Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I am opposed.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the MISSION ZERO Act, H.R. 880, and I would like to thank Chairman Burgess, Ranking Member Gene Green from Texas, and Mr. Hudson from North Carolina for sponsoring this legislation with me. The MISSION ZERO Act will assist the Department of Defense in assigning trauma surgeons to our civilian trauma centers. It will help fill the gap that we currently have in care recently examined by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The MISSION ZERO Act will establish grant initiatives for eligible trauma systems to incorporate full military trauma teams or individual military trauma providers into our hospitals--the ones that have busy emergency rooms. This mutually beneficial partnership will allow civilian doctors and nurses and care providers the chance to learn more about military best practices and will give our military trauma care providers the opportunity to utilize their cutting-edge expertise without leaving the military. I have seen this initiative in action already back home in Tampa at Tampa General Hospital, located just a few miles down the road from MacDill Air Force Base, which is home to U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the 6th Air Mobility Wing, which is also home to the 6th Air Medical Group. Since about 2011, they have had an ongoing partnership to do just what this bill provides: create a lot of energy and shared expertise in the civilian trauma center at Tampa General Hospital and bring in the military specialists so they can continue to hone their caregiving and craft. They use nurses, surgeons, and all sorts of specialists. The initiative allows military and civilian medical teams to work in the most intense trauma environments--that is, our level one trauma center--and take very good care of folks all across central Florida. These partnerships are vital for continued training for our community and our military. I think Dr. Burgess and Mr. Gene Green from Texas are doing a great service by replicating this in other trauma centers across the United States. The MISSION ZERO Act is endorsed by the American Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Surgeons, and the Trauma Care Association of America. Again, I thank Dr. Burgess, Ranking Member Gene Green from Texas, Mr. Hudson, and all my Energy and Commerce colleagues, and I urge everyone here in the House to support this important bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate one of Tampa's finest civic leaders Attorney Carolyn House Stewart. During this Black History Month, we honor her timeless dedication and almost 50 year record of honorable service to our community. A Tampa native, Attorney Stewart graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Social Science Education. She continued along the road to academic success and began her impressive 39-year legal career graduating with a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Attorney Stewart became the first African-American partner at Macfarlane Ferguson & McMullen, one of Florida's oldest law firms. Throughout her career she made significant contributions to the issues of social justice and human rights, health, global poverty, economic security, education, and environmental stewardship. She served as a member of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners for five years and practiced before the US District Courts for the Middle and Southern District of Florida, as well as the US Court of Appeals for the 11th and 5th Circuits. Attorney Stewart currently serves as the CEO of Stewart Consulting Group, Inc. and is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court. Attorney Stewart is a renowned member of the prestigious Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKAs), where she served as an example of their motto, ``By Culture and By Merit''. The AKAs are well-known for their life-long personal and professional development of each of its members and Attorney Stewart ascended to various leadership positions, including the 28th International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Chapter President, Cluster Coordinator of the South Atlantic Region, Chairman of the International Program Committee, International Secretary, and International First Vice President. Under her leadership, AKAs have volunteered over 6 million hours of service and impacted the lives of 26 million people in communities all over the globe. She was instrumental with the AKAs Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Program that worked with over 15 thousand middle school-aged girls to develop the ``skills and talents necessary to become leaders at their respective school, within their local communities, and other venues.'' For her dedication to the AKAs, she has received commendations, including the Carey B. Preston International Leadership Award, Margaret Davis Bowen Award, and Soror of the Year. Attorney Stewart has been recognized for her exceptional commitment to service through various other awards including the 2006 Florida Commission on the Status of Women ``Achievement Award,'' the National Bar Association Presidential Award, and one of the National Bar Association's highest honors, the Gertrude E. Rush Award. In 2013, she was presented the Sadie T.M. Alexander Award from the National Association of Black Law Students. Attorney Stewart was recognized by the Trumpet Awards Foundation with the High Heels Award, and in March 2014, she was presented the Phenomenal Woman's Award from the Black Women's Expo and also received the United Negro College Fund National Alumni Legacy Award for her support on education. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I would like to take this opportunity to once again honor Attorney Carolyn House Stewart during this Black History Month for her many years of unselfish service and leadership, and for consistently being at the forefront of effective advocacy and social change throughout the Tampa Bay community.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of a visionary and a dedicated leader of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Paulette C. Walker during this year's Black History Month. Dr. Walker has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others through education and public service. Today, I am grateful to recognize her selfless dedication and honor her valuable contributions to our community. Dr. Walker served as the 25th National President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A Detroit native she is now a proud Floridian calling the Tampa Bay area home since February 1990. Dr. Walker has served Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the local, regional and national levels for more than 45 years. Dr. Walker was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter in 1966 and earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics education from Michigan State University, master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan, and her doctorate of education in administration and supervision also from UM. Dr. Walker's research was on curriculum and instruction as well as administration and supervision with a focus on urban schools. She has also served as a classroom teacher, middle school and high school counselor, director of counseling, assistant principal and district- wide supervisor of state and federal projects. Her education, experience and expertise even combined to help her co-author a book, ``We Can Have Better Urban Schools.'' In July 2011, she retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker received numerous awards from several professional, civic and religious organizations. These flowed from her hard work and belief that every person has a special gift that should be shared with the world. She is the recipient of the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Research Mentor Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Role Model Mentor Award; Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award from the University of South Florida; Certificate of Merit, Institutional Award, American College Testing Program and National Academic Advising Association; and the President's Affirmative Act Award, University of South Florida. Dr. Walker is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church in Tampa, Florida where she serves on the Trustee Board. Her other professional and community affiliations include: Board of Supervisors for Coahoma County; Member of the Council of Presidents--The National Pan-Hellenic Council; PACE Center for Girls Advisory Board; Moffitt Cancer Center African American Advisory Board; Mt. Olive Tampa Community Development Center, Mt. Pleasant Charter School Advisory Board. The State of Florida has recognized how valuable her counsel can be and appointed her to the Governor's Commission on African American Affairs. Also, at the state level she serves on the American Cancer Society's Hank Warren Advisory Board. Our neighbors also don't lack for her service and vision as she serves in Hillsborough County on the Literacy Volunteers of America Board of Directors, American Diabetes Association Board of Directors, Bible-Based Christian Fellowship Academy Board of Directors and Moffitt Cancer Center Community Council Research Board. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in my hometown and indeed the entire Tampa Bay community where she has touched so many lives, we thank Dr. Paulette C. Walker for inspiring everyone to find their special gift and serve the world. I am proud to honor the ``Devastating Diva of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.'', Dr. Paulette C. Walker during this year's Black History Month for her uncompromising commitment to her country, state and community for more than 50 years.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a lifetime of professional and personal achievements of an outstanding business leader in the Tampa Bay community, Joli Cooper-Nelson. Ms. Cooper's commitment to her work and our community has truly made her a role model for women everywhere. That is why, in honor of Black History Month, I recognize her selfless dedication and honor her invaluable contributions to Tampa Bay. A native of Mobile, Alabama, Ms. Cooper attended McGill-Toolen Catholic High School before she began her impressive business career at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Ms. Cooper then earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, where she was honored in 2002 as Alumnae of the Year. After starting her professional career on Wall Street, Ms. Cooper transitioned into the consumer products industry as an Associate Brand Manager at Nestle in Los Angeles, California. During her time there, Ms. Cooper was influential for expanding the brand past our borders, including conducting business in Latin America and the United Kingdom and she was also responsible for boosting sales by more than 15 percent in areas of the company. When she moved to Tampa in 1998, Ms. Cooper served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Pasco Brands, at that time the largest private label juice beverage company in the United States. Just as she has been dedicated to her business career, Ms. Cooper has dedicated her time and resources to make a difference in the lives of children in the Tampa Bay community. She has served on several non- profit boards including the United Way of Tampa Bay; The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce; Junior Achievement and The Children's Home. Currently, she serves as a member on the board of trustees of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the organization's philanthropic arm and the Academy Prep Center of Tampa. The Academy Prep Center of Tampa is a tuition-free, independent school for middle-school aged children who qualify for need-based scholarships. Additionally, she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she has certainly embodied their mission of, ``Service to All Mankind''. Now, Ms. Cooper serves as the 25th National President of the premier organization for African-American families, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. As a member of the Greater Tampa Chapter in the Southeastern Region, she previously served as the National Vice President, Regional Director, Regional Secretary-Treasurer and two-term Regional Program Chair. In addition to being awarded the Wharton Alumnae of the Year, an award that recognizes distinguished Wharton alumnae who have demonstrated professional success and who serve as role models for women in business, Ms. Cooper has earned The Network Journal's 25 Influential Black Women in Business Award, and was featured in the publication, Beverage Industry and Working Mother. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to recognize Joli Cooper-Nelson for her outstanding success in her business endeavors encouraging supportive environments for women in business, and her dedication to serving all of our children throughout the years. Ms. Cooper's hard work should be an inspiration to us all, and it is my honor to recognize her during this Black History month.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, last week, the Trump administration proposed opening up all of the coast of the United States of America to offshore oil drilling. This is a very risky proposition for my home State of Florida. Our economy depends on tourism, clean water, a strong fishing economy, and we have a military mission line off of the West Coast of Florida that has to be protected from drilling. We are not that far removed from the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster that caused loss of life, billions of dollars in economic damage, and significant environmental damage as well. Why would we put our economy, our environment, our military missions at risk for such a risky proposition? There may be appropriate places to drill for oil, but it is not off of the coast of the State of Florida. My Republican colleague Francis Rooney and I have cosponsored a bipartisan bill, the Florida Coastal Protection Act, H.R. 2002. I urge the support of the Congress in turning back this very risky proposal for offshore oil drilling by the Trump administration.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Here we are about 1 week before Christmas, and the GOP has proposed a tax bill that Ebenezer Scrooge would love. It is a big ``bah humbug'' for America and the families and communities we represent back home. Their bill will raise taxes on millions of American middle class families while showering tax breaks and new loopholes on the superrich and big corporations. It is fundamentally unfair. It does this with a massive increase to our national debt of about $2.3 trillion, in essence, mortgaging the future for our kids and grandkids and squeezing out our ability to invest in medical research and modern infrastructure. They admit they are going to look to cut and raise costs on families who depend on Medicaid and Medicare. It is not fair. In this bill, they even go so far as to rip health coverage away from 13 million Americans in another attack on the ACA. In Florida, 1.7 million of my neighbors rely on the healthcare.gov insurance pool for affordable coverage. They are, in essence, giving them a lump of coal for Christmas. We have got to defeat this bill. Vote ``no'' on this Scrooge tax bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Courtney, for yielding the time and for his advocacy on behalf of America's families. I rise in strong support of H.R. 3759, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, and I want to thank my good friend and colleague Congressman Gregg Harper for being my partner in this endeavor to bring more attention to the struggle of so many families across the country for more balance, more support, when they must take care of a sick family member or a friend. I would also like to thank Senator Susan Collins and Senator Tammy Baldwin, who have been tireless champions for caregivers and their families. Family caregiving has become the new normal in healthcare here in America because it is oftentimes astronomically expensive to hire a caregiver or to get a little respite. Some do, but for many families, the better decision is a tough one, oftentimes, to make a very significant personal sacrifice: quit your job or go part-time while they devote themselves to their loved one. All too often, caregivers are the only support system for their child with special needs or an aging family member, and they have little to no support for themselves. Many of America's veterans stay integrated in communities because of the sacrifices of their family members to make sure that they get out and about and get to their appointments and get the care and interaction that they need. Family caregivers help with many basic activities, like eating, dressing, transportation, bathing; and sometimes they are called upon to do things that are a little more complicated, such as even a little bit of medical care or nursing care. Here are some of the shocking statistics: about 40 million family caregivers provide about $470 billion annually in unpaid care to their loved ones, and about 3.7 million family caregivers provide care to a child under the age of 18 due to a medical or behavioral condition or disability. Because of the massive commitment of time, many caregivers leave the workforce. Caregivers age 50 and older, who leave the workforce to care for a parent, lose, on average, nearly $304,000 in wages and benefits over their lifetime. Women are most often the main caregivers and their average is even higher, about $324,000 in lost benefits and wages. In my home State of Florida, there are almost 3 million caregivers at any given time and they provide over 2.6 billion hours of care. A closer look at the work-related effects, as well as the personal, financial, and emotional hardships, demonstrates an increasing need to come together to better understand the unique needs of our caregivers and what we can do to support them. That is why Congressman Harper and I introduced the bipartisanship Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage--RAISE--Family Caregivers Act. The RAISE Family Caregivers Act will create and maintain a common national family caregiver strategy led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services so that we can develop some additional support systems for the folks back home. Our bill will bring together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, experts, folks who are working every day to take care of their loved ones to be a part of the advisory council that will help develop some additional recommendations, hopefully for this Congress. We must ensure that family caregivers have the resources and tools they need to face lost wages and the personal demands of taking care of their loved one while ensuring that their loved one does receive the best care. I would like to thank the AARP, the Alzheimer's Association, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, the Family Caregiver Alliance, and so many more that have encouraged us on this important piece of legislation. As the complexity and intensity of family caregiving increases, I believe that this legislation will help boost families and allow us to be smart and efficient with our resources. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this important bipartisanship bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding and thank him for being a champion for working families across the country. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the rule and the GOP tax bill because it is so fundamentally unfair. It is unfair that it raises taxes on tens of millions of middle class families while giving huge tax breaks to big corporations and the superrich. It does this, also, by adding over $1.5 trillion to the national debt. The Center for a Responsible Federal Budget said this is a step backwards for fiscal responsibility, largely because it passes the tab on to our kids and our grandkids. They estimate that that will cost about $12,000 per household, just the debt portion of it--not even a mention. Here is why middle class families get hurt: Republicans eliminate the deduction for medical expenses. That is over 630,000 Floridians in my home State. They eliminate the tax deduction that helps make college more affordable by being able to deduct the interest on your student loan. They eliminate all these deductions for the middle class and give all the breaks to the superrich and big corporations. It is fundamentally unfair, and I urge a ``no'' vote on the bill.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Jan Platt and to honor her legacy for the Tampa Bay community. She will always be remembered as an environmental pioneer, champion for ``ethics in government'' and inspiration for her selfless service. Born in St. Petersburg, Jan lived in Tampa for most of her life and grew up with a love for Tampa Bay and its natural environment. She graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1954 and earned a degree in political science from Florida State University, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, in 1958. During college, she was President of the Student Senate, Student Body Vice President, and even recognized amongst her peers as the ``Most Outstanding Senior Woman'' in her graduating class. After graduating she began her career as a schoolteacher and taught at both Hillsborough and Plant High Schools before finally being elected to serve on the City of Tampa's City Council in 1974. Four years later, she was elected to Hillsborough County's Board of County Commission, where she proudly served for 24 years. Jan served her community in countless ways. She established the Agency on Bay Management, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program. She led as the President of the Suncoast Girl Scout Council and the Hillsborough County Head Start Community Foundation INC. Jan endowed a scholarship in honor of her sister, Bobbie Lou, at the Florida State University College of Music. She was also an active member of the Friends of the Library. Because of her support for libraries, in her honor, the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library named one of their branches, the ``Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library''. Additionally, Jan was the recipient of the University of South Florida's Women in Leadership and Philanthropy Lifetime Achievement Award, recipient of the Hillsborough County Bar Association's Liberty Bell Award, and she was inducted into the Hillsborough County's Women's Hall of Fame in 2012. I was honored to serve alongside Jan during my time on Hillsborough County's Board of County Commission. She was an inspiration to me and many others throughout her career in elected office. A passionate leader, Jan's love of the environment led her to devote herself to protect and preserve our community's natural resources. Jan Platt inspired me to be a better public servant. She was honest, ethical and loved our Tampa community--from the waters of Tampa Bay to the pristine, wooded areas she worked to protect. Throughout her career serving our community, even in times of great change in local governing bodies, Jan was steadfast in her leadership and it was a great honor to learn from her and know her. I hope her commitment to ethics in government will inspire another generation of passionate leaders to serve. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of our Tampa Bay community, I am proud to honor the life of Jan Platt and pay tribute to her outstanding contributions to the Tampa community. Jan is survived by her husband Bill, son Kevin, his wife Michele and granddaughter Emma. She leaves an indelible legacy for future generations to enjoy our bay and its waters the same way she did.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, for decades now in America we have worked together to make sure that kids can see a doctor and get the care that they need. Working with pediatricians, families, and advocates back home, we have reached a historic point where almost all kids across the country have health insurance coverage. The Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, or known in Florida as Florida KidCare, or Healthy Kids, has been an important piece of this historic coverage level. CHIP simply is vital for families, millions of hardworking families, so that their kids can get the checkups, the immunizations, sometimes the critical care that they need so they can be healthy and well. Now, I chair the bipartisan Children's Healthcare Caucus. We educate and advocate so that kids across America are healthy and well. So it is especially disappointing this year that my Republican colleagues failed to act before CHIP expired. See, they were consumed all year long with ripping health coverage away, decimating the Affordable Care Act, and radically changing health services provided under Medicaid. In doing so, they let our kids down; they let our families down. And then, at the 11th hour, after the program expired, they come up with a very partisan bill rather than the bipartisan bill that has been the historic backbone of Children's Health Insurance. Don't take it from me. A lot of the advocates across the country, like pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, March of Dimes, say: Please don't fund CHIP based upon harmful cuts; don't have cuts negatively impact the health of women, children, and families. Pediatricians say: Don't jeopardize other important child health policies in the process. Let's go back to the drawing board as soon as possible, over the weekend, next week; bring it back to the floor next week, so that families and kids get the care that they need. This bill today, unfortunately, is simply a delay.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the distinguished career and leadership of ``one of country's most influential advocates for women's rights,'' Barbara A. Zdravecky. She is retiring after serving 24 years as the CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. I am honored to recognize her selfless service and valuable contributions during these challenging times for the health rights of women. A Pennsylvania native, Barbara graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and earned her nursing degree from Manatee County's State College of Florida. Barbara served as head nurse of Manatee Memorial Hospital's Psychiatric Program and later served as the Patient Care Coordinator of the First Hospice Program in Key West, primarily caring for HIV/AIDS patients. In 1993, Barbara accepted the offer to lead Planned Parenthood of Southwest Florida as its Chief Executive Officer where she continues to serve and live by their mission to provide comprehensive health care, education, and advocacy for women of all walks of life. Throughout her career, Barbara advocated to ensure that women have the information and care they need to live strong, healthy lives and fulfill their dreams--no ceilings, no limits. She successfully fought countless legislative battles and then brought legal challenges when the legislative body overreached, such as Florida's House Bill 1411, the Termination of Pregnancies and Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida v. Celeste Philip, that would have blocked access to health care for women and their families. She kept up the good fight on all attempts to protect against attempts to cut funding for or defund Planned Parenthood altogether. Under Barbara's leadership, Planned Parenthood grew in stature into the Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida in 2015. Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida now covers 22 counties with 11 health centers serving over 45,000 patients in Florida. Barbara was also instrumental in engineering regional headquarters in Sarasota and constructing the new building at 736 Central Avenue where the health care provider has expanded its services. In September, it became the first in Florida to offer hormone therapy for transgender patients. Barbara has received numerous awards and accolades for her dedicated service. In 2006, Barbara was honored with the Ruth Green Award as the top Planned Parenthood CEO in the country by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Equality Florida presented her with the ``2014 Voice for Equality Award'' and in 2015, she was named ``Wonder Woman'' by the Women's Resource Center of Manatee County. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Florida, my neighbors in the Tampa Bay community and women everywhere, I would like to take this opportunity to thank one of the great champions of women's health and equal rights, Barbara A. Zdravecky, for her many years of service and contributions fighting for the rights of women and their families. It is with great honor and joy to congratulate Barbara on her new endeavor as well as the many accomplishments she has had throughout her career, and I know together we will keep up the good fight.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act authored by two of my Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues, Mr. Brett Guthrie from Kentucky and Ms. Doris Matsui from California. I thank Chairman Walden and Chairman Burgess for their help. I also thank Senators Portman and Kaine from the Senate. It is vital that the House reauthorize the early hearing detection and intervention initiative for an additional 5 years because it provides the all-important newborn and infant hearing screening, evaluation, and intervention. The bill will provide vital resources to the Health Resources and Services Administration to run a grant initiative and allow the Centers for Disease Control to conduct hearing loss research. According to data from the CDC, 1.4 babies out of every--I don't know how you get 1.4--but 1.4 babies out of 1,000 that were screened were found to have a prevalence of hearing loss. And as a mother, I know how important it is to determine if your child has any level of hearing loss as early as possible so that a parent can determine the best treatment to allow their child to live a full and happy life. My home State of Florida has required newborn screening since October 1, 2000. We need to keep this going. According to the most recent State data in Florida, 98 percent of all newborns in Florida will be screened within the first month. That is absolutely vital to detect any problem early in their lives. So let's work together. Extending this newborn screening initiative for another 5 years ensures that babies will continue to have access to this vital hearing screening, and we can make sure that kids across America get the healthcare that they need. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again thank my colleagues, Representatives Guthrie and Matsui and Senators Portman and Kaine, for leading the charge on this important effort. I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan S. 652. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui), the primary cosponsor of the bill. And I thank her for championing the healthcare of children across America.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to thank my Energy and Commerce colleagues, especially Mr. Guthrie and Ms. Matsui. I urge approval of this bipartisan bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Davis for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of families all across America. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2824 because this Republican bill throws up unnecessary bureaucratic hoops and roadblocks to the progress we have made under the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting initiative. It is smart policy to target resources and community experts to families who are most at risk back home. I have seen it in action back home in Tampa, Florida, where experts simply go to the home and explain to parents the importance of reading to your young child to get them ready for school, the importance of sleep, healthy habits, turning off the TV, and focusing on being a family unit. That is why it is so unfortunate that the Republicans are targeting the progress we have made. We are smarter now. We understand what is successful, and, unfortunately, H.R. 2824 would undermine successful home visiting initiatives by making policy changes that no expert has asked for. Indeed, I checked with my folks back home at the University of South Florida and on the ground there across the Tampa Bay area, and they say that, no, this bill will jeopardize the progress that we are making right now. In fact, they think that the match requirement will bring to an end the progress that we have been able to make because of the pressure on our State budget. The way forward is through the bill that my colleagues--Mr. Davis, Mr. Doggett, Ms. DeGette--and I have charted under H.R. 3525, which is a fairly clean reauthorization that doubles down on what works and doesn't invest in the bureaucratic red tape that simply is not going to help a family succeed. So, Madam Chair, I urge the House to defeat this bill and, instead, to work in a bipartisan fashion.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Chair, instead, I urge the House to defeat this bill that is not recommended by anyone in the field. Instead, let's work in a bipartisan way on what works, what saves taxpayers' money in the long run, and, most importantly, what truly boosts families.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of a visionary and a dedicated leader of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Paulette C. Walker. Dr. Walker has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others through education and public service. Today, I am grateful to recognize her selfless dedication and honor her valuable contributions to our community. Dr. Walker served as the 25th National President of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. A Detroit native she is now a proud Floridian calling the Tampa Bay area home since February 1990. Dr. Walker has served Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on the local, regional and national levels for more than 45 years. Dr. Walker was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through the Epsilon Epsilon Chapter in 1966 and earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics education from Michigan State University, master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Michigan, and her doctorate of education in administration and supervision also from UM. Dr. Walker's research was on curriculum and instruction as well as administration and supervision with a focus on urban schools. She has also served as a classroom teacher, middle school and high school counselor, director of counseling, assistant principal and district- wide supervisor of state and federal projects. Her education, experience and expertise even combined to help her co-author a book, ``We Can Have Better Urban Schools.'' In July 2011, she retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, Dr. Walker received numerous awards from several professional, civic and religious organizations. These flowed from her hard work and belief that every person has a special gift that should be shared with the world. She is the recipient of the Hank Nuwer Anti-Hazing Hero Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Research Mentor Award; Ronald McNair Scholars Role Model Mentor Award; Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award from the University of South Florida; Certificate of Merit, Institutional Award, American College Testing Program and National Academic Advising Association; and the President's Affirmative Act Award, University of South Florida. Dr. Walker is an active member of Mt. Olive AME Church in Tampa, Florida where she serves on the Trustee Board. Her other professional and community affiliations include: Board of Supervisors for Coahoma County; Member of the Council of Presidents--The National Pan-Hellenic Council; PACE Center for Girls Advisory Board; Moffitt Cancer Center African American Advisory Board; Mt. Olive Tampa Community Development Center, Mt. Pleasant Charter School Advisory Board. The State of Florida has recognized how valuable her counsel can be and appointed her to the Governor's Commission on African American Affairs. Also, at the state level she serves on the American Cancer Society's Hank Warren Advisory Board. Our neighbors also don't lack for her service and vision as she serves in Hillsborough County on the Literacy Volunteers of America Board of Directors, American Diabetes Association Board of Directors, Bible-Based Christian Fellowship Academy Board of Directors and Moffitt Cancer Center Community Council Research Board. Mr. Speaker, on the behalf of my neighbors in my hometown and indeed the entire Tampa Bay community where she has touched so many lives, we thank Dr. Paulette C. Walker for inspiring everyone to find their special gift and serve the world. I am proud to honor the ``Devastating Diva of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc.'', Dr. Paulette C. Walker for her uncompromising commitment to her country, state and community for more than 50 years.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, this Republican bill weakens America's commitment to clean energy. It harms the huge number of jobs that are being created in the renewable energy sector. And it stalls consumer cost savings tied to energy efficiency. Democrats have a different vision. It is one that lowers costs on our neighbors back home, and helps create the higher paying jobs of the future. My amendment increases funding for the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy account by about $177 million, and it reduces funding for the fossil Energy Research and Development account by about $355 million. Energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives across America have a proven return on investment for taxpayers. This amendment is paid for by reducing, but not eliminating, accounts that do not have the same return on investment for taxpayers. Investments in energy efficiency and renewables create jobs and help make our businesses more competitive. Energy efficiency reduces costs for consumers. And wouldn't that be a positive development for taxpayers back home, that the Congress is asking to put more money back into their pockets? The amount proposed for energy efficiency and renewable energy in the Republican bill is so low that America will have to reduce the number of research, development, and demonstration projects that are often supported with industry, at our great national laboratories, and at our fantastic universities. Mr. Chairman, America should be a leader in innovation and technological advancement. But, instead, the Republican bill says America should take a back seat. Well, America should not take a back seat to anyone. We are in the midst of a technological revolution when it comes to energy and energy efficiency. Look what is happening all across America. We have a very diverse energy portfolio and a growing clean energy and efficiency sector. This is especially important as we tackle the costs and challenges of the changing climate. Look at what we are today because of robust investments of the past decade. The solar industry is creating jobs 12 times faster than the overall U.S. workforce. In 2016, 1 out of every 50 new jobs was in solar energy. Republicans used to say they were for all-of-the-above sources of energy. Well, you can't say that anymore. The Trump administration and House Republicans are ceding America's leadership role in the world by failing to invest in technologies that will save families and businesses money. Instead, we should work together and face the challenges of the changing climate head-on and not bury our heads in the sand. Sixteen of the 17 hottest years on record have occurred since 2001; including 2016, which was the third consecutive record-breaking year. The rising costs of the changing climate are a real threat to everyone, especially to the families I represent back home in Florida, which is why I filed another amendment that was not ruled in order, an amendment that would limit the Department of Energy from removing the term ``climate change'' from their publications. That is right, the Trump administration has already removed mention of climate change from government websites, and has deleted a sentence linking climate change to sea level rise in a press release. Ignoring or trying to hide the cost of the changing climate will simply cost us more in the long run. We should be working together on investing in a clean energy future, but that, unfortunately, seems farther away today, unless we adopt an amendment like mine and begin to understand the realities that we are facing. If we don't unleash American ingenuity now, our neighbors back home will face higher AC bills, property insurance bills, flood insurance bills, and have to put more property taxes into replacing water and wastewater infrastructure. I appreciate Ranking Member Kaptur's vision. A little while ago, she was talking about our national labs--the fact that we have the best scientists in the world. Don't hamstring them by cutting back on our investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. She understands that this is our future that we are talking about. I appreciate her work. I appreciate the work of Chairman Simpson. I urge an ``aye'' vote on the Castor amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from West Virginia. He is a well-spoken advocate for his State. I am not zeroing out the fossil fuel research for R&D, but, instead, we have got to look towards the future. Where are the jobs being created now? It is in renewable energy and energy efficiency, things that are going to put money back into the pockets of consumers and unleash this technological revolution so America can stay the leader in the world. Mr. Chairman, I ask for an ``aye'' vote on the Castor amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 2883 eliminates the current requirement that proposed oil and natural gas pipelines and electric transmission lines that cross the U.S. border obtain a Presidential permit. That only happens after an environmental review and a determination that the project is in the national interest. I know this might be tempting to some of my colleagues, but I encourage you to have a closer look at what this bill really does. The bill replaces this process with a new process that limits environmental review to a narrow portion of the project, just the portion that crosses the border. It exempts certain types of projects from any permit requirement and shifts the burden of proof to make it difficult to disapprove a project. The bill also allows a project that is rejected under current law to reapply under the new, weaker process and exempts all modifications to existing cross-border projects from any requirement for Federal review or approval. In essence, it grants a get-out-of-jail-free card, or, actually, I guess it is more akin to whatever you roll, you get to pass go, and you get to collect your $200. That is not okay for some international oil pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electric transmission lines. These are major infrastructure projects, and we have got to maintain the ability to have a meaningful review; otherwise, we are going to suffer significant incidents, accidents, fatalities, and more. So let me close my remarks and my portion of the debate here today. I have enjoyed this debate, but I want to highlight again that the Congress is really missing an opportunity to address one of the most significant challenges that we face, and that is the challenge of climate change. What is particularly troubling about this bill, as well, is it keeps the public in the dark. Think about it. If you live near a major international pipeline project, shouldn't you have the right to participate and understand what such project will allow in your backyard? The bill would allow large and long-lived cross-border energy projects to be approved with no understanding or consideration of their environmental impact or to be exempted from any permitting requirement at all. The bill assumes that these projects are always in the public interest regardless of the merits. It is an unjustifiable giveaway. It elevates corporate profits over the public interest, and it is wrong. The public, including communities and landowners directly affected by the projects, would have little or no information and no opportunity to object or request mitigating action except to the extent provided under limited State laws. For all of these reasons, I urge a ``no'' vote on the bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster).