Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 1725, the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting Reauthorization Act of 2015, introduced by my colleagues Mr. Whitfield, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Bucshon, and Mr. Pallone. Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in this country, and, sadly, Kentucky is impacted by high rates of prescription drug abuse. Every year, there are 15,000 overdose deaths from prescription pain relievers. For every overdose death, there are an estimated 10 addiction treatment admissions and 32 emergency department visits. One important tool we have as a nation to combat this epidemic is Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. They prevent doctor shopping and help physicians make more informed clinical decisions. Reauthorizing NASPER would provide grant support to States to establish Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. Healthcare providers can access a patient's prescription history through the PDMP to help them identify patients at risk for addiction or those who are abusing prescription drugs. NASPER also helps identify best practices for new PDMPs and ways to improve existing monitoring programs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), a colleague, friend, neighbor--our districts are joined on the Ohio River--who is a physician who understands these issues.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1725) to amend and reauthorize the controlled substance monitoring program under section 399O of the Public Health Service Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank my friend from California (Mrs. Capps) so much for our working together to move this bipartisan bill forward. I thank our subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Green, and our chairman, Chairman Pitts. I was involved in this effort in Kentucky when I was in the State Senate. I have seen the difference that it makes, and I am glad to be involved in this on a national level. Knowing that 97 percent of our babies are screened so they can get intervention and treatment very early in their lives makes a big difference. I am proud to be a part of this, and I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 1344. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am pleased that, today, the House is considering H.R. 1344, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2015. This bipartisan bill sets a strong precedent for working together on the many big issues before Congress this month. This bill, which I introduced along with Congresswoman Lois Capps, reauthorizes the program for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of deaf and hard of hearing newborns, infants, and young children. H.R. 1344 encourages hearing tests and intervention for newborn babies. Through early detection, these children and their families can be made aware of a child's hearing loss and given access to specialized early intervention providers and programs in order to help children meet their potential. This reauthorization increases the focus on loss to followup. So those children whose hearing loss is identified don't just stop with identification; they may go on to receive intervention, treatment, or an introduction to deaf services. This program has proven success. In 2000, only 40 percent of newborns were screened for hearing loss. That number rose to just over 86 percent in 2011, and, today, the CDC reports that, roughly, 97 percent of all infant children are screened for hearing loss. In closing, I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Capps, for her leadership over the years on this important bipartisan issue. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1344 so we can continue these vital services for newborn babies and young children. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1344) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, infants, and young children, as amended.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1462) to combat the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Daviess County, Kentucky, on celebrating its bicentennial. Daviess County came into its existence on June 1, 1815, through an Act of the Kentucky General Assembly. But on May 30, 2015, Daviess County will begin to celebrate its 200th birthday. Daviess County lies in the Western Kentucky Coalfield region and is also an oil producer. Bounded by the Ohio River, it serves as an important trade and transportation artery--making it a major manufacturing center, transportation hub and U.S. Customs Port of Entry on the Ohio River. It is also a leader in health care, medical research and pharmaceutical experimentation. The keystone celebration, on May 30th, includes an early morning 5 k run/walk at the Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse of the Ursuline Sisters. Activities for people of all ages will take place around the Courthouse Square, and the day will end with a reception and the opening of a special Bicentennial Art Exhibit at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. Other activities will include honoring African Americans from Daviess County who served in the Union Army during the Civil War with the dedication of an historic highway marker on the Courthouse lawn. There will also be a series of Bicentennial-related programs at the Daviess County Public Library throughout the summer. A new history of Daviess County, Kentucky, Celebrating Our Heritage, has been published and highlights many aspects of daily life in the county. Among these topics is Daviess County's rich history in the agriculture industry--citing corn, soybean and tobacco producers. Daviess County is the home to some of Kentucky's great colleges and universities, including: Brescia University, Kentucky Wesleyan College, a campus of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and a branch of Western Kentucky University. It is important to also highlight the leadership in Daviess County and all their efforts to make this a successful and thriving community. Thank you for making Daviess County what it is today. I encourage everyone in Kentucky's Second District to join in the festivities to celebrate the rich history and traditions of Daviess County. I congratulate all who live and serve the county and look forward to taking part in some of these celebrations myself. Here's to many more years of success.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Mr. Michael Greene to Washington. Mike is serving today as guest chaplain in the U.S. House of Representatives. Speaking just moments ago, Mike prayed for all of us serving this great institution and the work we do each and every day. I have been fortunate to know Mike as my minister in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and have always appreciated his prayers. Throughout his 44 years as a minister, Mike has served Churches of Christ in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. He also serves on the board of directors of Foundation Christian Academy in Bowling Green. I always enjoy having a little bit of Kentucky here in Washington. Today, I am proud to welcome you, Mike, to the U.S. Capitol. Thank you for your prayers and for taking the time to be with us in our Nation's Capitol today.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Megan Spindel Jackson and her husband, Kyle Jackson, on the birth of their son, James Henry Jackson. Henry was born at 11:38 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2015. Weighing in at 7lbs, 15oz, Henry has his parents beaming with pride. With Megan, my Legislative Director/Deputy Chief of Staff as his mother, and Kyle, Congressman Jeb Hensarling's (TX-05) Legislative Director/Deputy Chief of Staff as his father, I trust Henry will be climbing the Capitol Hill ladder in no time at all. Megan has been an integral part of my office's legislative operation since I first came to Washington, and I am excited to witness her grow into her most important role yet--a Mom. I have no doubt that Megan and Kyle will be phenomenal parents, who are devoted to Henry's well-being and bright future. Congratulations and best wishes to the Spindel and Jackson families.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Wendell Hampton Ford. A dedicated public servant, Senator Ford held many roles in state and federal politics, including Governor of the Commonwealth and U.S. Senator. A Daviess County native, Senator Ford always held his hometown close to his heart. It was his starting point in government and his final resting place. Holding elected office for more than three decades, Senator Ford is the only Kentuckian to seek and win election to consecutive terms as lieutenant governor, governor and U.S. senator. Throughout his long tenure in state and federal government, Senator Ford was known and will be remembered for being an advocate for his fellow Kentuckians. A friend of the farmers, Senator Ford has been recognized for his work on agricultural issues, particularly tobacco. Senator Ford understood the vital role tobacco played--and still plays--in Kentucky's economy. In tackling these big issues, Senator Ford quickly rose through the ranks. He was elected the whip of his party in 1990, a position he held until he left the U.S. Senate. He once described himself to the New York Times as ``being a workhorse and not a show horse.'' It's that same attitude that led him to be a behind-the-scenes dealmaker, who strived to achieve solutions to our policy woes. That desire to better his community and country did not stop when Senator Ford left public service. After serving four terms in the U.S. Senate, Senator Ford created the Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center, located in Owensboro, KY. Designed to educate young people about civics and public policy, Senator Ford continued teaching those lessons until the end of his life. It is a fantastic facility with a wonderful mission, and the center is just one of the many lasting legacies his leadership has left on the region. I join with Kentucky's Second District in sending prayers to Senator Ford's family. We will miss him and are grateful for his service to the Commonwealth and our nation.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. ``Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States: if he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.''

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Judge Davie Greer. After serving 12 years as the Barren County Judge-Executive, Judge Greer will retire at the end of the year. First elected in 2002, Judge Greer was the first woman to serve as the Judge-Executive for Barren County. Among Judge Greer's many accomplishments in office is the construction of the Barren County Detention Center, the creation of the Barren County Drug Task Force and her work with the Industrial Development Economic Authority of Glasgow-Barren County. Under Judge Greer's leadership, the Barren County Drug Task Force has expanded to cover Edmonson and Allen counties. Judge Greer has also lead several measures to improve the emergency response resources of Barren County. Likewise, her efforts to enhance and grow the parks and recreation system have improved the quality of life for Barren County's residents. While Judge Greer may be passing the torch for her elected duties, she vows to remain active in the community. Presently, Judge Greer is the Treasurer of the Salvation Army, a member of the Glasgow Business and Professional Women's Club and a member of the Glasgow-Barren County Chamber of Commerce. I am grateful for Judge Greer's hard work and dedication to the people of Barren County. I wish her well on her retirement and look forward to continuing to work with her in the community.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. Mike McCall. After more than 15 years serving as the President of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Dr. McCall will retire in January 2015. KCTCS, a network of 16 colleges located throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, currently educates more than 92,000 students. Kentucky's Second District is fortunate to be the home of three of those campuses--Owensboro Community and Technical College, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College. During Dr. McCall's tenure, KCTCS has grown to be the largest provider of post-secondary education in the Commonwealth. Today, KCTCS represents nearly 50 percent of all undergraduate college students, serving more than 5,000 businesses and training more than 52,000 employees on an annual basis. Dr. McCall has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, but it is Kentucky that is the real winner. Dr. McCall's career dedicated to better serving community and technical colleges has been one that will create a lasting impact on the Commonwealth. I wish Dr. McCall well during this new phase of his life and know that KCTCS will continue to grow and prosper.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of N.E. Reed. After serving more than 20 years as the Edmonson County Judge- Executive, N.E. will retire at the end of the year. Prior to taking elected office in 1994, N.E. taught at Kyrock Elementary School, was an employee at Cutler Hammer and worked in the dairy industry doing quality assurance. Throughout each of these jobs, N.E. has always been a fixture in the Edmonson County community. His list of accomplishments is long; from purchasing buildings to serve as the home of key local offices, to rebuilding others, N.E. has left his mark on Edmonson County. During his time as Chair of the Regional Development Board, N.E. expanded the county's buildings--all while leaving Edmonson County debt free. Basketball courts, playgrounds and walking trails are among the many additions he made by investing in local parks for the community. Mammoth Cave, which covers a large part of Edmonson County, didn't become what it is today overnight. N.E. ensured that families who sold land to create the park were protected and that the land would be preserved for future generations to enjoy. N.E.'s commitment and selflessness is clear to everyone in Edmonson County. But it is even more evident that by putting the people first, he has established a strong community that will benefit the entire region for years to come. I am grateful for all of N.E.'s hard work and dedication to the people of Edmonson County. I wish him well on his retirement and look forward to continuing to work with him in the community.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bill Evans. Considered to have pioneered FM radio in Hardin County, Bill is set to retire as Owner and President of Skytower Communications. Bill previously served as president of the Kentucky Broadcasters Association, even receiving the Kentucky Mic Award. He was also active with the National Association of Broadcasters, serving as a board member for the Kentucky and West Virginia region. Bill also served as President of the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, in addition to receiving the Big E award and being named the Small Business Person of the Year. Anyone who knows Bill knows that he's only one-half of a team. That other half is his wife, Marilyn. Together, they have served as chair of the United Way Committee and are very active at Severns Valley Baptist Church, where Bill has served three terms as a deacon and is currently chairman of the deacons. Marilyn has also been instrumental with her work on the Hardin County Fair Board and in leading the creation of a free children's fair for the community. Marilyn has also served as President of the Junior Women's Club. A real fixture in the community, Bill and Marilyn make quite the team. I wish Bill well in his retirement, but know he will continue to be a driving force in Hardin County.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Clarence Roberts Johnson. The New Haven, KY, native was elected mayor in 2010 and held that post until he passed away on August 28, 2014. A fixture in his community, ``Bobby'' wore many hats throughout his career. He was a licensed barber and a small business owner in the community. Bobby was committed to providing quality emergency services in Nelson County, both by establishing the Rolling Fork Fire Department and working to provide ambulance services. In addition, Bobby also served 18 years as the Police Chief in New Haven and was elected City Commissioner, serving two terms before becoming mayor. It is easy to see that Bobby had an eye for public safety. When concerns of flood waters arose in New Haven, Bobby walked the banks of the river and ultimately saw that the river course had changed. This discovery, which he ultimately shared with my office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will lead to a safer community. Bobby was always proud of living in New Haven and I know the city's residents were proud to call him their mayor. We will miss him and are thankful for his service.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Jonathan French of Glendale, KY. Only 25 years old, Jonathan was killed in a tragic accident while doing his job as a volunteer firefighter. Jonathan's death represents the first on-duty firefighter to be killed in the line of duty there since July 1970. The entire Hardin County community is grieving the loss--a young man who was a son, a brother, a mentor and a fiance. His interests included hunting and rooting for the University of Kentucky's basketball team, but his passion was firefighting. A fellow Glendale volunteer firefighter reiterated that in an interview with the local paper, The News-Enterprise. ``He loved keeping the fire trucks clean. He took his firefighting seriously. He was one heck of a good man.'' A dedicated public servant, Jonathan was taken too soon. But his legacy and strong desire to serve his community will surely continue. I join with Kentucky's Second District in sending prayers to Jonathan's family. We will miss him and are thankful for his service.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC). Headquartered in Elizabethtown, KY, ECTC will celebrate 50 years of educational excellence and service to Kentuckians during the 2014-2015 school year. For five decades, ECTC has enriched the lives of its students by providing access to quality and affordable academic, technical and community education programs. By partnering with the public, these efforts have been felt by the community as well. From 355 enrolled students in 1964, to 7,000 today--it is clear that ECTC has blossomed into a strong institution of learning. With four campuses and additional extended campus sites, ECTC directly serves 12 counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To everyone at ECTC--your commitment to the education of future leaders is commendable and I hope you are very proud of this achievement. I join with all of Kentucky's Second District in congratulating everyone at ECTC on reaching this milestone and wish you many more years of continued success.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 4984, the Empowering Students Through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act. But first, I want to say thanks to my friend from Oregon, Congresswoman Bonamici, for putting together a coalition of both sides where we can come together to address a problem that faces so many of the people who sent us here to represent them. And to the chairman, we are going to pass three or four bills this week in a bipartisan manner. The President signed a bill that passed this committee this week as well. It shows that he is putting together where we can find common ground to solve problems that really affect the people who sent us here to represent them. We appreciate him for that. But to address this bill: with the rising costs of attaining a college degree, many students need financial assistance to make that dream a reality. This bill will increase financial literacy by reforming the current guidelines to require annual counseling for student borrowers. In doing so, students will be empowered with the knowledge necessary to understand what they are borrowing, which financial options to draw from first, and the implication of their future debt load in repayment scenarios. A June 2014 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that less than 50 percent of survey respondents with student debt have what they consider a high loan literacy. Current Federal law only requires colleges and universities to provide financial counseling to student borrowers at the beginning of their studies. In short, these students get a quick snapshot of their loan obligations after they have already committed to the first year's loans, and then again once they have accrued their entire loan burden. Making matters worse, these counseling sessions tend to be broad and not based on information specific to the borrower. Many of today's students do not have a clear picture of what their financial obligation will look like upon graduation, and aren't necessarily given any opportunity to make decisions to alter that course. So will this bill make a difference? Well, we have an example. Indiana University--being from Kentucky, I have to admit, Indiana University has begun a process of educating students annually prior to accepting their aid package for the following year, similar to our efforts in this bill. IU found that Federal undergraduate Stafford loan disbursements dropped by $31 million, or 11 percent, from the previous year. That is five times the decline in the national average. And they still were served in college. They just didn't take out too much excess debt. Through this bill, we hope to expand upon what institutions like Indiana University are doing and reform the current guidelines to require annual counseling for student borrowers, and ensure that students are empowered with the information they need to take control of their financial futures. I encourage my colleagues, and I appreciate the bipartisan support, and particularly my friend from Oregon, for working together, and I encourage my colleagues to support this meaningful legislation so we can arm students with the financial knowledge needed and help lower their debt burdens.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Chris Billa of Park City, KY. Only 26 years old, Chris lost his battle with cancer on July 14, 2014. Chris was a son, father and brother. But many knew Chris as a local firefighter. Despite having his own personal battle with cancer, Chris continued to battle the fires in our own community. WBKO, a TV station in Bowling Green, KY, named Chris a ``Hometown Hero'' in October 2013. In an interview with the station at the time, Larry Poteet, Deputy Chief said, ``He's not changed. If anything has changed about him its made him put everybody in front of him more, and I just don't know how he does it.'' It was Chris's commitment to serve his community and decisions to put others first that rightly caught the attention of so many. While a community is in mourning, we are all lucky to have shared this earth with Chris. I am grateful for his passion for life and his desire to serve our community. We will miss him and are thankful for his service.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and it is important. When I first came to Congress, I was the sponsor of this bill when it was in our committee when I first came here. My experience is I worked for 18 years before I came to Congress in my family's manufacturing business. I remember, when I first got there, we needed skilled workers. We were trying to find skilled workers, and we found out we had a plant full of very smart people who just didn't figure it out when they were in high school for some reason. I have seen what additional training and education will do for adults--take some of the tool and diemakers in our world, robotics repairmen, and computer-controlled machine programers to a high-wage, high-skilled job and lifestyle. Also, as I travel through my district--I travel through my district all the time--and all of us do--go into businesses, and there is not a single business that I visited any time recently, even with the unemployment numbers where there are, not a single business, whether or not they are advertising in the paper for applications or not, but not a single one that says that, if the right person came today with the skills that I need, I would hire them. This is why we are here today. This is what is happening. The process has worked. We are coming together as a country today, to make sure that the workers are getting a hand up, and we are going to make sure they have the opportunity to improve themselves. I have seen it, Madam Speaker, I have seen it. When people go through these programs and they complete them successfully, they don't just become a more valuable employee. Each employee becomes more valuable to his and herself. I am very proud to be here. I am very proud to support this. I appreciate our chairman and Ms. Foxx of North Carolina and all the work together through the House and the Senate, to give the workers of America a victory today.