Debbie Dingell

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019. This Saturday, June 22, marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Olmstead, which held that people with disabilities must receive services in the most community-integrated setting possible. It is fitting that, today, the House of Representatives will pass legislation that helps advance the promise of Olmstead by ensuring that there are programs in place to help people transition to and live in the community with their families and friends, while keeping them safe from abuse and neglect. It also ensures people will continue to be able to receive mental health and substance use disorder treatment when they need it the most, and, finally, it makes commonsense improvements to ensure that drug companies pay their fair share in rebates to the Medicaid program. I am proud to say that this bill provides much-needed funding to support the highly successful Money Follows the Person program, while making important program improvements that will help the program better serve the people it is intended to help. Money Follows the Person helps ensure that seniors and people with disabilities are able to live in their homes and in their communities. It provides States with vital funding and supports to ensure that they continue to help people move out of institutions. Earlier this year, I held a roundtable discussion in my district with patients, providers, and advocates to talk about the challenges we face in providing long-term care in this country. Every participant supported reauthorizing Money Follows the Person because it makes it easier for people to get care in the setting of their choice. By passing this bill today, we are giving hope to those who need it. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Representative Guthrie, for his commitment to this program and his leadership on this issue. It has been an honor to work with him on it. Next, this legislation ensures that partners of people receiving home and community-based services will have the resources they need to meet their living expenses. Without this important protection, married beneficiaries would face the awful choice between impoverishing the spouse or entering an institution. I am proud that we will be able to further extend this protection. I also want to thank my friend on the other side of the aisle, my fellow Michigander, Fred Upton, for his continued leadership and support on this issue. H.R. 3253 also ensures that people receiving home and community-based services receive the same protections from abuse and neglect as people in nursing facilities. By allowing Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate home and community-based services providers as well as nursing facilities, this bill extends an important protection to some of our most vulnerable populations. This bipartisan bill would not have been possible without the leadership of Representatives Welch and Walberg, and I want to thank them for their hard work to protect Medicaid beneficiaries from abuse. This bill also extends the promising Excellence in Mental Health demonstration for an additional 2 years. As we continue to struggle through the opioid epidemic, this program ensures that people with substance use disorder and mental health issues can receive critical treatment when they need it the most. The early results of the demonstration have been promising, and this extension will allow States to build on that success. I want to thank Representatives Matsui and Mullin for their ongoing support of this program. Finally, this legislation adopts a commonsense proposal to ensure drug companies pay their fair share in Medicaid rebates. It will help provide additional funds to State Medicaid programs that are struggling to pay for increasingly expensive prescription drugs. I want to thank Representatives Kennedy and Jason Smith for their leadership on this issue. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 3253, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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. 3253.

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3253) to provide for certain extensions with respect to the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, our servicemen and -women suffer from arthritis at disproportionally high rates compared to the civilian population. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among our veterans and the second leading cause of medical discharge among members of the Army. However, there is currently no dedicated funding for researching arthritis among our servicemembers and veterans. This bipartisan amendment, which my friend from West Virginia, Congressman McKinley, and I have worked on as co-chairs of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus, would provide dedicated funding for arthritis research in the military. Establishing this line of funding within the CDMRP will help improve our understanding of arthritis in the military. While some CDMRP money is already used to research arthritis, this funding can fluctuate from year to year and is not specified in statute. Our researchers need stable, consistent funding in order to complete the long-term studies needed to better understand this disease. I am proud that our amendment is supported by over 20 veterans service organizations. I thank Chairman Visclosky for his consideration of this proposal and for his commitment to continue working with us on future appropriations bills to include arthritis research. With this commitment, we are prepared to withdraw the amendment. Madam Chair, I withdraw my amendment.

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

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fisher House for their exemplary work in service of our nation's veterans and their families. Today, we celebrate the groundbreaking of the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House which will provide critical temporary housing for the families of servicemembers. Fisher House provides free lodging for the families of active military and veterans while their loved ones are undergoing treatment. This program has saved the families of our servicemen and women an estimated $451 million in costs for lodging and transportation. With nearly 650,000 veterans, Michigan is the largest state without a Fisher House. Fisher House Michigan formed in November 2016, and as of April 2019 has raised over $5.5 million towards its goal of $20 million for construction and support costs of new facilities in Michigan. The VA Ann Arbor Fisher House will be the first in the state of Michigan, with plans to create a second location in Detroit at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center already underway. The VA Medical Centers in Southeastern Michigan receive approximately 1000 requests for lodging from veterans and their families every month. The creation of a Fisher House in Michigan will provide significant financial support for these groups through free lodging as their family members undergo treatment. This critical work reaffirms our commitment to supporting our active military and veterans as they continue to protect our nation. We thank Fisher House Michigan for its exemplary work supporting the families of our servicemembers and congratulate them on the ground breaking of the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fisher House for their dedicated work. Their efforts to provide high-quality services to the families of our nation's veterans and active military are worthy of commendation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Master Sergeant Elvin Trusty, III for his dedicated service. His commitment to country and community is worthy of commendation. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, MSG Elvin Trusty attended Dunbar Sr. High School prior to completing Basic Combat and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. He became the Battalion Operations Sergeant on the Wolf Team at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin and later assumed duties as Operations Group First Sergeant. MSG Trusty completed two full tours and one extended tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan, earning numerous medals and awards for his service. MSG Trusty currently attends the University of Louisville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning. He is also a military science instructor and assistant chair of the Army Officer Education Program at the University of Michigan. MSG Trusty has shown a tremendous love for his country and community. His years as an educator and a member of the United States Military exemplify the selflessness of public service and stand as a testament to duty, honor, and country. We thank Master Sergeant Elvin Trusty, III for his commitment to protecting the American people and we congratulate him on his retirement. His dedicated leadership will be missed, but we wish him good health and every happiness in his retirement years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Master Sergeant Elvin Trusty, III for his exemplary service. He has effectively served Michigan and its residents through his selflessness and leadership.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter J. Murdock's lifetime of service. Mr. Murdock passed away on May 4, 2019 which greatly saddened our community. His lifetime of service to the Ypsilanti community is worthy of commendation. Mr. Murdock was a fixture of the Ypsilanti community. He moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan from his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts in the 1960s. Immediately after arriving, he became involved with the Ypsilanti Tenants' Union. He was employed at Motor Wheel and the Ford Rawsonville plant and was a key member of the local UAW chapter. For the remainder of his career, Mr. Murdock worked with the Ypsilanti Recycling Project and Recycle Ann Arbor. Mr. Murdock was elected to the Ypsilanti City Council from 1978 to 1982 and became the Mayor of the City of Ypsilanti in 1982 where he served for three consecutive terms. After his tenure as Mayor, he returned to the Ypsilanti City Council from 1991 until 1993, and from 2008 until his passing. During that time, he attended Eastern Michigan University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1996. Mr. Murdock and his wife Grace Sweeney were dedicated to historical preservation, founding the Ypsilanti East Side Neighborhood Association and supporting the revitalization of Depot Town. He was a champion for the environment, supporting solar power, crafting plans for city-wide recycling, invigorating community parks, and promoting sustainability. During his over 25-year tenure in Ypsilanti government he implemented policies that have positively affected the lives of all Ypsilanti residents. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy of Peter J. Murdock and his lifetime of service. We are truly grateful for his numerous contributions to the Ypsilanti community and to the County of Washtenaw. He will be dearly missed.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ozone House for their exemplary work assisting homeless youth in the state of Michigan. For 50 years, they have provided comprehensive support services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Founded in 1969, Ozone House is a community-based, non-profit agency that provides support services to youth in crisis and their families in Washtenaw County, Michigan. They offer high-quality housing and aid programs designed to assist runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth in the community. Through Ozone House's programs, these individuals develop essential life skills, improve their interpersonal relationships, and enhance their self-image in order to lead productive, happy lives. Ozone House's critical efforts have solidified its role as a model of effective care across the nation. Ozone House's continued work has been vital to addressing the needs of vulnerable youth in the Washtenaw community, and has received several awards for their dedication. Beyond the need for food and shelter, homeless youth are at greater risk of being victims of human trafficking and assault. Ozone House's intensive intervention and preventive services provide these individuals the stability to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. We thank Ozone House for their commitment to supporting and protecting homeless youth. Their work embodies the duty we have to our community and to empower those most in need. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ozone House for 50 years of distinguished service. Their efforts to support homeless and high-risk youth in the Washtenaw community is worthy of commendation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the sacrifice of our nation's servicemembers at Dearborn's 95th Memorial Day Parade. On this day of remembrance, we recognize our veterans for their selflessness and courage. Organized by the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council and the City of Dearborn, the city's Memorial Day Parade is one of the largest in the United States and the oldest continuous parade in the state of Michigan. The ceremony draws the Dearborn community together to honor those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. This year, the event recognizes Gold Star families and honors the many nameless soldiers who have died in service of this country. This tribute serves as an important reminder of the patriotic sacrifice of the families of our servicemembers. The contributions of our veterans embody the duty we have to our community through tireless work, compassion, and leadership. On Memorial Day, we honor their selfless public service, and remember those who have given their lives in service of our country. On this day we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our veterans as they continue to protect our nation and commend their families for their sacrifice. We thank our brave servicemembers for their selflessness and sacrifice, and we are grateful for their commitment to serving the American people abroad and at home. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the many servicemen and women of our nation for their distinguished service. I wish the Dearborn 95th Memorial Day Parade a successful celebration to mark this special occasion.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jane Laird for her exceptional service to the United States of America. Mrs. Laird's instrumental role as a Rosie, riveting during World War II, is worthy of commendation. The daughter of a coalminer, Jane Laird was born in Bearcreek, Montana. In 1943, before she could graduate high school, Mrs. Laird moved to Dearbom, Michigan to work for the Ford Motor Company. During World War II, she helped construct the B-24 bomber, The Liberator, riveting the cockpit of the aircraft. Mrs. Laird's efforts as a riveter at Ford Motor Company highlight the many significant contributions of young women during World War II. After riveting for the Ford Motor Company, Jane Laird worked part time at E.J. Korvette, where she remained until her retirement. Jane Laird's work embodies the duty we have to our community and our nation. A breast cancer survivor, Mrs. Laird stands as a model of strength, sacrifice, and service. Her generation's critical contribution to progress will always be remembered. Beloved for her sense of humor and tenacity, Mrs. Laird will finally receive her high school diploma this weekend. We thank Jane Laird for her instrumental work as a riveter and congratulate her on her graduation. We are grateful for her dedicated service to this nation. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jane Laird for her exemplary service as a riveter. Her graduation this weekend stands as a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice she has displayed over her lifetime.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pamela Adams for her lifetime of service. Mrs. Adams passed away on May 9, 2019 which greatly saddened our community. Her work to expand access to high-quality education is worthy of commendation. A lifelong resident of Dearborn, Michigan, Pamela Adams graduated from Edsel Ford High School and attended Henry Ford Community College. After working at Ford Motor Company for a short period, Mrs. Adams began her significant work in service of education. Mrs. Adams held various positions in the Dearborn School Board, Wayne County Association of School Boards, and served on the Henry Ford College Board of Trustees for 18 years. During her tenure on the Board of Trustees, Pamela Adams contributed to several key decisions. She was instrumental in the successful 2002 bond which brought four new schools to Dearborn, and formed the award-winning Henry Ford Collegiate Academy, a program where Dearborn students can earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree in 5 years at no cost. Pamela Adams' life stands as a role model of selfless service and demonstrates a tremendous love for her community. Beloved for her generosity and compassion, Mrs. Adams' reputation is a testament to the significant impact she had on the city of Dearborn and its residents. We are grateful for Mrs. Adams' commitment to increasing access to high-quality education. Her efforts have dramatically expanded the educational opportunities for residents of the state of Michigan and will continue to impact future students' lives. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Pamela Adams for a lifetime of service to her community. We are grateful for her dedicated work as a member of the Henry Ford College Board of Trustees, her compassion and leadership will be greatly missed.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, on H.R. 1994, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, unfortunately, due to an error in the voting process my ``Yea'' vote was not officially recorded when I cast my vote and was unable to return to the floor in time before the vote closed. Had I been present, I would have voted: Yea on Roll Call No. 231.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Police Chief Robert Pfannes for his dedicated service to the city of Ann Arbor. His exceptional work ensuring the safety of his community is worthy of commendation. A graduate of Madonna University and the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command, Chief Robert Pfannes committed his career to protecting the community. Initially serving in the Detroit and Garden City Police Departments, Chief Pfannes joined the Ann Arbor Police Department in 1998 as a patrol officer. He worked in the patrol, major crimes, and narcotics divisions, before being promoted to Detective Lieutenant in 2012, where he served as the commander of the Detective Section. Beyond his work in public safety, Chief Pfannes has dedicated numerous hours in service of education, teaching at the Western Wayne Regional Police Academy for the last 23 years. Chief Pfannes' efforts demonstrate a deep commitment to justice, public safety, and education. His critical work has been instrumental in protecting the Ann Arbor community. Chief Pfannes' 21 years as a member of the Ann Arbor Police Department exemplifies the selflessness of public service. We are grateful for the exceptional work he has done protecting the Ann Arbor community, and we congratulate him on his retirement. His dedicated leadership will be missed, and we wish him good health and every happiness in his retirement years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Police Chief Robert Pfannes for his many years of exemplary service. He has effectively served Michigan and its residents through his selflessness and leadership.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1994, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act. After a lifetime of work, all Americans should have access to retirement savings that will meet their needs and allow for each American to spend these years with friends, family, and doing what makes them happy. The SECURE Act includes numerous provisions to expand the opportunities for Americans to easily save more for retirement and fixes provisions what would have drastically increase taxes on military survivors and Gold Star families. This is a good, bipartisan bill that represents Congress working together and will improve saving for retirement for all Americans. I support the SECURE Act and voted in favor of the bill. Unfortunately, due to an error in the voting process my ``Yea'' vote was not officially recorded when the full House considered this bill on the floor.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Reverend Fran Hayes for her tireless work in service of the residents of Dearborn, Michigan. She has been an instrumental member of the community as the head of the Dearborn Area Interfaith Network. Reverend Fran Hayes has served the Dearborn community for 22 years as the pastor of Littlefield Presbyterian Church. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Reverend Hayes dedicated her career to celebrating diversity of faith and culture. As the head of the Dearborn Area Interfaith Network; she has made a concerted effort to celebrate the vibrant, diverse community of Dearborn by building deep relationships between Christians and Muslims. Under her leadership, the church has engaged in deliberate efforts to educate parishioners in Islamic scripture through interfaith programs and activities. Reverend Hayes' work represents a celebration of creed and culture. A staunch advocate for diversity, Reverend Hayes leaves a legacy of inclusivity and justice through her continued efforts to transcend barriers of faith and culture. We thank Reverend Hayes for her commitment to embracing people of all faiths and cultures and we congratulate her on her retirement. Her dedicated leadership will be missed, but we wish her good health and every happiness in her retirement years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Fran Hayes for her exemplary service to Dearborn. Her work celebrating diversity of faith is worthy of commendation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System for their critical work providing medical services to our nation's veterans. Their continued excellence in patient-centered healthcare is worthy of commendation. Since its foundation in 1953, the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System has provided essential healthcare services to veterans throughout Michigan and northwestern Ohio. The main campus operates as a referral center for complex specialty care and boasts state-of-the-art facilities and several satellite outpatient clinics. Beyond the medical care it offers, VAAAHS is a major research center, participating in over 400 active studies in basic science, health services, and rehabilitation. The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System stands as a role model in providing exemplary healthcare to our nation's veterans. Their work has had a profound impact on Michigan and Ohio by ensuring access to preventive and active treatment. We thank VAAAHS and its staff for their continued dedication to providing high-quality medical services to veterans, supporting clinical research, and promoting education on public health programs. We also congratulate the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System as they begin construction of a new veteran welcome center. Once finished, this new structure will expand the available capacity of the medical center and expedite critical care for its visitors. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System for their exemplary work in healthcare access, education, and research. Their efforts have been instrumental in ensuring care for the brave servicemen and women that protect our country.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michigan's 33rd District Court for fifty years of dedicated service. The court's efforts continue to improve and protect the communities of Southeastern Michigan. Originally located above the Trenton Police Station, the 33rd District Court was established on January 1, 1969. The court and its staff work diligently in coordination with law enforcement officials to protect Southeastern Michigan, overseeing criminal and civil trials. Beyond its judicial duties, the 33rd District Court offers a wealth of services for defendants, offenders, and students. Through the Sobriety Court program, over one-hundred individuals suffering from severe alcohol and drug abuse have received supervision, assistance, and treatment, dramatically reducing the recidivism rates of participants. The 33rd District Court is also highly involved in education, offering multiple programs to teach students about the criminal justice system. Regarded for its accessibility, timeliness, and courtesy, the 33rd District Court has faithfully served the community for fifty years. The efforts of the court and its staff highlight a deep commitment to justice and public safety. We thank the 33rd District Court for its exceptional service to Southeastern Michigan and its continued work in reducing crime. The 33rd District Court stands as a role model in criminal justice and its distinguished reputation is a testament to its impact on the community and the state of Michigan. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Michigan's 33rd District Court for fifty years of exemplary service. The court's work in criminal justice, reform, and education are worthy of commendation.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. All Americans, regardless of background, should have the ability to live their lives with dignity and free from discrimination. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental American principle, and this important legislation provides legal safeguards against discrimination for LGBTQ individuals. This is historic civil rights legislation that the House is considering today. Specifically, it would modify existing civil rights law to extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans, including protections against discrimination in employment, housing, access to public places, federal funding, credit, education, and jury service. As an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, I strongly support its final passage. I am unfortunately not able to attend today's important vote, but I am proud to support H.R. 5 and would have voted in favor of this bill.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nancy Hedberg for her award of 2019 Township Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks. Her numerous years of dedicated service are worthy of commendation. Nancy Hedberg has faithfully served her community of Scio Township for thirty-two years. Mrs. Hedberg was initially hired as a design consultant and worked on several initiatives, including the Jackson Boulevard project. In 1987, she was appointed to the Planning Commission, spending fourteen years supervising land development in Scio Township. From 1998 to 2008 , she served on the Board of Review, and from 2008 onward has worked as the Scio Township Clerk. During her tenure as Township Clerk, Mrs. Hedberg has displayed incredible tenacity and empathy. Nancy Hedberg's efforts have had a profound impact on the residents of Scio Township. Her exemplary work highlights a commitment to public service by developing deep relationships with members of her community. Praised for her continued optimism and tireless work ethic, Nancy Hedberg has been an integral member of the Scio Township hall. We thank Mrs. Hedberg for her commitment to serving Scio Township, and we congratulate her on her well-deserved award of the 2019 Township Clerk of the Year and her retirement. Her compassion and leadership will be missed, and we wish her good health and every happiness in her retirement years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Nancy Hedberg for her years of distinguished public service. Her work has been instrumental to the people of Scio Township.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in support of protecting people with preexisting conditions. Not that long ago, hardworking people who did everything right would be denied insurance coverage just because they had diabetes or asthma or they wanted to start a family. We passed the ACA and ended discrimination against people with preexisting conditions. Millions of Americans were able to sign up for coverage for the first time in their lives, and millions who already had coverage knew it wouldn't be taken away from them. Remember the stories of people's insurance being canceled as they were being rolled into operating rooms; that was the truth. The ACA has done a lot of good. Could we work to improve it? Yes. And I will work with any Republican or Democrat on those efforts. But when this Congress and this administration attempt to roll back protections for people with preexisting conditions, I will always stand against those policies. Mr. Chair, 2 years ago last week, House Republicans passed a bill to rescind the whole ACA and take healthcare away from 20 million Americans. Because Americans spoke up, that bill failed. I am proud to cosponsor Representative Kuster's bill. Healthcare should be affordable to every American.

Mrs. DINGELL

Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 9, the Climate Action Now Act, that is laid before this House now for final consideration. ``The Earth's climate is now changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization.'' This is a direct quote from the Fourth National Climate Assessment issued by our top scientists from across 13 government agencies. Sea levels are rising; average temperatures are warming; ice is disappearing; and extreme weather is intensifying and becoming more frequent. And we know that in this Chamber, because we are dealing with the consequences of the hurricanes, the fires, too often because of our constituents that are being hurt. We know this is affecting the lives of growing numbers of Americans all across the country. And even as I stand here, right now, we have floods in my district. Climate change is an urgent, existential threat we all face, and bold action is demanded at this moment. We have to act together, not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans. We don't change treaties. We don't change things because we have had a change in who has been elected President. We respect that office. The consequences of inaction are real, and not only are future generations put at risk each day if we do nothing, so are we. This begins by ensuring America honors its commitment under the Paris Agreement. Withdrawing is not the answer. The Climate Action Now Act would simply prevent the United States from using Federal dollars to withdraw from the Paris Agreement; and calls on the President to develop and make public a plan for how the United States will meet its nationally-determined contributions submitted to the world in 2015. The bill is technology-neutral, so the President has the flexibility to set climate policies and marshal renewable forms of energy. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.