Ann Kuster

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chair, an important piece of the Affordable Care Act, section 1332, created the State innovation waivers, which provide States with flexibility in implementing the ACA as long as plans remain comprehensive, affordable, and accessible. However, the Trump administration recently issued guidance encouraging States to promote junk health plans through these waivers in order to circumvent essential health benefits and protections for preexisting conditions. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss our work in the House to advance innovative solutions to improve access to affordable healthcare for people in my district in New Hampshire and across the country. Over the past 2 weeks I have had the opportunity to visit with hospitals and providers throughout my district to discuss the challenges facing healthcare in my State. I have heard consistently that the efforts of the Trump administration to sabotage the Affordable Care Act are causing serious anxiety for patients and healthcare providers. The American people have made clear they want Democrats and Republicans to work together to improve access to affordable healthcare and to abandon the partisanship that has seen protections for individuals with preexisting conditions threatened and access to healthcare restricted. I am excited that next week the House will pass innovative legislation that will have a real impact on the lives of hardworking families, including my bill to protect people with preexisting conditions. We are advancing pragmatic solutions and stabilizing and strengthening the Affordable Care Act.

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 thank Ms. Castor for her tireless leadership on this landmark legislation. Nearly 2 years ago, the United States ceded global leadership when President Trump announced plans to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, a sweeping accord amongst the overwhelming majority of nation-states to curb carbon pollution and mitigate the damaging effects of climate change. The Climate Action Now Act reverses this misguided decision by ensuring that America honors its commitments to the Paris Agreement and prevents any taxpayer dollars from being used to take any action to advance the United States' withdrawal from the agreement. I am proud to support this legislation and to offer an amendment that would require the President to produce a report examining how rejoining the Paris Agreement will bolster clean energy job creation in rural communities. Contrary to the claims that have been made here today by my colleagues across the aisle, we have seen the positive impacts across my district and across New Hampshire that the deployment of clean energy can have on our communities, both for our economy and our environment. Our rural communities are home to some of the hardest working Americans who are committed to securing good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Clean energy jobs are good-paying jobs. In New Hampshire, a clean energy job pays 50 percent more than the State's median wage. Rejoining the Paris climate agreement will spur a new clean energy economy that weans America off fossil fuels from countries that do not share our values, protects our environment by reducing carbon pollution, and creates good paying jobs. My amendment is straightforward. If we are going to rejoin the Paris Agreement, we must ensure that rural communities benefit from the subsequent job creation and manufacturing. My amendment would create a framework for how rural America can thrive and combat climate change. We know that rural communities face unique economic challenges, and it is imperative that they are not left behind as we move toward the 21st century clean energy economy. We also know that rural communities can lead the clean energy revolution, and I am very proud to represent five communities that have made a commitment to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2030: Concord, Keene, Plainfield, Hanover, and Cornish. I am proud and pleased to offer this amendment with my colleague, Congressman Chris Pappas, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' on the amendment and the underlying bill.

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

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

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the committee chair. I want to thank Ms. Castor for her leadership on this issue, and I want to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help us to create good jobs in our rural communities. 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 Pembroke Academy in Pembroke, New Hampshire on the Academy's 200th birthday. Pembroke Academy serves residents in the Towns of Pembroke, as well as Allenstown, Chichester and Epsom. Since its founding in 1818, Pembroke Academy has a rich history and tradition. Pembroke Academy was founded after Dr. Abel Blanchard left funds to a board of trustees upon his death to build the school ``for the purpose of improving the rising generation in science, morality and religion''. The community remembers headmasters from Isaac Walker, who was the longest serving, to Bill Marston, who was the leader of ``P.A.'' when it became a public school. As part of the ongoing bicentennial celebration, Pembroke Academy will announce its first class of alumni honorees into its new Athletic Hall of Fame and Performing Arts Hall of Fame. The concept is to expand the Academy's current Wall of Fame in the school cafeteria to have a designated area to best honor the contributions of alumni who have had a unique impact on the Pembroke community. Several athletes and faculty are included as honorees. For the past year, the Town of Pembroke began a celebration of ``P.A.'' and on Saturday, May 11, 2019, the community will gather to officially recognize this significant milestone in Pembroke history. This celebration marks a true distinction for the Town of Pembroke and all of Pembroke Academy's generations of graduates. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, congratulations to the Pembroke Academy community for 200 years and all the best in the years to come.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for urgent action to reduce carbon pollution and save our planet. We know climate change poses serious environmental and economic threats to communities across New Hampshire and throughout the United States. Let me give you one unusual example: In New Hampshire and Maine, researchers have found a 70 percent mortality rate among young moose calves between 2014 and 2016. That is up from 15 percent just two decades ago. These deaths are caused by the prevalence of winter ticks that are thriving with warmer winters. Another recent study found that warming rivers could have an impact on the health of brook trout. The loss of wildlife diversity wouldn't just be a tragedy for our environment in New Hampshire, but also for our economy that relies on tourism. That is why I am committed to addressing climate change. House Democrats recently introduced the Climate Action Now Act, which would require the Trump administration to remain in the Paris climate accord and to establish a plan on how we will meet our commitments to reduce carbon pollution.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate and thank my chief of staff, Abby Curran Horrell. Abby is an original member of Team Kuster, dating back to the 2012 campaign in the 113th Congress when I was first elected. She has been my tireless coach and confidant throughout my 6-plus years in Congress. Through it all, she has become a very dear friend. I rise to thank Abby for her dedicated service to our team and for her service to everyone in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District. Abby embodies our Team Kuster motto, ``Radical Hospitality,'' cultivating a culture of respect and inclusion. Because of her leadership, our staff feel empowered to succeed and grow as they take on new challenges. Through her respect for each member of our staff, Abby has created a collaborative culture, connecting our Washington and New Hampshire offices into a cohesive Team Kuster family. As Abby grew the Team Kuster family, we all enjoyed watching her grow her own, juggling two maternity leaves as she and Chad welcomed Daniel and Eliza, and all of this while balancing the fast-paced environment of Congress. Abby, we are all amazed by you. We are proud to know you, and we know you will do amazing things for America. You will be missed.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 97th birthday of Charles ``Bud'' Thompson, a respected and adored Granite Stater. As the founder of the Mount Kearsarge Indian Museum, Education and Cultural Center, in Warner, and through his work with the Shaker Village in Canterbury, Bud has made meaningful contributions to our community and to our state. Bud's commitment to leaving our Granite State better than he found it makes him a true leader in our community. On behalf of New Hampshire's Second Congressional District and all those who have benefitted from Bud's work, I thank him for his incredible service and congratulate him once again on achieving such a milestone. I look forward to our continued work together to make New Hampshire an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the McLane Middleton law firm in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Founded in 1919, the firm has 106 attorneys admitted to practice in 17 states and the District of Columbia and is the largest law firm in the state of New Hampshire with 226 colleagues, and has five locations across New Hampshire and Northern New England. The firm is marking its anniversary with a year-long celebration, which will include monthly community donations in quantities of 100, such as 100 blankets to transitional housing shelters, and a centennial celebration with colleagues and alumni on April 4th. McLane Middleton is a pillar of the broader community in New Hampshire, committed to pro-bono work and community service. Its contributions to the state are reflected in its distinguished network of alumni--including Members of Congress, State Supreme Court Justices, and NH Attorneys General. I am grateful for all McLane Middleton has done to support our state and nation. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I want to thank McLane Middleton for all they have done, and will continue to do, for the Second District and the State of New Hampshire.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, the truth is I believe there is common ground within our Caucus and within the Congress as a whole on how to improve access to healthcare for every single American. We can all agree that we must reduce the cost of health insurance and prescription drugs and we must protect millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. That is why I am so excited this week to work with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the New Democratic Coalition to put forward proposals that will make a real difference in the lives of families in New Hampshire and all across this great country. Earlier this month, I joined my new Democratic colleagues in pushing for efforts to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and continue the path toward affordable, accessible universal healthcare coverage. Today, I am excited that we are putting our ideas into action by introducing this pivotal healthcare bill. Access to affordable healthcare has long been a top priority of mine. I was proud to unveil solutions over politics in the last Congress. We cannot turn back the clock on the progress we have made. The time to improve healthcare for all is now.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Women's History Month and the important role that New Hampshire has played in our proud tradition of women breaking barriers. In 1870, 50 years before passage of the 19th Amendment, Marilla Ricker attempted to vote in New Hampshire. She was denied the ballot, but she refused to stand by and continued to attempt to vote over the coming decades. Ms. Ricker was denied admittance to the New Hampshire Bar, but fought all the way to the State supreme court, and in 1890 became the first woman admitted to our State bar. Women hold many firsts in elected office in New Hampshire. Dudley Dudley, the first woman on the New Hampshire Executive Council; Jeanne Shaheen, Governor; Beverly Hollingworth, Senate President; and Donna Sytek, Speaker of the New Hampshire House, all served together in 1999. Linda Dalianis became our first Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. In 2012, I was honored to be a member of the first ever all-female congressional delegation with Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Kelly Ayotte, and Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Now, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan are the only women ever in American history to serve as Governor and U.S. Senator. For Women's History Month, I am proud of New Hampshire's contribution to advancing women.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my relief that Democrats and Republicans have come together to advance a bipartisan spending measure to keep the government open and deliver for the American people. President Trump's recent irresponsible government shutdown over his demand for an unnecessary, medieval wall was misguided and hurt our dedicated Federal employees and their families and threatened our economy. I want to applaud my colleagues, the incredible Chairman Lowey, Representative Pete Aguilar, Representative Roybal-Allard, and all of our conferees for their diligent work to reach the compromise bill that we are sending to the President's desk tonight. This legislation promotes 21st century border security and humanitarian support for migrants in detention, alternatives to detention, and family case management. The American people sent a strong message when they elected a Democratic majority in this House in November, and they want Congress to focus on delivering real results that will benefit the lives of hardworking, middle-class families.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on my amendment to H.R. 840, Kuster amendment No. 14.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, first, I thank the members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and our new leader, Mark Takano. Time and again, this committee proves that Congress can work across the aisle to pass commonsense policy to improve the lives of our Nation's veterans. I also thank Congresswoman Julia Brownley, my good friend and colleague, for improving the availability of childcare services for veterans seeking mental health treatment. That is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 840, the Veterans' Access to Child Care Act, and it is also why I proudly offer this amendment. My amendment would ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs develops and provides criteria to VA medical centers that account for access challenges when deciding what type of assistance to provide these veterans. This Congress has recognized since at least 2014 that burdens to access are a significant barrier to receiving the quality healthcare that veterans want and deserve from our VA. Mental healthcare is no different. In fact, access challenges are even more acute for mental health. We know that an alarmingly small percentage of eligible veterans seek mental health treatment, and we know that the veteran community is in crisis over suicide. We must do everything we can to ease the burden to access. My amendment would address one of those access challenges that faces rural veterans daily. It is tough enough for veterans in my home State of New Hampshire who have to drive hours, sometimes through rain or snow, to receive the high-quality services at VA medical centers. They should be afforded the opportunity to place their children at childcare services closer to home to ease at least one burden, caring for a child while traveling. But my amendment would also require the VA to provide childcare assistance that is convenient to the veteran rather than the contracting office. If the VA cannot provide services at the facility and instead must provide services in the community, veterans should not have to drive across town to drop off their children. Childcare assistance should be provided in a way that eases burdens and accounts for geography and long driving distances. In requiring the Secretary to develop criteria, my amendment will force consistency in furnishing this benefit and, more importantly, require the Department to really consider what it means for veterans seeking mental healthcare while also actively caring for their children. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment, and I am grateful for the wonderful work the gentleman does on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for his kind words. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Takano).

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association (NHSA) and their charitable fund raising event that helps provide summer camp experiences to underprivileged, disabled and challenged children. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association is made up of 105 independently incorporated Snowmobile Clubs across the Granite State. They work together as a unified voice to speak for support of snowmobiling and to promote it as a safe family recreation. Member clubs voluntarily maintain and groom 7,000 miles of recreational trails that interconnect with Maine, Vermont, and Canada. These trails are a major economic driver, generating more than $580 million dollars of economic activity annually. Every year for the past 47 years, they have partnered with Easter Seals and hold the annual New Hampshire Snowmobile Association Easter Seals Ride, where clubs from across the state gather to compete and challenge each other to raise money for Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo. Camp Sno-Mo is for children with disabilities and unique healthcare needs. Camp Sno-Mo is in Gilmington Iron Works, New Hampshire. Since the inception of the Easter Seals Ride-in in the 1970's, the group has raised more than $3.2 million. Those proceeds ensure more than 100 children attend camp each year. It is a privilege and an honor to recognize the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, its member clubs, and their membership for their commitment and volunteerism for nearly five decades. Countless children who may never have been able to afford a summer camp experience will now have the opportunity.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call for an immediate end to President Trump's irresponsible and unnecessary government shutdown which has now entered its 26th day. People in my home State of New Hampshire and across this country are suffering and they are put at risk because of this manufactured crisis. One woman wrote into my office: ``My two girls and I count on the auto deposit from their dad. If this goes on, we will not be able to buy food, pay bills, or buy gasoline.'' Another constituent wrote: ``We are not okay with a shutdown for a wall or for any other reason. We are not pawns on a chessboard.'' The wife of a Coast Guard member spoke of the sacrifices that their family has already made for this country. And now they are facing the uncertainty of even being able to pay their mortgage. We take an oath to protect and defend this country. Safety is our number one job. And, yet, air traffic controllers, TSA agents, DEA agents, and even, ironically, Border Patrol agents are not receiving their pay, and our safety is at risk. One of the most heart-wrenching stories that I have heard is that domestic violence shelters in New Hampshire and across this country are cutting services to women and children whose lives are at risk. These stories go on and on. Who in our society are truly being hurt by President Trump's shutdown: women and children; seniors; and veterans, whose health, safety, and well-being are put at risk by his intransigence. Here in the House we have voted repeatedly to reopen the government and the Senate should follow suit. I urge the President to end this shutdown so we can focus on the hard work that is expected of us by the American people. Democrats and Republicans in this Congress agree that we need comprehensive immigration reform and 21st century border security. Now is the time to reopen the government so that we can work together in good faith to advance meaningful legislation that will strengthen and protect our country. Mr. McConnell and President Trump, do your job.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Brookings Fellow, Kathy Nickel. I am sad to say that her last day in my office is today, December 14th. I thank Kathy for her work on addressing the opioid crisis. Her service to the people of New Hampshire and the United States of America is truly appreciated. Kathy, like many of us, is personally affected by the opioid epidemic. Her desire to make a positive impact in our nation's struggle with this ``disease of the brain'' brought her to Washington from her home in Oxford, Ohio. An accomplished employee for the Environmental Protection Agency, she brought a passion and perspective that is greatly needed here in Washington. As you might expect, Kathy was a wonderful liaison to families and community leaders grappling with the crisis at home. The compassion she embodied brought people together not in grief but with the hope that this crisis can be solved, together. I was proud to have her represent me at a national conference on drug misuse in correctional settings and Kathy demonstrated her ability to bring people together. But, she will also leave an important legislative legacy for my office. She crafted legislation that would improve the delivery of medication-assisted treatment in correctional settings. Through her work on this issue, Kathy went above and beyond merely crafting said legislation--she brought together disparate stakeholders to champion the bill. The Corrections Public Health and Community Re-entry Act will be one of my top priorities for the next Congress. Moreover, she started what will be an important issue for the 116th Congress to consider--whether to eliminate a half-century old prohibition on the use of Medicaid in a correctional setting. Her work on uncovering the negative impacts to what is known as the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion may prove transformational. Few fellows can say they have personally crafted such impressive legislation. Kathy was a fantastic team member. Her kindness and positive attitude will be missed in our office. I wish her the best of luck in her next endeavor with the EPA. I thank her again for her dedication and service.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anne Getchell who is retiring with 39 years of federal service to the Farmers Home Administration and Rural Development. Anne started her career at the Farmers Home Administration in 1979 as a Student Trainee in Concord. When she graduated from University of New Hampshire in 1980, she was hired on as a full time employee in Bennington, VT. In June of 1981 she was transferred to the Conway, NH office--where she is finishing out her career. When she arrived in Conway, she was an Assistant County Supervisor. She then took over for the retiring County Supervisor in 1982. During her time with the Farmers Home Administration, Anne has provided so many folks with single family housing assistance and business and community program loans and grants. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I thank Anne for her many years of service, and for being a part of what makes the Granite State so great. I am honored to recognize and congratulate Anne on her retirement and wish her the best of luck in the years ahead.

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire

Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) in celebration of their 80th anniversary. Created in 1938, the NTEU's mission has always been to make sure federal employees are treated with respect and dignity. For 80 years the NTEU's continued advocacy has strengthened employee rights and direct support to more than 150,000 employees. The backbone of our federal government and its agencies is our workforce, and we must take care of these dedicated employees if we want our nation to thrive. We must fight for quality healthcare plans, retirement benefits, and livable wages for employees. I am grateful for all the NTEU has done in support of our federal workforce, our state and our country. On behalf of my constituents across New Hampshire's Second Congressional District, I want to thank the National Treasury Employees Union for all they have done, and will continue to do, for our federal workforce.