. harbors instead of the current process of transferring a portion to the Treasury to cover unrelated debts. Our nation's harbors, ports, and waterways have a backlog of important projects that are key to our country's competitiveness. By moving HMTF funding off-budget, it would have provided much-needed funding for these projects. As the Senate and House negotiate the final legislation, I support directing all Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund revenues to be used for harbor maintenance. I applaud Ranking Member DeFazio for securing a set-aside of at least 10 percent of the revenues from the HMTF to be used for small ports. This provision will benefit many communities in Oregon that rely on small ports to get goods to market, which will help local economies thrive. These small ports can't compete for Harbor Maintenance funding alongside the large, deep-draft ports, so a set-aside is vital to their survival. Additionally the Willamette Falls at the end of the Oregon Trail and the Willamette Locks were an important element of American settlement of the West. Repair and reopening of the Willamette Falls Locks is an essential part of the future economic and cultural heritage of the area. A final disposition study of the Locks is underway by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is important that this study fully consider all economic, recreational, historic, and cultural significance of the locks at the national, state, or local level. The Columbia River is a powerful economic force in Oregon. It helps carry goods to market and provides food to tribal populations and others. We must reduce pollution and contamination of this critical resource. I joined my colleagues Reps. Blumenauer and DeFazio in introducing H.R. 2469, the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act of 2015, which includes grants for projects that help preserve and protect the waterway. As the Senate and House negotiate the final legislation, I support the inclusion of the Columbia River Restoration Act in the final bill. I share the frustration of so many families in Oregon and across the nation whose children have been exposed to lead in their school drinking water and their neighborhoods. Families shouldn't have to worry about whether the drinking water in their homes or schools poses serious risks to their children's health. The Flint, Michigan crisis continues, and children and families desperately need aid to restore quality drinking water. I supported Rep. Kildee's amendment to bring aid needed to communities suffering from water contamination emergencies. Invasive mussels have destroyed infrastructure in Western States and are costly to eradicate once they've multiplied. Accordingly, prevention is important. Watercraft inspection stations help protect the Columbia River basin from being permeated by zebra and quagga mussels. I am pleased that Rep. Herrera Beutler's amendment was adopted to allow funds to be used for watercraft inspection stations in Northwestern states. I am supporting this bill today and will continue working with my colleagues to dedicate HMTF revenue for its intended purpose.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to be in Washington, D.C. on September 20, 2016 because I was attending a memorial service and I missed votes in the House. If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of H.R. 670, the Special Needs Trust Fairness and Medicaid Improvement Act, H.R. 5785, a bill to amendment title 5, United States Code, to provide for an annuity supplement for certain air traffic controllers, and H.R. 5690, the GAO Access and Oversight Act. H.R. 670 makes an important update to Medicaid to allow individuals with disabilities to set up their own special-needs trusts that are not counted as part of their assets when determining Medicaid eligibility. This will allow individuals to access Medicaid services without having to go through a lengthy process and get a court order to set up a special-needs trust. I support this update to make it easier for individuals to access critical medical services. H.R. 5785 makes it easier for retired federal air traffic controllers to train the next generation of this important workforce. Under current law, retired air traffic controllers cannot earn more than $15,720 annually as instructors and still receive their Federal Employees' Retirement System retirement benefits. This bill waives the salary cap for former air traffic controllers so they can be instructors without compromising their retirement benefits. I am pleased that the House passed this important update so that the next generation of controllers can be trained by qualified and experienced instructors. H.R. 5690 makes it easier for the Government Accountability Office to access certain federal records regarding individuals' employment status for the purposes of determining eligibility for assistance programs such as the National Directory of New Hires, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Earned Income Tax Credit. This bill clarifies current law so that GAO can access this information from Health and Human Services, which oversees the database. If I had been present, I would have supported the bill.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I enthusiastically support the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. When I visit communities in Oregon, I hear from business leaders, educators, and students about how hands-on career and technical education programs engage them and prepare them for success after high school, regardless of what path they take. This CTE legislation authorizes needed increases in funding for CTE programs and takes important steps to help more students excel in school and in the workforce. The bill will improve participation among historically underserved students, bring needed input from key stakeholders, including parents and industry groups, and help students learn employability skills as well as technical skills. I thank my friend and colleague from New York, the co-chair of the STEAM Caucus, Congresswoman Stefanik, for working with me to include an amendment that promotes arts and design education, which is increasingly in high demand in numerous industry sectors that value innovation. I thank Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Scott, and Representatives Clark and Thompson for their leadership and commitment to improving CTE programs. I ask my colleagues to join me in approving this legislation and call on the Senate to quickly take action.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, when I traveled around northwest Oregon last month, from town hall meetings to the grocery store, I spoke with Oregonians about the challenges they are facing and what keeps them up at night. Time after time, the conversation turned to the cost of higher education. It is likely we have all spoken with parents trying to make ends meet who can't save for their young children's education and recent graduates who are worried about finding jobs that will cover their looming student loan payments. But we also hear from too many people who are trying to balance their current student loan debt with child care, housing, and other expenses. Many are getting by, but 1 month of unexpected unemployment or illness could set them back years. Unfortunately, for too many, the threat of default is already a reality. Currently, more than 8 million student loan borrowers are in default on their educational debt, and the number is growing. These are hardworking Americans--mothers, fathers, veterans, nurses, teachers, and young people--who are trying to improve their lives, but have been pulled into financial turmoil. The 8 million people in default--a group, roughly, twice the size of Oregon--are at risk of financial ruin. Their tax refunds and Social Security benefits may be withheld. Their wages can be garnished and they can face legal action. And with damaged credit, borrowing for a home, car, or business, or even renting an apartment can be an impossible task. What can Congress do for those who are struggling to make their student loan payments? The answer is SIMPLE. Today I am pleased to introduce legislation with my friend and colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Ryan Costello. Our bill, the Streamlining Income-Driven Manageable Payments on Loans for Education, or SIMPLE Act, makes it easier for millions of at-risk student loan borrowers to access protections that are already available under the law. Income-driven repayment plans allow borrowers to make loan payments that are based on how much they earn. So, in other words, what they can afford. As a result, they are much less likely than other borrowers to default on their debt. That is good for the borrower, their families, and local economies. Unfortunately, too many at-risk borrowers don't know about these plans or they are unable to navigate the complicated application for enrolling, so they don't receive the benefit of lower payments. In fact, 70 percent of borrowers in default from the government's largest student loan program, the Direct Loan program, would have qualified for lower payments. Even if borrowers enroll in income-driven repayment, they must complete a burdensome process to update information. In one study, more than half of the borrowers did not recertify their income on time. When this happens, a borrower's payments can spike and suddenly push the borrower toward delinquency and default. In short, the government makes it unnecessarily difficult for people who are weighed down by student debt to get the help the law already affords them. Our bipartisan SIMPLE Act streamlines the process and removes barriers that prevent borrowers from benefiting from income-driven repayment. The bill uses borrowers' existing income data to automatically provide at-risk borrowers on the verge of default with lower loan payments. The bill provides for automatic updates of borrowers' income information each year, so they continue to pay what they can afford. As college costs continue to rise and more students leave school with increasing levels of debt, it is clear that this House needs to act to make higher education more affordable for everyone. The SIMPLE Act is part of that broader effort. It works by reaching at-risk borrowers, simplifying the process to get them into a plan with repayment based on income and helping them keep their payments affordable and avoid default. I thank Mr. Costello for his partnership on this bill and urge all of my colleagues to join us in supporting this legislation.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I voted to support the Conference Report accompanying S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Although I support this critical legislative effort to begin fighting back against the opioid abuse and addiction crisis that has swept our country, there is much more work to be done to combat this epidemic. Passing this bill is encouraging, but it is only a first step. Unfortunately, many of the programs laid out in the legislation are not supported by the funding necessary to be fully effective. To achieve any measure of success, we must ensure that health care and treatment providers have the resources they need to effectively curtail opioid abuse and addiction, including robust funding and educational support for state and local initiatives. I ask my colleagues that we build on the progress made today and work to provide adequate funding and support to those who care for our communities and constituents as we address this enormous challenge.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 3179, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Congressman Guthrie on this important legislation, and I commend Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Scott for their leadership, without which this bill would not be on the path to becoming law. The Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act will provide college students with clearer information about their rights and obligations as student loan borrowers. The current process of borrowing student loans and preparing for repayment can be confusing. In fact, I have heard from many borrowers who did not understand the terms of their loans or the tools and programs available to help them manage their debt. The lack of information on the benefits and consequences of taking on student debt is especially troubling during a time when more students are turning to loans to cover the costs of higher education--and they are borrowing larger amounts, on average. This legislation will put in place several commonsense requirements to help student loan borrowers make informed decisions about borrowing and plan for the future. The bill will require annual loan counseling. Each year students can track how much they have borrowed, how much they are projected to borrow, how much interest has accrued and will continue to accrue, and what they are likely to be asked to pay each month upon entering repayment. In addition to regularly monitoring their debt, students will be reminded that they can pay off interest, if they are able to, before it capitalizes, that they are not obligated to borrow the full amount for which they are eligible, and that Federal student loans tend to provide more benefits and safeguards than private education loans. The Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act provides comprehensive information to Pell Grant recipients so that they understand the terms of the grants and the circumstances in which they may have to repay the grants. The bill also provides improved information to parents who borrow PLUS Loans to cover the costs of a child's education. By providing more frequent information to loan borrowers and extending counseling to parents and Pell Grant recipients, this bill will help more people take steps to reduce borrowing and prepare to repay their student loans successfully. Furthermore, this legislation requires a longitudinal study of the effects of loan counseling. The study will examine whether better counseling contributes to a reduction in borrowing, a decrease in delinquencies and defaults, and an increase in program completion. Importantly, the effects of loan counseling will be disaggregated by race, gender, and income--allowing policymakers to determine whether enhanced counseling is benefiting all loan borrowers. Once again, I would like to thank Congressman Guthrie, Chairman Kline, and Ranking Member Scott for their partnership on this legislation and their commitment to making college more affordable and accessible. Congress has a lot of work to do, but the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act is an important step that will help more students navigate the student loan market and build successful futures.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, today, the House of Representatives will recess for a 7-week district work period. Of course, I look forward to going home to Oregon to spend time with my family and meet with my constituents, but I am deeply disappointed that the House is going into recess without taking meaningful action to keep our communities safe. It has been 1 month since 49 people were gunned down in Orlando, almost a year since 9 people were killed at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, and 3\1/2\ years since 20 children and 6 educators were murdered in Newtown. Yet Congress has taken no action to make American communities safer from gun violence. I am disappointed that we are going back home without passing the bipartisan, commonsense, comprehensive background-check bill that is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans. We need to fund efforts to combat Zika and help people in Flint, Michigan, and across this country who do not have access to safe drinking water. Our constituents are counting on us to keep them safe, and they deserve so much better than this congressional inaction.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my opposition to H.J. Res. 88, a misguided attempt to prevent the implementation of the Department of Labor's Conflict of Interest rule that will safeguard Americans by making sure financial advisors are acting in the best interest of their clients. Too many people in Oregon and across our country are struggling to get by. I know the sacrifice that is involved in each and every dollar they set aside to contribute to their retirement. The Department of Labor didn't rush this rule. They took time, listened to perspectives from the industry as well as consumer protection groups, considered thousands of comments, and made thoughtful changes to make sure the conflict of interest rule is workable. That's a good thing. Retirement products are complex, and our constituents should be able to rely on the advice of professionals and be confident that those advisors are doing what's best for the retiree. Instead of voting to eliminate the rule, Congress should be focused on the challenges working families have balancing their responsibilities at home and in the workplace. That is what my home state of Oregon is doing. In January, employees in Oregon started earning sick days they can use when they get sick, or to care for a sick child or family member. They can access sick time for preventive health care, or in cases of domestic violence. About half a million workers benefit from this law, helping make Oregon a better place to live, work, and thrive. Workers shouldn't have to choose between paying their rent or taking care of themselves or loved ones. Stories and personal experiences demonstrate the importance of paid sick days. I would like to tell the story of Erin, who lives in Portland, Oregon. To make ends meet, Erin works 75 hours a week at two part-time jobs as a seamstress. She said, ``Before the law passed, if I missed one day of work I wouldn't get paid and I couldn't afford to pay my bills. Recently, I woke up barely able to move and was in so much pain that I knew I needed help and couldn't go to work. After a few minutes of stress and panic I realized that I had paid sick days. I called in and was able to stay home to get the care I needed to recover. It's a great relief to be able to have the safety net of paid sick days. I know that I don't have to make myself even sicker and feel worse just because I will miss out on my next paycheck. I'm so grateful for sick days because I live paycheck-to-paycheck and no longer have to worry about my finances when I am sick for a day or two.'' It's time our workplace practices address the needs of our workforce. Oregon took a step toward leveling the playing field-- especially for low-wage workers--to allow them to care for themselves and their families. In Congress, we should pass the Healthy Families Act so workers across the country have the same opportunities as Oregonians like Erin. That is where Congress should be focused, not trying to dismantle important consumer protections for American's retirement savings. Mr. Speaker, I voted against H.J. Res. 88 and will continue to support the implementation of this rule.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 3 weeks since 49 innocent people were shot to death in Orlando. From Orlando to Oregon, Americans are saying enough is enough and demanding that Congress take meaningful action to prevent gun violence. This week, Congress should close the loophole that allows convicted felons, domestic abusers, and terrorists to buy guns without a background check. Congress should dedicate resources to the Centers for Disease Control to study gun violence. It is a public health crisis. Congress should take steps to keep deadly, military-style weapons out of the hands of dangerous people. Enough is enough. We have lost too many children, too many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, coworkers, friends, and neighbors. It is long past time for Congress to take meaningful action to save lives. Let's do what 90 percent of Americans want us to do. Let's pass the bipartisan universal background check bill today. Enough is enough.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 because my flight from Oregon was delayed because of inclement weather. Had I been present, I would have supported passage of H.R. 5389, Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act, and H.R. 5388, Support for Rapid Innovation Act, and I would have opposed H.R. 5525, End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act. The Leveraging Emerging Technologies Act and the Support for Rapid Innovation Act are commonsense bills that will make it easier for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to identify threats to cybersecurity and develop strategies to partner with industry to combat these cyber threats. Cybercrime is--and will continue to be--a serious threat to families, the United States economy, and our national security. I am proud to support two bills that will provide more tools for DHS to use when combating cybercrime. I would have opposed the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phone Act, a shortsighted bill that seeks to eliminate access to affordable cell phones and broadband for low-income individuals and families. Currently the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline program provides subsidies for low-income families to obtain landline or wireless cell phones. This service is critical for people looking for jobs, children working on homework after school, and families scattered across the country who need to stay in touch. Under the End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phone Act, the Lifeline subsidy would only be available for landline phones. In our increasingly mobile economy, it is neither practical nor fair to force people to rely only on a landline phone. This bill would do nothing to level the playing field for those who need it most, and it would impede families who are trying to make ends meet and struggling to get ahead.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4974, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2017. Although I strongly support the bill's funding for programs that support our nation's service members and veterans, the legislation contained too many harmful provisions to earn my vote. Regrettably, the bill included language allowing federal contractors to discriminate against LGBT employees, as well as language to prevent the closing of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. I was also concerned by the adoption of anti-labor amendments that will jeopardize the rights of workers on military construction projects. Though I oppose the final bill for those reasons, there were several provisions in the legislation that I support, including greater investments in providing care to our veterans, and funding for military housing, infrastructure, and other services to give our men and women in uniform and their families the facilities and care they deserve. I hope to work with my colleagues to improve this legislation as the appropriations process continues.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chairman, again, I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania and my colleague from Maine for cosponsoring this important amendment. This is a modest increase in the Water Power Program. It supports marine and hydropower energy technology, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment with my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Perry, and my colleague from Maine, Congresswoman Pingree, in support of water power technologies. Mr. Chairman, our amendment would increase funding to the Department of Energy's Water Power Program by $9 million. This increase is offset by an equal amount by the departmental administration account. As Congress promotes technologies that can help lower our constituents' energy bills, we must invest in new and innovative solutions, and my colleague just made a case for why hydropower is so important. The Department of Energy has estimated that our Nation's marine energy resources could, in the future, represent a very good portion of U.S. generation needs. Oregon State University, the University of Washington, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks are leveraging Federal funding from the Water Power Program to support the testing and research activities of the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, a center that will provide visionary entrepreneurs with the domestic location to test wave energy devices, along with other technology, instead of traveling to Scotland to use their test center. Without continued Federal investment, Europe will remain the leader. China is investing heavily in these technologies as well. Federal partnerships with educational institutions and the private sector are necessary to further the research and development efforts already well underway and close the gap for these technologies on the verge of commercial viability. The National Hydropower Association, along with its Pumped Storage and Marine Energy Councils have endorsed our bipartisan amendment. Investments in these technologies and this source of energy will spur domestic industry and create good-paying jobs and economic opportunities in our communities. Mr. Chairman, I urge the adoption of this bipartisan amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the critical legislative efforts on the House floor this week to begin fighting the opioid crisis--an addiction crisis that has swept our country. There is much more work to be done to combat this epidemic. This is an encouraging start, but we must do more. Too many communities in Oregon and across the Nation have seen the destruction that is caused by addiction, and too many have experienced the heartbreak of losing a child, a neighbor, a friend, or other loved one to overdose. Last year, just in Portland, Oregon, there were an average of two opioid deaths per week. I think about Kerri, who is a mom from Knappa, in northwest Oregon. She lost her son, Jordan, after a 7-year struggle. Jordan's addiction began when he had a football injury in high school, and his doctor prescribed Vicodin. My own family has not been immune to this devastation. My brilliant and talented sister-in-law, Valerie, struggled with chronic pain and struggled in her life with the many, many opioids that were way too available. She relied on them to dull that pain until she lost her life a few years ago. Countless families and doctors and nurses and public safety officers have all pleaded with us here in Congress to please act, to please save families from this loss and heartbreak. I am glad we have come together today to answer this call, but these are only the first steps. Healthcare and treatment providers must have the resources they need to effectively curtail opioid abuse and addiction, and that means robust funding and better research and better education. We have all stood on this floor today and called this an epidemic. Let's treat it as such. Let's continue building on this progress. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, when I travel around northwest Oregon, I often hear from parents who struggle to afford child care, which in Oregon can cost as much as a year of college tuition. I hear from people who can't find work because their skills don't match up with the jobs that are available in their areas, and I hear from students who are overwhelmed by the cost of their college educations. These are not problems without solutions. As policymakers, we should be addressing the challenges our families face. It is possible to give every child the opportunity to succeed, to close the achievement gap, to make college accessible and affordable, to expand family-friendly workplace policies, and to make sure we have a 21st century workforce. In fact, we can't afford to let these problems continue to hold us back. This week, I welcomed to Oregon Mr. Scott of Virginia, the ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Together we saw and discussed some of the struggles our working families face. We had a whirlwind day that included substantive discussions about how to give children, young people, and working families the support they need to succeed. We talked about how to open the doors of opportunity that are closed for too many. I invited Mr. Scott to Oregon because he has a remarkable record of standing up for working families. On the Education and the Workforce Committee, we worked together on the Every Student Succeeds Act to strengthen our public schools, and on the Older Americans Act to support our growing population of older adults. He has also been a leader for working families by his standing up to attacks on the National Labor Relations Board and by his protecting retirees through his support for the Department of Labor's rule to ban conflicts of interest in retirement advice. During his visit this week, I showed Mr. Scott the innovative and collaborative nature that sets Oregon apart. Oregon is a leader in addressing barriers that are faced by working families. Last year our State legislature raised the State's minimum wage and passed legislation to provide workers with paid sick days to care for themselves or their families. At our forum on early childhood development, we discussed how this country's workplace policies have not kept up with our changing workforce. Andrea Paluso from Family Forward Oregon told us that even the iconic image of the Cleaver family does not accurately reflect the diversity of American families. In fact, Barbara Billingsley, the actress who played June Cleaver on ``Leave It to Beaver,'' was in real life a single, working mom. We heard from others about how food insecurity and hunger interfere with the ability of too many children to focus in school and about how early childhood education correlates to positive health outcomes and academic achievement later in life. I am proud of Oregon for taking so many positive steps to protect working families, but these changes shouldn't be happening just for some. We should be having these conversations and discussions in Congress as well. Our economy will be stronger and our families will be healthier when we acknowledge that families need policies that work for them, not against them. We need equal pay for women, good wages, paid leave, and affordable child care to support families in Oregon and across the country. Looking toward our future, I want students today to have the same opportunities I had. I worked my way through community college, college, and law school, and I graduated with a very manageable amount of student debt. Unfortunately, that opportunity is out of reach for too many of today's families. Again, Oregon is a national leader. Oregon Promise, our State's free community college plan, will help put education within reach for thousands of students. Oregon's leaders have recognized that the future of our economy relies on an educated and innovative workforce to create and fill the jobs of the 21st century. During our visit, I introduced Mr. Scott to Fernando, who participates in the Portland Community College's very successful Future Connect Program. This program connects low-income, first-generation college students with financial aid resources, personalized academic advising, internships and job training, and an intensive summer orientation, all of which help them to succeed in college. This program is critical to Fernando, who is a DACA student, and to other first- generation college students. Fernando told us that Future Connect made a difference, it made him feel at home in college. Oregon knows it is not enough just to get students to college, but that it is important that they stay there and finish their degrees. Now Fernando is off to a 4-year university and is pursuing his plans to become a dentist. I am incredibly proud of the State I represent. Congress can learn a lot from the Oregon spirit of innovation and collaboration. I was glad to show Mr. Scott the progress we have made in Oregon, and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remove the many obstacles that are holding back working families and that are keeping young people from achieving their full potential, because when we open the doors of opportunity to everyone, we all succeed.

Ms. BONAMICI

Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, too many families and individuals across Oregon and across our country are struggling to get ahead. I know the sacrifice that is involved in each and every dollar they set aside to contribute to their retirement. Building a stable base for retirement security should be within reach for everyone. That is why I will vote ``no'' on H.J. Res. 88. Consumer protection is one of the reasons I am standing on the House floor today. Throughout my career, I have advocated for families who, despite their best efforts, have found their financial and retirement security at risk. At Legal Aid, I helped families who were on the brink of losing everything; as a consumer protection attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, I took on mortgage brokers who had defrauded people out of their homes; and in private practice, I represented people who lost their life savings when they relied on misrepresentations by people selling securities and franchises. I pay close attention to the fiduciary rule because I know that consumer protection laws can keep Americans financially secure and level the playing field. A thriving marketplace without deceptive practices can restore consumer confidence and grow the economy. For too long, people saving for retirement have had few tools to know if their financial adviser was directing them to a product that was in their best interest and most appropriate for their specific needs and goals. Seeking to fix this uncertainty and put the interest of future retirees first, the Department of Labor took great care when crafting a final rule to remove conflicts of interest and restore confidence to savers. They heard from people around the country, including consumer protection groups and leaders in the investment industry. They heard from people who had lost their life savings because of financial advice that was not in their best interest. Saving for retirement is crucial for our country's economic security, but too many Americans are uncertain about how they can stretch their hard-earned dollars to provide for themselves and their families. Products and choices are complex. The Department of Labor sought to protect these Americans from conflicted advice so they can be prepared for retirement while allowing financial advisers to continue to play an important role in this process. Stakeholders from all sides of the issue were involved in the rulemaking. The Department took time, listened to them, and made multiple changes to make sure this rule is workable. I applaud the Department of Labor for their thoughtful and thorough rulemaking process. I urge my colleagues to oppose this misguided legislation that seeks to block this important fiduciary rule. I thank Ranking Member Scott for his leadership on this issue.