Robert Bresnahan

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of John Ferro, a beloved member of the East Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, community, who passed away on May 13, 2025. John was born in Sassano, Italy, and dedicated his life to service, community, and family. He was a devoted husband to Josephine for 51 years, a proud father, and a cherished friend to many. John's commitment to his community was evident through his active participation in local organizations and his unwavering support for initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of those around him. He was the chairman of the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority and an active leader with the Boy Scouts Troop 83, East Stroudsburg. He truly lived the American Dream. I had the pleasure of hosting him here in Washington, D.C., for my swearing-in, as well as Representative Ryan Mackenzie and Senator Dave McCormick. His kindness, generosity, and steadfast dedication left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. John's legacy serves as a testament to the profound impact one individual can have through a life devoted to service and compassion. As we remember John Ferro, let us celebrate his life by emulating his commitment to community and service. May his memory continue to inspire all of us to make a positive difference in the lives around us.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, my bill, the Capping Excessive Awarding of SBLC Entrants Act, or the CEASE Act, restores a vital piece of integrity to the flagship SBA 7(a) loan program. The Small Business Administration is authorized to issue government- backed 7(a) loans through certified depository institutions, like banks and credit unions, as well as certified nonbank lenders, like fintech companies. Unlike certified depository institutions, whose primary regulator is the Federal Reserve, the nonbank SBLCs are primarily regulated by the SBA, meaning they are not subject to the same regulations and requirements. Together, the limited number of SBLCs and prudent lending standards that used to be in place at the SBA were necessary guardrails to ensure that the 7(a) program remained zero-subsidy, costing taxpayers zero dollars. The SBA had its own concerns that it did not have the oversight capabilities to monitor and regulate an unlimited number of SBLCs. Yet the Biden-Harris administration sought to expand the number of SBLC licenses, while also lowering lending standards and loosening underwriting criteria in the 7(a) program. The previous administration did this, even though these SBLCs facilitated massive fraud of the Paycheck Protection Program. Expanding SBLCs' licenses when the SBA itself acknowledged that it is unequipped to regulate additional for-profit, nonbank lenders is problematic. That is why my legislation is so important to ensure the SBA is not adding excessive SBLCs that it cannot properly regulate. We cannot continue giving the Federal Government ways to abuse taxpayer dollars. I thank the Trump administration for taking swift action in returning prudent lending standards to the 7(a) program. Combined with the CEASE Act, those efforts will return the SBA to its proper oversight capabilities and ensure that federally regulated lenders, such as community banks, remain a fundamental pillar of 7(a) lending. The bill was thoughtfully drafted to encompass the original 14 SBLCs and 2 additional SBLCs licensed in 2024 after the Biden-era rule changed. No existing SBLC licenses would be revoked as part of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank the great members and staff of the Small Business Committee for working with me in bringing this bill to the House floor today. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on this practical and sensible piece of legislation.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, today I rise on my amendment to H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. Opioids, like fentanyl, are incredibly dangerous. Last year, our Nation lost just over 80,000 people to drug overdoses. That is 220 per day. In my home State of Pennsylvania, someone dies of a drug overdose every 2 hours. As we work to stop these dangerous drugs from entering the country, it is important we make available the necessary resources to reverse opioid overdoses as they happen. Emergency opioid overdose reversal drugs are a lifeline, having the ability to save so many lives. Currently, HHS regulations refer to certain name brand drugs, such as Narcan, which can limit usage of other versions that may be more readily available. My amendment would require HHS regulations or guidance documents to include any opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the FDA when referring to these emergency drugs. This will expand and ensure better access to these lifesaving drugs. I lost my 16-year-old cousin to a drug overdose. It is incredibly important to me that we are not limiting access to these resources. By adjusting current regulations and language, we are protecting our children, our families, and our communities. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to save lives and support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Chair, in closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to speak on H.R. 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act. I am proud to lead this bipartisan bill with the support of Chairman Bost and the Veterans' Affairs Committee. When our veterans return home from serving our country, they are often tasked with filling out dozens of pages of paperwork just to receive the benefits they rightfully earned. These forms are often confusing, difficult to navigate, and duplicative. It is crucial that our veterans and survivors understand how to fill out each form completely and accurately because failure to do so can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim. Veterans and survivors are often forced to rely on Veteran Service Organizations, VSOs, to assist them with completing forms because these VA standard forms, including their attached instructions, can be disorganized and confusing to navigate. These VSOs have highlighted the need to improve VA's standard forms so that they are more straightforward and user friendly. That is why I introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act. It would require the VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally- funded research entity to conduct a study on and provide recommendations for revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors. Our military members dedicated their lives to serving our Nation. The last thing they need when they come home are mountains of daunting paperwork. Veterans and their families have the best chance of accessing their earned VA benefits and should not be subjected to a VA claims process that is more difficult and stressful than necessary. Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District is home to 40,000 veterans. I am proud to spearhead this legislation for each and every one of them and their families. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1286 because we owe our veterans a system that works efficiently and effectively on their behalf.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the effort to ban congressional stock trading because public service must never be compromised by private financial interest. The American people deserve to know that we are acting on their behalf, not for our own portfolios. That is why I have already begun placing all of my assets into a blind trust, to align my conduct with the principles behind this important reform. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Roy and Magaziner for their bipartisan leadership on this issue. Their work demonstrates the kind of accountability and integrity that Congress needs more of. Their efforts are a critical step forward toward rebuilding trust in our institutions, and I look forward to working with them to codify this into law.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in proud support of H. Res. 364, recognizing the Gold Shield families resolution. I thank my colleague, Congressman Meuser, for his leadership in reintroducing this important measure. Mr. Speaker, this resolution honors the families of fallen first responders, those who paid the ultimate price while protecting and serving our communities. These families, often referred to as the Gold Shield families, carry an unthinkable burden of loss. It is our duty not just as lawmakers but as fellow citizens to ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten and see that their families are taken care of after they are gone. An astounding example of this mission and inspiration for the resolution is right in my congressional district. Camp Freedom in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, provides meaningful outdoor adventures that promote healing for disabled veterans, first responders, and their families, including the families of the fallen. By passing H. Res. 364, we send a clear message that the sacrifices of these families do not go unnoticed. We acknowledge that behind every fallen officer, firefighter, or EMT is a family--spouse, children, and parents--who bear the weight of that loss every day, yet continue to honor their loved one's legacy through quiet strength and enduring service to their communities. This resolution sends a clear message: We recognize them. We honor their sacrifice, and we stand with them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in passing H. Res. 364, making it the first step in broader efforts to support Gold Shield families through both our words and our actions.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, this vote closed prior to me being able to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 71.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Wyoming Valley Children's Association and their Cooking for a Cause fundraiser, which was held on Monday, March 3. This event, hosted by the Brotherhood of Chefs, has raised more than $250,000 since the cook-off first began in 2012. The Wyoming Valley Children's Association was originally founded in 1923 to help children impacted by polio and tuberculosis. Today, they provide services ranging from infant and toddler daycare, therapeutic services for speech and hearing, programs for children with developmental disabilities, and more. The WVCA does so much more for our children, helping to raise our next generation. Northeastern Pennsylvania has a history of coming together to help each other and build strong, vibrant communities. I am proud to honor the Cooking for a Cause, and I am grateful for everyone in northeastern Pennsylvania who comes together to support our children.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Irish-American community in Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District. During the 1880s, Hazleton and the Wyoming Valley attracted many Irish immigrants, particularly from County Donegal, to work in the anthracite coal mines and the Duplan Silk Mill, the largest silk mill in the world at the time. Those immigrants not only helped build the economy but also their local communities. They built St. Gabriel's Parish as a hub for religious and social gatherings. After a long day's work, they would go to enjoy fellowship at locales like the Hazleton Swing Club. Today, their descendants support organizations like the Swing Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Hazleton. These groups organize the Toys for Tots drives, support the disenfranchised, and keep their families' heritage alive. In St. Gabriel's Cemetery in Hazleton is the grave of Condy Brislin, one of the earliest immigrants from County Donegal to move to Hazleton to work in the coal mines. As we prepare to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, let us honor our ancestors like Condy Brislin who paved the way for our prosperity today, and to those who keep their memories alive.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Chief Patrick K. Kane, Jr., a dedicated public servant, a beloved family man, and a pillar of the Jessup community. Chief Kane devoted nearly five decades to law enforcement, proudly and faithfully serving as a Jessup police officer from 1960 before leading as chief of police from 1971 until his retirement in 2008. A U.S. Army veteran, Chief Kane stood watch at the Berlin Wall before returning home to continue his lifelong mission of protecting and serving his community. His leadership was defined by integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to his officers and community. Chief Kane lived a life worth living in service of others. Known for his calm demeanor and firm determination, he truly embodied the words of Theodore Roosevelt: ``Speak softly and carry a big stick.'' Chief Kane leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, love for his family, and devotion to his community. He will be deeply missed.

Mr. BRESNAHAN

Mr. BRESNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, and oppose the amendment. It takes only 2 milligrams of fentanyl to kill a person. That is the weight of a single grain of sand. In fact, on average, one Pennsylvanian dies from a drug overdose every 2 hours. These aren't strangers. The fentanyl that has poured in across our borders during the past few years has wreaked havoc on our families, neighbors, and communities. This includes me. My 16-year-old cousin lost her life to this crisis. No race, no gender, no ZIP Code is immune from the fentanyl epidemic. This is why I am proud that we are wasting no time in bringing the HALT Fentanyl Act to the floor. This bill should have passed both Chambers in the last Congress. It should have passed with unanimous support, but here with are. Let's show the American people we are prepared to fight for them and address this crisis. Let's deliver a tangible victory for our families and neighbors back home.