Brian Fitzpatrick

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize First Lieutenant Patrick J. McNulty, Jr., one of my constituents who, on Friday, November 3, received the Silver Star Medal, which is our Nation's third highest award for heroism in combat during the Vietnam war. On November 7, 1967, Lieutenant McNulty was serving as an artillery forward observer when his unit was attacked. Lieutenant McNulty called in accurate fire on multiple enemy positions, while also directing friendly units. Even after being seriously wounded, Lieutenant McNulty continued to fight. As the enemy began to retreat, Lieutenant McNulty organized the effort to provide aid to his wounded comrades. Lieutenant McNulty's actions saved lives. Lieutenant McNulty returned home to his wife and raised his children. He purchased a home in Sellersville where he has now lived for 46 years. He earned an MBA from Temple University, worked for the Ford Motor Company, and has been an active member of our community. His story continues to inspire us all. Madam Speaker, I offer to this body Patrick's personal motto, the same as Navy Seabees: ``The difficult we do now, the impossible takes a little longer.'' Honoring the Life and Memory of Bernie Lens

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Bernie Lens, who passed away in May. In his 96 years, Bernie lived a life that impacted a great number of people in our community. Today, months after his passing, his impact is still felt. In 1939, Bernie enlisted in the Army to fight the war in Europe. During his time there, serving in Patton's Third Army, he helped to liberate Dachau concentration camp. After the war, he returned home and went about his life, rarely talking about what he had seen, until one day he began to share his story. He was known in our community for his talks with students in schools and community centers working to ensure the horrors of what he saw at Dachau were not forgotten and would never happen again. People gravitated toward him due to his quick wit and his warm demeanor. He worked closely with the Holocaust Remembrance Program of Post 697 of the Jewish War Veterans in Levittown, Bucks County, which continues his work today. Bernie found incredible purpose from a dark experience in his life, a lesson that we can all benefit from.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on Veterans Day, we salute all those who have defended our great Nation and served in uniform. We say a profound thank you for so bravely offering yourself and your services for the betterment of our Nation. Whether part of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, you have served and sacrificed greatly to secure the freedom we enjoy here at home. Your commitment to duty and to serve a cause bigger than yourself commands our respect. You continue the greatest traditions of responsible citizens in this Republic, and you are a role model for younger generations of Americans. To the families who have sacrificed alongside our veterans, we say thank you. You provide the love and care necessary for our servicewomen and -men to continue their honorable work. I am honored to serve the veterans in my hometown community, in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, and across the Nation. Our gratitude is enduring, our support for you steadfast. We have your back.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Joshua Ryan Redner, a young man from my district in Levittown whose tragic story illustrates exactly why we cannot waver in our commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic. During his final year of high school, Josh was prescribed Percocet to treat the pain from a knee injury. His parents, George and Jacqui, never imagined that their son, a star athlete, and an excellent student who planned to attend the Coast Guard Academy could be dragged down by addiction. But addiction can impact anyone, Mr. Speaker. Not long after the initial prescription, Josh's family noticed changes in his behavior. Then, long after Josh's prescription had run dry, George and Jacqui were still finding pills in Josh's room. Recognizing the beginning of a serious problem, Josh's parents sat him down and Josh committed to getting clean. Working to get the help he needed, Josh entered rehab. Unfortunately, the treatment did not hold and thus began a cycle of relapse, followed by stints in rehab. George and Jacqui were shocked to learn that Josh eventually moved from OxyContin, which was expensive and hard to find, to heroin, which was cheap and easily found--a transition that is all too common. Tragedy struck the Redner family with the passing of Josh's older brother, George. Devastated by the loss of his role model, Josh used the power of his grief to get clean and live a life that would have made his older brother proud. Josh found a good-paying job, acted as a role model for his three younger brothers, and was saving money to buy a home. Mr. Speaker, it is with a broken heart that I say that this is not how Josh's story ended. Josh once again relapsed. Speaking with his parents over the phone, Josh assured them that he would be okay and asked that they pick him up the next morning. Having no other options, George and Jacqui agreed. The next morning, George and Jacqui found Josh next to a picture of his older brother, George, having lost his battle with addiction. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with you the words that Jacqui shared with me. Her incredible strength is a testament to the love she has for her sons. Jacqui said: This heroin epidemic affects everyone it touches. It is not going away. It is only getting worse. I don't want any parent to have to bury their child. I should not have had to bury two of mine. If we can together save one more child from going down the same path as our Josh did, then our efforts will be worth it.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, and to recognize the Hindu New Year. The Hindu community comes together wearing their finest clothing to celebrate this occasion. Families prepare for Goddess Lakshmi's arrival weeks in advance by decorating their porches with colorful designs, or rangoli; preparing sweets and savories; and lighting divos. On the night before Diwali, they light divos, symbolically asking Bhagwan to expel their ignorance and enlighten their souls. Lights, candles, and fireworks are an integral part of the festivities. I was honored to be able to attend multiple celebrations at the BAPS mandirs in my district in Levittown, Warrington, and Souderton. As I traveled from celebration to celebration, I got to share in the absolute joy of my constituents as they celebrated with friends and with family. I was moved to be asked to participate in the lighting ceremonies, and I was in awe of the beauty of the festivals. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a district that is so diverse and so rich in its culture.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, our veterans represent one of the most highly skilled workforces in American history--the product of rigorous training, an ironclad commitment to teamwork, and the remarkable ability to succeed where others might fail. It is no wonder that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than nonveterans. In total, veteran-owned businesses make up nearly 10 percent of all businesses in the United States and account for more than $1 trillion in business receipts every year. One of those businesses is Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation, based in Warrington. Owned by Air Force veteran Tom Fenerty, Navmar engineers technology to make sure that our military has the best tools possible to complete any mission. Tom has also committed to employing veterans in the community. I am privileged to represent Tom and others like him in Congress. In honor of their service--both in uniform and as part of our economy--I am proud to recognize the importance of veteran-owned small businesses in our community by introducing and supporting H. Res. 588, which recognizes National Veterans Small Business Week this week, from October 30 to November 3. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues--and all Americans--to join me in supporting the veteran-owned small businesses in our community. National Obesity Care Week

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Obesity Care Week and the over 90 million adult Americans living with obesity. National Obesity Care Week is recognized during the first week of November, when individuals and organizations from across the country raise awareness about the serious chronic disease of obesity. Leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the Obesity Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the World Obesity Federation, all recognize obesity as a disease and the belief that it should be treated as such. National Obesity Care Week aims to advance an evidence-based understanding of obesity and widespread access to respectful, comprehensive, and appropriate care. Obesity is a complex disease, linked to over 50 disorders, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Over $1.4 trillion is spent in the U.S. on direct and indirect costs for health-related conditions related to obesity each year. This must change, Madam Speaker. It is time for action, and I commit to being part of the solution to improve care for obesity. I urge my fellow Members to join me in recognizing obesity as a serious, chronic disease and working towards improving access to evidence-based tools for chronic weight management.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and significant impact of numerous nonprofit organizations in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of CEOs from nonprofits across Bucks County. These organizations span a range of areas, including health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and services for our community's seniors. I want to thank Potential, Inc., NOVA Bucks County, the James A. Michener Art Museum, Pearl S. Buck International, the David Library of the American Revolution, the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, Libertae, The Open Link, YWCA Bucks County, and the Central Bucks County Family YMCA--Doylestown Branch. The productive and frank conversations facilitated by these organizations is a tribute to both these nonprofit leaders and their members. Bucks County is made a better place because of the amazing people we have committed to our nonprofit community. We thank them for giving their time, their energy, and their passion in serving a cause bigger than themselves.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. Lipinski, for his leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, serving as good stewards of our environment is something that each and every one of us are called to do no matter who we are or where we come from. It is critical in order to preserve public health. The reality is climate change is real and humans are a contributing factor. Congress must take serious and reasonable steps to combat it. As an Eagle Scout and a conservationist who grew up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, I have always been captivated by the natural beauty of our open spaces and wild places. We have it all in Bucks County: preserved farmland, amazing parks, expansive forests, and historic rivers. I believe that with these natural treasures comes a special responsibility to care for and protect our natural resources at the local, State, and Federal level. Climate change and the irresponsible management of our resources put a strain on the health of our communities and our children. Clean air and clean water are essential to the health, safety, and well-being of the next generation of Americans. Mr. Speaker, protecting our Nation's open spaces unites us as Americans. That is why I joined 16 other House Republicans on House Resolution 195 to encourage American innovation to improve environmental policy and to protect, conserve, and be good stewards of our environment. I introduced the Udall-Eisenhower Arctic Wilderness Act, H.R. 1889, with Congressman Jared Huffman from California. This bill designates the 1.5 million-acre land of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System to protect it from damaging activities like oil and gas drilling. I have voted to protect the methane rule for stream protections. The Climate Solutions Caucus will continue to be the group that shows Washington how to forego the political gamesmanship and get to work on ways we can improve our environment, address the realities of climate change, and increase innovation with an eye towards sustainability. Protecting our environment cannot be partisan, Mr. Speaker. We have to come together to get this done as Americans.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my friend and colleague, Andy Biggs, for him joining all of us in this fight to stand up for terminally ill patients across this country. Mr. Speaker, each year, more Americans receive the devastating news of a terminal diagnosis. Even with the amazing work done in American medical research and development, for too many families, access to these potentially lifesaving treatments will come too late or not at all. Thousands of terminally ill patients, like my constituent, Matt Bellina, suffer needlessly while awaiting final approval for drug therapies and other medical technologies. In April 2014, at age 30, Matt was diagnosed with ALS, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing those with ALS to lose control of their muscles. Although this disease stopped Matt's career as a U.S. Navy aviator in its tracks, he persisted and actively involved himself in the ALS community as a strong advocate for Right to Try legislation. While the Food and Drug Administration carries out its three-phase approval process, which can take years and cost billions of dollars, many patients simply want the chance to try treatments that have already been demonstrated to be safe. A bill that was unanimously passed by the Senate will offer them a chance to extend their lives. The Right to Try Act, S. 204, would ensure that terminally ill patients, together with their physicians and pharmaceutical manufacturers, can administer investigational treatments where no alternative exists. In fact, this bipartisan idea is already the law in 37 States. A Federal Right to Try law would prevent the government from blocking access to potentially lifesaving medications. It would require patients to first try all other available treatments and be unable to participate in clinical trials. I want to note that these provisions only apply to terminally ill patients. It does not undo the FDA approval process but provides a potential lifeline for those who cannot wait. Moreover, it requires a physician to certify that other options are either exhausted or unavailable. This bill requires that a product meet a demonstrated level of safety by attaining FDA phase I approval. We have worked with the drug companies to ensure adverse outcomes are not used against the ongoing application for approval. Additionally, patients, doctors, and manufacturers do not assume any additional liability under this act. For those patients caught in between the traditional drug approval delays, a clinical trial process for which they do not qualify, and limited time, the Right to Try simply establishes the freedom for patients and their doctors to try therapies where the benefits far outweigh the risks. It gives them the option of trying to save their life. Mr. Speaker, whether it is a father like Matt courageously battling ALS, or a brave child living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, they deserve the right to try.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, Bristol Borough won the Small Business Revolution, earning the borough a $500,000 grant to revitalize the community through small business development and entrepreneurship. Integral to this effort was Mr. Bill Pezza, an individual who defines everything that is great about Bucks County and everything that is great about Bristol Borough. Bill is a lifelong resident of Bristol, and his love for his hometown shines through in everything he does. He has served the community as an educator on the Bristol Borough Council, as a member of the school board, and as a community activist. He has championed local businesses, creating an organization called Raising the Bar, a program which brought community leaders and business owners together to support the local Bristol Borough economy. Focused on development and community preservation, he continues to find new ways to serve the Bristol Borough community today. Bill would be the first one to tell you that the many recognitions he has earned throughout the years belong to the community and not just to him, which is a true sign of his character. However, Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Bill today for being named Person of the Year at this year's Bristol Fall Classic. I am deeply grateful to Bill for the positive impact on our community, and I congratulate him, his wife, Karen, and his entire family for this much-deserved recognition.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, several economic indicators show us that our economy is growing: the unemployment rate is down, the stock market is up, consumer confidence is at its highest level in over a decade, and businesses are starting to invest in their future again. However, we cannot rest on this short-term snapshot. For too long, top-down policies from Washington have built a system that is based on protecting the status quo rather than helping small businesses and middle class families. We need to embrace a governing vision that advances the American Dream and puts jobs and economic growth above the partisanship that too often divides us, and this starts with tax reform. If this Congress is serious about standing up for middle class families and unleashing the power of the American economy, tax reform is the natural starting point. The model is straightforward. We need to simplify the ridiculously complex Internal Revenue Code, eliminate the loopholes that allow corporations and individuals to avoid paying their fair share, lower the rates for middle class families and for small businesses, and to broaden the tax base. We have the chance to make real, lasting changes to our broken and bloated tax system, and we need to act now. As a CPA and a member of the Small Business Committee and as a concerned taxpayer, I am committed to fighting for real tax reform based on three core principles: encouraging growth, simplifying the Tax Code itself, and increasing service for the taxpayers. The time is now to act. Recognizing Bill Pezza

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of C.J. Rudolph of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. C.J. was born in December 2015, at Grand View hospital. Before he was born, he tested positive for the Trisomy-21 gene, meaning that he was going to be born with Down syndrome. But his parents, Chris and Donna, had faith he would be a fighter. From day one, C.J. battled just to stay alive. He had two heart defects and was immediately put in the neonatal ICU. As the condition became more critical, he was transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and ultimately ended up at the University of Pennsylvania hospital. After 5 weeks at the University of Pennsylvania hospital, at the age of 58 days, C.J. underwent heart surgery performed by a miracle worker named Dr. Spray. Four days later, C.J. was finally able to come home with his parents. Mr. Speaker, at almost 2 years old, C.J. has overcome more obstacles than many of us will face in a lifetime. Today, C.J. serves as the inspiration of the Sellersville Fire Department and continues to inspire all those he encounters with his grit and perseverance.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, with opioid overdose as the leading cause of death among our young people, we have little choice but to act. When I met Luke's father, he gave me this picture of Luke, and he asked that we remember Luke as we work to end this epidemic. I urge my colleagues to join me in this call to action.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the story of 22- year-old Luke Johnson, a graduate of Pennsbury High School in my home of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Luke was known for his quirky sense of humor and his laid-back demeanor. He was a football standout at Pennsbury and was named best defensive player of the year his senior year. He also wrestled. He played soccer, baseball, and could throw a Frisbee a mile. Above all, Luke loved to be with his family and with his friends, and it was his tight-knit group who supported Luke as he battled the increasingly common enemy of opioid addiction. On May 17, 2017, Luke lost his battle with this disease after many difficult years of trying to return to normal. Throughout his fight, like so many, he was haunted by shame, loss of self-worth, and the stigma of being addicted to opioids. This pain was shared by his friends and family, affecting the entire community, who just wanted to help, to see Luke be Luke. As he tried to work his way towards recovery, Luke's parents, Maureen and John, discovered the genesis of his addiction: a prescription opioid pill given to him on his first day in high school. It progressed further when he was offered opioids after football game wins during his junior and senior year in high school. Ultimately, he was offered and accepted the invitation to try heroin. Imagine the difficulty for this family and millions like them. At first, Luke's family was dumbfounded, angry, and hurt. They had no idea the difficulty he was facing. They mobilized to support Luke by placing him into a local rehabilitation facility, but later found out that their insurance would not cover inpatient treatment, so they sold their car for his initial recovery. However, when Luke came home, the people, places, and things from his old life triggered a relapse. His parents hoped that a facility in Florida would remove these triggers from Luke's life and put him on the road to recovery. After several months of recovery in Florida, Luke was forced to find another place to live. This was the move, Mr. Speaker, that he was not ready to make. He died a few days later, before he had fully unpacked the few belongings that he had. Following Luke's death, his parents established the Luke's HERO in ME Foundation in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Their goal is to help with the awareness, education, and to destigmatize opioid addiction. Ultimately, they want to ensure that other family, friends, and community networks can save their Luke. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Congressional Record a letter I received from Luke's parents. October 17, 2017. Congressman Fitzpatrick: Thank you for speaking with me at the David's New Day event last weekend. Your support for the opioid crisis has been more than welcome. The recent news, spurred by the 60 Minutes investigation, suggests that there are very deep rooted issues that need to be addresses to fully confront this issue. In short, you and your colleagues have much work to do. If there is anything we can do to help, please let me know. I have included my son's story below to go along with the funeral card I gave you. I hope putting names, faces and stories to the cause will help drive the needed change. John Luke Johnson, always known as Luke or Lukey or Duke, was a handsome athlete with piercing blue eyes. He was known for his quirky sense of humor and ``chill'' demeanor. He loved his dog Ethel (aka Ed Rendell)--she was just as quirky as Luke--and It never ceased to amaze me how gentle and kind Luke was to Ethel and all animals. He was a good athlete, playing football (named Pennsbury's best defensive player his senior year), wrestled, played soccer and baseball. He could throw a Frisbee a mile. He loved to be with his friends. He had more friends than I could count. But, his best friends-- Tyler (an Army Ranger), Fardin (a college student) and Christian D (recent college grad), Christian H (a college student) he loved most. Like his family, these friends supported and loved Luke; despite the pain and battle that comes with addiction, they stuck around until the very end. In Luke, we lost that good guy next door--that guy that everyone loved and enjoyed being with. One May 17th, 2017, our son Luke lost his battle with this terrible disease only after suffering for a few, very difficult years trying to return to ``normal''. Throughout his battle he was haunted by shame, a loss of self-worth and the stigma of being an addict. This pain was shared by his family and friends. Our aspirations for him and the aspirations he had for himself were replaced by the day to day struggle against the emotional and physiological damage caused by this disease. During the process of recovery, we learned about Luke's path to becoming an addict. It started with a female friend giving him a pill (an opioid) to try his first day of high school. She passed away of an overdose last year. It progressed further with a mom rewarding football players with opioids after game wins during his junior and senior year. Ultimately, he was offered and accepted the invitation to try heroin. Until Luke found himself fully addicted and came to us for help, the indications were almost silent. He had the normal ups and downs of a teen and at times indulged in alcohol and smoked pot. While we had many discussions about making good choices and the implications of drug and alcohol abuse, we were not aware of the opioid use and the changes to his brain. We are confident Luke was not aware of the permanency of his actions and what he would ultimately have to battle. Initially, we were dumbfounded, angry and hurt. Our understanding was limited to the stereo-type junkie from the 70's and the ``just say no'' Dare program information we received during the elementary school assemblies. We had no clue about how the drug had changed his brain and the very real difficulty he was in. We were quickly enlightened by our daughter Alex, who had recently studied this in college. We mobilized to support Luke by placing him into a local facility. Our insurance would not cover inpatient treatment (we were told only after a relapse) and we sold our car and scraped up the 20k it cost for his initial recovery. After a 24 day stay, Luke came home but soon returned to using-- despite meetings and drug tests the triggers ``people places and things'', we learned, were very real. We found a place in Florida for Luke and assumed that being away from the triggers was best for Luke. He lasted 3 or 4 months and returned home only to use again. After several months, Luke found another place and was in recovery and clean for 9 months. After the facility in Florida changed ownership (and the new staff now cared more for insurance money than keeping their charges clean), Luke was forced to find another place to live. This was a move he was not ready to make. He died a few days later, before he had fully unpacked the few belongings he had. After Luke's death, we established the Luke's HEROin ME foundation. The goal of the foundation is to help with the awareness, education and to destigmatize opioid addiction; ultimately, so others can save their Luke. While we have much more to do, we have made progress in our local high school, have shared Luke's story on radio, in the press and have begun to organize events to meet our goals. We will push to have a national standard that can be applied uniformly across the country. We need to have more standards for rehab facilities, many of which have become corrupt machines that fuel relapse and overdose deaths. With opioid overdose (and the more recent introduction of fentanyl and carfentanil into commonly used drugs) as the leading cause of death among our young people, we have little choice. We would love to support you in any way in your endeavor to end the opioid crisis. We are in this for the long haul, and want to help save as many lives as we can. John and Maureen Johnson.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2142) to improve the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to interdict fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, and other narcotics and psychoactive substances that are illegally imported into the United States, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2142, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. If the gentlewoman from California has no other speakers, I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as communities across my district and across our Nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction, it is incomprehensible to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is a manufactured opioid which, in its illicit versions, has contributed to tens of thousands of deaths. This fact is especially concerning, given that this drug can be ordered online and delivered via mail or express consignment couriers from places like China. Fentanyl is highly potent in trace amounts, and this problem is exacerbated due to fentanyl being extremely difficult for our authorities to detect. That is why Congresswoman Tsongas and I introduced the INTERDICT Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection access to the most effective chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. Mr. Speaker, the INTERDICT Act will ensure that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, along with additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories. It also provides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities, including scientists available at all hours, to interpret screening test results from the field and authorizes, based upon professional expertise, the appropriation of $9 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours. Combined, the additional chemical screening devices, scientists, and other resources will help safeguard CBP field personnel from exposure to fentanyl and other deadly synthetic opioids and narcotics and prevent their unlawful importation. As an EMT and former Federal drug prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of addiction in our communities and understand the increased danger added by synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Illicit fentanyl being trafficked into the United States poses a continued threat to the American people. By passing this legislation, this body can follow through on its promise to the American people and align our policy with the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis, which has prioritized regulating the flow of fentanyl in its interim report. I urge all of my bipartisan Members of this House to join me in supporting this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. FITZPATRICK

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, nearly 70 percent of individuals who abuse prescription pain medication get them from their friends or family. As our community continues to grapple with the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, it is crucial we take every step possible to stop prescription medications from falling into the wrong hands, including the collecting and safely disposing of unused or expired prescription drugs. My community in Bucks County has collected over 40 tons of unused medications, the most in Pennsylvania, as part of our successful Prescription Drug Take Back program. This collaborative effort between local government, law enforcement, and community leaders is crucial in the battle against this crisis. I commend those involved and urge all residents to participate in our next Take Back Day and to utilize the permanent drop boxes that are located throughout our region.

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as the son and brother of breast cancer survivors, I understand the impact of this disease on families throughout our community. Each year, about 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 40,000 American women will die of this disease. It does not have to be this way, Mr. Speaker. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am proud to be working with my colleague Congresswoman DeLauro in advocating for increased access to information about breast cancer that allows women and their doctors to make the best decisions possible. The fight against cancer is one that transcends politics. By working together, we can pass commonsense legislation that increases the quality of life and care for patients and, ultimately, put an end to this awful disease. Prescription Pain Medication Abuse

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of two amazing Bucks Countians, Elly McNelis and Bobby Heenan. The Bucks County Central Labor Council has awarded the Trish Coyle Award to Elly McNelis, a member of AFSCME Local 1598, and president of the Neshaminy Bucks Coalition of Labor Union Women. Elly serves as a Bucks County crossing guard and is committed to strengthening the role of women in unions and increasing the involvement of women in the legislative process. The Bucks County Central Labor Council has also awarded Bobby Heenan with their Man of the Year Award. Bobby serves as the business manager for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542. Bobby and his team are committed to producing the most skilled and efficient heavy equipment operators in the industry. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize these distinguished individuals for their service to their fellow working families and to our entire Bucks County community. Breast Cancer Awareness Month