Ann Kuster

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, today the House took sweeping bipartisan action to address PFAS contamination that has proliferated across communities in America. These forever chemicals have been linked to negative health effects, including cancer, impaired child development, and even infertility. Granite Staters have already seen the harmful consequences of PFAS contamination, and I am pleased that the legislation we passed today will safeguard communities, clean up contaminated sites, and protect public health. Importantly, the bipartisan bill we passed today includes language I authored to turn off the tap for new PFAS chemicals being approved by the EPA. Enough is enough. There are already too many dangerous PFAS chemicals in our environment, and the last thing Americans need is more of these forever chemicals. The PFAS Action Act also included a bipartisan amendment offered by my good friend and colleague Chris Pappas and myself, which would authorize significant grant funding to public water treatment facilities to safeguard our drinking water. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate to take up this important bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I include my statement in the Record regarding the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in favor of the Articles of Impeachment. Madam Speaker, earlier this week, I returned from a bipartisan trip to Belgium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge--the Germans' last significant offensive during World War II. We celebrated with courageous 95-year-old American veterans who turned the tide at Bastogne and the Ardennes Forest, so that my generation and generations to come may live in peace and freedom from tyranny. My late father, Malcolm McLane, was shot down during the Battle of the Bulge and spent the final six months of World War II in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. In this solemn moment, on this historic day for our nation, I reflect on the legacy of my father and all World War II veterans. We owe them-- and all of the men and women who have served our nation--an incredible debt of gratitude for their service and bravery. Today, we must defend a future worthy of their sacrifice. Just moments ago, I upheld my oath to protect and defend the Constitution when I cast my vote to charge President Donald John Trump with articles of impeachment. I did so with a heavy heart, to protect and defend the future of our great nation--our American democracy--for generations to come. The evidence and facts are clear and uncontested: President Trump has abused the power of the Presidency for his own personal gain, at the expense of our national security and the integrity of the 2020 election. Articles of impeachment are formal charges against the President-- this is not a vote to remove him from office. That decision will be made following a trial in the United States Senate. I hope that the Senate will hold a fair, transparent and thorough trial to get to the truth for the American people. Meanwhile, I will continue to focus my efforts on our important work to improve the lives of Granite Staters and all Americans. I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas, joyful holidays and peace in the New Year. May God bless the United States of America.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kendall W. Lane for his service as the Mayor of Keene, New Hampshire. After completing four-terms as the Mayor of Keene, Kendall announced his retirement this year. Kendall has a long history of public service and serving the city of Keene, which is marked by his service on the Keene City Council from 1986 until 1993 and again in 2007 until 2011. As Mayor, Kendall has many significant achievements during his time in office, including the redevelopment of Marlboro Street, renovations to the Keene Public Library, and the completion of the Keene Ice Arena in 2016. As Mayor, Kendall has made climate change a focal point of the City's efforts, and during his tenure, the Keene Community created a clean energy committee and committed to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy in ten years. Mayor Lane's distinguished service has left a meaningful impact in the Monadnock Region and the Granite State. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I commend Kendall Lane and wish him all the best in the coming years. I look forward to our continued work together to support the Keene community.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I have long called for Congress to take meaningful action to lower prescription drug costs by allowing the direct negotiation of prescription drug prices by Medicare. I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act, and I am pleased to see it includes my legislation, the Respond Now Act, as the basis for much needed funding to combat the opioid epidemic. H.R. 3 provides $10 billion in direct funding, including investments directly into our communities who are the front lines of this epidemic. I am also grateful to see that H.R. 3 includes funding to support children impacted by this crisis, so that they can access trauma- informed practices in schools. I thank the Speaker for the inclusion of this critical funding to help Granite State families and communities across this country. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Beverly ``Bev'' Mason's nearly four decades of service with the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program (USDA-RD). Bev will be retiring this month after 38 years of serving our Granite State communities. Bev began her career as a technician with the Farmers Home Administration (FHMA), now known as USDA--Rural Development. Later, she held the positions of County Supervisor, Administrative Program Director, and retires as the New Hampshire Area Director. As Area Director, Bev has been responsible for the Home Ownership Program and single-family housing through USDA-RD. She has worked with thousands of families, assisting with developing and understanding an individual's financial profile and developing budget plans to enable hard-working Granite Staters to realize the dream of home ownership. In addition, Bev has worked directly with many of our state's communities and nonprofits to address the needs of rural New Hampshire. She has assisted with Water and Environmental Program Loans as well as Community Facility Loans and Grants to advance infrastructure and economic development profiles. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I commend Beverly Mason for her dedication to our Granite State's rural communities. We owe her a debt of gratitude and express our heartfelt thanks for her years of service. She should look back proudly on her achievements and I wish her all the best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today on National Rural Health Day to bring attention to the importance of healthcare in rural communities across this country and in New Hampshire. Far too often, there are substantial health disparities for those living in rural America. Our rural communities face growing and unique healthcare challenges exacerbated by distance and the time it takes to see a provider. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 4995, the Maternal Health Quality Improvement Act. This legislation would create rural maternal network grant programs and ensure maternal health providers are eligible for telehealth. This is especially impactful for Granite State families that face long distances and deal with extreme workforce shortages that make it difficult to access much-needed care. For them, having access to telehealth for maternal care is a real life-changer. We must all continue to support and lift up the innovation, quality, and service of rural healthcare providers and facilities.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeff Meyers, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NHDHHS), for his many years of service and leadership in state government, including his four-year tenure as Commissioner. Prior to joining NHDHHS, Jeff previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the state's Department of Justice, as well as the New Hampshire Senate's legal counsel, and as chief counsel to former Governor John Lynch. During Jeff's time with NHDHHS, he was the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, leading the agency's efforts to implement programming, strategies and services. In 2016, Jeff was nominated by Governor Maggie Hassan and confirmed by the New Hampshire Executive Council as Commissioner of the state's largest agency. As Commissioner, Jeff has managed significant initiatives including the implementation of the state's bipartisan New Hampshire Health Protection Program, which expanded access to health insurance for thousands of underserved Granite Staters. In addition, he negotiated a federal waiver to support the capacity of the state's behavioral health system and has promoted the integration of mental health and substance use disorder services with medical care. I commend Jeff Meyers for his leadership as NHDHHS Commissioner, his commitment to our state and wish him all the very best in his professional endeavors. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Jeff Meyers for all he has done to better health and well-being in our state and look forward to our future work together.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 625.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave Americans who served our country during the Vietnam Era. The courage, patriotism, and heroism that our servicemembers displayed when faced with the danger of serving in the Vietnam War speaks to the character and strength of these individuals and our nation. I am honored to be a part of the Vietnam War Commemorative Committee. The brave men and women who served our nation during the Vietnam War set aside their ambitions, left their families, and risked their lives for our country. This project is a token of our gratitude for their selfless service and steadfast, unwavering devotion to our nation and the American people. The legacy of all those who served during the conflict remains an inspiration to our nation. To the families of our servicemembers who stood by faithfully as your loved ones departed to defend our freedoms overseas, I offer my sincere gratitude for your shared commitment to duty and service. I will continue to work each day to serve all those who have served us so valiantly. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices in honor of our nation. It is a debt we can never repay, and one we can never forget. It is essential that we provide all our veterans with the care and support they so richly deserve. As the Representative for New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I will continue to work on behalf of our courageous Vietnam veterans, servicemembers, and military families who have given so much for our country. May we honor and celebrate all our soldiers, and may God bless the United States of America.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave Americans who served our country during the Vietnam Era. The courage, patriotism, and heroism that our servicemembers displayed when faced with the danger of serving in the Vietnam War speaks to the character and strength of these individuals and our nation. I am honored to be a part of the Vietnam War Commemorative Committee. The brave men and women who served our nation during the Vietnam War set aside their ambitions, left their families, and risked their lives for our country. This project is a token of our gratitude for their selfless service and steadfast, unwavering devotion to our nation and the American people. The legacy of all those who served during the conflict remains an inspiration to our nation. To the families of our servicemembers who stood by faithfully as your loved ones departed to defend our freedoms overseas, I offer my sincere gratitude for your shared commitment to duty and service. I will continue to work each day to serve all those who have served us so valiantly. Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices in honor of our nation. It is a debt we can never repay, and one we can never forget. It is essential that we provide all our veterans with the care and support they so richly deserve. As the Representative for New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I will continue to work on behalf of our courageous Vietnam veterans, servicemembers, and military families who have given so much for our country. May we honor and celebrate all our soldiers, and may God bless the United States of America. As of November 1st, 2019, I was honored to present Vietnam Commemorative Pins to the following constituents: Michael H. Eastman, Richard C. Dellerba, Richard Kimball Smith, David Paquette, William Allan Stashluk, Paul B. Dullea, Ronald Stephen Clark, William Warren Walker, Robert E. Thebodo, Robert Arnold Edstrom. James William Dryer, George A. Travers, Charles Machado, Carl Daniel Fredrickson, Jr., Ronald J. Cote, Michael L. Gray, David Lawrence Nelson, Jr., Robert Francis Stanley, Rodney A. Stanley, William Joseph Brodeur. David Eugene Norton, Raymond Paul Boudreau, Guy A. Tremblay, William F. Chapman, Charles Michael Sirosky, Steven F. Cady, Eric Frederick Parthum, Lowell Bohnert, James E. Neister, John Vincent Madden. Louis Maurice Belanger, Joseph Vincent Cannava, Norman Wayne Blake, Andrew J. LaCourse, John Francis DiBernardo, John Johansen, Thomas R. Sawyer, Lawrence Wayne Barchard, Harold Francis Shea, Jr., Richard L. Lavoie. Alfred Anthony Monterio, Joseph Frank Cannata, Donald J. Burns, George R. Hall, Roger John Hubert, Phillip J. Miller, Richard Stewart Tatem, Lloyd H. Hamilton, Clyde Francis Bubar, Walter Gerald Cibulski, Jr. Michael Joseph Golden, William Thomas McClellan III, Edmund J. Gleason, Louis R. Hagan, Ronald Paul Morrissey, Joseph K. Ireland, Gerald Joseph Bushway, Henry Stephen Masciocchi, Robert A. Duncan, Sr., Kathleen McLeod Duncan. Thomas W.R. Thibault, Sr., James Edward Miles, Arthur John Demeis, Bruce Edward Richardson, Francis Joseph Cuddy, Jr., Susan Ann Cuddy, Robert William Perry, Sr., Wilfred Clinton Gonyo, Margaret Lee Clarke, Edward E. Rochford.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the SAFE DRIVERS Act introduced by my colleague, Representative Seth Moulton. In June of this year, seven members of Jarheads Motorcycle Club were tragically killed in my district when they were hit by a truck that crossed over into the wrong lane on Route 2 in Randolph, New Hampshire. The Massachusetts driver responsible for this accident should not have had an active driver's license and should not have been behind the wheel that day. Despite his criminal history, the driver still had a license because of a loophole where State DMVs often do not process out-of-State infractions. The SAFE DRIVERS Act would help States implement electronic systems to ensure that dangerous drivers are kept off our roads. By incentivizing States to modernize their databases, we can keep our roads safe and prevent further tragedies.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4669, the Maximizing Drug Coverage for Low-Income Seniors Act. This past week, I joined my colleagues, Haley Stevens, Jahana Hayes, and Terri Sewell to introduce this commonsense legislation that will help to ensure that low-income seniors are matched with the Medicare part D prescription drug program that is best for them. I continue to hear from folks in New Hampshire who are struggling to pay for Medicare prescription drugs, often being forced to choose between groceries or rent, and the medications that they need. Far too many Americans are forced to make these impossible choices between basic necessities for their families and their prescription medications. This legislation will help some of our most vulnerable Americans afford the medications they depend on to stay healthy, and it will save taxpayer dollars. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this important bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, on Friday, September 27, 2019, I was unable to attend roll call votes due to my attendance at a funeral for a close family friend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Roll Call vote 553, ``aye'' on Roll Call vote 554, and ``aye'' on Roll Call vote 555.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 542.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, I was unavoidably detained and missed rollcall vote No. 542. Had I been present for this recorded vote, I would have voted ``aye.''

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jane Difley on the event of her retirement as President of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. A licensed forester, Jane's esteemed career included time at the American Forest Foundation and the Vermont Natural Resources Council before joining the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests in 1996. In addition, Jane was the first woman elected to serve as the President of the Society of American Foresters. During her 23 years with the Forest Society, Jane has been a tireless advocate for land conservation in the Granite State. At the helm of the Forest Society, Jane successfully heightened the pace of land conservation efforts in the face of increasing development. Under her direction, the Forest Society more than doubled the size of its conserved Forest Reservations to 56,000 acres and played a role in the conservation of over 290,000 acres overall. She advocated for the important role of Granite State forests in community recreation, wildlife habitat, and environmental health. The important work accomplished during Jane's tenure at the Forest Society will serve as an enduring testament to her commitment to New Hampshire's forests. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Jane for her service and wish her the best of luck in her new chapter.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, across the United States and in my district, we are seeing more and more communities threatened with PFAS contamination. The proliferation of toxic PFAS chemicals throughout our environment is a risk to human health, and as Congress continues to act on this issue, we must listen to the families and citizens who have had to live with this contamination. I cannot imagine the fear of a parent who has learned that their children's drinking water is contaminated with these harmful chemicals. That is why earlier this year, I introduced legislation that would prohibit companies from adjusting PFAS chemicals at the molecular level to bypass environmental protection at the Environmental Protection Agency. Turning off the tap for approving new PFAS chemicals is one step that Congress can take as we work to fully understand how expansive PFAS contamination is to our environment and to human health. Congress must act on this issue, which is why last month, I convened a PFAS summit with my friend and colleague Chris Pappas to hear from environmental advocates, impacted families, and community leaders in New Hampshire who are on the front lines of cleaning up PFAS contamination. We also heard from experts who are working on long-term solutions to cleaning up these ``forever chemicals,'' and I am pleased to bring some of these ideas back to Washington as a member of the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force. This group has brought together Democrats and Republicans from across the country to put the issue of PFAS contamination front and center in Washington, D.C. The PFAS Task Force has already been effective in advancing important provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act to help clean up contaminated sites and protect servicemembers, their families, and first responders who have been exposed. As House and Senate leaders begin conferencing on this bill, it is critical that the final National Defense Authorization Act includes PFAS provisions from the House- and Senate-passed bills. Americans have waited long enough. Congress has an important opportunity to pass bipartisan legislation that will protect veterans, current servicemembers, firefighters occupationally exposed to PFAS, and families in communities impacted by military PFAS contamination. This issue is critical to my district and my State, and I will continue to work across the aisle with anyone who is willing to protect communities and future generations from PFAS contamination.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding, and I thank our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I am so thrilled today to rise in favor of the Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Act. Christa McAuliffe was a teacher at my alma mater, Concord High School, and she was my hero. Christa was smart; she was charming; she was the kind teacher who left her mark on countless students through her willingness to do whatever it took to help them succeed. The Concord and broader New Hampshire community was thrilled when she was chosen out of over 10,000 applicants as NASA's first teacher in space. Her mission was to inspire a generation of American students to look toward the sky and pursue careers in science. And her motto, as Mr. Hoyer noted: ``I touch the future. I teach.'' She cared about America, and every year she invited my mother, former State Senator Susan McLane, into her classroom so that her students would know about our government and opportunities for their future. Her husband, Steve, and their two children, were important in our community. And I am reminded of the story, when President Bush announced Christa's appointment, he whispered into Steve's ear: ``You will be making your dinner a lot more on your own.'' Tragically, on January 28, 1986, Christa, along with six other members of the Challenger Space Shuttle crew, perished when the shuttle exploded. I can't tell you the number of colleagues when I was asking for their signatures to join us in this bipartisan bill said, I remember exactly where I was when that happened. But we remember Christa because she wanted her students to seek out the best in themselves, and always to reach a little higher. Inspired by Christa's leadership, her students did just that by going on to become teachers and to pursue careers in science and education and public policy. Christa's legacy can be seen all over the State of New Hampshire; from the Christa McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, which is a planetarium in our town, to Christa McAuliffe Middle School in Concord. And I am proud that this coin will help cement Christa's place in American history for generations to come. So it is fitting that the proceeds from the coin will support FIRST Robotics, a nationwide leader in STEM education, founded, as Mr. Upton said, by New Hampshire inventor, Dean Kamen, to help fulfill Christa's legacy by helping students discover the wonders of the world through education and science. I was so proud to work with my colleagues and friends, Fred Upton, Debbie Dingell, and my new colleague from New Hampshire, Chris Pappas, to help secure the cosponsors needed to pass this bill. I appreciate Leader Hoyer's and Chairwoman Maxine Waters' willingness to move this bill and to honor Christa McAuliffe. I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Schakowsky for yielding. I want to say to Representative Long that I am so sorry for his loss, and, again, it is appropriate to be with him on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, more than 20 years ago, Cheryl and Todd Burt experienced an unimaginable tragedy when their two sons, Zachary and Nicholas, died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Zachary was 4 years old; Nicholas was only 16 months old. Cheryl, Todd, and their eldest son, Ryan, barely made it out of the home alive on that cold January evening. Today, the House is considering H.R. 1618, the Zachary and Nicholas Burt Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act. This legislation is named in honor of Zachary and Nicholas, but it is truly for the over 400 Americans who die each year and more than 20,000 who are hospitalized as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Among them are two of my constituents, John and April Courtney from Lyman, New Hampshire, who lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning just last February of this year. While it happens most frequently in cold winter months, carbon monoxide poisoning actually happens throughout this country. As a mother and an aunt, I know there is nothing more important than keeping our children and our loved ones safe, and that is why I am so proud today that the House is preparing to vote on my bipartisan legislation with my colleague Buddy Carter, which provides funding for States to prevent future carbon monoxide-related deaths by educating the public about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of properly installing alarms in their home. It also supports the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in housing for the elderly and low-income individuals and high-traffic public buildings like schools. This bipartisan legislation will truly save lives. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my distinguished colleague, Buddy Carter, for working on this bill with me and helping to build a consensus for its unanimous passage in the Energy and Commerce Committee. I also want to thank Chairman Pallone and Congresswoman Schakowsky for making this piece of legislation a priority and including it in the package of bills today. At a time when Congress so often seems divided, this legislation is proof positive that we can work together on our committee to find common ground and get things done to help our constituents. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and thank Anna Yu and Alex Chasick from the Energy and Commerce Committee staff and Hart Thompson and Nick Schemmel from Congressman Carter's office for collaborating with my team, Will Pisano and Travis Krogman, to move this legislation forward. I am proud that this bill is supported by a diverse coalition of public safety and industry groups, and I include in the Record five letters of support. The first is a letter from 15 national organizations representing consumers throughout the United States. The second is a letter of support from the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I will be quick. The third letter of support is from the National Association of Home Builders, which will demonstrate the bipartisan support. The fourth is from Consumer Reports, and finally one from the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. September 16, 2019. Dear Representative: As organizations dedicated to improving consumer protections, we write to express our support for two consumer product safety bills as they move to the House floor this week. These bills would enhance protections to prevent deaths from portable fuel cans and injuries and deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning. We urge you to support these bills to protect children and all consumers from preventable injuries and deaths. The Nicholas and Zachary Burt Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2019 (H.R. 1618) would establish a grant program, administered by the CPSC, that would encourage states to require the installation of residential carbon monoxide detectors, including for vulnerable populations. According to the CDC, during 2010-2015, a total of 2,244 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, with 393 of those deaths occurring in 2015. This bill seeks to reduce carbon monoxide poisonings. The Portable Fuel Container Safety Act of 2019 (H.R. 806) would help prevent flame-jetting incidents through establishing a binding and enforceable standard that would require flame mitigation devices, or flame arrestors, on portable fuel containers to prevent flames from entering these containers and igniting the gases inside. According to National Fire Protection Association estimates, fire departments responded to an average of 160,910 fires per year between 2007 and 2011 that started with ignition of a flammable or combustible liquid, resulting in an estimated 454 civilian deaths, 3,910 civilian injuries, and $1.5 billion in direct property damage per year. These bills offer a critical opportunity to protect children and all consumers from preventable injuries and deaths. We urge you to support these child health and safety bills, and to vote ``yes'' on them as they move to the House floor this week. Sincerely, Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AkPIRG), Center for Justice & Democracy, Chicago Consumer Coalition, Child Injury Prevention Alliance, Consumer Assistance Council, Inc., Consumer Federation of America, Kids In Danger, National Consumers League, OHSU/Doernbecher Tom Sargent Safety Center, Parents for Window Blind Safety, Public Citizen, Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe States Alliance, The Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research (SAVIR), Virginia Citizens Consumer Council.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. So, again, Mr. Speaker, this bill has strong bipartisan support, and I encourage all my colleagues to support it.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrew Lavoie, Chief of the Nashua Police Department, for his service and leadership to the Department for 32 years, the last four and a half years as Chief. Over the span of Chief Lavoie's career, he has taken on numerous roles within the Nashua Police Department, whether it was attacking the opioid crisis from the law enforcement perspective by making many arrests or standing with his community to protect and serve. Chief Lavoie has been a leading and respected voice in the Granite State advocating for the Safe Station Program and forming the Nashua Community Conversations on Race and Justice, which have enhanced relationships between police and Nashua's diverse population amongst other accomplishments. I commend Chief Lavoie on his retirement after three decades of work in public service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to Chief Andrew Lavoie for a well-deserved retirement. I thank him for his service and wish him the very best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the House for passing H.R. 3239 to provide humanitarian standards for migrants and refugees in Customs and Border Protection custody at our border. Having visited the U.S.-Mexico border now twice in the past 12 months, I know how desperately this bill was needed. We have good news and bad news. The good news is that the children, the young children, are no longer being separated from their biological parents, although we did see 310 children separated from aunts, uncles, and grandparents. But the worst news was the migrants who we saw held in overcrowded conditions for up to 40 to 60 days without any access to basic services, like a hot meal or a shower or being able to brush their teeth. These are inhumane conditions and a human rights violation. That is why I was proud to cosponsor the bill sponsored by Dr. Raul Ruiz to enact critical safety, nutrition, and hygiene standards for migrants in custody. I was pleased that the House accepted my amendments to protect women from sexual assault at the border.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, migrants in Customs and Border Protection holding facilities deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. Unfortunately, due to the misguided policies of the Trump administration, many migrants have found themselves stuck living in inhumane conditions. Earlier this month, I visited one of those facilities in McAllen, Texas, and I was disturbed by what I saw. I am proud of my colleague, Congressman Raul Ruiz, and the Judiciary Committee and the leadership of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren for putting together a comprehensive piece of legislation that will alleviate the suffering of some of these migrants. My amendment is very simple. It directs the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General to pay particular attention to whether CBP facilities comply with the Department of Homeland Security's sexual abuse prevention policies while inspecting detention facilities. Many provisions in DHS' standards to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and assault are very well intentioned. These include requiring sexual abuse prevention training for staff, limiting cross- gender searches, ensuring there are plans in place to respond to sexual violence, and providing survivors of sexual abuse with access to sexual assault nurse examiners. These policies should help reduce the prevalence of sexual violence, enable victims to report abuse, and provide support for survivors after experiencing trauma. But I am concerned that Customs and Border Protection is not meeting DHS' own standards. An Office of Inspector General report from 2016 recommended that DHS identify which facilities qualify for routine auditing and ensure that these facilities are audited by July 2018, as required by DHS' own policies. Today, nearly 1 year after CBP was supposed to complete these audits, they have not finished the job. If Customs and Border Protection is not taking this basic step of auditing facilities, we cannot be sure they have properly implemented more onerous, yet crucial, policies. The best plans to prevent sexual violence are worthless if they are not followed. This amendment, which I thank my colleagues, Representative Moore and Representative Cisneros for cosponsoring, will help provide clarity about whether CBP is taking steps to prevent and respond to sexual violence. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.