Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 151, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act. So far this year, Kentuckians have received 500 million robocalls. That is over 100 calls per person this year. Robocalls are the number one issue I hear about when I am home. Scammers have found creative ways to trick people into thinking their calls are legitimate. These calls have wreaked havoc for private citizens, hospitals, small businesses, and everyone in between. One Kentucky woman told me she gets three to four calls a day. She always answers for fear that there might be a family emergency, only to be greeted by a spam call, disrupting her work at a factory. I was proud to cosponsor the original House bill, the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act, and I am proud to support the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, which would put an end to these frustrating calls. I commend my fellow colleagues on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and in the Senate for developing this bipartisan, bicameral solution to stop bad robocalls. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to be here, and I recommend all of my colleagues support this.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) 150th anniversary of college football. In November 1869, the first college football game was played between Princeton University and Rutgers University. In the 150 years that have followed, college football has become one of America's favorite pastimes. I, for one, enjoy rooting for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, and for my alma mater, the U.S. Military Academy. Congratulations to the NCAA and all of the talented athletes on 150 years of college football--and here's to 150 more. Go Army, Beat Navy.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wendell Strode, who is retiring after 23 years of leading the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Under Wendell's leadership, the National Corvette Museum has become one of the biggest attractions in Kentucky, welcoming millions of visitors to Bowling Green. The museum has been recognized as one of the best places for car aficionados to visit in the country. I want to thank Wendell for his tireless years of service and dedication to the National Corvette Museum and to the Bowling Green community, and I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Michael Barton Wilson of Glasgow, Kentucky. Mr. Wilson served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and was part of the initial crew on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. During his tour of duty in the Navy, Mr. Wilson was also stationed at Midway Island, and he later spearheaded a reunion of Midway Island residents from across the country in his retirement. He also served as the Commander of DAV Chapter 20 in Barren County, Kentucky, and he often helped his fellow veterans get the care they deserved. I join with Mr. Wilson's family and the Barren County community in remembering his selfless dedication to serving his country, his fellow veterans, and anyone else in need

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Charles M. ``Charlie'' Hogan of Park City, Kentucky. Mr. Hogan began his service in the U.S. Army and then proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for over twenty years. Mr. Hogan received an Air Force Commendation for his brave service in Vietnam. A champion for his fellow veterans, Mr. Hogan was awarded the Barren County Patriot Award in 2004. He spearheaded the effort to a veterans' memorial wall in Park City and made sure to invite me to attend the Veterans Day celebration my first year in Congress. He was also an active member of the Masonic Order, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Mammoth Cave National Park Association, the Barren River Area Development District, and Park City United Methodist Church. I join with Mr. Hogan's family and the Barren County community in remembering the life of an American patriot.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Opioid Awareness Week. My home State of Kentucky has been one of the hardest hit by our Nation's ongoing opioid crisis. Sadly, over 1,300 Kentuckians died of a drug overdose in 2018. I have been proud to work with my colleagues on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to combat the ongoing nationwide opioid epidemic. Next month we will honor the 1-year anniversary of the SUPPORT Act being signed into law. This landmark legislation is already helping communities prevent the rampant spread of opioid abuse, but more work needs to be done. Last month I visited the Customs and Border Patrol international mail facility located at JFK Airport in New York. There I saw firsthand the dangers of illicit fentanyl coming through our borders. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be so potent it can kill anyone that comes in contact with it, including our law enforcement officers. I will continue to work with President Trump and my colleagues to stop fentanyl from coming to our country and help stop this epidemic from harming our communities.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 206th Engineer Battalion of the Kentucky National Guard, which is deploying to assist the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations. While I am sorry I cannot be with them at today's deployment ceremony, I express my profound gratitude to them for embarking on this mission to serve the United States of America. We are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. America is truly the land of the free and the home of the brave--all because of men and women like them who have answered the call to serve. The entire Commonwealth of Kentucky is proud of them and behind them during this mission. I join everyone in Owensboro in praying for their safety, and I look forward to welcoming them home.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of Wilson Spencer ``W.S.'' Everett of Glasgow, Kentucky. Mr. Everett was a proud patriot throughout his life, serving in the Kentucky National Guard and the United States Army during the Korean War. For the last 30 years, Mr. Everett dedicated his time to honor the legacies of his fellow soldiers, whether through his involvement with the Glasgow chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, or his regular participation with the Chapter 20 Color Guard. Mr. Everett also designed two memorials in my district: the Hiseville Veterans Memorial and the Glasgow-Barren County Veterans Wall of Honor. His dedication to this endeavor was so great that even in his final days, Mr. Everett went to the Wall of Honor to install the final veteran's title. Today, I join with Mr. Everett's family in remembering the legacy that he left behind. He is truly an American patriot that strived to live his life in honor of each fold of the flag and I am grateful for his service not only to the country, but also to his community.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of longtime Kentuckian Mr. John Weeks and to wish him well in his retirement. For over 40 years, John has provided legal counsel in the commonwealth of Kentucky be it to the Courier Journal daily newspaper, WHAS TV and radio, Standard Gravure, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky, and--since 1992--Delta Dental of Kentucky. In 2000, he became Vice President and General Counsel and in that capacity has been responsible for legal affairs and legal compliance including insurance regulation, HIPAA, employment law, federal requirements, and government relations for the company at both the state and federal level. Prior to his successful legal career, John served this great county in the United States Navy submarine and intelligence branches. And continued to help other veterans--serving on the board of the Kentucky chapter of USA Cares, a veterans support organization. I was able to work directly with John from time to time and enjoyed getting to know him and his family well. I'm sure he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, Lynda, and their children and grandchildren. I would like to formally congratulate John on his retirement and wish him luck in this next chapter.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3253, the Empowering Beneficiaries, Ensuring Access, and Strengthening Accountability Act of 2019. This legislation will extend the Money Follows the Person program through 2024. This important program provides resources to State Medicaid programs to help individuals with chronic conditions and disabilities transition from institutions back into local communities if they choose to do so. Money Follows the Person offers a choice for individuals who often have very limited options. This program allows the person to choose where they would like to receive their care. This legislation will also extend the Spousal Impoverishment program through 2024. H.R. 3253 will also extend the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration for 2 years. The Excellence Act is designed to increase Americans' access to community health in substance use treatment services. In addition, this bill will clarify the authority of State Medicaid fraud and abuse control units. This clarification will give these important units the authority to investigate and prosecute abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in noninstitutional settings, as well as broaden the permissible use of Federal Medicaid fraud and abuse control units to screen complaints or reports alleging potential abuse or neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries. I have enjoyed working with my colleague from Michigan, my friend, Mrs. Dingell, and the hard work that she has put into this program, both this Congress and the previous Congress, to move this forward. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Chairman Pallone, Republican leader Walden, and the Energy and Commerce Committee staff for their hard work to help this bipartisan package come together. Mr. Speaker, I also thank my colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, for working with me on extending Medicaid Follows the Person. I also thank my colleagues, Representative Matsui, Representative Eshoo, Representative Welch, and Representative Walberg, for their hard work on this package. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), the Republican leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee and my good friend.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize World War II veteran Alvin H. Perry, of Wilmore, Kentucky, who will receive the Legion of Honor Medal from France this week on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. The Legion of Honor Medal is the highest honor presented by France for military service to the French people. Pfc. Perry served in the 331st Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division. He fought in the Battle of Normandy from June 18, 1944, to July 19, 1944, when he was wounded and captured by enemy forces. He has been awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal for his valiant service. Pfc. Perry truly represents the greatest generation, answering the call to defend freedom and to liberate Europe from Nazi control. I am incredibly grateful for his service. I can think of no one more deserving of this prestigious honor.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 987, the supposed Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. I wish I wasn't giving this speech. As many of my colleagues know, I have a bipartisan track record here in the House. I have been proud to work with many of my Democrat colleagues on a number of issues that impact Kentuckians and people across the country, such as Alzheimer's, the opioid crisis, and workforce development. Last Congress, I had 10 bipartisan bills signed into law, and I had two additional bipartisan bills pass the House. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle know that I take bipartisanship and our responsibility to get things done for our constituents very seriously. That is why I am extremely disappointed that I will have to vote against H.R. 987 today. Wherever I go in my district, I hear from Kentuckians about how drug prices are simply too high. This an issue that affects everyone, and it is one of the few big issues these days that Republicans and Democrats can all agree on. And President Trump has made this a priority. As ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, I have launched, with Chair Diana DeGette from Colorado, an investigation on rising insulin prices. I was proud to support bipartisan legislation in the Health Subcommittee and the full Energy and Commerce Committee. Sadly, Mr. Chairman, Democrats have loaded up what was previously a bipartisan drug pricing legislative bill with political land mines that they know we, as Republicans, will never support. They made a bipartisan drug pricing bill into an ObamaCare bailout bill. They know that this bill is dead on arrival in the Senate and that President Trump will never sign it. My colleagues are playing games to score cheap political points in the short term at the expense of Americans across the country who are paying too much at the pharmacy counter. I urge my colleagues on the Democratic side not to make lowering drug prices another partisan fight. I am willing to work with any of my colleagues to fix this problem, and I urge all my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Jamie Land of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for his retirement from the Elizabethtown Police Department. Chief Land has honorably served in the Elizabethtown police force for over 21 years, and he will be missed when he retires at the end of this month. Before joining the Elizabethtown Police Department in 1998, Chief Land served as a military policeman in the United States Marine Corps. Land's distinguished career at the department started as a patrol officer, and he has held many roles at the as he has risen through the ranks, including detective, a leader of the police department's special response team, patrol sergeant, and deputy chief of operations. Throughout his tenure with the Elizabethtown Police Department, Chief Land has dedicated himself to his community and proven himself to be a trusted leader. I thank Chief Lind for his years of service to the Elizabethtown community. I wish Chief Land and his wife Brandi nothing but the best in his retirement.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1503, the Orange Book Transparency Act of 2019. The Food and Drug Administration's list of approved brand name therapeutic drug products, known as the Orange Book, plays an important role in drug development. H.R. 1503 will ensure the Orange Book continues to be effective and accurate by requiring drug companies to provide up-to-date information on patents that are relevant to each individual drug. It also directs the Government Accountability Office to study the impact of the patents being listed in the Orange Book. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Kelly from Illinois for her commitment to maintaining the value of the Orange Book to drug manufacturers, payers, providers, and patients. I appreciate her willingness to work together in a bipartisan manner, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1503.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1839, which extends the important Medicaid Money Follows the Person program until September. The Medicaid Money Follows the Person program allows certain Medicaid beneficiaries, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities, to transition from a healthcare facility to receiving care in their own homes. It does not force patients to leave a facility if they don't want to. Since the Money Follows the Person program was created over a decade ago, it has successfully helped over 88,000 individuals receive care in their own homes. I have worked with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell on the bipartisan EMPOWER Care Act, which extends the Medicaid Money Follows the Person program for 5 years. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1839 to extend the program until September, and I will continue to work with Congresswoman Dingell to get the EMPOWER Act across the finish line.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, my motto as the class of '87: Our Country We Strengthen, '87. It is great to be here, and I want to start with a story. After I went through the Academy, graduated from West Point, spent time in the 101st Airborne Division, I decided to do something different with my life and went into business. I went to business school. I was in New England in business school. One time, I was driving back from a visit to Franklin Roosevelt's home on the Hudson River and was at a grocery store--Stew Leonard's, some people know from Danbury, Connecticut. I was standing outside with a kid, and a guy walks by, and he says: Well, Kentucky plates. What are you doing here in Connecticut? I said: Well, I am up here in graduate school, and we just went to Franklin Roosevelt's home. I just love the Hudson River. The Hudson Valley is just stunningly beautiful. The guy looked at me. He didn't know my background, didn't know who I was. So he said: Well, if you love the Hudson River, let me suggest you ought to spend a weekend at West Point. Let me suggest you go on Saturday, on a football Saturday, because you are not going to believe this, but they actually go to class on Saturday. I said: Are you kidding me? I mean, people actually go to a school that goes to class on Saturday? And he said: Yeah. And then they have a parade, and all the cadets are standing--and I didn't have the heart to tell them, tell him we were telling jokes to each other, and said--look pristine, you know, from 100 yards away. But he went through the day at West Point, and he walked through it. And he said a picnic and tailgating and football, and all the great stuff and the fun times you have here. But you do have good times even though you have very difficult times. And when he finally finished, I didn't have the heart to tell him the truth and tell him the story. So as soon as he finished, I just looked at him and said: I have always heard about West Point, and I have always heard this: ``It is a great place to visit, but you wouldn't want to live there.'' And the reason that you wouldn't want to live there is because it is tough. It is hard. It is not something you can do just simply. It is something you sacrifice for and you move towards. One of my great thrills is you get to nominate people who attend our academies--all of our academies--and to call them and tell them when they have received an appointment. I just talked to a young man this week, he is going to West Point, and a couple, unfortunately, to the Navy--but a couple at West Point and a couple at the Air Force Academy. They are deciding to do something big and different with their lives than their classmates. But I want to talk about, just real briefly, you do run across some great people. I always say the reason that H. R. McMaster was probably, I think, the greatest soldier of our generation is his very first challenge was teaching me how to march correctly. He was my squad leader at Beast Barracks, and I was a challenge to him, I am sure, so his first leadership challenge. We heard my previous speaker talk about his classmates, Mark Esper, who was in my company and now Secretary of the Army; got to serve on Energy and Commerce with Mike Pompeo, now Secretary of State. My class actually entered West Point in 1983, so I got my appointment in February of '83. In March of '83, Ronald Reagan gave his speech in Orlando, Florida, about the evil empire, and then during my time in the 101st, the Berlin Wall came down. So I literally served from the evil empire to the fall of the Berlin Wall. A lot of my classmates--me being one of them, and this shows what a great prognosticator I am--and all of us thought the Army was going to be boring for the next 20 years. And, man, my prayers that that was absolutely--would have come true, but it wasn't. So my commemoration today is a lot of my classmates did leave the Army in the early nineties. Those who spent time in a career--whether 20 years, 30 years, some still serving--they really have sacrificed for this country more than I could ever imagine. My one experience with it as a Member of Congress--not as a combat soldier, but a Member of Congress--I took my first trip into a combat zone to Iraq. I remember sitting in the headquarters waiting for General Barbero to come give us a briefing, and an '06 colonel comes walking in. Some of us may know because he did congressional affairs after this. It was Joe Simonelli, who was a big, blustery, great guy who served, just kind of a leader of our class. And he comes walking in, and it just struck me that he has been doing this for the last--then it would have been the last almost 20 years, spending half of his life going overseas to serve our country. I was just there for a day and a half and was ready to get home, and he was there for a year. It just struck me. So my hat is off to my classmates--and not to just people who graduated from West Point, but every man and woman who has the courage and the conviction and the strength and everything about them to put on our uniform. And every single one of them, every single person serving in our uniform volunteered to do so. It is just amazing that we have young men and women like that. So my hat is off for my classmates because we are talking about our time at West Point, those who served 20 and 30 years, who have made a difference for this country and have sacrificed like no other has over the course of time. We have, certainly, people in more combat-type style conflicts, but I would dare say, in the history of our country, a group of people who graduated the time that we have have not spent more time in active combat back and forth. Mr. Speaker, my hat is off to them. They are my brothers and sisters. I love them dearly, and I appreciate their service.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joel Miller and his wife, Megan Bel Miller, on the birth of their daughter, Caroline Frances Miller. Caroline was born on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 8:25 p.m. Joel and Megan's pride and joy came into this world weighing in at 8 pounds, 5 ounces and 20 inches in length. With Joel, my previous Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director as her father, and Megan, also a long-time Capitol Hill staffer, as her mother, I trust Caroline will have a bright and successful future ahead of her. Joel recently went on to a new opportunity after being an integral part of the legislative operation in my office for over five and a half years. I am thrilled to witness him continue in his most important role yet, as a father. I have no doubt that Joel and Megan will be wonderful and inspiring parents, who are devoted to their daughter's well-being. Congratulations and best wishes to the Miller and Bel families.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce 100-year celebration. I am proud to represent the City of Danville and Boyle County in Congress. Danville is one of the most vibrant communities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, boasting a family-friendly environment with many thriving businesses. Danville has been named the Most Beautiful Small Town in America and one of the best places to retire in America. This would not be possible without the great work of the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce, which has supported the local business community for 100 years. I want to congratulate the Danville-Boyle Chamber of Commerce for their success and commitment to the Danville community over the last century. Here's to the next 100 years.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Margie Wilson Bridges, a constituent who passed away on January 4, 2019. The daughter of the late T.B. and Lorene Morris Wilson, she was also preceded in death by her infant brothers, Thomas Daniels Wilson and Steven Morris Wilson. She is survived by her cherished husband of fifty-six years, Gary Bridges and her beloved children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was devoted to her family, and her warmth and compassion were without measure. She is remembered for the many and generous contributions she made to her family, friends, and her community. Margie Wilson Bridges will be deeply missed by all whose lives were touched by her remarkable presence.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, which is celebrating its bicentennial this year. Officially chartered by the Kentucky Legislature on January 21, 1819, Centre has been an important institution in the Danville community and in our Commonwealth for the last 200 years. What began as a small Presbyterian college with only two professors and five students, Centre has grown into one of the top liberal arts schools in our country. Given the name Centre to reflect its location in the center of Kentucky, Centre College has become a true center of academic excellence in the Commonwealth. From its beginning, Centre has emphasized personal education, and in keeping with that tradition, currently maintains a 10-1 student to faculty ratio. A leader in study abroad programs, Centre also promotes a global education, with 85 percent of Centre students studying abroad at least once. Centre offers more than fifty majors and minors across the liberal arts spectrum, and its alumni include two United States vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. I have had Centre graduates on my staff and have always been impressed by their diligence and the quality of their work. My colleagues may recognize Centre College as the host of not one, but two vice presidential election debates, both in 2000 and, because the 2000 debate was handled so well, again in 2012. I commend Centre College for its commitment to education, and to the success of its students. I am proud to represent Centre College in Congress. Congratulations to Centre College--here's to the next 200 years.