Troy Balderson

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of my dear friend, Dr. Paul Brown, past President of Zane State College, and a respected voice for higher education in Ohio. I was heartbroken to learn of his sudden passing last week. Among the many accomplishments over his 30-year career was his work to modernize Zane State for better preparing students for success in their careers and in life. Under his leadership, Zane State had over 70 percent growth in enrollment and record-setting job placement. It was an honor to work alongside Paul for so many years. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Linda, and the entire Brown family.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment offered by Representative Steel. This amendment is simple. It demands that China, the world's worst producer of greenhouse gas emissions, meets the same emissions standards that are imposed on the United States. CO2 emissions in the United States have steadily declined since 2010 and drastically decreased during the pandemic. In 2020, China somehow managed to increase their emissions. Meanwhile, nearly every other country reduced theirs. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to be serious about the climate, let's start by creating a level playing field for U.S. businesses to compete and require the world's largest polluter, China, to step up to the plate.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns with H.R. 4521. I want to talk for a moment not about China but about Licking County, Ohio, and the district I represent. Licking County, located on the outskirts of Columbus, was cast into the national spotlight last month when a major U.S. tech company announced an initial $20 billion investment to build the first phase of what they plan to grow into the world's largest semiconductor manufacturing facility. This investment will put Licking County at the epicenter of a new silicon heartland and at the forefront of addressing the Nation's semiconductor shortage. This investment will have an economic ripple effect throughout the region. Indeed, it will benefit our entire country. Semiconductor chips are crucial components to products Americans use every day, including cars, computers, cell phones, and virtually every electronic device in our homes. Since the early 1990s, the United States' share of semiconductor manufacturing has fallen from 37 percent to just 12 percent today. Asian countries now account for more than 70 percent of semiconductor chip manufacturing globally. The COVID-19 pandemic and its following supply chain disruptions have brought this issue to the forefront for every American. One concern for Americans in the market for a new car is the empty lots of dealerships as automobile production lines wait for chips from Asia. Failing to address the shortage of semiconductor chips could have dire consequences for our national security. With production of U.S. military defense systems dependent upon access to these chips, overreliance on foreign countries leaves U.S. national security interests vulnerable, too. We cannot allow ourselves to be held hostage by the imbalance of foreign chip production. The United States is not alone. Other countries are waking up to this reality, too. As I speak, the European Union is developing CHIPS legislation in an effort to quadruple their production of semiconductor chips by 2030. Falling further behind in chip manufacturing is a national security issue that we just can't afford. I am honored to represent a community that will soon play a leading role in addressing the global chip shortage and producing these components vital to our modern economy. I am excited that we have an opportunity to help grow U.S. manufacturing of chips to epic proportions with a much-needed investment. The CHIPS for America Act investment will level the playing field and let U.S. manufacturers compete in this market. But, once again, Democrat leadership is doing it the wrong way. My constituents, and all Americans, were hopeful that the majority here in Congress had learned from their recent failures about what happens when these packages become too big, too costly, and too partisan. The CHIPS Act presents Congress with a golden opportunity to finally pass a bipartisan, commonsense investment that would bolster American competitiveness on the world stage. Unfortunately, the CHIPS Act constitutes a small fraction of the bill's overall price tag, which is over $300 billion. Instead, the House Democrats worked behind closed doors with no Republican input and managed to bury good provisions under a mountain of unrelated policies that have nothing to do with American competitiveness. In their hasty attempt at a partisan victory, the Democrats' bill funnels $8 billion to the unaccountable U.N. Green Climate Fund, which has already given $100 million to the Chinese Communist Party. It pours billions of dollars into offshore climate change resiliency programs instead of holding China, the world's worst polluter, accountable for its own destructive emission standards. It also creates unlimited visas and immigration pathways for Chinese nationals with STEM degrees. This allows the CCP to handpick which Chinese nationals apply for visas and opens the door for CCP to use unlimited visas to encourage espionage and the theft of sensitive technologies. It also creates climate change officers within the Foreign Service, weakening our diplomats' focus on our core national interests. In an effort to improve this bill, I offered commonsense amendments to encourage domestic manufacturing of critical products. I also offered amendments to remove the billions of dollars in partisan spending for global green new deal programs and shift focus on what this bill should be about. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today is proof House Democrats learned nothing from their disastrous Build Back Better blunder. Rather than allowing American economic competitiveness to be a rallying point for bipartisanship, the majority's all-or-nothing approach makes this yet another missed opportunity. If this bill advances to conference committee, I am hopeful that the conferees will focus on areas of bipartisan, bicameral agreement like the CHIPS Act. It is past time to bolster this production here at home. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to stop with the messaging bills and bring a piece of legislation to the floor that can win strong bipartisan support. Together, we can ensure that the serious business of American competitiveness gets the careful consideration and support it deserves.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ohio's longest-serving township trustee, William ``Andy'' Thompson. The year 1970 was momentous for many reasons. It was the year the Beatles released their final album ``Let It Be'' just before the band broke up, the legal voting age in the U.S. was lowered from 21 to 18, and it was the year that William ``Andy'' Thompson first answered the call to serve his community. After 52 years and 13 consecutive four-year terms, Andy ends his tenure as Ohio's longest-serving township trustee. Located in northwest Delaware County, Thompson Township, which carries the same family name only by coincidence, has a population of just 659 residents. For township trustees in rural Ohio, the role requires more than just setting policy and addressing the concerns of residents. Given the size and budgets of smaller townships, the job often doubles as a part-time maintenance position of sorts. Even at age 84, Andy was no exception. On any given day, if Andy wasn't tending to his own farm, he could likely be found patching roads or mowing at the local cemetery. Among Andy's long list of accomplishments spanning his more than five decades of public service was the construction of a new township hall, at no added expense to taxpayers. While Andy's time as an officeholder has ended, his legacy will endure for many years to come. This legacy includes his successor as township trustee, his son, Andy Thompson III. Andy has set a high bar for the thousands of township officeholders serving across Ohio's 1,308 townships. It is an honor to recognize his long career of public service and to express my sincere gratitude to William ``Andy'' Thompson on behalf of Ohio's 12th Congressional District.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, Sergeant Major Dan Altieri. Sergeant Major was the living embodiment of the Marine Corps motto ``semper fi,'' always faithful, dedicating more than 30 years of service to the Corps. Suffering unprecedented losses during its 2005 Iraq deployment, he led his marines in multiple combat operations, and Sergeant Major Altieri played a vital role in caring for Lima upon its return home. As his marines and so much more of Central Ohio mourned for Lima Company in the wake of tragedy, it was left to Altieri to hold his marines together, a task requiring both strength and compassion. Outside the Marines, he was a family man. He was a loving husband and father. His devotion to family was reflected in the love for his wife, Kovette, two grown sons, a sister, and his mentorship of others. Today, the hearts of so many Ohioans are with the Sergeant Major's wife and family, his Marine Corps family, the law enforcement community, and to the countless lives touched by this remarkable U.S. marine.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the Biden administration's attack on American energy production. Last month, as America faced 40 percent higher prices at the pump as a result of his failed policies, President Biden found himself begging OPEC to open the valve to alleviate the pinch of skyrocketing prices. To no one's surprise, OPEC refused. Earlier this year, in a baffling sequence of events on his very first day in office, President Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline project, eliminating 11,000 U.S. energy jobs here at home. And then he gave a green light to Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline across Europe. Perhaps most appalling is that the Nord Stream 2 decision was made in the wake of Russian hackers shutting down the Colonial Pipeline, affecting tens of millions of American up and down the East coast. These misguided policy decisions by the Biden administration have caused irreparable harm, not just to the U.S., but also to our European allies who are growing increasingly weary of how the Kremlin may use its newfound grasp on the region's energy supplies to advance their geopolitical influence. Destroying American energy production under the false pretense that doing so is somehow saving the environment is nothing more than a mismatch of problems and solutions. It is a disastrous display of virtue-signaling. Meanwhile, in the midst of soaring inflation, American taxpayers are the ones left paying the price, robbed of both reliable energy options and their hard-earned money. Madam Speaker, the Biden administration's policies are damaging American energy independence and security. We must reverse course and return to a path of American energy leadership, not foreign reliance.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3684, the majority's ``my-way-or-the-highway bill.'' Rather than working with Republicans to deliver a commonsense, bipartisan bill that puts America's real infrastructure needs center stage, the majority has decided to fast track its Green New Deal agenda. In fact, half of the funding in this bill is tied up meeting Green New Deal mandates. The majority refused to work with Republicans on policies to streamline the permitting process for construction projects. These policies will save taxpayers billions of dollars and move projects forward faster, while still ensuring world-class environmental standards. Unfortunately, Republicans were shut out of the process, and the impact is clear. This bill places costly restrictions on local construction projects, includes catastrophic provisions that would put small trucking companies and independent truckers out of business, and relies on deficit spending, which will further fuel the problem of inflation. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to reject this partisan process and vote ``no'' on H.R. 3684.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, congratulations to Meyer Shank Racing on winning this year's Indianapolis 500! Based in Licking County, Meyer Shank Racing launched in 1994 and is currently expanding operations in Pataskala. It's taken a lot of hard work and determination to get to this point, and this team deserves every bit of success. Helio Castroneves excelled behind the wheel during a riveting race this year. Mike Shank is remarkable and has led this team to many accomplishments. It's such a joy to watch this team thrive, and I wish them all the best in their future competitions.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bid farewell to my dear friend, Representative Steve Stivers, as he embarks on a new adventure leading the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. A career soldier, Steve has served more than 30 years in the Ohio Army National Guard and holds the rank of major general. He served the United States overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he led 400 soldiers and contractors. For his leadership, he was awarded the Bronze Star. In a battle closer to home, Steve served on the front lines in America's fight against the opioid epidemic. Steve was a champion for the cause of civility not just in politics, but in our daily lives and founded the Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus. Just as Steve has left his mark here in the Halls of Congress and in the lives of so many Americans, I know he will continue to do big things as president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and as a champion for job growth across our State.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Todd Spiker. Todd was a longtime friend of my family and we will miss him dearly. Todd passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Todd spent a lifetime in service to his country beginning at the age of 19 when he joined the U.S. Army. Upon leaving active duty, he joined the Alabama National Guard and served in the operation Desert Storm with the 214th MP Company. After graduating from Jacksonville State University, he went to work at the at the City of Gadsden Police Department. Five years later, he would join the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent where he would proudly serve for the next 23 years. Todd had a wonderful life and left an incredible legacy. I am grateful for his service and I offer my deepest condolences to his family.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jacob Edward Burns. Jacob, 35, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021 as the result of an automobile accident. He was born August 26, 1985 in Zanesville to David and Bonnie Burns. Jacob was a Philo graduate and retired as a Staff Sergeant from the United States Air Force on November 27, 2019. He had a strong relationship with his military brothers, while serving he was a Combat Arms Instructor and was known around the world for his knowledge. Jacob was a remarkable husband and father. I mourn with his family and I am thankful for his service.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a lifelong Ohioan who made a profound impact on not only me but so many in the Zanesville area, my hometown, Betty Wiechert. I first came to know Betty when I was just a young boy, when she became my first Sunday school teacher. All these years later, Betty and I still attended the same church together each Sunday. Just a few weeks ago, Betty even surprised me by asking a question on a telephone townhall. She lived an incredibly full life until the very end. Born in Newark and raised in Zanesville, Betty gave her entire life to her family and this community, teaching not only Sunday school but also third and fifth grades. Her passing was preceded by her parents, her husband of nearly 62 years, Rudy, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one great- great-grandchild, a brother-in-law, and her father-in-law and mother- in-law. She is survived by six children, 16 grandchildren, 46 great- grandchildren, 42 great-great-grandchildren, with three more nephews, and extended family and friends. Her faith and her positivity were Betty's trademarks and are all the things fellow Ohioans remember most about her. I will miss seeing her each Sunday at church and will always admire her dedication to bettering the lives of those around her each day. We will miss her dearly.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 446, legislation aimed that at protecting older Americans from falling victim to scammers. Throughout the pandemic, uncertainty has led to many Americans falling victim to scam callers, especially vulnerable populations like seniors. We have a responsibility to stop bad actors like these scam artists in their tracks. That starts with empowering the American people with information to better protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim. H.R. 446 would direct the Federal Trade Commission to identify scammers and make such information publicly available. This legislation also equips the FTC to more proactively alert the public about known scams, specifically in their region. Mr. Speaker, our seniors have suffered enough. It is time to better supply them and their loved ones with the information needed to protect themselves against scammers who shamelessly prey on the most vulnerable. That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 446, the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I was not present to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 74, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 75, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 76, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 77.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act. The Buckeye State is honored to have been the home of American hero Neil Alden Armstrong. From the Wright brothers to the namesake of this legislation, Ohio boasts a rich history as leaders in the aerospace industry. Born in northwest Ohio, Neil Armstrong made history on July 21, 1969, as he uttered the words: ``That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'' As the first human being to step foot on the Moon, Neil Armstrong inspired generations of Americans to literally follow in his footsteps. The United States owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Armstrong for his service at NASA through multiple space exploration programs, as well as the U.S. Navy. The Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act would honor this American hero by bestowing his name on a critical NASA test facility station in Armstrong's home State of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility Act.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll of America's small businesses.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of an amendment I offered alongside Representatives Cisneros, Larsen, and Young. This amendment would increase funding to Small Business Development Centers by $5 million by fiscal year 2021. SBDCs provide a critical resource to small business owners and entrepreneurs who use the centers for free consulting and at-cost trainings. SBDCs have a return on investment of over two to one, and last year they helped generate $7 billion in new sales. It will be even more valuable as our small businesses recover from this pandemic. As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I have seen firsthand how effective SBDCs can be for our Nation's economic engine. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our support for small business programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this amendment and support Main Streets across America.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our nation's small businesses. As many of my colleagues are aware, our country's economy is built upon and benefits from the millions of entrepreneurs and innovators who go to work every single day for a small business. Without these small businesses and their employees, the United States would not be the economic hub it is today. However, Mr. Speaker, these small businesses, along with our entire nation, have been presented with an unprecedented enemy. The 2019 novel coronavirus has wreaked havoc on our health, our economy, and our day- to-day lives. Everyday activities like visiting our loved ones, dining at our favorite restaurants, or cheering on our favorite teams have been placed on hold as we combat this virus. I believe the steps taken by this Administration and governors around the country, including Governor DeWine in my home state, to minimize the destructiveness of the coronavirus should be noted and applauded. In Congress, we have worked to provide the necessary aid and relief sought by so many. We have extended health benefits--placing public health at the forefront of our battle. We have ramped up our equipment production to levels unseen for nearly 80 years, when we were fighting the Second World War. And perhaps most importantly, we have funded aid programs within the Small Business Administration to lift up America's small businesses. The bill before us, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, will continue to support these critical efforts through much-needed supplemental funding. Earlier this week, I introduced my own resolution to recognize the enormous strain being placed upon our economy's engine, the small businesses that are the foundation of all our communities. To say that this Congress has come to the aid of small businesses would be fair; but, to say that our job here is done would be far from true. In fact, it is important now more than ever to double down on our support and ensure unwavering commitment to Main Street. Mr. Speaker, my resolution specifically requests Congress to increase its support for America's small businesses. I am extremely pleased to see that programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program will receive the money needed to continue aiding our nation's small businesses. Of the $349 billion appropriated by Congress in the CARES Act for small business relief programs, my home state of Ohio received over $14 billion. These dollars are going to real businesses and helping communities, both large and small, across my district. I hope even more dollars make their way to Ohio as we get set to pass this relief bill before us. This week, Congress will pass the fourth aid bill to help Americans. And much like the previous bill, the CARES Act, the bill before us increases funding levels for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, while also ensuring our health care system receives the support it needs. In addition to providing $370 billion of relief to small businesses, the bill includes $75 billion more for hospitals; the first tranche of this money from the CARES Act's fund has already gone out. Hospitals in my district have let me know how critical it was to receive this support. They have also let me know that more is direly needed. This is why we are here today; to respond to those calls for more help. The PPP and Health Care Enhancement Act also includes $25 billion for testing. I know from Ohio's governor that this is a key piece of the puzzle in safely reopening economic activity. Congress must not hesitate in its efforts to combat the novel coronavirus. Congress must not hesitate in its appropriation of additional funds to support America's small businesses. It is imperative we use our time here as Representatives of our communities and the full capabilities of the federal government to protect Americans--both in terms of health and economic security. We will defeat this virus and we will emerge from this unprecedented time a stronger, more resilient nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and stand with small businesses and those on the front lines--without which, our nation would most certainly not be the global beacon of opportunity and freedom it is.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the entire Shelly & Sands Inc. team of my hometown, Zanesville, Ohio, on winning the National Asphalt Pavement Associations' Sheldon G. Haynes Award. To be eligible for the Sheldon G. Haynes award, a paving company must first win the Pavement Associations Quality in Construction award for a project using more than 50,000 tons of asphalt. Paving companies must submit projects from across the United States to be judged by an independent pavement consultant. The projects are then judged on pavement smoothness, safety, and durability, and innovative techniques used during the projects. Of the thousands of large-scale paving projects submitted every year, four companies are considered finalists and only one company wins. The I-77 roadway in Guernsey County, Ohio presented a unique paving challenge for the Shelly & Sands team. Shelly & Sands began paving in the middle of a bridge construction project. The team used innovative thermal cameras to ensure even asphalt cooling for surface smoothness and durability. This was just one of many masterful techniques used by the Shelly & Sands team to achieve success in this project. I again extend my warmest congratulations to the Shelly & Sands team on their prestigious award. I look forward to hearing more about their future endeavors and wish them continued success in paving high quality, largescale projects throughout Ohio.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on an issue that touches the lives of countless Ohioans because it affects everyone with loved ones and family members. When a hardworking Federal employee gives birth to a child, has a parent is in the hospital, or needs to take leave for any medical or family-related reason, they are able to do so through paid family leave. Sadly, thousands of Federal employees, many of whom live and work in Ohio's 12th Congressional District, were left out of the most recent reauthorization of paid family leave for Federal employees. These TSA agents; FAA workers, including air traffic controllers at John Glenn Airport; and VA healthcare providers, such as doctors, dentists, and nurses, work hard. They deserve to take time off for medical and family reasons without affecting their pay. That is why I introduced the VAlue FAAmily Act, which would correct this oversight and extend 12 weeks of paid family leave to these forgotten employees. FMLA, and the lives of Federal employees, should not be compromised. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 5993, the VAlue FAAmily Act.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to Ed Morrison, and the entire Shelly & Sands Inc. team of my hometown, Zanesville, Ohio, on winning the National Asphalt Pavement Associations' Sheldon G. Haynes Award. To be eligible for the Sheldon G. Haynes award, a paving company must first win the Pavement Associations Quality in Construction award for a project using more than 50,000 tons of asphalt. Paving companies must submit projects from across the United States to be judged by an independent pavement consultant. The projects are then judged on pavement smoothness, safety, and durability, and innovative techniques used during the projects. Of the thousands of largescale paving projects submitted every year, four companies are considered finalists and only one company wins. The I-77 roadway in Guernsey County, Ohio presented a unique paving challenge for Quality Control Director Ed Morrison and the Shelly & Sands team. Shelly & Sands began paving in the middle of a bridge construction project. The team used innovative thermal cameras to ensure even asphalt cooling for surface smoothness and durability. This was just one of many masterful techniques used by the Shelly & Sands team to achieve success in this project. I again extend my warmest congratulations to Ed and his team on this prestigious award. I look forward to hearing more about their future endeavors and wish them continued success in paving high quality, largescale projects throughout Ohio.

Mr. BALDERSON

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding and for offering such an important amendment. Madam Chair, I agree that section 2 of the underlying bill presents a grave problem. PFAS were first used in the 1940s and continued to be used in a variety of everyday objects, including pizza boxes, food wrappers, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, water-resistant clothes, firefighters' protective suits, and medical devices. I support this amendment because it would prevent so many important materials from being labeled as hazardous without the scientific proof to back it up. We should not label all 5,000 of these materials the same way. Madam Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the amendment.

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Chair, my amendment would require the EPA administrator to certify to Congress the agency has completed its own PFAS Action Plan before the underlying bill may be implemented. My amendment acknowledges the concern for human health and the environment caused by drinking water contamination and enables the EPA, the appropriate regulatory agency, to improve the situation through careful science. PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in a variety of products that have commercial, industrial, and military uses. These substances are often found in everyday objects and relied upon by Americans. One of the most important uses is medical devices. PFAS materials are central components of many medical devices because they are bio- compatible, durable, and deemed safe for implantation when necessary. PFAS, and, in fact, fluoropolymers, have lifesaving applications in medical devices, including heart patches and grafts, stents, and surgical mesh. They are found in catheters and other medical tubing and guide wires used in surgical patients and to treat thousands of diseases. These substances are even found in sterile coatings on hospital gowns, masks, and other tools needed to keep hospital settings sterile and fight infections. In my district of Ohio 12, medical device producers make these critical products and contribute to improving patients' lives every day. Clearly, not all PFAS are the same. To assert that all these 5,000- plus substances are hazardous in one move is not based on science and it is dangerous. That would call into question the already approved medical devices that are saving lives. The better solution is to allow the EPA to do its work and look at each chemical on its own merits, rather than labeling the whole diverse class as hazardous. I agree with the authors of this bill that we must be cautious with the use of chemicals and reduce their levels in our water supplies, but this cannot be done at the jeopardy of American patients. That is why I am thrilled to learn about EPA's PFAS Action Plan, which the agency published last year in response to greater awareness of this issue and rising public health concerns. As part of this plan, the EPA works with Federal, State, and local partners to understand and act on known PFAS dangers. The EPA plan is a comprehensive, cross-agency approach. It includes concrete steps to monitor, detect, and address PFAS contamination. One major action worth noting that the EPA has already taken is the December 3 proposal to establish a maximum contaminant level. This important step toward public safety is currently under interagency review. For the well-being of all Americans, we should support this plan's success. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Chair, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).