Ryan Costello

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the residents, businesses and Board of Supervisors of Upper Hanover Township as they celebrate 275 years as a municipality in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Settled by German-speaking immigrants seeking religious tolerance and economic opportunity, Upper Hanover Township was formally incorporated in 1741. During the Township's early years, agriculture thrived thanks to the rich soil and skilled German farmers. The building construction industry blossomed as a result of an abundance of granite boulders mined from the Hosensack Hills and easily-accessible water from the Perkiomen Creek, which powered five gristmills and four sawmills. Today, more than 7,100 people call Upper Hanover Township home. At just over 21 square miles, Upper Hanover is geographically the fourth-largest Township in Montgomery County. And the Township ranks second in Montgomery County with just more than 1,500 acres of permanently preserved farmland. The major employers in the Township include Blommer Chocolate, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America, and Knoll Inc., a modern home and office furniture manufacturer. The community will commemorate the Township's 275th anniversary on Saturday, September 17, 2016 during a day of activities in Camelot Park. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the residents, business owners and community leaders as Upper Hanover marks this memorable milestone.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3471, the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, a bill I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation would set minimum standards for any individual or company installing or selling mobility products to veterans through a Department of Veterans Affairs equipment program. These products are used by disabled veterans to increase their mobility and their overall quality of life, but the VA does not currently require vendors who make or repair the products to meet a certain level of certification. Standards in this legislation would help guarantee safety, quality, and reliability. It is critical that our veterans who have given so much for our country have the best available equipment to accommodate any physical disability. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Supplying Students with Skills Businesses Need

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5587, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, a bill I am proud to cosponsor; and I wish to recognize my colleague from Pennsylvania, G.T. Thompson, for his work on that bill. This bipartisan legislation would provide State and local educators with greater control and flexibility with respect to career and technical education programs; and it takes an important step in closing the skills gap faced by American employers and manufacturers. In order to succeed in the modern workforce, students need to emerge with the skills that State and local businesses need. The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act does just that, encouraging greater student involvement in work-based learning and, in the classroom, emphasizing the development of employability skills and the importance of attaining credentials. As co-chair of the 21st Century Skills Caucus, I have been working on legislation with similar goals, and I am very proud to see provisions I have advocated for included in this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Halting Tax Increases

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3590, the Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act. This legislation would put taxpayers' hard-earned dollars back into their own pockets. It would lower the required percentage of income that must be spent to qualify for a tax deduction for medical costs. Americans should be able to deduct high-cost medical expenses, and this legislation would reduce the required percentage from 10 percent to 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income. I urge my colleagues to support this bill to provide middle class families and seniors with deserved tax relief, as they have already had to spend a significant amount of their income on these expenses. Richland Borough Celebrates 100 Years

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richland Borough, Lebanon County, of my district, on 110 years of incorporation. On September 17, 1906, Richland became its own municipality, breaking from Millcreek Township, gaining its name from the fertile soil in the area. Richland is home to the inventor of the air pump used by Henry Ford on the Model T and will celebrate this and the rest of its impressive history this weekend. I wish to also recognize the Lebanon Daily News for a great article on the history of Richland Borough. Gary Althaus of the Richland Heritage Society and many others have been organizing a series of events that will take place this upcoming Saturday. A little bit more brief history: August 9, 1906, the citizens of Richland held a public meeting on the subject of the advantages of a borough. On August 12, the plan was put in circulation, and by 11 p.m., it had 50 signatures. Then on August 16, 1906, Mr. Holstein took the petition to the county courthouse and presented it before the court, and on September 17, the presiding judge granted the charter. On February 25, 1907, the first Richland Borough Council meeting was organized at the Union House, which then became the place of many meetings, including borough council meetings thereafter. Congratulations to Richland Borough and all its residents. I am very proud to represent you in the United States Congress.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Streamlining Income-Driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education Act or, more simply, the SIMPLE Act. I first want to thank Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici for her leadership and hard work on this bill, which I am proud to introduce with her today. Education is an area where we should be focused on bipartisan solutions because every Pennsylvanian--indeed, every American--deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that path to success starts with an education. Many of my constituents have expressed concerns about the cost of a college education, including making payments on their student loans after they graduate. The challenge of how to responsibly manage student debt makes this bill so important. The SIMPLE Act would assist millions of Americans who carry student loan debt. For many young people, student loan debt is the first type of debt they incur, but it can leave them unable to invest in their future, despite being employed and working hard. Consider that borrowers who miss payments may face lifelong ramifications that make it more expensive and, in some cases, prohibitive to rent an apartment or purchase a home or a car. Our bill would assist borrowers on the verge of default by notifying them of more affordable repayment plans. ``The SIMPLE Act establishes processes to automatically enroll severely delinquent borrowers in income-driven repayment plans with low monthly payments. The legislation also automates the annual process for updating income information while enrolled in these plans, ensuring that borrowers continue to make affordable payments.'' ``This measure uses the information borrowers already have on file at the Internal Revenue Service to eliminate the obstacles to enrolling in an affordable repayment plan and lets borrowers benefit from lower monthly payments.'' But even those enrolled in affordable repayment plans face the paperwork hassle of a complicated process of having to annually recertify their income to keep their low payment. Failure to promptly recertify can, as I mentioned, result in substantial economic detriment. That is, again, why our legislation will responsibly relieve some of that burden by automatically updating a borrower's income. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It will assist borrowers in getting back on track and, in turn, reduce the negative impact of a missed loan payment. Recognizing 95 Years of Exemplary Service of the Limerick Fire Company

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 95 years of exemplary service to the 14,000 residents of Limerick Township, Montgomery County, by the Limerick Township Fire Company. Organized in 1921 and chartered in 1927, its now 250 members and 35 active firefighters are doing a tremendous job in keeping Limerick Township safe, dedicating thousands of hours every year. I want to thank the company president, Tom Walters, and all the members of the Limerick Township Fire Department for the great work that they do. I wish them the very best for the next 95 years of service to the Limerick Township Fire Company and beyond.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pottstown School District Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey R. Sparagana, as he prepares to retire after a career in education spanning more than four decades. For the past 23 years, Dr. Sparagana has held a variety of teaching, administrative, and coaching positions in the Pottstown School District. He was appointed superintendent in December 2012, demonstrating outstanding leadership during what his colleagues described as ``the most tumultuous period of change'' in the District's 177-year history. It was a period that saw the District revise attendance boundaries, close one elementary school and renovate four others, and realign the Middle School to include fifth grade. Innovation, a commitment to academic excellence and accountability and an incredible ability to collaborate with teachers, parents and the community were hallmarks of Dr. Sparagana's tenure. Those traits undoubtedly contributed to Pottstown earning national accolades for its PEAK program, which ensures students start kindergarten properly prepared for a lifetime of learning. Pottstown students also benefit from a healthy living program, one of just 20 comprehensive high school programs in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, virtual and alternative learning academies for customized instruction and an active Foundation for Pottstown Education, which provides supplemental funding for unique educational opportunities. Despite the tremendous demands as the top educator in a district with 3,200 students, Dr. Sparagana always was an engaged citizen and made countless positive contributions to the greater Pottstown community. He is a past president of the Pottstown Area Industrial Development organization, helped facilitate quarterly joint meetings with the District and Pottstown Borough Council and fostered partnerships with Montgomery County Community College and The Hill School, resulting in Pottstown CARES days during which more than 600 volunteers pitch in on an array of projects in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing gratitude for Dr. Jeffrey R. Sparagana's more than 40 years of outstanding service as an educator and genuine passion for ensuring that each student in the Pottstown School District has the opportunity to learn and develop into a responsible, engaged citizen and offering best wishes for a long, healthful retirement.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to commend Mr. Pompeo and the chairman for their leadership on this issue, and I echo what the chairman said just a few moments ago. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.R. 5119, the No 2H2O from Iran Act. This legislation would block the licensing and purchasing of heavy water--nuclear material that is needed for a nuclear weapon--from Iran. The bill became necessary when the administration announced it intended to make an $8.6 million purchase of 32 tons of this nuclear material despite the purchase not being required by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Further, the administration never clarified how Iran would use such funds or if steps would be taken to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars are not used by Iran to support terrorism, Iran's ballistic missile program, or to finance other nefarious activities or bad actors in the region. The bill is necessary, unfortunately, because Iran is still producing heavy water, and, now, to echo the chairman's sentiments, we are creating a market for it. That just doesn't make sense. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the chairman for his leadership. I think this is a very serious issue. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 5594, the National Strategy for Combating Terrorist, Underground, and Other Illicit Financing Act. I wish to commend my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, for his leadership on this bill. This bill would direct the President to work with the Secretaries of the Treasury, State, Defense, and Homeland Security Departments, as well as Federal banking agencies and the Director of National Intelligence to create a comprehensive national strategy to push back against terror financing. This national strategy would call for an ability to adapt to technology developments used by terrorists and to use technology to fight terror financing; it would encourage working with private financial institutions; and it would emphasize coordination efforts between international, State, and local officials. This is a very good bill, and I am proud to support it. Simplifying the Application for Student Aid

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 5528, the Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act. This bill would make it easier for students to fill out the free application for Federal student aid, also known as the FAFSA form, in a number of ways. It would allow students to apply for financial aid earlier by using tax data from the 2 years prior before the FAFSA is dated. Under this legislation, some of the critical information FAFSA requires would be automatically entered, removing barriers that could hinder students in need from applying for aid. We should do everything we can to assist students who want to attend college. And, Mr. Speaker, this legislation will help many students get more of a head start on responsible financial planning for their future. Solar Fuels Innovation

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 5638, the Solar Fuels Innovation Act. This legislation would enable the Federal Government to contribute to advancing energy technology at early stages through the Solar Fuels Basic Research Initiative at the Department of Energy. The initiative would focus on the areas of science that are necessary to develop solar fuels, such as chemistry and materials science. It is important, indeed, and it is critical that we accelerate the research and deployment of next generation clean energy technologies. In authorizing this research, which would be made available to companies, the Federal Government would help cutting-edge companies take the critical next steps in energy innovation. If we are thoughtful in how we advance American energy innovation, we can create jobs, preserve our resources, and improve the health of our communities. Recognizing Joseph Paris

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize Joseph Paris, a teacher at the Stetson Middle School in the West Chester Area School District, who received the Bob Thompson Excellence in Energy Award from the National Energy Education Development Project. Mr. Paris has been bringing technology into the classroom, while spurring interest and encouraging students to succeed. Great job, Mr. Paris. Recognizing the Home of the Sparrow as Nonprofit of the Year

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the Home of the Sparrow as Nonprofit of the Year, as recognized by The Main Line Chamber of Commerce. The Home of the Sparrow provides housing, education, and access to community resources to low-income women in Chester County. And the Home of the Sparrow has helped bring positive change to so many, and continues as a stellar, caring example of making a difference in Chester County.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my legislation, H.R. 3936, the VET Act, also known as the Veteran Engagement Teams Act. I would first like to thank Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and our staffers--Congressman Fitzpatrick's staffer Justin Rusk, and my senior legislative aide, Katharine Bruce-- for all their hard work on the VET Act. I am proud to have introduced this legislation with them, and we would not be here today were it not for their important collaboration in this effort. Mr. Speaker, the VET Act is a solution for the veteran who needs assistance navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process. Many veterans struggle to navigate the VA's bureaucracy to submit their disability compensation or pension claims and to receive the benefits that they have earned. The VET Act aims to solve this problem and, in the process, reduce wait times, possible miscommunications, and lost paperwork by taking VA employees out of the office and placing them in the community where they can provide area veterans with one-on-one assistance at Veteran Engagement Team events. The events would be carried out at least 50 miles from any regional office, and the Secretary would ensure that a sufficient number of physicians, veterans service representatives, and other personnel are present to initiate, update and finalize the completion and adjudication of claims. Pro bono services can also be provided at these events to help offer assistance to veterans from veteran service organizations. And the VA is instructed to coordinate with States, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private- sector entities to secure community facilities at little or no cost, creating a so-called one-stop shop for veterans. And this is the gist of the bill, Mr. Speaker: if a veteran is unable to complete their claim at a VET event, the legislation directs VA employees to provide clear next steps for the veteran. Many veterans express frustration about the lack of clarity from the VA, and subsequently we find ourselves, as the ranking member mentioned, with a claims backlog often due to remands. And veterans get bounced back and forth, perhaps not even knowing that they did not submit information that they have in their records but have not yet been told by the VA. This aims to eliminate that. That is why under this legislation VA staff would be required to file reports that explain why claims were not completed, the number and types of claims that were completed, and customer satisfaction. Each of these steps is part of the solution to perfecting a claim, expediting its review, and avoiding unnecessary remands which clog up the claims docket. The goal is a more efficient system, Mr. Speaker. Transparency, timeliness, and accountability are the guiding principles of this bill. The VET Act's method is already assisting veterans. American Legion Veterans Benefits Centers and regional VA claims clinics have tested VET events and found success, proving this legislation can restore trust between veterans and the VA. It is also important to note the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America have all voiced their support for this bill. With over 45,000 veterans in my district, nearly 1 million in Pennsylvania and almost 22 million veterans in the United States, this legislation is a forward-looking solution that has the potential to assist many veterans across our country. Our veterans have earned their benefits, and this bill aims to make it easier for vets to file their claim and receive their benefits. Finally, I would like to thank Chairman Miller, the ranking member, and the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff for their support and assistance and for ensuring this bill moved through the House this session. Our veterans have waited long enough and House passage today puts us one step closer to this bill becoming law. I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 3936, the VET Act.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work of students from Perkiomen Valley High School and Phoenixville Area Middle School. Recently, the Schuylkill Action Network recognized the Perkiomen Key Club and the Phoenixville Envirothon and Environmental Awareness Club for their exceptional efforts to protect our local watershed. Perkiomen students designed and installed a rain garden in their township building, which I visited this past weekend, and which is expected to cleanse rainwater and remove pollution. Phoenixville students installed a ``bioswale'' to help absorb runoff and reduce pollution in Pickering Creek to keep their communities beautiful and healthy. For their efforts, the Schuylkill Action Network presented the Schuylkill Scholastic Drinking Water Award to these hardworking club members from both schools. Let me also recognize the Schuylkill Action Network and many watershed organizations across my district that do a great job protecting our watersheds. I want to congratulate these students for their ingenuity to keep the water in our congressional district clean and safe for our community. Sarah Pennington/Mental Health Awareness

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Sarah Pennington for her courageous leadership on mental health. Sarah is a courageous, dynamic, hardworking high school student at Pottsgrove High School, and the reigning Miss Freedom Forge's Outstanding Teen. She visited my office yesterday to bring attention to mental health issues and to discuss relevant policy reforms. Sarah has not graduated high school yet, of course, but she has already founded a nonprofit, Show Your Hero, with the goal of raising mental health awareness. I want to thank Sarah for her advocacy. I also have some exciting news. Sarah will be participating in Miss PA's Outstanding Teen pageant from June 22 to June 24 in Pittsburgh. I want to wish her the very best in that pursuit. First Responders in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the work of Phoenixville first responders. Recently, West End Ambulance and the Phoenixville Fire and Police Departments responded to a call for help. These devoted crews assisted an individual who went into cardiac arrest. Through their swift efforts to administer CPR, the responders were able to save a life. The Chester County EMS Council recognized the responders for their expertise on May 28, coinciding with National Emergency Medical Services Week, which honors those serving on our communities' front lines every day. Mr. Speaker, I commend and thank these and all firefighters, officers, EMTs, and paramedics for their service. State Outreach for Local Veterans Employment

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a bill I introduced in the House called the SOLVE Act, short for the State Outreach for Local Veterans Employment Act. The SOLVE Act will provide Pennsylvania, and all States, with critical flexibility to utilize existing grant funds in the way that best serves the needs of each State's unique veteran population. The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America and National Guard Association of the United States, have all endorsed this commonsense bill. I encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this bill as well. Recognizing Wilson Southern Middle School

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Wilson Southern Middle School as one of six exemplary middle schools in Pennsylvania recognized as a school to watch. I also thank the teachers, administrators, parents, faculty, and students for their hard work in making Wilson Southern Middle School such an exceptional middle school. We are very proud of you. Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act. Every year, one in seven new mothers experiences perinatal depression, impacting babies and families for years to come. This bipartisan legislation, which I have cosponsored with Congresswoman Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, would help those suffering receive the treatment they need. States would receive Federal funding to establish, expand, or maintain programs for screening and treatment of maternal depression. Thanks to the tireless efforts of mental health advocates, we have reached over 65 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. I am respectfully encouraging other Members and their staffs to look at this bill and join as cosponsors. It is the right thing to do as we seek to proactively address issues of postpartum depression in communities across this country.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Boyertown, Berks County as the community commemorates the Borough's 150th Anniversary. Incorporated in 1866, Boyertown takes its name from founding brothers Henry and Daniel Boyer--two of the many visionaries during the past century and a half who have called Boyertown their home. The Boyer brothers were business owners and a robust spirit of ingenuity and entrepreneurship has always been part of the Borough's rich history. Whether it was mining iron ore, rolling cigars, building caskets, assembling carriages, founding a national bank or operating small shops and inns, residents always have demonstrated an incredible work ethic and exuded extraordinary pride in ``building a better Boyertown.'' As the community pays tribute to the defining moments and key figures of the past 150 years, the future of Boyertown is equally worth celebrating. The rebirth of the Colebrookdale Railroad, a revitalized downtown with unique boutiques and restaurants and a renewed appreciation for vibrant historical and cultural attractions, such as the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, are all reasons to believe Boyertown's future will be bright. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the residents, business owners and community leaders as Boyertown celebrates this memorable milestone.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1818, the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act. I thank Congressman Kinzinger for his leadership on this bill. I also recognize the chief operations officer for the Western Berks EMS, in my district, Ed Moreland, who came to my office and shared with me what this bill was all about. It is a very easy bill to support. Not only is it an easy bill to support, but it is a very important, valuable bill for me and other Members to support because in my State of Pennsylvania where I used to be a county commissioner and, before that, a township supervisor, we would see firsthand the very valuable role that EMTs and paramedics provide to local communities. We also know that there is a demand for more EMTs and paramedics. In fact, over the next 8 years, it is estimated that there will be another 40,000 EMTs and paramedics that we will need in this country. I have the honor to serve on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. One of the things on which we focus on that committee is to work to find innovative solutions to help our veterans find successful careers when they return home and to utilize the skills that many servicemen and servicewomen obtain and possess during their service. Indeed, many of the best training and experience that military men and women get overseas is in the area of emergency medicine. When one looks at what it takes to be an EMT--the education, training, skill level, and what is required in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in many other States--you realize that there is an equivalency that many veterans already have, which they obtained while serving in the military. This bill seeks to streamline the process so that if a veteran already has the training, the education, the skill level, the experience, we can basically not require that veteran to spend more time and more money going through the process of obtaining a certification. Instead, we can get him into the practice of actually serving his community and working in a professional environment. It gets qualified veterans to work quicker. It also fills the communities' safety needs quicker. It is commonsense, bipartisan legislation to address the demand for qualified professionals in our communities, and it provides veterans with good job opportunities. It is why I encourage my colleagues to support it. It is why I commend Congressman Kinzinger and why I thank Ed Moreland of the Western Berks EMS for bringing this to my attention.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Kevin Steele, who is the district attorney in Montgomery County, one of the four counties that I represent a portion of in southeastern Pennsylvania, noted earlier this week that there were 2,500 drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania over the past year, 60 alone in Montgomery County. This is what he said: ``We're seeing numbers we haven't seen before. We're on pace to have the deadliest year for overdoses.'' Now, not all of them are heroin, but quite a good number of them are. I did not plan on coming down here to the House floor and speaking about any particular individual who I know, and I won't name names; but I will say this, and this is a bit of a surreal moment for me. Between the time that I left my office and I came to the House floor, my brother texted me to let me know that someone that he went to high school with, who he was goods friends with, who played in my backyard growing up, had passed away. I then reached out to my other friend, who let me know that it was indeed, by all accounts, heroin. And in speaking with this friend, he shared with me the names of a few other individuals from my high school that I was completely unaware of who have passed away in the past 6 months, kids I haven't seen or heard from in 15 or 20 years, but nevertheless, it strikes very close to home for me and I am sure a lot of Members here tonight who have had firsthand experience with the epidemic. As a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, I do want to thank Mr. Guinta and his leadership. We have an opportunity this week to take constructive steps to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic that damages our communities and destroys families, and we have that opportunity by bringing a series of commonsense, bipartisan bills to the House floor for consideration. Now, it is a package of bills. I won't get into the specifics of each one. I would rather paint with a little bit more of a broad brush here this evening and simply say that these legislative efforts to take constructive steps to get direct and immediate resources to those on the front line in this battle, our first responders, our physicians, and healthcare providers, our local and municipal officials, is a tremendous step forward in the right direction. I served as a county commissioner, and I can tell you, I know the challenges that our local emergency responders and law enforcement professionals face each and every day. Indeed, last week I was in Berks County, one of the four counties I represent, and had a roundtable with the county commissioners there, the district attorney, the director of the emergency department at the local hospital, and also drug treatment professionals. It is very clear that we need a multilateral approach between drug treatment professionals, medical professionals, local officials. They each play a different role, but the theme is somewhat the same. We have outdated regulations, we have insufficient resources, and we need to better align the resources that we are providing. And that is what we are going to do this week in the House, positive productive steps on a bipartisan basis to get those on the front lines in our communities, the resources they need. In doing so, we will better empower our local first responders, our local law enforcement, and our community healthcare providers. I would be remiss if I didn't also speak about the issue of prevention, prevention in the first instance. Abuse-deterrent medications are critical. Our life sciences industry in my district and across this country are making tremendous strides. It is a key component in preventing addiction for many in the first instance. Let me conclude, though, with this, Mr. Speaker. As legislators, as lawmakers, we can't end this epidemic. A law, any number of laws that simply pass the House that may get signed into law are not going to end an epidemic. We understand that--and I want the American people to understand tonight--we are not saying that by passing laws, we end the epidemic. But what we can do is improve collaboration and better align resources from and for the various stakeholders so that together we can turn the trajectory of this epidemic, which is on a very dangerous course, we can turn it into a declining direction, which is what we need to do. We need to turn this around. We have a tremendous opportunity here in the House this week to take very positive steps in that direction, and I want to thank Mr. Guinta for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania

Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4498, the Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act. I cosponsored this bipartisan legislation because it will assist entrepreneurs in accessing angel investors, who provide critical financing for startup businesses and local entrepreneurs. From construction companies to medical technology producers and manufacturing and perhaps even the next iPhone app, there are Pennsylvanians in my district who are full of forward-thinking ideas who need access to capital. By revising an unintended bureaucratic regulation that places an encumbrance on startup businesses, this legislation will further enable entrepreneurs access to the capital they need to create jobs and be successful. Let me just say that again, Mr. Speaker. Here we have an example of a Washington, D.C., bureaucratic rulemaking interpretation getting in the way of enabling entrepreneurs with good ideas from getting access to capital and subsequently creating jobs in local communities. There is a simple solution to fix that. That is why I am supporting this legislation. I am proud of Pennsylvania's longstanding history as a leader in innovation, and I want to do everything I can to remove barriers and support our local job creators. I encourage all my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.