Ron Estes

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Wichita State University men's basketball team and their head coach, Isaac Brown, for winning the America Athletic Conference regular-season championship. This is the Shockers' first AAC championship after joining the conference in the 2017-2018 season. The Shockers ended their regular season with an overall 15-4 record after ranking seventh in the AAC preseason poll. WSU now enters postseason play as the No. 1 seed. I am so proud of these men who have displayed perseverance on the court during this challenging year, and I know they will continue to make Wichita and Kansas proud. I wish them the best of luck as they compete this weekend in Texas during the AAC men's basketball tournament. Go Shox.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 50 on agreeing to the Resolution (H. Res. 179) on H.R. 1 (For the People Act) and H.R. 1280 (George Floyd Justice in Policing Acting). Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I appreciate my friend from New Jersey for yielding and for hosting this special hour. As Americans, we realize that our government was formed to protect our God-given rights, and among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, we recently marked the tragic anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, an anniversary that reminds us that nearly 62 million babies never got a chance to see the world. This anniversary is also a call to action. As elected officials, we must stand for the rights of the unborn and be a voice for the voiceless. Instead of working to protect innocent life, President Biden has neglected this duty by signing executive orders that are neither pro-life nor pro-taxpayer. He has reversed the Mexico City policy, forcing U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund abortions in foreign countries, a policy that is opposed by 77 percent of Americans, Democrats and Republicans. And he signaled that he will rescind the Title X protect life rule, which restricts funding organizations that consider abortion routine family planning. I am proud to stand with Americans who believe in the sanctity of life, and I am proud to lead this movement in Congress with our Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act to safeguard babies with a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Thankfully, more pro-life leaders, activists, and legislators are rising up to defend the unborn across our country. In Kansas, over the last couple of weeks, our State legislature has passed a resolution that puts a Kansas constitutional amendment on the ballot next year to say with certainty that Kansas values both the life of the mothers and the babies. There is so much more work to be done, and I look forward to representing the many pro-life Kansans in Congress.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, in addition to treating and vaccinating for COVID, our main priority should be getting people back to work. This legislation doesn't do that. It is full of job-killing mandates and liberal special interest handouts. So it keeps schools closed. Operation Warp Speed was such a great development to get the vaccine rolled out there so we can get the economy going. But one of the things that this resolution does, it bails out States that help top off their tax revenue for 2020. However, in my State of Kansas, the 2020 revenues are already higher than the 2019 revenues, including in our just completed month of January, 10 percent higher than a year ago. So the States aren't suffering through the revenue loss because of the ability for people to still continue to grow and work as they can. But the resolution does raise expenses for Main Street, nearly doubling the Federal minimum wage at a time when thousands of small businesses are already struggling to keep the lights on. This legislation also fails to recognize, as mentioned earlier, that there is nearly $1 trillion left from the previous COVID bills that Congress has already passed. By the way, these were five bipartisan bills that were passed in 2020 in order to make sure that it addressed all of the issues that we reflect across our country. The Biden administration should instead be focused on families who are hurting the most, targeting, particularly, the more than 8 million people who have lost their jobs due to COVID. Workers, families, and small businesses don't need more Washington regulations or mandates. They need to have the economy up and running again. Republicans believe we must increase wages and job opportunities for all workers, and we have gotten real results with tax and regulatory reforms, achieving historic surges in jobs and wages. Unfortunately, this legislation does not build off of that successful playbook, but, instead, shows that the Biden administration is far more interested in advancing a radical leftwing wish list over our common economic policies that will help our Main Street businesses and families.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend, Mr. Lamborn, for holding this special hour. For our Nation's Founding Fathers, the Bible was a guiding light and provided them the wisdom to build a strong foundation for the United States, a nation that recognizes and protects our God-given rights. The teachings in the Bible are intertwined with American beliefs and values, showing us truth, sacrifice, and compassion for others. In Isaiah 45:13, God called on Cyrus to bring freedom to His people. He says: I have raised them up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; he shall rebuild My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward. Just as God called upon Cyrus centuries ago, He calls each of us to serve Him and our fellow man. Not only that, but God equips us with His Word and His Holy Spirit. We serve Him by advocating for the weakest among us and giving a voice to the voiceless. We do this in His name, not for reward, but out of love for our fellow man. That servant attitude should be followed, whether you are a Member of Congress, a farmer, or a machinist on a manufacturing line. I am so grateful for His calling in my life and for His Word that is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, at a time when bipartisan solutions are becoming rarer, the PAID Act is a meaningful, commonsense measure that will provide financial stability and longevity to Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage is the best way to give seniors the care they need without sacrificing quality and maintaining fiscal responsibility. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan measure to allow this program to continue serving our seniors. America is looking toward Congress for leadership through all of the new challenges we face. Throughout our history, the United States has rarely needed bipartisanship more than it does now. We must work together to improve healthcare, rebuild our economy, and deliver meaningful relief to our Nation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. Right now, Medicare Advantage is an extremely popular program for seniors in the country, with a 99 percent satisfaction rate. Many in Kansas and across the United States rely on this program for quality, affordable healthcare. It is critical that we work together to find solutions to strengthen and improve Medicare Advantage. The Provide Accurate Information Directly Act, or the PAID Act, does exactly that. At a time when partisan bickering seems to be louder than the needs of Americans here in Washington, this bipartisan solution will improve healthcare processes for thousands of seniors. The PAID Act ensures that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, is properly reimbursed for Medicare Advantage and Medicare part D costs that are covered by another settling party. To better understand how this bill works for Medicare Advantage and its beneficiaries, let me offer you this scenario: A 75-year-old Medicare beneficiary is crossing the street when she is hit by a car. She is taken to the hospital to be treated for her injuries where her care, subsequent physician visits, and prescription drugs are covered by her Medicare Advantage plan. Following this, she files a claim with the auto insurer of the driver who accidentally hit her with his vehicle. Since her Medicare Advantage program paid for her hospital and follow-up care, the plan is entitled to seek reimbursement from the driver's auto insurer for healthcare costs resulting from this accident. Due to the current reporting system, her Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare part D plan may never be reimbursed. This legislation would correct this issue, allowing Medicare to better share this information to determine if a claimant is a Medicare beneficiary and, if so, how much is owed on that beneficiary's behalf. This information sharing is not new. Currently, Medicare parts A and B already share this information. Information of the related parties will only be shared once a request is filed and will protect the beneficiary's private medical information. For too long, Medicare Advantage has been unable to receive proper reimbursement for the services they ensure are provided to our seniors. This bill is not only a significant process improvement, but it increases the longevity of this vital program. Congress has not made any meaningful improvements to the process since 2007, when this body enacted reforms that allowed Medicare parts A and B to streamline this process. After 13 years of leaving other plans in the dark, this plan would provide a win for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, settling parties so that they can close out claims on time, CMS so they are allowed to recoup medical expenses, and, ultimately, the American taxpayer. As the Representative for Kansas' Fourth District, strengthening and improving healthcare, especially Medicare Advantage, has been some of the most valuable representation I can provide to my constituents. I am sure many colleagues can say the same. Currently, more than 28,000 of my constituents rely on Medicare Advantage because it still allows them to benefit from private-sector innovation. It is truly the best way to give seniors the care they need without sacrificing quality and while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Of all the process improvements that Congress can provide for this program in 2020, the PAID Act makes significant strides to ensure that our seniors and future generations can benefit from this program. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this bipartisan legislation at a time when bipartisan solutions are seemingly scarce. Together, we can build on reforms like this to continue to improve our healthcare, rebuild our economy, and deliver meaningful relief to Americans looking to Congress for leadership through the challenges our country is facing. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who is one of the sponsors of this bill.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, the House is set to vote on the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Sadly, my Democratic colleagues are pushing legislation inspired by a reality show feud instead of focusing on the harsh realities that real life families are facing because of the coronavirus pandemic. Madam Speaker, this bill does more harm than good for the very animals it seeks to protect. My district is home to Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. It's owner, Jim Fouts, founded this park in 2008 to conserve endangered tiger species and educate visitors through interactive experiences. Through its current operation, Tanganyika Wildlife Park has become one of the top big cat breeding facilities, among 37 across the United States, for conservation. This legislation discriminates against smaller facilities that have safely worked to increase populations for rare and Endangered species. Additionally, like many other small conservation facilities, Tanganyika Wildlife Park was built privately with no government grants or funding. The Big Cat Public Safety Act is not about public safety; instead, it eliminates smaller operations that are saving animals' lives while also providing unique educational experiences in communities across the country. Instead of fixing a problem, Democrats have once again introduced a one-size-fits-all bill that hurts smaller facilities instead of addressing problems with some bad actors. And they've abdicated their responsibility to lead the People's House in a bipartisan manner when so many families and small businesses are hurting. It is ridiculous that we are voting on this bill rather than passing meaningful, common-sense measures to provide relief to Americans during our public health crisis.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote No. 217 on Agreeing to the Resolution (H. Res. 1153) condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals without their full, informed consent. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote No. 218 on Agreeing to the Resolution (H. Res. 1154) condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 7237 and H.R. 7027. As a father of three, I understand how important it is that our children are cared for in a nurturing, loving environment. For many working parents, that means utilizing quality, affordable daycare for all or part of the week. My wife and I utilized daycare for our children when they were younger. It provided a beneficial, educational experience for them. Republicans in the House know that when it comes to childcare, we have to get this right and we have to do it together. In that spirit, we have been working with our colleagues on the other side of the aisle during the past 5 years to pass meaningful legislation, like doubling the Childcare and Development Block Grant funding, and including support for childcare providers in the CARES Act. Yet, now, when our country needs us to put politics aside and focus on the actual needs of families, we are debating partisan bills that do not go through regular order, had no input from Republicans, put future taxpayers on the line for billions of dollars without addressing the childcare needs of today and have no safeguards to prevent wealthy Americans from hiring maids and butlers instead of helping everyday families. Madam Speaker, that is right. My colleagues on the left are more interested in throwing money at a problem to score political points rather than making sure hurting families and childcare facilities receive needed assistance. But it doesn't have to be that way. Instead of debating another political messaging bill, we should be working together on commonsense measures, like the Back to Work Child Care Grants Act, which provides 9 months financial assistance to providers to safely open, disburses more funds quickly without administrative red tape, and requires providers receiving support to follow State and local safety guidelines. Democrats and Republicans have common ground here. We want to provide relief to childcare facilities and families during this healthcare crisis. Unfortunately, the bills we are debating today don't rise to the challenge we face. We can and must do better. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject these partisan bills and pursue bipartisan legislation, like the Back to Work Child Care Grants Act. Our families deserve it.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of our colleague, John Lewis. In my short time in Congress, I have had the privilege of working with John as members of the Ways and Means Committee. And in that time, I can tell you John is a true statesman. Here in Washington, and even inside this Chamber, we see some individuals with personal agendas who are only interested in transactional relationships; however, John was a compassionate soul, dedicated to the cause of equality and justice. Because of John's experiences with discrimination and hate, he brought to this body a thoughtful and passionate approach to ensuring that all Americans can experience the blessings of liberty that are guaranteed in our Constitution. He understood the pain of a divided nation, the progress we have made over the past century, and the challenges we still face. Through it all, he met anger and violence with peace and love, a demonstration of his character that I think all of us can learn from. I used to live in Nashville, Tennessee, and one of John's earliest acts was seeking peaceful change and organizing sit-ins at Nashville lunch counters. This is reminiscent to me of a courageous group of young people in my hometown, Wichita, who also sought equal treatment at a popular downtown lunch counter. The 1958 Dockum Drug Store sit-in was part of an early movement in cities across the country that helped advance desegregation. I am so thankful that the youth in Wichita, along with men and women like John Lewis, had the boldness and fortitude to advance necessary and overdue changes in a racially segregated environment. While we served on different sides of the aisle, his compassion for others was evident and his love of country unwavering. My memories of John will be of his legacy and his service. I am grateful to have served alongside him during my tenure in Congress, and I am thankful for his dedication to equality for Americans, the Georgians he represented, and the United States. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for leading this special hour.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 150th birthday of my hometown, Wichita, Kansas. Our history began as a trading post at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Around 1930, a booming oil industry and the flat planes of Kansas fostered the formation of aircraft manufacturers like Cessna, Stearman, and Beechcraft, creating a rich aviation history in the Air Capital of the World. Pizza Hut, Coleman, and Freddie's Frozen Custard can also claim Wichita as their founding city. And notable Americans like Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Emmy Award winner Kirstie Alley, famed lawman Wyatt Earp, Olympic athlete Jim Ryun, and Oscar winner Hattie McDaniel are all part of Wichita's unique and influential story. Our strong work ethic, Native American heritage, Kansas values, and deep agribusiness and manufacturing roots make Wichita the perfect American city to live, work, and play. I am looking forward to Wichita's next 150 years.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, 2 weeks ago, my Republican colleagues and I asked for more funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. More than 1.6 million small businesses and their employees were helped before the money ran out, including $4.3 billion in PPP loans for more than 26,000 small businesses in Kansas. Now, hundreds of thousands of applications sit, because Congress would not act in time. As a result, small business owners are laying off employees, they are losing the businesses that they worked so hard to build. This bill will save 201,000 Kansas jobs. While late, this bill provides more funding to the program, representing a small step towards reopening America. This money will save businesses and jobs and allows more hardworking Americans to provide for their families. Increased testing is a vital step in our return to normalcy. This bill provides $75 billion for healthcare providers and another $25 billion for testing capacity to combat the virus. Testing is critical to reopening Kansas and getting America going again. Today, I am grateful for the Americans who stepped up to help their neighbors in this unprecedented time, and I will continue to show up for Kansas by supporting this legislation.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, in times like this, I am inspired by the strength and generosity of the people in Kansas and across our Nation. However, we know that the coronavirus outbreak has impacted hardworking Kansans, their families and their friends and relatives across the country. Wichita is their capital of the world. In our area, we have already been hit hard by the grounding due to the 737 Max issues, but now small businesses are facing uncertainty, as Kansans have been asked to stay at home, not knowing when they can resume operations again. Today, I rise on behalf of the workers and families in Kansas who need Congress to get this right. Every minute we spend trying to politicize this crisis wastes critical time and hurts Americans. We should focus on what really matters: offering stability to families that need it and getting America back open for business again. The CARES Act assists small businesses and distressed industries, giving families and unemployed workers the financial means to make it to the other side of this crisis and ensures that job creators are positioned to keep paying their workers and rehire those who have been laid off when we recover. Kansans and Americans across the country----

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2339. I want to be clear from the outset, we need to find ways to keep vaping and tobacco products out of the hands of children and teenagers, including legal products that contain nicotine, as well as the black market products that contain THC and which have contributed to an alarming number of health concerns and deaths, including two in my home State of Kansas. In recent months, these deaths have rightly attracted national attention and scrutiny, but the bill before us today is not the right solution to address this troubling situation. Instead of following regular order, the tax title of this legislation did not have a hearing prior to markup in the Ways and Means Committee. I believe our constituents deserve to know about the impacts of vaping and the direct causes of recent deaths before we consider a $10 billion tax hike. In addition, the substance of this legislation is technically flawed. While the bill is titled the ``Protecting American Lungs and Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act,'' it does nothing to address youth access to tobacco. Congress has already raised the legal age of tobacco and nicotine consumption to 21 in December of last year. Because of this action, it seems that the only purpose of this legislation is to eliminate choice of millions of law-abiding adults. The tax chapter of this legislation defines ``taxable nicotine,'' not vaping. This targets other legal nicotine products that are unrelated to vaping. A better solution would have been to use the FDA's definition of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems, or ENDS. Additionally, this legislation taxes nicotine on the basis of weight. It would have been more appropriate and technically easier to tax vaping on the basis of milliliters, just as Kansas has done, as vaping products are sold as liquids. Instead of targeting black market products, the bill levies a nearly $10 billion tax on American consumers of these legal products, which medical journals have found to be 95 percent safer than cigarettes. This nicotine tax does not reflect the harm of vapor products related to traditional tobacco products. Instead it taxes vaping at a higher level per unit than traditional combustible tobacco products, which may encourage adults to transition back to cigarettes. Both the CDC and the FDA have acknowledged that the outbreak of lung illnesses and deaths are mostly attributable to illicit marijuana and THC in vaping, which are not addressed at all in this bill. The bill appears to be primarily a massive money grab and another step towards an outright tobacco ban rather than a solution to a very real health crisis. I look forward to working to address the crisis, but I urge my colleagues today to vote against this bill.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. S. Jim Farha. On January 17, 2020, Dr. Farha passed away, leaving behind family, friends, and a legacy of making Wichita and our State a better place. After leaving his native Lebanon in search of an opportunity in America, Dr. Farha worked hard to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. In 1963, Dr. Farha and his brother George began a surgical practice in Wichita to meet a critical need of surgeons in the region. Over time, the practice would eventually become the largest of its kind in the State of Kansas. In addition to leading the practice for nearly 40 years with his brother, Dr. Farha also worked tirelessly to improve our community. From landmarks like the Wichita Art Museum to the YMCA, the philanthropy and service of Dr. Farha and his late wife, Darla, can be seen throughout Wichita and our region. His dedication to serving others, whether in the operating room or in the community, has left an inspiring imprint, which will be felt for generations. Dr. Farha's life is a true testament to the American Dream, and he will be missed.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 25 on Ordering the Previous Question, as Amended, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3621) Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act, and providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 550) Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 26 on Agreeing to the Resolution, as Amended, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3621) Student Borrower Credit Improvement Act, and providing for consideration of the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 550) Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 27 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended. Tibetan Policy and Support Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, today I address the first and most fundamental right guaranteed to every individual--the right to life. Next week marks the 47th anniversary since the tragic ruling in Roe v. Wade. In that time, more than 60 million lives have been lost to abortion. That's 60 million babies who were never given the chance to fulfill their potential as a future doctor, farmer, artist, or maybe Member of Congress. Last year, I helped support efforts by the Trump administration to update Title X guidelines so that tax dollars for family planning services don't go to abortion providers. This year we have built on our pro-life efforts by introducing the Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act to protect the most vulnerable of the unborn. We have accomplished great victories for life over the past three years, however we know there is more to be done. That's why I want to thank the hundreds of thousands of Americans from Kansas and throughout our country who will be convening in Washington next week to stand for life. We know that research has proven what pro-life Kansans have already known--that is life is precious and it begins at conception. As a dad of three and a Kansan, I stand in support of fellow Kansans and Americans who are a voice for the voiceless.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague and friend from Texas for yielding, and I am proud to rise today to support the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Since President Trump announced the USMCA over 1 year ago, I have urged my colleagues across the aisle to join us in supporting this important trade agreement and getting it across the finish line. Today, I am thrilled to speak on the floor and ask my colleagues to support it one last time. The journey to this day has been longer and harder than it should have been. For too long USMCA has taken a backseat to some partisan politics causing farmers, ranchers, and workers across the country to miss out on economic growth and jobs in the meantime. However, today we are taking a giant step forward in finally making that free and fair trade deal a reality. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will create 176,000 new jobs in our country and will boost the national GDP by $68 billion. It is important for farmers and ranchers in my State. The USMCA opens up new markets for American dairy, wheat, chicken, eggs, and turkey for the first time. This deal also helps U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases wages. NAFTA was created 25 years ago, and the USMCA will now be the first trade agreement with a chapter dedicated to digital trade and sets new standards for labor and the environment. I want to thank President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer for their incredible leadership over the last couple of years to follow through on another campaign pledge and negotiate this update to NAFTA. I also want to thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for their leadership to ensure that our Ways and Means Committee and Congress were involved in this process all along the way. This is an important victory for President Trump and for millions of farmers, ranchers, and workers across our country who will benefit from the USMCA. As a strong advocate for free and fair trade, I proudly support the USMCA and look forward to working with the Senate to send this to the President's desk as soon as possible.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I speak in opposition to the unprecedented and unauthorized impeachment of the President of the United States. Since the day after the 2016 election, many of my colleagues have vowed to impeach President Trump and have since spent more than two years searching for a reason to do it. Today, they have brought forward two articles of impeachment based on unfounded accusations of abuse of power and obstruction. Despite a lack of evidence, an unfair process and no bipartisan support, my colleagues across the aisle have barreled toward impeachment, ignoring or delaying key priorities like the US-Canada- Mexico Agreement along the way. This is a sad day and the fact remains that this effort seeks to overturn the 2016 election not based on evidence, but on a disdain for President Trump. I will vote against the articles of impeachment before us because I think the American people deserve better from the House of Representatives. So on behalf of hardworking Kansans in the Fourth District and Americans across our country, I call on my colleagues to vote against articles of impeachment and focus on priorities that matter like growing our economy, supporting our veterans and military, lowering prescription drug costs, and helping Americans prepare for jobs and retirement. That's what the American people sent us here to do and it's time we got back to work and beyond this shameful impeachment.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 675 on Motion to table the motion to reconsider H.R. 5038. If present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote No. 671 on the motion to table the motion to reconsider, adoption on H. Res. 758. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3, a bill that should be called the fewer cures and more government price controls act. My colleagues know this partisan bill is another that is dead on arrival in the Senate, but it didn't have to be this way. I truly wish that my colleagues across the aisle had not abandoned the good faith, bipartisan negotiations on a realistic, workable solution to fix soaring drug prices. Instead, H.R. 3 was changed after it was passed out of committee to please extreme voices on the left and become a giveaway for radical policies. Even the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said H.R. 3 will result in fewer cures and fewer drugs coming to market, and current drugs being pulled from the market. That means that, while H.R. 3 may lower drug prices today, it comes at the expense of fewer cures being developed in the future and more government controls. We should not be forced to choose between lower prices or less innovation, just like no one should have to choose between paying for groceries or paying for their medication. We must address this issue. But instead of H.R. 3, I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting an amendment before us based on H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This amendment, and the H.R. 19 bill, will use bipartisan reforms to lower prices, protect access to new medications, strengthen transparency with drug companies and PBMs, and allow competition to thrive. I know this will help people across our country, like a community pharmacist I heard from in a rural area in my district. Unfortunately, retroactive and unpredictable fees to PBMs totaling $45,000, just in 2018 alone, have left it hard for this business to stay afloat and to serve patients in this rural community. Unlike H.R. 3, our bipartisan solution will help give him and other community pharmacists, particularly in rural areas, the needed stability and predictability. This is just one way today's amendment and H.R. 19 will help patients lower their out-of-pocket-costs and help keep more cures coming to market. And furthermore, unlike H.R. 3, this measure could be passed and delivered to the President's desk this year and provide real relief to our seniors.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and fellow colleague from Colorado, Representative Lamborn, for hosting this Special Order tonight as we honor National Bible Week. Every President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt inaugurated the first one in 1941, every President has since declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week. It follows a long history, stretching back to the founding of our country, of our leaders turning to their faith and the Bible as guidance for our Nation. This is just as important now as it was at our country's founding and in the midst of terrible world wars. This week, I am reminded of a passage in Luke 17, verses 5 through 6: ``The apostles said to the Lord, `Increase our faith.' The Lord replied, `If you have the faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ``Be uprooted and planted in the sea,'' and it would obey you.''' And also in Luke 17, verse 10, ``So it should be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.''' In this passage, Jesus' apostles plead for more faith to make it easier for them to sacrifice and to do all that they have been asked to do. But Jesus answers them by pointing out that, if they had only the tiniest bit of faith--that, the size of a mustard seed--no task would be too difficult. This included even the apostles' seemingly impossible task to ``go out and make disciples of all nations.'' But instead of increasing the measure of their faith, Jesus tells his apostles to humble themselves and be steadfast in accomplishing all that was asked of them. As public servants and representatives, I believe we, too, are called to humble ourselves and to be unwavering in serving our fellow Americans. The American people have put their trust in us to preserve our democracy, protect our God-given rights, defend our country, and champion the American Dream. This is not an easy task. But, as Jesus pointed out, anything is possible if we humble ourselves, do our job, and have faith. I know for me, personally, I rely on teachings like this one in the Bible to better serve my fellow Kansans and our country. I am also thankful to live in a country where we are free to practice our faith, as well as to all the Americans who have served to protect this freedom. As we approach National Bible Week, I hope my colleagues and all Americans, regardless of their faith background, take some time to reflect on their own calling to serve, as well as the gift of religious liberty. Like the Bible, public service and religious liberty are cornerstones of our country, and I am honored to recognize those here tonight and throughout National Bible Week.

Mr. ESTES

Mr. ESTES. Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 581 on the Lesko Amendment No. 2 to H.R. 4617. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 582 on the Republican Motion to Recommit H.R. 4617 with Instructions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 583 on the Final Passage of H.R. 4617, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.`` Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call vote No. 584 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 777. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''