Elizabeth Esty

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to increase funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Office by $20 million. I want to thank my colleagues, Representative Tom Reed, John Katko, and Jacky Rosen for their partnership in this bipartisan amendment. Our amendment is about protecting and creating millions of good- paying jobs in Connecticut and across the country. Our amendment will help us ensure that the technologically advanced products of the future will be manufactured, not in China, not in India, but right here in the United States of America. The Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office is the only technology development office within the Federal Government that is dedicated to enhancing American manufacturing competitiveness. The Advanced Manufacturing Office works to help manufacturers improve energy and material efficiency, technology, and productivity. Unfortunately, the appropriations bill before us today cuts funding to the Advanced Manufacturing Office by $155.5 million from fiscal year 2017 enacted levels, and that is a mistake. Manufacturing is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy. In 2016, manufacturing contributed $2.18 trillion to our economy and employed 12.3 million workers. In my home State of Connecticut, manufacturing has long been our economic backbone. Connecticut is home to nearly 5,000 manufacturing companies that provide good-paying jobs for 76,000 Connecticut residents. This amendment helps American manufacturers all across the country to be more competitive by reducing energy costs. Manufacturing is very energy intensive. In fact, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers consume more than 30 percent of our Nation's energy. That translates to $130 billion in costs to U.S. manufacturers every year. Adequately funding the Advanced Manufacturing Office, will help reduce energy costs to manufacturers, freeing up their budgets to invest in research and development, expand their facilities, and, most importantly, hire more people. Our amendment also helps American manufacturers become more competitive by addressing critical workforce needs in energy efficiency. Last year, I visited Forum Plastics, a plastic molding company based in Waterbury, Connecticut. I met with employees to discuss the expectations and challenges facing manufacturers in America today, and one of the topics that came up was how businesses struggle to hire workers with the right skills. Yet, that same year, Forum Plastics partnered with the Advanced Manufacturing Office to carry out an industrial assessment project. The Industrial Assessment Centers program is a tool for employers to recruit individuals with hands-on experience in energy efficiency. Mr. Chairman, now is not the time to roll back investments in American manufacturing. It is the time to increase our support for U.S. manufacturing. I know all of us in this Chamber are committed to promoting good-paying jobs in the communities we represent, but it is not enough to say we are committed. We need to make job creation a priority, and that means making American manufacturing a priority. I urge my colleagues to support our amendment which increases funding to the Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office by $20 million, fully paid for by a reduction in the more than $350 million plus-up to funding for the Office of Fossil Energy Research & Development. This bipartisan amendment is a win for American manufacturing and a win for our economy. I urge my colleagues to support our bipartisan amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, again, I urge my colleagues to support this. If we can help our manufacturers be more efficient in their use of energy, we can help them be more competitive, hire more people, and develop that clean energy technology for coal. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise in enthusiastic support of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, or the new GI Bill. I thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for leading the charge so that we can bring this important legislation to the House floor today. I have the great honor of serving on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, a committee on which Democrats and Republicans work together and work closely with our partners, the veterans service organizations. The GI Bill we bring forward today is no exception. This strong bipartisan legislation represents the biggest expansion of veterans' educational benefits in a decade. It is a huge win for our Nation's veterans. The men and women of our military deserve the security of knowing that, upon completion of their service to our country, they will be able to embark on a fulfilling career and continue providing for their families. I want to highlight several of the veterans who represent why we need this bill today. The first is a young man from my hometown of Cheshire. He was a classmate of my middle son in high school, and who, at age 19, lost his left leg and seriously injured his right leg when his unit was hit by an IED in Afghanistan. He had been in the country 3 months. It was the third IED. He has been awarded a Purple Heart, but this young man and many others would not, under the current GI Bill, be entitled to receive educational benefits. That seems crazy, and it is. But this bill will correct that injustice and ensure that all our Purple Heart heroes, our American heroes are entitled to use those benefits because, regardless of those months, they have served this country. The second one I think of is a 90-plus-year-old, who doesn't like to disclose his age, a Navy veteran from New Britain, Connecticut. He has just earned his second master's degree. That is the point of the lifelong benefits. We need educational benefits for life. Again, this bill corrects the injustice for Guard and reservists, lifelong benefits. It is a win for America. The military is changing. The GI Bill needs to change with it.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Smith for his nearly 50 years of service as a Professor of Music at Western Connecticut State University and for his community leadership in Danbury, Connecticut. Mr. Smith retired this year from his role at WCSU, and I thank him for his long commitment to encouraging students and their passion for music. Percussion has been David's life work. As a student of music, David excelled in both his undergraduate and master's degree studies. He then began working as a Professor of Music at WCSU in 1970, and David demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with and inspire thousands of students. His excellence in teaching and dedication to helping students was widely recognized, and he received Connecticut's Higher Education Music Educator of the Year Award in 1995 and WCSU's Teacher Excellence Awards in 2010. David touched the lives of countless students, and his legacy in musical education at WCSU and in our state will be remembered for generations. In addition to his career as a professor, David also worked as a percussionist in several orchestras, including the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, the Ives Symphony Orchestra, the Bridgeport Symphony, and the Ridgefield Orchestra. Mr. Speaker, David Smith committed his career to teaching and public service, and his devotion to his students, his work, and his community will have lasting impacts. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor Mr. David Smith here today. I offer my best wishes for a well- deserved and restful retirement.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ken Crowley for his dedication to our community and service to those in need in Connecticut. In our state, Ken is well known both for his leadership in business and for his willingness to step up to help others. Ken is a native of Waterbury, Connecticut, and learned the value of hard work at a young age after working on a local farm. He fell in love with driving and working with cars, and Ken eventually began working as a salesman in a dealership. Later, he rose up to run his own dealership. Now, Ken is one of Connecticut's largest and most successful auto dealers, with 13 franchises employing hundreds of people. In addition, Ken has shown great commitment to the environment. He participated in the CT Green Bank Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to outfit multiple car dealerships with clean energy improvements. What's more, Ken has used his success and leveraged his business's influence to address important community needs in Connecticut. He worked with former Governor Jody Rell in 2002 to provide for military families during the holidays. Later, in 2008, Crowley Auto Group partnered with the Army Reserve's Employer Partnership Initiative to help veterans transition to the civilian workforce. Ken was also instrumental in the planning of Bristol Technical Education Center and donates vehicles to the school's auto-shop program. Two decades ago, Ken started the Crowley Automotive Golf Tournament to help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and has raised over $1 million over 20 years. In fact, Ford Motor Company recently honored Ken for his community spirit, one of only six dealers worldwide to receive this well-deserved recognition. Mr. Speaker, Ken Crowley has been a business and community leader in Connecticut, and his work to support veterans and those in need has made our community stronger and more caring. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Newtown Bee, a weekly paper based in Newtown, Connecticut, upon the 140th Anniversary of its first publication. For well over a century, The Newtown Bee has chronicled the town's history and informed the Newtown community. The Newtown Bee was first published on June 28, 1877, and was initially led by editor John Pearce. Brothers Reuben and Allison Smith purchased the paper in 1881, and their leadership brought the paper increased prominence. Successive generations of the Smith family have been committed to The Newtown Bee's success and have ensured the paper's weekly publication, totaling over 7,000 issues. Despite changes in journalism, The Newtown Bee has remained a relevant part of the Newtown community, while keeping its historic charm. It is still published as a traditional eight column broadsheet newspaper, but it also pioneered Connecticut's first online newspaper in 1995. The Newtown community has looked to The Newtown Bee paper for information on town government activities, the work of public officials and business leaders, and even profiles of their neighbors. Since 1903, The Newtown Bee has been run from the same historic building on Church Hill Road, which is topped with an iconic bee weathervane. Moreover, members of the Smith family have been active members of our community, supporting local sports teams, the arts, and community organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club. Mr. Speaker, The Newtown Bee has been a vital and successful institution in Newtown, Connecticut for 140 years, and the leadership of the Smith family has ensured the community is informed and engaged in civic life. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the paper and the many leaders who have ensured its success here today.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Jay Agli, who tragically passed away on June 13, 2017 at the age of 17. When his sister was in danger of drowning in the Connecticut River, Jay leapt to action to save her. Jay's example as a courageous and selfless brother is an inspiration to all of us. Jay was a native of Meriden, Connecticut and an active young person in his community. He had just finished his junior year of high school at Orville H. Platt High, where he recently joined the wrestling team. He was also an enthusiastic volunteer with local groups, helping the Meriden Housing Authority Choice Neighborhood plan activities and joining the Meriden Youth Services teen group. Those close to Jay knew him for his kind and funny nature and his ability to make others laugh and feel welcome. He had a passion for cars and shared a love of art and drawing with his sister. Mr. Speaker, Jay Agli was a bright young member of our community whom we lost too soon. His bravery and selflessness in acting to save his sister speak volumes about his character and willingness to help others. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. I extend my deepest condolences to Jay's family, friends, and all those who loved him. His laughter and love will be missed, but not forgotten.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, the USS Fitzgerald collided with a container ship off the coast of Japan. Seven of our brave servicemembers were killed in the collision. I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honor the brave sailors who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mattatuck Drum Band, which this week commemorates the 250th Anniversary of its founding. This band is our nation's oldest continuously active fife and drum band and is a celebrated institution of our Waterbury, Connecticut community. The Mattatuck Drum Band was founded in 1767, and over the past two and a half centuries, the band has been an invaluable group in supporting our country's battles and preserving the heritage of our state and country. The band was first formed to play martial music for military training exercises in the towns of Farmingbury and Waterbury. The fifers and drummers were some of the earliest patriots to join the American Revolution in the spring of 1775, at a time when musicians and drummers were instrumental in maintaining order and routine for military camps. The band joined many parades in support of President Lincoln's 1860 campaign, and then joined recruiting efforts to support the Union's fight in the Civil War. Almost a century later during World War II, despite gas rationing and the deployment of many members, the band still turned out to play in parades to support our country's service members and maintain solidarity during a difficult time for the country. Today, the dedicated members of the band keep musical tradition alive, and the band's performances are an essential part of our community's celebrations. Mr. Speaker, the Mattatuck Drum Band celebrates our history in Connecticut and America, and its dedicated musicians and leaders have preserved an important part of our community's heritage for the past 250 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the band and everyone who has ensured its preservation and success here today.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Mattatuck Drum Band, which this week commemorates the 250th Anniversary of its founding. This band is our nation's oldest continuously active fife and drum band and is a celebrated institution of our Waterbury, Connecticut community. The Mattatuck Drum Band was founded in 1767, and over the past two and a half centuries, the band has been an invaluable group in supporting our country's battles and preserving the heritage of our state and country. The band was first formed to play martial music for military training exercises in the towns of Farmington and Waterbury. The fifers and drummers were some of the earliest patriots to join the American Revolution in the spring of 1775, at a time when musicians and drummers were instrumental in maintaining order and routine for military camps. The band joined many parades in support of President Lincoln's 1860 campaign, and then joined recruiting efforts to support the Union's fight in the Civil War. Almost a century later during World War II, despite gas rationing and the deployment of many members, the band still turned out to play in parades to support our country's service members and maintain solidarity during a difficult time for the country. Today, the dedicated members of the band keep musical tradition alive, and the band's performances are an essential part of our community's celebrations. Mr. Speaker, the Mattatuck Drum Band celebrates our history in Connecticut and America, and its dedicated musicians and leaders have preserved an important part of our community's heritage for the past 250 years. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor the band and everyone who has ensured its preservation and success here today.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Larry Marsicano for his many years of tireless work to improve and protect Candlewood Lake. As Larry prepares to leave the Candlewood Lake Authority where he has served as Executive Director for fourteen years, I would like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize him. Larry has been a champion for conservation in western Connecticut, and his expertise and dedication have helped our community make significant progress to address pollution in Candlewood Lake. As an undergraduate at Western Connecticut State University in the 1980s, Larry began collecting data on the water quality of Candlewood Lake, Connecticut's largest lake. After completing his Bachelor's degree, Larry worked as a laboratory manager, and then joined the Candlewood Lake Authority in 1998. The Candlewood Lake Authority is an agency created by the five municipalities surrounding the lake to reduce pollution and improve its quality. Larry first worked as a Lake Preservation Director, supporting research and outreach, and in 2003, he became Executive Director. His work for the group has spanned environmental research, policy and advocacy, and education initiatives. Among his many accomplishments, Larry was instrumental in changing local land use regulations to protect surface water quality and in developing opportunities for high school students to learn about research on the lake. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Larry Marsicano has been a devoted public servant in spearheading the efforts to protect Candlewood Lake and promote conservation awareness. I thank him for his decades of hard work to bring together government and private sector leaders to solve the issues facing the lake. While our efforts on behalf of the lake will continue, he will be greatly missed. It is fitting and proper that we honor Larry here today for his service and extend our best wishes as he begins the next stage of his career.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day and to honor the cancer survivors and medical professionals gathered in Salisbury, Connecticut who are champions in the fight against cancer. Cancer has touched all of our lives in some way, and there are more than 15 million survivors in our country. Whether we have seen family, friends, or neighbors fight the disease, they have shown us tremendous courage and fortitude. Their perseverance and commitment to a living fully after diagnosis is an inspiration to us all. Today's celebration in Salisbury makes a powerful statement about our community's commitment to those in need of support and our goal to improve the lives of those who have been diagnosed. In Connecticut, we are lucky to have leaders in medical treatment and patient care. The Salisbury Visiting Nurse Association has been serving the people of northwestern Connecticut for over a century. These professionals both provide high quality care to patients and address their personal needs, often ensuring they can remain in the safety and comfort of their own home. It is dedicated health care professionals like these who support cancer patients and their families through treatment and to lead a fulfilling life. Each day, the nurses, social workers, and health care professionals of our community make a difference in the lives of our neighbors. Mr. Speaker, National Cancer Survivors Day is a global event that reminds us of the courage shown by cancer patients and of the everyday compassion that helps those who have been diagnosed. It is fitting and proper that we honor the survivors and care providers gathered in Salisbury, Connecticut today and celebrate their lives and work.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of my friend Mr. John Millington and to recognize his extraordinary contributions to our nation's understanding of global affairs, and his public service to the State of Connecticut and the Town of Washington, Connecticut. John passed away on December 16, 2016 at the age of 90, after a long life of dedicated service. John was born in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania and developed a love of nature early in his life. He began working in publishing and embarked on a diverse career connecting his interests in global affairs and journalism. John began his career with Time, Inc., and later moved to Bangkok, Thailand to manage the Bangkok World newspaper. With his experience working in international journalism and publishing, John joined the Council on Foreign Relations to support the organization's business development and membership growth. In addition to his distinguished career in journalism and foreign affairs, John was a well-known and active member of his community in Washington. A lifelong advocate for conservation and environmental issues, John chaired Connecticut's Council on Environmental Quality during Governor Weicker's administration and was an instrumental champion of the campaign to protect the Shepaug River. Locally, he served as a board member of the Washington Community Housing Trust. The Town of Washington recognized John's tremendous contributions and passion for service in 2014 with the Stephen Reich award, the town's highest honor for citizenship. Mr. Speaker, John Millington led a remarkable career and enthusiastically lent his talents to improve Washington, Connecticut, and our country. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor his life and memory here today. John Millington was a friend and a mentor, and I miss his wise counsel. My condolences go out to his wife, Edwina, and to his children and grandchildren. Those of us who knew John will cherish his memory, and his legacy will live on in our community.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Clifton ``Clif'' R. Hartman and his long dedication to our Cheshire community. Clif passed away on May 27, 2017 at the age of 97, but his memory and contributions will live on in Cheshire for years to come. Clif was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on May 21, 1920. He graduated from high school in Dunellen, New Jersey, and then studied organic chemistry and chemical engineering at Lehigh University, Rutgers University, and Columbia University. Clif met the love of his life, Mary Shuey, and the couple married on June 1, 1942. Just a few weeks later, Clif joined the U.S. Army Air Force to lend his expertise as an ammunitions specialist during the Second World War. He served with a bomb disposal unit across the European and northern African theaters of war, and earned a Bronze Star in recognition of his service and dedication to the country. At the end of the war, Clif started his long career with the Calco Chemical Company, and he retired in 1985. In their retirement, Clif and Mary were active and adventurous, traveling extensively with their family. Clif was an active member of our community and enthusiastically shared his knowledge as a longtime member of the Cheshire Army Air Force Round Table and the First Congregational Church. He was also a master chess player and shared his passion for the game with hundreds of elementary school children in after-school programs. Mr. Speaker, Clif Hartman was a model member of our community whose dedication and willingness to help others serve as a model for those who knew him, and it is fitting and proper that we honor his legacy here today. My condolences go out to his family, including his children Keith and Dale, and his grandchildren Caitlin, Beth, Megan, Erik, Elise, Rebecca, Ryan, and Jeffrey. Clif had an immeasurable impact on Cheshire, Connecticut and the United States of America, and those who knew him will cherish his memory.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano), the subcommittee ranking member.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. The underlying bill is overly broad, and not only risks public health, but also endangers our agricultural lands by needlessly contaminating our water. Let me be clear: I support eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens. In fact, if you ask every Representative whether they support getting rid of duplicative or unnecessary regulations, you would probably get 435 yeas. However, the regulations here are far from unwarranted. There is a compelling reason why the Environmental Protection Agency stepped in to protect the American public and our water from unnecessary harms from pesticides. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, FIFRA, the EPA is charged with registering all pesticides that are made and sold in the United States. But FIFRA does not take into account when, where, and how pesticides are applied. Applying a pesticide to crop land has a dramatically different consequence to the environment than when it is sprayed directly into or over or on bodies of water. So that is why, under the Clean Water Act, pesticide general permits are now required for pesticide applications in, over, or on water. Folks are only required to apply for a pesticide general permit when they want to release biological or chemical pesticides into, over, or on waters of the United States. A PGP is often required for control of the following pests: mosquitoes, vegetation and algae, animal pests, areawide pests, and forest-canopy pests. Now, I would like to clarify some misconceptions that we have heard discussed here this afternoon. Claims that the pesticide general permits recklessly harms American agriculture are simply not true. For 6 years now, the pesticide general permit has been in place. Farmers and forestry operators have had successful growing seasons and have provided important products to the United States around the world. Congressional testimony has revealed no report of a pesticide applicator being unable to apply pesticide in a timely manner. Assertions that the pesticide general permit prevents us from combating the Zika virus are also untrue. When special circumstances arise, public health outbreaks like the Zika virus or West Nile, special exemptions allow applicators to spray pesticides and apply for permits after the fact. The post-pesticide application process is simple, and it works. The bottom line is that limiting the amount of pesticides that are sprayed into our lakes, rivers, and streams, into our drinking water supplies, is common sense. In my home State of Connecticut, pesticide contamination in residential drinking water has been a Statewide problem for a long time. Some of my constituents have gone for years living with stomach pain, hair loss, body numbness, skin rashes, not knowing the cause of their ailments. Test results have revealed pesticides were the cause. That is why I stand here today to offer an amendment that would ensure that we keep existing clean water protections in place so that we can protect our waters and agricultural lands in the long run. My amendment would retain existing Clean Water Act accountability for the most toxic chemicals and hazardous substances commonly used in pesticides today. Should we would try to find a way to streamline the application process for a pesticide general permit? Of course. But a blanket exemption with complete disregard for clean water, the ecosystem, and public health makes this underlying bill unwarranted and unwise. We must work together in this Congress to protect our waterways, ensure a healthy food and water supply, while also protecting our public health. Mr. Chair, I encourage all of my colleagues to support my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire as to how much time I have remaining?

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2288, the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, as amended. First, I want to thank our excellent chairman, Dr. Roe, and ranking member, Mr. Walz, for their dedication and hard work. It has been a pleasure to work on this important legislation during my first term as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs' Committee Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee. I want to give special thanks to my new friend, our subcommittee chairman, Mr. Bost, for his leadership on this issue and for ensuring that the legislative process was bipartisan at every turn. I want to acknowledge and thank Congresswoman Dina Titus for her leadership on this issue, as she helped pass similar legislation that formed the basis for our work here in this Congress. Mr. Speaker, claims appeals are backing up. Veterans in Connecticut and across the country are waiting for far too long for the benefits they have earned through their hard service to this country. When a veteran asks my office for help appealing their claim, it is frustrating and embarrassing to have to explain that the process could take more than 5 years. The backlog will only get worse if we do not reform the process. Some veterans could be waiting as long as 10 years, as we have heard from Chairman Roe and from Ranking Member Walz, if we don't reform things now. With the new process created under this bill, if it is properly implemented, many veterans would see a clearer, definitive appeals decision in as little as a year. I have seen in Connecticut that, when an appeal is granted, it can change the way a veteran lives. But it is also proof to that veteran that their service is being honored. That is why it is so unacceptable that the current process is failing so many veterans. It forces them to navigate layers of red tape and duplicative review. The slow grinding of the appeals process chips away at our veterans' faith that they will ever be fairly compensated for injuries that they sustained in service to our country. Our goal with this bill is to establish a new process that is simple, fair, transparent, and, wherever possible, speedy. As we have heard, there are 470,000--yes, 470,000--veterans with disability appeals pending right now, and that is something we should be able to address, Democrats and Republicans, without regard to party. We owe a faster, better appeals process not only to our veterans who have served, but to those who wear the uniform right now. Our men and women in uniform deserve to know that the benefits that they have been promised when they signed up will be there for them if, God forbid, something happens to them and they are injured in serving our country. I would like to thank all of the veterans and veterans service organizations who shared their ideas and their concerns with us as we worked hard to craft this legislation. Voices from the veterans community were invaluable as we developed this bill and will be essential as we move forward to ensure that the new process works well. I also want to thank the VA itself for having been such a good partner in this effort. It is important to remember that this is just the first step towards reforming the appeals process. If this bill is going to be successful, it will require a lot of work from our committee, from the VA, oversight by Congress, and we must take care to ensure that legacy appeals do not get lost in the process. Congress must also provide the resources necessary for the new appeals system to work well for our veterans. I want to thank, again, Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for making reforming the appeals system a top priority of the committee for this year and for their dedication working together in a bipartisan way. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important legislation and to commit to keep working together to get the job done.

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut

Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Infrastructure Week and to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together and pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we cannot run a 21st century economy on a mid-20th century infrastructure. Our roads are filled with potholes, costing commuters, on average, $520 a year in repairs. Traffic congestion adds another $960 per year in fuel and lost productivity. Too many of our bridges are structurally deficient and past their 50- year lifespan. As the Flint lead crisis painfully demonstrated, our water infrastructure is failing to provide too many Americans with water that is safe to drink. It is time to stop talking about infrastructure. It is time for Congress to act. The systems that allow us to travel from place to place, provide us with clean drinking water, and dispose of waste are not luxuries; they are essentials. Mr. Speaker, let's pass a bipartisan infrastructure plan. Let's invest in safety, jobs, and the competitiveness of American businesses.