Richard Hudson

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 52, ``yea'' on rollcall No. 53, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 54.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr., a fierce champion for North Carolina, a diligent public servant, and a personal friend to many across this body. Representative Jones passed away on February 10, 2019, his 76th birthday. He worked tirelessly on behalf of our great state and served four years in the North Carolina National Guard, ten years in the North Carolina General Assembly, and was a member of the House of Representatives for over three decades. A man of profound integrity, Representative Jones fought each and every day for what he believed was right. From championing our men and women in uniform to protecting our coastline, he was always a steadfast voice for the people of eastern North Carolina. Today I am proud to join the North Carolina Congressional Delegation in supporting H.R. 5037, to designate a facility of the United States Postal Service as the ``Walter B. Jones, Jr. Post Office,'' located in his hometown of Farmville, North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of racing legend Buddy Baker upon his induction into the eleventh class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A native of Charlotte, Buddy Baker was a towering figure in the world of NASCAR and in 1980, won the Daytona 500 with an average race speed of 177.602 MPH--a track record that stands today. During his 33- year career, he accumulated 19 premier series wins, back-to-back Coca- Cola 600 titles, and a Southern 500 victory where he lapped the rest of the field. Buddy Baker retired in 1992 and transitioned to television and radio, where he was a successful commentator for The Nashville Network and CBS and radio co-host on Late Shift and Tradin' Paint for SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He passed away in 2015 and left behind a legacy of racing excellence and remains one of the sport's fastest drivers. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Buddy Baker is especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his remarkable contributions to racing. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the legacy of Buddy Baker on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my friend and racing legend Joe Gibbs upon his induction into the eleventh class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A titan of NASCAR, Joe Gibbs ranks third all-time with over 160 premier series owner wins. After starting Joe Gibbs Racing in 1992, he saw his organization accumulate three Daytona 500 victories, five Brickyard 400 championships, five Xfinity Series titles, and four premier series championships with drivers Bobby Lobonte, Tony Stewart, and Kyle Busch. Referred to by colleagues as ``Coach,'' Joe Gibbs is a three-time Super Bowl champion football coach who was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Since then, he has become the heart and soul of racing and I am proud that he has taken his place among the greats in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Joe Gibbs is especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his remarkable contributions to racing. Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Joe Gibbs on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate racing legend Bobby Labonte upon his induction into the eleventh class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Bobby Labonte perfectly embodies the NASCAR spirit. Before becoming a premier series driver in 1993, he was known to race any car he could find. His persistence paid off when he became the first of four drivers to win both the Xfinity Series and a premier series championship. During his exceptional career, Bobby Labonte accumulated 21 premier series wins, four Brickyard 400 championships, and a Southern 500 victory. Along with his brother, Terry Labonte, Bobby represents a pair of just two racing brothers who each claim a premier series championship. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Bobby Labonte is especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his remarkable contributions to racing. Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Bobby Labonte on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate my friend and racing legend Tony Stewart upon his induction into the eleventh class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Known for his grit and blue-collar style of competition, Tony Stewart captivated America with three victories in his debut season. With a nickname like ``Smoke,'' he understandably ran away with the 1999 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year award. Throughout his 17-year career, Tony Stewart won three premier series championships and was one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR. He accumulated 49 premier series wins, two Brickyard 400 championships in his home state, and tallied victories on every style of track. After forming Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009, he saw his organization post 51 wins and mount one of the most memorable championship pursuits in history. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Tony Stewart is especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his remarkable contributions to racing. Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Tony Stewart on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate racing legend Waddell Wilson upon his induction into the eleventh class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. As an engine builder and crew chief, Waddell Wilson helped power some of racing's greatest drivers, including fellow NASCAR Hall of Famers David Pearson, Glenn Roberts, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, and Darrell Waltrip. Combined, his engines boast a total of 109 wins and 123 poles. Waddell Wilson's engine is responsible for a Southern 500 victory and as crew chief, he guided three drivers to Daytona 500 titles. He won ``The Great American Race'' with Buddy Baker and Cale Yarborough and in 1980, was responsible for assembling the engine that snapped the track's record with an average race speed of 177.602 MPH. This year's class was selected by a comprehensive voting panel that included track owners, competitors, members of the media, industry leaders, a nationwide fan vote, and the reigning Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion. In total, a group of five was chosen to join the ranks of other NASCAR legends in the Hall of Fame. Waddell Wilson is especially deserving of this honor and will now be enshrined forever for his remarkable contributions to racing. Madam Speaker, please join me today in congratulating Waddell Wilson on his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer my first amendment to H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act. For the last several years, my constituents and neighboring communities in North Carolina have dealt with contamination from the PFAS chemical GenX. The company Chemours has been discharging this chemical into the air as well as the waters of the Cape Fear River, a common source of drinking water. To put it simply, my constituents are scared. They are frustrated because this has been an ongoing issue, and they don't have enough information. This is an issue that I have been working on for many years. I have demanded action by EPA, and I had the EPA come to Fayetteville and hear directly from our community. At our community engagement event, hundreds of people attended, and many shared their concerns with the potential links between GenX and serious health problems. I worked with our chairman to have an Energy and Commerce hearing, and we invited Emily Donovan, a founding member of Clean Cape Fear in North Carolina, to testify. Emily gave compelling testimony about her personal experiences and the many people who have ``suffered from the trauma of cancer treatments, benign tumors, and terminal diagnosis.'' I have talked with many of my constituents, including one whose neighbor has cancer, and they don't know if it is connected to GenX. They can't get information about it, and they are worried about their own children. This is about getting answers for our community. This is about making sure my constituents are protected and the water we are drinking is safe. Until I know the science behind GenX, until I know exactly what safe levels and unsafe levels of exposure are, until we can adequately clean up the exposure we have had in North Carolina, I am not going to be satisfied. I have a letter here from Secretary Michael Regan of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality supporting this effort. Madam Chair, I include that letter in the Record. north carolina Environmental Quality, Raleigh, NC, January 9, 2020. Hon. Richard Hudson, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Hudson: As you know North Carolina has been at the forefront in dealing with the issue of emerging compounds. Because of the lack of guidance or action from the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), our state and others have taken the lead on the necessary investigations, scientific evaluations, remediation and enforcement actions for PFAS contamination caused by government and industrial uses. It is clear that members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, understand the urgent need to immediately address the contamination from PFAS chemicals, especially in North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality appreciates the leadership you and the state's delegation are providing to advance the conversation surrounding PFAS and GenX as we continue in our mission to protect our state's water and air. I look forward to continued dialogue with you and your colleagues to encourage the U.S. EPA to move more quickly to set PFAS health standards and protections. I hope that we can count on you and the entire delegation to push for much- needed resources and support to address current and future contamination and remediation needs involving these forever chemicals. Sincerely, Michael S. Regan, Secretary, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, while I understand it takes time to develop the scientific evidence to make these decisions, my neighbors are tired of waiting. We must act now. My amendment adopts this commonsense approach and requires the EPA to investigate methods and means to prevent contamination by GenX of surface waters, including source waters used for drinking purposes. This will enable us to find the best ways possible to safeguard our waters both now and for future generations. Madam Chair, I thank Chairman Pallone, Ranking Member Walden, Chairman Tonko, Ranking Member Shimkus, and my good friend and colleague Mr. David Rouzer all for working with me on this, and I urge the rest of my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), the ranking member of the committee.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I have no further speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer my second amendment to H.R. 535, the PFAS Action Act of 2019. As I have just described, the chemical GenX has been a major concern for my constituents for years. As I have already stated, my constituents are scared, and they don't know what the long-term health effects of being exposed to these chemicals will be. Madam Chair, we cannot wait to begin the cleanup of drinking waters that have been affected by these chemicals. While this bill is far from perfect, I am encouraged that it does create a PFAS Infrastructure Grant Program to provide assistance to community water systems affected by PFAS. My amendment would simply clarify that communities like mine that have been impacted by GenX are eligible for grants under this section. It would not affect the program in any way, other than providing clarity and relief to the people of North Carolina. I know that we still have a lot of work to do to solve the PFAS issue. I am committed to working with all Members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, as well as State and local leaders to make sure we are taking care of our communities. Everyone deserves clean water. Today, we are taking a positive step, and I look forward to continuing to work on this issue. I would urge all of my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Chair, I just want to say thank you to Chairman Tonko for working with me on this very important issue. Again, folks back home in North Carolina are very concerned, to put it mildly. And so to give them a little bit of clarity, a little bit of certainty that GenX is covered means a lot to folks back home, so I appreciate the gentleman working with me on this. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief of Police James ``Woody'' Chavis, Jr. for 37 years of service to the City of Kannapolis, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Chief Chavis is a compassionate leader and has been a stabilizing influence in the Kannapolis Police Department during a period of unprecedented growth. He began his career in 1974 with the United States Army Military Police and retires today as the Kannapolis Police Chief. As a small child, Chief Chavis dreamed of giving back to his community through law enforcement and joined the Kannapolis Police Department in 1983. He served in every division during his distinguished career and through his leadership, Kannapolis Police Department become a stand-alone organization, received national accreditation, and tripled in size. Chief Chavis prides himself on the City's low crime rate and on never having to fire his weapon. Chief Chavis has volunteered and served on numerous boards in pursuance of mental health and juvenile justice reforms. While most would be overwhelmed performing his duties with the Kannapolis Police Department, Chavis also worked for 17 years as NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt's jackman on his pit crew. Chief Chavis now plans to spend more time with his wife of 19 years, Deena; daughter, Kaci; stepson, Shane; and beloved canine companions, Sadie and Major. He will continue to care for our community's elderly population and hopes to spend more time on the golf course. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for his service and wish him a long and happy retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Chief James ``Woody'' Chavis, Jr. for his 37 years of service to our community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Major General Greg Lusk for 40 years of military service. Appointed by North Carolina Governor Beverly Perdue, Major General Lusk has served as the 40th Adjutant General for the North Carolina National Guard since 2010. Over the years, Major General Lusk has answered historic calls to duty on behalf of our nation and state. He began his extraordinary career as a project officer with the 120th Infantry and retires today as Adjutant General for the North Carolina National Guard. Major General Lusk served as the principal military advisor to North Carolina Governors Beverly Perdue, Pat McCrory, and Roy Cooper and led nearly 12,000 soldiers and airmen and over 18,000 full-time federal and state employees across our state. His leadership transformed the North Carolina National Guard from a strategic force to an operational reserve force and built readiness and reliability across all units. Described by colleagues as a Soldier's General, he has saved countless lives in his response to historic hurricanes, floods, winter storms, and periods of civil unrest. A decorated public servant, Major General Lusk represents the best our nation has to offer and we will look up to his leadership for generations to come. I know I speak for everyone in the great state of North Carolina when I say we are truly grateful for his tireless service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my most heartfelt appreciation and wish him a long and happy retirement. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Major General Greg Lusk for his 40 years of military service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Floyd Burton and wish him a very happy 100th birthday. The advent of World War II was a time that not only shaped the course of our country but the lives of many Americans, including Mr. Burton. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was one of the many patriots who felt compelled to serve our great nation and joined the Army in 1942. During his military career, he served as a technician corporal and assisted various campaigns throughout Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Burton showed endless bravery and courage in his pursuit of peace across the globe. After completing active duty, Mr. Burton returned home to North Carolina where he and his wife Dorothy raised two daughters, Delores and Barbara. He then opened a successful business in Spencer where he provided our community with retail furniture for over 38 years. Mr. Burton remained an active community leader and has been involved in the Freemasons of North Carolina, Rowan Shrine Club, and served as Master of the Salisbury Masonic Lodge. Passionate about educating our youth, he helped establish scholarship programs with the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, Baptist Children's Home of North Carolina, and Catawba College. Mr. Burton was born on December 28, 1919 and represents the best our nation has to offer. I am proud to join our community today in honoring all that he has accomplished over the last 100 years. Madam Speaker, please join me today in thanking Mr. Floyd Burton for his service and wishing him a happy 100th birthday.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Chairman, Republicans and Democrats agree: Americans pay too much for prescription drugs. We agree we need to do something about it. We agree our friends and loved ones need access to lifesaving cures and treatments. Americans want us to work together in a bipartisan way to get things done; yet, today, we are considering Speaker Pelosi's partisan bill. This is an exercise in futility. Not only will it stop an estimated 100 new lifesaving drugs, it has no chance of being signed into law. I care about the millions of Americans, like my late grandmother, living with Alzheimer's and the thousands of Americans diagnosed with cancer every single day and the children who face life-altering diagnoses, like spinal muscular atrophy, epilepsy, or cystic fibrosis. I want them to have hope, and I want them to have access to the very best medicine. That is why we introduced H.R. 19, bipartisan legislation that could be signed into law by President Trump this year. So let's stop the partisan theatrics and get serious about the problem that people are begging us to fix.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Pro-Tem Roger Haas for 22 years of public service to the City of Kannapolis, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Over the years, Roger has played an instrumental role in shaping the history of Kannapolis. He was first elected to the Kannapolis City Council in 1997 and retires today as Mayor Pro-Tem. Admired by his colleagues, Roger has twice been appointed as Mayor Pro-Tem due to his innovative vision for our community. Roger has led a career of distinction and is an effective, prolific leader. He has served on the boards of the Kannapolis Rotary Club, American Red Cross, Kannapolis Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Concord-Kannapolis Transit Authority; and as the Cabarrus County Tourism Authority Chair, Partners for Progress Chair, and Cabarrus County Planning & Zoning Commission Chair. During his tenure with the Kannapolis City Council, Roger worked tirelessly to construct the Kannapolis Train Station, North Carolina Research Campus, Albemarle waterline, and Kannapolis City Hall & Police Headquarters. More recently, he has been a key figure in the redevelopment of downtown Kannapolis and due to his leadership, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Sports & Entertainment Venue will open next year. An extraordinary public servant, Roger has guided Kannapolis through a period of unpredicted growth. I know I speak for everyone in our community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Mayor Pro-Tem Roger Haas for his 22 years of public service to our community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gertie Wilkerson and wish her a very happy 100th birthday. Gertie was born on December 7, 1919, to Everett and Gracie Cline Carter. Throughout her life she has developed the reputation of living a life full of purpose, commitment and keenness in acknowledging blessings from God. Gertie and her family moved to Annapolis in the 1920's where she began a 30 year career at Cannon Mills, which at the time was the world's largest producer of sheets and towels. She married her husband Henry R.C. Wilkerson, a United States Army veteran who fought in World War II. They spent 59 years together and raised three children, who later blessed them with six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. In her free time, Gertie has led a full life. She was a passionate bowler who played regularly until she was 98 years old. In addition to being a fervent bowler, she has been a faithful member of Central Baptist Church for the last 63 years. Gertie has earned the esteemed reputation of being a funny, dedicated and compassionate individual, who possesses the true principles and morals to which we all aspire. I know all of you will agree with me when I say, she is a blessing to all who know her and a treasured part of this community. Madam Speaker, please join me today in wishing Mrs. Gertie Wilkerson a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of American Legion Post 51, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Since its founding on November 20, 1919, Post 51 has made countless contributions to our community. Over the years, Post 51 has been a fierce advocate for veterans' affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and our children and youth. These Four Pillars of the American Legion serve as a guiding light for the organization and pervade all aspects of Post 51's philanthropic work. Composed of service members, veterans, and military families, Post 51 represents the best our nation has to offer and I am proud to represent a district that has a strong military presence and is home to some of the bravest patriots in the country. Not only did these men and women serve our country while in uniform, they continue to give back to our community's robust veteran population. Post 51 ensures our men and women in uniform have the resources and support they need throughout and after their service through local advocacy and assistance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In addition to these important services, Post 51 fosters a community of service for our children through local basketball and softball programs and the Boys & Girls Club ofAmerica. I know I speak for our entire community in offering my most heaitfelt gratitude to American Legion Post 51 for their century of service. The exemplary men and women of Post 51 are the heart and soul of our community and I wish them continued success as they serve our community. Madam Speaker, please join me today in recognizing the 100th anniversary of American Legion Post 51.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Police Chief Terry Clanton on his 36 years of service to our community with the Kannapolis Police Department, located in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. Over the last 36 years, Terry has made countless contributions to our area. He started his career in 1984 as a patrol officer for the Kannapolis Police Department and retires today as the Deputy Police Chief. His strong character and leadership enabled him to advance within the Kannapolis Police Department, culminating as Deputy Police Chief. Growing up in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties, Terry knew he wanted to give back to his community through law enforcement. Rising through the ranks of patrol, investigations, staff services, and support services, his outsized contributions to the Kannapolis Police Department have been profound and unmatched. Terry helped guide his office through the transition that followed the incorporation of the City of Kannapolis and saw the number of police officers rise from 48 to over 100. Described by colleagues as dedicated, loyal, and a true professional, his legacy of service will be felt for years to come. Terry will continue his career in law enforcement as the Director of Law Enforcement Training at Guilford Technical Community College, where he will train our next generation of leaders. I know I speak for everyone in the community when I say we are truly grateful for his unwavering service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Terry Clanton on his 36 years of service to our community.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Master Sergeant Enrique ``Rick'' Herrera on his 23 years of military service. Over the years, MSgt Herrera has made immeasurable contributions to our great nation and continues to personify the core U.S. Air Force values of integrity, selfless service, and excellence. He started his career in 1996 as a student in the Combat Patrol Pipeline and retires as a Master Sergeant that has served in many positions across the 724th Special Tactics Group. Early in his career, MSgt Herrera was deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Forge with the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron. After being selected for assignment to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, he was deployed twelve times with elite Army and Navy Task Forces to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Inherent Resolve. MSgt Herrera retires as a decorated military servant and true American hero, having notably received the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters. Despite all of his accomplishments, he never boasts of his military achievements and instead focuses his energy on his wife Susan and their son Noah. As Fort Bragg's Congressman, I know I speak for our entire community when I say we are truly grateful for MSgt Herrera's extraordinary service and cannot thank him enough. I would like to offer my sincerest appreciation and wish him success in his future endeavors. Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Master Sergeant Enrique ``Rick'' Herrera on his 23 years of military service.

Mr. HUDSON

Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained and missed a vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 593; yea on Roll Call No. 594; yea on Roll Call No. 595; yea on Roll Call No. 596; nay on Roll Call No. 597; yea on Roll Call No. 598; yea on Roll Call No. 599; yea on Roll Call No. 600; yea on Roll Call No. 601; and nay on Roll Call No. 602.