Jaime Herrera Beutler

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I want to commend Dr. Wenstrup and the chairman and ranking member for their work on this bill. Today I am offering this amendment that will help get to the root of one of the big problems within the VA that leads to high turnover by providers and compromises care for our veteran heroes. Specifically, my amendment strengthens anonymity protections for VA employees who fill out exit surveys and requires that this exit survey data be more localized so that the agency can better solve region-specific problems. High staff turnover is an ongoing problem in our VA and it negatively affects our veterans. High turnover leads to staff shortages and results in veterans having to wait longer to see their doctor or their specialist, and it also means that there are issues with continuity of care for veterans. Over the last few years, I have asked the VA why healthcare providers are leaving. The VA took some educated guesses as to why but could not provide hard data or facts. Two years ago I inserted a directive into the MILCON VA approps bill requiring the VA to begin offering exit surveys to collect data on why healthcare providers are leaving. I also required that the VA develop a detailed plan to address the primary reasons these providers were leaving. While that report has provided some insights, we found that it is failing to take a few important steps that would make sure we are receiving honest feedback from these exiting providers. For instance, the Portland VA employees who fill out the survey have to fill it out at a kiosk in the HR office where the HR staff can see them doing it. While the survey, itself, is anonymous, departing employees have to log into the kiosk with their employee identification number. The fear of being identified is a big deterrent for providers filling out this voluntary but critical survey. Only if VA providers are telling the honest truth about what they saw, heard, and experienced in their workplace can the VA then fix the problems that plague its facilities. Therefore, we have to make this exit survey as easy and confidential to fill out as possible, and that is what my amendment requires. It requires these surveys to be conducted at a location that allows for privacy, not directly visible by another VA employee, and it does not require the departing employee to put in any personal, identifiable information. It also requires the exit survey data to be compiled at the regional level to identify and acknowledge local needs. What needs to be changed in southwest Washington may not be the same as what is happening in Texas or Virginia or Florida, and this amendment will help the VA identify the right region-specific solutions. With that, I urge Members to support my amendment so we can better serve and support our veterans by retaining their healthcare providers. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Walz).

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I am really excited about this bill, and I am excited about an inclusion in the 21st Century bill that we are voting today that is going to help moms and babies. Nearly all of the 400 million women who give birth each year in the U.S. and the 3 million women who breast-feed will take medications or receive a vaccine during their pregnancy or while they are nursing. This bill that we are voting on, that we hope is going to pass and be signed into law, contains a provision that will reduce the health risks faced by these moms. Here is where the risk lies. Pregnant women are often not included in clinical trials on medications, so we really don't know what the effects are of drugs on a woman and on her pregnancy. Without reliable information, women and doctors are really just playing a guessing game, trying to figure out the impacts of medication, and that could be on medication that is a prescription for a chronic disease: hypertension, diabetes, or severe depression. The other undesirable choice for moms is whether or not to choose just not to treat their condition. If they don't know what the impact is, maybe they are just going to forgo their therapy altogether. Moms should be able to safely manage ongoing conditions throughout their pregnancies and while breast-feeding without playing this guessing game. Fortunately, the Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act is included in the bill that we are voting on. I urge its support.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, the evening of November 14th, I am not recorded on two votes, because I was absent due to a mechanical failure on my flight. If I had been present, I would have voted: on roll call 575; yes, and on roll call 576; yes.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Katko for his support and collaboration on this important piece of legislation. Today, I am excited to support a bipartisan bill that I introduced, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act, or the BABES Act, to ensure that families aren't being penalized for simply trying to travel with supplies and equipment necessary to take care of their babies. For parents, working moms, and caretakers, air travel can present its own unique challenges. To accommodate these challenges, the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, has important exemptions in place that allow passengers to bring breast milk, bottles, and feeding equipment through airport security and on board the aircraft. It exempts them from the 3-1-1 rule. You can imagine how important this is during longer flights for moms who have to be away from their infants for extended periods of time. I have been in this situation. This is critical. Unfortunately, although this exemption is in place, we have seen a problem with compliance. There have been too many instances reported by parents that TSA officials either didn't know or simply refused to follow these exemptions. Parents who are trying to follow these rules are consistently singled out for harassment-like scrutiny by TSA. This has led to breast milk being forcibly tossed out, equipment being broken, and flights missed. Mr. Speaker, a family following TSA's posted regulations shouldn't have to have their breast milk thrown out, shouldn't have to endure the travel nightmare of missing flights while they are traveling with kids because of the lack of training on the agency's part. The BABES Act is a commonsense measure. It will hold TSA accountable in upholding its own current regulations and standards. I urge adoption of this important legislation. I include in the Record two letters in support of this bill, one from the American Academy of Pediatrics and one from the March of Dimes. American Academy of Pediatrics, May 17, 2016. Hon. Jaime Herrera Beutler, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Herrera Beutler: On behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a professional organization of 64,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, I write to express our appreciation for your efforts to ensure that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provides adequate support and accommodation for breastfeeding mothers. The AAP strongly recommends breastfeeding as the preferred feeding method for all infants, including preterm newborn infants. Breastfeeding has proven to have numerous health benefits for both mother and child. Studies show that children who are not breastfed have higher rates of mortality, meningitis, some types of cancers, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, bacterial and viral infections, ear infections, juvenile diabetes, some chronic liver diseases, allergies and obesity. Due to the resounding evidence of improved child health and well-being, AAP recommends that mothers breastfeed exclusively for about the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding for at least the first year of a child's life as complementary foods are introduced. Although TSA already permits parents traveling with infants to carry breast milk and formula on board planes, many parents encounter barriers when traveling with these liquids. The important efforts you've undertaken would help ensure that the TSA is providing ongoing training to its agents to ensure that current guidelines are consistently enforced, thereby helping to guarantee that parents are able to carry the supplies they need to care for their children while traveling. The Academy is grateful to you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of infants and children and we look forward to working with you and the TSA to ensure consistent and appropriate training and policies that accommodate pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Sincerely, Karen Remley, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAP, CEO/Executive Director.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, my amendment is a simple technical correction to clarify congressional intent to assist Northwestern States in prevention and monitoring of aquatic invasive species. Western States are seeing a troubling spread of quagga and zebra mussels, which are an invasive species that quickly destroy infrastructure for hydropower, water supply, filtration systems, and fisheries. Once this species becomes established and spreads, it is difficult and very costly to eradicate. In some States, invasive mussels are already costing industries and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars in damage and repair. For communities in the Columbia River basin, an infestation would be devastating to production of clean, renewable hydropower, which means steep rate hikes for families and businesses that are located in our region and are currently thriving due to the low cost of energy. Communities would also suffer severe damages to fisheries and boats, putting all users and recreators of the Columbia and Snake River systems at risk. Prevention is the first line of defense and the cheapest tool to use against invasive species. Watercraft inspection stations are particularly crucial in successful monitoring and detection. These stations intercept thousands of boats from all over the country to inspect and decontaminate. This is why Congress authorized funds under the 2014 WRRDA to support watercraft inspection stations that protect the Columbia River basin from mussel invasion. Unfortunately, these funds have yet to actually reach the stations due to an ambiguity in the law. This amendment simply clarifies that funds authorized under WRDA are intended to assist in establishing new watercraft inspection stations and support coverage for existing stations in Northwestern States. Mr. Chairman, this is a good-government amendment to ensure that Federal funds are being used for the purpose for which Congress intended. I urge adoption of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for the support. Let's get this amendment moving. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, the day of July 11th, I am wrongly recorded on H.R. 5606, the Anti-terrorism Information Sharing Is Strength Act. I intended to oppose this legislation.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, on the day of April 11th, I am wrongly recorded on H.R. 5606, the Anti-terrorism Information Sharing Is Strength Act. I intended to oppose this legislation.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 153, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a beloved resident of Southwest Washington, John McKibbin. John was a respected leader and a dedicated community member whose life made a lasting impact on our region. Respected for his ability to bring people together, John was a lifelong servant. He began his career as a teacher at Columbia River High School and went on to serve in the Washington State House of Representatives, and then as a Clark County Commissioner. However, John's commitment to his community did not end after leaving public office. As a business leader, he continued to dedicate his time and effort to the community he so proudly represented until the end of his life. John was a bright light in his hometown of Vancouver. He participated in numerous volunteer projects and civic organizations including Leadership Clark County, Evergreen Habitat for Humanity, and the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce. John's relentless energy, tireless passion, and genuine positivity spoke to how deeply he cared for his local community. Today, I want to honor John and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind. His dedication to making life better for the people in our region, and his love for his home will endure and serve as examples to those who strive to make our community a better place to live. I pray for peace for John's family during this difficult time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, for 20 years, Republican and Democratic administrations, alike, have effectively regulated navigable waters--which is the official term--under the Clean Water Act to protect both our environment and private property, but the Obama administration is trying to change all of that. The Obama Administration's new definition will give the EPA authority over every pond or seasonal stream, drainage ditch, or puddle in the United States--every single one. Every piece of land where water falls from the heavens, the EPA is claiming control over. What does that mean if you want to put a deck on your house or move your driveway or build a shed or something similar? It means you are going to have to apply to the Federal Government for a permit. What do those permits look like? They take upwards of 788 days to obtain, and they cost upwards of $270,000 to get per permit, per puddle, per ditch, or per stream that you want to amend. So I hope you are either really rich and have a ton of time on your hands or you don't want to ever change anything because this is almost impossible. I would call this new change a solution in search of a problem, but it is a solution that is going to create a problem. There is no evidence that this is going to give us stronger environmental protections, that we are going to have cleaner water, or that we are even going to have a benefit. What is really going to happen is the EPA is going to be kingmaker; and you and I, as Americans, are going to be forced to grovel at their feet, begging for permits on our own land. This really impacts those of us in the West tremendously. Every American should sit up and pay attention because this impacts everybody, including cities and counties. I hope you don't need a new hospital in your area or you don't need a grocery store or perhaps your city needs to expand or grow or change, because this effectively says that one agency, headed by very political and liberal--at this point, very liberal--ideologues will get to make that decision, and they are not going to give us the benefit. That is the scary thing here. So I look forward to joining with Republicans and commonsense Democrats, because believe it or not, just like in years past, Republicans and Democrats are both opposed to this, to put this block in place and to move forward.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, the day of December 1st, I am not recorded on seven votes because I was absent due to illness. If I had been present, I would have voted: yes, on rollcall 646; yes, on rollcall 647; yes, on rollcall 648; yes, on rollcall 649; yes, on rollcall 650; yes, on rollcall 651; and yes on rollcall 652.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of an upstanding community leader, and longtime resident of Southwest Washington, Nancy Baker. Commissioner Baker's dedication to the community can be seen through her long service to the Port. Nancy was first elected as a Port Commissioner for the Port of Vancouver, USA, in 2003--making her the first female commissioner in the Port of Vancouver's 103 year history. This followed a 14 year stint as a Port employee. As a commissioner, she faced tough decisions that she has handled with grace and thoughtful deliberation. She has overseen numerous projects, including most recently the ``trench'' and Waterfront Projects which have greatly improved the functionality of the Port and will continue making the Port of Vancouver an integral part of our community. Having spent over a quarter century at the Port, Nancy has been a central part of its tremendous growth. Ask anyone in our community-- Nancy's name has become synonymous with the Port, and her contributions will be greatly missed. She has received numerous awards throughout her service including the Clark County Women of Achievement from Clark College and the YWCA, the Community Service Award from the Southwest Washington Labor Roundtable and the Central Labor Council, and she was named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women of Clark County by the Columbian newspaper. Please join me in honoring the selfless and passionate dedication of Nancy Baker and her long career.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, the evening of November 30th, I am not recorded on two votes because I was absent due to illness. If I had been present, I would have voted: Yes, on rollcall 644, to remove the use restrictions on certain land transferred to Rockingham County, Virginia, and for other purposes; and Yes on rollcall 645, the Billy Frank Jr. Tell Your Story Act.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, over 50 percent of all transit riders in the U.S. travel on buses, but only 10 percent of our transit funding actually goes to buses. I will say that again. Over half of the people in this country who use public transportation take buses to get to work, to the grocery store, to visit family; yet the Federal Government dedicates less than 10 percent of its transit funds specifically to buses and to bus facilities. We are selling communities short, communities like my home in southwest Washington, but we have an opportunity to rectify the situation, Mr. Chairman. While overall transit funding has been steadily increasing, this bill funds buses in 2016 at, roughly, half of the 2012 levels--that is, Mr. Chairman, unless you happen to represent one of seven States for which this bill sets aside, roughly, an additional $272 million a year. While all 50 States can compete for funds through the nationwide Competitive Bus Grant program, which is funded at $90 million in 2016 and $200 million each year after, a select few of the northeastern States get an additional $272 million pot to draw from. That is right, Mr. Chairman. These high-density States--Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Delaware--have a special pot of money set aside for them that averages $90 million more a year than the nationwide pot that all 50 States compete for. Oh, and those seven States still get to compete for the nationwide pot. It is an issue of fairness, Mr. Chairman. The idea that seven States have available to them more money than all 50 States combined isn't fair to the communities in my State or in yours or in the other 43 States. My amendment would simply move the funding from the seven-State set- aside program into the Competitive Bus Grant program and allow all States to compete for these much-needed resources. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner).

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. I yield the gentleman an additional 15 seconds.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Chairman, as was well said, 371 Members of the House represent people in States that will benefit from this amendment. By voting ``yes'' for this amendment, 371 Members will have an opportunity to increase access to important transit funds in their districts without raising spending levels in the bill. Even those Members in these high-density States are not losing access to the funds. The amendment allows all 50 States to compete fairly for grant funding based on the needs of the area and the merits of the project. How can anybody be against this? What is wrong with this? I urge my colleagues to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2168, the West Coast Dungeness Crab Management Act. This bipartisan bill is an important solution for residents of coastal communities in southwest Washington. The successful, two-decades-old tri-state Dungeness crab management agreement will expire September 30 of 2016. This bill simply makes permanent the management authority between Washington, Oregon, and California. This management authority has worked. For the last 20 years, these States have overseen one of the most valuable fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. In 2014, fishermen delivered 53 million pounds of crab, totaling $170 million. This economic activity helped support the 61,000 jobs relating to the seafood industry in Washington State alone. How has it maintained this success? The fishery has been managed in a sustainable way. And, importantly, it doesn't cost taxpayers a dime. However, should this authority expire, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, says its management of the fishery will cost taxpayers over $1.15 million each year. So, simply put, this bill maintains local control on the West Coast and ensures sustainability of the Dungeness crab fishery, and it saves taxpayer dollars. I want to thank Chairman Bishop and the House Natural Resource staff for bringing this bill to the floor. It is common sense. I urge the House to vote ``yes'' on this bill to ensure a bright, sustainable economic future for coastal crab-dependent communities like Ilwaco, Washington, and many others on the West Coast.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. 490 I was unable to attend the following vote due to a flight delay from my district in Southwest Washington. Had I been present, I would have voted yea.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. It is with a very heavy heart that I take to the floor today to speak out against what really I think anybody who saw it or witnessed the video or read the transcripts felt, which is outrage. For those of you who were able to stomach watching these videos, you were left with many shocking questions about an organization that appears to callously commodify human baby body parts. The first video showed a senior Planned Parenthood official describing how to place medical forceps on a baby during an abortion in order to best harvest specific organs. She bartered over prices for these little human parts. She did it over a casual lunch. Sadly, there are voices that defend Planned Parenthood and its practices. They minimize this as an isolated innocent by one individual and sought to move on as quickly as possible; but then came, today, a second video, and we can only guess that there are more to come. The likelihood that these are two isolated incidents with two individuals that don't represent Planned Parenthood's values, but approach the business of selling body parts seemingly without feeling in the exact same way, I am not buying it. I believe this body has a duty to investigate, regardless of where you stand on pro-life or pro-choice. Given the history of Federal funding to Planned Parenthood, we have to ask these questions: Is Planned Parenthood profiting from the sale of human baby body parts? Are the clinics' patients being asked if they are willing to donate? Do they know that the doctor who is performing their abortion could be profiting? Do they know whether or not this increases pain for their unborn baby during an abortion? Are these facilities abiding by State laws with regard to late-term and partial-birth abortions? Gosh, I ask this because it sure seems like they want babies in the later second and third trimesters because anybody who has been a mom or has followed this journey knows that that is when organ development really strengthens and grows. If you are just trying to profit, you want the organ that is best going to function, whether it is for research or whatever. I think we need to find out what they are even using this for. I want to know who is buying these baby parts. That is the other piece that this body needs to investigate and find out. Planned Parenthood has always purported to provide a necessary service for women's health; but I ask: Is this even safe? How long does this prolong a procedure? Is it really the motivation for their practices? Not if you follow the money--one of the doctors who was describing this, basically a harvesting doctor, joked she wants a Lamborghini. Like a lot of things, following the money does lead to answers, and this body is going to find out. Clearly, Planned Parenthood doctors are receiving and filling requests for hearts, lungs, lower extremities, and livers, a request that is unfortunately and apparently common. I have never taken to the floor of this House to express outrage over this issue, but today, I do, and it is time for answers.

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER

Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Preeclampsia Awareness Month and the importance of addressing maternal and infant health. Preeclampsia is a serious and far too common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period and is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths, illness, and premature birth. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, the disease affects approximately 1 in 12 women, and can result in seizure, stroke, organ failure or death. Prenatal care is necessary if preeclampsia or risk of preeclampsia is to be identified and monitored to ensure the health of the mom and baby. Unfortunately, too many people are unaware of this potentially fatal condition. The main indicator of preeclampsia is high blood pressure. Additional symptoms of preeclampsia are common to pregnancy such as headaches, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, vomiting, confusion, heightened state of anxiety or visual disturbances such as oversensitivity to light or blurred vision. That is why I support the Preeclampsia Foundation's efforts to educate women and their families to know the symptoms, respond to warning signs, and seek prenatal care. So much more needs to be understood about this condition--why it occurs, how to cure it, and its long-term effect on a woman and her child's health. Research has demonstrated a possible direct link to the placenta. I understand that the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development at NIH has embarked on a new effort to understand diseases and conditions related to the placenta, and it is my hope that it leads to new discovery for preeclampsia and other conditions of pregnancy. Together we must do all we can to eliminate preventable maternal and infant death and disability. I am hopeful for the promise of our research efforts, and I am grateful for the work of clinicians around this country and organizations like the Preeclampsia Foundation who work so tirelessly to advance maternal and infant health and well- being.