Kevin Hern

Mr. HERN

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

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

Mr. HERN. Madam Chair, through the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRI, the Chinese Communist Party has been spreading its malign influence over the last decade. This initiative has one goal: to increase China's economic and political dominance over the United States and the world. Disguised as harmless global infrastructure, transportation, and production networks, the Belt and Road Initiative, or the BRI, is anything but harmless. Education is one of the primary targets of the BRI. They are succeeding in their mission to indoctrinate American students with their Communist ideals. Chinese state media even brags about the success of Confucius Institutes and other educational initiatives in spreading the CCP's influence. This doesn't stop on our college campuses. Right now, China is invading our K-12 schools through Confucius Classrooms. Over the last decade or more, the CCP has infiltrated our public school system, setting up Chinese language and cultural programs in primary and secondary schools. These Confucius Classrooms are funded by the Chinese Government, both directly and through Confucius Institutes and other third parties. Make no mistake, this is not through the kindness of their hearts. The CCP is not interested at all in helping American students learn Mandarin. They want to brainwash our children, plain and simple. Since 2013, the authoritarian Government of the People's Republic of China has sent curriculum and PRC-trained teachers into hundreds of K- 12 schools across America as an unofficial component of its global influence campaign. The CCP has committed countless violations of human rights, and its authoritarian agenda is antithetical to the democratic principles our country was founded on. Chinese propaganda has no place in our education system. We have taken important steps toward mitigating Chinese influence at American universities by cracking down on Confucius Institutes. Now that the Chinese Government has directed its attention toward elementary and secondary schools, it is time we do the same and protect our children from the malign influence of the CCP. My amendment would prevent Federal funding for these Confucius Classrooms. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN. Madam Chair, I appreciate the gentlewoman recognizing that these institutions are closing down in record numbers. It must be that the school systems are so successful at identifying these that States have cleansed out a lot of their higher education Confucius Institutes. That tells you right there that the Chinese Government has been very persistent in getting after educating our younger students across America. We should have more love for our students at our secondary and elementary schools. Again, higher education across America has understood the influence that the Chinese Government has tried to do in making their impact on the American economy. When you see what they have done across the world, it doesn't take a whole lot of research--look at Wikipedia, if you would like, to see what they have done in nations across the world as they try to express their influence and take over the world. It would be very naive of us--and I know the chairwoman knows this-- to sit back and allow this to happen one school at a time. We have a lot of other issues in America that we need to address in our education system, and not allowing the Chinese Government to take over our elementary schools will simply be a very easy fix for us. That is what my amendment does. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN. With all due respect, Madam Chair, Italy is not trying to conquer our Nation. The Department of Education and the Department of State have sent a letter to schools urging them not to participate in these programs. Confucius Classrooms have been set up in several countries, including Australia and Canada, where state and local governments have canceled their contracts over concern about Chinese propaganda. With all due respect to the ranking member on the other side, we are not talking about simply teaching language. We are talking about teaching the Chinese way of how to take over a government from the inside out. We see enough of what is coming across the southern border and not knowing who is here. When we have the ability to control these issues through the legislative process, we should take our time to do that. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN. Madam Chair, I rise in support of my amendment No. 111. Almost 3 years ago, Congress passed the No Surprises Act to protect patients from surprise medical bills. A key provision in the No Surprises Act is to provide patients with an advanced explanation of their benefits. It is straightforward. It is a cost estimate. If a patient books a healthcare appointment with adequate notice, then they deserve to know a cost estimate for their services before they get care. This amendment reinforces the need for the Biden administration to implement this provision. We are going on 3 years here, and no progress has been made. Last week, all of my Republican colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee and I sent the third--third--oversight letter to the Biden administration demanding that they follow the law. It is an absolute failure of this administration to delay implementation of this technology. Considering American families' current economic struggles, anything to help with financial planning should be a priority. Knowing how much health services will cost removes some anxiety patients face when seeking medical care. Patients are nervous about their test results. There is no reason for the added anxiety of not knowing how much a service will cost them, too. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day, as well as October as National Spina Bifida Month. Spina Bifida impacts families across these United States, my own included. My sister and niece have lived with Spina Bifida since childhood. Spina Bifida is a birth defect which results from a hole in the spiral cord that fails to close properly, which allows nerves and fluid to form a sac outside the body. This defect means that a child must undergo dozens of surgeries before adulthood, and even then, they face a multitude of mental and physical health issues. Each condition is unique, and no two children will be affected the same way. In a testament to the innovation and research of our American scientific ingenuity, we now have the first generation of adults who are living with Spina Bifida. However, there is still much work to do. It is our obligation to ensure proper funding for Spina Bifida care and research so that treatment and quality of life can improve for all Americans with this condition.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my constituent and World War II veteran, William Norman Parker, who passed away on September 11 as an American hero. Mr. Parker was one of the first soldiers to arrive on Omaha Beach on D-day in 1944. Mr. Parker and his fellow soldiers displayed incredible heroism on that fatal day and the terrible days that followed. Their courage and patriotism represent the very best of the American spirit. In July of this year, Mr. Parker returned to Omaha Beach for the first time since that day 78 years ago. I can only imagine how he felt standing on that calm beach then with the traumatic memories from that summer when he was just 19 years old, risking life and limb for the future of this country. My prayer is that he found peace on that beach and returned home feeling the pride and gratitude of the Nation he fought for. Whether it be on Omaha Beach or at Ground Zero, America has always stood for freedom, and we will continue to make that stand. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's friends, his family, and beloved veteran community as he is laid to rest today in Oklahoma. May this hero rest in peace for always and forever.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the end of World War II and the 78th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, otherwise known as V-J Day. The sacrifices of our World War II veterans paid for the end to what was one of the most horrific wars in human history. On this day in 1945, Japan signed the terms of surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This day marks the heroic triumph of American forces for the good of the whole world. Our World War II veterans may be dwindling in number, but their legacy as the greatest generation continues to grow. We must continue to esteem the truly incredible men and women who showed what a unified America can do to secure hope and liberty in the face of the most formidable adversary. I am grateful for the work of Frank Reisinger who recalls the celebrating of V-J Day in downtown Tulsa with his father as a young man. Frank has diligently held a celebration of this important day in Broken Arrow for the last 8 years so that his community understands the cost of war and the price of freedom. May we never forget that freedom is never free and that we are but 1 generation away from losing what so many have fought and died to secure.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a very special veteran from Oklahoma's First Congressional District, U.S. Army Air Forces Corporal, Ralph M. Simoni. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on July 6, 1923, Cpl. Simoni is celebrating his 100th birthday today. In 1943, Cpl. Simoni began serving our Nation during World War II at one of the most consequential moments in human history. He bravely served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of the war from 1943 to 1946 and received a Victory Medal for doing his part to secure Victory Over Japan Day, better known as ``V-J Day'', that marked the end of the war on September 2, 1945. Cpl. Simoni served as an airplane propeller mechanic in the pioneering 4th Glider Section of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Cpl. Simoni's work helped U.S. glider aircraft drop paratroopers and light artillery into enemy territory. Glider missions were dangerous and designed for a single purpose that resulted in very few of the aircraft ever being recovered. Cpl. Simoni and the 4th Glider Section conducted several successful missions in New Guinea, Luzon, and the South Philippines liberation campaigns of World War II. Cpl. Simoni now lives in my hometown of Tulsa and is deservedly being recognized today as the precious American hero that he is by his friends and family. Following the recent celebration of Independence Day, it is my honor to thank Cpl. Simoni on behalf of a grateful Nation for his remarkable military service and wish him a very happy birthday.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Chairman, as a small business owner and job creator for over the past 35 years, I offered healthcare plans to my employees and worked with them to find the best coverage for their families. I have seen firsthand the impact of increasing healthcare, and I have also done the burdensome paperwork to manage the plans on the back end. I came to Congress 4 years ago, and the reason I came was because of the burden that this Congress over the years has put on job creators across America. The small business healthcare package being debated today helps simplify healthcare and empower people in one of their most personal decisions, their healthcare. I find it ironic that the gentleman across the aisle identifies the ACA requirements as junk because the CHOICE Arrangement Act follows the ACA guidelines. It encourages people to go out and shop. It follows the rules on preexisting conditions. But what we really know, what they don't like about this is it doesn't go in the direction they want to go, which is to federalize all healthcare. That has been the mission since day one, for the government to run your healthcare. That just simply won't work. I am proud that this package includes my bill, the CHOICE Arrangement Act, which allows employees to use money from their employer to buy the healthcare plan that works best for them. Four years ago, the Trump administration finalized a rule to create CHOICE accounts, allowing businesses to reimburse their employees for the cost of the health insurance plan of their choosing. CHOICE accounts put individuals--individuals, not the Federal Government--in the driver's seat when it comes to picking their healthcare plan and lets their employer financially support their decision. This bill would codify that rule into law, benefiting everyone and, overall, increasing the amount of people who have health insurance. You would think that would be a good thing, but apparently not with my Democratic colleagues. Every patient's health needs are unique, and every person's situation is different. This is why it is so important to expand and protect the different options available to employers to provide health benefits in different ways. I am happy to see Congress address the burdens small businesses face when providing healthcare benefits to their employees. This bill fulfills part of a promise that the Republican Party has made to America, to bring back true choice to American healthcare by enabling small businesses to provide the best care for their employees. As the chairman said, time and time again, in hearings that we have been at across America talking to people that are experiencing the burdens that come out of this Congress, it is amazing to me that the Democrats who are businesspeople that are on the committee, when talking without their talking points identify-- The CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.

Mr. HERN.--businesses as people who apparently abuse their employees and the employees continue to come to work. That is the irony of this. They have no idea what they are talking about. The reality is there are other job openings for everybody to go to, and yet, people continue to work. The only way you are prosperous in America and run a great business is if you take care of your people. That is it. That is all you have. That is what differentiates you in the world of a free market. I would hope that my Democratic colleagues would recognize that and give a little credit to the people who are out there putting their money and their risk on the line. In addition to my bill, this small business package includes legislation from my colleagues Bob Good, Claudia Tenney and Tim Walberg that will provide small businesses access to the association health plans to build their negotiating power, stop-loss insurance to protect from catastrophic losses, and reporting from Treasury to update small business owners on new healthcare plans. Small businesses make up the foundation of the American economy and have true incentives, moral and financial, to pay to keep Americans healthy. We should enable them to do so. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Armstrong).

Mr. HERN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on my amendment.

Mr. HERN. Mr. Chairman, President Biden and congressional Democrats continue their attacks on traditional energy with proposed tax hikes that will kill jobs, raise fuel prices, and leave America more dependent on foreign oil. This administration's proposed oil and natural gas tax hikes are harmful to our economy. The oil and natural gas industry accounts for 10.3 million jobs and is nearly 8 percent of our Nation's GDP. This amendment shows it is the sense of Congress that we disapprove of this administration's proposed harmful tax hikes on the oil and gas industry. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle seem to be simultaneously concerned about high prices at the pump while aggressively pursuing an agenda designed to entirely phase out oil and gas from domestic energy production. The audio simply doesn't match the video. Uncertainty surrounding energy policy decisions in D.C. is causing oil and natural gas producers to make decisions based on unfavorable policies that haven't passed yet. Repealing the immediate deduction of intangible drilling cost would cost 265,000 jobs. For every job lost in the oil and gas sector by repealing IDCs, two-and-one-half times as many indirect jobs are lost. The percentage depletion deduction is the small business deduction for the smaller producers of oil and gas. Eliminating percentage depletion would force many family-owned small businesses to lay off employees or, worse, shut down operations altogether. I am proud to support H.R. 1 to restore American energy independence. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of our colleagues to disapprove of President Biden's tax hikes on the oil and gas industry by supporting this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I hereby remove my name as cosponsor of H.R. 1139.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my mother, Freda Flansburg. My mom was born on March 5, 1944, and peacefully passed away last week, last Monday, January 2, 2023, at 12:20 a.m. She was truly a fighter. She lost a child, my older sister, Kimberly, just after birth. She fought the loneliness of being a mom of two boys while my dad was away on multiple deployments to Vietnam. When the weariness of war destroyed our family, she started a new journey in life that traversed many unplanned hardships. Life was truly tough as we grew up. My siblings, Jeff, John, Jayme, and Kia, knew from an early age that our life was different from those around us. We had no running water, no indoor plumbing. Times were tough. My mom worked to do the best she could to provide for us. She never backed down from the challenges that came before her. She never cared much for us using our life lessons as excuses. Rather, she pushed us to use our experiences to become better and to keep moving on. Like all moms, she was an encourager. As the oldest child, she looked to me to set the example for my brothers and sisters. She wasn't sympathetic when things weren't going my way. The world is full of opportunities, she would say. The challenge was always: go to school, make good grades, work hard, treat people with respect, and see where life takes you. The government will never make you wealthy, she said. You will have to do that on your own, she would always tell me. My mom became a nurse and spent long hours taking care of the elderly in nursing homes. Many of my visits with my mom over the years were in the skilled nursing facilities as she would take a break from the grueling work schedule that she had that demanded so much of her. After the long years of losing a child, raising five children, being a grandmother of countless grandchildren, and the arduous work of being a nurse, my mom's body had withered away. Her heart had tired, and her eyes could no longer see. The last 4 years have been especially hard for me to watch her health rapidly decline. Last Monday, my mom took her last breath on this earthly world. We all know she is in Heaven looking down upon us with Kimberly by her side. Her heart is strong, and her eyes are new. My mom would have never wanted me to stay home and not do my job last week. She was with me all week as the world watched our great Nation debate the future of our Republic. I especially thank the nurses and doctors who cared for my mother in her last years, months, and days. Your kindness will never be forgotten. I thank my congressional colleagues for their kind words, sincere thoughts, and prayers over the last week. I was truly moved by the outpouring of love from both Republicans and Democrats over the past week. I thank Democratic Leader Jeffries, Caucus Chair Aguilar, and so many of my Democratic colleagues for setting politics aside and offering quiet condolences. To all of my Republican colleagues, I simply want to say thank you. From Leader Scalise, who contacted me immediately upon hearing the news, to the members of our freshman class, thank you all. Finally, I thank my loving wife, Tammy, and my children, Ashtyn, Kelby, and Kaden, for their warmth and love during these difficult times. To my mom in Heaven above, I simply want to say, I love you, and I miss you.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, on March 1, 2022, President Biden made a promise to the American people during the State of the Union Address before a joint session of Congress. I was sitting in this room as the President stated: ``Under my plan, nobody earning less than $400,000 a year will pay an additional penny in new taxes. Nobody.'' Mr. Speaker, the President lied to us all because, in August 2022, CBO confirmed that the Democrats' Inflation Reduction Act, which supercharges the IRS with 87,000 new agents, will, in fact, lead to more audits and enforcement measures and higher taxes for families making less than $400,000 a year. In fact, the CBO confirmed that lower- and middle-income taxpayers would see as many as 710,000 more audits. Americans are suffering under harmful inflation caused by the irresponsible fiscal policies from President Biden and our congressional Democrats. The last thing the American people need is burdensome IRS audits. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to make Joe Biden's promise come true.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brian O'Hara in appreciation for his outstanding public service to the people of Oklahoma's First Congressional District and wish him well as he enters retirement. Brian has spent nearly 10 years serving constituents in our district office as a congressional staffer, first with my predecessor, Jim Bridenstine, and then in our office. He has a lifetime of knowledge and experience that our office will dearly miss as he leaves his post. Prior to his congressional staff career, Brian served as a councilman for the city of Jenks. He had a robust business career, as well. In his private life, Brian contributes much of his time, money, and efforts to benefit several good causes. However, no cause has meant more to Brian than fighting against cancer, and I don't know anyone who has been a better ambassador for this profound effort. Brian, thank you for serving our constituents in the great State of Oklahoma like every day is Christmas. Merry Christmas to you and your wife, Karen, and happy retirement.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor an impressive accomplishment for a group of job creators and innovators in my district. This week, the Mid Continent Group celebrates their 75th anniversary. Founded in Oklahoma City by economic and cultural pioneers J.H. Edwards, E. Fred Johnson, and C.R. Anthony, the Mid Continent Group eventually moved to Tulsa under the leadership of Senator Jim Inhofe's father, Perry Dyson Inhofe, Sr. Since 1983, the Mid Continent Group has operated as a subsidiary of Great American Insurance, under the umbrella of American Financial Group (AFG). Their business-focused approach to commercial insurance has led them to sustained success in the Tulsa area. Much like Senator Inhofe and his family, they've had a lasting positive impact on our community and the state of Oklahoma. I thank Mid Continent Group for 75 years of hard work to help businesses flourish, and thanks to all the individuals who have contributed to that mission.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Madam Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 500.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor a woman who has served Tulsa veterans with care and compassion for years. Rachel Runfola is a champion for Oklahoma veterans. She works tirelessly to help the men and women who have faithfully served our country. She is an invaluable asset, not only to our veterans, but to all of Oklahoma. Thanks to Rachel's leadership with Tulsa's Support Services for Veteran Families, our veterans have access to safe housing, and the support they need to maintain it. SSVF works to help local veterans who are homeless, experiencing a housing crisis, or facing eviction within 21 days. SSVF covers 42 counties and is planning to help over 800 families every year. Our veterans deserve the very best we have to offer, and I know Rachel gives them exactly that. I thank Rachel and the entire SSVF team for what they do every day to give our community's veterans a better life. It does not go unnoticed.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 7229, a bill originally introduced by Representative Walorski of Indiana, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting re-printings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. HERN

Mr. HERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the centennial commission of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that stands for the countless ultimate sacrifices of our military men and women in pursuit of preserving our American freedoms. I am proud to highlight the people of Jenks, Oklahoma as they honor our great veterans in their local veterans park with the installation of a beautiful garden that stands as a powerful memorial to our heroes that we may not know, but must never forget. I grieve for the many heroes that have been lost and celebrate their courage and dedication to fight in defense of the constitutional freedoms and liberties we celebrate today. May God give the unknown but unforgotten rest, and may God bless America.