James Comer

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this amendment stoops to the lowest level possible--in fact, 6 feet under. It is bad enough that under H.R. 4176, House Democrats seek to subject living people, including children, to intrusive and inappropriate questions related to their private sexual orientation and gender identity. It is especially troublesome that House Democrats would allow proxies to answer such sensitive questions on behalf of others, as this bill allows. But shockingly, this amendment expands that authority to allow proxies to answer survey or Census questions about sexual orientation and gender identity on behalf of dead Americans. If someone claims to be a ``knowledgeable proxy,'' this amendment permits that individual to answer a Federal survey on behalf of a deceased person who can no longer answer for himself or herself. With this amendment, someone who has guarded their personal privacy their entire life will have to worry that sensitive aspects of their personal life will be shared with the Federal Government after they die or worry that it could even be made up. How is collecting this information even useful at all? It is hard to imagine making the underlying bill much worse, but this amendment succeeds with flying colors. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment and vote to protect Americans' ability to simply rest in peace. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I have become increasingly concerned that the consolidation and monopolistic nature of pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs has negatively impacted competition in the pharmaceutical marketplace, leading Americans to spend more on prescription drugs than any other country. These PBMs not only raise patient costs but are potentially engaged in anticompetitive behavior. The legislation before us today includes language requiring PBMs to issue reports to employer sponsors of health plans outlining information that they have been unwilling to provide to their customers, including copays applied by insurers to drug manufacturer costs, rebates received from manufacturers, and the PBM's rationale for choosing certain brand name drugs over more affordable biosimilars, generics, or therapeutics for their formularies. Simply providing this information to the participants in group health plans is expected to save over $2 billion over 10 years. These biannual, employer or sponsor-specific reports will allow participants in group health plans to make informed decisions about the services their PBM is providing and reduce patient costs for prescription drugs. We cannot have a serious conversation about lowering drug prices in America without examining PBMs' ever-growing influence.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of former State representative Wilson Stone. Wilson was a passionate public servant who spent his career fighting for Kentucky. Wilson served as State representative of the Kentucky General Assembly for 12 years. During his time, he served as chairman of the State House Agriculture Committee and pursued meaningful improvements to Kentucky's public education system. I had the honor of serving in the State House with Wilson Stone. Before serving in the State legislature, Wilson was an influential member of the Allen County Board of Education. It is a position he held for a remarkable 24 years. In the spare time that he did have, Wilson was a farmer. Wilson was a true leader with a sincere drive to improve Kentucky. On behalf of the First Congressional District, I send my sincerest condolences to Wilson's family, friends, and neighbors. His life touched many, and our Commonwealth is better off because of his service.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Russell County High School baseball team, the Kentucky State High School runners-up. Their head coach, David Rexroat, has led the Lakers baseball team since 2002. He is the all-time winningest baseball coach at Russell County, and he was recently inducted into the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Russell County began their journey to the State tournament by winning the 16th District baseball tournament, which includes my home school of Monroe County. They have won the 16th District 9 of the last 10 years. They won the region, the 4th Region in Bowling Green, and went on to Louisville to the State. They made it all the way to the State finals, to the State championship game. The Russell County Lakers baseball team had nine seniors on that team that had played together most of their lives. They finished the season 31-7, the most wins in Russell County school history. Madam Speaker, that State championship game was in Louisville, Kentucky, against St. Xavier, which is one of the largest high schools in the State. It is about a 2\1/2\ hour drive from Russell County to Louisville. Ninety-five percent of the crowd was from the small county of Russell County. This community is proud of this baseball team and their great accomplishment. I commend them for a tremendous baseball season.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the mayor of Mayfield, Kathy O'Nan, for all she has done for her community in the wake of last December's tornado damage. In a nod to her recovery efforts, Mayor O'Nan was recently named Woman of the Year by the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce. I can think of no one more deserving of this high honor. When the storms hit, the mayor led by example in getting her community back on its feet. She was there for her citizens when they needed her the most, and she continues to work tirelessly to bring all parties together to rebuild the proud community of Mayfield. A role model to many, she has embodied servant leadership during her time in office, a tenure largely defined by persevering through tragedy. When the eyes of the world were on Mayfield, Kentucky, Mayor O'Nan stepped up to the plate and delivered the leadership and empathy that west Kentucky needed. I am proud to represent her in Congress, and I look forward to working with her as Graves County rebuilds.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I have pretty much summarized the bill in my opening statement, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Herrell).

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6531, directs the Office of Management and Budget to lead a government-wide effort to review the share of Federal funds addressing poverty across agencies. Specifically, OMB must issue guidance to Federal agencies to increase the share of Federal investments targeting to areas of high and persistent poverty. Additionally, the bill directs the Census Bureau to annually publish a list of all persistent poverty areas. The legislation intends to produce a consistent listing of areas of persistent poverty for agencies to use in determining funding allocations. The Federal Government currently spends an enormous amount of taxpayer funds on low-income populations. You may ask: Exactly how much taxpayer funds does the Government spend on low-income populations? Well, I can tell you from being a minority member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee that I can't get you that answer because the Democrats on the Oversight and Reform Committee have produced absolutely zero oversight during the entire Biden administration. Despite the excessive spending on that side of the aisle, Madam Speaker, we have had basically zero oversight of taxpayer funds on the House Oversight and Reform Committee. That is important that such funding decisions appropriately balance the needs of rural communities across America that have been left behind and are experiencing prolonged struggles with poverty. Again, I want to remind my friends across the aisle that those of us on this side of the aisle believe that the best way to get out of poverty is to create an environment where people living in poverty have access to good-paying jobs. But the old model that is the government model that continues to be espoused by my friends on the other side of the aisle is more government programs to help those who currently reside in poverty. Madam Speaker, that is a summary of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, today, I rise with a heavy heart to commemorate the life of the late Jody Cash, a Calloway County Sheriff's deputy and former Kentucky State Police officer who died in the line of duty yesterday. Mr. Cash was a distinguished law enforcement officer in west Kentucky. His high-level accomplishments and rise through the police ranks were a testament to his tremendous leadership abilities. But even more importantly, he truly cared about everyone. When the nearby town of Mayfield was hit by a devastating tornado last December, he made daily visits to the scene to help out other first responders with whatever they needed. No job was too big or too small. That was Jody Cash. Even though it wasn't his patrol area, he wanted to help. He cared about his friends and his neighbors. On behalf of Kentucky's First Congressional District, my condolences are with Mr. Cash's family, and we mourn the loss of a brave public servant gone far too soon.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the small town of Summer Shade, Kentucky in Metcalfe County. Home to just a few hundred people in the southwestern comer of Metcalfe County, Summer Shade is known for its strong sense of community spirit. Its unique name is thought to be derived from the large trees that once protected the town from nearby wildlife. With loyal, hard-working locals and a town full of character and tradition, Summer Shade is a prime example of the values that our state and country stand for. A rural and close-knit community at heart, Summer Shade is marked by its beautiful land and caring citizens. As this town commemorates 150 years of establishment, I want to thank the citizens of Summer Shade for their patriotism and community pride. I am honored to represent them in Congress, and fight for the values that we hold dear.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my very dear friend, Bill Jones, of Paducah, Kentucky, upon his retirement from U.S. Bank. Over his 37 years with U.S. Bank, Bill took on numerous leadership posts with the company and thrived in each role. His time in the financial business totaled 45 years and spanned significant changes in industry operations. As a leader, he was frequently forced to adjust to modern trends to ensure customer needs were met. And time and time again he has passed that leadership test with flying colors. In addition to his work in the banking industry, he has also served his community in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on numerous boards, including Kentucky Educational Television, Mercy Health Hospital, and other commissions geared toward economic development. As someone who has spent a lot of time in the banking industry myself, I know that the industry is better off thanks to Bill's contributions and leadership. Bill Jones is a west Kentucky legend. On behalf of all the residents of the First Congressional District of Kentucky, I wish Bill Jones a very happy retirement.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, the American people should know this: We will persist in exposing the waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement by this administration that has led to this current crisis. We will do everything in our power to stop the flow of fentanyl across President Biden's broken border.

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, Oversight and Reform Committee Republicans witnessed firsthand the crisis on the border after the southern border trip I led earlier this month. By pushing blanket amnesty and eroding interior enforcement, President Biden has now signaled to the world that our laws can be violated with little to no consequence. In 2021, over 2 million apprehensions of illegal immigrants were made. This is the most ever recorded by U.S. Border Patrol. In fact, I want to quote Punchbowl News because they really put it into perspective yesterday morning when they reported: ``According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, during the past 3 weeks, the agency has `encountered an average of 7,800 migrants per day across the southwest border. This compares to a historical average of 1,600 per day in the prepandemic years,' a roughly 480 percent increase.'' The surge of illegal immigrants is overwhelming the Department of Homeland Security. As a result, DHS was forced to release hundreds of thousands of these illegal border crossers into the United States. Catch and release does not work. It only encourages more illegal immigration. The numbers we have don't even account for illegal immigrants who have evaded capture entirely. That number is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands. The situation only gets worse when we look at how much fentanyl and other deadly drugs are being smuggled across the border by cartels. On our trip, we witnessed hundreds of discarded backpacks littering the ground, backpacks that once carried illicit narcotics. The Biden administration's border policies have only boosted the human smuggling industry and empowered drug cartels. Now, President Biden's decision to terminate the CDC's public health order under title 42 on May 23 will turn this national security and humanitarian crisis into a catastrophe. Former Obama administration Secretary of Homeland Security Johnson once said that only 1,000 apprehensions per day was ``a relatively bad number'' that ``overwhelms the system.'' He described 4,000 apprehensions per day as a crisis. The Department of Homeland Security now predicts as many as 12,000 to 18,000 illegal migrants per day will attempt to cross the border because of President Biden's policies when the title 42 order terminates, overwhelming the congregate processing facilities in ports and Border Patrol stations that we toured along the border in California and Arizona. This administration's plan to address this catastrophe boils down to simply speeding up the release of even more illegal border crossers. Mr. Speaker, that is no plan at all. Placing illegal immigrants over Americans is unacceptable. Committee on Oversight and Reform Republicans have been at the forefront of this crisis, demanding answers and seeking to hold the administration accountable to the American people.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Robert McCrory for his admirable commitment to revitalizing the legendary Tater Day Festival in Benton, Kentucky. Today this annual tradition in Marshall County will commence, bringing the community together for a weekend of fun, entertainment, and competition. Originally started in 1843 when farmers came to town to trade sweet potatoes, this event was unfortunately lagging by the 1960s. Dr. McCrory didn't like that--and nor did he accept it. A longtime community leader and a charter member of the local Kiwanis Club, he took a lead role in returning this event to its prior legendary status. As head of a committee formed to do just that--Dr. McCrory revitalized Tater Day in a major way. Now, this historic event features sizable crowds that descend on Benton every year for a parade, contests, and tasty potato treats. Without Dr. McCrory's leadership, this proud local tradition would not be what it is today. Because of that, I express my sincere thanks to him as Marshall County and West Kentucky's representative in Washington.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of my good friend Danny ``Flapper'' Burgess from my home area of Monroe County, Kentucky. Flapper was a larger-than-life figure. If you ever met Flapper Burgess, you left with a positive and memorable impression. He was an effective, old-school, local politician, who owned a little country store called Flapper's Market in Fountain Run, Kentucky. If you were a candidate for local office and wanted to carry the Fountain Run precinct, you had to have Flapper's support. Here is the last picture I have of Flapper and I in his store eating one of his signature baloney sandwiches. Flapper served many years on the Monroe County Fiscal Court representing the Gamaliel, White Oak Ridge, and Fountain Run precincts. Flapper truly was a man of the people. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives and all the people of south central Kentucky, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Danny ``Flapper'' Burgess.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian invasion. Vladimir Putin's war has sent millions of Ukrainians fleeing, and he is now targeting civilian populations, schools, and hospitals. Economic sanctions have begun to cripple their economy. Private- sector companies have also isolated Russia from many aspects of the 21st century economy. But unfortunately, all economic leverage has not been utilized. We must do more. I do not support sending American troops into this conflict. However, America can demonstrate leadership by cutting off our purchases of Russian oil. But just like on many other aspects of this crisis, President Biden is playing catch-up. He has yet to take the commonsense step of stopping American financing of Russia's oil economy. Now more than ever, we should be massively increasing domestic oil production. But President Biden is more focused on pandering to his far-left environmental base than making America energy independent from an enemy. We must stop financing Russia's war on Ukraine. President Biden must act.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Jane Wheatley, CEO of the Taylor Regional Hospital in Campbellsville, Kentucky, who retired after 20 years in this critically important position. While Jane has led this institution for two decades, her service to the hospital spans much longer. She began working in the business office in 1978 at what was then known as the Taylor County Hospital before climbing the ranks to become chief financial officer and later chief executive officer. Under Jane's leadership, Taylor Regional Hospital has undergone dramatic growth to become a regional hub for quality healthcare. Without a doubt, her vision for growth contributed mightily to the hospital's success. She also has a love for Campbellsville that drove her to do all she could to ensure her fellow citizens did not have to travel far for vital healthcare needs. Jane's professional success is a testament to her hard work, leadership, and desire to improve the community she loves. She leaves a proud legacy in Taylor County, and I wish her nothing but the best in a well-earned retirement.

Mr. COMER

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Garbarino).

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment. Madam Speaker, as we have worked together on the Postal Service Reform Act over the past year, Chairwoman Maloney and I strove to fully incorporate the legislative feedback we received from the relevant agencies. This manager's amendment contains necessary technical fixes to ensure the bill's requirements are efficiently and effectively implemented. For instance, it ensures that the U.S. Postal Service, and not the American taxpayer, fully cover the implementation costs of the Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Administration, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman and the Committee on Oversight and Reform staff for working diligently with me to make sure this bill is done right. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I thank my House colleagues for their heartfelt remarks today. Madam Speaker, America's most esteemed institution, the United States Postal Service, is in trouble. Since the 1970s legislative reform, Congress has expected the Postal Service to operate as an independent and self-sufficient organization. However, for years, the Postal Service has spent far more than it has brought in, and last year alone lost over $9 billion. Many of these challenges are beyond the control of prior Postal Service leadership. The U.S. Congress has legally obligated the Postal Service to provide universal mail service delivery. Today, that means delivery to over 160 million addresses. This is a massive and expensive undertaking that cannot be glossed over. Additionally, as our Nation's population and economy continues to grow, so will the Postal Service's ever-increasing expenses. H.R. 3076 does not change this universal service obligation, but we risk having that difficult national conversation if we do nothing. The price for inaction is a Postal Service that will eventually require drastic service reductions, especially in rural, remote parts of America, or continual taxpayer-funded bailouts, which no conservative and no taxpayer should want. Neither are desirable options. We have an opportunity to pass targeted legislation to relieve the Postal Service of certain financial hardships and bolster its ambitious structure reform initiatives. This moment, with a bipartisan bill and bold Postal Service leadership at the helm, may not be easily replicated in future years. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 3036. Madam Speaker, before I yield back, I would be remiss if I didn't say my grandmother spent her whole career as a rural mail carrier. Her name was Maitred Witcher, and she had Route 1 in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee. I grew up with an appreciation for our mail carriers and I appreciate all the hardworking employees of the U.S. Postal Service. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time I have remaining?

Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.