Suzan DelBene

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chair, I am offering this amendment with my colleagues, Representatives Gluesenkamp Perez, Kilmer, Hoyle, and Salinas. Protecting the environment is foundational to the heritage, culture, and quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. Our region is a trailblazer in renewable energy sources, like hydroelectric, wind, and solar. Congress should follow our lead and focus on accelerating our transition toward a green energy economy. Instead, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to push for more giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and heighten the risk of another oil spill like Deepwater Horizon. Our amendment would prevent Republicans from allowing drilling for oil and gas along the Washington and Oregon coasts. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Perez), my colleague, the newest Member of the Washington delegation.

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 7.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, later this evening, my colleague and friend, Congresswoman DeLauro, will offer a motion to add the expanded child tax credit to the rules package, This gives us an opportunity to start the 118th Congress on the right foot. Instead of focusing on an extremist agenda, we can advance a proven solution to an issue that impacts every community in our country-- childhood poverty. The United States, shamefully, has one of the highest rates of childhood poverty in the developed world. We have a solution that we know works, the expanded child tax credit that delivered up to $300 per child each month to over 40 million families. These resources helped parents pay for food, rent, gas, and other essentials. We must bring back the expanded child tax credit and deliver for children and families. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to commit. Reducing childhood poverty should be a bipartisan effort.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Britt Van and thank her for her contributions to the New Democrat Coalition. Britt, a dedicated and passionate staffer who served as the Coalition's Policy Director, departs New Dems this month after more than five and a half years with the Coalition. Though she is leaving the New Dem team now, her impact on our Coalition will not soon be forgotten. Britt helped oversee the growth of the New Dem Coalition to its strong position now--a coalition of 98 Members who are focused on breaking through the gridlock in Washington to find innovative and small policies that help set Americans up for long-term success. I've had the privilege of chairing the Coalition during the 117th Congress and the great privilege of working with Britt for nearly six years. Britt joined the New Dem staff in 2017, and over her career with the New Democrat Coalition, she has served under three chairs--Rep. Jim Himes, Derek Kilmer, and myself. During her time with New Dems, she has helped shape the Coalition's policy work and deliver strong legislative accomplishments. When the COVID-19 public health and economic twin crises hit, Britt got to work immediately on policies that would help the American people, and thanks to her tenacity and ingenuity, she helped secure critical New Dem priorities in the American Rescue Plan. She also ensured that New Dem priorities were reflected in the historic legislative packages that have passed in the 117th Congress, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the CHIPS and Science Act to the Inflation Reduction Act. As Policy Director, she helped strengthen the Coalition's relationships across the board; from Members to their staff, Britt is a trusted policy resource. This year, Britt worked to create the Inflation Working Group and then develop the Action Plan to Fight Inflation, which many Members used extensively. Britt has made invaluable contributions to our Members and the Coalition as a whole. Her policy insights, wisdom, and general love for everything New Dem cannot be overstated. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Members of the New Democrat Coalition, I thank Britt and wish her the best of luck in the future.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Lin Banks, who is retiring after nearly twenty-two years of service to the U.S. House of Representatives. Lin joined the Office of Financial Counseling in 2001, having previously worked for a non-profit that provides support to abandoned, abused, and neglected foster care children. Over the course or the next two decades, she worked with numerous offices on both sides of the aisle, including the Honorable Diana DeGette of Colorado, Hon. Daniel Webster of Florida, Hon. Jason Altmire of Pennsylvania, Hon. Russ Carnahan of Missouri, and Hon. Chip Cravaack of Minnesota. In addition to serving as my office's Financial Administrator, Lin currently works with the Offices of the Honorables Don Beyer and Gerry Connolly of Virginia, Hon. Charlie Crist of Florida, Hon. Peter DeFazio of Oregon, Hon. Jim Himes of Connecticut, Hons. Derek Kilmer and Rick Larsen of Washington, Hon. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, Hon. Scott Peters of California, and the Select Committee on Economic Disparity & Fairness in Growth, performing a variety of financial and administrative duties with high ethics, efficiency, and accountability. Lin has been an invaluable asset to our offices, ensuring we maintain our financial and personnel records. Though we will all miss her, we know that she will enjoy her time doing what she loves--gardening, fishing, and spending time with her loved ones. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lin Banks and wishing her the best in her retirement and upcoming move to Hallieford, Virginia.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade who has been an incredible leader on this issue and on the Formula Act that we passed in July.

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson), who has been a leader on this issue and who is an original cosponsor of this legislation.

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing baby formula crisis and urge my colleagues to support the Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act. I raised two kids, and I know the first months of parenthood are tiring and stressful, even in the best of circumstances. But families across the country remain in a challenging position as they try to find formula that they need to feed their babies. Nationally, 61 percent of formula shelves are still empty. In my home State of Washington, it has been hit harder, with 67 percent of formula shelves empty. While that is an improvement from the May nationwide high of 86 percent, we in Congress have an obligation to do more. Part of the improvement we have seen over the last few months can be attributed to legislation that I led with Chairman Blumenauer, Ranking Member Adrian Smith, and my Ways and Means colleagues back in July that lifted tariffs on imported baby formula. This Chamber and the Senate passed the legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support. There are still more actions, though, that Congress can take to support families, and that is what this legislation that we will vote on today will do. Consider what this legislation would mean to parents. Jessie is a mom in my district who has been struggling to find formula for her 7-month- old daughter, Amara. She is not one to ask for help often, but when she was running low on her last can, Jessie joined a local social media group where other parents would post where they saw formula on the shelves. She downloaded an app that would notify her when more cans were available and made backup plans for donated breast milk if it came to that. Jessie was able to find formula in the end but realizes that she is one of the lucky parents who had the means and the network to support her daughter. Not all parents have these resources. The Bulk Infant Formula to Retail Shelves Act would boost domestic baby formula production and get more product on our shelves. It would do so by lifting tariffs through the end of the year on safe imported base powder. This is a key component filled with essential proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are mixed with other nutrients and ingredients to make the formula that parents buy on store shelves or online. Lifting these tariffs and getting more formula on physical shelves would be especially helpful for families participating in the WIC program, the Women, Infants, and Children program. For the WIC program, parents must use those resources in brick-and- mortar retail stores, and they can't be used for online purchases currently. About half of the baby formula purchased in the United States is purchased through WIC. This legislation has strong bipartisan support from the leadership of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, Chair Blumenauer, Ranking Member Adrian Smith, and my subcommittee colleagues, Representatives John Larson, Dan Kildee, and Drew Ferguson. In the Senate, we are supported by Senators Mike Lee, Bob Menendez, Todd Young, and Mike Braun. Families need our help, and they need it now. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill with the same speed and bipartisan force as they did 2 months ago. We worked hand in hand with our Senate partners to ensure that this measure would pass immediately. We can't delay while parents are struggling to feed their children. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DelBENE. 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 bill under consideration.

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 8982) to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to suspend temporarily rates of duty on imports of certain infant formula base powder used in the manufacturing of infant formula in the United States, and for other purposes.

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for all of his support on this legislation. It is something that will impact families across the country right away. It not only will help to make baby formula more available, but also to reduce the cost of that formula, and, in particular, help the families who are using WIC across the country. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the strong bipartisan support in the House and the Senate, and it is important for us to move quickly. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I think it is past time for us to help our seniors get timely care. It is past time to help our medical professionals, our doctors, our nurses, and others who are burdened with undue paperwork, to help them spend more time providing care. It is past time for us to move a strong piece of legislation that has strong bipartisan support. I thank Chairman Neal and everyone who has helped bring this legislation forward, folks on the Ways and Means Committee, including my colleague Mr. Kelly. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, an incredible piece of work. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, September 14, 2022. Mr. Blumenauer: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this important legislation to protect seniors' access to care in the Medicare Advantage program. As many of you know, I have been a longtime champion of Medicare Advantage, and it's enjoyed tremendous popularity in Oregon. I believe that the way traditional fee-for-service Medicare operates is not sustainable and that Medicare Advantage is one of the tools we can use to demonstrate how we can incentivize value. But this is only possible when the program operates as intended. I have been deeply concerned about the reports of delays in care, not only from the Inspector General, but from the constituents that come into my office. For patients and their families, being told that you need to wait longer for care that your doctor tells you that you need is incredibly frustrating and frightening. There's no comfort to be found in the fact that your insurance company needs time to decide if your doctor is right. For providers, the burden of prior authorization is immense. And at a time where we consistently hear that our health care workers are facing incredible burnout and are leaving the profession in alarming rates, it's critical that we remove unnecessary processes. There is no reason that patients should be waiting for medically appropriate care especially when we know that this can lead to worse outcomes. The fundamental promise of Medicare Advantage is undermined when people are delaying care, getting sicker, and ultimately costing Medicare more money. The legislation we are taking up today is commonsense policy that moves us towards the goals of the program and protects our patients and providers from unnecessary roadblocks to care. I want to commend Congresswoman DelBene for her leadership on this issue and I look forward to supporting this bipartisan legislation.

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, it is so important that we work with experts in the medical community to develop strong legislation, and we are incredibly fortunate to have as one of our co-leads on this bill one of our doctors in Congress, so I want to thank him for all of his incredible work getting us to where we are today. I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera).

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu), my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee, another leader of this legislation.

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I also thank the staff from the personal offices and from the committee and leadership offices that have spent countless hours researching this issue and working with stakeholders to develop this legislation. In particular, I thank my former legislative director, Kyle Hill, who was truly integral in developing and advancing this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, more than 28 million seniors get healthcare through Medicare Advantage, including 600,000 in Washington State. For these seniors and the physicians that care for them, we must deliver a quality product that allows providers to keep our seniors as healthy as possible while reducing wait times, paperwork, and hassle. Unfortunately, the cumbersome and antiquated prior authorization process that many Medicare Advantage plans utilize often gets in the way. This involves multiple phone calls and faxing documents to insurance companies. It is 2022, and even Congress has moved beyond faxing. The HHS Inspector General recently reported that prior authorization is responsible for delaying and even denying medically necessary care. That mirrors reports that we have heard from providers for years now. In one case, the inspector general found that, due to prior authorization, a 76-year-old Medicare beneficiary with post-polio syndrome was denied a request for a walker. In another case, a Washington State resident and professional fisherman had to miss this past summer's fishing season in Alaska because his hip surgery was delayed for months. According to the American Medical Association, one out of every four physicians report that prior authorization has led to a patient being hospitalized. Prior authorization is also a burden on providers, who spend 13 hours a week completing prior authorization paperwork, often for procedures that are approved over 95 percent of the time. That is time they could be spending with patients. Today, the House of Representatives will take a major step forward in resolving this problem. The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act will make commonsense changes to prior authorization to ensure our seniors are getting the care they need when they need it. First, the bill would require all plans to use an electronic prior authorization system. That means no more phone calls, no more faxes, and no more wondering what information is needed to submit to insurance plans when requesting prior authorization. Second, we establish a process for real-time decisionmaking. It doesn't make sense that services in line with standard clinical practice guidelines or services that are approved more than 95 percent of the time are subject to prior authorization. We also know that delayed approvals can result in patients falling through the cracks and missing out on care. Real-time decisions will help stop that. Finally, this bill requires reporting on the number of prior authorization requests, the rates of approvals and denials, and the rates of successful appeals to increase transparency. Collectively, this bill will help providers spend more time with patients and less time with paperwork. Today's vote and the teamwork that brought this legislation to this moment is a bipartisan success story that shows that Congress can come together and put the needs of the American people before the gridlock that we all know too well. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Mike Kelly, our Republican lead, for his tireless work on this for years, also our co-leads, Dr. Ami Bera and Larry Bucshon, as well as Senator Roger Marshall, who worked with us when he was in the House in the 116th Congress and has continued this effort in the Senate. I thank the over 300 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have cosponsored this bill. The support for this legislation has been overwhelming and it has been endorsed by over 500 healthcare organizations. I particularly thank the Regulatory Relief Coalition and the American Medical Association that helped develop a quality bill and build support for it. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of endorsements and the letters of support from the Regulatory Relief Coalition and the American Medical Association. The Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2021 (S. 3018/H.R. 3173) List of 500 Supporting Organizations (as of 7/6/2022) National Supporters 2020 Mom, ACCSES, Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Accuray, Inc., AdvaMed, Aimed Alliance, ALK Positive, Inc., Alliance for Aging Research, Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy, Alliance for Patient Access, Alliance of Specialty Medicine, ALS Association, Alzheimer's Association and Alzheimer's Impact movement, America's Physician Groups, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Academy of Dermatology Association, American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Academy of Neurology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, American Academy of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of PAs. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, American Association for Hand Surgery, American Association for Homecare, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Association for Physician Leadership, American Association for Psychoanalysis in Clinical Social Work, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, American Association of Clinical Urologists, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association on Health and Disability, American Clinical Laboratory Association, American Clinical Neurophysiology Society, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, American College of Cardiology, American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, American College of Mohs Surgery, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Osteopathic Internists, American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American College of Physicians, American College of Radiation Oncology, American College of Radiology, American College of Rheumatology, American College of Surgeons, American Counseling Association, American Epilepsy Society, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Glaucoma Society, American Group Psychotherapy Association, American Health Information Management Association, American Hospital Association, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American Medical Association, American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association, American Medical Women's Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, American Nurses Association, American Occupational Therapy Association, American Optometric Association, American Osteopathic Association, American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology, American Physical Therapy Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, American Psychoanalytic Association, American Psychological Association, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, American Society for Radiation Oncology, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Dermatopathology, American Society of Echocadiography, American Society of Hematology, American Society of Neuroradiology, American Society of Nuclear Cardiology, The American Society of Pain and Neuroscience, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Retina Specialists, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), American Society of Echocardiography, American Therapeutic Recreation Association, American Urogynecologic Society, American Urological Association, American Vein & Lymphatic Society, American Venous Forum, America's Essential Hospitals, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Arthritis Foundation, Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare, Association for Clinical Oncology, Association of Academic Physiatrists, Association of Black Cardiologists, Association of Community Cancer Centers, Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, Association of Mature American Citizens, Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Association of Women in Rheumatology, Better Medicare Alliance, Beyond Type 1, Boston Scientific, Brain Injury Association of America, Bridge the Gap--SYNGAP Education and Research Foundation, Cancer Support Community, CancerCare, Case Management Society of America, CHAMP--Coalition for Headache and Migraine Patients, Change Healthcare, Child Neurology Society, Children and Adults with Attention- Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Chris CJ Johnson Foundation Inc., Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, Chronic Care Policy Alliance, Clinical Social Work Association, Coalition of Long-Term Acute-Care Hospitals, Cohere Health, College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, Community Liver Alliance, Community Oncology Alliance, Congress of Clinical Rheumatology, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers, Continuum Therapy Partners, Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Cornea Society, Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. Driven To Cure, Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action, Endocrine Society, Epic Systems, Epilepsy Foundation, Eye Bank Association of America, Falling Forward Foundation, Federation of American Hospitals, Ferrell Foundation, Free2Care, Global Alliance for Behavioral Health and Social Justice, Global Healthy Living Foundation, Global Liver Institute, GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer, The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum, Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, HealthPRO-Heritage, Hematology/ Oncology Pharmacy Association, Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation, International Essential Tremor Foundation, International Foundation for Autoimmune & Autoinflammatory Arthritis, International OCD Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation, KCCure (Kidney Cancer Research Alliance), The Kennedy Forum, Kidney Cancer Association, KidneyCAN, Lakeshore Foundation, LeadingAge, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Lupus and Allied Diseases Association, Inc. Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Medical Device Manufacturers Association, Medical Group Management Association, Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Mental Health America, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, National Alliance of Safety-Net Hospitals, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Association for Children's Behavioral Health, National Association for Home Care & Hospice, National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics, National Association for the Support of Long Term Care, National Association of ACOs, National Association of Epilepsy Centers, National Association of Rehab Providers & Agencies, National Association of Social Workers, National Association of Spine Specialists, National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Disability Rights Network, National Eating Disorders Association, National Federation of Families, National Hispanic Medical Association. National Kidney Foundation, National League for Nursing, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Osteoporosis Foundation, National Patient Advocate Foundation, National Register of Health Service Psychologists, NHMH--No Health without Mental Health, Nomi Health, North American Neuro- Ophthalmology Society, OCHIN, Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, Pacific Spine & Pain Society, Partnership for Quality Home Healthcare, Patients Rising, Patients Rising Now, Physician Hospitals of America, Physicians Advocacy Institute, Postpartum Support International, Premier, Private Practice Section (PPS) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Prostate Network, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, R.M.C. Inc., REDC Consortium, Regulatory Relief Coalition, Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA), Remote Cardiac Services Providers Group, Renal Physicians Association, RetireSafe, SMART Recovery, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Society for Vascular Surgery. Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Society of Hospital Medicine, Society of Interventional Radiology, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Spina Bifida Association, Spine Intervention Society, Susan G. Komen, Sterling Vision, Tourette Association of America, Treatment Communities of America, Triage Cancer, VHL Alliance, ZERO--The End of Prostate Cancer. state supporters Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology, Alabama Association of Health Information Management, Alabama Cancer Congress, Alabama Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Alabama Society for the Rheumatic Diseases, Alaska Chapter, American College of Surgeons, The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, Arizona Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Arizona Health Information Management Association, Arizona Neurosurgical Society, Arkansas Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Arkansas Medical Society, Arkansas Ophthalmological Society, Arkansas Orthopaedic Society, Arkansas Rheumatology Association, Association of Northern California Oncologists, Brooklyn-Long Island Chapter, American College of Surgeons, California Medical Association, California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, California Association of Neurological Surgeons, Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, Inc., Centura Health. Colorado Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Colorado Medical Society, Colorado Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Community Care Network of Kansas, Connecticut Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Connecticut Oncology Association, Connecticut State Medical Society, Medical Society of Delaware, Delaware Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Delaware Society for Clinical Oncology, Medical Society of the District of Columbia, Denali Oncology Group, DHR Health, Eastern Long Island Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Empire State Hematology and Oncology Society, Florida Medical Association, Florida Academy of Family Physicians, Florida Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Florida Health Information Management Association, Florida Neurosurgical Society, Florida Society of Clinical Oncology, The Florida Society of Neurology, Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Medical Association of Georgia, Georgia Neurological Society, Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology, Georgia Society of Ophthalmology. Georgia Society of the American College of Surgeons, Guam Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Hawaii Medical Association, Hawaii Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology, Idaho Medical Association, Idaho Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Illinois State Medical Society, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Illinois Medical Oncology Society, Illinois State Neurosurgical Society, Indiana State Medical Association, Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology, Indiana Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Indiana Neurological Society, Indiana Oncology Society, Iowa Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Iowa Medical Society, Iowa Oncology Society, Jacksonville Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Kansas Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Kansas Health Information Management Association, Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Medical Society, Kansas Radiological Society, Kansas Society of Clinical Oncology. Kentucky Medical Association, Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Kentucky Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Kentucky Society of Clinical Oncology, Keystone Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Lake Plains Medical PLLC, Life Sciences Pennsylvania, Louisiana State Medical Society, Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians, Louisiana Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Louisiana Oncology Society, Maine Medical Association, Maine Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Maryland Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Maryland Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Maryland/DC Society of Clinical Oncology, Massachusetts Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Massachusetts Health Information Management Association (MaHIMA), Massachusetts Medical Society, Massachusetts Society of Clinical Oncologists, Massachusetts Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society, Metropolitan Chicago Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Metropolitan Philadelphia Chapter, American College of Surgeons. Metropolitan Washington DC Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Michigan Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Michigan Society of Hematology and Oncology, Michigan State Medical Society, Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services & Supplies, MidWest Rheumatology Association, Minnesota Medical Association, Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology, Minnesota Health Information Management Association, Minnesota Society of Clinical Oncology, Minnesota Surgical Society--a Chapter of the ACS, American College of Surgeons, Mississippi State Medical Association, Mississippi Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Mississippi Oncology Society, Missouri State Medical Association, Missouri Academy of Family Physicians, Missouri Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Missouri Oncology Society, Montana Medical Association, Montana Academy of Family Physicians, Montana and Wyoming Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Montana State Oncology Society, MSARS, Nebraska Medical Association, Nebraska Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Nebraska Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Nebraska Neurological Society. Nebraska Oncology Society, Neurosurgical Society of the Virginias, Nevada State Medical Association, Nevada Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Nevada Health Information Management Association, Nevada Oncology Society, New Hampshire Medical Society, New Hampshire Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Medical Society of New Jersey, New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology, New Jersey Chapter, American College of Surgeons, New Jersey Health Information Management Association, Medical Oncology Society of New Jersey, New Mexico Chapter, American College of Surgeons, New Mexico Medical Society, New Mexico Society of Clinical Oncology, Medical Society of the State of New York, New York Chapter, American College of Surgeons, New York State Academy of Family Physicians, New York State Neurosurgical Society, New York State Ophthalmological Society, North Carolina Chapter, American College of Surgeons, North Carolina Medical Society, North Carolina Oncology Association, North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, North Dakota Medical Association, North Dakota Chapter, American College of Surgeons. North Texas Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Northern California Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Northern New England Clinical Oncology Society, Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Ohio State Medical Association, Ohio Academy of Family Physicians, Ohio Association of Rheumatology, Ohio Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Ohio Health Information Management Association, Ohio Hematology Oncology Society Oklahoma State Medical Association, Oklahoma Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Oklahoma Society of Clinical Oncology Oregon Medical Association, Oregon Academy of Family Physicians, Oregon Academy of Ophthalmology, Oregon Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Oregon Society of Medical Oncology, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, Pennsylvania Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Pennsylvania Neurosurgical Society, Pennsylvania Rheumatology Society, Pennsylvania Society of Oncology & Hematology, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, PHIMA. Prodigy Rehabilitation Group, Inc., PT Northwest, Puerto Rico Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Puerto Rico Hematology and Medical Oncology Association, Rhode Island Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Rhode Island Health Information Management Association, Rhode Island Medical Society, Rhode Island Neurological Society, Rocky Mountain Oncology Society, San Diego Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Society of Utah Medical Oncologists, South Carolina Chapter, American College of Surgeons, South Carolina Oncology Society, South Dakota Academy of Ophthalmology, South Dakota Chapter, American College of Surgeons, South Florida Chapter, American College of Surgeons, South Texas Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Southern California Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Southwest Missouri Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Tennessee Medical Association, Tennessee Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Tennessee Oncology Practice Society, Texas Medical Association, Texas Academy of Family Physicians. Texas Hospital Association, Texas Ophthalmological Association, Texas Society of Clinical Oncology, Transitional Care Management, Utah Medical Association, Utah Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Utah Ophthalmology Society, Vermont Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Vermont Medical Society, Medical Society of Virginia, Virginia Association of Hematologist & Oncologist, Virginia Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Virginia Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Ophthalmological Society, Washington State Medical Association, Washington Academy of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Washington Academy of Family Physicians, Washington Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Washington State Association of Neurological Surgeons. Washington Rheumatology Alliance, Washington State Medical Oncology Society, West Virginia Chapter, American College of Surgeons, West Virginia Oncology Society, West Virginia Orthopaedic Society, Western New York Chapter, American College of Surgeons, Wisconsin Medical Society, Wisconsin Academy of Ophthalmology, Wisconsin Association of Hematology & Oncology, Wisconsin Health Information Management Association, Wisconsin Hospital Association, Wisconsin Neurological Society, Wisconsin Rheumatology Association, Wisconsin Surgical Society--a Chapter of the ACS, The Woman's Group, Wyoming Medical Society, Wyoming State Oncology Society.

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

Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3173) to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish requirements with respect to the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans, and for other purposes, as amended.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was a friend, and I send my deepest condolences to her family and the families of Zackery Potts and Emma Thomson. Madam Speaker, the Inflation Reduction Act is nothing less than historic and shows our constituents that governance can still work for them. The bill extends the Affordable Care Act insurance subsidies that have saved 13 million Americans an average of $800 a year on health coverage. It will enable the U.S. to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 through investments like my clean hydrogen provision and make it more affordable for families to purchase energy and cost-saving products like electric vehicles and solar panels. These are provisions that the New Democrat Coalition and I have been calling for from the beginning. For our seniors, the bill will lower the costs of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices and will cap out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000 annually. These are tangible benefits for Americans. The legislation is fully paid for by ensuring corporations pay their fair share and providing the IRS with the resources it needs after decades of Republican-driven budget cuts. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I remind my colleagues that there are 533,775 Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in North Carolina, but the gentleman remains against this bill capping insulin costs and Medicare at $35 per month.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the ongoing baby formula crisis and urge my colleagues to support the Formula Act. I raised two kids, and I know the first months of parenthood are tiring and stressful, even in the best of situations. Now, families across the country are in a dire position as they try to find the formula that they need to feed their babies. Around the country, 74 percent of formula shelves are empty. In my home State of Washington, we are one of 10 States where over 90 percent of shelves are empty. Severely stretched supply chains and a major formula plant going offline have left shelves barren. Unreliable formula supply is a critical problem for families. Parents are driving hours to multiple different stores just to find any formula, and that is time that parents don't have. Changing formulas constantly is also disruptive to babies. It causes digestive problems and excessive crying. Jessie, a mom in my district, has been struggling to find formula for her infant daughter, Amara. She is not one to ask for help, but when she was running low on her last can, Jessie joined a local social media group where other parents would post where they saw formula on shelves, and she downloaded an app that would notify her when more cans were available. Jessie was able to find formula, but she realizes that she is one of the lucky parents who had the means, the time, and the network to support Amara. By removing tariffs on foreign formula that meets FDA's safety standards, the Formula Act will make it easier and more affordable for parents to feed their babies so fewer are finding themselves in this difficult situation. This is a commonsense solution, so let's make it happen.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Bill Trueit for 33 years of invaluable service to students and families in Washington's 1st Congressional District. I want to extend my sincerest congratulations and gratitude to Mr. Trueit on his retirement from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, WA where he taught U.S. Government and Civics. I had the privilege of visiting his classroom every year possible and can speak directly to Mr. Trueit's passion for educating Washington's students. Under his tenure, countless students have been encouraged to pursue their dreams, learn new skills, and serve our communities. Bill's presence in our schools will be deeply missed, but his impact for Washington's students will not be soon forgotten. It is truly bittersweet to see him go. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Trueit and wishing him the best in his retirement.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Kyle Hill for nearly five years of invaluable service to my office and my constituents in Washington's 1st Congressional District. Kyle joined my office as a Legislative Assistant in October 2017 and soon after became my Legislative Director. Prior to coming to my office, Kyle worked for the Hon. Steve Israel of New York for four years as well. In each of these roles, Kyle exceeded the mark and met the challenges that come with running a legislative team with his wealth of knowledge, quick wit, and joyful personality. Over his tenure, he played an instrumental role in overseeing the smooth management of a fast-paced office and shaping internal processes--all while building lasting relationships with my team and those who had the pleasure of getting to know him. We all also deeply admire and are inspired by his commitment to reducing his carbon footprint by biking to work every day, regardless of the weather. Kyle has been an amazing leader, a terrific mentor, and a wonderful friend, and we will all sorely miss him. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kyle Hill and wishing him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Laura Nakasaka for nearly two years of invaluable service to my office and my constituents in Washington's 1st Congressional District. Laura joined my office as a Staff Assistant and Press Assistant in September 2020 during the height of the pandemic and has worked tirelessly to ensure my constituents are kept up-to-date on my work for the district. Laura has brought a tremendous positive attitude, hard work ethic, and wonderful creativity to the role. Over her tenure, she played an instrumental role in overseeing the smooth ramp up of in-person constituent services as we transitioned back to being in the office, training and mentoring our interns to ensure seamless front office operations, and boosting our social media presence through innovative strategies--all while building lasting relationships with my team and those who had the pleasure of getting to know her. In addition, her incredible knowledge of caring for plants has also inspired many in our office to become plant parents themselves. Laura has been an amazing staffer and a wonderful friend to all in the office, and we will all sorely miss her. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Laura Nakasaka and wishing her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Jon Boughtin, a dedicated staffer for the New Democrat Coalition. Jon departs Capitol Hill this month after working for more than a decade in public service, but his legacy of strong member engagement and meaningful relationships with staff, members, and outside stakeholders alike will not soon be forgotten. The New Dems occupy an important place within the Democratic Caucus. We are the center of gravity in the House Democratic Caucus, the majority makers, and forward-thinking policymakers. None of our work would be possible without a strong support system for our members and staff. Jon worked tirelessly to support the New Dems, helping them make a meaningful and lasting legislative impact in the House of Representatives. Jon developed relationships with countless external experts and organizations, which was essential for New Dems to ``get stuff done,'' as we often like to say. One thing we heard over and over from New Dem members and staff was, ``Jon always came in at the right time with the right advice before I even knew I needed it.'' This level of instinct and intellect is a rare combination. New Dems are known for working across the ideological spectrum and with anyone who is willing to come to the table to get things done. But more than that, we've also become a home for thoughtful, measured leaders who have had enough of the shouting and division that too often defines our politics. Jon helped foster this spirit of collaboration and cooperation. Because of his relationships and thoughtful, smart work, New Dems have been able to deliver meaningful policy solutions that put kitchen-table issues at the center of the political debate. Jon embodied the New Dem spirit as a selfless public servant and pragmatic policy advocate throughout his career. As the Chair of our 98-Member Coalition, I thank Jon for his service, both past and future, and wish him and his family all the best.

Ms. DelBENE

Ms. DelBENE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Protecting Our Kids Act. I am a parent of two great kids. When they were young, my husband or I would drop them off at school, and we were confident that they were in a safe space. But for so many parents, that is no longer the case. I recently hosted a roundtable with some of the over 1,000 constituents who have written or called into my office following the tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo and the over 240 mass shootings in 2022. It is heartbreaking to hear how parents have to explain to their kids what to do if there is an active shooter, as if it is inevitable. We know what we can do to help prevent future tragedies like Uvalde. We can pass commonsense gun safety policies like this legislation. Enough is enough. We have to end the senseless deaths of our children and our neighbors. Vote ``yes.''