Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Cunningham).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3051, America's Conservation Enhancement Act. This bill is an example of Democrats and Republicans coming together to pass legislation to benefit nature, fishermen, hunters, and nature enthusiasts of all kinds. Mr. Speaker, I thank and commend my colleagues from both sides of the aisle and the Hill for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation. I am greatly appreciative of Representative Mike Thompson for his leadership in the House and for Senators Barrasso and Carper for getting this package through the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I also commend the numerous bipartisan Members of Congress for their critical contributions to this legislation. The ACE Act could not come at a more necessary time, as we are reckoning with the tragic and dangerous impacts of the climate crisis. Scientists around the world are sounding the alarm that we are on the cusp of an extinction crisis caused by human impacts. The ACE Act protects and enhances wildlife and habitat throughout the country, and reduces conflicts between wildlife, humans, and livestock. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, three-quarters of the terrestrial environment and about two-thirds of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions. Protecting habitat is one of the most important things we can do for biodiversity and climate resiliency, and this bill accomplishes that in several ways. It conserves wetlands by reauthorizing the popular and successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act. It protects the largest estuary in the country, the Chesapeake Bay, by creating and reauthorizing several programs that restore the Bay and promote its resilience to climate change. It also authorizes an innovative program called the National Fish Habitat Partnership, which leverages public-private partnerships to enhance fish habitat across the country, benefiting not only the fish, but the strong tradition of angling in this country. Hunters, who are some of our best conservationists in this country, will be pleased to hear that this legislation contains provisions to combat chronic wasting disease, or CWD, a fatal disease that impacts animals like deer, elk, and moose, and which is spreading and has now been found in 26 States across this country. Invasive species are also a growing threat to biodiversity throughout the United States, and they are managed by a multitude of agencies. Crucially, this bill addresses this issue by requiring Federal agencies to consult with one another and with stakeholders when developing strategic plans for invasive species. The ACE Act also contains a bipartisan provision that I worked on with my colleague, Congressman Don Young, for a long-term reauthorization of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This strong, bipartisan program has a track record of success, and will continue to play a vital role in safeguarding our environmental legacy. Finally, the ACE Act addresses conflicts between wildlife, livestock, and humans. The legislation creates a prize competition to spur innovations that reduce conflicts between humans and predator species. It also addresses losses of livestock due to depredation by federally- protected species. With the ever-encroaching human footprint, there will inevitably be more conflicts between us and wildlife, and these provisions offer a responsible pathway forward. During the pandemic, so many Americans have found respite in nature. Whether you are a hiker, an angler, a hunter, a bird-watcher, or just a wildlife enthusiast, it is so important that we protect the iconic wildlife and habitat across our Nation. Particularly in the face of the climate crisis, the time to act is now. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation to protect species and habitat. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to William Sleight as he celebrates his retirement and recognize his years of distinguished service with Michigan Works! Southeast. His contributions to Michigan are worthy of commendation. William Sleight's career in workforce development spans nearly 40 years. After earning a master's degree in Public Administration from Michigan State University, Sleight served in various roles for the workforce programs in Livingston and Washtenaw Counties before starting his career with the Michigan Works! Association. He served as Director of Livingston County Michigan Works! for 25 years, and later was appointed Director of Michigan Works! Southeast in May 2016. Sleight has also served on numerous state, local and regional boards and committees throughout Michigan. He is the founding co-chair of the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan and the current chair of the Southeast Michigan Works Agencies Council (SEMWAC) His dedication to Michigan has expanded jobs, facilitated economic growth, opened doors, and created a host of opportunities for thousands of people His years of devoted work have made a difference in the lives of Michiganders across the state, and his efforts in labor development will leave a lasting impact on the workforce in the years to come. Without a doubt, William Sleight has devoted his career to serving Michigan and has worked tirelessly to ensure it remains a fruitful and prosperous place. Across all capacities, William Sleight has been recognized as a dedicated, compassionate, and humble leader who strives to make a meaningful difference. He has been the voice of reason in challenging times and has encouraged all to work together to better our state. His efforts have transformed Michigan, and his impact will forever be remembered. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the retirement of William Sleight. I am proud to honor his work, accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank him for his outstanding service and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the esteemed life of a dear friend, Joe Peterson. He will forever be remembered for his tremendous impact on our Wyandotte community, and he will be deeply missed. Mayor Peterson was a pillar of Wyandotte. Before beginning his career in public service, Peterson was a long-time police officer in the Wyandotte Police Department. Throughout his twenty-seven years with the police force, Peterson held several different positions including undercover officer, detective sergeant, and probation officer. In 2005, Peterson was elected to serve on the Wyandotte City Council and was elected mayor in 2009. Throughout all capacities, Peterson endeavored to make Wyandotte a better place for all. Mayor Peterson was a dedicated, compassionate, and effective leader who humbly strove for excellence without seeking praise or recognition for any of his significant accomplishments. As a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, Peterson knew deeply what it meant to be a committed and loyal fighter. He never stopped caring for others, especially his fellow veterans, and faithfully served his beloved Wyandotte. Mayor Peterson leaves behind a legacy that will forever endure. He was a true representation of a passionate public servant who was unwavering in his commitment to make Wyandotte a better place. He strove to foster a deep sense of community, and was a steadying voice of reason in troubling or challenging times. He encouraged us to see the best in one another and work together for the common good. Undoubtably, Peterson has left a meaningful impact on the city, and the love he had for Wyandotte will always be remembered. His passing represents a loss to our entire community, but his memory will endure through the countless lives he touched. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Joe Peterson. He was a cornerstone of Wyandotte, and we will forever remember his remarkable life, work, and community impact. May he rest in eternal peace.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Edythe McTaggart as she celebrates her 100th birthday. This significant milestone is worthy of commendation. Edythe McTaggart was born August 21, 1920 to Edmond Parent and Edith Tice, and grew up in Trenton, Michigan. Throughout her childhood, Edythe enjoyed performing with her sister Dottie, and even sang on a children's radio show in Detroit at the age of nine. During the Great Depression, Edythe stayed home to care for her father who lost his job. To get through the troubling era, she would collect discarded skim milk from a local creamery and help her father knock coal off freight trains to heat their house. At the age of 17, Edythe became a nanny where she earned one dollar a day plus room and board. Despite the meager wages, the impact of the Great Depression taught Edythe how to be frugal in her spending and allowed her to save enough earnings to buy a wedding dress when she got married. In 1940, Edythe married her husband, Robert McTaggart. The two built a home together in Wyandotte and completed much of the work themselves. Although it was difficult finding materials during the war, they were able to move into the new home in 1948. Throughout the war, the two also started a family and welcomed sons Robert Jr., Thomas, and David by 1952. After raising her children, Edythe returned to school and earned her bachelor's degree in education at the age of 50. She became a teacher in the Taylor School District, and later earned a master's degree in special education. Until her retirement 35 years ago, she dedicated her teaching career to helping children with special needs and disabilities. Beyond the classroom, Edythe is fond of traveling and has explored the world with Robert. Together, they visited Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Upon her retirement, Edythe and Robert began spending winters in Florida, until Robert's passing in 1998. Today, Edythe remains active in the community and enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her sons, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her attitude and spirit continue to shine bright for all to see. Throughout her 100 years, Edythe has demonstrated a true commitment to her family and her community. Her strength and perseverance through turbulent times has provided a lasting example of what can be accomplished when we all work together and treat one another with compassion, respect, and dignity. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Edythe McTaggart on her 100th birthday. I join with Edythe's friends and family in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. May her 100th year bring her many blessings and a continued life full of laughter, peace, and every happiness.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. 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 H.R. 4866.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4866) to amend the 21st Century Cures Act to provide for designation of institutions of higher education that provide research, data, and leadership on continuous manufacturing as National Centers of Excellence in Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, the gentleman is absolutely correct at how important a piece of legislation this is. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5615, the Suicide Prevention Act. Currently, there is no complete data about suicide attempts or other instances of self-harm in the United States. This fragmented and incomplete reporting hinders our ability to track trends and target suicide prevention resources where they might be the most effective in preventing these tragedies from occurring. The Suicide Prevention Act will help strengthen data and reporting on suicide by authorizing funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collaborate with State and local health departments to improve the tracking of these incidents. This enhanced data collection will allow for earlier intervention and better understanding of suicide trends, helping to better identify and treat at-risk individuals. The legislation also creates a SAMHSA grant program to fund self-harm and suicide prevention services in hospital emergency departments. This includes screening at-risk patients, providing services as needed, and referring patients for follow-up care for long-term self-harm and suicide prevention. Hospital emergency departments are on the front lines of providing critical behavior health services, and these resources will help identify and treat individuals at the highest risk for suicide and self-harm. Madam Speaker, I appreciate my colleagues, Congressman Stewart and Congresswoman Matsui, for leading this important legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5663, the Safeguarding Therapeutics Act. Madam Speaker, this legislation provides FDA additional authority to take action to protect public health and safety by extending the agency's administrative destruction authority for counterfeit medical devices, including diagnostic tests and surgical masks, as well as combination products, like vaccines, that may pose a threat to public health. Given the global marketplace and extended supply chains for complex medical products, counterfeit medical devices are becoming increasingly common, both in the United States and abroad. These counterfeit products pose a significant risk to patient health and safety, and ensuring that FDA has the appropriate authority to take action by seizing and destroying counterfeit medical devices will help safeguard America's health. Under current law, counterfeit medical devices and combination products are typically shipped back to the sender because of the limitations in FDA's existing authority. This allows dangerous counterfeit devices to remain in the supply chain, continuing to represent a significant risk to consumers. The Safeguarding Therapeutics Act is a straightforward, commonsense approach to this issue with bipartisan support that will provide FDA with authority it already possesses with respect to counterfeit drugs. Given the deficiencies highlighted with certain aspects of the healthcare supply chain throughout the current pandemic, taking action to further safeguard the supply chain from potentially dangerous products is more important than ever. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Representatives Guthrie and Engel, for their work on this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support its passage. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I want to thank both of my colleagues for their leadership on this issue and for the willingness to talk about it publicly because we do need for people to acknowledge that it is a normal feeling, and it is okay. I have seen it in my own family and wish that we had been willing to talk about it before it had been too late. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4585, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act. This legislation will further facilitate access to existing Federal resources on suicide prevention by creating a national suicide prevention media campaign to help raise awareness of the lifeline as well as advertise the new 988 number when it becomes available. Additionally, the Campaign to Prevent Suicide Act will also provide guidance to TV and social media companies on how effectively to communicate about suicide prevention through the creation of a media and best practices tool kit. Given the significant mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that Americans have access to the support they need during these trying times is more important than ever. With multiple studies pointing to the pandemic's significant impact on mental health, including a fourfold increase in depression reported by the CDC this summer, we cannot lose sight of this longstanding public health issue. I appreciate Representatives Beyer's and Gianforte's work on this legislation, which will provide resources for outreach on suicide prevention during a time when it is needed more than ever. We need to lift the stigma from people talking about this. It happens in every family and in every place. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4564, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act of 2020. This legislation will provide additional resources and authority for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, ensuring that it will have the infrastructure necessary to meet both current needs and the increased volume of outreach expected when the 988 number is formally adopted. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline currently expects 12 million calls over the next 4 years, equivalent to the total number of calls from 2005 to 2017. Given this increased demand, the current authorization level of approximately $7.2 million per year is insufficient to meet expected need for the lifeline's critical services for those in crisis. This legislation increases the authorization for the lifeline to $50 million each year through fiscal year 2022, allowing it to effectively manage the increased call volume while reducing wait times. Additionally, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Improvement Act will create a new pilot program to deploy innovative technologies through social media, texting, and other platforms, connecting Americans where they are to the lifeline. It will also establish a plan for maintaining the lifeline program and provide additional study and recommendations from HHS on ways to further strengthen access to this program. I thank and appreciate Representatives Katko, Beyer, and Napolitano for their leadership in offering this legislation, and continuing to push for reforms to strengthen the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan effort to strengthen access to this critical resource for Americans in crisis. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer), who has helped champion this bill.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I, too, urge adoption of this important piece of legislation to remove barriers so people are able to go to the doctor, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3935, Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act. This legislation will add nonemergency medical transportation services for individuals without other means of transportation to the list of benefits required by law under Medicaid. NEMT, N-E-M-T, benefits have been a mandatory Medicaid benefit by regulation since the program's beginning in 1966, and the benefits are clear. Transportation is one of the most common barriers to care for low-income patients, and reliable transportation to and from medical appointments is a cornerstone of healthcare access. NEMT provides over 100 million rides to Medicaid beneficiaries each year, and this lifeline is critical to patients with chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes. Additionally, it allows seniors and Americans to remain in their homes and continue to live independently. The NEMT benefit is especially critical to beneficiaries seeking care during this current public health crisis, which has placed additional burdens and barriers to care. The Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act will codify this benefit and maintain robust program integrity protections. In addition to safeguarding the lifesaving NEMT benefit, the legislation is scored as having no cost by the Congressional Budget Office. I would like to thank Representatives Carter, Cardenas, Graves and Bishop of Georgia for leading this bipartisan effort and urge my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam 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 H.R. 1646.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1646, the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome, or HERO Act of 2019. We have seen the extraordinary actions of America's first responders in recent months in helping to keep our Nation safe. From the courage and the bravery of firefighters in Western States as they confront an unprecedented fire season, to public safety and paramedics responding to hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, to the frontline health workers fighting COVID-19, we all owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. This includes supporting the mental health needs of these individuals. Exposure to stressful, life-threatening situations, and traumatic events can impact one's mental health. Unfortunately, we see this impact every day with first responders facing higher rates of suicide and other mental health issues. However, we still lack data on the full scope of the problem, as well as treatment strategies to address the unique stresses that our Nation's first responders face. The HERO Act would create a National Public Safety Officer Suicide Reporting System to help us better understand the prevalence of these tragedies within the public safety officer community regardless of their employer. It would also establish a grant program for peer support, behavioral health, and wellness programs within fire departments and EMS agencies. The legislation also will develop and disseminate resources to educate health professionals about the unique mental health challenges facing our Nation's first responders and evidence-based therapies to address these issues. I would like to thank Ami Bera for his leadership and thoughtful advocacy on the HERO Act and urge my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Washington, DC, September 15, 2020. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Pallone: I am writing you concerning H.R. 1646, the ``Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act of 2019,'' which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and then to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (``Science Committee'') on March 8, 2019. As a result of our consultation, I agree to work cooperatively on H.R. 1646 and in order to expedite consideration of the bill the Science Committee will waive formal consideration of this legislation. However, this is not a waiver of any future jurisdictional claims by the Science Committee over the subject matter contained in H.R. 1646 or similar legislation. I also request that you support my request to name members of the Science Committee to any conference committee to consider this legislation. Additionally, thank you for your assurances to include a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter in the committee report for H.R. 1646 and in the Congressional Record during floor consideration thereof. Sincerely, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4995) to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve obstetric care and maternal health outcomes, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act of 2020. Every 12 hours, an American woman dies of a pregnancy-related complication. This is a public health crisis, and the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act creates robust new programs to meet this need. This includes improving rural maternal healthcare through the creation of rural obstetric network grants, as well as expanding the use of telehealth. The legislation also promotes innovation in maternal healthcare by creating a new grant program to develop and disseminate best practices to improve health quality and outcomes and help eliminate maternal mortality. Additionally, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act includes provisions to address racial disparities in maternal health outcomes by funding training programs for healthcare professionals, as well as allowing HHS to disseminate best practices to reduce and prevent discrimination. Finally, the legislation authorizes funding for perinatal quality collaboratives, multi-State networks to improve health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women and their infants, as well as creating a grant program to integrate services and reduce adverse maternal health outcomes. Madam Speaker, these robust provisions represent a strong step toward addressing the ongoing health crisis facing America's pregnant and postpartum women. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representatives Engel, Bucshon, Torres Small, Latta, Adams, and Stivers, for their tireless work on this legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.