Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate generations of loggers in Washington State, including my grandfather, Dale Gilmore. If you visit my office in Longworth, you will see a chainsaw that is almost 9 feet long. It is a McCulloch Model 99. It is the same model of chainsaw that my grandpa ran in the woods up and down the peninsula. It was shipped here in a crate built by the Stevenson High School shop class under the leadership of Scott Midland. I brought it here to remind this Washington, D.C., what real work looks like. The lifespan of men who ran these chainsaws could be pretty short, but they chose to sacrifice to provide for their families. The power that comes from mastering a skill should invoke humility and respect for all of the people who choose to work with their hands in the woods.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise to offer an amendment requiring permitting agencies to determine their technology needs and report them to Congress. Like many of my colleagues across the aisle, I support permitting reforms. We can agree that existing permitting programs are onerous, saddling Americans with rules and regulations that are challenging at best to navigate. Unfortunately, both parties share some of the blame for creating this mess. It is Congress that has spent decades under-resourcing permitting agencies, a big cause of the backlog we are seeing today. Congress' infrastructure investments of the last few years are critical for my district and the entire country. Simply funding projects is not enough, though. That is not the goal of recent legislation. Getting projects built is the goal. Whether it is bridges, broadband, ports, or power lines, making sure that permits are being issued in a consistent and timely manner is key to any project's success. I want to make clear that ensuring predictability is an important piece of the permitting puzzle, one often left out of the discussion. When someone is applying for permits, potential approval or disapproval shouldn't be at the whims of whoever is reviewing their application. Using new technology to improve consistency can help provide the certainty that businesses crave to pursue critical projects in the first place. These reforms can't continue to help big businesses beat out our small businesses. The endless red tape involved in getting permits is a major burden for small businesses. In sector after sector of our economy, market consolidation is squeezing America's small businesses and harming consumers. A business of five employees should be on a level playing field with a business of 5,000 employees when it comes to navigating the permitting system. Ensuring that predictability is one way permitting programs can work better for small businesses. Right now we don't even know what resources permitting agencies need, and that is why the provision in H.R. 1 that agencies assess their staffing needs and report them to Congress is so important. My amendment simply extends that requirement to cover technology, as well. Technology, we all know, is changing so fast right now, and giving permitting agencies better tools can help on so many fronts. New software, including programs using machine learning, can better coordinate simultaneous application reviews by agencies, it can improve agencies' communication with applicants so they can know where their permits are in the process and any additional material that may be needed for certification. New technology can improve predictability and timely review. This is a straightforward measure that would help make the government work the way it ought to. Congress needs to make sure that permitting agencies have the staff, technology, and resources to issue permits and expand permitting capacity. I am proud to offer this amendment to ensure agencies' technology needs are met, and I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Chair, I yield myself the balance of my time. In closing, Madam Chair, this reporting requirement is important for making sure permitting agencies work right. Making sure agencies have the technology they need will improve processes, reduce compliance costs, and speed up permitting. The whole amendment is just 10 pages. It is a straightforward, good- government provision. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the line workers in my district. They are literally keeping the lights on. When ice storms hit, when the winds are hitting 60-miles-an-hour in my district, when we are warm in bed, the folks who work on the power lines are getting in their trucks and they are working in these conditions to keep and get the lights on. Power transmission is not sexy. It does not get the status and the attention that a Tesla does or that many of our electrification projects do. But transmission is critical for grid resiliency and clean energy. We have got to focus our efforts on increasing transmission capacity. I take this opportunity to specifically thank the linemen in my county, Skamania County. A few weeks ago, we had a huge winter storm. I woke up to 20 inches. A lot of people like me get our water from a well, so when the power is out, we don't have water. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of those line folks who are keeping the power on, getting up in the middle of the night, and taking care of our power supply. Funding for Water Infrastructure

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about water infrastructure in my community. A few weeks ago, I was reviewing congressional funding requests, and one pervasive theme that came up over and over was municipal water infrastructure problems in the district. This issue touches every county in my district and every home, from Underwood to Long Beach to Washougal. Over and over, we see infrastructure that is past its recommended life span, undersized, or on the brink of collapse, frankly. In order to resolve this, communities are forced to either slap a Band-Aid on it or take out massive loans. Some wastewater systems are also beginning to fail, and they have been releasing sewage into the environment, which places a lot of people at risk. Local governments alone can't address this issue. In the past, the government has mandated state-of-the-art equipment, essentially requiring that these folks put a Lamborghini sewer system in when what they really need is a Toyota Corolla. This makes it incredibly expensive and difficult to keep up with maintenance in a small community. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass Federal legislation that will ensure all Americans have access to clean energy. Prescription Drug Shortages

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the drug shortages happening across the country. Like most Americans, I live on a budget. My monthly prescription just went from $16 a month to $250 a month, and we are seeing this across the board. We are seeing shortages in Infants' Tylenol and in cough syrup. We have shortages of vital drugs. It is becoming incredibly difficult for everyday people to keep up with the cost of these necessary medications. No surprise, Big Pharma can find the capacity to manufacture the expensive on-brand drugs, and they are actively stonewalling efforts to produce the generic drugs that working families can actually afford. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address this critical issue and ensure folks across the Nation can access their medications. In Support of Law Enforcement

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of law enforcement officers in my district and across the Nation. The national starting wage for police officers is $67,000 annually. That is not very much, folks. These are careers that we are asking people to step into the line of fire for us, and these wages do not reflect the risks of the job. As a result, no surprise, recruitment and retention of good officers is the top issue facing law enforcement agencies across the country. But our Federal priorities don't reflect this necessity. We are continually funding capital projects and not operating expenses. So while the cost of living is going up and up and up, we are funding, I kid you not, body cameras for dogs. In my district, one of my local sheriff's offices received Federal funding for dog body cameras at a time when their deputy wages are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. We have got to make sure Federal resources are being spent wisely, not on, literally, pet projects. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in working to realign our Federal spending to reflect the real issues facing law enforcement. Celebrating the Life of Larry Cassidy

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Larry Cassidy. When I first met Larry, I remember how amazed I was by his constant positivity. Larry was born in Portland but moved to Vancouver, the good side of the river, his home since 1966. He was a husband, father, and grandfather. He was passionate about salmon and steelhead in the Northwest and was a community activist and conservationist before receiving a Governor-appointed position on the Washington Game Commission. Sadly, Larry passed away in January of this year after battling prostate cancer for 25 years. I thank Larry for being a friend and a mentor. I stand with my community in being grateful to Larry for all he did in Washington's Third Congressional District.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Napavine High School football team for a fabulous season. They have brought home yet another State championship in football. The Tigers put up an impressive 41 points in one game. The defense stood tall, paving the way to secure the title. Victories like these really highlight the importance of team sports and competition. These experiences bring communities together and teach students the value of teamwork and hard work. Congratulations, Napavine Tigers. You have made your community and me very proud for an amazing season. Recognizing Sandra Bedrosian Sermone

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Sandra Bedrosian Sermone, a resident of my district, for her work on ADNP syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. In 2016, Sandra founded the ADNP Kids Research Foundation after her son was diagnosed with this disorder. Additionally, Sandra helped discover a new biomarker for the ADNP gene, helping her spearhead efforts to diagnose and cure ADNP. Through her efforts, the ADNP Kids Research Foundation has donated over $2 million to studying ADNP syndrome, making it the world's largest contributor to ADNP research. The foundation is based out of Brush Prairie, Washington, in my district, and I want to take this opportunity to thank Sandra and her entire team for their trailblazing work. I wish them the very best as they endeavor to find a cure for ADNP syndrome. Celebrating Longview's Centennial

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Longview, Washington. Longview was created north of the Columbia River and west of the Cowlitz River in 1923 by the Long-Bell Lumber Company. It was, at the time, the first city of its size created entirely by private funds. Previously, the Long-Bell Lumber Company was located in Missouri, and I think they judiciously relocated to the Northwest, where timber grows on trees. Longview was dedicated in 1923 and then incorporated as a municipal government in February 1924. Today, Longview is a thriving community of over 37,000 people. It is a major port hub and continues to be a powerhouse in timber, cardboard, and paper industries. As part of its celebrations, Longview celebrated a Centennial Kickoff Celebration on January 20. I look forward to celebrating with them throughout the year, particularly during this summer's annual cardboard boat regatta. Celebrating the Mecha Mules Robotics Team

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give a huge shout-out to the Wahkiakum High School Mecha Mules robotics team. Somebody needs to make a movie about these guys. They are phenomenal. Wahkiakum High School actually did not have hot running water in many of their bathrooms. It is a rural and, in many ways, a very underresourced school. These kids, ranging in age from eighth grade all the way to seniors, placed second at the International SeaPerch underwater robotics competition. They are doing phenomenal work. They placed 17th out of over a hundred competitors in Washington State's competition. I was so honored to visit with them last month. These kids really know their stuff. I am behind them 100 percent, so much so that I actually offered or agreed to jump in a pool if they are successful in their next competition. Hopefully, we will have more on that. Again, congratulations. We are all so proud of you. You have made your community very proud, and I am very excited to see what you all continue to do. Thanking U.S. Coast Guard and Columbia River Bar Pilots for Their Service

Ms. PEREZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank the U.S. Coast Guard and Columbia River Bar pilots in southwest Washington for their dedicated service every day on the Columbia River Bar. This is one of the most dangerous bodies of water in the world. It is where the mighty Columbia meets the Pacific Ocean. In winter, waves reach over 30 feet to 40 feet in height. Every day, these folks risk their lives to save lives and livelihoods and ensure that the Columbia River can be a connecting route for Washington State and the entire world for trade. I am so grateful for the work they do guiding cargo ships and providing aid to stranded vessels.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 128.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to be a voice for my rural community and celebrate the passage of the Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act. Before being sworn into Congress, I acted with my predecessor, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Senator Cantwell, and members of the Skamania County Commission to pass the Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act in the fiscal year 2023 spending bill. As a Skamania County resident, I know that only 1.8 percent of our land is fully taxable for generating necessary revenue for community services. The Wind River Administrative Site Conveyance Act transfers 24 acres back into the county land base and increases opportunity for small businesses in our community. I thank my predecessor, Jaime Herrera Beutler, and Senator Cantwell for leading this effort. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass similarly important legislation. Recognizing Repair Clark County

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to be a voice for my community and share with you the importance of Repair Clark County. Repair Clark County is a nonprofit organization that rejects the premise that when things break, we just throw them out, that we are helpless consumers reliant on an endless cycle of cheap goods. I was lucky to attend one of their events on January 21, and I saw a little girl light up when her favorite night-light was fixed instead of being thrown away. What an amazing gift to teach this child that we can have a relationship of stewardship with our belongings, not just consumerism. These volunteers uphold our values of stewardship and self- sufficiency because, in America, DIY is in our DNA. I thank Terra Heilman, the head of Repair Clark County, for spearheading this effort. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work on Federal legislation that ensures all consumers have the right and the ability to maintain and fix their own stuff. Recognizing iUrban Teen

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the iUrban Teen organization for creating an incredibly diverse talent pipeline in my district. IUrban Teen provides skills training for teens and young adults and gives them access to career pathways and alternatives that they need to be successful and have more opportunities. For example, the Future Teachers Pathway program brings together Vancouver Public Schools, Washington State University Vancouver, and Clark College to mentor students and give them the training they need to succeed in their chosen career paths. This is so critical for young people who face challenges and gives them the support they deserve in their efforts to become critical members of our community. For the past 13 years, iUrban Teen has hosted a breakfast on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I was honored to attend their event. I thank the iUrban Teen team for bridging the gap for students and inspiring all of us to keep working for change. Honoring Mikhail Pavenko

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mikhail Pavenko, a resident of Vancouver, Washington. In 1996, Mikhail emigrated from Ukraine to Vancouver, and he has proudly worked as a lineman for the Clark County Public Utilities since 2014, literally keeping the lights on in my district. Mr. Pavenko has recently taken on a new role. Since the conflict between Ukraine and Russia began, he has returned to Ukraine more than a dozen times to serve as a volunteer military chaplain. Mikhail is and continues to be a beacon of light for many during times of untold suffering. He inspires Ukrainians on the front line to keep the faith and keep up the fight, and he simultaneously reminds all of us that democracy is worth fighting for. I cannot thank Mr. Pavenko enough for his service to the people of Ukraine as they stand together against authoritarianism. Congratulating the Columbia River Rapids Girls Volleyball Team

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a big shout-out to the Columbia River Rapids girls volleyball team. They are doing an incredible job. I am so excited to share this on the House floor. The Rapids girls volleyball team won the 2A State title in three sets, finishing an amazing season for the volleyball team. The entire tournament, they only lost one set. What makes this even more notable is they were a No. 6 seed, and they defeated three higher seeds to attain this title. These incredible young women played an impressive season and have made me and our whole community very proud. Congratulations to the Columbia River Rapids girls volleyball team on their amazing accomplishments. I am so excited to see what they will do next season.

Ms. PEREZ

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Chair, I thank Representative DelBene for the opportunity to speak on this amendment. The health of my district's economy depends on a clean Pacific Coast and ocean ecosystem. My district is actually home to one of the most fishing-dependent communities in the entire country--Pacific County. Preventing offshore drilling not only protects the environment, it also protects the economies of the communities where people work for a living. We cannot bankrupt our long-term environmental quality for a one-off oil jackpot. That is why I support this amendment that prevents offshore drilling. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representatives Kilmer and DelBene for their work on this critical issue, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 79.

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Chair, I rise to offer an amendment prohibiting oil and gas leasing on any tract of the Washington-Oregon Planning Area, where leasing would negatively impact coastal fisheries. The health of our economies depends on a clean Pacific. Washington generates over $8.5 billion of revenue in fisheries and seafood processing a year. My district is home to one of the most fishing- dependent communities in the entire U.S. Pacific County is home to the largest shellfish-producing community on the entire West Coast. Pacific County produces almost 50 million pounds of shellfish a year. That is 600 jobs and over $10 million of value. The towns of Ilwaco and Chinook support over 200 fishing vessels. That is 1,300 jobs, generating 21 million pounds of fish and shellfish and $25 million of personal income. To be clear, this is critical to the economies of our coastal communities. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve will continue to be a critical part of our national security infrastructure, and oil and gas will continue to be part of our energy economy for a long time, but we can't sacrifice our rural economies for a one-off jackpot in oil. I am proud to offer this amendment to protect coastal fisheries and the communities they support, and I am glad to stand up for people who work for a living. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.