Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the SUPPORT Act. This bill is about offering hope to those in despair: those battling substance use disorder, their families and loved ones, and the healthcare workers and law enforcement officers who need continued support to help save lives. Since 2020, overdose deaths have surged to more than 100,000 lives lost per year. Today, illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among adults aged 18 to 49, and my home State of Washington has seen the greatest increase in drug overdose and poisoning deaths nationwide in the past year. The House took a critical step to help get illicit fentanyl off our streets by passing the HALT Fentanyl Act earlier this year. Now we are moving forward with this legislation to increase support for individuals suffering from substance use disorder and to help make sure they receive the treatment they need. H.R. 4531, the Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act modifies and reauthorizes key programs that expand access to substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery. Specifically, this bill increases treatment options for intensive inpatient care, allows law enforcement to crack down on illicit xylazine distribution, and continues support for at-risk youth, among many other important provisions. Mr. Speaker, I thank Kristin Flukey and Seth Gold from the Energy and Commerce Committee staff for their dedicated work on this legislation. I am hopeful that by reauthorizing programs with proven success and increasing access to treatment, we can address the troubling trend in drug-related deaths, saving lives and restoring hope and healing to those who need it.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Lamborn for bringing us all together tonight. The Bible is a book that has endured for generations. Around the world, it is the number one bestseller. For 6,000 years of history, it is the Bible that has shaped who we are, how we govern, and our laws, morality, education, and family values. The Bible has influenced the greatest philosophers, scholars, artists, musicians, and scientific work and discoveries. The Bible answers questions like: Who am I? What makes me human? What is the purpose of life? At a time when we are divided, angry, and fearful--the Surgeon General says we have a public health crisis of loneliness and isolation driving record suicides, deaths of despair, divorce, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety--perhaps more of us should read the Bible. In 1863, Abraham Lincoln proclaimed: ``We have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own.'' In 2023, have we forgotten God? How about doing something new in 2024? How about reading the Bible, all 435 Members of the House of Representatives? With our family and friends, it is only 15 minutes a day. We can read through the old book together for wisdom, like in Proverbs to ``trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.'' God is with us in everything that we do. May we discover the truth and freedom of His ways as revealed in the sacred Scripture. Together, with His abundant grace, we can bring hope and healing to our land.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 705. Stated against:

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4468, the CARS Act. President Biden's rush-to-green agenda is failing. Just last week, nearly 4,000 auto dealers all across this country sent a letter to President Biden urging him to stop his EV mandates. They said demand isn't there and the EVs are just sitting on their lots. The administration has allocated billions for EV charging, yet not a single charger has come online as a result. All of this failed central planning is shipping our auto future and jobs to China. This is not the future Americans want or deserve. For more than a century, affordable transportation has helped drive America's economic success. Our cars have allowed people all across this Nation and around the world to increase our mobility and raise our standard of living. H.R. 4468 ensures that we can keep building on this legacy of American leadership and prosperity. Let's stop President Biden. He wants us all driving EVs, 100 percent battery electric, not plug-in, not hybrid, not plug-in hybrid. We don't agree. Vote for the bill.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I was absent from this vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 624. Amendment No. 15 Offered by Mrs. Harshbarger.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to recognize Washington State University and celebrate the success of their ASCENT program. This program is the primary university-based education and research vehicle for the FAA, and it is laser focused on developing new and exciting technology we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By working with stakeholders and industry leaders, students and faculty at WSU are showing the world what is possible. Their research is revolutionizing the way we think about sustainable aviation fuel, and it is helping secure a cleaner future. Today, we have the opportunity to ensure the work continues. We can fully fund the ASCENT program and make sure America continues to lead the way to usher in a new era of innovation and win the future. Mr. Chairman, this program will help America keep its competitive edge, and I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I was absent from votes on the floor earlier today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 530, ``aye'' on rollcall No. 531, and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 532. Amendment No. 16 Offered by Mr. Roy

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David M. Baird for his selfless dedication and service to the veterans of Eastern Washington. On September 24, 2023, after 13 years of service as Director of the Spokane Veterans Center, David began a new journey as the Senior Social Worker at the Boise VA Medical Center in Idaho. David is a Navy veteran and therapist with a distinguished record of service. In his role as director, he completely transformed the Spokane Veterans Center from a small, simple office to a much larger and more welcoming facility. As a result, the Vet Center--as it's known to those it serves in our community--is more equipped to keep the promise of supporting veterans than ever. Under David's leadership, the Vet Center has become a model of best practices. It's home to top-notch social and psychological services, as well as readjustment counseling programs, all of which have received national recognition for the high level of compassion and care they provide. On average, the facility serves more than 15,000 veterans who walk through its doors each year. These programs offered at the Vet Center have served as a lifeline for veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They connect veterans with one another in open, non-judgemental settings, removing the stigma that is too often a barrier to seeking help. They have also been crucial for Gold Star families who rely on the Center for bereavement counseling as they cope with the heart-piercing grief of losing a family member on active duty. Mr. Baird also established new therapeutic practices and facilities, including the ``Heroes Garden'' on the Spokane Vet Center campus, which offers a safe place for peaceful reflection to veterans and Gold Star family members. Additionally, he created a Native American sweat lodge experience for veterans and family members that takes place four times a year. David accomplished all this while successfully implementing a first-in-the-nation childcare program for veterans seeking readjustment counseling appointments at the facility. David's dedication and tireless efforts have made him invaluable to our community. He has volunteered countless hours as a mental health professional for the Honor Flight Association, partnered with nonprofit agencies to provide stress-reduction wilderness retreats for veterans, and served as the Veteran Entry Coordinator for Spokane's annual Lilac Festival Torchlight Parade--the largest Armed Forces Day Parade in the Nation. The number of lives David has changed is too many to count. I am deeply grateful to him for his dedication to our veterans, our community, and the United States of America through the years. Mr. Speaker, as David enters this new and exciting chapter, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his incredible contributions and wishing him all the best.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sharon Ledbetter of Colfax, WA for her selfless service and the incredible impact she has had on the lives of veterans and their families in Eastern Washington. In 2009, Sharon was instrumental in organizing the Lewis Clark Quilts of Valor, the Eastern Washington region's local branch of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Her goal was simple and honorable: Award servicemembers and veterans with hand-made quilts that recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our heroes, in the hopes of providing comfort and healing now that they have returned home. As the wife of a Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, Sharon understood these Quilts of Valor can be lifesaving for veterans. That's why, for the last 14 years, she has organized countless Sew Days, taught quilting classes, and raised financial support from local businesses and veterans' groups. Under her leadership, the group has grown to 60 members and honored more than 3,000 veterans with high-quality quilts to recognize their dedication and sacrifice to our country. Each Quilt of Valor is dedicated to the veteran it was made for with their name, service branch, and era of service sewed on, making them an incredibly personal gift of recognition and honor. The quilts--many of which Sharon made herself--are then presented at beautiful ceremonies that have been known to move even the most stoic veterans to tears. Thanks to Sharon, these presentations are now conducted by volunteers and members across Eastern Washington and North Central Idaho. Mr. Speaker, Sharon Ledbetter is a truly remarkable woman who deserves recognition. As she enters her retirement, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating her tremendous work and tireless dedication to the veterans in the greater Eastern Washington region. The profound impact she has had on our communities and the veterans in them will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. RODGERS of Washington

Mr. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my dear friend, Dixie Ferguson, for her outstanding work and life-long dedication to serving our men and women in uniform and the veterans of our Eastern Washington community. Dixie began her service journey in 1966 when she joined the American Red Cross after graduating from the University of California, Davis. She joined the Clubmobile Service and provided support to our combat troops in Vietnam as a ``Donut Dolly.'' Dixie became well-known for her work at USO shows--singing, dancing, and serving food--to the young men fighting for our freedom who were missing home. After returning home in 1968, Dixie served as a social worker at Long Beach Naval Hospital in California, Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado, and the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton where she supported those wounded in combat. Fast forward more than 50 years later, and Dixie is still serving our active duty and retired service members through the American Red Cross Chapter in Walla Walla. In 2016, she earned the Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Award for her work as an outreach and emergency communications caseworker. Dixie has gone above and beyond volunteering her time through the years. Most recently, she has played an instrumental role in documenting the stories of those who served in World War II and Vietnam through the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. To date, she has helped record nearly 200 veterans' stories. Additionally, Dixie has helped coordinate flights in the skies of Walla Walla for nearly 700 veterans as part of The Honour Project, while also proudly helping members of the Greatest Generation make their journey to visit the war memorials in Washington, D.C. as a part of the Inland Northwest Honor Flight. There is truly no task too big or too small for Dixie. Throughout the years, she served on a local committee responsible for bringing the second Gold Star Families Monument to Washington state. In 2021, she established Volunteers Love Serving Veterans, a local non-profit committed to service. Most recently, she organized and planned an annual POW/MIA ceremony event, where she welcomed a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient to be the guest speaker. One thing is certain: There are very few in our country who have rolled out the red carpet for our veterans like Dixie Ferguson has. Her love of service and dedication to our veterans has brought endless joy to the Walla Walla military and veteran community that continues to grow each year. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the outstanding service of Dixie Ferguson to our men and women in uniform. Her work on their behalf is awe inspiring, and the profound impact she has had on our Nation's heroes will leave a legacy not soon to be forgotten.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 681, I call up the bill (H.R. 1435) to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the legislation and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 1435.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of H.R. 1435 from my colleague and an Energy and Commerce Committee member, Dr. John Joyce. For more than a century, the internal combustion engine has allowed people to increase their mobility and raise their standard of living. Restrictive government mandates aren't how we are going to lead the next 100 years, yet that is what EPA and California are trying to do by mandating that new vehicles sold in the State be electric. Seventeen other States are ready to follow suit if the EPA approves the recent waiver request from California. The reality is that gas-powered cars are much less expensive than EVs and continue to outperform them in range, towing capacity, and their ability to operate in severe weather conditions. Studies have also warned that a rushed EV expansion could overwhelm our electric grid. In California, Governor Newsom has resorted to asking people not to charge their EVs during blackouts. EVs currently make up just 4 percent of the vehicles in his State. The decision to choose should apply across the board, whether that is for gas powered, EVs, or hybrid. H.R. 1435 prevents EPA from granting California a waiver to limit the sale or use of new gas-powered cars. It is vital that we stop this effort to force an electricity transition on Americans, especially when you consider how China dominates the industry and supply chains and has even taken steps to build its own electric vehicle foothold in Mexico, specifically so it can access the U.S. market. We need to focus on ensuring access to affordable, reliable transportation and ensuring our electric grid is dependable so people can keep their lights on, keep going to the store to get their groceries, stay warm, and live their lives. Protecting people's way of life and their ability to provide for their families is the fundamental goal of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Joyce), the sponsor of the bill.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 15 seconds to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, States are not free under the Clean Air Act to regulate cars any way they want. Section 209 has conditions. Also, the bill does not repeal or weaken any of the Clean Air Act levels. We have the strictest clean air regulations of any place in the world. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson), a leader and subcommittee chairman on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, just noting for the record, in a 2017 midterm review, the California Air Resources Board confessed this law could lead to long-term job losses in industries tied to manufacturing, supplying, and servicing of conventional vehicles. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko).