Anthony Brindisi

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7105. I am proud that this bill includes the Chuck Osier Burial Benefits Act, which would require the VA to furnish an urn or a plaque if a deceased eligible veteran was not interred in a traditional cemetery. All veterans deserve to be honored for their service, regardless of how their families choose to lay them to rest. It is named in honor of Chuck Osier, an Air Force veteran from Sherrill, New York, who passed away in 2015. Because Chuck was not interred in a traditional cemetery, his family could not honor him with a VA-furnished marker. His widow, Donna, has been working with Members of Congress from central New York for years to get this fixed. I am proud to stand here for Chuck and Donna and finally get this bill passed. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation for our Nation's veterans and their families.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I missed a vote on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 as I was at the White House Ceremony for the signing of the historic Abraham Accords. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call Vote No. 186 On Agreeing to H. Res. 1107, YEA.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the ``Feed Our Vets'' nonprofit organization located in New York Mills, NY and to recognize the volunteer staff for providing food assistance to our veterans who are experiencing financial challenges. Veterans have played an essential role in defending our nation, and we must show our gratitude for their service and sacrifice by ensuring that they are not left behind on the battlefield of hunger once they return home. I ask that my colleagues in the House join me in honoring ``Feed Our Vets'' and their volunteers for providing this invaluable service to our veterans in Central New York.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleague, Congressman Kim, for writing this amendment, and I rise on his behalf to offer it tonight. This amendment is straightforward. It ensures that the list of technologies that are most effective in removing PFAS from drinking water are made public and available for public comment prior to final publication. This will allow healthy debate and discussion by scientific experts, universities, industry, and the public to help understand the most effective means of cleanup. By allowing the public to see this information, we can help ensure the EPA is putting our best ideas and methods toward cleaning up these chemicals and making our drinking water safe. Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this commonsense amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I want to thank my colleagues from across the aisle, Mr. Reed from New York and Mr. Gallagher from Wisconsin, for their support of this amendment. Support for clean air and protecting public health are not Democratic or Republican values. They are American values, and I am glad to work with my colleagues on this commonsense amendment. My amendment is straightforward. First, it requires immediate action on the most dangerous types of PFAS, including PFOA, which has been found at elevated levels in drinking water in many communities, including Hoosick Falls in upstate New York. For these obsolete chemistries, EPA would be required to swiftly list these and hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. While we take action on the chemicals of greatest concern, we will also give the EPA time for a thoughtful, science-based process that acknowledges the differences across PFAS chemicals. Our amendment will give the EPA 5 years to establish risk-based standards that protect human health and the environment for the many other types of PFAS chemicals. This will bring the Clean Air Act provisions into line with the CERCLA provisions in this bill. We need to be thoughtful in this process. Protecting public health will make sure that our decisions are informed by the best science available. This amendment is a commonsense compromise that strikes that balance. I, again, thank Congresswoman Dingell and Chairman Pallone, as well as Chairman Tonko for their work on this important legislation, and their willingness to work with me on our amendment. I thank Congresswoman Stevens for her work raising the issue of air contamination when it comes to PFAS chemicals. I urge adoption of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Chairman, I again urge adoption of my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment as the designee of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim).

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for yielding and thank him for his work and the work of the Trade Working Group for their tireless effort to get this deal done. I rise today in strong support of this legislation and for swift approval of USMCA. We need to make sure that New York's workers, farmers, and small businesses have a fair shot at success. That is why I worked hard with Members on both sides of the aisle and the administration to get this deal to the finish line. There are many reasons to support this agreement, such as stronger labor and environmental standards, but I will use my brief time to highlight the impact this will have on upstate New York's dairy farmers. I have heard from dairy farmers across upstate New York about the need to get more milk to market, boost milk prices, and crack down on unfair Canadian price supports, which USMCA will do. USMCA will help family farms, help manufacturers, and protect workers, and I urge swift passage of this agreement.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I claim the time in opposition.

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this motion to recommit and in strong support of this underlying legislation. Madam Speaker, America's farmers, producers, and ranchers provide the American people with the safest, most abundant, and most affordable food supply in the world. Their job is challenging enough, but for too long, our broken immigration system has made this job even more difficult. I have heard from farmers across upstate New York and across the country, sharing the urgent need for responsible, commonsense action to address the labor shortage on American farms and ranches. In fact, every time I visit a farm in my community, immigration is one of the top issues I hear about from farmers. A shortage of workers has led to crops rotting in the fields, billions of dollars in lost productivity, and farmers shuttering their operations. For too long, the broken politics in Washington have made it impossible to make progress on bipartisan immigration reform. But thanks to the tireless work of Congresswoman Lofgren and Congressman Newhouse, and the engagement of dozens of Members and hundreds of agricultural and labor stakeholders, we have a solid, bipartisan bill that finally moves the ball forward. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is something people don't think happens much in Congress anymore, a bipartisan answer to a serious challenge. Republicans and Democrats came together, worked with each other, and found a solution that both sides can live with and that delivers results for American agriculture and workers. Our legislation will expand the H-2A visa program to year-round operations like dairy farms, streamline the program to make it easier for farmers to use, and strengthen the electronic verification process to ensure a legal workforce. It also includes a tough but fair legal status for the existing farm workforce, allowing agricultural workers to get right with the law. The bill also includes strong criminal bars, preventing anyone with a felony conviction or two misdemeanors from obtaining legal status. Both sides negotiated in good faith, and in the end, we have a strong, bipartisan bill on the floor to support. Working together with Democrats and Republicans shows that Congress can get things done for our farmers. That includes farmers like Mike, who owns a dairy operation in my district in Homer, New York. Mike testified in front of the Agriculture Committee earlier this year and told us in no uncertain terms: ``Agriculture needs a way to secure a workforce that is steady, willing, able, and legal. We need to bring the multitude of indispensable agricultural workers who are already here out of the shadows without major disruption to the workforce.'' Mike is supporting this bill, and the bill has earned the strong support of more than 300 agriculture groups from across the country, the Chamber of Commerce, faith groups, labor groups, and many others. To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I would say that we have a real chance here to deliver a compromise--let me say that word again, ``compromise''--that will make our country stronger and help grow American agriculture. President Ronald Reagan, the last President to sign an agriculture labor bill into law, once said: ``I've always thought that when we Americans get up in the morning, when we see bacon, eggs, toast, and milk on our breakfast table, we should give thanks that our farmers are survivors. You are the real miracle workers of the modern world-- keepers of an incredible system based on faith, freedom, hard work, productivity, and profit--a system that feeds us and sustains millions of the world's hungry.'' Let's get the job done. Let's deliver a win for our American farmers. Let's oppose this amendment and get this bill passed. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the advanced manufacturing that is happening in New York's medical device industry. Medical device companies across New York employ nearly 20,000 people, paying good wages, helping patients live healthier lives, and making products here in the United States. Companies like Welch Allyn and ConMed are expanding manufacturing in upstate New York and creating hundreds of new jobs. But this growth could be hurt if we see the return of the medical device tax. The current suspension of the device tax expires on December 31. Allowing this tax to return could erode gains in employment in the med- tech sector from the last 4 years, ultimately hurting innovation and patient access to new technology. Madam Speaker, I hope we can work together this year as Democrats and Republicans to delay this tax and keep supporting American manufacturing.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. O'Halleran), my friend, for yielding to me. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Rural Health Day. I am proud to represent a rural district in upstate New York. These are strong communities of hardworking men and women, but too often, I hear about the challenges facing these families. I recently heard from farmers at a roundtable about the stress of losing a farm that has been in the family for generations and the barriers to reaching out for help when you are in distress. Rural Americans too often face long travel times to access healthcare and a lack of adequate resources locally. Tragically, the CDC reports that the suicide rate in rural America is 45 percent higher than in urban areas. We need to do better. That is why I am proud to work with my colleagues Representative Katko and Representative Craig to introduce the Seeding Rural Resilience Act. This bipartisan bill will direct more resources to reduce the stigma around mental healthcare and help connect farmers with available resources. It shouldn't matter if you live in New Berlin or New York City: You deserve access to quality, affordable healthcare. It is time for Congress to act to deliver more access to affordable healthcare across our rural communities. Madam Speaker, I urge consideration and swift passage of my bill and other actions to help address the specific needs of rural Americans.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4285, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019, which I introduced to ensure that veterans and their families continue to have access to the programs and benefits that they rely on. This critical bill authorizes the continuation of several important VA programs that will expire at the end of this fiscal year if Congress does not act. First, this bill provides a 1-year extension of VA's authority relating to vendee loans. Vendee loans are loans offered by the VA to purchase VA real estate-owned properties. Offered to veterans and nonveterans alike, this loan program allows people to purchase properties that were previously foreclosed upon and are now government-owned, with little to no downpayment. This bill also provides a 2-year extension of financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing. Grantees under this program are required to provide supportive services to eligible veterans and their families, including outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA benefits. This program was previously authorized for fiscal year 2019, but this extension would extend authorization to include fiscal years 2020 and 2021. This extension of the program helps give the VA and the grantees better certainty of the program's future so they can continue providing critical wraparound services that help low-income veterans get back on their feet. The bill also provides a 1-year extension of VA's payments and allowances for beneficiary travel in connection with veterans receiving care from vet centers. While veterans can claim beneficiary travel from VA medical facilities, we know that care at the vet centers can be just as important. This program is important because it specifically helps populations of rural veterans. Highly rural veterans have frequently described transportation as being a limiting factor in receiving care, and I am proud that this bill would extend this critical program. I thank Chairman Takano and Ranking Member Roe for their work on extending these critical programs and their true commitment to our Nation's veterans. I also thank my colleague Congressman Bost from Illinois, my friend on the VA Committee, for leading this legislation with me. It is an honor to serve on the VA Committee, the most bipartisan committee in Congress, and work with my colleagues to support our Nation's veterans. I encourage my colleagues to support this critical legislation and support our Nation's veterans.

Mr. BRINDISI

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

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today urging adoption of my amendment, which makes clear that nothing in the underlying bill contradicts existing Federal law regarding acts of international terrorism, providing support to terrorists, or aiding terrorists. The underlying bill helps keep our country safe by ensuring the intelligence community has the resources and authorities it needs to do its job. It also makes sure the intelligence community can improve and adapt to today's rapidly changing threats and technologies by improving the collection and analytic capabilities against our adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. My amendment makes it crystal clear that our country will remain tough on international terrorism. Terrorism continues to be a serious threat to our national security. This provision strengthens the underlying bill by ensuring current law regarding terrorism is not changed, so terrorists and those who support them can be brought to justice. Madam Chair, again, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join our community in celebrating the 200th anniversary of Colgate University's founding. Located in Madison County in upstate New York, Colgate was officially established by New York State in 1819. For 200 years, the university has exemplified all the best American higher education has to offer. It has produced many graduates of national acclaim, including business professionals, community leaders, Members of Congress--including two current Members of Congress--and other government officials. Colgate has taught some of the brightest minds in our country and now educates more than 2,900 students each year in 56 different majors. I am proud to represent this excellent institution in Congress, and I join the Colgate community in celebrating their bicentennial.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 1078.

Mr. BRINDISI

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

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my bipartisan amendment, and I would like to thank Congressman McKinley for leading this important effort with me. This amendment would reinstate the Berry amendment's longstanding Department of Defense domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware. This amendment would support American manufacturers, ensure our servicemembers are using safe flatware and dinnerware, and gives the Department of Defense flexibility should American-made flatware not be available or affordable. There is historical precedent for this provision. In fact, from 1976 to 2006, the Berry amendment included a domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware, but it was removed in the 2007 NDAA due to a lack of domestic supply. Since then, domestic flatware production has rebounded significantly. In the past decade, domestic manufacturers have sold over $9 million in flatware to the Federal Government. This rebound has led to a stable domestic supply chain and manufacturer base. Our American manufacturers have demonstrated their reliability as a stable domestic supplier of stainless steel flatware to Federal customers, which supports restoring the longstanding domestic sourcing requirement. As my colleagues know, President Trump is a staunch supporter of American manufacturers, a commitment to American jobs that he and I share. Congress constantly pays lip service to bringing back good-paying American jobs and keeping them here. Well, this is an opportunity for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to actually do it. Reinstating the Berry amendment's domestic sourcing provision for stainless steel flatware is a win-win for everyone involved. It supports local manufacturing in the U.S., and DOD would retain the ability to waive the domestic sourcing requirement if domestic flatware could not be procured at market prices. In my view, this should not be a difficult question. When choosing between supporting and creating American jobs over Chinese jobs, I will choose hardworking Americans every time, and I urge my colleagues to do the same by supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Chair, this amendment would not cost the Department of Defense any more money. In fact, this amendment retains all existing waivers under the Berry amendment. If there were significant negative charges to the price or quality of domestic flatware, the Department of Defense will be able to use other sources of flatware and would be able to import flatware. This amendment reaches beyond flatware and would support multiple American manufacturers. This amendment would also allow American manufacturers all over the country to compete against each other to provide our servicemembers with American-made flatware. Unlike the items that were mentioned that have never been included in the Berry amendment, flatware was included in the Berry amendment for 30 years. It was only removed because domestic supply could not sustain the Pentagon's demand at the time. Domestic supply has since rebounded. Because of this, I see no reason why not to reinstate this longstanding provision that would help American manufacturing. I would argue that it is in our national security interest, because supporting American manufacturing, supporting American jobs helps grow our economy, helps create more taxpayers who then contribute revenue to fund our military. I would much rather support American manufacturers who pay taxes in this country than support manufacturers in China and support the Chinese economy. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2333 and taking action to address the crisis of veteran suicide. As we know too well, data from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates that 20 veterans die from suicide every day. I want to thank Chairman Mark Takano, and Ranking Member Phil Roe for their bipartisanship and their commitment to addressing this crisis and bringing these bills to the floor today for a vote. One area we have to get right is the work of VA's suicide prevention coordinators. Suicide prevention coordinators are the face of the VA's efforts to combat veteran suicide. They identify high-risk veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care. They conduct outreach and promote awareness and suicide prevention best practices within the VA. However, many suicide prevention coordinators report being overworked and unable to keep up with their many responsibilities. In an effort to improve suicide prevention and mental health resources at the VA, I introduced H.R. 2333, the Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act with my friends on the other side of the aisle, Congressman Banks, and Congressman Bost. Clear Path for Veterans, which is a veteran service organization in my district doing incredible work to engage with and support veterans after they return home from service described this bill very well. They said: In the last decade, a large number of bills and initiatives have come out of Washington, D.C. aiming to combat veteran suicide. While all great in concept, we have not seen a huge change in suicide rates. H.R. 2333 is a great way to measure what is effective, what is not, and how the VA should pivot on what they are currently doing to better meet the mental health needs of the veterans they serve. The Support for Suicide Prevention Coordinators Act would help ensure prevention coordinators have the resources they need to effectively provide veterans with critical mental health resources to prevent future veteran suicides. Specifically, this bill would require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct an assessment of the responsibilities, workload, and vacancy rates of the Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention coordinators and submit a report to Congress within 1 year. It is critically important that we provide our suicide prevention coordinators with the resources they need to successfully address the veteran suicide epidemic, and I believe this bill is a good step toward making sure that happens. Again, I thank the committee for their bipartisan work. Taking care of our veterans is the responsibility that belongs to each of us, and I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation and all of the veterans bills on the floor today.

Mr. BRINDISI

Mr. BRINDISI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor L. Frank Baum, author and creator of ``The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,'' on the 100th anniversary of his death. Baum was a native of Chittenango, New York, which is home to the International L. Frank Baum and All Things Oz Historical Foundation and Museum. Each June, the village celebrates Baum's classic tale with the longest running Wizard of Oz festival in the country. The community, joined by fans from all over the world, come together for Oz-themed parades, exhibits, fireworks, and contests. But the magic of Oz isn't only present this one time of year. The classic yellow brick road runs through the village for visitors to enjoy year-round. Chittenango is proud to be the birthplace of such an influential author, and his legacy lives on in central New York. After all, ``there's no place like home.''