Kathy Castor

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, they are going to score this for voting records. The majority has to do something and stand up for their Article I constitutional duty and say: We are going to protect Medicaid; We are not going to listen to billionaires; We are going to bring the SUPPORT Act; and We are not going to pull the rug out from under the counselors and providers back home who are doing it. Mr. Speaker, I just read online that community health centers are being forced to close in Virginia. All over this country, this is what is going on, and you can't paper over it with some fake legislation like this.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this simply is not business as usual today. They bring a bill, H.R. 27, in an effort to paper over the crisis that is going on out there. Mr. Speaker, I just have to ask my Republican colleagues, because we have so few opportunities to do it in public officially, where is your backbone? Where is your backbone to stand up for Article I and tell the executive branch they are not allowed to destroy agencies that have been constitutionally and congressionally funded? The Republicans can't allow some made-up department to come in and steal away an agency that we have authorized. Where is your courage? This bill is also such a diversion from what we should be doing, which is funding opioid-use addiction. They can bring H.R. 27 and say it is the be-all and end-all, but everyone has weighed in to say it doesn't get the job done. Don't take it from me. Take it from the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the doctors and counselors who treat our neighbors who suffer from addiction. They say, on behalf of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, which is a national medical specialty representing more than 8,000 physicians and associated health professionals who specialize in the prevention and treatment of addiction, they write to urge that the amendments to mitigate the unintended negative consequences be added. In the end, though, they said, if you are not going to allow us to offer real amendments to fix the bill, they recommend not passing the HALT Fentanyl Act. They say it just preserves the deadly status quo. However, what do they say in the end? They say they support the SUPPORT Act for patients and communities. That was the agreement at year-end, which Republicans let Elon Musk pull out of the year-end appropriations package. Republicans shouldn't come today and say, oh, we are solving this problem when they are now complicit in doing it. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from the American Society of Addiction Medicine. American Society of Addiction Medicine, February 3, 2025. RE Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act Hon. Chuck Grassley, Chairman, Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Richard Durbin, Ranking Member, Judiciary Committee, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Buddy Carter, Chairman, Subcommittee on Health Energy and Commerce Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Diana DeGette, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Health Energy and Commerce Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Durbin, Chairman Carter, and Ranking Member DeGette: On behalf of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), a national medical specialty society representing more than 8,000 physicians and associated health professionals who specialize in the prevention and treatment of addiction, I write to urge amendments to the Halt Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act to mitigate unintended negative consequences and encourage further Congressional action to address the demand side of our national addiction and overdose crisis. Opioid overdose deaths are always tragic, especially because they are preventable with evidence-based addiction prevention, treatment, and overdose reversal medications. Even through drug overdose deaths dropped last year, the United States (US) has far to go in ending our national addiction and overdose crisis. We still rank highest in drug overdose deaths per capita in the world. Illicitly manufactured, high-potency synthetic opiods, including fentanyl, are key drivers of overdose deaths in the US. Therefore, policies aiming to decrease their illegal importation and distribution are critically important. However, we are concerned that some of the policies proposed in the HALT Fentanyl Act may have unintended consequences. Some minor adjustments may support a better return on investment. Enacting smart legislation is critical to saving more American lives. Specifically, ASAM urges the following amendments to The HALT Fentanyl Act: Revise its definition of ``fentanyl-related substances'' to consider potency and mu opioid receptor activity in the brain, rather than simply specifying the precise structures of drugs that would qualify for Schedule I. Strict structural specification provides a blueprint for drug cartels and chemists to modify substances to avoid detection or conviction. Unfortunately, this can lead to more dangerous substances being manufactured and distributed across the US-- resulting in higher potency substances on the streets and more severe addictions involving substances for which existing treatments may not work. Additionally, prosecutions need to focus on the trafficking and distribution of fentanyl-related substances that pose a danger to humans; the bill's current definition may include substances that do not have ``abuse'' potential; Expand the federal mandatory minimum safety valve across all substances to end the practice of low-level drug offenders with substance use disorders receiving excessive and expensive sentences. Redirecting associated savings toward evidence-based addiction treatments would be more effective; Refine the expedited research procedures to reference ``substance(s)'' instead of ``substance'' throughout to clarify that researchers can submit one application for multiple substances; Amend the expedited research procedures to remove the requirement to demonstrate that the researcher is authorized to conduct research with respect to the substance(s) under the laws of the State in which the research will take place. This often creates a catch-22 for researchers. A State won't approve the research until the researchers can demonstrate that is approved federally, and the DEA won't approve it until the researchers can demonstrate that it is approved at the state level. We recommend deferring to the States to include the requirement to demonstrate federal approval; and Express a sense of Congress that, while the legislation may facilitate prosecutions and seizures of fentanyl-related substances, increased and sustained Congressional efforts are needed to address the demand side of our national addiction and overdose crisis if the primary goal is to save lives. the halt lethal trafficking (halt) fentanyl act ASAM agrees with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)'s assessment that the current scheduling framework under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) does not offer necessary flexibility to combat the threat posed by emerging synthetic substances. Chemists can constantly adjust their formulations to evade US scheduling, and law enforcement faces significant challenges staying ahead of these threats. In 2018, the DEA exercised its authority to place non- scheduled fentanyl-related substances into Schedule I for two years. Congress has extended this temporary class-wide scheduling on several occasions. While this approach has had success in reducing law enforcement encounters with new fentanyl-related substances in the illicit market, it has been unable to curb the overall flow of illicitly manufactured fentanyl into the US. Drug cartels have continued large-scale production and distribution of high- potency synthetic opioids. Between 2017 and 2023, the number of illicit fentanyl seizures in the U.S. skyrocketed by more than 1,700 percent. Concurrently, the proportion of fentanyl seizures involving counterfeit prescription pills-- that further exacerbate the risk of overdose by misleading Americans as to what substance they are ingesting--increased fourfold. Sadly, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids other than methadone (primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl) have climbed since 2018 to more than 73,000 in 2022. In short, the HALT Fentanyl Act merely preserves a deadly status quo. Additionally, the legislation would continue (1) imposing mandatory minimum sentences for quantity-based offenses involving fentanyl-related substances and (2) defining the class by chemical structure, regardless of potency or actual impact on opioid receptors and related risks. Unfortunately, mandatory minimum sentences are a terrible return on investment when used to punish low-level drug dealers. These sentences are expensive, needlessly requiring thousands of dollars per individual per year. Research has shown that mandatory minimum sentences do not deter drug use--either before or after incarceration--and can spend tax dollars with little to no impact on drug use, drug-related arrests, or overdose rates. Moreover, a meta-analysis of research studies found that incarceration not only fails to prevent drug use, it may even increase the likelihood of reoffending. The largest return on criminal justice costs may come from targeting cartel leaders or high-level drug dealers. Unlike low-level dealers, they are responsible for the movement of large quantities of fentanyl-related substances at any given time. Yet, the highest-level drug traffickers represent only 11% of federal drug offenders across substances. In other words, the US currently wastes a significant amount of money incarcerating low-level drug offenders with lengthy sentences. a better ROI: investing in addiction medicine innovation and treatment Carefully tailored drug scheduling decisions can play a useful role in a supply-side approach to addressing an overdose crisis, but increased and sustained efforts on the demand side present an opportunity for greater progress. While many people reduce or stop using drugs without treatment, those who consume most drugs distributed by drug cartels frequently have moderate to severe substance use disorders that necessitate medical treatment. Threats of punishment are unlikely to deter these Americans, because their disorder has already negatively affected their motivation and judgment regarding their drug use. Instead, effective addiction treatment reduces drug use and improves health and wellbeing. Addiction treatment is an excellent return on investment, including for low-level drug dealers who are distributing drugs to support their own addiction. Every dollar spent on addiction treatment saves $4 to $7 in criminal justice and other costs. Therefore, rather than inefficiently using taxpayers' money incarcerating low-level dealers of fentanyl- related or other substances, the government can realize positive effects from treating substance use disorders of low-level dealers, including through drug courts that utilize evidence-based practices and other alternatives to incarceration. Congress can lead the way in promoting helpful addiction treatments. While highly effective medications exist for opioid use disorder, many people are using stimulants, like cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as alcohol. No medications have been approved for stimulant use disorder, and new treatments are urgently needed for all substance use disorders to increase their uptake by both prescribers and patients. Unfortunately, innovation in the addiction field has lagged other medical fields due to limited financial investment and misunderstanding of addiction as a moral rather than a medical condition. Congress could consider establishing incentives for the pharmaceutical industry to enter the under-tapped addiction medicine field. The recent case of GLP-1 medications demonstrates how new medications can change millions of lives, spur economic growth, and provide renewed hope for people suffering from stigmatized medical conditions. While new treatments are being developed and tested, the US must also quickly expand access to existing evidence-based treatments--including methadone, buprenorphine, and contingency management. Few clinicians offer these treatments, and they are unlikely to do so without increased reimbursement rates from insurers and less red tape around methadone for the treatment of opioid use disorder. For example, Congress could explicitly amend federal law to state that contingency management--the most effective treatment for stimulant use disorder--does not violate federal anti- kickback laws and patient inducement laws. For too long, contingency management has been underused by clinicians who fear prosecution under federal statutes that were not created to address contingency management. Similarly, many pharmacies fear that stocking effective medications, like buprenorphine, will lead to Department of Justice investigations. Recognizing this, Congress could clarify federal statute to ensure that pharmacies' stocking of addiction medications is not an indicator of suspicious activity. Additionally, Congress could close the dangerous Medicare coverage gap for evidence-based residential addiction treatment. At a minimum, Congress could reauthorize, and update key programs first created by the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act in 2018, after unfortunately letting them lapse in 2024. conclusion Thank you for considering these recommendations. ASAM remains committed to working with you to promote remission and recovery from addiction, ensuring that all communities are safe, and more Americans can lead healthy, productive lives. For any questions or to discuss, please contact Kelly Corredor, ASAM's Chief Advocacy Officer. Sincerely, Brian Hurley, MD, MBA, FAPA, DFASAM, President, American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record another letter from 190 national, State, and local public health, criminal justice, and civil rights organizations that also write today to urge us to reject and vote ``no'' on the HALT Fentanyl Act. February 3, 2025. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Speaker Mike Johnson, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. RE Vote NO on the HALT Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27/S. 331) Dear Majority Leader Thune, Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader Schumer, Minority Leader Jeffries, and Honorable Members of the U.S. Congress: The undersigned 190 national, state, and local public health, criminal justice, and civil rights organizations write today to urge you to reject and vote NO on the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT) Act (H.R. 27/S. 331). This bill permanently schedules fentanyl-related substances (FRS) on schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) based on a flawed class definition, imposes mandatory minimums, and fails to provide an offramp for removing inert or harmless substances from the drug schedule. The classwide scheduling approach endorsed in the HALT Fentanyl Act classifies all FRS as schedule I drugs, reserved for substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This class definition, however, is a radical departure from drug scheduling practices as it relies exclusively on chemical structure without accounting for pharmacological effect based on the unproven hypothesis of chemical structure-function relationships. Contrary to this hypothesis, structurally related substances can often have complementary therapeutic values. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has already acknowledged that some FRS are inert and that at least one may be an opioid antagonist that behaves like naloxone, which is itself an opium derivative that counteracts the effects of opioid drugs. Classifying all FRS in schedule I places undue restrictions on research for therapeutic potential of FRS. This means that researchers and scientists are not able to study these substances at a time when the U.S. is experiencing unprecedented overdose deaths. The HALT Fentanyl Act also enshrines mandatory minimums for distribution of FRS under the Controlled Substances Act, an inappropriate mandate that criminalizes possibly inert or harmless substances. While some proponents of the HALT Fentanyl Act claim that the bill is not intended to interact with the criminal justice system and that mandatory minimums are primarily a deterrent against foreign import of FRS, this is simply inaccurate. The HALT Fentanyl Act expands mandatory minimums for both foreign importation crimes and domestic drug distribution offenses, including nonviolent drug distribution involving small quantities of drugs. What's more, by automatically scheduling a huge swathe of substances in one fell swoop, the HALT Fentanyl Act would lead to very real criminal justice consequences, posing an unacceptable risk of unnecessary incarceration for substances that carry no potential for abuse. Such miscarriages of justice have already occurred. For instance, Todd Coleman was sentenced to a mandatory minimum of 10 years for sale of cocaine that a crime laboratory said was laced with three fentanyl analogues, only to discover, years later, that the detected adulterants were not illegal fentanyl analogues and most were not even controlled substances. Our country is repeating past missteps when it comes to policy responses to fentanyl and its analogues. In the 1980s, policymakers enacted severe mandatory minimums for small amounts of crack cocaine in response to media headlines and law enforcement warnings that perpetuated mythology and fear. These laws imposed harsher penalties for crack--a substance associated with Black people--than for cocaine--a substance associated with white people--even though the two substances are chemically similar. In the ensuing decades, people of color have been disproportionately incarcerated and sentenced to mandatory minimum sentences for small amounts of crack. This trend of racial disparity also can be seen in prosecutions for offenses involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, as Sentencing Commission data from fiscal years 2021 to 2023 provides strong evidence that these prosecutions disproportionately target people of color. Among the 8,048 people convicted in trafficking cases where fentanyl or fentanyl analogues were the primary drug type, Black and Hispanic individuals comprised 78% of all convictions (41% and 37%, respectively). These percentages represent a massive disparity relative to demographic patterns in the general population. Moreover, the emergence of fentanyl-related substances in recent years has fueled similar waves of alarmist media and law enforcement headlines that are informed by mythology rather than science. Any further extension of the classwide scheduling policy threatens to repeat past missteps with crack cocaine that policymakers are still working to rectify. The classwide scheduling policy expands the application of existing severe mandatory minimum sentencing laws enacted by Congress in the 1980s to a newly scheduled class of fentanyl- related compounds. For example, just a trace amount of a fentanyl analogue in a mixture with a combined weight of 10 grams--10 paper clips--can translate into a five-year mandatory minimum with no evidence needed that the seller even knew it contained fentanyl. In addition, current laws impose a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years for just a trace amount of a fentanyl analogue in a mixture with a combined weight of less than 10 grams. The truth of the matter is that lawmakers do not need to impose new mandatory minimums in order to prosecute fentanyl analogue cases because law enforcement officials already have the ability to prosecute these cases pursuant to the Controlled Substance Analogue Enforcement Act of 1986, which requires that prosecutors show the substances in question are harmful. Despite the threat of grave injustices in the criminal legal system, the current lack of research on FRS, and indications that some FRS are harmless or hold therapeutic potential, the HALT Fentanyl Act does not include an offramp to reschedule or remove FRS that research has proven to be pharmacologically inactive or do not meet schedule I criteria. Though it includes some research reforms for schedule I substances, the bill excludes the possibility of such research impacting the criminalization of FRS. Without a rescheduling process, the HALT Fentanyl Act may unjustly promote criminalization of harmless or inert substances. The HALT Fentanyl Act and other bills proposing the permanent classwide scheduling of FRS are yet another iteration of the drug war's ineffective and punitive strategies. To prevent overdose, Congress must invest in public health solutions to mitigate the harms of illicit fentanyl. We urge Congress to support bills that increase access to health services and substance use disorder treatment, improve data collection, and provide funding for FRS research, offering alternative, effective strategies to simultaneously address the opioid epidemic while preventing backsliding on criminal justice reform. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please contact Maritza Perez Medina, Director of Federal Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, for questions about this letter or to further discuss this matter. Sincerely, ACLU of Nevada (NV), ACR Health (NY), AIDS Alabama (AL), AIDS Foundation Chicago (IL), AIDS United, Alianza for Opportunity, Alliance for Positive Change (NY), Alliance for Positive Health (NY), American Civil Liberties Union, American Friends Service Committee, Appalachian Learning Initiative (WV), Association of Black Social Workers (Virginia Union University) (VA), Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Battle Born Progress (NV), Beacon House Aftercare, Louisville (KY), Beauty After the Bars (NC), Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, Better Organizing to Win Legalization, BLM Louisville (KY), Brave Technology Co-Op, Bronx Movil (NY). C-UR Recovery Services, LLC (MI), Celebrate Recovery (KY), Center for Criminal Justice Reform, University of Baltimore (MD), Center for Disability Rights, Center for Housing & Health (IL), Center for Popular Democracy, Citizen Action of Wisconsin (WI), Clergy for a New Drug Policy, Coalition on Human Needs, Color of Change, Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP). Community Catalyst, Community Health Project Los Angeles (CA), Cosmovisiones Ancestrales (CA), CURE (Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants), Dream.org, Drug Policy Alliance, Drug Policy Forum of Hawai`i (HI), Due Process Institute, E5 Enterprise (NY/PA), Elephant Circle (CO), EngageWell IPA (NY), Equal Justice USA, Evergreen Health (NY), Exchanging Pathways (MS). Fair and Just Prosecution, Faith in Harm Reduction, Family Services Network of New York (NY), FAMM, Federal Public & Community Defenders, Feed Louisville (KY), Filling The Gaps Outreach, Inc. (GA), Florida Harm Reduction Collective (FL), Freedom BLOC (OH), Fruit of Labor Action Research & Technical Assistance, LLC (NC), Full Circle Youth Empowerment, Inc. (CT), FWD.us. G. Williams & Associates, Inc. (IL), Giving Others Dreams G.O.D. Inc (IL), GLIDE (CA), Hawai`i Health & Harm Reduction Center (HI), HEAL Ohio (OH), Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group (HCMSG) (NY), Hep Free Hawai`i (HI), Hey Joe Media (AZ), Hip Hop Caucus, HIPS (DC), HomeRise (CA), Hoosier Action (IN), Housing Works (NY), Human Rights Watch. Illinois Alliance for Reentry and Justice (IL), Illinois Harm Reduction & Recovery Coalition (IL), Immigrant Legal Resource Center, Interfaith Action for Human Rights (IAHR) (DC) (MD) (VA), Indiana Recovery Alliance (IN), IOAD NC Raleigh Memorial Event (NC), Isaiah House Inc (KY), Interfaith Action for Human Rights, Justice Strategies, JustLeadershipUSA, Juvenile Law Center. Lacey's Legacy (KY), LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender (IL), The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Legal Action Center, Life Coach Each One Teach One Reentry Fellowship (KY), Lighthouse Consultants Colorado, LLC (CO), Local Progress, Los Angeles Community Action Network (CA), Michigan People's Campaign (MI), Minorities for Medical Marijuana, Mississippi Prison Reform Coalition (MS), Moms for All Paths to Recovery (CA), Monetwork (MO), My Brothers Keeper NEO (OH), My Meta ReEntry Services, Inc. (NC). NASTAD, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Coalition for the Homeless, National Council of Churches, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence- Maryland Chapter (MD), National Employment Law Project, National Harm Reduction Coalition, National Health Law Program, National Homelessness Law Center, National Immigrant Justice Center, National Immigration Project (NIPNLG), National Legal Aid & Defender Association, National Organization for Women, National Pain Advocacy Center (CO), NC Harm Reduction Coalition (NC). Nelsonville Voices/Showing Up for Racial Justice (OH), NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, New Jersey Organizing Project (NJ), New York State Harm Reduction Association (NY), NEXT Distro, OhioCAN/Newark Homeless Outreach (OH), On The Bright Side LLC (NC), ONE Northside (IL), Overdose Crisis Response Fund, PA Stands Up (PA), Parabola Center for Law and Policy, Parole Preparation Project, Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network (PA), People Advocating Recovery (KY), People's Action, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (NV), Progressive Maryland (MD), Psychotherapy Services DBA (KY). QLatinx (FL), R Street Institute, REACH-NEO (OH), Reentry Advocacy Project (TX), Reframe Health and Justice, Renew A New, Inc (CA), Revolve Impact, Rights & Democracy (NH/VT), River Valley Organizing (OH), Sana Healing Collective (IL), Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction (NC), Sojourners, Source Corp LLC (OH), South Carolina For Restorative Justice (SC), South Louisville Community Ministries (KY), Southern Tier AIDS Program (NY). StoptheDrugWar.org, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Policy Initiative, Loyola Law School, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Tacoma Healing Awareness Community (WA), TakeAction Minnesota (MN), TCRC Community Healing Center (PA), Texas Harm Reduction Alliance (TX), The Action Lab, Center for Health Policy and Law, Northeastern University School of Law (MA), The Advocates for Human Rights (MN), The AIDS Institute (TAI), The Daniel Initiative. The Festival Center, The Freedom BLOC (OH), The Gathering for Justice, The Georgia Survivor Defense Project (GA), The Gubbio Project (CA), The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group (HCMSG) (NY), The Matrix Consulting, LLC, The Porchlight Collective SAP (IL), The Sentencing Project, The Steady Collective (NC), Transform Network, Treatment Action Group (TAG) (NY), Treatment on Demand Coalition-SF (CA), Truth Pharm Inc. (NY). United Vision for Idaho (ID), Vera Institute of Justice, Vilomah Foundation (PA), Vital Strategies, Vivent Health, VOCAL-KY (KY), VOCAL-NY (NY), VOCAL-WA (WA), VT Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errant(s) (VT), Washington Office on Latin America, Why Not Prosper (PA), Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc. (NC), Women on the Rise (GA), Worth Rises, Young People in Recovery.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to celebrate a change agent, community leader and lifelong Tampa Bay advocate, Carrie Jean Lofton Hurst. Mrs. Hurst was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, as the youngest of six children. She graduated from Tampa Bay Technical High School in 1977, where she met Robert Hurst, Sr. Afterwards, they became engaged but pursued different paths--Mrs. Hurst's mother had always championed education as a priority, so Mrs. Hurst attended Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and Mr. Hurst started his military career. She worked in the library as a student assistant while pursuing her associate's degree, which she earned in 1979. Mrs. Hurst delayed completing her university studies to marry and join her husband on assignment. Soon after relocating and starting a family, Mrs. Hurst started at the library on base at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where they were stationed. She fell in love with the library and learned the skills she needed. Her husband was then reassigned overseas, and she went home to Tampa to await his return. Back in Tampa, she obtained employment again at HCC's library, where she remained for 18 years as a library technical assistant. During her time there, her love of the work rekindled her desire to further her education, so she worked full-time by day and attended classes by night. She completed her bachelor's degree in 1998 from St. Leo University and then earned her master's degree with honors in 2000 from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Hurst started her career at Tampa Hillsborough Public Library in 2000 at the 78th Street Library then at the Ybor City Branch Library. In 2008, she became branch manager of the Seminole Heights Library and guided the modernization of the popular library. In 2015, Mrs. Hurst came back to the Ybor City location to now lead it as the new Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Library, named after a prominent Civil Rights leader. Being selected to open and lead this library would become Mrs. Hurst's greatest professional challenge and role, as this is no ordinary library. The Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library is one of only two African American research libraries in the entire state of Florida. This library is near historical Central Avenue that once served as the hub of Black businesses, Black entertainment and culture for more than 100 years. The library encompasses a visual focus and collection focused on African American life and history. Mrs. Hurst was instrumental in developing initiatives that support access to information and history of this culture and history. She developed community presentations and collaborations, and her efforts were supported by the Library Administration, the Ada T. Payne Friends of the Urban Libraries, the Robert Saunders Foundation and community partners and participants. ``Free and accessible information is a human right and a necessary part of the pathway to equality.'' Mrs. Hurst yearns to share her knowledge and experience with others. She admires the spirit of service and egalitarianism inherent in librarianship. Librarians seek challenges and continue learning for themselves, to promote and enable the acquisition of knowledge of others and uphold libraries as institutions for betterment, all the things that Mrs. Hurst dedicated herself to. Libraries have continued to evolve in the age of technology and in the face of the rapid change in the way that information is collected, distributed and preserved. It was compelling to her that access to information and technology could help lay the cultural groundwork for creating social change. Mrs. Hurst embraced this change and mobilized within her community, bringing members of her community to the library for informational and cultural activities. Mrs. Hurst sought to work in urban libraries where she could identify, engage and motivate people wherever they were in their lives. Her desire to assist, encourage and inspire others to use the resources of the library to rise above their circumstances helped to create a strong network of partnerships to touch and transform lives of many. Mrs. Hurst is also a Charter Member of the Tampa Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a Member of the NAACP Hillsborough County branch and the Beta Phi Mu, International Library Honor Society. In her retirement, she continues to assist in creating community initiatives and she motivates others by reminding them to: ``Keep striving, reach for your dreams. It's all attainable. Just put one foot in front of the other.'' Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I am honored to recognize the outstanding accomplishments, leadership and service of Mrs. Carrie Jean Lofton Hurst, who stands as a shining example of the tremendous impact of hard work, nurturing others and providing service to the community to encourage others to reach their highest potential.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History month with gratitude for the life of Commander Eunice Butts, her service to our country and Tampa Bay community. Commander Butts volunteered to serve America and shattered glass ceilings as an African American woman in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard during the Vietnam War. She served with courage, empathy and a love of country that continues to drive her work with service members to this day. Born and raised in Tampa, Ms. Butts graduated from Middleton High School and was the first student to sing opera. Exploring her talent for singing and performing, she continued her education at Gibbs Junior College with a scholarship for music. Following the first deployment of United States ground troops in Vietnam in 1965, Ms. Butts describes walking down the street and seeing the infamous ``I want you'' war poster that would effectively change the course of her life and begin her service epoch. Ms. Butts always dreamed of helping and opening doors for others, aware of the oppression that came before her and continued during her early life. Immediately walking in the recruitment center and enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, Ms. Butts knew she was ready to patriotically serve her country and uphold the legacy of Black women in the military. Her instinct to serve rang true and 16 years later, Ms. Butts left active duty and settled in Montgomery, Alabama. Ms. Butts is the proud mother of two sons and a daughter, Edward, Robert and Franjernera. She is also the grandmother of three children, Benjamin, Zori and Latrice. As a true public servant, Ms. Butts sought other ways to serve her country and found that the Air Force Reserves were looking for Black women. She continued her service in the Air Force Reserves, Alabama National Guard and in the American Legion for an additional 25 years. Ms. Butts' beliefs were rooted in the sentiment of giving and showing love to all, especially unsung heroes. In the 1970s, Ms. Butts returned to Tampa where she served in the American Legion with World War II Veteran Willie Mae Williams, where they evangelized the pivotal role that women played in the military. When Ms. Williams passed, Ms. Butts answered the call of letting the world know the untold story of female veterans. Ms. Butts moved through the ranks of the American Legion and is the first African American female to serve as the American Legion Department State of Florida Commander. Continuing to heal the wounds of Vietnam veterans, Ms. Butts believes that every day, Americans should pray and take under their wings, all the veterans who have served in our military. She often reminded her peers that many have been wounded, if not mentally, then physically, or both. Ms. Butts gave the gift of compassion to her partners in veteran service organizations and preached that service members need our shoulders to lean on for support and love. Commander Butts bravely volunteered to fight and defend a country that did not always protect and defend Black women, yet she never wavered in her full devotion to America and liberty and justice for all. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the patriotic Tampa Bay community, I thank Eunice Butts for her 39 and counting years of work to her fellow service members, veterans and their loved ones. Joining the legacy of women who inspired her, Ms. Butts life's work will be a foundation and benefaction for young, Black women everywhere, especially those who choose to defend and protect our Nation. She has effectively nurtured and opened doors for her fellow service members all while passing on the valiant stories of female veterans who our Nation will be forever grateful for.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and colleague from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz). Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to express my gratitude and good wishes to Tracie Pough for her years of service to this body, to the Congresswoman, to the State of Florida. I also share that on behalf of the two chiefs of staff that I have had during my terms here, Clay Phillips and Lara Hopkins, they always consulted Tracie. They sought her counsel on how to run a congressional office, and how to do it in a proactive and positive way. There are often twists and turns here on Capitol Hill, especially here in the people's House. Tracie has always had that steady hand. She has an open door. She is a good listener. She is the chief of staff to chiefs of staff. She is known as the consummate professional. She doesn't lose her temper. To the contrary, she is even-keeled and thoughtful in everything she does. Let me say that sometimes that is not easy when you work for a Member of Congress who is a go-getter and is trying to accomplish a hundred things at a hundred miles per hour every single day. I think it is that yin and the yang where Tracie has been able to provide that steady hand and leadership to Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz that has really demonstrated her unbelievable capacity for being able to get things accomplished. The record out of her office is incredible. It is not just because of Debbie's senior seat on the Appropriations Committee. It is because of her knowledge of our beautiful State of Florida. I don't think we would have such massive investment in saving the Florida Everglades without Tracie standing firm and getting to know the Army Corps of Engineers probably on a first-name basis. I think some of her expertise comes from her service back in the Florida Legislature. We will claim you from the Tampa Bay area, a little Tampa credit, because she reminded me that she worked for Jim Hargrett who is a statehouse member from Tampa, who went on to be a State Senator; the great Jim Davis who was my predecessor here in Congress but also served in the statehouse; and also Arthenia Joyner. On behalf my neighbors across the Tampa Bay area, I want the world to know that Tracie Pough has made an incredible difference. She has made the lives of the people of the State of Florida and the United States better. It takes a lot to serve a Member over the course of 21 years in the United States House of Representatives. Every day there is a new challenge, and Tracie has handled these challenges with intelligence. Because of her even-keeled nature, her sense of fairness, her love for this country and the State of Florida, her love for the Congresswoman and all of the interns and staffers that came through her office over the years, Tracie Pough will leave an incredible legacy of service. For that, I am extremely grateful.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of the Senate amendment to H.R. 7213, the Autism CARES Act. This bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Representatives Smith and Cuellar, will reauthorize funding for a variety of programs that support autism education, research, and resources. Mr. Speaker, in the United States, about 1 in 36 children have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The prevalence of autism in children has been increasing every 2 years. With these worrisome statistics in mind, it is important that we reauthorize the critical research and funding for the Autism CARES Act in order to continue this collaborative nationwide program. In 2006, the original Autism CARES Act, which was then known as the Combating Autism Act, was signed into law. This law built a public health infrastructure that addresses autism on the Federal level directed by the Department of Health and Human Services. From that point forward, over $5 billion has been invested in addressing autism through various programs related to autism research, autism support services, early detection training for medical providers, and autism education. With this legislation, we renew and expand support for Federal autism programs, underscoring our commitment to addressing the growing needs of individuals with autism and their families. The legislation authorizes funding over the next 5 years for key programs under the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. The legislation addresses challenges related to autism and aging, inclusivity in autism research, strengthening the developmental- behavioral pediatrician workforce, and mental health and communication supports, particularly for autistic individuals who may be unable or limited in their speech capabilities. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 7213, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 7224, a bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program. This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Representative Cohen, would reauthorize the program administered by the Administration of Children and Families that trains healthcare and social service providers on human trafficking. The SOAR program is designed to educate healthcare providers, social workers, public health professionals, and behavioral health professionals on how to identify and respond appropriately to individuals who either have experienced trafficking or are at risk of it. This training is targeted at physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, psychologists, social workers and case managers, school counselors, public health professionals, and allied health professionals, as well. Human trafficking impacts thousands of people in the United States. According to the Harvard Medical School Center for Primary Care, over 88 percent of human-trafficking victims seek medical care in various health settings. Ensuring that our health professionals who serve on the front lines of providing medical care for human-trafficking victims are appropriately trained and supported is essential. In 2019, the original SOAR to Health and Wellness Act was signed into law, which established the SOAR to Health and Wellness Training Program. This program helps healthcare settings create a plan for treating human-trafficking victims and support victim recovery. Since the establishment, over 90 percent of providers who received SOAR training reported high or very high confidence in identifying and responding to human trafficking. With the passage of the reauthorization bill, we can continue to fund this important training initiative, as well as encourage collaboration between healthcare providers and law enforcement and social service providers in the fight against human trafficking. I thank Representative Cohen for his leadership on this legislation, as well as Dr. Bucshon and my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee for working with us to bring this to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to continue a well-rounded national effort to combat human trafficking, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen), the sponsor of this legislation.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 7224, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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 H.R. 4534, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act. This legislation led by Representative Boyle of Pennsylvania would require an interagency review to evaluate research on women and lung cancer. In the United States, we are seeing a concerning trend among young and middle-aged women who are being diagnosed with lung cancer. Women are disproportionately being diagnosed with lung cancer at a higher rate than men, even though many of them have never smoked. Approximately, two-thirds of never smokers who have been diagnosed with lung cancer are women. A clear understanding of the existing research and innovative opportunities to reduce lung cancer mortality, particularly among women and underserved populations, is needed. The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act will directly address these alarming statistics by supporting an interagency review on women and lung cancer. This important bill will allow scientists and policymakers to identify opportunities to accelerate research in this area and develop a public awareness campaign on lung cancer screening to better reach underserved populations. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, with partnership from the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, the review would include a report on the status of existing research and knowledge gaps and identify opportunities for collaborative research to determine the causes of lung cancer. By passing H.R. 4534, we will move our country toward progress in reducing lung cancer mortality among women. I thank Representative Boyle for his commitment and determined advocacy to ensure this legislation's success. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Boyle).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Boyle again for his leadership and advocacy. I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 4534, the Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2024, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of S. 223, a bill that amends the Controlled Substances Act to fix a technical error in the definitions. This legislation, sponsored by Representatives Burchett and Cohen here in the House, would clarify the definitions of the different types of recidivist enhancements in the statute. When the First Step Act was first signed into law in 2018, it created two new types of recidivist enhancements: serious drug felony and serious violent felony. In the statute, however, both are numbered as paragraph 57, and this technical error has caused confusion between the two definitions. To prevent any further confusion with the interpretation of the statute, this bill corrects this technical error and properly numbers these definitions as different paragraphs. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation to prevent potential costly mistakes in Federal criminal court cases, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell).

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7188, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, sponsored by my colleagues, Representatives Dingell and Moolenaar. Stem cell therapies and related products have shown tremendous promise for delivering treatments to patients, such as bone marrow transplants for certain cancer patients and therapies for patients with blood and immune system disorders. However, there are still rogue clinics that take advantage of patients desperate for cures. For example, there have been reports of some clinics peddling unapproved treatments with exaggerated and deceptive claims. Exposure to these unproven treatments have put the health of vulnerable patients at risk, leading to serious adverse events, including blindness, blood stream infections, paralysis, and tumor growth. There are currently few meaningful repercussions in the human cell and tissue products industry, so this legislation would change that by providing the Food and Drug Administration with additional enforcement tools to move more quickly and effectively to protect the public. It provides a balanced approach to improving safety of human cell tissue in cellular and tissue-based products. First, the legislation provides clarity regarding FDA scientific and regulatory efforts to oversee these products. Second, it also enables more effective enforcement against an establishment that does not meet its donor eligibility obligations or current good tissue practice obligations. This would also encourage responsible manufacturers to continue to develop and license products where the scientific evidence supports the products' safety, purity, and potency. This is an important bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. It has been a pleasure to work with Dr. Bucshon. He has brought great intellect and passion to his service on health issues, especially at the Energy and Commerce Committee. I also thank Representative Moolenaar and Representative Dingell for their leadership on this effort. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that Shandra Eisenga's tragedy will be turned into progress and prevention for other families across the United States. I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 7188 and yield back the balance of my time.

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 H.R. 6020, the Honor Our Living Donors Act, sponsored by Representatives Obernolte and DelBene. Living donor donation is an important option for the more than 100,000 Americans on the national transplant waiting list. However, many people who would like to donate an organ have trouble paying for their related expenses. The National Living Donor Assistance Center reduces these barriers by providing reimbursement for travel, lost wages, and dependent care expenses to people pursuing living organ donation. Currently, there are strict income restrictions on who can be reimbursed for being a living donor, including restrictions based on the income of the recipient. This bill would no longer limit donor eligibility based on the income of the recipient, allowing more donors to qualify for necessary assistance when donating organs. This bipartisan legislation is an important step toward making living donation easier for those who choose to pursue it. It would also benefit the thousands of individuals anxiously awaiting an organ transplant. Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in this effort to strengthen and expand the National Living Donor Assistance Center program. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6020, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Obernolte for his very thoughtful legislation, along with Representative DelBene. I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 6020, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the stillbirth public health crisis, with over 21,000 stillbirths every year--almost 60 babies dying every day. At least one out of every four stillbirths is estimated to be preventable, but there is still too much we don't know. That's why we need real change that will lead to measurable improvements in outcomes for families. H.R. 5012, the Stillbirth Health Improvement and Education (SHINE) for Autumn Act I introduced with my colleague Rep. Young Kim, would improve data collection, invest in research and raise awareness of the causes and risk factors associated with stillbirth. I would like to include in the Record a link to the stories of more than 1,500 families impacted by the stillbirth crisis: https:// castor.house.gov/UploadedFiles/H.R.-5012-SHINE-for-Autumn-Act- Testimonies-1.pdf. I urge my colleagues to bring the SHINE for Autumn Act to the floor to confront this crisis and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 7673. It is a Republican bill that is going to raise costs on American families. Mr. Speaker, years ago, Congress directed the Department of Energy to encourage innovation and cost savings in the appliances we use by working with manufacturers and consumer advocates to routinely update energy efficiency standards. That is one of the reasons why Americans enjoy modern and cost-saving appliances when they go to replace them. Everyone knows that higher standards do not force you to go and replace your washing machine, but when that washer finally breaks, you have the choice to replace it with a better model, one that saves you money. Energy efficiency across all appliances is a huge success. It helps families save money and improves our lives. Earlier this year, the Department of Energy updated standards for clothes washers based upon the input of a wide range of stakeholders, including the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers--that is right, the manufacturers support energy efficiency standards--the Consumer Federation of America, and energy efficiency advocates. To them, I say great work and thank you because over time Americans will save big on their energy and water bills while also reducing tons of dangerous carbon dioxide pollution. You could say that energy-efficient clothes washers will provide loads of savings, as the new models speed up the cycle to aid the household bottom line. All together, with more efficient appliances, DOE projects that the average family could save at least $100 a year on their utility bills, plus efficiency helps cut the pollution that is fueling costly extreme weather events like Hurricanes Helene and Milton that ruined homes and businesses back in my community just a few months ago. If the appliance industry supports efficiency standards and consumer groups support efficiency standards, and three out of five Americans support the cost savings, why are Republicans making this a priority? Well, here is the dirty, little secret. The special interests that profit off of people using as much energy as possible and who profit when energy is wasted--like oil and gas companies and some utilities-- have a lot of influence here on Capitol Hill. You can either side with the polluters and their profits or you can side with the people and their pocketbooks. I am going to side with the people and their pocketbooks every time. Appliance efficiency standards are one of the best tools we have to lower household energy costs, so I urge my colleagues not to fall for the rinse and spin, put this bill out to dry, and vote ``no.''

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am not recorded for Roll Call No. 475 and Roll Call No. 476 on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. I was unable to be present for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 475; and YEA on Roll Call No. 476.

Ms. CASTOR of Florida

Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Amir Abdur-Rahim who Inspired students and our Tampa Bay community with his sincerity, generosity and passion. As the vibrant Head Coach for the University of South Florida Men's Basketball team, Coach Abdul-Rahim set high moral standards for all and displayed an uncommon commitment to students, players and the entire USF Family. Amir Abdur-Rahim grew up in Marietta, Georgia, and held his first head coach position at Kennesaw State University from 2019 before joining the Bulls family in 2023. Coach Abdur-Rahim was credited with turning KSU's program into a record- breaking success. But it is not his incredible professional accomplishments that made him the great man he was. He was a servant leader with genuine care for those around him. He transformed not only records but also the hearts and minds of entire communities. Coach Abdur-Rahim was immediately embraced by the USF family. When USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly described Coach's impact on the team and university, Kelly said, ``he connected this whole community.`` Around campus, Coach was known for picking up students' coffee tabs, personally greeting camped-out fans in front of the Yuengling Center, and dancing with the school band after home game wins. His spirit and joy were felt by the entire student body. To his players, he was so much more. At the press conference following the team's historic first regular season conference championship, Coach Abdur-Rahim said, ``It's just great to see growth in young people, man, when they start to see themselves as more than just basketball players, when they start to see themselves as men.'' Following last year's historic season, Coach was unanimously voted American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Yet, he felt an individual accolade was unfitting. Coach changed the trophy engraving from ``Coach of the Year'' to ``Staff of the Year.'' In all he did, Coach Abdur-Rahim found a way to serve those around him. Above all else, Coach Abdur-Rahim loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Arianne, and their three children, Laila, Lana and Aydin. His legacy will live on through his family and all who had the privilege of sharing time with him on the basketball court. Coach Abdur-Rahim used to say: ``No record is going to tell you what impact you have on people around you.'' The impact Coach had on the USF community is immeasurable, and his optimism, devotion and servant leadership will continue to inspire us all. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors across Tampa Bay, I sincerely thank Amir Abdur-Rahim for the joy and life he infused into our community. We are all eternally grateful.