Ann Kuster

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, could I inquire as to how much time I have remaining.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I want to thank the gentleman for agreeing to the amendment. I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Brave survivors have begun to come forward detailing chilling assaults by Border Protection agents. Some of the survivors are only in their teens. Despite these heartbreaking stories, there is a stunning lack of transparency about sexual abuse at Customs and Border Protection facilities. According to the agency's most recent report on assessing sexual abuse at holding facilities, in fiscal year 2017, CBP processed more than 534,000 individuals in its holding facilities, and yet the agency itself only received seven claims of sexual abuse. Ten months after FY18, CBP has yet to release its report on abuse last year. From my own experience working on sexual violence prevention on college campuses and in the military, I have learned that the absence of formal complaints of sexual abuse does not reflect the absence of sexual violence but, rather, signals a culture that prevents people from reporting violence. According to a Freedom of Information Act request, between January of 2010 and July of 2016, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General received 624 complaints about sexual abuse at Customs and Border Protection facilities. Considering this information, CBP's failure to promptly publish its own sexual abuse data, and the stories of survivors who have come forward, there is a clear need to improve transparency about sexual abuse at CBP. My amendment, which I was proud to introduce with Representatives Moore and Cisneros, directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, working with the DHS office that typically receives complaints of sexual abuse, to release all complaints of sexual abuse at CBP once per quarter, removing any information that would compromise the anonymity of survivors. This is an amendment that all Members should be able to support. Releasing more data in a timely manner will help lawmakers grasp the scope of this problem. Knowing that they are not alone may also encourage other survivors to step forward. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, contrary to the allegations by my colleague disparaging our view of Customs and Border Protection agencies, I was actually very impressed by the professionalism of many of the Border Patrol agents that we met and had the opportunity to tour the facilities in McAllen and Brownsville with. I share the gentleman's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy. Frankly, one incident of sexual assault is far too much. This data will provide more transparency for Congress and for survivors and, frankly, more transparency for those members of the Border Patrol who are doing their job with respect to migrants. Mr. Chair, how much time do I have remaining?

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Suellen Griffin, President and Chief Executive Officer of West Central Behavioral Health, for her service and leadership of West Central Behavioral Health for 11 years, and more than 40 years in the field of behavioral health management. Through Suellen's leadership and dedication, West Central Behavioral Health has continued to serve as the Sullivan County region's community mental healthcare provider, ensuring access to advanced counseling, treatment, support and full continuum of care services. Suellen has been a leading and respected voice in the Granite State advocating for increased mental health and substance misuse care. I commend Suellen on her retirement after four decades of work in behavioral health. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to Suellen Griffin for a well-deserved retirement. I thank her for her service and wish her the very best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Washington for yielding. I was pleased to offer an amendment to H.R. 2500 to expand the liberal consideration standard given by discharge review boards and boards for the correction of military records to victims of military sexual trauma, to survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. Members of the Armed Forces who were victims of intimate partner violence have sometimes received less than honorable discharges because of behavior caused by their underlying trauma. This discharge status may exclude them from receiving veterans benefits, including services to help address their trauma. Less than honorable discharge statuses are associated with higher rates of homelessness and suicide. Simply put, these discharge statuses are retraumatizing, and survivors deserve better. My amendment would have ensured victims of intimate partner violence receive the same liberal consideration standard as other victims of sexual assault in the Armed Forces. All survivors should be believed and treated with compassion, regardless of the violence they experienced. I appreciate the willingness of the House Armed Services Committee staff to work with my team to try to get this provision included in the House NDAA. Unfortunately, due to budgetary rules, we were unable to find a path forward. A provision that mirrors my amendment was included in the Senate NDAA, thanks to the tremendous leadership of Senators Gillibrand and Ernst. Chairman Smith, when the House and Senate conferences our two bills, will you work with the Senate to see this provision included in the final conference bill? I yield to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for his response.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 25th anniversary of the Dartmouth Hitchcock Response Team (DHART) based in Lebanon, New Hampshire at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, the Granite State's only Level 1 Trauma Center. Since DHART began operations 25 years ago this month, the program has experienced growth in both requests and completed flights, providing a vital lifesaving service to our region. With operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, DHART transports adult, pediatric and neonatal patients to appropriate medical facilities throughout New England. The DHART team consists of personnel from both Dartmouth-Hitchcock and aviation professionals from Metro Aviation, providing ground and air medical transportation services in Northern New England. The dedicated DHART team includes communication specialists, flight nurses, flight paramedics, respiratory care practitioners, emergency medical technicians, as well as Metro aviation pilots and mechanics. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Advanced Response Team on its 25 years of operations--I wish the DHART team all the best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my colleagues for unanimously passing my bipartisan amendment yesterday to increase funding by $3 million to the Northern Border Regional Commission. The NBRC is a critical, rural economic development agency that has created jobs in my district and supported so many meaningful projects around New Hampshire. From 2010-2017, the NBRC invested over $7 million into the Granite State communities and, more importantly, leveraged nearly $31 million in matching funds. This is a smart and strategic use of tax dollars, and I am so pleased that the House passed my bipartisan amendment with Congressman Chris Pappas, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, and Congressman Peter Welch, to increase funding to the historic level of $25 million in the next fiscal year. As a conferee on the 2018 farm bill conference committee, I was pleased to lead the effort to add Cheshire and Belknap Counties, and I am delighted to add $3 million.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Legion on their 100th birthday. The American Legion has been a leading voice in advocating for veterans, servicemembers, their families and communities. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans' organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of community-based programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow servicemembers and veterans. The American Legion Department of New Hampshire was chartered on August 1, 1920. There are currently 107 American Legion Posts located throughout the Granite State, boasting nearly 18,000 members. American Legion members contribute significantly to their local communities. Members participate in blood drives, and contribute generously to scholarships, community projects, emergency aid and youth activities. Many of the Posts have halls, where community enjoy social functions for events throughout the year. The American Legion works closely with the Veterans Administration to ensure that the veterans in New Hampshire and across our country are cared for following their service to the United States. New Hampshire leaders work closely with military organizations and are proud to have two military installations within the state serving thousands of military members and their families. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to the American Legion community for 100 years and all the best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I thank Mr. Visclosky and his staff for their tireless dedication to putting together such a comprehensive Defense appropriations bill. The work the gentleman's committee does to ensure our Armed Forces has the funding it needs keeps America safe. I am grateful for his dedication to this important task. I am pleased to offer my amendment that would increase funding for life support systems on Ohio-class submarines. This program is important for ensuring the Ohio class reaches its 42-year service life extension. Submarines are a critical component of our Nation's nuclear triad, which ensures the United States has a constant deterrent against nuclear strikes from nations that would do us harm. To keep this triad strong, we must ensure that the Ohio-class submarines remain in operation until the Columbia class can take their place. Putting modern, low-pressure life support systems on our submarines is an essential part of ensuring the longevity of this program. I understand the chairman's concerns about the Navy's implementation of submarine life support systems. When Congress appropriates money, it must be spent efficiently and promptly. I believe this program should be funded at the historic level of $11,968,000. Madam Chair, I will offer to withdraw my amendment and work with the chairman to ensure the Navy effectively manages this program and that Congress provides robust support for it in future years. I am asking the chairman if we will work together on this important issue moving forward.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chairman, I thank the chairman, and I withdraw my amendment.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, my amendment inadvertently contains a numerical drafting error that would increase spending. Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be modified with the form that I have placed at the desk.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I am pleased to offer my amendment that addresses an important supply chain issue related to defense electronics. Driven by environmental regulations outside the United States, the worldwide $1 trillion commercial electronics industry converted to lead-free components over 15 years ago. Despite this global transition, the United States aerospace and defense electronics industry continues to rely upon lead-based assembly technology because lead-based assembly is considered structurally superior. To ensure the reliability and performance of lead-free technology for defense and aerospace electronics, additional research and development are needed. Because the DOD electronics market is just a small fraction of the broader electronics market, commercial industry needs Federal leadership in this area. As technological advances in civilian electronics continue to incorporate lead-free technology, this problem will only become more acute. As a result, the DOD cannot rapidly integrate state-of-the-art lead-free components, including semiconductors, for cutting-edge technologies like hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and robotics that impact numerous DOD weapons systems. This disconnect between the defense and commercial electronics industries can no longer be ignored. My amendment, which I am offering with my colleague Representative Brad Schneider, emphasizes the importance of the DOD funding research to increase the capacity of the defense industry to produce lead-free electronics that meet the performance requirements of our Nation's Armed Forces. This research will ensure that American manufacturers can supply the men and women who keep us safe with modern, resilient technology that meets their unique needs. I look forward to working with the DOD and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure funding for the development of this program. Madam Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Visclosky).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Legion on their 100th birthday. The American Legion has been a leading voice in advocating for veterans, servicemembers, their families and communities. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans' organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of community-based programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow servicemembers and veterans. The American Legion Department of New Hampshire was chartered on August 1, 1920. There are currently 107 American Legion Posts located throughout the Granite State, boasting nearly 18,000 members. American Legion members contribute significantly to their local communities. Members participate in blood drives, and contribute generously to scholarships, community projects, emergency aid and youth activities. Many of the Posts have halls, where community enjoy social functions for events throughout the year. The American Legion works closely with the Veterans Administration to ensure that the veterans in New Hampshire and across our country are cared for following their service to the United States. New Hampshire leaders work closely with military organizations and are proud to have two military installations within the state serving thousands of military members and their families. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to the American Legion community for 100 years and all the best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 200th birthday of the New Hampshire State House, also known as the ``People's House.'' Standing in beautiful downtown Concord, the State House was designed in 1814 by architect Stuart Park and opened on June 2, 1819. It is the oldest state capitol in which both houses of the legislature meet in their original chambers and is home to the largest legislative body in our nation, with 400 members. As the first significant granite building in New Hampshire, the State House was a symbol of the growing granite industry in Concord and our state. While additions and updates have been made over the years to accommodate government entities such as the General Court, the Secretary of State, and the State Treasurer, the State House remains a focal point in Concord and a source of pride for New Hampshire two centuries after opening. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank the State House Bicentennial Commission for organizing this 200th birthday celebration and I send my deepest appreciation to everyone who maintains this historic, beautiful building.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Pallone for yielding and for his guidance and leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee as we advance critical legislation this week to stabilize the Affordable Care Act and drive down prescription drug costs for all Americans. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. I rise hand in hand with Granite Staters and all Americans who have been denied care or have been charged more for care because of preexisting conditions. Asthma, allergies, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes--you can go right through the alphabet--having a child, these are preexisting conditions. And I believe people should not suffer more when they are at their most vulnerable. Patients should not be discriminated against or treated unfairly when they need help the most. I am committed to reversing the Trump administration's continuous, unrelenting sabotage of the Affordable Care Act that allows and encourages junk health plans. H.R. 987 invests in access to quality care while lowering prescription drug prices. It ensures that generics can come to market as soon as possible so that seniors are not skipping the medication they need because they cannot afford it. I support this legislation because it puts patients first. I thank Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester for her leadership on this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 987.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Pallone for yielding, and I thank him for his guidance and leadership on the Energy and Commerce Committee as we advanced critical legislation this week to stabilize the Affordable Care Act and drive down prescription drug costs for all Americans. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my legislation, H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans With Preexisting Conditions Act. As a patient with a preexisting condition myself, I rise today to stand with over 52 million Americans and over 200,000 Granite Staters who live with preexisting conditions every single day. They could have been denied access to healthcare prior to passage of the Affordable Care Act, and many were. While we recognize that we need to strengthen and stabilize the ACA, we should equally accept the principle that nobody should be denied coverage because of a preexisting condition. When you think about it, asthma, allergies, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, just go right through the alphabet, having a child, even, any of these are preexisting conditions. In my home State of New Hampshire and across this country, opioid and alcohol addiction are preexisting conditions. Every week, and again here today, we have heard Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee say, ``Oh, of course we want to protect Americans with preexisting conditions.'' Yet, at every step, this administration is trying to sabotage the consumer protection guardrails that are in the ACA, including fighting in court for the total elimination of the Affordable Care Act with absolutely no replacement.