Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson), the gentleman who is all about winning the future.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan, the car capital of the world, (Mr. Walberg).

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

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen).

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

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Kiley).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. Greene).

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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 in support of H.R. 1338, the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act that I am proud to lead with Ranking Member Pallone. The SAT Streamlining Act is the first legislation in over two decades to update our laws governing how communications services using satellite technologies are licensed by the FCC. Satellite communications systems play a pivotal role in closing the digital divide. Yet, the legal framework for licensing new and innovative satellite technologies has not kept pace with the 21st century. Other adversaries, like China, seek to overtake our lead in developing these next-generation technologies. The SAT Streamlining Act would reform and improve the FCC's process to make the United States the destination of choice for licensing satellite communications systems without expanding the FCC's authority. Our goal today is to ensure that the FCC does not become a space traffic cop and try to manage space traffic management functions or provide space situational awareness information. We added rules of construction to clarify the FCC does not have the authority to be the space traffic cop and affirm that nothing in H.R. 1338 would expand the existing authority of the FCC currently regarding orbital debris and space safety. I will read the Rules of Construction. If you look at the Rules of Construction--this is section 3(A). ``Space Situational Awareness Services and Information. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to grant the Commission authority to carry out the functions provided under section 2274 of title 10, United States Code . . . '' Then you go to section B: ``Space Safety and Orbital Debris. Nothing in this subsection, including the rules issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), shall be construed to expand the authority of the Commission to establish requirements for or regulate space safety and orbital debris.'' Subsection C. ``Authority of Commission Under This Act. Nothing in subparagraph (A) or (B) shall be construed to limit the authority of the Commission with respect to space stations licensed under this Act.'' Those are the Rules of Construction. This legislation today is to provide certainty to satellite operators by setting out clear performance objectives for satellite communications systems. These changes will ensure that as satellite operators choose a venue for licensing their global systems, the United States' regulatory process is more appealing than other nations. The SAT Act would establish an expedited review process for approving minor modifications to satellite communications systems, which will get new technologies into space sooner. Second, the legislation would promote competition among satellite communications providers. Spectrum access is a necessary component of global satellite communications networks. Innovation takes place at a rapid speed, and the FCC should have clear guidance from Congress on how to evaluate whether a proposed satellite communications system can share spectrum with other systems to avoid harmful interference. The SAT Act sets forth a framework that will ensure spectrum is used efficiently and promotes competition and innovation in the satellite communications marketplace. China is currently working to launch and operate a national constellation similar to the American satellite communications systems. Unlike our regulatory process, China can move swiftly to approve new technologies in their quest to dominate America and the world. In order to ensure U.S. licensed systems stay ahead of our competitors, our regulatory environment must keep pace with industry while continuing to ensure responsible spectrum use. We began this effort to develop a new licensing framework for the modern era 2 years ago. We have worked with a wide array of stakeholders from the satellite industry. I am pleased we are moving forward today. We must lead with more innovation, more competition, and better communications services for American homes and businesses. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone and all the stakeholders that worked with us over the last few years to create a framework that will promote competition, innovation, and predictability. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote in support of the legislation.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I was not present in the Chamber during part of the vote series today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 362 and ``aye'' on rollcall No. 363.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Dr. Robert Maudlin, PharmD, and celebrate the impact he has had on Graduate Medical Education in Eastern Washington--and across the country--throughout his illustrious career of nearly 50 years. Dr. Maudlin, or Bob as he is known by his friends and colleagues, started his career in the United States Navy where he played baseball and served as a pharmacy technician. After completing his time in the service, he returned to the University of California at San Francisco to earn his PhD in Pharmacy, a degree that was relatively new at the time. After graduating, Bob came on board as a member of the pharmacy department faculty at Washington State University. He later joined the Family Medicine Residency Spokane program as the Assistant Program Director, a position he put his full heart and soul into. Through hard work and fierce dedication, Bob developed the model for the first rural training program in the United States. He is a pioneer who, as his colleague Dr. Justin Frederick said, ``Saw the global vision of Graduate Medical Education for our communities.'' Dr. Maudlin is also characterized as a mentor, a stalwart champion for Graduate Medical Education, and a passionate advocate for creating residency programs to provide care in underserved communities. As Dr. Tanya Keeble, Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program recounts, ``The psychiatry program never would have gotten off the ground without Bob's ability to develop critical community relationships and create a sustainable residency funding structure. As a new program director, he was an enormous support to me.'' Dr. Maudlin never wavered in his commitment to the growth of Graduate Medical Education, and he viewed his role at the Spokane Teaching Health Center as the perfect way to advance that goal. He was tremendously helpful in writing the initial grant needed to increase the primary care residency programs for the first time since the late 1990s. He served as the Designated Institutional Official and helped guide the Executive Director and the Board of Directors during the startup phase of this new venture. As Traci Couture Richmond, Executive Director for the Spokane Teaching Health Center, said. ``Without Bob's deep knowledge of the grant requirements, the ability to get needed information from the partners, and his vision for what the STHC could be, we wouldn't be where we are today.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Dr. Maudlin on his exceptional career. Without his influence and passion for training residents, Spokane and the region at-large would not be able to successfully train 118 medical residents per year. As a result of Bob's commitment to Graduate Medical Education, our health care system is stronger, and our community is a better place. I am grateful for his friendship since I was first elected to Congress, and I know his tremendous achievements and legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the great achievements and outstanding leadership of Rodney Smoldon, who will be retiring as Forest Supervisor for the Colville National Forest on June 30, 2023. Rodney was born and raised in Eastern Washington. He graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1985 and has spent the last two decades managing the Colville National Forest, which covers 1.6 million acres and is known for its wild huckleberries, camping, hiking and horse trails, lakes, rivers, and some of the most exciting wildlife Mother Nature has to offer. Throughout his career, Rodney served in a number of leadership roles in both California and Washington, including as a District Ranger on the Okanogan-Wenatchee, Plumas, and El Dorado National Forests. He returned to the Colville in 2008 as the Deputy Forest Supervisor and later became a Ranger. In 2015, he was named the Forest Supervisor for the entire Colville National Forest. Rodney's tenure as Forest Supervisor was defined by leadership that made the Colville National Forest one of the most productive national forests in the country. He made it his mission to champion innovative conservation efforts and proactive forest management strategies in the hopes of unleashing economic opportunities for our rural communities and protecting the forest for generations to come. And it worked. Rodney's innovative approach secured the A to Z Project, a public-private partnership where local communities, conservation groups, the recreational community, industry, and the forest service teamed up to proactively and collaboratively manage Colville National Forest. This project has been remarkably successful in mitigating wildfire risks in our community and serves as a national model for forest restoration that will improve our environment and the economy. Rodney's passion for the land, the people, and the communities he serves is unmatched. His career of service is proof of that. He never stopped searching for new ways to increase the pace and scale of restoration, and he would always ask why or how we could do better. This results-driven mindset is what empowered our partnership to be so successful throughout the years. Mr. Speaker, l will dearly miss working with my friend Rodney Smoldon when he retires at the end of the month, but l know the best is yet to come for him and his family. In honor of an illustrious career of dedicated service to the Colville National Forest and the entire Northeastern Washington community, l ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rodney Smoldon on his retirement. We wish him the best as he embarks on his next adventure.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1615. The Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act is led by my friend Congressman Kelly Armstrong from North Dakota. It has bipartisan support here in the House, and it is a companion to Senators Cruz' and Manchin's bipartisan legislation in the Senate. It will stop efforts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that could result in an outright ban or substantial price increase in the cost of gas stoves while also allowing the Commission to continue its important safety work for these appliances. Commissioner Trumka suggested that the CPSC should consider a ban on gas stoves. He said, everything is on the table. As FOX News reported last week, his efforts go back even further than previously reported and include the Biden administration coordinating last summer with an environmental activist on the legal rationale to ban stoves. To justify a ban, Mr. Trumka has also cited a study by Rocky Mountain Institute, which has partnered with the Chinese Government and is pushing America away from reliable and affordable energy. We must stop this agenda and make sure people have access to affordable appliances like gas stoves. We aren't alone in raising the alarm that this effort to ban stoves goes too far. In fact, in California, a celebrity chef was recently given an exemption by local Democrats so he wouldn't have to comply with Palo Alto's natural gas stove ban in his new restaurant. Surely, we can all agree today to allow every hardworking person in this country, regardless of their income or celebrity status, to have the same freedom to decide for themselves what stove is in their kitchen. Again, H.R. 1615 allows the CPSC to continue their important safety work, but it stops the administration from implementing a political agenda, completely divorced from reality, to ban an appliance that is preferred by 40 percent of American households. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Armstrong for his leadership, and I urge strong bipartisan support on H.R. 1615.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1640. The Save Our Gas Stoves Act is a bipartisan bill that was introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee member Debbie Lesko, and it will stop the Department of Energy from finalizing its plans to ban the majority of natural gas-fueled cooking stoves on the market today. H.R. 1640 was considered through regular order in committee, where it received hearings and markups and was favorably reported with a strong bipartisan vote. Congress must intervene to stop the war that President Biden and Democrats are waging on reliable, affordable energy and the choices people make to provide for their families. On day one in office, President Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, imposed a moratorium on fossil energy development on Federal lands, and directed agencies across the Federal Government to issue punitive regulations and delay permits for energy projects. This agenda is raising costs across the board and making life more difficult for hardworking Americans across this country. Now the Biden administration is coming for their appliances, like natural gas stoves. H.R. 1640 will stop the Department of Energy from finalizing the terribly misguided and legally vulnerable proposal to ban gas stoves. H.R. 1640 is necessary because the administration doesn't have any regard for the will of the American people, or the laws passed by Congress. Despite a statement from the White House that ``the President does not support banning gas stoves,'' the Department of Energy and radical environmental activists are abusing an obscure law called the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to mandate a backdoor regulatory ban on gas stoves. They are pursuing this agenda to control the home appliance market despite DOE's own evidence that its proposed standard would pull more than half the gas stoves off the market and save people $1.08 over the life of the product. This is completely out of touch. One dollar of savings over the life of the product is not worth the up-front expense of ripping out gas lines and installing new electrical service. One dollar of savings does not bring peace of mind if you need to heat your water or feed your family during an electricity blackout. One dollar of savings means nothing when people are paying record prices to buy food and fill up their gas tanks. The American people are strongly opposed to regulations to ban natural gas appliances. In fact, we recently polled the citizens in my district as to whether they support a ban on natural gas stoves in their homes. An overwhelming 87 percent of them responded ``no.'' H.R. 1640 addresses their concerns and their freedom to choose an affordable stove that is right for them. Therefore, Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1640 and look forward to working with the Senate to send this bipartisan bill to the President's desk.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam Chair, to save lives and make our community safer, I rise in support of the HALT Fentanyl Act. Illicit fentanyl is one of the greatest threats that we face as a nation. Illicit drug manufacturers are diverting precursor chemicals from some of China's 160,000 chemical plants and shipping them to Mexico, where cartels are producing mass quantities of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. These are being smuggled across our southern border and killing more people than ever. According to an analysis by The Washington Post, fentanyl poisoning is the number one cause of death for people 18 to 49. I think about my friend Molly Cain from Spokane, who lost her son Carson, and Deb and Ray Cullen from Pennsylvania, who lost their son Zach. Both Carson and Zach were killed instantly by substances laced with illicit fentanyl. Molly asked me how many more letters from grieving parents is it going to take for action. The fact is it shouldn't take another letter, another day. It shouldn't take another lost loved one. The HALT Fentanyl Act will save lives. We must make sure that law enforcement has the permanent tools that they need to seize these extremely lethal poisons. It is DEA's number one priority. Without these tools, drug traffickers being sourced from China will be emboldened to push deadlier and deadlier drugs across the border. We can't let that happen. Let's come together today for a more secure future for every community in America. Madam Chair, I urge support of the HALT Fentanyl Act.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S.J. Res. 11. This resolution reverses EPA's extreme emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks. President Biden is shamelessly pushing electrification of the entire transportation sector without regard for the significant environmental, economic, and national security risks it will cause. We should not allow the Biden administration to continue implementing this plan without additional congressional guidance. Heavy-duty trucks are essential to the transport of agricultural products and consumer goods to people across the country. In short, the availability of trucking is directly tied to our standard of living, food security, and ability to afford everyday life. EPA's heavy-duty trucks rule applies to trucks of all sizes from the Ford F-250 to semitrucks. EPA's own estimates say it could cost more than $8,000 per semitruck to meet their standards. The cost will be passed directly to Americans, many who live paycheck to paycheck. Imagine someone who is already being forced to make tough choices for their family at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy. Virtually every product they are buying--as well as the ones they can no longer afford--is transported by a truck at some point. With the EPA's rule, they will be paying and sacrificing even more for food, clothing, fixing their homes, and trying to provide for their families. EPA's regulatory effort on heavy-duty trucks would impose extensive and expensive regulations; increase costs for trucking companies, many of which are small businesses; and ultimately fail to significantly reduce emissions. The American people cannot afford the financial burdens. It is our responsibility as Members of Congress, the elected Representatives of the people, to address Agency overreach, especially when it would directly and negatively impact the lives of Americans and drive inflation higher. Mr. Speaker, I thank Senator Fischer and Representative Nehls for leading on the Senate and the House resolutions on this important issue. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S.J. Res. 11.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Speaker, my heart is heavy as I rise today to honor the life of my dear friend, Rich Hadley, who passed away on March 19, 2023. My prayers are with Rich's wife Rita, his family, and all who loved him as we mourn his passing. Rich was a trusted friend and pillar of our community. For 21 years, he led Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI), the Inland Northwest's largest chamber of commerce. During his tenure, Rich demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growing jobs and business opportunities, not only in Spokane, but all across Eastern Washington and the Inland Northwest region. His leadership at GSI was defined by a passion to make Spokane a better place, and he succeeded, leaving behind a legacy that will carry on for years to come. Rich's visionary leadership helped champion Spokane's University District and Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. As a former U.S. Navy air intelligence officer during the Vietnam War, Rich cared deeply for our men and women in uniform and our nation's veterans. He worked tirelessly to forge a strong relationship between the business community and officials at Fairchild Air Force Base, and he played a critical role in making Fairchild the integral part of Spokane's community it is today. Mr. Speaker, Rich Hadley was a man of integrity and high principle. His humility and his impact on Eastern Washington and his country will long be remembered. Above all, he lived an amazing life that deserves to be celebrated. In honor of his legacy, passion, and contributions that inspired so many, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rich Hadley. May God grant him eternal peace in His kingdom.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Palmer), who is a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. My goal as the chair of Energy and Commerce Committee is to make sure Americans have access to affordable, reliable energy. This was a key promise in the House Republicans' ``Commitment to America,'' and we are hitting the ground running to deliver on that promise. This is just the beginning. Energy is foundational to everything. For centuries it has driven human progress and development. It is why America has done more to lift people out of poverty and raise the standard of living than anywhere else in the world. Today, over 3.7 billion people are living in energy poverty. That is half the world. They have a 10-year lower life expectancy, 35 percent fewer years of education, and many don't have electricity at all. Here in the United States of America, we are blessed with the ability and the resources to continue to raise the standard of living globally and even lift people out of poverty. Our goal today is to celebrate how our abundant energy resources have unleashed prosperity and invited people from around the world to come across the globe to America to achieve their hopes and dreams. We have accomplished this as a leader in reducing emissions and with the highest environmental and labor standards in the world. We cannot afford to move backward with a reckless command-and-control so-called climate agenda that forces people to pay more and go without reliable electricity. H.R. 1 prioritizes the American people over this radical climate agenda. On his first day in office, President Biden started a war on American energy. Predictably, gas prices skyrocketed to the highest levels in American history. President Biden revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, imposed a moratorium on oil production on Federal lands, and directed agencies across the Federal Government to impose punitive and burdensome regulations. As the American people suffered, President Biden turned to OPEC and Russia to boost supplies. In the face of Russia's aggression, President Biden looked the other way and green-lit the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, emboldening Russia to attack Ukraine. The CCP now is deepening ties with Russia and consolidating its control over more than 90 percent of the world's critical mineral supplies. To win the future, we cannot allow our energy security to be surrendered to our adversaries. H.R. 1 sends the strong and unmistakable signal to restore American energy dominance and bolster our national security. H.R. 1 will unleash American energy, lower costs, and secure our supply chains. This package helps lift barriers to expanding our energy supplies, remove red tape for exporting and importing LNG, and build more pipelines with our North American allies and across the States. It would repeal President Biden's burdensome natural gas tax, which will harm communities, shut down production, and raise prices across the entire economy. H.R. 1 will encourage innovation and production of critical materials here at home to cut China out of our energy supply chains and ensure America is leading the world in innovation and next-generation energy technologies. We have heard a lot of talk, and Democrats are forcing a so-called transition that requires the American people to suffer through supply chains and price hikes. What Republicans are offering through H.R. 1 is a commitment to energy expansion that will deliver on lower costs and reliable and affordable energy. The fact is, higher costs are making life unaffordable for hardworking people in this country while forcing us to be dangerously reliant on Chinese supply chains that are dirtier and use slave labor. I think about the farmer who told us that this so-called climate agenda is raising the cost of food and making it harder for farmers to feed our families; an advocate who shared with our committee that record-high energy costs hurt low-income and minority families the most; and the mayor of Midland who told us her community is thriving because of the investment in jobs the oil and gas industry brings. We must embrace and expand America's position as the number one energy producer in the world while continuing our leadership to reduce emissions. People all over this Nation are counting on us for a better quality of life. With H.R. 1, we will boost energy production, lift regulatory burdens for the construction of more energy infrastructure, cut China out of our critical material supply chains, and lower costs across the board. This is how we build a more secure future for Americans. Mr. Chair, I urge support of H.R. 1, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), a leader on the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Texas.