John Curtis

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following op- ed: [From the Deseret News, Sept. 27, 2022] Opinion: This Utah Climate Action is a Win for All Sides (By Keven Stratton) The recent divisive partisan fight in Washington over the Democrats' controversial $369 billion climate legislation was disappointing to watch. Equally troubling is how the climate and energy provisions in the bill are being ``scored'' as a ``zero-sum game.'' Renewable energy provisions are deemed a ``win'' for climate, while provisions supporting fossil fuel use are viewed as a ``loss.'' A much better public policy approach is to develop the broadest bipartisan consensus on as many issues as possible. Utah has shown that on important climate questions not only can we achieve this but that unanimity is even possible. In the last legislative session, we unanimously passed and Gov. Spencer Cox signed HCR1, ``Concurrent Resolution to Work Together to Address the Climate, Public Lands, and Carbon Sequestration,'' which lays out a win-win strategy for protecting and improving our natural resources and the environment while also significantly controlling greenhouse gases. The underlying approach in HCR1 is to protect the atmospheric carbon now being stored in natural systems like forests and rangeland soils while also sequestering additional CO2 by better harnessing the processes nature has perfected and proven throughout the ages. Everyone understands how forest fires massively contribute to air pollution and produce greenhouse gases. Less well understood is the importance of rangeland and soil health, and HCR1 also highlights this. The proven potential here is enormous, as several examples illustrate. Dr. Fred Provenza, world-renowned emeritus professor at Utah State University, and several colleagues have estimated that simply restoring the soil health of the world's historic grasslands could ``lower greenhouse gas concentrations to pre-industrial levels in a matter of decades.'' The Rodale Institute has done extensive surveys and conducted field trials of organic and regenerative agriculture practices in the U.S. and abroad. Based on this they conclude: ``We have proven that organic agriculture and, specifically, regenerative organic agriculture can sequester carbon from the atmosphere and reverse climate change . . . . With the use of cover crops, compost, crop rotation and reduced tillage, we can actually sequester more carbon than is currently emitted, tipping the needle past 100% to reverse climate change.'' This approach is also a win-win because these natural sequestration processes also generate many valuable ``co- benefits.'' These include improved water quality and quantity, better fish and wildlife habitat, increased biodiversity, improved food and commodity yields using far less chemicals, better drought resiliency, reduced flooding and danger of catastrophic wildfire, as well as stronger and more prosperous rural economies, among others. HCR1 focuses primarily on improving federal forest management to better prevent catastrophic wildfires but its basic principles are broadly applicable. While the federal government is beginning to incorporate some of its recommendations in managing forests and rangelands, these efforts are pitifully inadequate in light of the magnitude of both the problems and the potential for remediation. One of HCR1's most significant recommendations is that the federal government adopt a ``social benefits of carbon control'' test to rank climate policy options. Since many different policies can lower greenhouse gas levels, it is only common sense and responsible policy-making to choose the most co-beneficial ones. Applying this test would allow us to transition to the energy sources of the future more gradually, rationally, economically and responsibly while still addressing climate concerns. It would mean we could still provide the affordable, abundant and reliable energy that is so essential to improving and maintaining our quality of life. Rather than engaging in a zero-sum game, we could choose a win-win solution. HCR1 passed unanimously because it incorporates such a ``climate-smart'' approach. It teaches an important lesson that, sadly, Washington has yet to learn.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Carter for his support. I rise today in support of the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act. There is no putting the genie back in the bottle. COVID-19 highlighted the importance of telehealth, especially in providing quality care for rural communities. This bill would extend telehealth offered through Medicare through the end of 2024. Like many of my colleagues, I would like to see that go longer. This bill includes a provision I have supported in my bill, the Protecting Mental Health Services Act, which extends mental health services delivered through telehealth. While Utah has, for the most part, returned to regular life, it is important that we keep in place those flexibilities that give Utahns control over their healthcare decisions. I support this bill and am pleased the Protecting Mental Health Services Act was included. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share my support for expanding access for individuals to investigative drugs because I am concerned that we are not moving swiftly enough in order to prevent diagnosis, mitigate, treat, or cure ALS. This is very personal to me, it is very personal to the committee. It hits extremely close to home for so many of us who have lost friends, and have seen good friends and neighbors struggle with their families with this difficult disease. I had the opportunity to speak about this earlier today in the Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on biomedical innovation. We are not moving fast enough and we have more work to do. Mr. Speaker, I applaud this Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act for working to create and further develop public-private partnerships and to prevent policies from being enacted that impede private sector investments and advancements. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my voice with my Utah colleagues, vocalizing our great concern about the runaway inflation impacting Americans across the country. I remember the inflation of the 1970s. When I bought my first home, we assumed a loan at 12 percent interest and thought that that was a bargain at the time. I remember what it is like to lose 15 percent of the value of a savings account in just 1 year. I saw firsthand the devastation to our senior citizens and those on a fixed income with runaway inflation. Here we are, 40 years later, pretending that trillions of dollars of wasted government spending is okay and that it won't impact inflation. Madam Speaker, in the simplest terms, inflation is financially handcuffing the American people and their families, which is further evidenced by the fact that the Consumer Price Index is now showing the highest level in over 30 years. That is not okay. The White House tells us not to worry about inflation; it is all under control. I think Utahns know better. They see the gas prices, and they see the difference they pay at the grocery stores. Utahns, specifically, have seen their gas prices rise by over 70 percent this last year. What is the response from Washington, D.C.? We can fix this. All we need to do is spend trillions of dollars more. Seriously? Employers can't find employees to do the work, and the President touts his $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill as job-creating. We also know that inflation is an unlegislated tax on hardworking Americans, most notably some of our most vulnerable communities, like low-income communities and rural communities with less access to goods and services. But instead of focusing on finding ways to address critical supply chain shortages, to lower our energy costs through policies designed to generate more independence on energy, and to address the growing behavioral healthcare crisis, we are doing just the opposite. We shut down U.S. pipelines and then ask our enemies to produce more dirty oil. Here are the facts: 40 percent of all the money printed in the history of this country was printed in the last 20 months. Forty percent of all the money printed in the history of this country was printed in the last 20 months. Congress has already authorized, just this year alone, $3 trillion of additional spending in addition to our normal spending, and we are about to spend another $2 trillion. It is hard to get your arms around what is a trillion dollars. Let me put this in perspective. This $5 trillion of spending is approximately $25,000 for every man, woman, and child in the United States. It gets worse. Thirty years from now, unless we pay that money back--and I don't think anybody believes we will have paid it back--that is now three-quarters of a million dollars for every man, woman, and child just in extra spending this year. That is not okay. It is simply time to stop the bleeding and time to earnestly focus on bipartisan solutions that will address the growing needs of the American people. We literally cannot afford to play partisan politics at the expense of our constituents and, more importantly, our children and grandchildren and our future generations.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2379, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act. This legislation provides critical resources to State and local governments combating the opioid crisis that has crippled communities across the United States, including Utah. This legislation will give State and local governments flexibility in addressing this tragic epidemic in their communities. For example, in Utah there are significant socioeconomic differences between Price and Orem, two communities I represent that are both fighting addiction. We have to allow experts on the ground to address these challenges accordingly, which is why I strongly support this legislation. Equally as important is ensuring we have the workforce to treat individuals suffering with addiction. That is why I recently introduced the Helping Enable Access to Lifesaving Services Act, or the HEALS Act. The HEALS Act would complement the State opioid response grants with targeted Federal dollars to help train future behavioral healthcare workers in areas of high need. Taken together, these are the necessary steps to fight addiction in communities across our country, which has taken the lives of nearly 100,000 Americans in this past year alone. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2379 and my legislation, the HEALS Act.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, to my friend from Colorado, I welcome his invitation to work together on many of these issues. I point out that we are simply asking for a study so that we know what is there. We are not stopping anything. We are simply asking for a study. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman).

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

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague. I suspect you have an answer ready to tell me, and I would love to hear that.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to require a study of any land impacted by the legislation to determine if these areas contain geothermal resources or minerals needed for battery storage, renewable energy technology, or electric vehicles. We agree that we want to reduce human emissions that are polluting our ecosystem. Renewable energy will play a role long into the future, and we must ensure we have the resources needed to make solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries here in America. President Biden agrees. Just yesterday he issued an executive order to ensure the United States has access to domestic critical minerals. President Biden's fact sheet on the executive order says: ``While the U.S. is a net exporter of electric vehicles, we are not a leader in the supply chain associated with electric battery production. The U.S. could better leverage our sizable lithium reserves and manufacturing know-how to expand domestic battery production.'' To state the obvious, if we are accidentally locking up lithium with this bill while President Biden says we should do the opposite, this is something Congress should know. This amendment does not prevent any part of the lands package from being implemented, as currently drafted. I am a strong supporter of the local-driven public lands legislation, which is why I ensured my amendment would not impact any of the bills on the ground level. There is parts of this package I actually support. Mr. Huffman's bill included in the public lands bill was supported by me last year. This amendment is not a criticism of this lands package. It is about listening to science and combating climate change. More information is always better, more science is better. That is all this amendment does, give us more science-backed information as Congress faces the issues of producing renewable energy in the future. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question are postponed. Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Neguse

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 366.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Sean D. Foster on his retirement from the Army. LTC Foster's remarkable career spans nearly three decades of distinguished service in defense of our nation. LTC Foster's career started in the Army National Guard, where he enlisted as a Tank Crewman. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation. After serving for five years in the Infantry, including a year-long deployment to Iraq, LTC Foster attended law school and became a Judge Advocate through the Army's Funded Legal Education Program. LTC Foster's career as a Judge Advocate has been truly exemplary. He immediately established himself as a criminal law expert and served in prosecutorial and defense capacities to ensure the fair administration of justice. Notably, LTC Foster was also selected to serve as the lead defense attorney for a general officer in a historic courtmartial that garnered national media attention. From 2014 to 2016, LTC Foster served in the Special Operations Community, deploying to Germany and Afghanistan. As the Group Judge Advocate for the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colorado, LTC Foster directly supported the development of more than 60 complex special operations missions in 13 countries. LTC Foster was selected to participate in the Army's Congressional Fellowship program in 2016. He earned a Master's degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University and worked as a Fellow in the U.S. Senate. In 2018, he continued on as a Legislative Counsel in the Army's Office of the Chief, Legislative Liaison, and also served as the Chief of the Army's Congressional Response team. As a Legislative Counsel, LTC Foster led multiple congressional delegations worldwide, and I can personally attest to his excellent leadership and communication skills from my own experience participating in delegations led by LTC Foster. LTC Foster has compiled an outstanding record of significant contributions to the Army over the past 27 years and has unceasingly provided the highest standards of commitment to duty. His service to our great country is indeed a gift to the American people. I thank LTC Foster and wish him and his family the very best on this occasion of his retirement.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Grijalva and Ranking Member Bishop for helping us move this bill along. Special thanks to my cosponsor, who shares a not-so-unique problem in our districts of wildfires and fighting those. Mr. Speaker, I obviously rise in support of the AIR Safety Act, which will examine risks and effects of drone incursions on wildland firefighting. In the last few years, Utah and the rest of the West have been battling extreme wildfires. Our Federal land managers and State and local partners need every tool available to them to put these fires out. When a wildfire breaks out, the FAA sets up a temporary flight restriction, or TFR, around the perimeter to allow aerial firefighters full access to the fire. Unfortunately, when people ignore these TFRs and fly their drones around the fire, fire management must ground their own drones and helicopters until the area is clear. This wastes valuable time and money, putting structures and, most importantly, lives at risk. The AIR Safety Act will direct the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, FAA, and State forestry partners to examine these risks and come up with ways to stop future problems. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2281, which is an important bill to help thousands of Americans who struggle with addiction. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will give individuals greater access to medication-assisted treatment, MAT, to help relieve withdrawal symptoms. Current law only allows providers to use this treatment once per day unless they have a waiver to prescribe the medication, and less than 10 percent of providers have that waiver. This is especially problematic because substance use disorder treatment programs can take days to accept new patients, leaving many individuals unable to gain access to immediate treatment and, instead, leaving patients no choice but to return to the emergency room or the provider they received MAT from the day prior or, even worse, to take drugs again to stop their withdrawal symptoms. Mr. Speaker, this bipartisan legislation puts the individual first and is part of a collaborative approach to combat addiction of all types. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their work on this important legislation.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Clean Energy Week, an opportunity to celebrate bipartisan support for the wide variety of clean energy sources strengthening America's national security while also preserving our environment for future generations. The environment is, and should be, a bipartisan issue. That is why I am proud to lead, with my friend Congressman Lowenthal of California, a bipartisan resolution in support of Clean Energy Week. In fact, my legislation was introduced by 71 original cosponsors, divided almost evenly between Republicans and Democrats. This goes to show that we can and must work across the aisle to be better caretakers of our planet, and I plan to continue the pursuit of these positive bipartisan policies while in Congress.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, like many of my constituents, I have followed the allegations circling around the Postal Service. These are serious allegations. To get to the heart of the problem, I spoke directly to Utah's postal leadership. As I asked questions and waded through the rumors, I learned four important facts: First, it is clear that the Postal Service needs additional funding. How much and under what circumstances is a worthy debate. But let me be clear: the funding solution has no bearing on their ability to handle the upcoming mail-in ballots. The United States Postal Service has enough cash on hand to operate well into 2021. Second, the increased demand of mail-in ballots does not stretch their capacity. Mail-in ballots will increase the demand on the system by a little over 1.5 percent. In the words of Utah's district director, not even a bump in volume. The day I spoke with him Utah's mail delivery system was 500,000 letters under capacity. Third, the accusation that they are removing boxes and cutting overtime to thwart mail-in ballots is just plain not true. Boxes have always been moved to adjust to volume. To calm fears, the Postal Service has put a 90-day moratorium on moving boxes. Likewise, rumors that overtime is being cut so mail-in ballots will be delayed is false. I confirmed this with Utah's district director. In his words: Never in my career have we left mail undelivered because of overtime. Fourth, the concerns with mail-in balloting have everything to do with the State's preparedness, not the Postal Service. States who have allowed ballots to be requested just 4 days before election are irresponsible and should be accountable for mail-in ballot problems, not the United States Postal Service. Further, mail-in ballots take longer to count and delays can be expected, but not because of the Postal Service. Madam Speaker, if you are not sure whom to believe, ask your mail carrier. Ask them if there is anything less than 100 percent effort given by them to deliver mail-in ballots and all mail, and then make sure to thank them. I am so grateful for the many men and women who work so hard to deliver our mail every day. We need a strong and vibrant Postal Service, but this bill thrown together in the middle of the night does not deliver.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Li Wenliang Global Health Public Accountability Act that would sanction any senior foreign official who conceals information dealing with the outbreak of a pandemic, including COVID-19. On December 30, 2019, Li Wenliang warned his medical school classmates of an outbreak of a SARS-like virus over WeChat. Wuhan's Public Security Bureau detained, questioned, and forced Dr. Li to sign a letter confessing he made false comments that severely disturbed the social order. Tragically, ironically, 5 weeks later on February 7, 2020, Dr. Li died of a severe case of COVID-19. A study published in March indicated that if Chinese authorities had acted just 3 weeks earlier, the number of coronavirus cases could have been reduced by 95 percent and its geographic spread limited. By suppressing critical public health information, officials abroad have demonstrated they care more about maintaining their grip on power than the health and wellbeing of the world population. This bill will change that by ensuring these cronies will not see the perks created by their corruption. By passing this bill today, we will honor Dr. Li, set the global standard for transparency, and crack down on corruption and human rights abuses. I respectfully ask my colleagues to support this legislation and urge my colleagues to defeat the previous question, so that we can consider my bill.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Ray Petersen on a remarkable career of indispensable service to the great State of Utah. By virtue of Ray's enduring commitment to overseeing proper land management practices, Emery County flourishes with beauty and opportunity. The residents of Emery County, and the countless visitors who enjoy the region, have Ray to thank for his 18 years as Emery County's Public Lands Administrator, and his lifetime of public service to rural Utah. Ray has dedicated his career to addressing critical rural issues. As a fourth-generation resident of Emery County, Ray understands well the challenges facing rural communities and the profound impact that federal, state, and local policy decisions have on the livelihoods of so many. In his role as Emery County Public Lands Administrator, Ray was consequential in assisting policymakers--from the county commission to the federal government--reconcile differences and find solutions for the county's land management, whose expansive plans fall heavily under state and federal domain. Sustained opportunity and access to Emery County's lands are paramount for its economic vitality, particularly to its agriculture, recreation and tourism industries, and its local mining, gas and oil development. Ray has helped these key local industries navigate the challenges and opportunities of land management issues, to find compromise and success. A fitting final accomplishment to his career, Ray was instrumental in helping Utah's congressional delegation secure a victory for Emery County and the state's public lands as the Emery County Public Lands Management Act was signed into law. This legislation marked the culmination of years of collaboration and cooperation with local partners and officials, ensuring ongoing uses will be enjoyed in Emery County without fear of a potential national monument designation from D.C., and consolidation of Utah trust lands that will generate millions in revenue for our school kids. It also included long-sought local land transfers to meet city government needs while expanding Goblin Valley State Park, a truly unique place that will now be better managed for future generations. Ray Petersen has championed rural lands issues of extraordinary significance to Utah throughout his esteemed career. Our great state owes him a debt of gratitude for three decades of selfless public service. I thank Ray.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted nay on H.R. 1425, the State Health Care Premium Reduction Act. I missed this vote due to a scheduled surgery I underwent. Right now, we must deliver the most effective treatments to patients infected with COVID-19 and all those suffering from other life- threatening illnesses. Breaking down barriers to receiving timely care must remain our number one priority in order to halt transmission of the virus. H.R. 1425 does the opposite by dramatically expanding the role of government through unconstitutional inventions in our pharmaceutical industry and broader healthcare system. This would put our brightest scientific minds in handcuffs and threaten their ability to develop future cures for COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases. These are especially concerning decisions to make without bipartisan input. We have to work together in order to deliver solutions that give Americans more control over how they are receiving their health care. Solutions could include expanding access to health savings accounts or association health plans to be sold across state lines and with more portability. I recently introduced legislation to increase access to both options and I encourage my Democratic colleagues to join me as I look for creative solutions to make health care more affordable for millions of hard-working Americans. Finally, I want to point out that Congress has already taken unprecedented steps to increase access to care for the uninsured and any American household dealing with the effects of COVID-19. It is critical that our focus remains defeating this virus, keeping Americans healthy, and allowing hard-working men and women across our great nation to return to work. We cannot place greater strains on our already over-worked health care system through one-size-fits-all policy making.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, today, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1425. Right now, we must deliver the most effective treatments to patients infected with COVID-19 and all those suffering from other life- threatening illnesses. Breaking down barriers to receiving timely care must remain our number one priority in order to halt transmission of the virus. H.R. 1425 does the opposite by dramatically expanding the role of government through unconstitutional inventions in our pharmaceutical industry and broader healthcare system. This would put our brightest scientific minds in handcuffs and threaten their ability to develop future cures for COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases. These are especially concerning decisions to make without bipartisan input. We have to work together in order to deliver solutions that give Americans more control over how they are receiving their health care. Solutions could include expanding access to health savings accounts or association health plans to be sold across state lines and with more portability. I recently introduced legislation to increase access to both options and I encourage my Democratic colleagues to join me as I look for creative solutions to make health care more affordable for millions of hard-working Americans. Finally, I want to point out that Congress has already taken unprecedented steps to increase access to care for the uninsured and any American household dealing with the effects of COVID-19. It is critical that our focus remains defeating this virus, keeping Americans healthy, and allowing hard-working men and women across our great nation to return to work. We cannot place greater strains on our already over-worked health care system through one-size-fits-all policy making.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted nay on H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. I missed this vote due to a scheduled surgery I needed to attend in Utah. Our nation was founded on the belief that Americans should have equal opportunity to participate in government--and I believe that an engaged citizenry is vital to a successful nation. Because our Founders also believed that no individual state should have undue influence on the federal government, they created a location for the federal government over which Congress has ultimate authority: Washington, D.C. Statehood for D.C. would undoubtedly give the new state priority over existing states, including Utah.

Mr. CURTIS

Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, had I been present on June 25, 2020, I would have voted nay on H.R. 7120, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I missed this vote due to a scheduled surgery I needed to attend in Utah. Our country needs police reforms to improve relationships between law enforcement and communities while also ensuring the police can enforce the law. To this end, I am a proud original cosponsor of the JUSTICE Act, which simultaneously promotes both needed change while still supporting law enforcement officers who act in good faith to protect and serve. Unfortunately, the bill before the House today falls short. Mandating locally-run police departments to make one-size-fits-all changes without providing adequate resources will inevitably make it more difficult to follow good community based policing practices and recruit highly qualified officers. I am hopeful that the Senate will soon hold a vote on the JUSTICE Act and that both chambers can work together to develop a solution we can all support.