Leonard Lance

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2345) to require the Federal Communications Commission to study the feasibility of designating a simple, easy-to-remember dialing code to be used for a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline system, as amended.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. I thank the chairman for his strong support of these programs. I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. Cuts to these programs may be penny-wise, but I think they are pound-foolish. I am the Republican chair of both the Arts Caucus and the Humanities Caucus in this House, and these programs do wonderful work throughout the entire Nation, in every hamlet in America and, of course, supporting our veterans. For every dollar the United States spends on Federal arts initiatives, nine non-Federal dollars are leveraged, generating roughly $600 million in matching funds. Last year's Federal arts appropriation was under $150 million, but the industry returned $10 billion to the Federal Treasury in income taxes. I understand the gentleman's argument about government spending and our national debt. I take these matters seriously and have opposed a recent measure in this body that will increase our national debt over the next decade. But on these programs, I trust that my colleagues from the Arts and Humanities Caucuses will expand on the incredible cultural and educational importance of supporting these programs as well. I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment.

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, unfortunately, the offset is larger than the increase because of the differences in outlay rates. Amendments must be outlay neutral, per House rules. Due to the work of Chairman Frelinghuysen and Chairman Calvert, the underlying bill already includes the second year of a 2-year, $100 million funding surge in Fish and Wildlife Service construction funding, making it one of the best offsets possible as an option. This bipartisan amendment is crucial for preserving the Delaware River watershed, which is already subject to cuts in the Senate's Interior Appropriations bill. Madam Chair, due to the importance of the Delaware River, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment increasing funding for the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program. Protecting our Nation's water supply is one of the major accomplishments of this legislation, and the Delaware River is a strong priority for the country. I thank Chairman Frelinghuysen and Chairman Calvert for their support of this program and support of my bipartisan amendment I offer tonight with Congressman Gottheimer, also of New Jersey. The Delaware River supplies water to over 15 million people and serves as the major source of drinking water for New Jersey, New York, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Indeed, of the major cities across the globe, New York is considered to have the best quality water, and that is due to the Delaware River Basin. Federal policies governing our Nation's waterways affect every State and the lives and health of every American. The interstate commerce generated by these multistate natural resources is squarely an important Federal prerogative. But the Delaware River's national significance is only part of the story. This is a wise Federal investment. The Delaware River Basin generates $25 billion annually in economic activity, including agriculture, recreation, and ecotourism. Protecting our water and contributing to at least 600,000 jobs and over $10 billion in annual wages gives taxpayers a return on the investment we make with this vote. I have the honor of representing communities on the Delaware River in Hunterdon and Warren Counties in western New Jersey; and Congressman Gottheimer, my Democratic cosponsor, also represents municipalities on the Delaware River in Warren and Sussex Counties. The Delaware River is a national asset. I urge a ``yes'' vote on the Lance-Gottheimer amendment, and I am deeply grateful for the support of the committee chair and the subcommittee chair. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. LANCE. Madam Chair, I thank Chairman Calvert for his leadership on this legislation and for recognizing the critically important work of cleaning up Federal Superfund sites across the United States. The remedial program for cleanups will see a $40 million increase in this package, bringing the Superfund total to $1.17 billion. This funding is well spent. One cleanup project in the congressional district I serve, the American Cyanamid Superfund site in Bridgewater, New Jersey, is a worthy project, indeed. The American Cyanamid site has been a hazard for too long, and the project was placed on the Superfund list in 1983. It is time to have the 44,000 tons of hazardous waste on this site safely and permanently destroyed. This is why we have a Superfund program and why the work of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Appropriations Committee is so important. Federal officials and resources with the know-how and expertise have tackled these problems in other parts of the country and now need to focus on Bridgewater and other worthy projects across the Nation. This is a good project. I rise to call attention to its great merits and to thank Chairman Frelinghuysen, Chairman Calvert, the committee, and the EPA for their involvement and support thus far.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this bipartisan package, H.R. 6. The Energy and Commerce Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Walden, has again delivered for the American people on the pressing public health challenges facing the Nation. From combating childhood cancer, to improving mental health care, to fighting the scourge of drug addiction, the Energy and Commerce Committee produces results. The menace of drug abuse and addiction has manifested itself in opiates. Every corner of this country has known the heartache of losing a life from this terrible problem. Congress has acted before with passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, but CARA needs reinforcement. H.R. 6 delivers more resources, treatment, and mitigation tools to fight opiate addiction. Included in this package is the Eliminating Opioid-Related Infectious Diseases Act, legislation I have authored with my colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III. Infectious diseases compound and complicate the lifelong path toward recovery from substance abuse, and threaten the lives and safety of the loved ones of those addicted, especially children. This is how Congress is supposed to work, both sides coming together to confront a national crisis, going through the committee process with bipartisan bills, and getting to the root of the country's challenges. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Every June, this Nation is reminded of the great public health challenge of Alzheimer's, and we redouble our efforts to combat this terrible disease. The numbers are sobering. The lives lost to this grave illness have increased 123 percent over the last decade. Many families have lost loved ones, and many more struggle with family or friends who fight this awful disease. The work of loved ones to provide high-quality healthcare and comfort is extraordinary. Advocates on the front lines deserve our deepest gratitude, and they include Jeanee Castilles of Lambertville, New Jersey, and Dali Serrano of Wharton, New Jersey, in the district I serve, who work every day in the cause of research, of treatment, and of support. There is new hope, thanks to the work of people like Jeanee and Dali and those of us who serve in Congress. Together, we are committed to more research funds and knocking down barriers to 21st century innovation. Together, during this awareness month, and, indeed, throughout the entire year, we must continue to raise our voices about Alzheimer's and ensure that the fight to find a cure is a national priority of the highest order. It will take a united effort across this great country, and I believe that we are up to the task.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Reverend Dr. Daniel Cube Gunn, who has so eloquently opened our session in the daily prayer. Father Gunn joins us in the House Chamber from St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and School in New Providence, New Jersey, a beautiful community in the district I have the honor of serving. Father Gunn's professional ministry, education, and service to his and my faith of Christianity has spanned several States and experiences. He graduated from Lee College, earned his master's degree in divinity at the Church of God Theological Seminary and a master's degree in philosophy at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Father Gunn later completed a master's degree of sacred theology in Anglican theology and ethics at Yale University's Divinity School. Father Gunn heard the call of ministry at a young age. During service in Tennessee, he served the Department of Corrections, bringing hope and wisdom to those incarcerated. He then brought his ministry to St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, completing a clinical residency where he brought comfort to patients and their families. Father Gunn was ordained to the deaconate and priesthood in 2002, and his assignments brought him to Bronxville, New York; Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; Clarksboro, New Jersey; and Ridgewood, New Jersey. Father Gunn was then named priest-in-charge and superintendent of St. Andrew's in New Providence, New Jersey. I thank him for his stewardship at St. Andrew's. Its mission statement gives the church the welcoming moniker of ``a big heart, making God's love known to the world.'' I thank Father Gunn for being here and for offering our daily prayer.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer legislation to combat another front in our battle against the scourge of opioid addiction. I commend Chairman Walden and Dr. Burgess, Mr. Pallone, and Mr. Green for their leadership in bringing 26 bills to the floor addressing the many sides of the far-reaching opioid crisis. This epidemic has challenged every community and every walk of life in this Nation. Today, I offer the Eliminating Opioid Related Infectious Diseases Act, legislation I have had the honor of authoring. My cosponsor is our colleague on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy III of Massachusetts. We must do more to stop the spread of infectious diseases resulting from opioid abuse. I know this is a difficult subject because we are discussing HIV and other related topics, but we need to be honest and realistic about these public health challenges because this is not just about helping those with addiction. Families, including children, are being exposed to terrible infections at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must implement a plan to turn this tide and combat the public health consequences of these deadly trends. According to surveillance data released last month by the CDC, new cases of hepatitis C rose by a staggering 350 percent nationwide between 2010 and 2016. The time to move, obviously, is now. This bipartisan endeavor makes sure that the CDC has the tools it needs and that those facing an opioid addiction are educated for the safety of themselves and their families. Our efforts provide the CDC with $40 million, annually, to carry out this mission. The Energy and Commerce Committee has produced results for the American people in response to many public health challenges, but especially recently against opioid addiction. The Opioid State Targeted Response grants created by the 21st Century Cures Act delivered $13 million to my home State of New Jersey and additional resources across the United States. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act was one of the most important pieces of legislation last Congress. This bill and the others we are discussing today are in the public health interest of the American people. This is the way Congress should operate: in a bipartisan capacity. I am very proud to have been involved in this effort. Those who have fallen victim to addiction must be able to reclaim their lives. Stopping the spread of deadly infections will mean one fewer hurdle to overcome. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this piece of legislation.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the Lance-Gottheimer amendment to the Water Resources Development Act of 2018. I thank Chairman Shuster and his committee for the tremendous work they have done on the underlying bill. This amendment would direct the Secretary of the Army to expedite the completion of the Warren Glen Dam Removal Feasibility Study in the Musconetcong River, an important waterway in the congressional district I serve. The 30-foot-high, 150-feet-wide Warren Glen Dam is currently one of the largest and most detrimental dams on the Musconetcong River in the State of New Jersey. The dam poses downstream safety risks, worsening the quality of drinking water in the region. The dam also blocks migratory fish from the Delaware River, including shad, alewife and herring. In 1981, the Army Corps classified this dam as a hazard to public safety. It must be removed. The Musconetcong River is an important natural resource in our region of the country, and is well recognized for its scenic beauty, environmental significance, and diversity of wildlife. The restoration of the Musconetcong watershed will improve the water quality by creating a stronger freshwater flow to push down the salt line to enhance the protection of drinking water. Removing the Warren Glen Dam would also open an additional 5 miles to the Musconetcong as a free-flowing river for migratory fish. The Musconetcong watershed has the potential to become an even greater site for outdoor recreation and wildlife. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Gottheimer for joining me yet again on a bipartisan, problem-solving collaboration. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the en bloc amendments and in support of the underlying bill. Passing this defense bill is one of the most important constitutional responsibilities of Congress. I commend Chairman Thornberry for his leadership, and I thank him for his support of my amendments. I was pleased to join with my bipartisan colleagues, Congressman Michael Burgess and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, in offering an amendment auditing the Pentagon fully. This has been promised for many years, and I am pleased that it is in this bill. I thank Chairman Thornberry for including my bipartisan amendment that would officially create th first-ever Department of Defense commendation for military working dogs and their handlers. Nine military working dog handlers from the home State I represent, New Jersey, have been killed in action, and one of my constituents from Short Hills, New Jersey, was among these. Mr. Chairman, I think we should be voting on the en bloc amendments favorably and also voting favorably for the underlying bill.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, one of the most comprehensive pieces of childhood cancer legislation ever taken up by the Congress and another major bipartisan accomplishment of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. I certainly congratulate Dr. Burgess. It is heartbreaking when a child is stricken with one of these life- threatening diseases. I have met with families who have faced these terrible circumstances, and I have been touched by their stories of perseverance and hope. There is more work to be done. We need to improve Federal services for the pediatric cancer community, from research and access to treatment and survivorship. Federal healthcare and research entities must do all they can. The Childhood Cancer STAR Act delivers more resources and reform to make sure we are winning the fight against pediatric cancer by expanding grants for promising and expanded programs. Last week I stopped by the Hunterdon County Relay for Life event in Ringoes, New Jersey. The event brought together cancer patients, survivors, and their families. The crowd was large and enthusiastic in the fight against these terrible diseases. We owe it to those participants to ensure that federally supported research entities are doing all that they can do in this area. The Energy and Commerce Committee has made the cause of Cures a centerpiece of our work. This bill provides greater hope for all of the Nation's youngest patients and their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the primary sponsor of H.R. 1017, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the primary sponsor of H.R. 5505, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. This is an enormous achievement for Chairman Shimkus, who has worked so hard, and so long, to make this day a reality. The Nation needs a safe, environmentally conscious plan to dispose of this waste. This plan is bipartisan and sensible. New Jersey is home to four nuclear reactors at three generating stations: Oyster Creek, Hope Creek, and Salem. Oyster Creek will be closing this October. In the congressional district I serve, these plants account for about half of the power generation and 90 percent of the carbon-free electricity. New Jersey's nuclear plants avoid 14 million tons of carbon emissions each year. The Public Service Enterprise Group, FirstEnergy, and Exelon are doing their part in storing their station's spent nuclear fuel on-site, but we need a permanent site. The expertise and know-how of the Federal Government has a responsibility to my constituents and to the American people. I want the 3,000 metric tons of nuclear waste out of New Jersey and consolidated in a national protected facility. New Jersey ratepayers have contributed nearly $2 billion to the Department of Energy's Nuclear Waste Fund to dispose of nuclear waste at a permanent repository at Yucca Mountain. My constituents should see a return on that investment. New Jersey is one of the top State contributors to this fund. It is time for the government to hold up its end of the bargain and permanently remove this waste from New Jersey and other States. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Chairman, my thanks to Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio. I rise today in support of this en bloc package that contains my bipartisan amendment requiring the FAA to study the economic impact of Temporary Flight Restrictions on local airports and to recommend ways to mitigate the negative effects, potentially including creating security procedures to allow limited use of certain airports during a TFR. This is about fairness for New Jersey pilots and small businesses. The President and the First Family use Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey, in the district I serve, as a weekend residence during the late spring, the summer, and the early fall. During such visits to Bedminster, a TFR is imposed in the area, shuttering Solberg and Somerset airports, and grounding recreational and training flights. The safety of the President and the First Family and the official visitors to Bedminster is, of course, paramount, but TFRs can be very challenging, and I want to find a compromise with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Secret Service so that pilots can be vetted, prescreened, and allowed to fly. This is not a new idea. For some airports in Maryland, near Washington, D.C., pilots are permitted limited operation after being properly vetted. I seek the same status for constituents I serve in New Jersey. I thank the chairman for his interest and ask for further help in crafting this policy with the FAA. I further hope to work with him on establishing a temporary reimbursement program, as was done for the Maryland airports in the early 2000s. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following Proclamation in honor of Israel Independence Day: Whereas, the State of Israel has flourished to become the preeminent democracy in the Middle East and today celebrates 70 years of independence; and Whereas, Israel has been a dedicated partner to the United States, working with our Nation and other allies to build peace collaboratively and work toward common interests and goals including the safety, security and freedom of all people around the world; and Whereas, Our Nation must continue to protect, strengthen and promote our close friend and ally Israel as we strive to achieve greater stability in the Middle East and around the world; and Whereas, At 70, despite tremendous challenges, Israel demonstrates continually that principle and motivation are transforming forces allowing Israel to thrive; Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Honorable Leonard Lance, the Honorable Peter Roskam, the Honorable Doug Lamborn and the Honorable Lee Zeldin, Members of the House of Representatives and co-chairmen of the House Republican Israel Caucus, join Israel in celebration of its Independence Day.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Public Schools Week to recognize the incredible work in public education done every day in every State in our Union. I have the honor of representing some of the finest public schools in the Nation. This did not happen by accident. Our public schools lead the country because of the tremendous work of our public educators. I attended public schools, I respect our teachers, and I proudly support our public schools here in Congress. I know the work of educators can be difficult, but the life of a teacher is a vocation, not an occupation. Educators give their lives in service to future generations of leaders, thinkers, writers, doctors, scientists, and visionaries. We need teachers, and we need the public education system to remain strong in the United States. Public schools are where our students realize their talents and their potential. We need good educators to continue offering encouragement and advice and to be champions and mentors. Let us celebrate this Public Schools Week by thanking the teachers and educators in our lives.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of the RAY BAUM'S Act, which reauthorizes the Federal Communications Commission for the first time in 28 years. How appropriate that this critical legislation is named for Ray Baum, who dedicated his tremendous public service to these issues, and whom we all admired. I commend the leadership. The Energy and Commerce Committee puts more bipartisan bills on the President's desk than any other committee here on Capitol Hill. This is important legislation strengthening the FCC, protecting consumers, and, most important of all, expanding the information channels our lives and the economy need. I am pleased that this legislation includes the Anti-Spoofing Act, a bill I have worked on with Congresswoman Meng and Chairman Emeritus Barton for several years. Spoofing is an insidious practice used by scammers to call consumers using a faked phone number, often pretending to be a bank or government agency. Millions of Americans continue to be defrauded by con artists and scammers who perpetrate this despicable crime. This disgraceful practice must end, and it will be ended in large part due to this legislation. I am pleased this FCC reauthorization enacts consumer protections like those in the Anti- Spoofing Act. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Mr. LANCE

Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 96) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure the integrity of voice communications and to prevent unjust or unreasonable discrimination among areas of the United States in the delivery of such communications.