Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as co-chairman of the Congressional French Caucus, I too extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack in Paris, to their families, Parisians, and the entire nation of France as we mourn the loss of innocent life. We are unified in our dedication to the protection and preservation of liberty and committed to ensuring those who have perpetrated these attacks are brought to justice. ISIS poses a clear and present danger to the United States and to our allies across the world. They are a threat to all those who promote freedom. Our strength is in our solidarity. The United States and our allies, including those in NATO, must stand together with great resolve to defeat this threat and ensure the security of freedom-loving people across the world. I urge passage of the resolution.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much. I appreciate Chairman Chabot for yielding and for the Special Order tonight to honor Speaker Boehner. Mr. Speaker, this is a time of reflection when you kind of remember some of the first times you actually meet people and have met people, and this is one of the things I remember about John Boehner. I was in the Ohio General Assembly. What a couple of our colleagues and some of my fellow Members here tonight will remember very well are Senators White and Nein. We were walking across the street in front of the State House in Columbus, and I said, ``Hey, why don't you come over with us. We are going to have a meeting with John Boehner, who is in the U.S. House, and talk about some of the things that he is doing on education.'' That is the first time I met the Speaker, and I can still remember how impassioned he was at that time when you were talking about education and about the youth of America. The next time I really got to know the Speaker was during my special election back in 2007. After it was all over, I can still remember that my wife and I got a call from the Clerk's Office here. It was around 11 p.m. on election night. They said, ``We need to know when you are going to come down and get sworn in.'' I said, ``I need to talk to my wife about that.'' I said, ``Don't we need to worry about the Secretary of State?'' ``Oh, no. We see that as no problem at all.'' So we started talking about it because we wanted to make sure our daughters were here to see me get sworn in. We had this all planned out that we would come down the following Monday. I was pulling into the State House's parking garage the very next morning, at about 9 a.m., because I was still a member of the State General Assembly and had to vote that day. Just as I am pulling in, my phone rings. I say, ``Hello,'' and it is John Boehner. He asked, ``Latta, when are you coming down here?'' I said, ``You know, it is funny. I just got off the phone. I was talking with my wife about that.'' I said, ``I think we can get there on Monday.'' He said, ``You will be here tomorrow.'' And I said, ``Leader, we will see you tomorrow.'' But he has always been very, very accessible. The Members here in the House have always been very appreciative of that. There has never been a time that I have been denied an opportunity to sit down with him in his office to go over the issues that are important to me and to the people of my district. It is also important that, as the chairman said a little earlier about being from the same area, well, the Speaker and I share a county in northwest Ohio, which is Mercer County. The people there speak so highly of him. So with all these years that have gone by, I just want to wish the Speaker, Debbie, and his whole family all the best and a great retirement.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to President Obama's disastrous Iran nuclear deal. This deal not only threatens the safety and security of the United States, one of our closest allies, Israel, it threatens the safety and security of the entire world. It fails to prevent Iran from eventually having a nuclear weapon, the exact opposite of what it is intended to do. Iran now simply just has to wait a decade before becoming a nuclear power. In the meantime, because Iran gets everything they need and want in return for so-called reductions in their nuclear capabilities, they can dramatically expand their dominance in the region, build up their ballistic missile and weapons capabilities, grow their economy and military, and have even greater ability to fund and promote terrorism. Mr. Speaker, can we really expect to trust a government like Iran's whose leaders chant ``Death to America''? I strongly advise my colleagues to oppose this horrible deal. Our Nation and our allies deserve better.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment, and I will later withdraw that amendment. The amendment I am offering today is a simple, commonsense amendment that fulfills a critical need for our Air National Guard, who stand watch while performing the 24/7 Aerospace Control Alert mission as diligently today as they have after the attacks on 9/11. This mission is carried out by several Guard units across the country, including the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, Ohio, whom I have the great honor to represent, and by the D.C. Air National Guard, who are less than 15 miles away from this Capitol. These servicemen and -women also serve in combat theater operations overseas when they are called upon and play a vital role in fighting foreign threats. This amendment would provide funding for an additional ARC-210 or equivalent radio in the Air National Guard's F-16s. These radios have a capability for secure line-of-sight and beyond line-of-sight communication, providing the ability to securely communicate with ground forces and command and control. However, one radio in the aircraft does not allow for the simultaneous contact with them. Currently, Air National Guard F-16s only have one ARC-210 radio that works on an ultrahigh frequency band, and it is this band that most command and control and air traffic control agencies use. An additional second radio will simultaneously allow Air National Guard F-16s to communicate with command and control agencies and coalition troops on the ground in places like Iraq and Afghanistan and dense threat environments. Members of the Air National Guard, along with fulfilling their duties of protecting our borders against those who wish to do us harm, also deploy with our Active Duty military, side by side, on the front lines in overseas conflicts. In fact, the request to have these additional radios comes from the combat commanders in such theaters around the world. So not only is this needed at home, but also abroad. The Air National Guard designates the need to have this capability as ``critical.'' My offset for this amendment is the Defense Rapid Innovation program, a program intended to take off-the-shelf technology and put it in the hands of the warfighter as soon as possible. My amendment would do just that. It takes low-cost existing technology and puts it to work for our warfighters today. As I said, I am prepared to withdraw the amendment, but I want to say I want to commend the gentleman from New Jersey and his committee staff and all the members of the committee for their hard work on this legislation. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman for his willingness and especially for his dedication and support for our Air National Guard. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw the amendment.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Alexander Mossing of Holland, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Alexander's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Alexander brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, Alexander maintained a 3.99 grade point average and earned scholastic honors of summa cum laude each year. Throughout high school, Alexander was a member of his school's wrestling, golf, and tennis teams, excelling in wrestling as he earned a varsity letter each of his four years and was state champion his junior and senior year. I am confident that Alexander will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Alexander Mossing on the offer of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Alexander 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Ross Caywood of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Ross' offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Ross brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio, Ross was consistently on the honor roll, academic all-Ohio, and graduated with cum laude honors. Throughout high school, Ross was a member of his school's wrestling and football teams, having excelled at wrestling being the 2014 Division 1 State Champion in Ohio. I am confident that Ross will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ross Caywood on the offer of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Ross will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Mary Bahr of Waterville, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Mary's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Mary brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio, Mary was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and received scholastic honors. In addition, she was actively involved in her church choir and youth group. Throughout high school, Mary was a member of her school's cross country and basketball teams, earning her varsity letters in each. I am confident that Mary will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mary Bahr on the offer of her appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Mary will excel during her career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to her as she begins her service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Aaron Dunn of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Aaron's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Aaron brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Toledo Christian School in Toledo, Ohio, Aaron was a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll. He also played in the marching band, was a class representative and student council member. Throughout high school, Aaron was a member of his school's cross country, baseball and basketball teams, earning varsity letters in cross country and baseball. I am confident that Aaron will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Aaron Dunn on the offer of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Aaron 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Michael Grindle of Holland, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Michael's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Michael brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio, Michael was a member of the National Honor Society, Principal's Honor Roll, Foreign Language Club, and served as class secretary. Throughout high school, Michael was a member of his school's swim team, cross country team, and football team. He was also a member of men's gymnastics at the Toledo YMCA. I am confident that Michael will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Grindle on the offer of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Michael 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Jeffrey Wilson of Perrysburg, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jeffrey's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Jeffrey brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Lake Local High School in Millbury, Ohio, Jeffrey was a member of the National Honor Society and received hockey and golf academic awards. In addition, he received his Eagle Scout award through the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout high school, Jeffrey was a member of his school's hockey, golf and baseball teams, earning varsity letters in each. I am confident that Jeffrey will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jeffrey Wilson on the offer of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Jeffrey 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Andrew Weiss of Findlay, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Andrew's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Andrew brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Findlay High School in Findlay, Ohio, Andrew was a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll. He earned his Eagle Scout award with the Boy Scouts of America and was selected for Buckeye Boys State. In addition, he earned his private pilot's license. Throughout high school, Andrew was a member of his school's track team where he served as team captain and earned his varsity letter. I am confident that Andrew will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Andrew Weiss on the offer of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Andrew 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Samantha Meinen of Toledo, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Samantha's offer of appointment poises her to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Samantha brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Whitmer Senior High School in Toledo, Ohio, Samantha was a member of the National Honor Society, German club, DECA and earned awards in science, English and social studies. Throughout high school, Samantha was a member of her school's volleyball, basketball and track teams. I am confident that Samantha will carry the lessons of her student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Samantha Meinen on the offer of her appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Samantha 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Bradley Krupp of Bowling Green, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. Bradley's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Military Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Bradley brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Ohio, Bradley was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, French Honor Society and received student athlete awards. In addition, he was a member of the Key Club, French club and drama club. Throughout high school, Bradley was a member of his school's cross country team and earned his varsity letter. I am confident that Bradley will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Military Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Bradley Krupp on the offer of his appointment to the United States Military Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Bradley will excel during his career at the Military Academy, and I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Joshua Mossing of Sylvania, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Joshua's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Air Force Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Joshua brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Central Catholic High School in Toledo, Ohio, Joshua was a member of the National Honor Society, Summa Cum Laude Honor Roll, and was top ten in class rank. Throughout high school, Joshua was a member of his school's wrestling and football teams, earning varsity letters in wrestling and voted team captain of the wrestling team. I am confident that Joshua will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joshua Mossing on the offer of his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Joshua 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. 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 Mason Jessing of Delta, Ohio has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Mason's offer of appointment poises him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2019. 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 placing demands on those who undertake one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. Mason brings an enormous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2019. While attending Delta High School in Delta, Ohio, Mason was a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, and Academic Excellence Award recipient. Throughout high school, Mason was a member of his school's football, track and powerlifting teams, earning varsity letters in football. He was also an MRA motocross rider. I am confident that Mason will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mason Jessing on the offer of his appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available. I am positive that Mason 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 the Nation.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I appreciate it. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee which has jurisdiction over the NRC, our committee has taken a close look at the regulatory priorities and resource needs of the commission. The Energy and Power Subcommittee oversees nuclear energy, and the Environment and Economy Subcommittee has oversight on nuclear waste. I serve on both subcommittees. In both committee and subcommittees, we have held hearings in recent years with the commissioners on the NRC, as well as other experts and stakeholders. In these hearings, we have learned important facts such as, while the Nation's fleet of nuclear reactors continues to operate safely, the evidence clearly demonstrates that the NRC's budget exceeds what is reasonably necessary in light of current regulatory and licensing needs. We have further learned that--and the NRC Chairman recently acknowledged--the NRC budget needs to be right-sized to some degree. We have also focused on the fact that, unlike most other Federal agencies, 90 percent of the NRC's budget is recovered through fees on nuclear licensees, which are eventually paid through electric rates. This means that an outsized NRC budget is actually paid for by the American people, both through their taxes and their electric rates. We have also seen recent closures of nuclear power plants in the United States and fewer new plants coming online than anticipated a decade ago. In fact, even though the number of nuclear plants is currently decreasing, the NRC budget has increased substantially compared to 10 years ago. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Appropriations Committee and the chairman for acting to provide a level of appropriations for the NRC that is appropriate under the circumstances. This budget gives the NRC all it needs to ensure the safe operation of the Nation's nuclear fleet without asking taxpayers and electricity ratepayers to pay more than is necessary. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to recognize the City of Findlay, which is located in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Findlay was recently named the 2014 Top Micropolitan Community in the United States by Site Selection magazine, the official publication of the Global FDI Association and the Industrial Asset Management Council. The magazine ranked 576 of the nation's micropolitan areas, cities with populations ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 that cover at least one county. While Findlay has ranked well for many years, placing fourth in 2013, this is the first time the city has topped the list. The City of Findlay has focused its efforts on economic development within the community, and this year's recognition is a testament to the collaboration among local, county and state leaders, the Findlay- Hancock County Economic Development office and the city's community partners. Their efforts continue to make Findlay a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Findlay's future remains bright for the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the City of Findlay, Ohio, on being named the 2014 Top Micropolitan Community in the United States. I am extremely proud of the growth and investment that have occurred in Findlay over the past year, and am excited about the potential this development brings to the city's residents and businesses who are proud to call Findlay home.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 212, the Drinking Water Protection Act, which I reintroduced from last Congress in January. This important, bipartisan legislation requires the EPA to develop and submit a strategic plan to Congress for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. Unfortunately, from the Great Lakes to other surface freshwaters across the country, algal toxins, produced by harmful algal blooms, are presenting a serious concern to human health and safety. Last August, half a million people in the Toledo, Ohio, area, including many of my constituents, weren't able to utilize their public drinking water for over 2 days without risking potentially negative health effects due to a high level of algal toxins detected in the city's public water supply. During that time, concerns and questions were and have since been raised about health effects data, testing protocols, treatment processes, and appropriate short- and long-term responses. Furthermore, during hearings in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, witnesses testified about the further complexity of this issue due to the numerous other algal toxins and variants that may have potential negative health effects when present in public drinking water. I commend the work that the U.S. EPA, the State of Ohio, and others have done since the Toledo water emergency to ensure public safety; however, the situation demonstrated the need for a more strategic, comprehensive, and strong scientific approach to protect our citizens' public drinking water. I believe H.R. 212 does just this. Specifically, the legislation calls for the EPA's strategic plan to include steps and timelines to: evaluate the risk to human health from drinking water provided by public water systems contaminated with algal toxins; establish, publish, and update a comprehensive list of algal toxins which the administrator determines may have an adverse effect on human health when present in public drinking water and provide a summary of those known adverse effects; publish health advisories and testing methods if the EPA determines it is warranted based on the published list; recommend feasible treatment options; enter into cooperative agreements and provide technical assistance to affected States and public water systems to manage risks associated with algal toxins; and identify gaps in the EPA's understanding of algal toxins. I want to thank all the cosponsors of this bill as well as Chairman Upton, Subcommittee Chairman Shimkus, and all the other staff and stakeholders who have worked diligently on this important legislation. I urge the full support of my colleagues for H.R. 212. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I, too, would ask that the House pass H.R. 212. I appreciate, again, all of the work from all the members and the staff in putting this bill together and getting it on the floor, and also Chairman Upton for his work on the legislation as well as Chairman Shimkus. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 212) to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide for the assessment and management of the risk of cyanotoxins in drinking water, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the passing of Mike Collins. Mike Collins epitomized what a true public servant is. Mike was a marine, a city councilman, mayor, police officer, and he epitomized that public service of never putting yourself above the people you represent. He always put the people he represented first. With his passing, northwest Ohio has lost a great leader. Mr. Speaker, with his funeral today, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, his daughters, and his family.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Thank you very much. I appreciate the gentleman for yielding, and also, I want to extend my thanks for all your many, many years of work and leadership to protect the life and lives of the unborn. We really appreciate everything you have done, and I know, across the country, it is appreciated. Mr. Speaker, I do rise today to voice my support for the right to life of unborn children. During my time in the Ohio General Assembly and, now, as a Member of Congress, I have always been a strong supporter of pro-life legislation. I firmly believe we must be vigilant in protecting the sanctity of human life. As previously mentioned by other Members, it is heartbreaking to know that, since 1973, there have been more than 55 million abortions in the United States. Fortunately, a report released in February 2014 found abortion rates and ratios are continuing to decline in the United States and the rate of abortion has dropped to its lowest since its legalization; however, there is still more work to be done. That is why I continually support legislation to protect the unborn. Tomorrow, tens of thousands of our fellow citizens will be in Washington to participate in the March for Life, and I salute them for their steadfastness in our cause for life. They will be here to let their voices be heard. I can speak that, in our church, I know that we sponsor a couple of buses that will be coming down from Bowling Green State University, my alma mater. There will be high schoolers from across my district that will be here, and we salute them, again, for making sure that they are here to have their voices heard. I also want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to those who have tirelessly worked for years to defend the right to life; and, again, I thank the gentleman for his efforts.