Angie Craig

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers and I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. As the small business economy starts to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurs will need as many affordable capital options as possible. That is why the Economic Aid Act included PPP updates, grants for hard-hit venues, and other enhancements to SBA's business loan programs, including the microloan program. Today's bill takes the next step after that relief effort toward fully modernizing and optimizing SBA's microloan program. For nearly 30 years, this program has had a strong track record of success and has helped to launch many successful small businesses, especially those owned by women and minority entrepreneurs. The record is full of success stories as the program has grown from a simple pilot program to a vital lending tool with strong stakeholder and congressional support. The legislation before us today renews our commitment to startups by easing access to the program for even more aspiring entrepreneurs and making the program nimbler for intermediaries and borrowers alike. Passing this bill will be another step to help lead our Nation out of this pandemic and build back the economy by embracing America's entrepreneurial spirit. I applaud the work by Mr. Kim and Mr. Garbarino for their bipartisan work on the microloan program. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1487) to amend the Small Business Act to increase transparency, and for other purposes.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bill before us today, H.R. 1487, the Microloan Transparency and Accountability Act, which will improve SBA's data reporting with respect to the microloan program. Specifically, the bill would have SBA and microlenders report on the number, amount, and percentage of microloans that went into default in the previous year; the extent to which microloans are provided to small businesses in rural areas; and the average size, interest rate, and amount of fees charged for each microloan. These metrics will help Congress and the public better evaluate the program and its impact on underserved communities and make improvements as needed. This program is vital in helping women and minorities obtain much- needed capital. In fiscal year 2020, 47 percent of microloans were made to women-owned small businesses, and more than 51 percent of microloans were made to minority-owned small businesses. This language was approved unanimously last Congress by both the Small Business Committee and the full House, and I look forward to a similar vote here today. The version of the bill from last Congress also included a provision that would increase the amount of technical assistance grant funding a rural-serving microlender would receive. I am pleased that language was included as part of the Economic Aid Act and is now law. However, our work on the microloan program is not done. H.R. 1487 continues the work to keep strengthening the program, and I encourage all of my colleagues to support it. I applaud the bipartisanship shown by the sponsors of these bills, especially the leads, Mr. Burchett and Mr. Kim. I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. It is often said that information is power. H.R. 1487 will greatly increase the information publicly available about the microloan program's performance and impact. If we intend to continue to support the smallest of small businesses, we need to make sure the programs targeting them are operating at their best. That starts with improving the data and information available about where the loans are going, how affordable they are, and where the gaps in coverage are. With more data, the public can assess the impact these loans have in our communities, and Congress will be able to monitor the program and identify areas for improvement. I thank the gentlemen from Tennessee and New Jersey for their hard work and collaboration in bringing this bill to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, for over a year now, small businesses in my district and across the country have struggled to make it through this public health and economic crisis. As a result of this pandemic, prospective small business owners face a steeper climb than ever before. We must do more to make it easy to start, operate, and expand a small business in our communities. One of the most important ways that we can do this is by ensuring that the Small Business Administration's loan programs are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. Today, we have two bills that would do exactly that, including my bipartisan bill, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act. These crucial bipartisan pieces of legislation will not only increase the amount of capital available to manufacturers, but will actually ease the process of getting a loan because, in the midst of a severe economic crisis, our businessowners simply cannot be bogged down in red tape and legalese. Taken together, these bills will help to promote the economic development of small manufacturers, creating good paying jobs in growing industries all across this country. To demonstrate just how impactful these loans can be, I want to tell you about Nate Bry, a lifelong resident of Rosemount, Minnesota. Thirteen years ago, Nate founded a sports apparel company called Custom Apparel Inc. in the basement of his home. After years of hard work, Nate felt that it was finally time to reach a turning point, but he didn't have the resources he needed to take his business to the next level. When Nate received a 504 loan, he was immediately able to invest in his company, building a facility to manufacture his products right in his hometown, creating good-paying jobs in the very same community where he grew up. Nate's story, like so many others, is proof that the 504 loan program can change the lives of small business owners in this country. This program ensures that small businesses like Nate's are able to succeed, bringing home the job growth and economic stability that our communities are striving for, especially as we emerge from this devastating economic crisis. Because these are not simply businesses. These are livelihoods, family traditions, and priceless contributions to our communities, and we have an opportunity to support them on a bipartisan basis by taking action today. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to come together and join me in supporting these bills and businesses across our Nation.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, last week we passed the American Rescue Plan to help our Nation get through a COVID-19 public health and economic crisis. This historic legislation is already helping millions of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans. When I think about this piece of legislation, it is widely, on a bipartisan basis, supported in a swing district like mine back in Minnesota. But if Congress fails to take action--and we are not going to let that happen--to prevent sequestration, countless Federal programs that our constituents rely on could be impacted. If we fail to pass H.R. 1868, cuts to programs at USDA could devastate family farmers who are already reeling after years of trade instability and stupid trade wars. We must act because we cannot allow cuts to Medicare, risking seniors' access to care at a time when they need it the most, in the midst of a deadly global pandemic. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this crucial legislation to ensure that the Federal Government can meet the needs of Minnesotans and the American people during a public health crisis. This body that I joined just over 2 years ago; this body has come together numerous times to make sure that we do not allow sequestration to take cuts for worse ideas than helping the American people through a public health crisis. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please support this bill today.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, last weekend, I visited women-owned businesses in Shakopee, and I had the pleasure of meeting Elise Steger who owns ShakRa Yoga & Fitness. Throughout the past year, Elise has done everything she can to comply with COVID restrictions while continuing to pay her employees and keep her business open. With the help of the Paycheck Protection Program loans she has also turned to creative solutions like virtual classes, but she has been able to keep her business going. The Paycheck Protection Program has served as a lifeline to small businesses like Elise's, but in less than 2 weeks it is due to expire. This week we passed legislation in the House on a bipartisan basis to extend this critical program through May 31. We must ensure that that extension becomes law.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, across this country, people of all political persuasions are profoundly frustrated with the conflicts of interest and divisive politics practiced in this town. And who could blame them for their frustration? Their votes are being suppressed by power-hungry folks at all costs. The people are tired of the revolving door of lobbyists and special interests working to diminish their trust in this institution and in us. But maybe that is what some people want, for Americans to become so frustrated, bone tired of standing in long lines, that they just give up and go home. It is long past time that Congress brought a little more Minnesota common sense to America in clean and fair elections. That is exactly what this bill will accomplish by expanding voting rights, ending the dominance of dark money in our politics, and finally addressing partisan gerrymandering. We must reform if we are to hold on to this democracy. Madam Speaker, we must do it now.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to participate in the HRC Foundation Welcoming Schools Jazz and Friends Day of School and Community Readings. Each year, this day is meant to inspire caring community members to join together to affirm the rights of trans and non-binary youth and show support for LGBTQ children and youth to have safe, affirming, and welcoming schools and communities. To take part in this year's readings, I am proud to stand on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to read from ``When Aidan Became a Brother,'' by author Kyle Lukoff: When Aidan was born, everyone thought he was a girl. His parents gave him a pretty name. His room looked like a girl's room. And he wore clothes that other girls liked wearing. But as Aidan got bigger, he hated the sound of his name. He felt like his room belonged to someone else. And he always ripped or stained his clothes accidentally-on-purpose. Everyone thought he was just a different kind of girl. Some girls had rooms full of science experiments and bug collections. Lots of girls didn't wear dresses. But Aidan didn't feel like any kind of girl. He was really another kind of boy. It was hard to tell his parents what he knew about himself, but it was even harder not to. It took everyone some time to adjust, and they learned a lot from other families with transgender kids like him. Aidan explored different ways of being a boy. He tried out lots of names until one stuck. They changed his bedroom into a place where he belonged. He also took much better care of his new clothes. Then one day, Mom and Dad had something to tell him. ``I'm going to have a baby,'' Mom announced. ``A baby,'' Aidan said? ``Does that mean I get to be the big brother?'' ``Of course,'' said Dad, ruffling his hair. Aidan thought that being a big brother was an important job for a boy like him. He wanted to make sure this baby would feel understood right away. The baby needed clothes, so Aidan and his mom went shopping. There were so many choices! Would the baby like seahorses or penguins better? ``Are you having a boy or girl?'' asked a lady. Aidan didn't like it when people asked if he was a boy or a girl, and he hoped the baby couldn't hear yet. He was glad when Mom just smiled and said, ``I'm having a baby.'' The baby's room needed to be painted, so Aidan and his dad went to the hardware store. Dad chose a gallon of sky-blue paint, and Aidan added a puffy-cloud white. ``Are you excited for your new brother or sister?'' asked the paint guy? ``I'm excited to be a big brother,'' Aidan said. The paint guy looked confused. Aidan could tell that he wanted to ask a different question, and he was glad to have his dad there. The big rollers were fun to paint with. ``This room feels just like being outside,'' Aidan exclaimed. He had always felt trapped in his bedroom before they fixed it, but his new sibling wouldn't have to feel that way. ``You're right,'' said Dad. ``Let's make some shapes in the clouds.'' Every baby needs a name. Aidan loved getting to choose his own, but he remembered that it had been hard for his parents to let go of the name they gave him. He looked for names that could fit this new person no matter who they grew up to be. Babies needed someone to read to them, so Aidan practiced and practiced and practiced. Dad wanted to teach Aidan how to change diapers. ``Um, maybe later,'' said Aidan. He decided that picking flowers for his mom was more important. Two weeks before the baby's due date, Aidan started to worry. Maybe he should have picked different clothes. The blue walls might be too bright. He wished he could ask the baby which name they liked best. Mom came to tuck him in. ``Are you feeling okay, sweetie?'' she asked. Aidan put his hands over where he thought the baby's ears would be. ``Do you think the baby will be happy with everything?'' he whispered. ``I don't want them to feel like I did when I was little, but what if I get everything wrong? What if I don't how to be a good big brother?'' Mom hugged him tight. ``When you were born, we didn't know you were going to be our son. We made some mistakes, but you helped us fix them. And you taught us how important it is to love someone for exactly who they are. This baby is so lucky to have you, and so are we.'' The next morning, Aidan found the boxes of his old baby pictures. He looked so different back then! It hadn't been easy, but he liked the boy he was growing into. Maybe everything wouldn't be perfect for this baby. Maybe he would have to fix mistakes he didn't even know he was making. And maybe that was okay. Aidan knew how to love someone, and that was the most important part of being a brother.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my support to the Equality Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will grant equal protection under the law to our LGBTQ friends, family, neighbors, as well as to me and my family. As the first openly lesbian wife and mother in Congress and the first LGBTQ Member of Congress from the great State of Minnesota, I know this legislation is the culmination of a lifetime of work for so many. My wife, Cheryl, and I have built a beautiful life together raising four sons who we dearly love. We are fortunate to live in Minnesota, in a State where many of the Equality Act's protections have already been enshrined into law. Right now, there are States across this country where it would be entirely legal for Cheryl and I to be discriminated against--based on our love and commitment to one another--in housing, employment, access to credit, or any other number of areas essential to just living our lives. Now, some of my colleagues seem to believe this legislation somehow could harm our non-LGBTQ women and girls, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The Equality Act does not undermine the achievements or aspirations of non-LGBTQ. In fact, by amending the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in a broad area of life, we are fighting to ensure that all women are treated equally in all aspects of their lives. The Equality Act is critical because when LGBTQ people have equality under the law, we all benefit and all of our communities are stronger. Mr. Speaker, as a teenage girl growing up in rural America, I never could have imagined I would finally see this legislation come to the House floor, much less as a Member of this body to see it passed. This legislation is necessary, it is long overdue, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Specialist Derrick Ameli, a member of the Minnesota National Guard from Savage, Minnesota. Derrick was a husband, a brother, a friend and Guardsman whose service honored our community. Tragically, Derrick died by suicide last month, falling victim to the sometimes fatal disease of depression. Like any ailment, no one is immune. Depression can and does take the very best of us. Addressing this epidemic is one of the Nation's most urgent challenges. But in order to combat this disease, we must first destigmatize mental health treatment. In order to give our neighbors and our families the help they deserve, they need to feel safe and supported asking for treatment. We must begin treating mental health as the chronic illnesses they can be, for Derrick and for so many others who we have lost.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, last week, the United States Capitol was attacked and defiled by insurrectionists. These criminals killed a Capitol Police officer and wounded many more in a brazen attack not only on this building, but on American Democracy itself. I am sad, shocked and angry about last Wednesday's events, but I am determined to ensure that those responsible are held to account, including the President of the United States. The President invited this mob to Washington. He fueled their rage with false information and lies. And then he directed them to the U.S. Capitol himself--where they desecrated the home of our democracy and put elected leaders and law enforcement in danger. None of this would have happened without the words and deeds of Donald Trump. None of it. He threatened our democracy, interfered with the transition of power, and imperiled a coequal branch of government. There simply must be consequences for his indefensible behavior. Some of my colleagues are now calling for unity. I agree. We must unify around the truth. That America just completed one of the most secure elections in our nation's history--an election that Joe Biden won. The lies stoking the flames of insurrection must stop. And those perpetuating them must be held accountable. I am committed to holding those who stormed this building accountable for their actions. I am committed to defending our democracy. And I am committed to upholding the oath to the Constitution that I took just over a week ago. The President should not serve another day in office. And for that reason, I will vote in favor of the article of impeachment before me today, for my district and for this Nation's history. We must never find ourselves here again.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3418, the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act or the STORM Act, as amended. I want to thank Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Chair Dina Titus and Ranking Members Sam Graves and John Katko for their work on this bill to get us to where we are today. I also want to thank fellow T&I Member Rodney Davis for being a strong partner with me on this from the outset. I am also grateful to Majority Leader Hoyer for scheduling a vote on this bill. Finally, I also want to thank the diligent members of the Committee's staff, particularly Aaron Davis, for helping us reach this historic milestone. I also want to thank a former member of my staff, Natalie Martinez, for helping to lead the introduction of this bill and my Legislative Director Will Mitchell for helping to bring the bill across the finish line. Madam Speaker, by way of background, the original version of the STORM Act was introduced last July as H.R.3779, the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act of 2019 following a catastrophic spring where Minnesota experienced one of the most devastating flood seasons on record. In response, I worked closely with local mayors in Minnesota dealing with the aftermath of this flooding to develop the concept of a resilience fund and establish a low-interest loan program for states to fund pre-disaster mitigation projects which greatly reduce the risks and costs of natural disasters. Revolving fund loans will be available for projects that minimize the risks of wildfires, earthquakes, floods, storm surges, tornadoes, and other events deemed catastrophic by FEMA. The revolving fund concept is modeled after similar state revolving funds authorized and funded by Congress for projects that have resulted in a significant increase in the capacity and capabilities of water infrastructure in communities across the nation. It is our hope that our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee will see the wisdom in the revolving fund concept and fully capitalize this program starting in Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 so that disaster mitigation can see that same significant return on investment. Madam Speaker, another benefit of this bill is that it opens up mitigation funds to a new set of eligible folks. Currently, most FEMA hazard mitigation programs restrict Public Assistance mitigation funds if projects may accrue to the benefit of homeowners and businesses-- which can create challenges, particularly in rural areas of my Congressional District with lower populations and large areas of farmland. The revolving loan fund before us today is specifically intended to reduce risks for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations and communities. As a matter of process, Madam Speaker, I'm pleased that our bill, like the STORM Act, moved through regular order on the Committee and attracted bipartisan, unanimous support when it passed the House. Since March of this year when the STORM Act was introduced, staff members on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee worked closely together to iron out technical differences and present a final bill that can be signed into law by the President. Throughout the process, we attracted and maintained the support of a number of groups that partnered together to build the political will necessary to pass this bill. In particular, I want to thank the American Council of Engineering Companies, The American Institute of Architects, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Landscape Architects, City Parks Alliance, Ecological Restoration Business Association, Interstate Council on Water Policy, Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative, National Recreation and Park Association, The Nature Conservancy and U.S. Chamber of Commerce for their support. As part of the Mississippi Rivers Cities and Towns Initiative, I want to give special thanks to Executive Director Colin Wellenkamp and outgoing Red Wing Mayor Sean Dowse--who were also instrumental in this effort. Madam Speaker, in closing, passage of the STORM Act will be an important step in making our towns and cities more resilient. I'm thrilled to be leading the bipartisan effort for smart, proactive investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because COVID-19 is threatening the American Dream across Main Streets throughout Minnesota and this Nation. Small business relief is needed now more than ever. Unfortunately, the support we have provided is poised to become a significant tax burden for some business owners due to a misguided interpretation by the Treasury Department. We cannot allow struggling businesses to be taxed on the aid we have provided to them as a lifeline. Fortunately, there is a solution in place to rectify this mistake. In May, I joined Representatives Lizzie Fletcher and Andy Kim to introduce H.R. 6574, the Protecting the Paycheck Protection Program Act, which would ensure that PPP loan recipients whose loans are forgiven are not required to treat the loan proceeds as taxable income. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in defending our Nation's small businesses by supporting this commonsense legislation.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8211, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2020. I would like to thank the ranking member for being an original cosponsor of this bill; the chairwoman, for her leadership, and to her staff for helping me and my constituents throughout the 116th Congress. Our small businesses are suffering. Every day we see a new wave of businesses closing their doors. Unemployment numbers are rising, and our economy is suffering. I hear from constituents daily that their businesses are on their very last leg, and without action to support them, they will soon be forced to close. These are not simply businesses. These are livelihoods, family traditions, and priceless contributions to our communities. It is our job, as Members of Congress, to support these businesses, ensure they survive these troubling times, and provide them with multiple avenues to succeed. In addition to relief, we need to pass legislation that provides businesses in various industries opportunities for growth and access to capital. One way we can do this is to build upon the Small Business Administration's successful 504 loan program that promotes economic development, job creation, and retention and expansion of small businesses. The 504 loan program is designed by local certified development companies, or CDCs, delivered by those companies, which are private, nonprofit corporations whose entire purpose is to promote economic development within their communities. The program backs long-term, fixed-rate loans to support investment in major fixed assets through a three-part partnership with a local lender. One year ago, in the Subcommittee on Investigation, Oversight, and Regulation hearing, CDC lenders spoke about their experiences with this loan program and the many issues they navigated, we saw areas for improvement. One was the lengthy and complex loan closing process which caused third-party lenders to walk away, along with various outdated rules and guidelines hindering the financing of projects. In order for small businesses to take advantage of these programs, we must listen to this feedback and alter our programs accordingly. That is why I introduced H.R. 8211. This bill would make an array of improvements to the 504 program, making it more accessible to small businesses and ultimately driving economic development and growth. In a time of economic crisis and unemployment, we must continue to invest in our small businesses, specifically small manufacturers, in order to promote economic development and the creation and retention of good-paying jobs. We must do everything we can to support small manufacturers and ensure that the SBA programs available to them are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. In addition, H.R. 8199, the 504 Credit Risk Management Improvement Act of 2020, which is also under floor consideration later today, would further clarify provisions in the 504 program, enhancing its accessibility and effectiveness. Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the heart of this economy, and with the improvements from H.R. 8211 and H.R. 8199, more small businesses will be able to grow and ultimately contribute to the economic landscape of not only their communities but this country. I urge all of my colleagues to support these bills before us today.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding; and I thank the chairman for his 30 years of service to the State of Minnesota and to our family farmers across this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 4054, the U.S. Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2020. As our family farmers face the growing impacts of COVID-19 and continued trade instability, we must maintain the integrity of our domestic grain market and inspection system. This bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously, to reauthorize the Federal Grain Inspection Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I applaud Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow on their bipartisan efforts to get this across the finish line. This reauthorization provides necessary certainty for buyers and sellers throughout the grain supply chain. Food and agriculture products have long remained the largest category of exports for Minnesota. The Federal Grain Inspection Service provides a reliable, competitive, and cost-effective official grain inspection and weighing system to facilitate the marketing of U.S. grains and oilseeds in export and domestic markets. Just last year, Minnesota produced over $7.5 billion worth of corn, wheat, and soybeans. The employees of companies in my district, like CHS, Cargill, and ADM, keep our grain markets moving along the Mississippi River and off to destinations across the globe. While this year has certainly presented its challenges, reauthorizing grain standards provides a glimmer of stability for our producers as they continue to secure additional support in export markets. This legislation shores up the infrastructure that will make sure those exports continue into 2021. I look forward to the passage of this bill for the family farmers of my district and Minnesota's agriculture economy.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, nearly 8 months ago, our lives changed dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With cases surging across the country and in Minnesota, the devastation to our small businesses is significantly increasing. Main Street businesses are the backbone of our local economies. They bring value to our communities and to our lives. We must act with urgency to support those most impacted by this pandemic. We have legislation to do this. My bill, the Prioritized Paycheck Protection Program, would allow small businesses with 100 or fewer employees who have sustained significant losses due to COVID-19 to receive a second PPP loan. In addition, we need to provide targeted assistance to specific industries. I have cosponsored the RESTAURANTS Act and Save our Stages Act, which would create grant programs so our restaurants and independent entertainment venues can survive these unprecedented and unpredictable times. I urge my colleagues to come together behind a bipartisan relief bill to protect our small businesses and local economies.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3114, a bill originally introduced by Representative Lewis of Georgia, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this amendment. Our work to lower healthcare costs for working families could not be more urgent. I am here to say that we will not fund the administration's attempts through litigation to threaten and tear down the critical protections of the Affordable Care Act. Fifty-one percent of the non-elderly in my district in Minnesota have a preexisting condition and rely on the ACA's critical protections. If the ACA were repealed, 35,000 of my constituents would lose healthcare coverage. To these Minnesotans, the results would be life-threatening and financially devastating. We cannot allow that to happen. We need to build on the ACA, not tear it down. That is exactly why I introduced the bipartisan State Health Care Premium Reduction Act to lower the costs of healthcare for those in the individual marketplace, and it is why I am proud to support this amendment today. I urge my colleagues to join us in fighting to preserve and build upon healthcare for millions of Americans.

Ms. CRAIG

Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, we owe our veterans our utmost respect and a debt that can never be repaid. Earlier this year, I testified for increased mental health services, especially in rural communities, and increased access to care on behalf of the veterans in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. I am proud that my legislation is included in the bill that we will pass tomorrow, and it includes the following: My amendment for a $1.5 million increase in the Veterans Health Administration medical services' account to expand the Rural Health Resources Center's program and increase funding for the Office of Rural Health so that they can continue their research to navigate barriers and expand access to care. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in stepping up to support our veterans.