Angie Craig

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, last week, our country lost a fearless fighter and hero for civil rights, and we in this Chamber lost a colleague and a friend. Representative John R. Lewis' sense of fairness and of right and wrong was always ahead of his time. That sense of fairness extended to all civil rights issues. His willingness to support opening up the 1964 Civil Rights Act to add protections for the LGBTQ community was critical and personally incredibly meaningful to me. My colleague and I, over my term in Congress, found that we had something very important in common. We both were adoptive parents. His bill, the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, is another example of his commitment to fairness, eliminating discrimination against the LGBT community in foster care and adoption. He took time to listen to my story of my fight to keep my son, Josh, in a years-long court battle. He understood that all that should matter is that children have safe, loving homes. He understood that right is always right. My heart tonight is with his family, and my commitment is to continue his work to restore and protect the Voting Rights Act, to address systemic racism, and to do what is kind, good, and just. Rest in power, Mr. Lewis. We promise to work today, next week, next month, and next year, just as you did for our lifetimes.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding and allowing me to speak on this en bloc amendment, which includes my amendment to add $30 million to the Army Community Services account to provide family assistance, victim advocacy, financial counseling, employment readiness, and other similar support services. This program is so important, and I am grateful the amendment was included. I am also here to urge the inclusion of the Insulin Affordability Data Collection Act in the final NDAA. Right now, Minnesotans are dying because of the real-life impact of the cost of insulin and other lifesaving prescription drugs. Madam Speaker, I urge the inclusion of this bill, which is already included in the Senate's version of NDAA. This issue will study the rates of diabetic ketoacidosis, which took the life of Minnesotan Alec Smith 2 years ago after the high cost of insulin forced him to ration his doses.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 4116) to extend the authority for commitments for the paycheck protection program and separate amounts authorized for other loans under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman DeFazio for yielding and for all his work on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, we must fix our crumbling roads and bridges, expand broadband--which is the infrastructure of the 21st century--and give our communities the tools to build resilience against natural disasters. This is something my communities across Minnesota's Second Congressional District are united on. They partnered with me to help shape the surface transportation provisions in this bill, which include investments in our infrastructure that would put Minnesotans to work on critical infrastructure needs like: Adding a lane on I-35 in Lakeville; Improving Highway 52 in Goodhue County; and Completing outstanding projects on Trunk Highway 13 in Savage. I am proud that today's legislation includes two bills that I have authored guided by mayors, small business owners, and farmers across my District--the Local Water Protection Act and the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act--to keep pollutants out of our snow and storm runoff. This bill will give our communities the resilience they need before those natural disasters hit. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to set partisan politics aside and stand up for the infrastructure investment for our communities.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I ask you: What good is a cure if you can't access it because you can't afford it? The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is immensely personal to me. See, I grew up for a portion of my childhood without health insurance. I also spent more than 20 years working in two healthcare manufacturing companies and was responsible for providing healthcare to 18,000 Americans at a U.S. company. These experiences and the stories I have heard across my district are why I am here today working to reduce out-of-pocket costs and the price of prescription drugs. Today, Les and his family, they farm in my district. They pay over $20,000 a year in premiums with a $12,000 deductible. Another family farms by flashlight and works another job during the day, just for the family health insurance. These examples show the heart of the problem: If healthcare isn't affordable, it is not accessible. I am proud that the base of this bill is my bipartisan bill, H.R. 1425, the State Health Care Premium Reduction Act, the first healthcare legislation that I authored as a Member of Congress. This bill will allow States to lower the cost of premiums in the individual marketplace and to expand access to healthcare to more Americans. I am also pleased that this package includes the transformational drug price negotiation mechanism from the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which finally takes on the high cost of prescription drugs. For the 51 percent of nonelderly with preexisting conditions in my congressional district, the ACA was a lifeline. This is a moment that requires us to come together as Americans to strengthen the ACA and reduce the cost and increase the access to healthcare.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise together with my Minnesota colleague Representative Emmer to honor my Eagan constituent, Richard ``Rick'' Kleven, on the incredible milestone of his retirement from Thrivent this month after more than 39 years of dedicated service. It has been a great experience working with Rick through the years and knowing his passion for Thrivent's unique mission as a fraternal benefit society connecting financial security and community impact. A lifelong Minnesotan and proud ``Iron-Ranger'' who grew up in Grand Rapids, MN, Rick is a true Minnesota sports team fan, particularly a diehard for our Vikings. He received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and his B.A. from the University of Minnesota- Duluth. Rick has led Thrivent's Government Affairs activities for more than 17 years, and served previously in a number of roles as legal counsel and manager of corporate legal functions within the organization through his long arc of service which began in 1981 when Thrivent was Lutheran Brotherhood. Rick has been a great advocate on policy matters on Thrivent's behalf, but also walks the walk of Thrivent's mission of service-- something he learned from both of his parents, including his Dad who was awarded Itasca County's Outstanding Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2018. Rick has volunteered as a Big Brother, served as a board member for multiple nonprofit organizations, and epitomizes the ubiquitous Thrivent t-shirt that says ``Live Generously.'' Recently, he served as Chairman of the Board of Gilda's Club Twin Cities, and played a crucial role in helping to raise money to build the organization's clubhouse that provides support for people with cancer as well as their families and friends. Rick also served for 8 years on the board of Person to Person, a charitable organization that operates Meals on Wheels and various other programs to help the needy in the Twin Cities area. He also was part of the original start-up board of FINNEGANS, the first beer company in the world to donate 100 percent of profits back to local food shelves. Rick currently sits on the board of the American Fraternal Alliance, the nationwide coalition of not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies. I know that Representative Emmer and I speak for many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle from Minnesota and beyond when I say that Rick's presence will be missed here in DC. However, I hope to see Rick back home most likely either walking his dogs or still Living Generously helping our neighbors in need. We wish Rick the best in retirement. Congratulations.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support today for America and Minnesota's small businesses. Whether it is a florist in Apple Valley, the Cannon River Winery, or a food shelf in Eagan, I have heard the urgent need for funding assistance to survive the impacts of COVID-19. But we must do more. I am grateful that we are going to add additional support to small businesses and nonprofits by funding the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program today to keep small businesses and the American Dream alive.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, in Minnesota and across the country, schools are closing and distance learning is being implemented. I led an effort with my colleagues Rep. Pete Stauber from Northern Minnesota and Rep. Jared Huffman from California to make sure our schools have the additional IDEA funding to support all their students, including those with special needs during this exceptionally difficult time. I'm proud that the CARES Act includes $30 Billion to support our students and educators--and that $13 Billion of this is available to school districts and schools to make sure that students who have IEPs get high quality education they would in school, in their homes. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting our teachers, paraprofessionals, and school administrators who are working tirelessly to continue to educate all students in our communities through equal access to quality education.

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the small businesses and nonprofits that are experiencing tremendous impacts from the coronavirus right now. I've talked to dozens of small business owners, some of whom have taken out second mortgages to keep their businesses afloat and their employees paid. I've talked with many nonprofits in the Second District, all of whom are feeling overextended but tirelessly showing up everyday to meet the needs of their communities. It's clear that small businesses are the economic engine in suburbs, rural towns and cities and nonprofits keep our neighborhoods strong. That's why I pushed for no interest, forgivable loans to get back to our districts as fast as possible. I'm glad to see these loans included in the CARES Act. I believe supporting our local economic engines is something we can all agree on. I look forward to seeing this swiftly become law and get these resources to hard working Minnesotans.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Simley Spartans wrestling team on their AA State championship. Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights is surely proud of their accomplishments, as are we all in the Second Congressional District. In fact, their head coach, Will Short, called it a perfect season. Congratulations to the Spartan wrestlers. They have demonstrated excellence in their sport and a strong commitment to the success of their team. They have delivered outstanding results that they can be proud of in their school and their community. I thank especially the parents, the coaches, the teachers, and the mentors who have dedicated their time to making their season successful. Congratulations, Simley.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate the Shakopee High School wrestling team, who repeated as class 3A State champions for the second year in a row. Congratulations to the wrestlers for the hard work that went into preparing for this perfect season. The dedication they have demonstrated is unparalleled, and their success is well deserved. Also, thank you to the parents, the coaches, the teachers, and the mentors who dedicate their time, because they are equally committed to the team's success and future. Congratulations to the team, and may they enjoy this moment. They have earned it.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for his time and especially for his leadership on this issue. The tobacco industry has targeted our kids for too long, and we have a moral responsibility to act. E-cigarette usage among middle and high school students is a public health crisis. The industry's targeting of our children has resulted in the highest rate of tobacco usage in 20 years as a new generation is addicted to nicotine. It is all disguised by the 15,000 flavors, like mint, mango, and cotton candy, developed to cover up the unpleasant harshness affiliated with tobacco use. This is absolutely unacceptable. As a mother, I have survived middle school four times with four sons, and three have now finished high school. I have seen how rampant and widespread vaping has become in our Nation's schools. Parents and schools need our help. Madam Speaker, my colleagues and I must stand up to the industries responsible for this epidemic. Public health--more importantly, our children's health--depends on it. Madam Speaker, I strongly support and urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of transgender and nonbinary youth. Today is Jazz and Friends National Day of School and Community Readings. I would like to read the book ``I Am Jazz'' by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings. I Am Jazz! For as long as I can remember, my favorite color has been pink. (My second-favorite color is silver and my third- favorite color is green.) Here are some of my other favorite things: dancing, singing, back flips, drawing, soccer, swimming, makeup, and pretending I'm a pop star. Most of all, I love mermaids. Sometimes I even wear a mermaid tail in the pool! My best friends are Samantha and Casey. We always have fun together. We like high heels and princess gowns, or cartwheels and trampolines. But I'm not exactly like Samantha and Casey. I have a girl brain but a boy body. This is called transgender. I was born this way! When I was very little, and my mom would say, ``You're such a good boy,'' I would say, ``No, Mama. Good GIRL!'' At first my family was confused. They'd always thought of me as a boy. As I got older, I hardly ever played with trucks or tools or superheroes. Only princesses and mermaid costumes. My brothers told me this was girl stuff. I kept right on playing. My sister says I was always talking to her about my girl thoughts, and my girl dreams, and how one day I would be a beautiful lady. She would giggle and say, ``You're a funny kid.'' Sometimes my parents let me wear my sister's dresses around the house. But whenever we went out, I had to put on my boy clothes again. This made me mad! Still, I never gave up trying to convince them. Pretending I was a boy felt like telling a lie. Then one amazing day, everything changed. Mom and Dad took me to meet a new doctor who asked me lots and lots of questions. Afterward, the doctor spoke to my parents and I heard the word ``transgender'' for the very first time. That night at bedtime, my parents both hugged me and said, ``We understand now. Be who you are. We love you no matter what.'' This made me smile and smile and smile. Mom and Dad told me I could start wearing girl clothes to school, and growing my hair long. They even let me change my name to Jazz. Being JAZZ felt much more like being ME! Mom said that being Jazz would make me different from the other kids at school, but that being different is okay. What's important, she said, is that I'm happy with who I am. Being Jazz caused some other people to be confused too, like the teachers at school. At the beginning of the year they wanted me to use the boys' bathroom, and play on the boys' team in gym class, but that didn't feel normal to me at ALL. I was so happy when the teachers changed their minds. I can't imagine not playing on the same team as Casey and Samantha. Even today, there are kids who tease me, or call me by a boy name, or ignore me altogether. This makes me feel crummy. Then I remember that the kids who get to know me usually want to be my friend. They say I'm one of the nicest girls at school. I don't mind being different. Different is special! I think what matters most is what a person is like inside. And inside, I am happy. I am having fun. I am proud! I am Jazz! Thank you, Jazz Jennings, for your courage.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, the President's budget, released yesterday, proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. I'll never stand for that. We have to make sure that we're protecting our seniors. We can't go back to a time when our seniors were living in poverty. We also have to make sure that we protect folks with disabilities. I have authored a number of pieces of legislation that would reduce out-of-pocket costs and the price of prescription drugs. We can't support this budget, and I'll keep fighting to make sure that health care is affordable and that we take care of this nation's seniors.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 375, the Payment Integrity Information Act. I was proud to introduce H.R. 5389, the House companion to this bill, earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Congressman, Mr. Meadows, as well as Representatives Cheri Bustos and Greg Gianforte for their work on this bill. My constituents sent me here to Congress to represent some of the hardest working, creative, and entrepreneurial folks in our country. Every day, I work to protect the hard-earned dollars of these families, and I remain committed to ensuring that the Federal Government is a good steward of their tax dollars. In fiscal year 2018 alone, the Government Accountability Office estimated that improper payments throughout the Federal Government totaled $151 billion. Since 2003, when agencies were first directed to begin reporting improper payments, cumulative improper payments estimated across government have totaled $1.4 trillion. These improper payments can be overpayments, underpayments, payments made to ineligible parties, or payments that were not properly documented. Frankly, it is outrageous. Whether it is overpaying a defense contractor or underpaying a senior on their Social Security benefits, the Federal Government has an obligation to put commonsense policies in place to end these improper payments. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan and commonsense bill to tackle Federal waste, fraud, and abuse so that we can make room to fund the priorities that Minnesota families care so much about, like special education and addressing our crumbling infrastructure.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago I started a healthcare listening tour across Minnesota's Second Congressional District. Whether it is Wabasha or Burnsville, the issue is the same. The cost of lifesaving prescription drugs is skyrocketing. Over the past 2 decades, the cost of insulin has risen 600 percent, a lifesaving drug that more than 350,000 Minnesotans rely on. That is unacceptable and that is why I have introduced the Emergency Access to Insulin Act, to make insulin more affordable, and hold big drug companies accountable for jacking up insulin prices and making other lifesaving drugs unaffordable for Minnesota families. Over the past 10 years, the cost of Canasa, a medicine for Crohn's disease, has increased by 150 percent. That is why I have cosponsored 61 bills to address skyrocketing healthcare costs. We do not have the luxury of standing by any longer while 3 in 10 Minnesotans are rationing their medicine. It is time to sit down with my colleagues and lower the cost of healthcare.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of USMCA. This trade agreement is a win for Minnesota's family farmers and small business owners. It protects American workers and creates certainty and new opportunity moving forward with our largest trading partners. I have walked on farms across my district with the families who feed, clothe, and fuel this country. One thing is clear: Years of tough prices, severe weather, and trade issues have taken their toll. They need this trade agreement now. I am proud to have worked to eliminate the handouts to Big Pharma from the original draft. My commitment is to work with this administration when it benefits our community and stand up to them when it doesn't. This is a good deal for American farmers, workers, and businesses. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important trade agreement.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate my son Jonas, who graduates tomorrow from North Dakota State University's College of Agriculture and Applied Science. When Jonas was in high school, he took postsecondary education classes at Inver Hills Community College, allowing him to graduate with a degree in natural resources management from NDSU in 3\1/2\ years. I have four sons, and Jonas has always been the peacekeeper. He got into less--well, actually, no trouble that I know of in high school, and he is such a loyal friend that he went to college with his three best friends. Of course, I didn't want Jonas to leave Minnesota for college, but he decided that Minnesota just wasn't cold enough for him, so he moved to Fargo. Now that he is done tomorrow, I couldn't be happier to welcome him back home to Minnesota. Congratulations, Jonas.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an open letter to my constituents: This is a somber time in our country as the House this week weighs articles of impeachment against our President. It's a vote that no Member should ever want to take, and I certainly did not. I ran for Congress to work to lower the price of prescription drugs, to fight for education funding and to help our family farmers. And as your representative that is what I've been focused on. I'm particularly proud that over two-thirds of my nearly 340 bills are bipartisan and that I've developed strong relationships across the aisle that are leading to important legislative accomplishments. When I was sworn into office this past January, I swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of our great nation. That is why in mid-September I called for an open and transparent process to determine whether the President's actions warrant articles, and if they should receive a full trial in the Senate. On Friday morning, the House Judiciary Committee voted to send the resolution on Articles of Impeachment to the House Floor. You deserve to hear from me directly in advance of my vote now that the Committee work is complete. After reviewing the public testimony from non-partisan public servants and officials appointed to their roles by the President himself--as well as the final House Intelligence Committee report--I have decided that this week I will vote yes on both Articles of Impeachment. No elected leader is above the law. It is clear from the testimony and the report delivered to Congress that the President attempted to coerce a foreign government into investigating his political rival by withholding Congressionally-appropriated military assistance to a foreign ally. This is a clear abuse of power by a sitting U.S. President for his own personal gain. It is also clear that the President obstructed Congress by refusing to produce documents and blocking testimony during the impeachment inquiry, which is against the law. My values would require the same vote if this were a Democratic President. It is about protecting our democratic values, about right and wrong, and about upholding my oath to the Constitution and the rule of law. Gratefully yours, Rep. Angie Craig

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 862) to extend the sunset for collateral requirements for Small Business Administration disaster loans, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, the number one issue that my constituents have asked me to address is the price of healthcare and, especially, the cost of prescription drugs. It is long past time for commonsense legislation to end the ban on price negotiation for drugs for our Nation's Medicare patients. This one action will hold Big Pharma accountable and encourage more competition. That is why the special interests have opposed H.R. 3, because it forces them to lower their prices for U.S. patients. We can use the money saved to lower premiums, cap out-of-pocket costs for our Nation's seniors, and invest in the National Institutes of Health's lifesaving research and innovation. These are decisions that impact real people. Take my constituent from Rosemount. He has Crohn's disease and takes a medication called Canasa. When he started taking the drug, it was $100 for a 30-day supply. Over the past 10 years, that has skyrocketed to $1,500 a month. In Canada, that same drug costs $75 a month. It is time to stop talking and take action.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Regan Smith, a rising senior from Lakeville North who just won the World Championship in the 200 meter backstroke set a new world record for this race. Regan's time--2 minutes, 3.35 seconds--shaved over half a second off the previous record. Regan is the youngest member of the US team. This is only her second year competing at the World Championships, and she's already making waves. Right after winning the 200 meter backstroke, she went on to set yet another world record and win gold in the women's 400-meter relay. It's an honor to represent a district with such talented athletes competing on the world stage. Seeing Regan and her team at the World Championships has been a joy to watch over the past few weeks. Congratulations to Regan and the entire women's national team. I'm excited to see what they continue to accomplish.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the City of Burnsville for an historic achievement--for the first time ever, nearly all of the city's top leadership positions are held by women, including the mayor, the school superintendent, the city manager, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, the executive director of the convention and visitors bureau, chair of the county commissioners, five school board members, the new police chief, and an at-large City Council member. When women hold these positions, our children grow up knowing that women are fully capable of leading and driving change in their communities. Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz is to be commended not only for her service, but also for her leadership in ensuring more women are at the policymaking table. I'm proud to not only represent the City of Burnsville, but also locate my district office there. I'm not the only one who has taken notice--just recently, the women of Burnsville were featured on a segment on the Today show for their outstanding work to create stronger communities and serve as role models to young women everywhere. As the first woman to ever represent Minnesota's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to congratulate these women on their hard work, their leadership, and their demonstration to communities across Minnesota that women deserve a seat at the table. This is what leadership looks like.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, our work to lower healthcare costs for working families could not be more urgent. Yesterday, we heard the first arguments in the Texas v. United States case that will determine whether we maintain critical protections for patients with preexisting conditions. We must work to improve the healthcare system that has now been in place for almost a decade, not dismantle the progress that we have achieved. If this lawsuit is successful, an additional 35,000 folks in my district could become uninsured. We cannot allow this to happen. To be sure, we need to fix and improve the healthcare system today. What we should be here talking about is how we can do that together. We should be talking about ideas, such as the Medicare-X Choice Act of 2019, which would add competition in the health insurance market. We should be talking about how we reduce the high price of prescription drugs. Medicare-X would create an affordable public option. The PRICED Act would shorten market exclusivity. It is time for solutions. Americans don't have time for anything less.

Mrs. CRAIG

Mrs. CRAIG. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.