William Keating

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 1217, the bipartisan expanded background checks legislation, to honor the memory of Alison Parker, a victim of gun violence whose family wants more than a moment of silence on the House floor.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize YMCA Cape Cod on the joyous occasion of its 50th Anniversary. For generations, over ten thousand neighborhoods and local communities around the country have been enriched by the presence and services provided by the YMCA. The Y, as the YMCA is affectionately known, is a center from which community life has radiated for over 160 years. It serves not only as a health and fitness club but also as a place where neighbors gather and young people find valuable mentors. This exceptional organization is recognized both nationally and internationally for its commitment to its mission of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, while strengthening communities, and promoting lifelong wellness. The celebration of YMCA Cape Cod's landmark 50th anniversary gives us reason to reflect on the far-reaching influence this center has had on the Cape Cod community. Since its incorporation in 1966 following a meeting of community members in Hyannis, YMCA Cape Cod has continued to grow and thrive, and the organization now proudly operates numerous successful facilities across Cape Cod. A highlight of YMCA Cape Cod is Camp Lyndon--a day camp that provides boating lessons, arts and crafts, family nights and countless other exciting summer activities for young people around Cape Cod to enjoy in an environment that encourages a spirit of adventure and cultivates core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Another standout program is the Teen Achievers Program, a mentorship program that encourages teens to pursue higher education opportunities. Additionally, it provides a range of essential services--from excellent childcare centers to organized youth sports year-round. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating YMCA Cape Cod, its enthusiastic staff and dedicated volunteers on the celebration of 50 years of service to the Cape Cod Community. I look forward to seeing all that this outstanding organization is going to accomplish in the next 50 years.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home and in appreciation of its work in establishing a permanent home to benefit seniors who are in need of assistance. It is because of the generous donations of Hannah B.G. Shaw that this beautiful home was established. Hannah Shaw dedicated her life to philanthropic work, most notably leaving 55 acres of land and a sum of money to open the Shaw Home in 1941. This beautiful facility has been recognized as one of the top twenty-five facilities in the nation by the US News and World Report and as second in the state by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health customer satisfaction surveys. In its 75 year history, the implementation of Hannah Shaw's vision has grown. Since opening in 1941, the Shaw Home has had five major renovations which have expanded residential spaces, modernized wellness facilities, and added a state-of-the-art rehabilitation gym and cafe. Today, the Shaw Home houses a forty bed residential care facility along with a sixty-seven bed skilled nursing facility, fulfilling Hannah's goal of giving senior citizens of Massachusetts the ability to continue to maintain the highest quality of life. Through events such as Sports Day and luaus in celebration of National Nursing Homes Week, creation of care packages for troops overseas, and a ``Rhythms of Life'' concert by Hannah's Chorus, residents of the Shaw Home are able to enjoy their golden years in a loving community that goes beyond the standards of clinical care. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in honoring the Hannah B.G. Shaw Home as it celebrates this milestone. The 75th Anniversary of the Shaw Home provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the significance of maintaining the quality of life for the elderly in the United States. May the Shaw Home continue to provide exemplary care and remain a pillar of the community in the next 75 years.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James and Anne Carney, of Sharon, Massachusetts, upon the joyous occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Jim and Anne's marriage has been one full of family, service, and adventure. Though they were acquaintances in childhood--attending high schools less than a mile apart from each other in the Boston area--fate brought them together when both attended Boston College. Following their time at Boston College, the couple was married in 1966 and left their Massachusetts roots for Illinois so Jim could serve as a blind rehabilitation counselor at the Hines Veteran Medical Center. It was in Illinois where they began their family, with Andrea born in 1967, Erin in 1969, and Michael in 1970. But the Carneys couldn't stay away from the Commonwealth for long. They settled down in Sharon in 1974 where both furthered the careers they established in Illinois--Jim with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Anne in education. In the early 1980s, Anne transitioned from teaching to assessing, eventually becoming the Chief Assessor in Easton, Massachusetts--a position she held until her retirement. The Carneys have continued to dedicate themselves to the betterment of the Sharon community, organizing various neighborhood events and giving their time to work for causes they care deeply about. Since they have retired, they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. Though Sharon will always be home for Anne and Jim, since their retirement they enjoy traveling to the warmer destinations--Anne in search of a new adventure and Jim for the perfect place to fish. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Anne and Jim Carney on the joyous occasion of their 50th anniversary. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing them many more years of happiness.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Cape Cod Museum of Art on their 35th anniversary. Thirty-five years ago, Harry Holl and Roy Freed brought to life their vision for a museum that honors and celebrates the works of outstanding artists from the Cape Cod region in Massachusetts. Mr. Holl, a renowned potter, sculptor, painter, and a Dennis resident himself, lived out the same values that comprise the museum's mission. As a teacher, he inspired his students and developed local art programs. Mr. Freed, both a lawyer and a sculptor, was dedicated to providing a venue to showcase the talents of our community. He brought together supporters at the founding of the Museum, and he contributed to the remarkable achievements and growth of this museum. What started with ten local supporters, the Cape Cod Museum of Art now houses seven exhibition galleries, the Weny Education Center, a screening room, an outdoor sculpture garden, and a permanent collection of more than 2,000 works of art. Artists across the nation have drawn inspiration from our local community and our beautiful landscapes. I am proud to say the museum is esteemed nation-wide, with the recent exhibit `Breaking the Mold' which featured outside artists drawing 718 submissions by 227 artists from 29 states. The Cape Cod Museum of Art continues to serve an important mission. It is dedicated to preserving our heritage and engage our community in local art appreciation has proved to be invaluable. The museum promotes art appreciation through great programs, workshops, and classes. The Resource Library serves as a hub for learning the history of Cape Cod artists, past and present. As a proud member of this community, I am grateful for the work the museum has done in preserving our cultural history. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Cape Cod Museum of Art as they celebrate this joyous milestone. I look forward to seeing what the future brings to this pillar of the Cape Cod art community.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment with the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch), a champion of these issues. Our amendment is simple and straightforward. It seeks to provide adequate resources for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in order to ensure the safe and effective decommissioning of nuclear power plants. Last year Entergy Corporation, the owner and operator of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after facing severe losses in revenue and plagued by serious safety concerns, announced that the plant would be decommissioned by 2019. Since coming to Congress, I have been concerned about the safety of Pilgrim's day-to-day operations as well as the security of its spent fuel storage. Following Entergy's announcement, I have worked with State and local representatives from southeastern Massachusetts to prioritize the safety of the decommissioning process, security of the plant's spent fuel, and displacement of over 600 workers employed at this site. Just this week, attention has focused on the NRC's recent report that revealed that the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station came up short yet again during an investigation of their follow-through on critical systems maintenance. While this infraction ultimately falls on the responsibility of Entergy, it is equally important that the NRC has the necessary resources to address concerns as they arise, including through cooperation with local communities. As we have often cited, decommissioning of nuclear power plants has an enormous economic and financial impact on host communities. We have urged that decommissioning funds be used strictly for removal of spent fuel from wet storage to dry cask storage, restoration and remediation of the site, and maintenance of emergency preparedness and security resources throughout the entire process. Finally, it is my hope that the NRC prioritizes workforce development opportunities. As the number of decommissioned plants increases, so, too, will thousands of high-skilled, well-paying jobs. I thank my colleagues for their consideration of this amendment and urge their support. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. KEATING. I also want to thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur for their consideration of the amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Maureen Russell on her retirement after twenty-seven years of outstanding public service as a Victim Witness Advocate at the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. Maureen launched her extraordinary career in the Special Victims Unit, where she worked with severely traumatized victims of sexual abuse and assault. Through her strength of character and compassion, she provided victims and their families the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the state court system, assist in prosecuting offenders, and, ultimately, begin to rebuild their lives. Maureen has most recently been serving her community as a Superior Court Advocate in the Norfolk Superior Court, where she advocates for families of victims of homicide and other serious crimes. Among numerous other families supported by Maureen is that of Joanna Mullin, a six-year-old tragically murdered by her cousin. As she has so often done, Maureen went above and beyond the call of duty in her advocacy for the Mullins, steadfastly supporting the family as they traversed the arduous criminal justice process. Having assisted the Mullins family through the aftermath of their tragedy and the processes of the court, she continues maintains a strong relationship with the family to this day. It is this dedication and passion that is exemplary of quality victim advocacy. Throughout her years of service, Maureen has never strayed from her commitment to providing each and every victim in her community the attention and care they deserve. Her experience in the criminal justice system and her professional and personal relationships with prosecutors, colleagues, law enforcement officers, and other professionals has allowed Maureen to smooth an otherwise turbulent, uncertain, and difficult process for victims and their families. Our community is deeply grateful to Maureen for having been a person to trust and a shoulder to lean on during these victims' most difficult times. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of Maureen Russell, who embodies all of the best qualities of a Victim Advocate. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this distinguished public servant and in wishing her the best of luck in her future endeavors.

Mr. KEATING

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

Mr. KEATING. Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman and ranking member. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for their work on this appropriations bill, and for their cooperation with this amendment. I rise today to offer an amendment that will support a requirement of VA prescribers to complement a continuing medication course in pain management. Nationally, about 30 percent of Americans have some form of chronic pain. However, the percentage of veterans who report chronic pain is significantly higher. Over 50 percent of elderly veterans report chronic pain as do almost 60 percent of veterans returning from the conflict in the Middle East. In fact, chronic pain is the most common medical problem experienced by returning combat veterans in the last decade. Of course, pain is not a stand-alone problem. Pain is something we see as a consequence of physical injury, and sometimes that physical injury leads to co-occurring mental health ailments. We are increasingly more aware of the mental health consequences stemming from time in combat. Veterans with brain trauma are more likely to report physical pain and, in turn, are more likely to receive prescriptions for opioids. Recent VA data shows us that roughly 523,000 veterans are receiving prescriptions for opioids, and the number of veterans with opioid use disorders has grown 55 percent over the past 5 years. Veterans are twice as likely to overdose on prescription opioids as the general population. We are very fortunate to live in a time where quality care can be offered to our military personnel, and it is unparalleled. Now we need to do our part to help these heroes manage their chronic pain in the safest manner possible. Last month I introduced the Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act, which will help those who provide healthcare services to veterans learn the latest pain management techniques, understand safe prescribing practices, and spot the signs of potential substance use disorders. This act works by directing healthcare providers from the VA to take continuing education courses specific to pain management, opioids, and substance abuse. VA healthcare providers already need continuing education to maintain their State-issued professional licenses, and my bill makes sure they spend some of the already-required time learning about safe opioid prescribing practices. The bill does not add to the total number of credits that prescribers already have to take, it just insists that they spend their time on this important issue. Only 14 States require their physicians to take pain management education credits. My constituents are fortunate in Massachusetts because we are 1 of the 14 States that ask its doctors to complete pain management training. However, even our neighboring States do not have the mandatory pain management requirements. Veterans in my district, especially those in the South Coast, often find it easy to receive their health care at VA hospitals in Rhode Island. As of now, there is no guarantee that the doctors they see in Providence have taken the same pain management education courses. I rise before you today in an effort to give our veterans that guarantee. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, again I would like to thank Chairman Dent and Ranking Member Bishop for their work on this bill and their cooperation on this amendment. I rise today to offer a straightforward amendment that will improve our understanding of the causes of delays within the Veterans Choice Program. The Veterans Choice Program was implemented to address delays in patient care at the Veterans Administration. However, as of April of this year, data from the VA showed that the number of veterans waiting more than 30 days for an appointment was actually higher than when the Veterans Choice Program was initiated. The well-intentioned and necessary program was initiated and acknowledged. The fact is the Veterans Choice Program was cobbled together very quickly given the time constraints. This led to excessive privatization and contracting through third parties, which has contributed to frequent delays, and we are seeing these delays even today. In my district alone, I have spoken with numerous veterans who live a great distance from VA medical facilities, such as the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. My constituents rely heavily on accessibility to non-VA doctors the Veterans Choice is intended to provide. Further, an oft cited problem with Veterans Choice is the lack of clear communications regarding the eligibility requirements of the program to both veterans and non-VA providers. Understanding the obstacles around efficient scheduling of appointments of veterans and swift reimbursement for providers would serve as a crucial first step in resolving some of the issues that the Choice Program faces. Without this understanding, the program itself really isn't beneficial. That is why I am offering this amendment, to advocate for redirected funding toward finding a solution to the delays and the communication errors plaguing implementation of Veterans Choice. I have no doubt whatsoever that every Member of Congress here agrees that our veterans deserve the very best possible care in a timely manner. Ultimately, this amendment is meant to assist the VA in identifying why these delays are occurring and to help recommend solutions. I want to thank the chairman again. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John A. Markey for his service to the City of New Bedford and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Mayor of New Bedford. I am also proud to commemorate the apt naming of the city-owned plaza on Front Street in the city he served with such dedication. Jack Markey, as he is known to most, was first elected to serve the citizens of New Bedford as its mayor in 1971. At that time, there was a great need for strong leadership to preserve and restore the rich tapestry of this historic city. Under his eleven-year tenure over six terms, Mayor Markey ushered in essential investment and restoration projects into the Downtown New Bedford Historic District--serving as a critical turning point for New Bedford and for the perception and image of this tourist destination. Under Mayor Markey's leadership, the City made several forward- thinking investments in community development, including burying utility lines, resurfacing streets with cobblestone, enhancing landscaping and restoring several historic landmarks. Before leaving office to become the Presiding Judge of the New Bedford District Court in 1982, Markey strongly advocated for the establishment of the New Bedford Whaling National Historic Park. It is for these reasons that he is deservedly recognized by having this plaza named after him. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the lifelong service and commitment of John A. ``Jack'' Markey to the City of New Bedford.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sincere recognition of Antonio Thomas James Ruggiero, a decorated veteran of World War II and a personal friend of mine who passed away on April 14, 2016. Tommy, as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts on August 25, 1920 to Vincent and Lucia Ruggiero. After graduating from Plymouth High School, Tommy enlisted in the United States Army and served in the 2nd Ranger Battalion's D Company during the Invasion of Normandy in June of 1944. On D-Day, his landing craft was hit by enemy fire, leaving him one of the 90 surviving Rangers stranded in the freezing Atlantic for hours before joining the fight. Later in the war, Tommy also fought in the fierce Battle of Hurtgen Forest and the famed Battle of the Bulge. The Battle of Hurtgen Forest in 1944 was the longest and one of the fiercest battles fought on German soil during World War II. His company was integral in securing the strategic Hill 400 during this battle. For his outstanding military service, Tommy earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart as well as the highest honor from the French Government, the Croix de Guerre and French Medal of Merit. His exemplary service did not end there, however, In 1947, he joined the Plymouth Fire Department, rising to rank of Captain before retiring in 1975. In addition, he was an active member of the veterans' community in Massachusetts, participating in local, state and even national events with Presidents and First Ladies to highlight and celebrate the efforts of the men and women who served in uniform. Tommy also worked closely with my office over the years to secure unit citations for the extraordinary efforts of D and F Companies of 2nd Ranger Battalion during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. Tommy's perseverance and integrity served as an inspiration for all who knew him and he was an outstanding role model for the community. He leaves behind his wife, Mary, of 68 years as well as a loving daughter, sister, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Antonio Thomas James Ruggiero and his distinguished service for our country. I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the life of a dedicated and honorable public servant.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera).

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 5046 to include drug take-back programs in the list of funds made available under the bill's Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. The Centers for Disease Control reports that healthcare providers in the U.S. write 259 million prescriptions for opioids a year, enough for every American adult to have their own bottle of pills. In Massachusetts alone, 4.4 million opioid prescriptions, including 240 million pills, capsules, or tablets were dispensed in 2014. Further, nearly half of the people in my State report that it is too easy to get prescription opioids from those who have leftover pills. And the people who share these leftover pills are usually unaware of the significant dangers that they represent. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 4 in 5 people addicted to heroin say their habit began by misusing prescription medications. Over half of those people report they got their prescription painkillers from a friend or a relative for free. And this includes adolescents. My amendment would help give these people ways to stop their problem before it starts. More than ever, communities need to supply safe disposal services to their residents to get excess pills out of the hands of people who don't need them. My amendment would make sure that our communities have access to the resources they need to do so. The American Medical Association recognizes this point in its strong support of drug take-back programs, and the FDA has published information regarding proper disposal of unused medications as well. When I was a district attorney, I worked with local and State police to combat the flow of drugs coming into our neighborhoods. Yet, as the public supported these efforts to keep dangerous drugs off the streets, they didn't realize that the greatest supply of these dangerous drugs was sitting in their own medicine cabinets. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Goodlatte and Chairman Sensenbrenner. I also thank my colleagues--Mr. Rothfus, Mr. Blumenauer, Dr. Roe of Tennessee, and Mr. Bera--for cosponsoring this amendment and joining me in this effort to add a commonsense step toward solving this important public health epidemic. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer). I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman.

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

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of Mr. Rothfus' amendment to H.R. 4641.

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus). I rise today in support of this amendment, our amendment. It is an amendment that I believe will move the task force to consider the practice of coprescribing of overdose reversal drugs such as naloxone as part of the review of its best practices for pain management and for prescribing pain medication. Importantly, the medical community now realizes the need for having these important guidelines in place and having them being addressed, as over 80 percent of the AMA members have indicated they see the need for these guidelines now and the importance in terms of saving lives. As a former district attorney, I took a public health approach a decade and a half ago, starting an Anti-Heroin Task Force. At the time, in our State, two people, on average, were dying every day from these overdoses. In just the last 6 years, that number has increased to almost four people a day. As a Congressman, this hits really close to home to me because our latest stats in 2014 indicate that a quarter of the overdose deaths in Massachusetts occurred in counties in my district. Over 60 percent occurred in the cities of Fall River and New Bedford alone. In fact, nearly twice the statewide average in Cape Cod, where the highest percentage of per capita rate of opioid-related overdoses occurs, represents a significant part of the epidemic in our Commonwealth. Going forward, Mr. Rothfus and I introduced Co-Prescribing Saves Lives Act legislation to require Federal health agencies, including HHS, the Department of Defense, and the VA, to create guidelines for coprescribing naloxone alongside opioid prescriptions and making naloxone more widely available. Our legislation creates a grant program as well, so the States will have the resources to do the same. As our partnership shows, in an often divided Congress, we are coming together. We are coming together to confront a uniquely American epidemic. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KEATING

Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the many accomplishments of the Massachusetts chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) on the seventy-fifth anniversary of its founding. Delta Kappa Gamma has played an integral role in supporting women in education across the world. Here at home, the Alpha Upsilon chapter has been promoting their values of uniting, honoring and advancing female educators in our very midst for seventy-five years. Founded in 1929 in Austin, Texas, Delta Kappa Gamma was conceived as a forum for teachers from all environments to come together in the spirit of professional betterment. DKG has always sought to reach out to teachers from all walks of life. From rural school teachers to urban college professors, it has been the vision of the organization to celebrate distinguished female educators. On June 30, 1941, the Alpha Upsilon chapter of DKG was established at the historic Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Boston as the 44th such chapter in the nation. Since its founding, this Massachusetts chapter has flourished--providing many opportunities and resources for its active members. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the women of Delta Kappa Gamma for all they have done in advancing the cause of education around the world and in celebrating their 75th anniversary.