Neal Dunn

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida.

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz for agreeing to work with me going forward to address appropriate funding levels and types of facilities that will be necessary to bring Tyndall back to life.

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the desk.

Mr. DUNN. Yes, in its current form.

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, this motion to recommit strikes title 12 from the bill, H.R. 268. This was inserted by Democratic leadership at the eleventh hour today. Title 12 is a continuing resolution, meaning it will never be taken up or passed by the Senate; it will never be signed by the President. Three months ago, Hurricane Michael devastated north Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Five months ago, Hurricane Florence caused severe damage in all of the Carolinas. Wildfires in California, all fall long, caused billions of dollars in damage and took almost 100 lives. Typhoons and volcanos in Hawaii and the American trust territories also caused savage destruction. Disaster victims across the Nation are in dire need of our help right now. Today, we will be voting on a bill that we had been told would be a stand-alone emergency funding bill, addressing only the 2018 disasters, unencumbered by hot button, divisive issues. Unfortunately, we are voting on a very different bill. House Democrat leadership pulled a bait-and-switch at the last minute and made this otherwise good bill into an attack on President Trump. Madam Speaker, my people at home are hurting. I worked hard on this bill. I truly believed that we were having a good faith conversation on how to help suffering victims all across our Nation. Instead, House Democrats chose to play political games rather than help our victims. They knew full well, when they inserted this poison pill continuing resolution at the eleventh hour, that they doomed any chance of this bill passing the Senate, and yet they did just that. It is now dead on arrival in the Senate. I have people back home, in my district, sleeping in tents, in the cold, in the rain, because FEMA housing has not yet arrived. I lost two hospitals. One was a level two trauma center. That has never happened in the history of the country. I have sheriff's deputies who are homeless, but they are still working. They are still performing their duties. They are still protecting and serving the people. You would like to think that Congress could follow their example. Madam Speaker, the people of America have lost a great deal of faith in their government over the years. But the one thing that they still believe in is that when a disaster strikes, their government will come to their aid. And now we are letting them down on even that simple promise. I won't allow the people of north Florida, suffering after Hurricane Michael, to be used as political pawns against the President. That is why I urge all Members of this House to support the motion to recommit. We can remove the bitterly divisive part of this bill and pass a truly bipartisan, compassionate bill that provides urgently needed relief to millions of people across all of our Nation and our territories, who are desperate for that relief. After we address this disaster, we can work on a compromise to address border security and reopen the rest of the government. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the motion to recommit, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DUNN. Madam Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Florida's Second Congressional District who stand in strong support of the Trump administration's efforts to secure our southern border. Unfortunately, obstructionist leadership on the other side of the aisle is unwilling to even consider a commonsense solution to the problem that hurts the security of our Nation. This has become a needlessly divisive issue. We simply must secure our borders. Despite the steadfast efforts of law enforcement, human traffickers, drug dealers, and other violent criminals continue to enter our country from the southern border daily. Furthermore, the majority of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in America are smuggled into America from Mexico. With the opioid epidemic and drug addiction costing our economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually, and taking countless lives, we must take action. I stand with my colleagues and President Trump in our commitment to secure our Nation and protect our people.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, just over 2 months ago, Hurricane Michael ravaged the panhandle of Florida. It was a devastating Category 4.9 storm, which damaged more than 90 percent of Tyndall Air Force Base, decimated our agriculture industry, and destroyed entire communities. Mr. Speaker, the folks back home in my district, the Second District of Florida, are hurting. This supplemental disaster relief funding is a downpayment on getting the hardworking folks in my district back on their feet. This funding, by no means, is even close to what we will need to completely rebuild, but it is a start. I commend President Trump for remaining steadfast in his commitment to our Nation. After Hurricane Michael, President Trump and Vice President Pence came down to the Second District and made it clear that we have their support and we will rebuild. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to fight for the disaster relief funding in the coming months and years because the survivors of Hurricane Michael across the South deserve nothing less.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the airmen of Tyndall Air Force Base on a special date. Today marks exactly 2 months since Tyndall took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael, a devastating category 4.9 storm that damaged more than 90 percent of the structures on the air base. I salute the tremendous efforts of the Tyndall Air Force community and the surrounding civilian community for their recovery efforts. It is the remarkable work of the base leadership and all of the airmen of Tyndall that enabled this base and its elementary school to reopen ahead of schedule today. The men and women of Tyndall have shown great courage and determination in a time of extreme adversity. It is my great honor and pleasure to represent Tyndall Air Force Base, and I commend the work that they are doing day in and day out to rebuild this base stronger and better than ever.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to be here today for the opportunity to speak on this bipartisan, commonsense bill to provide much-needed modernization and updates of the Coastal Barrier Resources System maps. I thank Chairman Bishop for his work throughout this process, as well as my colleague on the other side of the aisle, my friend, Representative Blunt Rochester, for her work on this issue as well. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act, signed into law in 1982, is meant to preserve our Nation's barrier islands by barring Federal funds and financial assistance from being used there, which therefore disincentivizes development. This bill maintains these protections for our Nation's barrier islands while simply providing for more precise digital maps to distinguish the CBRA zones. For decades, some of my constituents throughout the Second District of Florida have been burdened by being erroneously included in the CBRA zones. In some cases, this is due to the width of the pencil marks outlining the boundaries on the original outdated, hand-drawn maps. This was unacceptable in 1982, and it is outrageous in 2018. Now, more than ever, in the wake of one of the most devastating hurricanes in American history, a lack of access to Federal resources is particularly debilitating for residents in coastal communities across the Florida panhandle. This means no flood insurance, no FEMA assistance, or no SBA loans. Being included in the CBRA zones actually precludes the use of the funds from the BP oil spill in 2010. I am grateful that this bill will provide a remedy for some people who are dealing with these unnecessary burdens. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I encourage the Senate to take it up before the end of Congress.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a life that was lost too soon. Florida National Guard Specialist Robert Allen Wise of Tallahassee was killed in Baghdad when a roadside bomb detonated in November 2003. He was the First Florida National Guardsmen killed in action to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Specialist Wise chose to selflessly serve our country at 17 years old. He was enrolled at Tallahassee Community College, when he answered the call to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom. When his father asked him if he was sure he wanted to go, Wise told his father ``I would rather face them there than here.'' Specialist Wise was known to his family and friends for his contagious laugh, infectious smile, and unwavering sense of duty to his country. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Specialist Robert A. Wise and all of our fallen heroes who gave `the last full measure of devotion' to this country to make Americans safe at home and abroad.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Frank Edward Christie who passed away August 19, 2018, at the age of 96. Frank Christie lived a life of service to the American people--from his time on the beaches of Okinawa and Leyte Gulf to his passion for education back home, and dedication to his church. In 1943, Mr. Christie enlisted in the U.S. Army and would later be awarded two Purple Hearts and the Silver and Bronze stars for Valor in Action for his heroic actions as a medic during World War II. During his 35-year education career, Mr. Christie left his imprint across the states of Georgia and Florida. He served as the Terrell County school superintendent in Dawson, GA and would go on to help start the Terrell County Recreational Program. Through his service to the school system, Mr. Christie was at the forefront of a peaceful and successful desegregation of the public schools during the mid-sixties. On Sundays, you would find Mr. Christie and his wife singing in their church choir. For 26 years, Mr. Christie served as the Song Leader at his last church home in Alligator Point, Florida--Mission-By-The-Sea. Frank Edward Christie will be missed by many. May his service to our country always be remembered and venerated and may he rest in peace.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding member of the Second Congressional District of Florida, Ms. Lynetta Griner. Ms. Griner was recently named the 2018 Florida Farmer of the Year. This designation makes her a finalist for the Southeast Regional Farmer of the Year Award. Ms. Griner owns and operates Usher Land and Timber Inc. in Levy County, specializing in timber and cattle production. In 2013, she was named Florida's Woman of the Year in Agriculture and she was the first female president of the Florida Forestry Association. Ms. Griner also served on the Suwannee River Management District's governing board for 14 years and with her family, she has raised more than $1 million for the Children's Miracle Network at the University of Florida Health Shands Children's Hospital. In 2017, she was one of 15 farmers and ranchers from across the country to participate in an agriculture roundtable hosted by President Trump at the White House. Lynetta is a champion for Florida agriculture, and has dedicated her life to giving back to her community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Ms. Lynetta Griner, Florida's 2018 Farmer of the Year, and thanking her for her years of service to Florida.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rear Admiral John E. Dombroski. Admiral Dombroski passed away July 1, 2018 and left a legacy of service to God, country, and family that we all should aspire to emulate. The Admiral was raised in Beacon Falls, Connecticut, graduated from Trinity College in 1967, and attended Cornell Law School. He entered the United States Navy in 1969 and served on the USS Moale where he earned qualification as the combat information center officer, and subsequently served on USS Luiseno as executive officer. Admiral Dombroski served in a variety of posts in the Judge Advocate General's Corps, culminating his exceptionally distinguished career as the Chief Judge of the Navy-Marine Corps, Court of Criminal Appeals. Admiral Dombroski and his wife Julie Ann eventually settled in Tallahassee, Florida. He continued to live a life of service as a Rotarian and dedicated member of Saint Peter's Anglican Cathedral, where he dedicated time to instruct weekly men's bible study classes in his home. Loved and cherished by family and friends, highly decorated by his nation, and honored by all those with whom he came in contact, Rear Admiral John E. Dombroski dedicated his life to the mission of leaving this world better than he found it. Admiral Dombroski is survived by his wife Julie Ann, their daughter Christine Jecko and her husband Sean, and his son Matthew and his wife, Tori. He was a devoted grandparent to Ann, Jonathan, and Savannah, and a loving brother to his sister, Andrea Redden. The Admiral was a giant of a man and his presence will be missed. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Rear Admiral John E. Dombroski for his life of service to God and man.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 375.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an exceptional member of the Air Force on his retirement from government service: Mr. Herman Bell. Herman will retire this week as the chief of public affairs of Tyndall Air Force Base, capping a career of more than 46 years of government service. Herman enlisted in the Air Force in 1972 and retired as a master sergeant in 1993. He has served in the 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office since that time. His keen leadership over the last 25 years at Tyndall and the many years before that on Active Duty is a testament to the core values instilled in all those who serve in our Air Force. Mr. Speaker, please join me in saying thank you to Herman Bell and to his family for their years of service and sacrifice, and wish them luck as they move on to a new chapter in life.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of Suwannee County Sheriff's Deputy Troy Wadford earlier this month. On June 4, Deputy Wadford was off duty and traveling with his family when he witnessed a horrible car accident. He immediately took action and administered aid to one of the drivers who was pinned in an overturned car. His quick thinking and response saved Destiny Romine that day. As you can see here, Destiny is on the road to recovery because of Deputy Wadford. Even when our law enforcement personnel are off duty, they carry out their commitment to protect and serve. They jump into action and they put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and for that, we will all be forever grateful. I thank Deputy Wadford and all those who wear the badge. His actions reflect great credit on the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office and exemplify the best in America.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hardworking people of Eastpoint, Florida, who lost their homes, their belongings, and even their livelihoods to a devastating fire this week. This past weekend a fire broke out in Franklin County, which destroyed more than 40 homes and almost 1,000 acres. My heart goes out to those whose lives have been forever changed by this horrible and unexpected wildfire. My office stands ready to assist them in any way we can. Thank you to all of our first responders, volunteer firefighters, and local law enforcement for your heroic efforts in containing this blaze. Your quick actions saved many lives. Thank you also to Franklin County Sheriff, A. J. ``Tony'' Smith, Franklin County Emergency Management Director Pam Brownell, local community leaders, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross, all of whom stepped up and provided aid and comfort to those who need it the most. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praying for the victims and their families during this time of loss.

Mr. DUNN

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 6. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak about it. My amendment strikes language that would expand the classes of healthcare workers who would be authorized to dispense narcotics for narcotic treatment. Let me be clear at the outset. H.R. 6 is, in large part, a great bill; however, as currently written, it allows nurse specialists, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists to prescribe buprenorphine. I believe this is a significant and impulsive expansion of prescribing authority. Allowing more providers with less clinical experience to provide buprenorphine, a highly addictive opioid, opens up dangerous new potential for increased opioid abuse. The point of H.R. 6 is to decrease opioid abuse, but this provision increases the potential for abuse and vastly increases the supply of a dangerous opioid that is one of the major causes of opioid overdose and death in Europe. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the opportunity to bring these concerns to light in this amendment. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter in support of my amendment from The OTP Consortium. The OTP Consortium, June 19, 2018. Hon. Greg Walden, Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin Brady, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Ranking Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Richard Neal, Ranking Member, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairmen Walden and Brady and Ranking Members Pallone and Neal: On behalf of the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) Consortium we would like to offer our support for H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act. In particular, we strongly support Section 207 which would provide Medicare beneficiaries with lifesaving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the highly-effective OTP setting. This policy was introduced by Ranking Member Neal and Congressman George Holding as part of H.R. 5776, the Medicare and Opioid Safe Treatment (MOST) Act of 2018. The OTP Consortium is comprised of nearly 350 OTPs across the country that provide care to more than 140,000 patients daily in 37 states, including at our 22 facilities in Massachusetts, 16 facilities in Texas, nine facilities in Oregon, and two facilities in New Jersey. OTPs are highly-regulated, highly-structured, comprehensive treatment programs that provide MAT--which the National Institutes of Health states is the most effective solution to treat OUD. OTPs are the only provider where patients are guaranteed to receive MAT--including individual and group counseling, random toxicology screens, medication, and other supportive services such as case management, primary care, mental health services, HIV and Hepatitis C testing and more. Medicare beneficiaries have the highest and fastest growing rate of OUD, yet they do not currently have coverage for the most effective form of treatment--H.R. 6 provides such coverage. More than 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries have been diagnosed with OUD--your legislation could end up saving their lives and many more. Medicare hospitalizations due to complications caused by opioid abuse or misuse increased 10% every year from 1993 to 2012--your bill would help reverse this alarming trend. We do, however, have concerns about the policies contained in Section 303. While we are pleased that the 275-patient threshold was not codified, we do not support expanding or making permanent buprenorphine prescribing authority to non- physician providers before policymakers can fully analyze the data resulting from the critical questions asked in subsection (e). Americans need effective treatment and decades of evidence and outcomes show that medication simply assists the other treatment interventions. Medication should never be the sole aspect of treating SUD--thus the term Medication-Assisted Treatment. Office-based practices that focus on medication alone run the risk of becoming the next- generation pill mill. We hope that Congress will revisit office-based buprenorphine prescribing thresholds once this quality assessment has been completed and it can be determined whether or not patients are indeed truly receiving MAT in these settings. Improving access to buprenorphine is important, but it must be paired with the evidence-based MAT services that are proven to lead to recovery. We support H.R. 6 and stand ready to work with you see that this critical Medicare OTP benefit is signed into law, without delay. Sincerely, Peter Morris, Division President, Acadia Healthcare. Alex Dodd, CEO, Aegis Treatment Centers, LLC. David White, Ph.D., CEO, BayMark Health Service. Jay Higham, CEO, Behavioral Health Group. John Steinbrun, CEO, New Season.

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), the chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mr. DUNN. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Marshall).

Mr. DUNN. Mr. Chair, buprenorphine was introduced in Finland in 1997, and now it has become the most widely-abused opioid in that country. Buprenorphine can kill people. It does kill people. And office-based practices involving merely prescribing buprenorphine run a large risk of harming patients, not helping them to recover. In closing, I want to thank you for working with me on this amendment, and I thank Chairman Walden for his gracious commitment to continue to examine. I yield back the balance of my time Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.