Ann Kuster

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania for the time to speak as colead on this important resolution, to establish a thorough investigation. I know that we have colleagues across the aisle who want this investigation, and I ask them to join us today. Before having the privilege to serve in Congress, I was an adoption attorney for 25 years. I sat with 300 birth mothers as they make the most profound, private, and consequential decision of their lifetime. In America, the government should not interfere in this most personal and intimate decision. Any type of sterilization, without consent, is a shocking and wrong interference. I ask my colleagues: How many hysterectomies would be sufficient for a resolution? Would a partial hysterectomy without consent, for those who hold themselves out to be pro-life? These are women who want to have children. We can find common ground. In America, the government should not interfere, and that is why I and so many Members of this Congress were shocked and horrified, first, to read about the whistleblower complaint; then the expose in The New York Times, with even more detail; and, finally, to speak with our colleagues, the codel that took the time to go to Irwin, Georgia, over the weekend and to sit and speak with the women who have had unspeakable surgery on them without their consent or understanding. This chilling report outlines invasive gynecological procedures, ranging from full abdominal hysterectomy to the removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes. We will acknowledge, not every surgery was a full hysterectomy, but that should not keep us from helping these women who have come forward detailing the pain and the trauma that these procedures have inflicted with life-changing consequences. These procedures, performed without consent, in some cases result in the woman's inability to ever have a child, to ever bear a life. We have removed that life choice without her consent. And women who want to bear a child should have that right. In America, the decision of whether to have a child rests squarely with women and is protected by the United States Constitution and 50 years of precedent under the law; yet we find ourselves amidst a renewed national conversation about whether women can make healthcare decisions about their own bodies and whether they can have the choice to bear a child.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, these are the most difficult and private decisions that women will make, and the government should never have a role in that decision. So make no mistake about it: Women's reproductive health and well- being is under attack in America, and whether that battleground may be a detention facility in Georgia or the highest court in the land, we must speak out, in unequivocal terms, to condemn efforts that take away a woman's ability to make her own healthcare decisions, including when and whether to bear a child.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and commemorate the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the ``Notorious RBG.'' As Americans across the country mourn this tremendous loss, we look back on an amazing life and an extraordinary career that so clearly shaped the world we live in today. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazer for gender equality, a brilliant jurist who wrote some of our country's most important legal opinions, and a fierce defender of women's rights. Her presence, her grace, indeed, her courage on the Court will be missed by all who cherished her advocacy. As only the second woman to serve on the highest court in the land, Justice Ginsburg inspired a generation of women--my generation--to join her efforts in creating a more perfect union and combating injustice that lurked in every corner of our country. From authoring the Court's opinion in landmark cases that struck down laws discriminating against women to issuing blistering dissent in cases like Ledbetter v. Goodyear, where she believed the Court was failing to address pay discrimination in the workplace, Justice Ginsburg's voice on the Supreme Court represented the life experiences of so many American women. Justice Ginsburg led a full and meaningful life, and her chapter in American history will be earmarked for generations to come. It is now up to all of us to complete the work unfulfilled and, in her words: ``Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.'' Justice Ginsburg has passed the torch, and now it is up to us.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to speak in support of legislation we considered earlier this week, the Scarlett's Sunshine on Sudden Unexpected Death Act. More importantly, today I rise in the memory of my great-niece, Lia, who died from SIDS just 2 years ago. As her mother and grandmother, my sister, said: Our family will never be the same. Lia is with me in my heart and in the work we do in Congress every day. She turned out to be a formidable advocate at just 6 months of life. Each year, roughly 3,500 infants tragically die from sudden unexpected death in the United States, impacting families across this country in unimaginable ways. While the incidence of SIDS has declined by more than 50 percent since the 1990s, we still have so much work to do to better understand the cause of sudden unexpected death syndrome and advance research that can develop prevention strategies and further reduce infant mortality in America. The bipartisan legislation that the House passed this week, the Scarlett's Sunshine on Unexpected Death Act, is a comprehensive approach to improving national guidelines and data consistency for sudden infant death and sudden unexpected death for children. It also offers support for the families grieving their loss and supports evidence-based approaches for outreach to decrease risk factors. I am a proud sponsor of this bill for my great-niece Lia, and I am pleased to see the House advance this important legislation this week. Honoring Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support this unprecedented emergency relief for the American people. My colleague Chris Pappas and I have spoken with tens of thousands of our constituents through telephone townhalls and conference calls with hospitals. I want support for our people who have lost their jobs, for our small businesses, but, most importantly, for our frontline healthcare workers in our rural hospitals. We need supplies, and we need support. I thank you for voting ``yes.''

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, today, the House of Representatives will consider the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, critical legislation to expand paid emergency leave for American workers, to ensure free coronavirus testing, to bolster unemployment insurance for furloughed workers, and to strengthen our safety net for workers and students experiencing food insecurity due to closures. Democrats and Republicans must continue to advance this emergency legislation to protect the health and economic security of the American people. The coronavirus does not choose Republican or Democrat, and the American people are looking to this Chamber for swift and decisive leadership. Madam Speaker, I thank our frontline nurses, doctors, physicians, public health officials, and first responders for their tireless and courageous efforts to keep Granite Staters safe. They are heroes to all of us, and they are bringing needed comfort to those who have been impacted by this public health crisis.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Greta Johansson for her service as the Director of the New Hampshire office of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). Greta retires after 38 years of dedicated service to our nation's small businesses. Throughout her career, she has distinguished herself as a true leader in small business development and finance in the Granite State. Greta started her career with the SBA's Disaster Assistance office providing critical support to businesses that experienced natural disasters. She subsequently went on to serve in a key role in the Connecticut District Office as Deputy District Director for more than 14 years. Since 2011, Greta has led the New Hampshire District Office of the SBA. In her current role she has led the office's delivery of SBA programs and services throughout New Hampshire, working with lenders, resources partners, and economic development entities to foster entrepreneurship and business growth. Greta has distinguished herself as true leader in the Granite State business community and the positive impact she made will be seen for many years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I commend Greta Johansson for her service in supporting the Granite State's small business and entrepreneurs. I look forward to our continued work together to support the small business community.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, last night, I was so pleased to hold a telephone townhall with my colleague, Representative Chris Pappas, New Hampshire public health officials, and over 10,000 Granite Staters to provide an update on the impact of the coronavirus. I continue to hear from constituents who are concerned, and a recurring theme for many is a lack of access to paid sick leave, which complicates our ability to address this public health crisis. When faced with an illness or medical issue, many Americans face a challenging decision to put their job and their income at risk or risk their own health and the health of their colleagues and their community. I am proud to support Rosa DeLauro's legislation to expand access to paid sick leave so that workers are able to follow the directives of public health officials and stay home from work when they are feeling ill. As Congress continues to address policies to protect the American people against the spread of the coronavirus, I urge consideration of this important bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Sylvia Gale for all she does to make the Nashua region such an incredibly special place to live. Whether it has been her important contributions to the Division for Children, Youth and Families as a former New Hampshire state employee, her leadership on the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee, or her activism as the Vice Chair and Secretary of Nashua's Cultural Connections Committee, her contributions to our state have been lasting and meaningful. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Sylvia for her many years of service and for being a part of what makes the Granite State so special.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, on Monday, February 10, 2020, I was unable to attend roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call vote 55 (H.R. 2932), and AYE on Roll Call vote 56 (H.R. 3413).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Officer Katie Thyne, a Newport News police officer who died while serving her community on January 23, 2020. Katie spent her formative years in New Hampshire and attended Alvirne High School in Hudson, New Hampshire. Her commitment to service began early. While at Alvirne, Katie participated in the Junior ROTC program, where she gained a reputation for hard work and kindness. After high school, Katie enlisted in the Navy, serving her country with distinction and receiving commendation for her good conduct. Upon completing her service in the Navy, she continued to serve and joined the Newport News, Virginia police force. Tragically, on January 23, Katie was killed in the line of duty. Her sacrifice is a reminder of the tremendous risks police officers take every day when they put on their uniform and go to work keeping our communities safe. Because of the service and sacrifice of members of law enforcement, all our communities are better for it. Katie was irreplaceable, and she is dearly missed. She will always be remembered for her kind heart, her radiant and constant smile, and her love of family and friends. We will keep Katie, and her family, and the Hudson community in our thoughts and prayers.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Air Force Captain Ryan Phaneuf, who died last week serving his country in Afghanistan. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder that, after nearly 20 years of conflict, brave Americans regularly volunteer to take tremendous risks in order to keep us all safe. We are grateful for the service of our men and women in uniform. Ryan grew up dreaming of flying. His commitment to service began at a young age. While at Alvirne High School in Hudson, New Hampshire, he joined the Junior ROTC program and was considered a leader by his peers. After graduating from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he signed up for the United States Air Force. Ryan served his country with distinction and was a decorated pilot. By flying communications missions, Ryan risked his own life to facilitate effective battlefield communication in Afghanistan which, in turn, helped keep servicemembers on the ground safe. Tragically, Ryan's plane crashed in the snowy mountains of Afghanistan on January 27. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Nancy and Donald, and his loving wife, Megan, during this tragic time. We will never forget Ryan's commitment to protecting our country and our men and women in uniform. By the grace of God, we pray that the boy who dreamed of flying will forever rest peacefully. Honoring the Life and Service of Katie Thyne

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, climate change poses a serious threat to virtually every aspect of our lives, particularly in my State of New Hampshire, where our economy is deeply tied to nature. That is why, earlier this week, I was proud to unveil my Clean Energy Agenda with climate experts from across my district to outline policies and bills that Congress can pass this year to move the United States toward a clean energy economy. I have prioritized 25 bills, most of them bipartisan, that identify areas where Republicans and Democrats can work together to protect our planet and create good jobs. From investing in energy efficiency to dramatically ramping up the deployment of renewable energy and decarbonizing our transportation sector, my agenda includes a wide range of bills that can be passed if we find the political will to act. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee to advance policies that pave a pathway toward a clean energy future.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that I appreciate my colleagues who have come to the floor to speak on this bill. I think everyone knows that this is a very personal issue for me, not just because of my own constituents, but because of my own family, and I appreciate the bipartisan support for this bill. I do want to work with my colleagues in the Judiciary Committee and in the Congressional Black Caucus and others on reform of sentencing guidelines. I think we can make that kind of progress during the 15 months, and I hope that I will get bipartisan support for my legislation which would bring treatment for mental health issues and substance use disorder into the justice-served population, because my view is that we have created a system that is not functional and not serving the purposes of the American people or the American taxpayers.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, we do not have any more speakers, and I am prepared to close if my Republican colleagues don't have any more speakers. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her comments, and I look forward to our work together going forward. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentlewoman for those comments, and I echo the need to address mandatory minimum sentencing and comprehensive criminal justice reform. The opioid epidemic is not a problem that we can jail our way out of, and it is imperative that we work together to fix our broken criminal justice system that unjustly incarcerates Black and brown Americans at alarming rates. I agree that we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past in responding to drug epidemics, but the dramatic increases in fentanyl-related deaths require us to act. Ensuring that the DEA has the authority to ban new synthetic analogues, most of which are being manufactured by criminal chemists in China, is important to curb the influx of fentanyl. I believe that a critical component of criminal justice reform is improving health access and coverage for incarcerated individuals, many of whom suffer from substance misuse disorder and mental health issues with a co-occurring mental health disorder. I have introduced bipartisan legislation, the Humane Correctional Health Care Act, which aims to break the cycle of reincarceration and recidivism by repealing the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion, which blocks access to care. Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should never be stripped from any person for any reason. The legislation that we are voting on today will give lawmakers additional time to craft a long-term plan for fentanyl while also considering comprehensive criminal justice reform, and I welcome the opportunity to work with the gentlewoman on this critically important issue. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we, as a Congress, have worked over the past several years to combat the opioid epidemic and support the millions of Americans with a substance use disorder. That work includes bipartisan passage of legislation like the 21st Century Cures Act, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. In 2017 and 2018, we appropriated nearly $11 billion for a total of 57 Federal programs that fund efforts to curb this epidemic. These programs span the continuum of care, including prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. The funding also spans across agencies, directing investments toward research, public health surveillance, and supply reduction efforts. Most recently, in the fiscal year 2020 funding bill, we included over $4 billion in public health dollars to help with prevention and treatment. In December, the House passed H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which included an additional $10 billion in funding to support public health efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. On the Energy and Commerce Committee, we have had the chance to hear directly from States that our work at the Federal level has helped save lives. Last year, in my State of New Hampshire, a total of 284 deaths were attributed to drug overdoses, of which 82 percent, 234 deaths, involved the use of fentanyl. This is an alarming statistic and the frightening reality of opioid addiction in our communities. It is crucial that we understand the significance of synthetic opioids. As we have seen in New Hampshire and around this country, though the most recent data has indicated overdose deaths have plateaued, deaths from synthetic opioids continue to rise. This is primarily fueled by illicit fentanyl and substances structurally related to fentanyl, which we commonly refer to as fentanyl analogues. These drugs are often far more powerful. Fentanyl, the most well-known of this class of drug, is approximately 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times more powerful than morphine. Although it is used in legitimate medical settings, we have seen a proliferation of illicitly produced fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and its precursor chemicals originating from China. Because fentanyl is relatively easy to make and so potent, it is tragically leading to large increases in overdose deaths. One kilogram of fentanyl purchased in China for $3,000 to $5,000 can generate upwards of $1.5 million in revenue on the illicit market here in the United States. That is potentially enough to kill 500,000 Americans by overdose. We have all heard the terrible numbers that tell this story. In 2017, there were over 47,000 opioid overdose deaths, and 28,000 of those deaths involved synthetic opioids such as fentanyl in the United States. A more complicating factor is that we are now seeing fentanyl increasingly mixed into other drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and even counterfeit prescription drugs like oxycodone. This means that many unsuspecting Americans are dying at the hands of fentanyl when they didn't even realize they were taking it. Mr. Speaker, the nature of our Nation's fentanyl problem is far more complex than drug epidemics of the past. In addition to traditional routes, users can purchase fentanyl analogues and fentanyl precursor chemicals online on the internet. These purchases, which typically include the most pure and potent fentanyl, are often packaged and shipped through the United States Postal Service or consignment carriers in small quantities, making detection a significant challenge. These factors create a complex problem which requires a multifaceted solution. Part of that solution is finding a way to support both public health and public safety actions aimed at stemming the tide of overdose deaths. In February 2018, the Drug Enforcement Agency used its authority in the Controlled Substances Act to temporarily place, for 2 years, all illicit fentanyl-like substances in schedule I. With this authority expiring in just 9 days, we must do more to understand the true impact of this temporary scheduling order, including its impact on public health, public safety, research, and Federal criminal prosecutions. That is why, today, we are considering S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. This bill, which passed unanimously out of the Senate, would extend DEA's temporary order for 15 months, while also tasking the Government Accountability Office with an evaluation of the temporary order. Placing a whole class of fentanyl-like substances into schedule I does not come without implications for criminal justice and research. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that obtaining or modifying a schedule I registration involves significant administrative challenges, and researchers report that obtaining a new registration can take more than a year. It is critical that our response balance the need for legitimate research access that holds potential for improved treatments for pain and addiction, while also prioritizing a more long-term solution to the dangerous trafficking of fentanyl analogues. This temporary emergency scheduling order also has international implications. A year after the United States moved to schedule all fentanyl-related substances, China finally announced that it would act and do the same. This classwide control in China has slowed the rate of new fentanyl analogue encounters in the illicit market. An expiration in 9 days would also put the DEA back in the position of playing whack-a-mole, scheduling fentanyl substances one by one while clandestine criminal chemists in China work to stay one molecule ahead of our efforts. As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, I agree with many of my colleagues that we cannot arrest our way out of this epidemic, and that is why I have introduced the Humane Correctional Healthcare Act. This legislation would repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion and allow justice-involved individuals to access quality healthcare, including mental health treatment and substance misuse services. The complexity of the fentanyl crisis and creation of other synthetic drugs demand a thoughtful, balanced approach that protects the public health and public safety of all Americans. This temporary extension, coupled with the GAO study, will give us the time to work on a longer term solution and will also give us the opportunity to better understand the full range of implications that come with classwide scheduling of these substances. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, January 29, 2020. Hon. Frank Pallone, Chairman, Energy and Commerce Committee, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Pallone: In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization for the Study of Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act, the Committee on Ways and Means agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Ways and Means takes this action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letter on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of S. 3201. Sincerely, Richard E. Neal, Chairman.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on S. 3201.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3201) to extend the temporary scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances, and for other purposes.