Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4998, the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. We must protect our critical communications infrastructure from vulnerabilities, and today we are taking further steps to remove suspected equipment from our networks and ensure its overall security going forward. This bill takes into account important concerns we have heard from small, rural providers that were previously unaware of possible security risks when selecting vendors and making purchasing decisions. H.R. 4998 will help fix this information gap by ensuring they have access to the information they need to keep their networks and Americans secure. It should not matter where you are trying to connect, whether you are in rural America or anywhere else. We must ensure the entire communications system is protected from bad actors. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4998, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4779, the U.S. SAFE WEB Act. H.R. 4779 extends the U.S. SAFE WEB Act through 2027 and requires the Federal Trade Commission to submit a report detailing how the commission has used the program, how many cross-border complaints the commission has received and acted upon, the identification of foreign agencies the commission has cooperated with on enforcement actions, the litigation the commission has brought in foreign courts, and any recommendations the commission may have to advance its international mission. The SAFE WEB Act ensures the FTC has the tools it needs to protect American consumers from foreign bad actors with respect to data privacy, data breaches, spyware, spam, robocalls, and the like. This is an important program to ensure cross-border data flows that are critical for our small businesses to have a global reach in our ever- connected world. This act also reinforces our efforts to set a strong Federal standard for consumer privacy to show the world we are united in this undertaking. I want to thank the Republican leader of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, Mrs. Rodgers; Dr. Bucshon; Ms. Kelly; and the chair, Chair Schakowsky, for their bipartisan work to extend this critical program. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and seeing that I have no further speakers, I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chair, I rise today, agreeing with Americans that drug prices are too high. Congress must act, and we have done so in the Energy and Commerce Committee by passing bipartisan solutions. H.R. 3 is bad policy, a partisan sham, and will result in more than 100 fewer cures. Plus, it is dead on arrival in the Senate. What if that one new drug is the cure for Alzheimer's or cancer? Under the leadership of Ranking Member Walden, we have solutions that deliver lower costs and more cures to Americans. Our bill is entirely bipartisan. H.R. 19 lowers the costs of prescription drugs and caps seniors' out- of-pocket costs. It encourages innovation and will increase competition, while enhancing transparency and getting more generic medicines to market faster. The American people deserve solutions that will be signed into law. I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to deliver the American people more cures, not fewer, and to support H.R. 19.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), the Republican leader of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bipartisan legislation to combat illegal robocalls. With an estimated 48 billion robocalls each year, it is time for Congress to take swift action against illegal robocalls and give Americans the security of knowing their incoming calls are legitimate. That is why we introduced the bipartisan STOP Robocalls Act, which is included in the legislation before us today. Our bill would give phone companies and the Federal Communications Commission the tools they need to fight back against illegal robocalls. Private companies will be able to block fraudulent calls before they get to your phones, all with consumer control and no additional line-item charges. Our provision also provides and improves information-sharing to enhance the FCC's ability to track and stop illegal robocall spoofing operations. As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics that bad actors use to spoof numbers illegally to make fraudulent robocalls. We must allow these companies and the FCC to keep pace. While we are all tired of annoying and illegal robocall scams, there are also legitimate users of autodialing technologies that must be preserved. The bill before us today rightly recognizes those important proconsumer messages. From school closures to bank fraud alerts, there are voice and text messages that consumers want, and those should not be blocked. This is strong bipartisan legislation, and I am pleased to have worked with Chairman Pallone, Republican leader Walden, and subcommittee Chairman Doyle on this bill to improve consumer trust in our phone system. I urge all of our colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of the Fifth District who are tired of the Democrats focusing on political games. This past weekend, at an American Legion dinner, I was handed this note: Pass USMCA. Folks at home want Congress to act on jobs, the economy, and lower healthcare costs; but what they are hearing from the Democrats in the House: secret proceedings that deny access to House Members who do not serve on the respective committees; no press access; no ability to defend oneself by bringing witnesses, taking depositions, or having one's attorney present; and being accused by an unknown witness who claims secondhand knowledge. Where is the pride that we have in our sense of justice? Where is due process? Where are the rules? Where are the American values of fair play? Where is the evidence? Where is the House vote? Read the unclassified transcript. The Democrats created a Star Chamber. This is a bold attempt to overturn the 2016 election. It is time to shine a bright light on what is going on.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the Bicentennial of Wood County, Ohio. This Crossroad of America was established by the Ohio State Legislature on February 12, 1820. Wood County has historical ties to the earliest days of Ohio history, gaining its name from Colonel Eleazer D. Wood, the planning engineer of Fort Meigs in 1813. Wood County was once home to the Great Black Swamp. This made settlement of the area extremely difficult, but the pioneering spirit of early residents produced an extensive system of ditches which drained the swamp and revealed the rich farmland beneath. There are still more than 3,000 miles of drainage ditches keeping the county dry to this day. The oil and natural gas industries were the first to enter Wood County in the late 1800s. This caused a large spike in population as people migrated to the county in hopes of obtaining riches. Wood County currently covers nearly 620 square miles of land and water which provides evidence of the rural traditions and history of the area, while fostering agricultural ingenuity, manufacturing developments, and educational success. The celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Wood County is a meaningful reminder of the hard work, grit, and pioneering attitude upon which Wood County, Ohio and the United States of America were founded. Congratulations to Wood County in celebration of its Bicentennial Year.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the dedication of Ohio Northern University's James Lehr Kennedy Engineering Building. The 105,000 square foot building is already fostering a community of technological growth, innovation, and collaboration at the university. The additional room and lighting make it easier for students to work with faculty in an environment conducive to learning. Ohio's 5th Congressional District is home to more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs, and facilities like this state-of-the-art engineering building will help prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. The construction of this building would not have been possible without countless people that provided financial support. Special recognition is reserved for James Lehr Kennedy, who has given his continuous support and dedication to the university. This new facility will provide students with excellent new learning opportunities and will help them to reach their maximum potential. The dedication of this new building is great for students, great for the university, and great for the region. Congratulations to Ohio Northern University!

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today because robocalls have to stop. With the help of our phone carriers and the FCC, we have crafted solid legislation in the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act. But the most important voices heard in the crafting of this bill were the men and women from our districts who have had to deal with these calls. Illegal robocalls are annoying, disruptive, and harmful. Sadly, Madam Speaker, for many people in Ohio and across the country, these calls have also ruined lives. I hosted a workshop geared toward helping seniors avoid becoming victims of scams, including illegal robocalls, and the stories are heartbreaking. We heard from seniors who have been manipulated into giving away their life savings to scammers, often because they were tricked into thinking someone they loved had been hurt. They told me, if there was a way for them to know that it was an illegal robocall before they answered that call, this could have possibly been prevented. That is one of the many solutions we offer in the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act. I am proud to have contributed with language from our own STOP Robocalls Act, which would make it easier for Americans to access robocall blocking technology through their phone companies on an informed opt-out basis. Prior to this legislation and the FCC ruling, these services were available to consumers who opted in to receive them. This restriction made the number of customers using blocking technology very low. This legislation will change that. Madam Speaker, Americans deserve peace of mind knowing that the phones that connect us to the world are being used for good and not scams. I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey, the chairman of the full committee; the gentleman from Pennsylvania, the chairman of the subcommittee; and the gentleman from Oregon, the Republican leader of the full committee for working with us on this legislation. I also want to thank our great staffs for all the hard work that they did in making sure we got this legislation to the floor today. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3375.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, July 24th is recognized as ``International Self-Care Day'' to bring attention to the importance of advancing public health through effective and safe self-care. Over-the-counter (OTC) products from cold medicines to cures for headaches, play a key role in consumer self-care which is evident by widespread use in nearly every household across the country. We must do all we can to support self-care and to advance lower-cost, safe and effective options for American consumers. When health care innovation is blocked by government regulations, it's patients who lose. Our current process for approving over-the- counter products is unnecessarily inefficient, leading to higher prices and fewer choices for consumers. A problem like this rightfully deserves bipartisan solutions, and that's what we have in the Over-the- Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act. I thank my friend from Colorado, Ms. DeGette for working with me for several years on H.R. 3443 to reform a broken system and bring new cost-effective OTC products to market faster. It's time for the over-the-counter approval process to be as modem as the innovations being presented to the FDA. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the value and importance of OTC medicines to promote and achieve self-care for families across our nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, due to being the ranking Republican on the Energy and Commerce Committee's Communication and Technology subcommittee, we were detained in a hearing during the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 478.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table H.R. 3401, with the Senate amendment thereto, and concur in the Senate amendment. This bipartisan bill passed the Senate with 84 votes and could be sent to the President's desk for his signature today.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Antwerp High School Lady Archers of Paulding County on their victory in the 2019 Division IV state championship in softball. This was the team's first-ever state championship, the second state title in any sport for Antwerp, and one of a handful of state titles in Paulding County history. The Archers held their opponent, Mechanicsburg, at bay, winning in a 5-0 shutout--the first for their opponent in the entire season. Another highlight of this historic win was the impressive performance of Pitcher Carlie Hanes, who tied the state record of 15 strikeouts in state DIV play and got her 300th strikeout of the season. Congratulations to Antwerp softball for their state title.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize Jeff Sailer, the Executive Director of the Toledo Zoo, and his team for the opening of the ProMedica Museum of Natural History. After years of renovation, this beautiful museum is now open to the public. An academic at heart, Jeff Sailer has made his mark on the city of Toledo with his visionary and unique approach to zoo management. Thanks to his work, Toledo is home to more than 9,000 animals that inspire and remind us of the importance of conservation. Families like mine have so many wonderful memories at the Toledo Zoo, and now the thoughtful exhibits and impressive building of this new museum offer a striking way to appreciate the past while looking forward to the future. Its an incredible museum, and something Toledo can be proud of for generations to come. Congratulations to Jeff Sailer and his team.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the Crestview High School Knights of Convoy, Ohio on their victory in the 2019 OHSAA boys state basketball tournament. This was their second championship in five years. The Crestview Knights completed a historic season with an unexpected win. After a challenging semifinal, the Crestview Knights were considered the underdogs, heading into the championship ranked below their opponent, Berlin Hiland. In the end, they dominated with a 58-38 win, holding Berlin Hiland to 21 points below its season average. The community of Convoy should be very proud of this team's hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Coach Best and the Knights on their state title.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for holding this Special Order tonight to honor all these individuals that did so much. A lot of people probably watched last week on the evening news and during the day the tornadoes that struck Ohio. And one, in particular, struck my district in Mercer County in the city of Celina. And a lot of folks, when I was over there, said they didn't have very much time to react and seek shelter because of how fast the storms came on. But I think it is really important to thank these individuals that responded immediately to what happened. These are our first responders, our police, our fire, our emergency management, our emergency services out there. They are the ones that got out there to help, and they were on the front lines, right when it struck in the evening, and they worked all night long, all the next morning, and straight through. I was there a day and a half after the tornadoes struck, and it is amazing to see how the community came together. But, again, at the same time, it was the individuals on the ground that made sure it happened. So, again, I just really thank all of those individuals, and also our elected officials, for all that they did, and the countless hours that they spent making sure that the citizens of their city of Celina and their county of Mercer received the help that they needed. I think it is also important, because of the resilience of the people that lived there--and out in the community, looking at all the destroyed homes, the damaged homes--but I think it is important, because one of the gentlemen I talked with really had his priorities. When he was bringing out all the damage from his home, you know, he had told me when they built their house, and how long they had lived there. But he said, you know what, we got out with our lives. And all the things that he said that they were hauling out of the house--and he just kind of pointed to it all, it was across the entire front--he said it was just stuff. And he had his priorities, because the families were safe, and they got out. Unfortunately, we did have a fatality. A gentleman who was in his bed sleeping had a car lifted up from two doors down and it crashed and crushed him in his bed. So, you know, it is when we have these tornadoes and we have these disasters across the country, I think it is important that we always remember to thank those who are on the front lines, day and night, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, making sure that we are safe and have that protection. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for having the Special Order this evening, for having the ability to thank those who needed to be thanked again and again and again for all that they do for us.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Speaker to immediately schedule this important bill.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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 Olivia Skelton of Convoy, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Olivia's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Olivia brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Crestview High School in Convoy, Ohio, Olivia was a scholar athlete and received numerous academic achievement awards, as well as attaining a 4.0 GPA and ranked first in her class. Throughout high school, Olivia was involved with golf and softball, as well as serving as the basketball statistician. I am confident that Olivia will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Olivia Skelton on her offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Olivia will excel during her career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

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 Chelsea Taylor of Van Wert, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Chelsea's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Chelsea brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Crestview High School in Convoy, Ohio, Chelsea received numerous academic achievement awards and was ranked first in her class. Throughout high school, Chelsea was involved with cheerleading, track, and gymnastics. I am confident that Chelsea will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Chelsea Taylor on her 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 Chelsea will excel during her career at the Air Force Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.

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 Christian Lee of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Christian's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Christian brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, Christian was a member of the National Honor Society, Distinguished Honor Roll, and Merit Honor Roll. Throughout high school, Christian was involved with cross country and rugby, having served as captain of both his senior year, as well as participating in many other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Christian will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Christian Lee on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Christian will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

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 Jake Stucker of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jake's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Jake brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Jake was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete Award recipient, and 4.0 Honor Roll, while ranking second in his class. Throughout high school, Jake was involved with cross country and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Jake will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jake Stucker 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 Jake 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.

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 Maxwell Rutledge of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Maxwell's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Maxwell brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Saint Francis de Sales High School in Toledo, Ohio, Maxwell excelled in several AP courses. Throughout high school, Maxwell was involved with the varsity swim team. I am confident that Maxwell will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Maxwell Rutledge on his offer of appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Maxwell will excel during his career at West Point, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

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 Devin Thiel of Edgerton, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Devin's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Devin brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Edgerton High School in Edgerton, Ohio, Devin was a member of the National Honor Society, Scholar Athlete Award recipient, and All-A Honor Roll, while ranking second in his class. Throughout high school, Devin was involved with wrestling, cross country, football and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Devin will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Devin Thiel 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 Devin 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.

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 Nathaniel Erickson of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Nathaniel's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Nathaniel brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, Nathaniel was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Student Body Council. Throughout high school, Nathaniel was involved with football and track among other extracurricular activities. I am confident that Nathaniel will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Nathaniel Erickson on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Nathaniel will excel during his career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.

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 Kailyn Grant of Northwood, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Kailyn's offer of appointment permits her to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2023. 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. Kailyn brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2023. While attending St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio, Kailyn was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Dean's List. Throughout high school, Kailyn was involved with soccer and track. I am confident that Kailyn will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Kailyn Grant on her offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Kailyn will excel during her career at the Naval Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to our Nation.