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 wrestler in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Joey Blaze, a junior at Perrysburg High School, has represented his school ably on his way to achieving his second Division I State Wrestling Title. Joey overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the Division I State Wrestling Championship. In pursuing the State Championship, Joey Blaze defeated his opponent in the finals of the 144-pound classification. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the mat, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. Joey led his team to rank second place overall in the championship. He has achieved an impressive season record bringing pride to his school and community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Joey Blaze of Perrysburg High School. 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 wrestler in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Hunter Long of Wayne Trace High School has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division III State Wrestling Title. Austin overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the Division III State Wrestling Championship. In pursuing the State Championship, Hunter Long defeated his opponent in the finals of the 132-pound classification. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the mat, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He achieved an impressive season record bringing pride to his school and community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Hunter Long of Wayne Trace High School. 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. John Cheney, an outstanding citizen from North Baltimore, Ohio, who will celebrate his 90th birthday on March 20, 2022. John has been a leader in the community through a lifetime of service, and his family and friends are very grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate this significant birthday with him: Reaching this momentous milestone provides the opportunity to recognize John's many accomplishments in life, but especially his service to our country and community. John served on active duty as a field artillery officer in the U.S. Army after graduation from Bowling Green State University in 1954. He served on active duty until 1957 and continued in the U.S. Army Reserves, completing twenty-eight years of military service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has remained active in a number of military organizations and is well known for his large collection of military vehicles, which he takes to events throughout Northwest Ohio and the rest of the country. He chaired the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee when it established the county's Armed Forces Day Celebration. Today, Armed Forces Day in Findlay is one of the largest annual military events in Ohio. He is a member of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association, and his vehicle collection has helped to preserve and promote our military heritage. John is a charter member of the Ohio Motor Pool and participated in the 2009 Transcontinental Military Convoy. He is also a pilot and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Notably, he built a trophy- winning open cockpit biplane, which he flew for many years. John married his wife, Elaine, on July 19, 1952, and they had three children: Caprice, Mark, and John. After completing his active-duty military service, John worked at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative for 41 years while raising his family, retiring as president and CEO in 1996. He is known throughout the area for his public service and has continued to be active in many organizations in his community and Northwest Ohio. Most notably, he is a founding trustee and served as chairman of Northwestern Water and Sewer District Board of Trustees. He continues to serve on that board. He also served for 13 years as a board member of Buckeye Power, which provides electric energy to 25 member cooperatives in Ohio. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating John Cheney's 90th birthday. John is most worthy of this recognition, and I thank him for a distinguished career serving our country and community. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish John a very happy birthday and his family all the best.

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 eighth 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. Cities that qualify were evaluated on business growth and economic sustainability. Findlay was able to secure this award for the eighth year in a row because of their focus on job creation, new construction, and capital investment that met Site Selection's criteria. In 2021, Findlay had an estimated $160 million in capital investment and twenty-four qualifying projects. This investment has resulted in 1,600 net new employees hired in the Findlay area. Fostering a cooperative environment between businesses and local government has resulted in continued economic growth in Findlay. Over the past eight years, Findlay has completed over 200 projects and produced over 7,000 new jobs through an estimated $1.65 billion 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 ask unanimous consent to remove the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Wenstrup) as a cosponsor of H.R. 6886.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Orval Mullen, an outstanding citizen from Van Wert, Ohio who will celebrate his 100th birthday on February 22, 2022. Orval has led a long, productive life, and his family is very grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate this significant birthday with him. Reaching this momentous milestone provides the opportunity to recognize Orval's many accomplishments in life, but especially his service to our country. During World War II, Orval served as a field lineman in the Eighth Regiment of the Fourth Infantry of the U.S. Army from October 14, 1942, to September 25, 1945. Orval landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. In April of 1945, Orval and the soldiers of the Eighth Regiment assisted in the liberation of the concentration camp in Dachau. He was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service. He also received a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor, as well as several other medals. After completing his military service, he started O.H. Mullen Sales in the 1950s and owned and operated the business until the mid-1980s. His company manufactured, sold, and distributed archery equipment. He married Luella Conley on October 24, 1942, and they were together for 74 years until her passing in 2016. They had three children: Dr. Orval Lee Mullen, James Mullen of Oakwood, and Judith Wieging of Willshire. The family has grown to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will join the community in best wishes for his 100th birthday. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Orval Mullen's 100th birthday. Orval is most worthy of this recognition, and I thank him for serving our country. On behalf of the people of the Fifth Congressional District of Ohio, I wish Orval a very happy birthday and his family all the best.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and hosting this Special Order, it is so important. Madam Speaker, I rise to bring needed attention to the ongoing overdose crisis in our country that is ruthlessly taking lives. I can't speak on this without focusing on a major culprit: fentanyl. The CDC recently announced 101,263--again, 101,263--Americans died of drug overdoses during a 12-month period ending June 2021. The number of deaths is going up, not down. The vast majority of these preventable deaths were caused by fentanyl and illicit fentanyl analogs, which are 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. From October 2020 to September 2021, Customs and Border Patrol seized 11,201 pounds of fentanyl, which is enough to kill 2.5 million, or the entire United States population seven times over. This is what they were able to interdict. We don't know how much more got into the country. Fentanyl is temporarily scheduled as a Schedule I drug, but that is set to expire in just a few weeks on February 18. Congress must act to provide a permanent solution. That is why I am co-leading legislation with my friend, the gentleman from the Ninth District of Virginia. Our bill, the HALT Fentanyl Act, would permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I and cut red tape enabling researchers to continue to study Schedule I substances for the purposes of identifying any possible medical benefits. Let's put politics aside and do what is right. I encourage all of my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation and help us provide immediate assistance to those in need. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for hosting tonight.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from New Jersey for his years of unending work for the unborn. He has been so steadfast that, from the bottom of my heart, I thank him for all he has done. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because the tragedy of abortion is the greatest human rights issue of our day. The right to life is the foundation upon which all other rights are built. The science is clear: Abortion ends a human life. Studies have proven chemical abortion puts the life of the mother in great danger. In 2015, one in three women who took the abortion drug ended up in the emergency room within 30 days. Let me repeat that. One in three women who took the abortion drug ended up in the emergency room within 30 days. Congress must do more to provide women and their unborn children with care and support. I am proud that my legislation, the SAVE Moms and Babies Act, would prevent the FDA from approving new abortion drugs and would stop these dangerous pills from being dispensed through telemedicine. I would like to thank everyone in Washington, D.C., this week who is offering their unwavering dedication to defending the unborn despite a culture that often marginalizes pro-life values.

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 musical trio who won NBC's The Voice. Girl Named Tom has overcome many challenges and intense competition on their path to becoming the champions. Natives of Pettisville, Ohio, Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua Liechty have represented their hometown and Ohio's Fifth Congressional District on a national stage and brought pride to Northwest Ohio. This trio exemplifies American values of family, community, and hard work. Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua were raised in Pettisville. They were originally homeschooled, and music became a substantial part of their curriculum. All three siblings were enrolled in piano at a young age, and they became involved in theater once they started at Pettisville Schools. The entire trio had plans to go to medical school and follow in their grandfather's footsteps, but all of that changed when their father was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2017. The siblings decided to form a band and pursue a career in music. After a successful season on The Voice, Girl Named Tom was honored with the distinction of being the first group to ever win the competition and the recording contract. Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua hope to keep pursuing their dream and release new music in 2022. As for now, they plan on celebrating their success and spending time with their father. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Caleb, Bekah, and Joshua Liechty of Girl Named Tom for their momentous win. On behalf of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement and wish Girl Named Tom the best in all their future endeavors.

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 football team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young men of the Carey High School football team have represented their school ably on their way to becoming the Champions of the Division VI State Football Championship tournament. The Carey Blue Devils overcame the challenges of intense competition on the path to reach the championship playoffs, capping off an outstanding season with their noteworthy performance. In pursuing the State Championship, the Carey Blue Devils defeated their outstanding competitors to win the state football title. The Blue Devils 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 field, 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 Carey High School football 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 volleyball team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young women of the Liberty-Benton High School volleyball team have represented their school ably on their way to becoming the Champions of the Division III State Volleyball Championship tournament. The Liberty- Benton Eagles overcame the challenges of intense competition on the path to reach the championship playoffs, capping off an outstanding season with their noteworthy performance. In pursuing the State Championship, the Liberty-Benton Eagles defeated their outstanding competitors to win the state volleyball title. The Eagles 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 Liberty-Benton High School volleyball 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 cross- country team in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. The young women of the Perrysburg High School girls' cross-country team have represented their school ably on their way to becoming the Champions of the Division I Girls State Cross-Country Championship. The Perrysburg Yellow Jackets overcame the challenges of intense competition on the path to reach the championship, capping off an outstanding season with their noteworthy performance. In pursuing the State Championship, the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets defeated their outstanding competitors to win the state cross-country title. The Yellow Jackets ran an impressive final meet that highlighted the perseverance they have demonstrated throughout their trip to the championship. 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, 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 Perrysburg High School cross-country team. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4045, the FUTURE Networks Act, which was introduced by Representatives Doyle, Johnson, and McBath. This legislation will establish a task force at the Federal Communications Commission to follow industry-led progress in the development of 6G. The task force will be required to publish a report on the status of industry-led standards development, possible use-cases of 6G technology, and how best to facilitate the siting and infrastructure deployment of 6G technology. While many parts of our country are waiting to see the new use-cases that 5G will drive, trusted vendors--including American companies--are leading the way on the fundamental aspects that will inform 6G. As the private sector identifies the contours of what this next generation of technology will look like, we must make sure that our regulatory environment will facilitate investment and innovation. Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee have been spearheading efforts to deploy mobile broadband like 5G and eventually 6G across the country through the Boosting Broadband Connectivity Agenda. I appreciate the majority including provisions in this bill to support comprehensive broadband deployment solutions to expand connectivity and fuel wireless innovation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2685, the Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act, which was introduced by Representatives Eshoo and Kinzinger. Congress tasked the National Telecommunications and Information Administration with ensuring the national security of our Nation's telecommunications networks. In recent years we have seen large scale cybersecurity attacks that put Americans at risk. While mobile service providers take numerous steps to address vulnerabilities in their networks and respond to threats, we know that threats to our mobile networks continue to exist. The Energy and Commerce Committee has focused on securing our communications supply chains, and today we are taking another step forward to understanding these challenges. This legislation requires NTIA to study the cybersecurity of mobile networks and the vulnerabilities of these networks and mobile devices to cyberattacks and surveillance conducted by our adversaries. This report will not only help inform NTIA's cybersecurity activities, including its work on the Communications Supply Chain Risk Information Sharing Program, but will also help providers understand the risks their networks face so they can respond appropriately. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the majority for working with us on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2685, 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 today in support of H.R. 4055, the American Cybersecurity Literacy Act, which was introduced by Representatives Kinzinger and Eshoo. The Cybersecurity Solarium Commission identified cyber hygiene as a key challenge affecting our readiness as a country. As many cybersecurity professionals will attest, there are common steps that Americans can take to prevent disruption to networks and the theft of personal information. This legislation directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish a cybersecurity literacy campaign to educate Americans on cybersecurity risks and best practices to reduce those risks. By increasing awareness of the simple steps that can be taken every day, we can reduce cybersecurity incidents. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, again, this is a very important piece of legislation. I have had about seven different cybersecurity events with the FBI in my district for my constituents. One of the things that they have always stressed is good hygiene, and over 80 percent is good hygiene, to prevent these cybersecurity attacks. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jacob Deiter, an outstanding young man who dedicated his Eagle Scout project to our nation's veterans. Jacob went above and beyond to bring a veterans' memorial to his hometown of Van Buren, Ohio. His hard work and dedication are truly deserving of high praise. Jacob is a 17-year-old senior at Van Buren High School and a member of Boy Scout Troop 313. In order to complete his Eagle Scout project, he spent the last two years planning and organizing the establishment of a memorial in the town square to honor the area's veterans. Since 1775, millions of Americans have served in the United States Armed Forces. Every battle has left an impact on our nation's veterans and their families. It is important to recognize the sacrifices they made for our country. This memorial includes a sidewalk with engraved bricks honoring area veterans as well as a granite memorial stone. There are also seven flag poles, one for each branch of service along with the United States and POW flags. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jacob Deiter for the completion of this memorial for the veterans of Van Buren. He has shown outstanding leadership in his community and is most worthy of this recognition. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I wish Jacob all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colleen K. Phillips of Hamler, Ohio, upon her election as President of the Ohio American Legion Auxiliary. Colleen Phillips's work has had a lasting influence on the American Legion Auxiliary and her community. She has proven herself as a leader and an advocate for countless veterans and their families across the state of Ohio. Colleen has been a member of the Warren L. McIntire, Hamler American Legion Post 262 for forty-three years. Her hard work and dedication helped establish the junior auxiliary at Hamler. Over the course of her career, she has held almost every office for the Auxiliary at the local, county, district, and state levels. Prior to this position, Colleen served as the Auxiliary's First Vice President for the past two years. The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio is to ``honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families''. Members of the Auxiliary strive to advocate for veterans, educate citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism and peace. As President, Colleen will engage in monthly meetings, prepare newsletters, perform outreach for the community, and support the annual Buckeye Girls State program. Colleen has established challenging goals for the organization she plans to work towards during her year-long presidency. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Colleen Phillips on her assumption of duties as President of the Ohio American Legion Auxiliary and thanking her for service to our state. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I wish Colleen all the best as president and in her future endeavors.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4028, the Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act, which was introduced by Representatives Long, Carter, Spanberger, and McNerney. For decades, U.S. companies and their trusted partners have been at the forefront of wireless technology innovation. We led the world in developing 4G, and we are now in the process of deploying and refining 5G technology. While this work continues, we must ensure supply chain security is at the forefront. China and other adversaries have made a concerted effort to dominate critical components of the communication supply chain. We have already seen how bad actors like China are trying to seed their equipment across the globe, create technological dependencies, and steal sensitive data to advance their own interests. This bill, H.R. 4028, would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, NTIA, to study the economic competitiveness of trusted information and communications technology vendors. NTIA would be charged with leading a whole-of-government strategy to ensure the economic competitiveness of trusted vendors and prevent us from being dependent on companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Only with a comprehensive understanding of the problems we face, along with the strategy to address these problems, will we be able to secure our networks and ensure continued U.S. leadership. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Long), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close. As we have heard from our speakers today, it is absolutely essential that the United States leads when we are talking about telecommunication services and the supply chain because it is absolutely essential for national security. I urge passage of the legislation in the House, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, that was my last speaker. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Madam Speaker, I think what we are seeing today, we have a theme, especially coming from the Energy and Commerce Committee's Communications and Technology Subcommittee that we are talking about security, reliability, and interoperability of our systems out there and the importance of it. As we look back over the last year and a half, where would we have been if we didn't have the systems that we had to make sure as we went through COVID for everything from telehealth to education to manufacturing to business and people just communicating back and forth with one another, but we have to make sure these systems are secure. Madam Speaker, this legislation will help that. I urge support of the House on the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg).

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, again, I rise today in support of H.R. 4032, the Open RAN Outreach Act, which was introduced by Representatives Allred, Guthrie, O'Halleran, and Hudson. Open RAN compatible technology will play an important role as communications networks evolve over the coming decade. While most networks today are limited to integrated systems provided by one or two vendors, the deployment of Open RAN compatible technology will encourage innovation, competition, and new entrants in the communications marketplace. By encouraging a robust market for Open RAN compatible technology, the cost of trusted equipment is expected to decrease over time. These lower costs will help smaller wireless providers deploy mobile broadband cost effectively without having to turn to untrusted vendors like Huawei. As small, and often rural, providers upgrade to 5G and replace untrusted Huawei or ZTE equipment, we must keep in mind the difficulty these providers may have in taking advantage of some of the programs offered in Washington. H.R. 4032 would require NTIA to conduct outreach and technical assistance to these small and rural providers to make sure they have the information necessary if they choose to take advantage of Open RAN compatible technologies. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.