Ryan Costello

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 321, the INSPIRE Women Act, and commend the leadership of Congresswoman Comstock and Congresswoman Esty on this bill, which I am pleased to also cosponsor. We should be doing all we can to encourage young women who wish to study or follow a STEM career path, and Congresswoman Comstock has introduced this commonsense bill to achieve that goal. H.R. 321 would require NASA to support astronauts, scientists, and engineers who have retired in their efforts to encourage young women who are interested in studying or working in a STEM field. Mr. Speaker, innovative thinkers are critical to our country's success in the modern global workforce. But we have heard the statistics. Women make up half of the U.S. workforce and half of the college educated workforce. Yet, only 25 percent of women who attain degrees in the STEM field actually end up working in STEM jobs. That is why I support this bill and that is why I think the aims of this bill are very laudable and could go a long way toward closing that gap. It is an important effort to improve retention of women studying and working in STEM fields. I thank again Congresswomen Comstock and Esty for their leadership.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 315, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act. As we look to strengthen health care, one area where we must continue to show leadership is in the delivery of quality and timely maternal and prenatal care. Certain areas of the country, though, suffer from a shortage of professionals to provide this essential care. For over 40 years, the National Health Service Corps has helped to place primary, dental, and mental health providers in underserved areas. This bill would use data collected from the National Health Service Corps to designate and place maternal healthcare providers in those areas of the country where they are most needed. This will help to solve the shortage of maternal healthcare professionals and ensure new and expecting mothers have access to the care they need. Mr. Speaker, the statistics don't lie: mothers without access to prenatal care are more likely to experience serious but avoidable complications during birth, which makes passage of H.R. 315, the Improving Access to Maternity Care Act, which I am proud to support, such an important bill.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, when we came back from break, starting 2017, I wanted to share some thoughts on how we can all improve ourselves and our country here in 2017, but last week there was such a flurry of activity, I didn't have the opportunity to do so. I came across an editorial in the Reading Eagle, a newspaper with circulation in my district. Harry Deitz, the editor of the Reading Eagle, had an editorial entitled, ``17 Simple Ways to Improve the World in 2017.'' I thought it was so absolutely excellent that I would like to share it with the American public verbatim: ``Imagine how much better the world could be if all of us resolved to make the world a better place. Imagine how much better it could be if just one of us did that. ``It really isn't difficult. We just need to make up our minds to do positive little things that will add up to positive big things. Often, they are things that don't take much time or energy. They may not cost anything. But the rewards--the paybacks--are immeasurable. ``So, in the spirit of a new year, here are 17 simple things we can do in 2017 to improve the world around us. ``1. There's an old caution sign at railroad crossings: Stop, look and listen. It also should apply to communication and understanding. Think how much better things would be if we stopped or at least slowed down, looked a person in the eye and really listened to what he or she has to say. That certainly would derail some of the anger and misunderstandings in the world. ``2. Say something positive to someone every day. You may never know how much a kind word or a compliment will mean to the person, but you will feel better after you've done it. ``3. Make a donation to charity. Money helps, but donations also come in the form of your time. ``4. Don't make judgments. There are people in the world who judge us before they know us. They judge us before they know all the facts. They disapprove when we have different opinions. Sometimes there isn't right or wrong--there is just different. Don't just talk tolerance--practice it. ``5. Say hello to a stranger. How much effort does it take? What is the real risk? Many of our best relationships began with a simple `hello.' ``6. Give something anonymously to someone in need. Don't look for recognition or appreciation. Focus on what you can do for `he' or `she,' instead of asking, `what's in it for me?' ``7. Have a conversation with a child. Not a lesson or a lecture. You may be surprised at how much you can learn and how much you can teach when you talk and listen. ``8. Make a call to someone you haven't spoken with in years. Better yet, visit that person. ``9. Don't wish away a single day. How often have we been anxious for a day to be over? We only have so many days, and we don't know how many. So even when things are going really badly, don't give up on that day. Think positive, and make every day special. And consider tomorrow a new opportunity to do what we weren't able to do today. ``10. Say you are sorry. It's never too late, and it's not as painful as it may seem. ``11. Forgiveness isn't only one of the best things you can do for others. It also is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself. It removes burdens. It helps you see clearly. It repairs what is broken. Time may reduce our pain but doesn't always remove it. Forgiveness will. ``12. Take a quiet walk. Look at the world around you. How can you help but marvel at God's creation when you push away all of the distractions in your life? ``13. Happiness isn't something we are given. It's something we choose. So choose happiness. ``14. Cherish your memories more than your possessions. They not only are more important, but they will last much longer. ``15. Smile. I can't think of an expression that can have a more positive impact on someone else--and on yourself. It's difficult to be angry or cranky when you're smiling. ``16. Pray for peace. If you believe in prayer, you already understand its power. If you don't, what do you have to lose? ``17. Tell people you love them. It's something you can't do too often. It's something they will never tire of hearing.'' Words well spoken, Harry Dietz. Maternal Health Care

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the U.N. resolution which hinders the path to peace and aims to undermine Israel, one of our country's top allies. Our policy has long been that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be resolved by direct, bilateral talks between the two parties. This U.N. resolution contradicts our longstanding policy, first, by legitimatizing Palestinian Authority efforts to utilize international organizations to carry out its own solution; and second, by not providing for the Palestinian Authority to uphold their own responsibility as it relates to the peace negotiations. The U.N. resolution disregards that Hamas, a terrorist organization, presently controls a portion of what would be the Palestinian state. That is an outrage, Mr. Speaker. We must not sit on the sidelines or be silenced when anti-Israel resolutions are presented at international organizations. That is why I support H. Res. 11 today.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is important the Federal Government convey to taxpayers how it is spending their hard- earned money. That is why I rise in support of H.R. 71, the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act. For Federal programs authorized to spend over $1 million, this bipartisan bill would make more information available and accessible online so that taxpayers may see where their money is being spent and how the program is performing. For each Federal program meeting these requirements, the government would need to make public several key pieces of information that are of interest to many of my constituents, including funding levels for the program, Federal laws that authorize the program, regulations related to the program, the results of performance reviews that measure the program's effectiveness, and any overlap of the program with another Federal program. Simply put, this bill would help alleviate waste and prevent taxpayer dollars from being spent on unnecessary, ineffective, or duplicative programs. I thank Congressman Tim Walberg and Congressman Jim Cooper for their continued leadership on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, this bill did pass the House without any objection in the last session, and I would, once again, urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on December 5, 2016, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor due to a family illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 602 and YEA on Roll Call 603.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District is retiring. His brother, Brian, has big shoes to fill to serve in Mike's place. When I came to Congress, one thing that you would always hear in political circles is that Mike Fitzpatrick, while serving in Congress, never stopped being a Bucks County Commissioner. What that really means is, while he came down here to focus on Washington and issues important to this country, he never stopped spending time in Bucks County, serving the district with distinction. I wish Mike Fitzpatrick the very best in retirement and thank him for his mentorship during my first year in Congress.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Richard Hanna, serving New York's 22nd Congressional District, is retiring. I want to commend Congressman Hanna on his thoughtfulness, independence, and courage of convictions. I find him to be a great example of how to serve in this body honorably, and I wish him and his family the very best in his retirement. Farewell to the Honorable Mike Fitzpatrick

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, when I came to Congress, as I suspect when most new Members come to Congress, you tend to look around for those Members who you can take a little something from to improve yourself and to see what they do and also what they don't do. Congressman Bob Dold is finishing his second term. I would like Mr. Dold to know that I have taken a great deal from him. I find him to be a very honorable man and a friend who has served with purpose, a positive attitude, and is partisan-free. He is a great example of how to serve in this body effectively, with distinction, and with a great attitude. I wish Congressman Dold the very best in all his future endeavors. Farewell to the Honorable Richard Hanna

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in my hand is a book, ``Congress: The Chester County Line'' written by Wayne C. Woodward. A portion of the foreword reads as follows: ``From the very beginning of our great Nation and the first American Congress, Chester Countians have served their southeast Pennsylvania constituents in the United States House of Representatives. Not all have been nationally known leaders or internationally renowned legislators, but, by and large, Congressmen from Chester County have played a major role in American history.'' That was written by Richard T. Schulze, member of the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1975 to 1993. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Congressman Joe Pitts, who has served Chester County, Lancaster County, and Berks County with tremendous distinction for the past two decades. Whether it was his legislative focus and advocacy involving religious liberty, life, health care, land conservation, or focusing on those issues at the most local level, Joe Pitts' legacy and achievements as a legislator will prove lasting in the history of Chester County and this Congress. My predecessor, Jim Gerlach, serving in the neighboring Sixth Congressional District, commented: ``I had the good fortune of working with Joe from my first years as a State legislator in the PA house all the way through my last year in Congress. During those 24 years, Joe Pitts was a steady and committed voice for conservative principles and policies that are the bedrock of our economy and society. He cared deeply about his constituents and country, and he always voted for what he believed was best for both. In short, he was a principled leader who worked hard every day to do the right thing, and his leadership will be missed.'' Joe Pitts' predecessor in Congress, occupying what is commonly referred to as ``the Pennsylvania Dutch seat,'' Congressman Bob Walker, commented: ``Joe Pitts has distinguished himself and the district he represents with his congressional service. He has become an acknowledged leader in healthcare policy, and his human rights work has won worldwide claim. I have been proud to call him my congressman for the past 20 years, and wish Joe and Ginny the very best in the years ahead.'' This book, ``Congress: The Chester County Line,'' was written in 1992. There will be a day when a second book about the history of Congress and Chester County will be written. We don't know who will write it, but we do know there will be a chapter on the service of Jim Gerlach and on the service of Bob Walker; and there will also be a very long chapter, rich in content, on the contributions that Joe Pitts has played in American history for the betterment of this country, for the betterment of Chester County, Berks County, and Lancaster County. Congressman Pitts, I wish you the very best as you retire, and a long and healthy retirement to you and your family. God bless you. Farewell to the Honorable Bob Dold

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Not a veteran, but I appreciate the kind words. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation that will bring critical improvements to the way our country serves its veterans. In my district, Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District, thousands of veterans are served by the Department of Veterans Affairs on a range of issues critical to their lives, including disability benefits, education, and healthcare services. H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act, would make improvements to these services by increasing the amount of time widows have to utilize education benefits, allowing veterans to have screenings and treatment at VA emergency rooms, and tracking staffing abilities so the VA is better suited to accommodate its workload. I would also like to thank my colleagues on the committee, and our committee staff, for working to include provisions to strengthen the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Since the start of the term, we have been working to find a way to ensure the Court is able to meet the needs of our veterans, and I am pleased to see that efforts to do this are included as part of the bill. I also want to thank Chairman Miller for his dedication and service to our committee and to our Nation's veterans. His leadership has been exemplary. I also would like to recognize and thank our committee staff for all of their hard work over the course of this Congress and my legislative aide for this session, Katharine Bruce, for her hard work. Finally, I want to just point out that the Veterans' Affairs Committee, in large measure, has accomplished and improved a great deal in a bipartisan way. So I want to thank not only my Republican colleagues on the committee but the Democratic members of the committee as well. We should all be proud of the work that we have done. There is a lot more yet to do, but we have accomplished a lot, I believe, because we have focused on what needs to be done, left politics at the door, and worked in good faith on behalf of our Nation's veterans.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the 21st Century Cures Act, and I want to thank the chairman and ranking member for their advocacy and leadership to bring this bill to the floor today. I also congratulate my colleague and neighbor, Congressman Joe Pitts, for his leadership as chairman of the Health Subcommittee. Mr. Pitts and I represent adjoining and very similar districts in Pennsylvania, each including parts of Chester and Berks counties. He has done outstanding work for our constituencies by incorporating the concerns and issues important to southeastern Pennsylvania into the Cures Act. This bill will make an immediate, long-lasting impact on the families and communities we represent. It supports medical research, helps fight the opioid epidemic, and would improve the delivery of mental health care by putting patients at the center of the review process. In short, this bill includes major priorities that will make our communities healthier and safer.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate HomeNet Automotive, a company in my district, on receiving the Tech360 Technology Team of the Year Award from the Chester County Economic Development Council. I had the opportunity to visit HomeNet Automotive over the summer and enjoyed learning about their innovative company, which is bringing jobs and forward-looking technology to our community. HomeNet Automotive makes the SnapLot Photo Capture App, which provides car dealers with the ability to update the inventory it displays on their Web sites. A tech team from the company based in East Whiteland, Chester County, updated the technology to improve its ease of use for dealers. The app is currently used by dealers nationwide as well as at Manheim Auto Auctions, with the possibility of expanding with Manheim into Europe. I am very proud of that company in Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District. Recognizing Ryan Vargo

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, a bipartisan bill that focuses solely on solutions for patients. All of us have been affected, whether directly or indirectly, by tragic diseases. That is why advancing and improving medical innovation and providing much-needed resources that are required for finding cures, which this bill would do, are such important goals. The 21st Century Cures Act would target diseases that do not yet have a cure. Bringing safe, effective drugs and devices to Pennsylvanians and Americans in a more efficient manner will benefit our families and communities. This bill would also bring much-needed certainty to job creators and help keep Pennsylvania at the forefront of medical innovation. In Congress, we have a responsibility to ensure that resources are available to help defeat these yet incurable diseases. This bill is a significant step forward toward this goal. The 21st Century Cures Act also includes important mental health reform measures. I have focused much of my attention since coming into office on ways to make Pennsylvania communities healthier and safer, and families across my district have shared their stories about how mental health issues impact individuals, families, and communities. Much-needed reforms are included in this bill: empowering patients and caregivers, ensuring availability of treatment, encouraging students to choose careers in mental health, providing for those on the front lines, and maintaining transparency in government programs. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. HomeNet Automotive Wins Tech Award

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of bipartisan legislation to improve and simplify the decisionmaking process for our student veterans. H.R. 5047, the Protecting Veterans' Educational Choice Act, would help veterans clearly understand if and how their coursework credits might transfer between schools. The legislation would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide student veterans with detailed information about education assistance benefits, including how to request free education counseling services at the VA. For our veterans who wish to obtain or complete a degree, access to this information can not only save them countless administrative headaches, but also precious time and money. I am proud to support measures such as this bill that would streamline the transition for veterans into civilian life and provide them with the tools and resources to succeed. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Finding Cures

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring attention to the leadership of Ryan Vargo, a senior up at Pottsgrove School District, and his role in helping expand recreational opportunity at the Upper Pottsgrove Township Park. He spearheaded a project to install donated playground equipment at Hollenbach Park off North Hanover Street, adding recreational opportunity for children in the Pottsgrove community. It is a testament to how our country and its future is great when we look at student leaders and what they are doing in their teenage years to help improve communities across this Commonwealth and across this country.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of recent efforts to strengthen the partnership between Israel and the United States by this Congress. Our countries have a long and important friendship. That is why my and this Congress' support of H.R. 5877, the United States-Israel Advanced Research Partnership Act, and H.R. 5843, the United States- Israel Cybersecurity Cooperation Enhancement Act, two bills that advance the vital goal of bolstering the U.S.-Israeli partnership on security, are so important. These bills focus specifically on strengthening cybersecurity collaboration through grants, research, and antiterrorism programs. Knowing of the security challenges Israel faces in its region, these measures would reinforce our commitment to our most critical ally in the Middle East at a time when the evolving threat of a cybersecurity attack has never been more serious. It is imperative we continue to work together on the security issues faced by our respective countries. Student Veterans

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on November 17, 2016, I missed three recorded votes on the House floor due to a family event. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call 581, Nay on Roll Call 582, and Nay on Roll Call 583.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the oldest African-American Church in Pottstown as its congregation celebrates 145 years of worship, fellowship and stewardship in the community. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church first opened its doors in April 1871 at North Franklin and Beech Streets. In addition to tending to the spiritual needs of its members, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church has always taken great pride in serving anyone in need throughout the greater Pottstown community. Specifically, the Church operated a thriving food pantry for many years that fed hundreds of families. A Saturday church school program geared toward local youth offers meals, field trip opportunities, and a chance to find an outlet for their musical talents by participating in a bell choir, which has performed countless times at other churches in the area. And a community leadership lecture series named in honor of the late Pottstown NAACP leader, Newstell Marable, aims to educate and empower by addressing an array of issues related to finding employment, building a secure financial future, and strengthening the community. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pottstown on this memorable milestone and in extending our sincere appreciation for the outstanding spirit of volunteerism and compassion demonstrated time and time again during the past 145 years by Church leaders and congregants.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the residents, businesses, and Board of Supervisors of Schuylkill Township as they celebrate 190 years as a municipality in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Swedish and Dutch settlers first arrived in the area situated between the Schuylkill River and Pickering Creek in 1713 and named the river ``Schuylkill'', meaning ``hidden river'' in Dutch. More than a century later on November 4, 1826, the eastern portion of neighboring Charlestown Township was declared Schuylkill Township by the Chester County Court. One of the Township's most-recognized historical structures is the Schuylkill Friends Meeting House where several generations of Quakers have worshipped and, prior to the Civil War, aided slaves seeking freedom and hosted visits by noted abolitionists of the era. The Township's rich agriculture heritage includes sprawling farms owned by the Reeves family, who operated the Phoenix Iron Works, and relatives of former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker. Today, more than 8,500 people call the 9.44 square miles that make up Schuylkill Township home. The community commemorated the Township's 190th anniversary on Saturday, November 5, 2016, during its annual Founders Day celebration. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the residents, business owners, and community leaders as Schuylkill Township marks this memorable milestone.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on September 26, 2016, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor due to a family illness. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call 557 and YEA on Roll Call 558.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6094, the Regulatory Relief for Some Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act. This bipartisan legislation offers a responsible solution to the U.S. Department of Labor's overtime rule that would jeopardize the ability for small businesses, nonprofits, and colleges to maintain current operations and good-paying career jobs. H.R. 6094, which I have cosponsored, would require a 6-month delay in the effective date of the DOL overtime rule. No, this isn't the outright repeal of the overtime rule that I, along with many others, have called for, but it is a practical step towards helping those organizations take steps to mitigate the impact of this regulation. Without passage of H.R. 6094, the overtime rule will take effect in 2 months. This is simply not enough time to allow affected employers and employees an opportunity to adjust and prepare for the adverse economic consequences. Over 10 million workers, including many in my home State of Pennsylvania, will be impacted. Companies will be forced to shift employees from salary to hourly pay, nonprofits will have to cut back on critical services, employees may lose the opportunity to work remotely, while seeing fewer opportunities for career development. Our employers need fewer administrative costs and compliance burdens, not more. Employees deserve flexibility and autonomy and the opportunity to build successful careers. However, these regulations, no matter how well intended, would drain our economy and hurt the very people they are attempting to help. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6094. Don't Punish Taxpayers

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 954, the CO-OP Consumer Protection Act, which would provide temporary relief from ObamaCare's individual mandate for Americans directly impacted by failed ObamaCare CO-OPs. At the outset of this law, 23 CO-OPs provided insurance options for enrollees in 25 States. However, nearly 2 years later, we have learned that a majority--17 of them--have failed. The reason for the failure has been painfully obvious. The ACA manipulated insurance markets and created CO-OPs as a means to establish government-managed competition. The cost of this ill-fated attempt at market manipulation has been borne by the American public. Over $1 billion of hard-earned taxpayer dollars were sunk into failed CO-OPs. Worse, for American consumers who enrolled in a failed CO-OP, they did not just lose their health coverage, but due to another glitch in the law, these individuals may be forced to pay the IRS a tax penalty for failing to have adequate health coverage under the individual mandate. Mr. Speaker, these individuals should not be penalized for the failings of the law. That is why I rise to explain my support of H.R. 954. This is a commonsense solution to provide temporary relief to those individuals affected by the failed CO-OPs. This legislation states simply that if you lose your health coverage midterm due to a failed CO-OP, then you should not be forced to pay a 2016 tax penalty for lacking health coverage. Put simply, to allow this law to harm those individuals who lost their health coverage at no fault of their own is unacceptable. I thank my colleagues for their action on this bill. Supporting Water Infrastructure

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5303, the Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA for short. I supported this legislation in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in May, as it would authorize infrastructure projects important to my district, Pennsylvania's Sixth Congressional District, as well as across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and, indeed, across the country. If passed, WRDA would include a review of projects to enhance ecosystem restoration and water supply along the Delaware River Basin, including at the Blue Marsh Lake. Locks and dams in Pennsylvania would also be eligible for reconstruction. Finally, WRDA would authorize an expedited study for a navigation project along the upper Ohio River in Pennsylvania. Projects included in WRDA support jobs and keep businesses and homes protected by providing critical oversight of our water infrastructure so that our country remains safe, productive, and competitive. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 670, the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act, which I have cosponsored. This bill would allow non-elderly individuals with a disability to create a special needs trust for themselves, as opposed to needing a relative or guardian to create such a trust for them. Importantly, these trusts would also be exempt from being considered as an asset when an individual applies for eligibility for Medicaid benefits, meaning the individual with the special needs trust can still be eligible for Medicaid benefits. This legislation would make a straightforward correction in Federal law that would ensure all individuals facing serious disease or disability are treated equally under the law and are able to manage their lives with independence. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for acting to advance this bill.