Doug Collins

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Alabama (Mrs. Roby).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would advise my friend from Florida that I have no more speakers on this side, and I am ready to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 513 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Resolution 513, currently under consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, I rise today to recognize Ms. Brecklynn Allgood, a young neighbor of mine from Gainesville who has been battling cancer since 2015. Since her initial diagnosis, Brecklynn has endured multiple surgeries and dozens of radiation treatments. Each day that she spends inside the hospital deprives her of the normal life that she has longed for--a life that includes simple joys like playing with her friends and learning at preschool. Despite her limitations, Brecklynn is a fighter who welcomes each oncoming battle with a smile on her face. I know this because her positive attitude and determination have inspired thousands of Georgians, who now regularly send their love through Facebook and show their support through ``Pray for Breck'' yard signs and bumper stickers. Mr. Speaker, I voted in favor of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Act in 2014, a bill that supports pediatric cancer research, and I will continue to commit myself to supporting legislation that brings our nation closer to a cure. For now, I ask that we pray for Brecklynn and all other children battling cancer, for their steadfast recovery and for their bright futures. Brecklynn's courage and persistence remain an example for us all, and she will be in my thoughts and prayers as she fights to beat her cancer.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my northeast Georgia neighbor, Mr. Larry Poole. For 24 years, he served as the Mayor of Gillsville, giving both his time and effort to the place that he calls home. When Larry first became mayor, his mission was to use his role to amplify the voices in his community. Throughout his tenure, Mayor Poole was able to help his friends and neighbors and improve their community through servant leadership. As Mayor of Gillsville, Larry exemplified such leadership each day, even on the day that he resigned. By choosing to fill a vacant seat on the city council, he put the needs of his community first, giving up his title in order to allow a new leader to add to the vision of Gillsville. Mr. Speaker, I thank Larry for his dedication to northeast Georgia, and want to wish him the best as he assumes his new role on the city council. Northeast Georgia will always find a friend and leader in Larry Poole.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I have become increasingly aware of the problem with hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Research shows millions of people suffer from this condition and that 60,000 hospital patients a year die because of this painful ailment. Eleven percent of those affected are our veterans. Their suffering is tremendous, and the cost of this condition to our health system could be as high as $25 billion. However, with proper commonsense prevention and better management of these infections, the number of those suffering and the cost of treatment can be greatly reduced. I have reached out to CMS about doing a pilot program that promotes better prevention and management methods, and I have discussed the problem with innovative Georgia companies. I rise today to make other Members aware of this issue and ask for your continued support in this process.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. As always, the gentleman is gracious, and I do appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I will work with the administration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman yielding me the time, the ranking member for being here, and also Mr. Roskam and Mr. Crowley, both for their sponsorship and cosponsorship of this legislation. H.R. 1843, the Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act is one of those things that you really, at times, have a hard time understanding why we are debating on the floor of the House. It is that much common sense. And as my grandmother used to say: Common sense is not common. So here we are. If anyone has any doubt about the need to restrain the forfeiture power of the IRS, they need to look no further than what happened to one of my constituents, as has already been mentioned, Andrew Clyde, whose namesake is on the bill. He is a law-abiding small business owner who served multiple combat tours. He had and has a successful gun store in northeast Georgia when the IRS seized his business bank accounts under a little-known procedure called civil asset forfeiture. Now, we already talked a moment about just what that means, but let me go into a little bit more depth about that. What actually happened here is that Mr. Clyde was not charged with a crime when they seized his assets. In fact, he was never charged with a crime. In fact, the government's only allegation against him was he regularly made large cash deposits. In other words, following what his own insurance would protect when he made those off-premise accounts, he was following good business practices. Despite this, the IRS had the audacity to negotiate with him about how much of his own money they would give back to him. The law, as it stands today, gives them the authority to do so; thus, the need for the legislation. Now, rules have been changed and put in place, but this needs to be codified. I sat with Mr. Clyde on several occasions and talked about this case, and to hear the pain in his voice when he had to spend $100,000 in legal bills, plus, at the same time, to get the IRS to give back his money, he had to beg the government for his own property. No one should have had to go through this, and that is why I respect the authors of this legislation, and I appreciate their hearings and concern about this. Because whether it is a bakery, a gun store, or any business, no American should have to face the IRS or the Justice Department when they have never been charged with a crime--they were never charged with a crime--and had their money taken from them. This is one that I am proud of to see an American who stood up and said: No, this is not right. Unfortunately, it cost him money, but today, this wrong is being righted. We are going to continue to see this pushed through. Mr. Speaker, I respect Andrew Clyde, his business, and all the others who stood up and said: This is not right. I applaud the authors, and I say: Now is the time to finish this. Let's make sure that this never happens to another American citizen.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the success and bright future of the film industry in my home state of Georgia. When Americans ventured out to see feature films like Spiderman: Homecoming and Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 they watched movies that were shot 50 miles south of my home in Gainesville. Ten years ago, no one could imagine big ticket films such as these being produced here. But today, Georgia's film industry yields an economic impact of over $7 billion. The need for Georgians to keep up with the pace of this industry's growth is crucial. Therefore, I want to take the time to commend the efforts that my northeast Georgia friends have taken to educate and inspire our youngest generation to get involved in film production. Recently, the Hall County Library System hosted a film school that offered free classes to young students. There, students were taught how to draft their own movie scripts, shoot videos at different angles, and edit them in order to provide viewers with the best experience. Additionally, I want to recognize Opal Littleton, a star on the rise from Dahlonega. She was recently cast as the role of young Charlotte Byrde on the show Ozark and is working with Clint Eastwood on his film, 15:17 to Paris. The future of Georgia's film industry is being paved by the talent of these young Georgians and the support that their loved ones give to them. I am excited to watch them grow and take on their own roles in the success of Georgia's film industry.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four northeast Georgians who recently completed time abroad as part of the Fulbright Scholar Program. Established in 1946, the Fulbright Program has given more than 370,000 American students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones in order to live and study in a different country. The travels that these young Americans have embarked on each year highlight our nation's commitment to expanding our knowledge and building relationships. I would like to recognize the following four Fulbright recipients: Franziska Brunner, Kimberly Buice, Isaac Hopkins, and Dr. Mihai Spariosu. This past year, these four scholars lived in Austria, Laos, Canada, and Romania, respectively, studying topics ranging from literature to music. These students teach us that instead of fearing the unknown, we should commit ourselves to seeking it out. As Fulbright Scholars, these individuals returned with a newfound appreciation for different cultures and new ideas about how we can cultivate strong ties with others all across the globe. It is an honor to represent these bright, young scholars

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to bring this rule forward on behalf of the Rules Committee. The rule provides for consideration of S. 114, the Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. The rule also provides for a motion to recommit. Mr. Speaker, we can all agree that our Nation's veterans are heroes. They deserve our support, gratitude, and recognition, and they deserve to have the promises we as a nation have made to them fulfilled. Unfortunately, far too often, we fall short of keeping those promises. Everyone remembers the scandals that shook the Department of Veterans Affairs a few years ago, highlighting critical problems around the country and the need for greater accountability. In the wake of these crises of mismanagement and wrongdoing, Congress created the Veterans Choice Program in 2014 to provide veterans with better options to seek out timely, appropriate care from providers in their communities rather than wade through the outrageous lines, excessive wait times, and subpar medical care at Veterans Health Administration facilities. The Choice Program isn't perfect, and my colleagues and I are working to fix that, but it has been a meaningful start and a path to quicker, more convenient care for our Nation's veterans. Without congressional action today, we risk leaving our heroes without Choice. That is not a risk I am willing to take. VA Secretary Shulkin has estimated that more than 1 million veterans in the VA system use some Choice care, and that number is expected to increase this year. In fact, today, more than 30 percent of the VA appointments are made with private sector providers that have the capacity to relieve some of the burden on our servicemembers and the VA clinics. This year alone, more than 18 million appointments with private doctors have been authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs. If we fail to take action, these veterans will lose their ability to receive prompt care from Choice providers. We would be flooding the VA medical facilities with more patients, even as we know that many facilities are still overburdened and, in some cases, underperforming. Let me be clear: This is not a doomsday prediction. This is not a Henny Penny moment or Hail Mary effort to pass an obscure bill. If Congress refuses to act today, the Choice Program will expire on August 15. Chairman Roe has worked diligently to ensure that this does not happen. In the Senate, my friend and fellow Georgian, Senator Johnny Isakson, serves as chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He, too, has worked tirelessly to ensure our veterans continue to receive care by safeguarding the viability of the Choice Program. I have to say, the two chairmen, Chairman Roe and Chairman Isakson, the body is really at a favor having those two men working, and the ranking members working alongside of them, in this process. So we are continuing to look forward to this bill passing, and many more things to come. When we understand this, Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that Chairman Roe and Chairman Isakson, along with their respective ranking member counterparts, Mr. Walz and Mr. Tester, are committed to making the existing system work better for veterans. I also know that the Choice Program needs reform. However, we can't improve a program that doesn't exist. We must first protect what is good in hopes of making it better. Today's underlying bill provides additional funds to extend the Choice Program for 6 months and provide a critical $2.1 billion infusion of funds while we move forward with thoughtful, sustainable reforms. I have proposed ideas to make those reforms, including the Expanding Access to Choice Act, which prevents bureaucracy at the VA from derailing a functioning Choice program. I authored that bill as a direct response to concerns that were raised by my constituents in northeast Georgia. I am sure that many Members here today have similar experiences and have heard similar stories from their neighbors, and I am confident many Members want to fix this program. By supporting the rule and the underlying bill today, we are taking a step towards making that happen. Secretary Shulkin told the Veterans' Affairs Committee that, without additional funding, veterans would wait longer to receive the healthcare that they deserve. That statement should elicit one thing from this body, Mr. Speaker, and that is action. Yet there are those who would rather we shuffle down the road of inaction than stand for our veterans today, Mr. Speaker. There are some who claim Choice represents a move towards privatization and who have opposed the Choice Program from the beginning. Let me set the record straight: We are not talking about privatizing the VA today. We are talking about sustaining a program that currently serves hundreds of thousands--if not millions--of veterans across the country. This bill is not about privatization. It is about breathing 6 months' more life into a program that enables veterans to access care more efficiently and effectively. This is not the time for partisan maneuvers. Our veterans--their very lives--are on the line, and we owe it to them to vote to move forward so that they receive the care we have promised them. Mr. Speaker, I am currently in the Air Force Reserve, and I have completed a tour earlier in Iraq. I have witnessed our Armed Forces' display of heroism, and I believe their actions deserve recognition. This bill doesn't repay the debt or gratitude we owe our veterans, but it brings us closer to fulfilling our promises by meeting their needs. The underlying bill authorizes multiple major medical facility leases, including a lease for a facility in Pike County, Georgia. In addition, S. 114 enhances the recruitment, retention, and training of the VA workforce through a number of measures, including encouraging servicemembers with health-related occupational specialties to seek employment at the Veterans Health Administration and expanding hiring authority in the case of severe shortages of qualified healthcare personnel candidates. Mr. Speaker, preserving the Choice Program and the access to community care options that it provides is critical. I agree that we can make this program better, but we have to provide a path to do that. Already, I have heard from veterans in my district who say clinics are raising concerns about the availability of funds for Choice. We must address this issue today, and we must uphold our promises to America's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Mitchell).

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would just again reiterate the point of the discussion that this is something we need to take up today. This is not about the peripheral discussions going on concerning Choice, privatization, and other things that have derailed this discussion. I want to see this move forward so we can continue to have viable discussions on Choice, but I would also be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I did not at least address the discussion. The gentlewoman from New York, who I have the greatest respect for, has her opinion; I have mine as well. I do not believe what happened last night in the Senate was, in her words, heroic. I believe it was basically a failure. It was a failure of process. What happened last night was not anything except the stopping of a process that could have included Democrats and Republicans in a conference committee, and it was chosen not to move forward. That is the reason we come to this place, is to move forward. I think when we look at this, the disaster that is ObamaCare, and the reasons that we are now keeping it, and that the healthcare measure has failed, it brings the question to my mind, for the ones who have been helped, and I have never, from this podium or anywhere else, denied that there were many with preexisting conditions and other issues who found help, but, if we remember the promise, the promise was to cover all uninsured. It came nowhere close. The promise was, you can keep your doctor if you liked him, you can keep your plan if you liked it. The promise was that your premiums would go down, and the premiums have gone up. So for all the supporters, then come to maybe my district or other districts and address those people who have lost their insurance, address those people whose premiums have gone up, address the people like the young lady in Chicago who did get on the ObamaCare exchanges, had a premium that was subsidized, but when she realized that she couldn't afford the deductible, she said: I might as well have not had it. It is one thing to discuss this in grand terms, it is another to see the result in our system. To talk about the nominal positives against the crushing negatives is not a victory. So I think we move forward. Today, we have a chance to move forward on Choice, today we have a chance to move forward and look ahead, but I at least say, from this Member's perspective, I don't forget. I understand what I have heard for 7 years. It has been said many times that the current bill is actually gaining in popularity. Well, I just simply point you to the only polls that have really mattered over the last 7 years, and those are elections, and every time there was an election and this issue was up, ObamaCare lost. I am not sure how you can continue to support, with any kind of a straight face, that kind of abject failure. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 480, currently under consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 480 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor seventeen of northeast Georgia's brightest high school students. The National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists and the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists selected these young scholars to represent the state of Georgia at their respective national conventions held in late June. Despite the fact that these students hailed from different parts of the district, they share a common interest in science and medical- related fields. Representing our state as delegates gave them a chance to discuss their interests and ideas--whether they involved becoming our nation's next leading scientist or becoming the brain power behind the next iPhone. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the following outstanding young people: Omeka Bhatia, John Bradley, Justin Mayo, Tyrese Mcintosh, Andrew O'Brian, Thinh Pham-Hoang, David Tran, and Ana Woodsides for attending the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. Additionally, Briana Bishop, Keah Gruduah, Andres Meza, Garrett Raxter, Angela Rivera, Lorenza Rojas-Gonzalez, Helen Viec, and Amber York have made northeast Georgia proud by attending the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. These talented students are carving out a future for STEM fields and will help lead the next generation of innovation in our country. I am honored to represent them in Congress, and I wish them the best as they run after their dreams.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Annie Galloway Queen, a northeast Georgian who recently celebrated her 104th birthday. Annie has been a part of our community since her birth in 1913. She learned to value hard work at an early age, and her life illustrates the strength and diligence that characterizes America's Greatest Generation. Like many in that generation, Annie and her husband struggled through the Great Depression, which taught them to make the most of what little they had. Rather than mourn their lack of physical possessions, Annie educated her children in the spiritual dimension of life, teaching them to rely on their faith during life's most challenging seasons. Mr. Speaker, it is a blessing to spend birthdays surrounded by loved ones. I am thankful to know that that is how Annie spent hers--sharing with family and friends the wisdom that she has gained over 104 years. I am honored to be Annie's neighbor and ask that you join me in wishing her happy 104th birthday

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the success of my friends and neighbors at the Hall County Chapter of the Georgia Farm Bureau. This past year, the Farm Bureau launched Hall GROWS, an educational initiative designed to help students expand their knowledge of agriculture. In my home State of Georgia, agriculture is the largest industry, contributing $74 billion to the State's GDP. Our young people represent the next generation of farmers, agricultural experts, and consumers. It is our duty to ensure that these young students possess an understanding of the strategic advantage that agriculture represents for the United States. The Farm Bureau is donating time, funding, and other resources so that schools can cultivate gardens, hold workshops for educators, and have classroom activities to help students. Because of efforts like these, Hall GROWS can continue to make an impact both in the lives of students and on the future of the industry. The Farm Bureau's willingness to support students attests to the generosity of the American farmer. I am excited to see this program make a positive difference in communities like my own in Hall County in Gainesville, Georgia. Again, congratulations to the Hall County Farm Bureau for their work and effort and Hall GROWS.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Philip Forest, a native of Ellijay, who passed away on July 1. Mr. Forest lived a life committed to serving his country and helping his fellow citizens. When Philip graduated high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Medical Services Unit and, over time, became an Intelligence Officer. After 16 years of service, Mr. Forest retired and began a new career--a career that spanned from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the National Association of Homebuilders. Despite his demanding career, Mr. Forest still prioritized time for his friends and neighbors. When he moved to northeast Georgia, he became involved in the Georgia High Country Builders Association, from which he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and was an active member at his local Republican Party. When I think of Philip Forest, I think of a man who wanted to serve his country in any and every capacity. Mr. Forest's service was inexhaustible, and I hope his legacy encourages northeast Georgians for years to come.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Louise Little, a native of Morganton who passed away on June 30. Louise was born and raised in our home of northeast Georgia. After graduating from Sacred Heart College, she moved back to the area to care for her friends and loved ones as a lab technician at the Rockford Clinic. With a passion for service, Louise used her time away from work to immerse herself in her community. She was actively involved in the Lions Club, where she received numerous awards for her dedication and selflessness towards others. On the political front, Louise was a leader who encouraged women to get more involved in politics. Her commitment to women earned her the position of president at her local chapter of the National Federation of Republican Women. Between that and her work with the local Republican party, she encouraged others to speak out and share their ideas. She believed that every voice matters and that every individual has the power to make a difference. Mr. Speaker, northeast Georgia is grateful for Louise Little. This woman lived a life committed to helping others. She was determined to make her community and country a better place for everyone. While I'm sad to see the story of such an outstanding woman come to a close, I am thankful that Mrs. Little's legacy will carry on among her neighbors.

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia

Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend. He has brought out so many things. And you know, Representative Carter, one of the things that is off the top, when we talk about Mack Transparency, when we talk about this list we talk about, one of things they come back at us, and they say: Well, it is going to increase cost. You know, if you do this, it increases cost. And it is sort of interesting because in Texas, this actually happened in 2013, they did their top 200 drugs, and they were somewhere in the neighborhood of a little over $200. And then in just a matter of 3 years, those average prices of those 200 drugs dropped to below $100. We are both from Georgia when we were talking about it. That is going down. It is not going up. It is because they are actually having to show what they are doing. That is why this--don't you agree that that is why we are having to do what we are doing here?