Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school basketball team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young women of the Napoleon High School girls' basketball team have represented their school ably on their way to achieving the Division II State Girls Basketball Title. In their effort to surpass all other teams in the Division II State Basketball Playoffs, the Napoleon Wildcats overcame the challenges posed by intense competition. In pursuing the State Championship, the Napoleon Lady Wildcats defeated the Vinton County Vikings to win their first state basketball championship. The members of this very special team have shown that their sport requires an individual effort for a team result. Their hard work and dedication, both on and off the court, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Napoleon High School girls basketball team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school basketball team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young women of the Ottawa-Glandorf High School girls basketball team have represented their school ably on their way to becoming the Runner Up in the Division III State Girls Basketball Championship tournament. The Ottawa-Glandorf Titans overcame the challenges of intense competition on the path to reach the championship playoffs, capping off an outstanding season with their noteworthy performance. In the state final game, the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans faced the Hiland Hawks. The Titans played an impressive final game that highlighted the teamwork they have demonstrated throughout their trip to the playoffs. Each member of this very special team has shown the individual effort that their sport requires for a successful team result. As a direct consequence of their hard work and dedication, both on and off the court, they achieved an impressive season record that brought pride to their community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the Ottawa-Glandorf High School girls basketball team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Cole, Principal of Carey Junior High and High School, for being named the Ohio Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA). Mr. Cole, who is a former President of the Board of Directors for the OASSA, is characterized by fellow principals as a leader who sees himself as a servant, not only for Carey schools, but a vast number of school districts as well. Peter Cole graduated from Carey High School in 1993. He received his bachelor's degree in music and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Bowling Green State University. Principal Cole went on to receive his Superintendent's License from the University of Findlay and Ashland University. Before becoming principal at Carey in 2007, he was band director at Hopewell-Loudon and Oak Harbor schools. During his time as an educator, Principal Cole has strived to think outside the box and create an environment for students to succeed. He promotes new ideas, rather than always relying on traditional methods to educate his students. Principal Cole uses the term ``servant leader'' to describe his position at the school because he feels his role is to serve the students. He focuses on ensuring all of his students are having a good experience during their time at Carey schools. Principal Cole's contribution to Carey Junior High and High School is seen in every action that he takes for his school. His dedication is an example for all of Ohio's educational leaders. Congratulations to Principal Peter Cole, on being named the Ohio Principal of the Year.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Findlay, Ohio, for being named the Top Micropolitan Community in the United States for the seventh year in a row by Site Selection Magazine. Findlay has routinely shown what a strong community with a commitment to prosperity can do through implementation of their renowned ``Findlay Formula.'' The city's focus on this formula continues to pay dividends and serves as an example to communities across the country. In order to be considered a micropolitan city, the area must have a population ranging from 10,000 to 50,000. Over 550 of these cities were evaluated on business growth and economic sustainability. Findlay was able to secure this award for the seventh year in a row because of their focus on job creation, new construction, and capital investment that met Site Selection's criteria. In 2020, Findlay had an estimated $150 million in capital investment, which contributed to the creation of 1,000 new jobs. Fostering a cooperative environment between businesses and local government has resulted in continued economic growth in Findlay. Over the past seven years, Findlay has completed 200 projects and produced 6,000 new jobs through an estimated 1.5 billion dollars in investment. This success would not be possible without the partnership and cooperation between the City of Findlay, the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development office, the Hancock County Commissioners, and the entire Findlay community . Congratulations to Findlay for another year as the nation's top- ranked Micropolitan Community.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Toledo, Ohio, for being selected by Site Selection Magazine as a Top Metropolitan Area in the United States. Toledo has shown what a strong community with the ambition to bring new investment to the area can do to create opportunities for the metropolitan area. In order to be considered a metropolitan city for this particular award, the area must have a population ranging from 200,000 to 1 million. Toledo was selected for this award by Site Selection because of the new business investments brought to the metropolitan area. In 2020, Toledo had an estimated $2.2 billion worth of projects that are expected to create 3,500 jobs. Fostering a cooperative environment between businesses and local government has resulted in continued economic growth in the area. Toledo has brought millions in investments from businesses including Amazon, Stellantis, General Motors, Libbey Glass, and many more. The great work that Toledo has done despite the COVID-19 challenge is inspirational and shows the incredible work that is occurring in Northwest Ohio. Congratulations to Toledo, on being named a Top Metropolitan Area.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the career of the Honorable Vernon L. Preston, Ohio Third District Court of Appeals Judge, and recognize the outstanding work he has done for the State of Ohio. On February 8, 2021, Judge Preston will be retiring after twenty- seven years of distinguished judicial service. His hard work and continued dedication to uphold the law and the Constitution is an example for all. Judge Preston was born and raised in Findlay, Ohio. After attending Findlay High School and the University of Findlay, he proudly served on active duty in the United States Navy for six years. He retired with the rank of Captain in 2003 after serving twenty-five additional years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 1980, Judge Preston graduated with a law degree from the University of Toledo. Upon graduation from law school, he opened a law practice in Portsmouth, Ohio. As a private practice attorney, he specialized in administrative and insurance law representing both individuals and business clients. Later, Judge Preston returned to Findlay where he served in a series of public service positions including Magistrate for the Findlay Municipal Court, Assistant Hancock County Prosecutor, and Assistant Findlay City Prosecutor. Before his appointment to the Third Court of Appeals in 2007, Judge Preston served on the Findlay Municipal Court Bench for thirteen years. In addition to his full-time schedule as a judge, he was an Adjunct Professor of Equine Law at the University of Findlay. Judge Preston's work has had a lasting influence on our judicial system and a significant impact on his community. The citizens of Fifth District of Ohio join me in congratulating the Honorable Vernon Preston for his service to Ohio and our nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding, and I want to thank the gentleman for his decades of support for life and the unborn in this country and for everything he has done. Thank you very much. Since 1973, more than 62 million innocent unborn babies' lives have been taken by abortion in this country. Tragically, abortion continues to put women in danger, takes the life of an innocent child, and fails to recognize the dignity of all lives, regardless of how small. In 2017 alone, there were roughly 860,000 abortions in the United States. That number is far greater than the population of the district I represent, Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. While the overall abortion rate is decreasing, the rate of using chemical abortion is going up, accounting for roughly 39 percent of procedures that year. I am proud that my legislation, the SAVE Moms and Babies Act, would recognize chemical abortions for what it is: dangerous. Thankfully, there is still reason for hope. Three-quarters of Americans, including a majority of whom identify as pro-choice, want significant restrictions on abortion. This is most certainly thanks to the growing pro-life movement advocating for the protection of the unborn children who deserve the dignity of life. Without the right to life, we truly have no other right. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and, again, for all of his work.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Hardin County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Hardin County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Hardin, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, John Hardin. Hardin County was officially established in 1820 and encompasses roughly 470 square miles. The county is home to Ohio Northern University, which was established in 1871. Hardin County is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Hardin County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Hardin County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Van Wert County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Van Wert County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Van Wert, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, Isaac Van Wart. Van Wart aided in the 1780 capture of British Major John Andre, who was convicted and executed for spying with Benedict Arnold. Van Wert County contains roughly 410 square miles, and it was officially established in 1820. A noteworthy part of Van Wert County's history is the establishment of the Brumback Library. The library was founded in 1890 as the first countywide public library to exist in the United States, and it continues to serve over 29,000 residents. Van Wert County is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Van Wert County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Van Wert County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Putnam County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Putnam County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Putnam, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, Israel Putnam. Putnam County was officially established in 1820, but parts of the county remained in Wood County until 1824 and in Williams County until 1834. Putnam County contains roughly 480 square miles, and it was originally set aside for Ohio's Native American people by the Treaty of Greenville. Putnam County is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Putnam County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Putnam County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Williams County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Williams County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. The fourteenth new county came to be known as Williams County, honoring the Revolutionary War hero David Williams. Williams aided in the 1780 capture of British Major John Andre, who was convicted and executed for spying with Benedict Arnold. When Williams County was officially established in 1820 it originally contained roughly 720 square miles, but it currently encompasses 420 square miles. A pivotal point in Williams County's history was the twenty-year dispute over the northern part of Williams County which contributed to the Ohio and Michigan war. Eventually, the territory lines between the Indiana line and Lake Erie were settled, giving Williams County its first beginnings as a county in the great state of Ohio. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Williams County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county on the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Williams County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Henry County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Henry County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820. the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Henry, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, Patrick Henry. Henry County was officially established in 1820, but parts of the county remained in Wood County until 1824 and in Williams County until 1834. The county contains roughly 417 square miles and was once part of the Great Black Swamp. The unique nature of the former swampland provided rich soil which allowed the agricultural community to prosper. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Henry County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain a pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county on the principles on which our county was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Henry County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Mercer County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Mercer County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Mercer, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, General Hugh Mercer. Mercer County was established in 1820 and it contains roughly 463 square miles, including Grand Lake St. Marys. An essential part of Mercer County's history is connected to the lake, which was dug between 1837 and 1845 to provide a water source for the Miami and Erie Canal. Grand Lake St. Marys was the largest man-made lake in the world at the time. Today, it is a major tourist destination for all to enjoy. Mercer County has also been an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Mercer County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Mercer County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Hancock County, Ohio. The perseverance of pioneers and settlers to overcome the challenges faced during the early years of the county's history has persisted throughout the past 200 years. The hard work and spirit shown by generations of county residents have made Hancock County an outstanding example of American ingenuity. On February 12, 1820, the Ohio Legislature enacted legislation creating fourteen new counties in northwestern Ohio. One of the counties was named Hancock, honoring the American Revolutionary hero, John Hancock. Hancock County was officially established in 1820 and encompasses roughly 531 square miles. The county is an asset to the great State of Ohio through its many contributions in the fields of agriculture and manufacturing. One of Hancock County's noteworthy distinctions was having Ohio Governor Joseph Vance and songwriter Tell Taylor reside within the county. By remembering the 200th Anniversary of Hancock County, community members and Ohio residents recognize the outstanding achievements, maintain our pioneer attitude, and strive to better our county through the principles on which it was founded. Thank you and congratulations to Hancock County on this significant milestone.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 549. This resolution reaffirms the importance of having diverse representation across the media to better reflect their audience and serve the public interest. I urge my colleagues to support this pledge to eliminate barriers to media diversity and to reinforce our commitment to encourage diversity in media policy. Mr. Speaker, I would like to spend the remainder of my time to commend the leadership of my good friend, the ranking member, Mr. Walden. Unfortunately, Leader Walden has decided to make this his last term in Congress, but his work at the Energy and Commerce Committee and his service to the people of Oregon will continue to positively impact our Nation for decades to come. It is going to be hard to imagine going to the committee without him at the helm on our side. You have been a steady force, just as your family, who has been a steady force when they took those wagon trains to Oregon on that trail back in 1845. You have never forgotten your roots, and you show that every day. I appreciate it because I know, under your leadership, you have helped many of us in committee. And I know, as your vice chair, you had a lot of confidence in me when you let me take over the helm on many a day and run the committee. But as one of your subcommittee chairs on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection and this Congress being the ranker on Communications and Technology, I appreciate that. And I know that, again, when I think about all of the things that you have worked on, especially in the last Congress and with the opioid epidemic, which claimed over 73,000 lives in this country, and you were at the helm of H.R. 6 and brought together all those bills, over 60 pieces of legislation to help people in this country. And that is going to be a lasting legacy that we are going to have. So, again, we are going to appreciate you, but we also hate to see you leave. And also, with all your telecom work, to have someone with that experience, as you mentioned in your opening remarks about you and your bride of 38 years, Mylene, owning the radio stations and being able to get out there and get the work done.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, again, it has been a tremendous run with all the work that you have done. You have been a gentleman and a good friend. Something I learned from my dad from his 36 years in public service, and I will say it again on this floor. He said there is a difference between people who are politicians and public servants. He said a politician is a person who sees how much they can take from the people they represent for their own benefit, while a public servant sees how much they can give of themselves back to the people they represent. For what you have done for not only your constituents of your great State but also here in this body, we are going to miss you. So, Greg, and that is the first time I have ever used a first name on this floor, we are going to miss you. I am going to miss you, but we wish you all the best in the years to come.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4499, the NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2020. This is an extremely important piece of legislation, and I intend to support it. I also intend to ask the House today to support my legislation, which is H.R. 4806, the Debarment Enforcement of Bad Actor Registrants Act of 2019, or the DEBAR Act. Substance abuse continues to wreak havoc in our communities and is responsible for claiming nearly 700,000 lives since 1999. In the first quarter of this year alone, overdose death rates increased 11.4 percent compared to the same time last year. As we work to put an end to the coronavirus pandemic, addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic is increasingly critical. I introduced the DEBAR Act because it takes significant steps to reduce the circulation of illegal substances in our country. This bill provides the Drug Enforcement Agency debarment authority to permanently prohibit a person or entity who has violated the Controlled Substances Act from being able to receive a registration to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance. We cannot stop our efforts to end the opioid and substance abuse crisis, and I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 4806 and H.R. 4499. I also want to thank the chairman for his work on both of these pieces of legislation, and the ranking member, and I encourage my colleagues to support both pieces of legislation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the American COMPETE Act. This package of bills includes two of my own--the SMART IoT Act and the Advancing Unmanned Delivery Services Act. The SMART IoT Act would encourage the development of future Internet of Things policies that will promote innovation and help these technologies grow to further benefit consumers and businesses alike. It is crucial we have the right federal policies in place to bolster this industry that has dramatically changed the way we live, manufacture goods, farm, and even receive health care through internet-connected devices. I also introduced the Advancing Unmanned Delivery Services Act with my friend from Michigan, Mrs. Dingell. This legislation would evaluate the many benefits contactless delivery has for various sectors of our country and help identify potential regulatory roadblocks to the use of their services. This technology is especially important today as Americans depend on home delivery services to remain socially distant to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the American COMPETE Act to ensure the United States remains a global leader in innovation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman so much. I appreciate my friend for yielding. John, we are going to miss you. You probably don't remember this, because you talk to a lot of folks, but even before I got here, one of the first persons I talked with was you in your office. I can still remember. One of the things I was talking about was, How do I get on E&C? I hadn't even gotten elected yet. But you were very gracious to talk with me that afternoon, and I will never forget it. One of the things I know about you is this: you have got your priorities right in life, and it is the way you build things. It is your God, your family, and your country. You always, always show that to the rest of us. It was something you believed in. Again, we all have such great respect for you. Also, serving on committee with you and when you were chairing the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, one of the things you were passionate about is making sure things got done. And TSCA, when we were talking about getting things done, no one thought it was going to get done. You got it done. The other thing you were working on that we have still got to get done is when we talk about Yucca Mountain. I will never forget when you took a group of us out there to Yucca. Again, it is something that you believed in, but it is something that we have to do. So that is your legacy. For all your years of service now here in the House, but also to your country in the Army, I think it really comes back to something my dad taught me. Dad was in public service for 36 years. He said: ``Always remember, there are two types of people that get into this: those who want to be a politician and those who want to be a public servant.'' And this is how he defined it: A politician sees how much they can take from the people they represent for their own benefit, while public servants see how much they can give back to the people they represent. So all I can say is we are going to miss you. You have been a great leader on committee, you have been a great leader in this House. I wish all the best to you and your family, because I know we talked through the years about how our families are doing, but I can't thank you enough for your service to this country and to this House.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my friend, the ranking Republican Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, for yielding. I rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 360, the Cyber Sense Act. This legislation is one of two bipartisan bills that my friend from California, Congressman McNerney, and I have worked on over the past two Congresses to improve the resiliency of our Nation's electric grid against cyberattacks. The second, H.R. 359, will be considered following this debate, and I urge my colleagues to also support it. Mr. Speaker, over the last quarter century, we have seen incredible changes in the way we communicate with the rest of the world and the way we engage in commerce. Along with these changes, we have also seen innovations in technologies that power society, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined electric grid. Our country's grid has maintained a high level of reliability as our society has undertaken these changes, which is a fact that should not be taken for granted. Unfortunately, the promise of a more interconnected society also means we must also address the challenges and vulnerabilities that arise with it. Every day, malignant actors, ranging from individuals, hackers, and foreign states, are attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in our electric grid to cause chaos or for other nefarious purposes. To improve and protect our Nation's grid, I introduced the Cyber Sense Act, which would create a voluntary Cyber Sense program within the United States Department of Energy to identify and promote cyber- secure products for use in the bulk-power system. It would also establish a testing process for the products along with a reporting process of cybersecurity vulnerability. This legislation was unanimously reported out of the Energy and Commerce Committee last year and is supported by the Department of Energy, and industry. Mr. Speaker, I thank the full committee Chairman Pallone, Subcommittee Chairman Rush; the full committee Republican Ranking Member Walden, and also subcommittee Ranking Member Upton; and both the majority and minority E&C staff for helping us get these bills where they are today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Cyber Sense Act as well as H.R. 359.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my good friend from Michigan, for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4447, which represents a missed opportunity to advance true bipartisan policies that would secure our Nation's energy future. America's innovators have shown over the past 15 years that they are capable of spurring economic growth and reducing emissions as long as the United States has a regulatory environment that is conducive to the development and deployment of new technologies. In fact, according to an April EPA report, national greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 10 percent since 2005 and power sector emissions have fallen by 27 percent while, during the same period, our economy grew by 25 percent. Unfortunately, H.R. 4447 would do nothing to cultivate the necessary regulatory environment to continue to build on these accomplishments. Another reason to be concerned about this bill is the price tag. At a time when our country is seeing record budget deficits, how has the majority chosen to respond? By spending over $135 billion in taxpayer funds on partisan energy mandates that pick winners and losers. Finally, my Republican colleagues and I offered amendments to improve this bill. My amendment would have authorized the establishment and operation of a uranium reserve to assure its availability in the event of a market disruption and to support strategic fuel cycle capabilities in the United States. This policy would result in lower carbon emissions, new jobs, and a more secure world. Unfortunately, the majority ruled against this amendment, as well as those offered by my Republican colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee that would have ensured the American people would have access to affordable and reliable sources of energy. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this partisan legislation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the ranking member, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this bill, which has not gone through regular order and was put together in response to misinformation and conspiracies online. Since the closure of the Toledo, Ohio, processing plant in 2012, mail in northwest Ohio has been sent to the Metroplex Processing Facility in Michigan. As my constituents can attest, this new arrangement has not worked. We have experienced countless delays and destroyed and lost mail for years, including more than 1,000 absentee ballots in the 2016 general election. That is why I have continuously engaged with the USPS to fix these problems and get our mail sorted in Ohio. They have committed to working with me and officials in Ohio to implement procedures for election materials. Unfortunately, under H.R. 8015, the USPS would be prohibited from making any changes to their operation if it is determined that the changes would impede prompt, reliable, and efficient services. It doesn't specifically say who will be making this determination, so it is safe to assume it will be the unelected bureaucrats, individuals who have told me for years that the preferred way to sort mail would be through the Metroplex. Now, this bill could legally prohibit absentee ballots from being processed in Ohio-based sorting facilities. I cannot in good conscience support this new Democratic political sideshow because it threatens the rights of my constituents to have their voices heard in November. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Findlay, Ohio for being recognized as the Top Micropolitan Community in the United States for the sixth year in a row. The issuing magazine, Site Selection, announced the 2020 award by describing Findlay as ``being propelled into superstar status.'' In order to be considered a micropolitan city, the area must have a population ranging from 10,000 to 50,000. Over 550 of these cities were evaluated on business growth and economic sustainability. Findlay was able to secure this award for the sixth year in a row because of their focus on residential developments in 2019 that met Site Selection's criteria. Fostering a cooperative environment between businesses and local government has allowed for continued economic growth in Findlay. Over the past six years, 1,000 new jobs have been created in Findlay alone. This success would not be possible without the partnership and cooperation between the Findlay government, the Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development office, the Hancock County Commissioners, and the entire Findlay community. Madam Speaker, Findlay has routinely served as an example of what a strong community and a commitment to its prosperity can do by implementing their renowned ``Findlay Formula.'' This formula continues to pay dividends and serves as an example to cities across the country. I congratulate Findlay for another year as the Nation's top-ranked Micropolitan Community.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Res. 965, which is a flagrant disregard to the Constitution and House traditions. Proxy voting has previously been deliberated in this body. In 1970, an amendment was offered to ban all forms of proxy voting in committees. It argued committee members should be present in person to listen to debate, discuss, and vote. Proxy voting tends to add to the cloud of suspicion hanging over Congress. The use of proxy voting on important bills gives up a Member's voice and adds to the appearance of secrecy. In 1974, an amendment was offered to entirely ban proxy voting. It was adopted by this House but later overturned by the Democratic Caucus. A CRS report gave the opponents' views to proxy voting by stating that it contributes to the domination of committee chairs, contributes to absenteeism, and detracts from the care necessary to formulate sound legislation. A history maxim states that he who forgets the past is condemned to repeat it. Learn from our past and vote ``no.''

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Caleb Wawrzyniak of Sylvania, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Caleb's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2024. Attending one of our nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Caleb brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2024. While attending St. Francis de Sales in Toledo, Ohio, Caleb was an elected officer of the Latin American Student Support Organization, and member of the campus ministry, while maintaining a 3.679 GPA. Throughout high school, Caleb was involved with football, baseball, wrestling, and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Caleb will cany the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Caleb Wawrzyniak on his offer of appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Caleb will excel during his career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our nation.