Doris Matsui

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this rule. Throughout the Energy and Commerce Committee's process writing opioid legislation, I have raised the issue that we need to be making investments in the full spectrum of our behavioral health system in order to truly address the root causes and the results of the opioid epidemic. While crisis and high-level inpatient care will always be necessary for a subset of the population, and we must ensure it is adequately funded, we cannot do so in a vacuum. We need to ensure that people also have access to adequate outpatient treatment and prevention services. And while the opioid epidemic is front and center in all our minds, we cannot forget patients suffering from other substance use disorders. It is important that we do not unintentionally set up a discriminatory system that will be useless during the next epidemic, whatever that might be. We want our legislative efforts to both save lives today and to prevent epidemics like this one in the future. States already have the option to work around outdated exclusions in IMD facilities. States like California are already doing so in a comprehensive way, taking into account the continuum of care for opioid and other substance use disorders. If we are going to be spending an additional nearly $1 billion in the Medicaid program, we need to spend it wisely on expanding access to services, and not narrowly duplicating something that is already available. Ever since the Excellence in Mental Health demonstration project passed into law in 2014, I have been fiercely advocating to expand the program. The demonstration project, which I coauthored with my Republican colleague, Congressman Lance, and my Senate colleagues, Senators Stabenow and Blunt, certifies community behavioral health clinics, known as CCBHCs. The demonstration is currently about halfway through its 2-year period in eight States and already showing great success. The National Council for Behavioral Health recently issued a report entitled, ``Bridging the Addiction Treatment Gap.'' It surveys CCBHCs operating in the Excellence Act demonstration States, and the results offer great hope. First, the demonstration has enabled near-universal adoption of Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, for opioid use disorder. Ninety- two percent of certified clinics in the program are offering at least one type of FDA-approved MAT. Second, 100 percent of CCBHCs have expanded the scope of addiction treatment services under the demonstration. For many clinics, this is the first time such services have been available in their communities, very often in medically-underserved areas. Third, even while seeing more patients, two-thirds of surveyed CCBHCs have seen a decrease in patient wait times. After an initial call or referral, half of the clinics now offer same-day access to care, and four out of five can offer an appointment within a week or less. Mr. Speaker, the Excellence Act is showing concrete results in terms of patient outcomes. In western New York State, more than 1,000 people in Erie County died of opioid overdoses over the last 5 years; 142 people lost their lives in 2016 alone. At the same time, according to media reports, local police chiefs are reporting a 60 percent reduction in overdose calls in 2018. Authorities specifically credit a certified behavioral health clinic in the city of Buffalo that is providing medication assisted treatment for people battling opioid addiction within 24 to 48 hours after initial assessment. We want to expand upon this success for certified community behavioral health clinics across the country by allowing Medicaid reimbursement on a larger scale. These clinics are the ones in people's neighborhoods and communities, the ones on the front lines of treating behavioral health and substance use disorder. If we do not build them up and integrate them with our health system, we will never achieve the full continuum of care that we are looking for. Every time I have pushed for an expansion of the Excellence program in the Energy and Commerce Committee on funding legislation on the floor, I have been told that we don't have the dollars available. However, today, we are talking about spending nearly $1 billion on something that is both redundant and, I believe, does not fully address the entire spectrum of care like the Excellence program has. That is why I offered an amendment to H.R. 5797, based on my bipartisan bill, H.R. 3931, and why I am here discussing this on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider funding community behavioral health clinics and outpatient treatment to help address the opioid epidemic. When you look back on what we have done to address this crisis, this will have more of a positive impact today and in the long term in comparison with the other proposals we are considering.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3828, the Patsy T. Mink Gender Equity in Education Act of 2017, a bill originally introduced by Representative Louise Slaughter of New York, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Pallone for yielding to me and for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, while I believe that we need to do a lot more to combat the opioid and addiction epidemic, I am pleased with some of the specific steps being taken today to help communities. I specifically rise in support of legislation I coauthored with Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins on H.R. 3331. In order to solve the root cause of addiction, we need more access to behavioral health in our communities, and we need to treat mental health and substance use disorder like diseases. That means integrating care and services for those conditions into the healthcare system. It means treating a person as a whole person. Physical and mental health conditions interplay and should be treated as such. We cannot have a truly integrated system with the care coordination we envision if behavioral health providers don't have electronic health records. We must work to harness the power of technology to improve the accessibility of behavioral health treatment, particularly in underserved communities. This bipartisan bill will incentivize behavioral health providers to adopt electronic health record technology. The Senate version of the bill, led by Senators Whitehouse and Portman, passed by unanimous consent last month, so I hope that we can continue the momentum around this legislation with the passage of H.R. 3331 today. Before I close, I want to reiterate how important it is for my Republican colleagues to join us in doing more. We need to protect and expand Medicaid, build on ACA successes in terms of access to behavioral healthcare, and fund treatment and prevention efforts in our local communities. We have a long way to go. This is a really good start, and I implore my colleagues to work with us as we move forward.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Eskaton, the largest nonprofit community organization serving senior citizens in the greater Sacrament area. As team members, clients, and families celebrate Eskaton's 50th anniversary, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Eskaton and its team members for their tireless commitment to ensuring that the needs of our Seniors are met. For the past five decades, Eskaton has been defined by the compassion their staff shows towards their community members and the partnerships they have developed. Eskaton has been part of the growth of our region, enhancing the lives of our Seniors by providing innovative health, housing, and social services to nearly 14,000 people that live in their communities. Eskaton not only serves those living in their facilities, they also provide compassionate support options to those who choose to remain in their own homes. The Center offers important programs that assist Seniors in their daily lives, such as Telephone Reassurance, the Adult Day Health Center, and Eskaton Kids Connection. Eskaton serves the greater Sacramento community and our residents proudly. I extend my appreciation for the efforts of this outstanding organization and the individuals who work tirelessly to provide valuable health initiatives and benefits to the region's Seniors. Mr. Speaker, I stand to pay tribute to Eskaton and its staff for fifty years of serving Seniors in the greater Sacramento region. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring their exemplary work on behalf of Seniors, as well as their ongoing dedication to their mission of serving the community.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, this proposed ``Right to Try'' legislation will make it possible for bad actors to take advantage of desperate families. The pill would allow companies to completely circumvent the FDA if they claim to have a new drug or cure for a patient. And it dogs not require the doctor or the company to even report to FDA, so we will have no way of knowing who is trying which experimental drug. This legislation really does encourage snake oil salesmen. Currently, legitimate companies may have new experimental drugs that have not yet been approved, but that could be helpful for patients who have no other options . . . but this bill is not limited to that situation. And, FDA does have an existing process to allow for patients with life-threatening conditions to try experimental drugs before they are approved. And, this bill is not limited only to patients with a life- threatening condition. FDA has testified that the process under this bill would be available much more broadly to patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes. That is a large population with a condition that is managed with currently available treatments. Under this bill, bad actors could see the dollar signs to market ineffective drugs to these patients. The bill before us today does not require FDA or Institutional Review Boards (or IRB's) to review any request for experimental therapy, and rescinds any requirement to report adverse effects of a drug immediately. This means that if someone loses their eyesight or dies from taking an unproven experimental treatment, then no one is required to report it immediately. This puts other patients taking the same drug in danger. Additionally, if a patient does have a success with a drug, but it is not reported or considered in a clinical trial, that success will not translate to other patients that could be saved by the treatment. I am also incredibly concerned that in 19 states, taking experimental treatment will result in the loss of people's hospice care, and in 4 states it will result in the loss of their insurance, completely. To rake matters worse, this legislation does not stipulate that patients must be informed of this loss of coverage or hospice coverage in advance. This legislation, therefore, puts patients' care network, financial stability, and safety at risk--without any legal recourse. If we open this loophole, a surge of bad actors who may claim to have experimental drug therapies could make money peddling dangerous therapies to unsuspecting patients with no system of oversight, safety, and accountability. The unfortunate victims will be families and their loved ones. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote no on this bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Tonko for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. In Sacramento, our publicly owned utility stores spent nuclear fuel at the Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating Station, despite the fact that the plant has been decommissioned for many, many years, and that the Federal Government has a responsibility to take the fuel. The continued presence of the spent fuel at Rancho Seco has a direct impact on electricity rates in my district, and prevents the site from being redeveloped. That is why I have continuously been supportive of an interim storage facility for spent fuel. Today, it is the most viable path to consolidate the fuel housed in over 120 communities across the country. For the last two Congresses, I have cosponsored a bipartisan bill to explicitly authorize the Department of Energy to enter into agreements for consolidated interim storage. I believe that a stand-alone piece of legislation that creates a pathway for interim storage is the commonsense next step in our national nuclear waste management strategy. I was opposed to the initial version of H.R. 3053 that came before the Energy and Commerce Committee last year. It tied Yucca Mountain, which I have major concerns with, to interim storage. Linking these two policies together would effectively maintain the status quo for decommissioned sites across the country, which is unacceptable. That is why I have worked on a bipartisan basis to ensure that the interim storage policy in this bill is decoupled from a permanent repository. After negotiations in committee, the bill we are considering now authorizes the use of one consolidated interim storage site and creates a path to move spent fuel to that site before a final decision is made on a permanent geologic repository. It is critically important that we have further clarified the regulatory pathway for interim storage. For that reason, I will be supporting this bill today, despite some of its provisions that I believe are less than ideal. Mr. Chairman, I thank my colleagues for working with me in a collaborative and bipartisan manner to ensure the Federal Government finally takes the spent fuel stranded in so many of our communities nationwide.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Hastings for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act. We worked in a bipartisan manner in the Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure there is language in this bill that provides a responsible path forward for consolidated interim storage. When this bill was first presented in committee, the licensing of an interim storage facility was linked to a final decision on Yucca Mountain. As someone who is critical of Yucca Mountain and its chances of ever being completed, I found that to be unacceptable. It meant that our Nation's nuclear waste could continue to be stranded at decommissioned plants in California and across the country. That is not sustainable. However, through bipartisan negotiations, we were able to successfully agree on language that creates a separate path to interim storage, decoupling it from a permanent repository. That is the primary reason why I am supporting the bill today. This is an issue that directly impacts my constituents and many others across the country. My local utility, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District or, as we call it, SMUD, currently maintains the decommissioned Rancho Seco nuclear power plant. SMUD has reiterated how important it is for the redevelopment of the site, that we have a plan for consolidating spent fuel at a safe, licensed facility. Moving spent fuel will enable SMUD to expand their adjacent solar development or environmental mitigation area. Consolidated interim storage is currently the most viable solution to our Nation's spent fuel challenge. And there are private applicants that want to take this fuel. Today's bill strengthens the regulatory pathway that allows them to do so. This bill also funds transportation safety, ensuring that we build on our country's decades-long history of safely moving spent fuel. While I don't believe every provision of H.R. 3053 is ideal, it is a balanced step in the right direction, and that is why I will vote ``yes'' for this legislation.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, Louise Slaughter was my friend--and the one thing I always knew is that she had my back. When we went to Rochester, New York for her service, I was struck by the many people who lined the streets for her wearing Louise buttons. I knew then that she had their backs too. She made each person feel special. Maybe it was her southern twang that pulled you in, or the sparkle in her eyes. I first met Louise when I joined the House Rules Committee. I was new to Congress. I barely understood the rules of the House, and I found myself assigned to the Rules Committee. Louise took me under her wing and taught me not only the Rules of the House, but the Rules of Louise: Be cordial. Be kind. Know your stuff. Understand it is a privilege to serve in the House of Representatives. Always stay true to your word and fight for what you believe is right. And also, of course, laugh. Which she and I did a lot. We spent many memorable days and long nights together while I was on the Rules Committee, particularly during the passage of the Affordable Care Act. I remember her husband Bob being there, he was practically an honorary Rules Committee member. Louise's leadership kept everyone around her going through late nights, and her unfailing wit helped ease tense days. A longtime advocate for public health, Louise knew how important it was to expand access to healthcare in this country. Her tenacity and dedication helped usher through the Affordable Care Act in the House, helping even the playing field for families seeking care. Louise traced her lineage back to Daniel Boone. She was a pioneer herself. The daughter of a blacksmith in Lynch, Kentucky, she went on to fight for the people of New York in the New York State Assembly, and then in the United States Congress. When she came to the House of Representatives in 1987, there were only 25 female legislators here. But Louise wasn't intimidated. She was a fierce, skilled legislator who became an example for all of those who came after her. Not far from Louise's district is the site of the historic Seneca Falls Convention. Louise drew from that history and spent her career championing the causes of women everywhere. She was the first woman to serve as Chair of the powerful House Rules Committee. She spearheaded the landmark Violence Against Women Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. She fought for, and secured, federal funding for the National Institutes of Health, and was instrumental in the creation of the Office of Research on Women's Health. And she co-founded the Pro-Choice Caucus, serving as a passionate proponent for women having the power to forge their own destinies until her last days in Congress. At the heart of all of these legislative accomplishments is a common thread--Louise wanted to help people who were traditionally underrepresented. She wanted to give them a voice, and she did. Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, ``The best protector any woman can have . . . is courage.'' Louise's courage to fight for her progressive ideals, to stand up for equality, and to ensure working families in her district had opportunities was a model for young girls everywhere and really a model for all of us here in Congress. It was Maya Angelou who said, ``Each time a woman stands up for herself . . . she stands up for all women.'' That's what Louise did. And, as she stood up for other women, she always stayed true to who she was. She was genuine. She was a fighter. She loved people. And she was kind. Her passion for the arts and music bridged all of her life experiences. She loved everything from the songs of the 1950s and '60s, to gospel music, to hard rock, to classical music. It was that authenticity and approachability, paired with her pioneering spirit, which made her both so tenacious and so well-loved. As much as Louise loved Congress, she also loved her family and took such great pride in them. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy in her three daughters, seven grandchildren, and great-grandchild. When I go to the Rules Committee, I feel her presence, I hear her strong opinions, and I know that she is happy now reunited with her dear husband Bob and chairing the Rules Committee from up high. Louise Rules.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 5247, the so-called right- to-try legislation. This bill does not give patients the right to try; rather, it gives patients the right to request, which fails to address real barriers to accessing experimental drugs such as drug costs or company restrictions. I will reiterate that patients already have the right to try through an expedited process that approves 99 percent of requests it receives. This legislation, however, fails to recognize that, if a patient is denied access, it is usually because a drug manufacturer says no due to manufacturer concerns about safety or side effects, not because the FDA denied a request. I know, like everyone else, I have heard from many constituents suffering from terminal illnesses such as ALS who are desperate for cures; and I believe that every single one of us in this Chamber has confronted, in some way, a family member--mother, father, spouse--who had, heartbreakingly, an illness that had no cure. We have gone through the process many times, and I think we all have felt desperate from time to time. However, having said that, just because a person at the end has no hope, to try something that might make things worse so you cannot go on to a more peaceful resolution would be hurtful not only to the patient, but to the family. Opening up unregulated pathways to drugs after only a phase 1 clinical trial may expose patients to severe and unpredictable side effects. This bill would prevent FDA from documenting these side effects and, worse, would prevent FDA from protecting other patients from a similar fate. When a loved one is in pain, the last thing a family wants is to cause further suffering. We need clinical trials to ensure drugs are safe and effective and to find real cures for patients, and we need the FDA to be a part of the process as a matter of patient protection for all. Rescinding any FDA oversight on unproven therapies that have not undergone multiple clinical trials is a slippery slope. The expedited process we have now is working, and I cannot support a bill that offers a ``right to ask'' alongside proposals that could be dangerous for all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the courageous students in Sacramento, California, and across America who are saying enough with this country's epidemic of gun violence. Last week, I held a gun violence prevention student townhall in my district, and we were fortunate enough to be joined remotely by Skype by two students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida: Adam Alhanti and John Barnitt. They inspired us all with their dedication to a future without a fear of gun violence. The students that filled the auditorium of Kennedy High School in Sacramento to listen to Adam and John were fully informed, passionate, and focused on the future. They wanted to know how we can enforce stronger background checks, ban assault weapons, change a culture of guns in this country, and how they can amplify their voices. After hearing their thoughts and questions, I know one thing for sure: these amazing young people are not going to back down from achieving progress on this issue. I believe it would be incumbent upon all of us to listen to their voices. They are the voices of the future. As Adam from Parkland said during our townhall, this issue of gun violence affects all of us. No one wants to live in fear about going to school, work, the movies, church, a concert, or just walking on the street; so no one can afford to sit on the sidelines and do nothing to reform gun laws in this country. We owe it to these students, to our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations to come together and take action on commonsense legislation. Many of the things we want to see reformed are largely supported by the American people. In fact, one high school student in Sacramento pointed out to me that policies like universal background checks have widespread support from the public. It is true. Polls indicate that over 90 percent of the American people support stronger background checks. Under current Federal law, people who purchase firearms at a gun show, through classified ads, or on the internet bypass a background check. There is no excuse not to act to close those dangerous loopholes. It is our job to represent and act on the will of the citizens of this country. We can by voting on solutions like the bipartisan Thompson-King legislation that would expand and strengthen the current background check system. Yet another week in Congress and here we find ourselves without a vote on real gun violence reform legislation. At one point during my townhall last Friday, Adam from Parkland said: ``We are heard. There is no more, `Can we be heard?' It is now. People hear us. They ask, `What's next?''' These young people are rightfully going to keep up their demands until we make significant reforms that make a lasting impact. I ask my Republican colleagues to not only listen to these students, but to also take meaningful action to address the gun violence epidemic in this country. Words are not enough. We must move forward.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this proposed right-to-try legislation. This bill offers patients false hope. It proposes a pathway to experimental drugs that offers absolutely no guarantee of access, while stripping patients of any legal or financial recourse, and places clinical trials at risk. Last week, I am sure like everyone else, I heard from many constituents on behalf of their families and communities with devastating diseases, like multiple sclerosis. When a family member is faced with a devastating diagnosis, you would do anything and try anything to improve their quality of life. I know. I have been there with family members in such heartbreaking situations. But this bill would not necessarily make it easier to get experimental treatments and it would definitely make it harder for patients in the future to get treatments. We need clinical trials to ensure drugs are safe and effective and to find real cures and treatments for these patients. Because this bill would be dangerous for patients both today and in the future, many disease groups oppose the bill, including the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the American Cancer Society, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and more. Rushing this bill without proper bipartisan oversight places the American people in the way of real harm. Rescinding FDA oversight on unproven therapies is a perilous proposition. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that today we are reauthorizing the Federal Communications Commission through the RAY BAUM'S Act, which, among other things, ensures our local broadcasters have the resources they need and will deliver additional spectrum into the commercial marketplace. Spectrum is the invisible infrastructure that supports our wireless economy. As the way we do business continues to depend on connectivity and mobility, spectrum will be a part of everything from remote health monitoring to precision agriculture, to public safety communications and connected devices. That is why I am pleased that this package includes several of my priorities, including my Spectrum Auction Deposits Act, which I coauthored with Congressman Guthrie. This legislation will enable the FCC to continue to conduct auctions that will unlock the spectrum necessary to deploy next generation broadband networks. Without this fix, auctions to deliver more spectrum into the commercial marketplace may be put on hold indefinitely. This package also includes my legislation to create a Federal spectrum challenge prize, which would accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative technologies to make spectrum use more efficient. It could also facilitate the application of existing technologies, such as blockchain, to develop spectrum sharing mechanisms that will allow providers to access spectrum on a real-time basis. This bipartisan legislation will promote the expansion of current and next generation broadband networks across America. It is an important step forward, and I am proud to support its passage.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Robert J. Waste on the occasion of his retirement as Director of UC Davis Health's Government and Community Relations Program. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Waste for his leadership and commitment to UC Davis Health, as well as for his dedication to the strength of the greater Sacramento region. Since joining UC Davis Health (UCDH) eight years ago, Mr. Waste has been instrumental in building the Government and Community Relations Program into what it is today. His leadership has led to such revolutionary projects as the creation of the UCDH Infant Cord Blood Banking Program, the Burn Outcome Research Institute, and the UCDH Center for Behavioral Health Excellence--the multi-year Mental Health Collaborative that resulted in strengthening Sacramento County crisis mental health services. In addition to his work in UC Davis Health's Government and Community Relations Program, Mr. Waste has also been an active member of the Sacramento community. Mr. Waste's experience includes service as chair and member of the City of Sacramento Planning Commission, membership on the Sacramento Heritage Board, and chair of the City of Sacramento Campaign Reform Commission. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to Mr. Robert Waste, outgoing Director of UC Davis Health's Government and Community Relations Program, as his friends and colleagues celebrate his well- earned retirement. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring his tenacity and dedication on behalf of the Government and Community Relations Program, as well as his dedication to the Sacramento region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the rich history of the Transcontinental Railroad as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of its completion. As the community gathers today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this important landmark in the history of the greater Sacramento region, the State of California, and our country. On May 10, 1869, the final spike in the transcontinental railroad was driven into the ground, connecting the East and West coasts of our country for the first time. This final spike was the culmination of six years of grueling work, and stands today as a testament to the ingenuity and tenacity of the American citizens and early Chinese immigrants who labored to accomplish this feat. We should not--and thanks to the efforts of the 150th Transcontinental Railroad Committee, we will not--ever forget the contributions of the laborers who made this remarkable engineering feat possible. Today, we understand the Transcontinental Railroad to be the very definition of a marvel of design and technological progress. It is an important historical landmark that, in my hometown of Sacramento, forms an essential part of our history and of who we are as a people in 2018. We remember today the remarkable engineering, the industrial might, and above all the people who built the Transcontinental Railroad. Mr. Speaker, as the Transcontinental Railroad celebrates its 150-year anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring its rich history and significance in the Sacramento region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, Ray Baum's life was sadly cut short, but his public service both in Oregon and Washington, D.C. will continue to serve as an example for us all. We will be forever grateful for Ray's contributions to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, where he consistently approached his work with honesty and integrity. As a senior advisor to the Communications and Technology subcommittee and later to the full committee, his expertise on technology and telecommunications issues was invaluable. No matter their background or viewpoint, Ray treated everyone with respect and kindness. We all admired his dedication to the policy issues he worked on, the Committee, and to his country. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray's family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE) as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary. As the community gathers to honor this organization, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this nonprofit for its long history of service to the Sacramento region and beyond. In 1978, WEAVE opened its first shelter to provide services and resources to survivors of domestic violence. It soon expanded its services to help sexual assault and human trafficking survivors through legal assistance, emergency shelters, crisis intervention, community prevention education programs, and a 24-hour support and information line. In its 40 years of operation, WEAVE has become a nationally recognized nonprofit renowned for its dedication to building a violence- and abuse-free community. WEAVE has been instrumental in helping the community better understand domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault issues so we can work together to end the cycle of violence. Over its decade of operation, WEAVE has partnered with Sacramento County, local law enforcement, the Commercially Sexually Exploited Children Court, Child Protective Services, and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office to provide 24/7 response, outreach, and services to sex trafficking victims. In addition, WEAVE has recently worked with the California State Senate to provide resources to Senate employees who have experienced sexual misconduct. For its work both with these organizations and independently, WEAVE has been honored by the Nonprofit Resource Center, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Governor of California, the Human Rights Fair Housing Commission, the President of the United States, and many more. It is deserving of each of these accolades and I am proud to lend my own voice to praising WEAVE today. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to celebrate WEAVE. Through its work in my hometown, it is helping ensure that Sacramento and its surrounding regions are a community that does not tolerate domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring WEAVE on its 40th anniversary and wishing the organization at least another 40 years of existence and success

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many outstanding business leaders in California's Capital Region being honored at the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's 123rd annual dinner and business awards ceremony. Those being honored are dedicated to the success of the region and have worked tirelessly to advance its economic vitality. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring these fine Sacramentans, and in thanking the Sacramento Metro Chamber for its tireless efforts to promote business in northern California. Winnie Comstock-Carlson, President and Publisher of Comstock's Magazine, is Sacramentan of the Year. Mrs. Comstock-Carlson's leadership at the magazine and in the community has served the greater Sacramento region for 28 years. Additionally, she has served on the Metro Chamber board and has been involved in numerous regional nonprofit charitable organizations. Shannon Deary-Bell, President and CEO of Nor-Cal Beverage, is Businesswoman of the Year. Mrs. Deary-Bell is a strong leader in the Sacramento business community. Her service and support of the American Heart Association and many other charitable organizations has not gone unnoticed by the community. Rick Niello, President of The Niello Company, is Businessman of the Year. Mr. Niello's work as a community leader and humanitarian has had a great impact on the Sacramento region for many years. The Niello Company supports over 40 local charities and non-profit organizations in its philanthropic efforts. F&M Bank is being inducted into the Centennial Business Hall of Fame. F&M Bank has been providing financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in California for over 100 years. The bank's longevity is a testament to the high quality service and security it continues to provide to Californians. East Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries and Sacramento International Airport are both being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame. East Lawn has been an exceptional Sacramento business for over 110 years, establishing deep roots in our community's history. East Lawn's pristine service and care of beloved family and friends who have passed on strengthens community bonds. Sacramento International Airport has been serving Sacramento for over 50 years. In 2011 the airport opened the impressive new Terminal B, which has brought great pride and convenience to the people of Sacramento and the many travelers visiting our region. Digital Deployment and GNT Solutions are the dual recipients of the Small Business of the Year Award. Digital Deployment opened in Sacramento 13 years ago. Its care for its employees and customers is second to none, which is proven by their impressive success and growth. Its CEO Mac Clemmens is a native Sacramentan and a leader among Sacramento's young up-and-coming CEOs. GNT Solutions has been helping local Sacramento businesses with technology troubles for 14 years. Its experienced team continues to provide its customers with friendly and effective service, allowing businesses to run smoothly and free of IT issues. Cassandra Jennings, CEO and President of the Greater Sacramento Urban League, is the recipient of this year's Al Geiger Memorial Award. Mrs Jennings's passion for community development and the lives of the people that live in the Sacramento region is remarkable. Mrs. Jennings is carrying on Mr. Geiger's legacy by serving as a role model who helps inspire others to leadership in service to our region. Erica Taylor, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for the Golden 1 Credit Union, is the Volunteer of the Year. Her work over the past two years has played a major part in Golden 1 Credit Union's success as a business and as a partner of our beloved Sacramento Kings. Jennifer Ablog, Community and Government Relations Manager for Kaiser Permanente, is this year's Young Professional of the Year. Born, raised, and educated in Sacramento, Ms. Ablog is proud to call Sacramento her home. Her dedicated work for Kaiser Permanente has certainly improved the health of the Sacramento community. Veronika Monell of JumpStart Now is Ambassador of the Year. Mrs. Monell has been praised for her honest and passionate work with small businesses in the Sacramento region. The innovative ideas she brings promotes a progressive Sacramento, helping our businesses lead in the modern economy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize these individuals and businesses for their contributions to the Sacramento region that I love. I ask all my colleagues to join me in commending them for their unwavering commitment to Sacramento.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS) as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. As the members of SSVMS gather today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Society's long history of service to the Sacramento region and beyond. The Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society, originally known as the Sacramento Society for Medical Improvement, has been in continuous operation since the 1860s. It was founded by physicians from different areas of expertise dedicated to providing quality medical care for our community. Throughout its history, the Society has benefited from the leadership of dedicated public servants such as council members, a mayor, senators, and presidents of the American Medical Association, to name just a few of the preeminent individuals who have played a role in the Society's growth and development. As the oldest medical society in California, SSVMS is a vital part of our region's history. The Society helps understand and fight disease, promotes community education, advocates for local physicians, and supports the principles of the medical profession. The Society is committed to increasing access to health-care services and providing scholarships to medical students. In 1947 it founded the Sacramento Medical Foundation, which so many of us in Sacramento now known as BloodSource. And its Joy of Medicine program seeks to relieve physician pain and help to reclaim the joy of practicing medicine through education, advocacy, and program services designed to nurture individual well-being and collegiality. Mr. Speaker, as those who value the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society's many contributions celebrate its 150 years of invaluable service to Sacramento, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this prestigious group. The health and well-being of untold numbers of my constituents in Sacramento are better thanks to the Society's vision, leadership, and efforts.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my good friend Marjorie Dickinson as she retires from a distinguished thirty years of service to the University of California, Davis. Marj is currently the Assistant Chancellor, Government and Community Relations for U.C. Davis, and she has played a significant role in improving and strengthening the institution's commitment to its students and its surrounding community. Throughout her tenure, Marj has established credible and effective relationships with local, state, and federal elected officials and with opinion-leaders throughout the greater Sacramento region. Now more than ever, thanks in large part to Marj's leadership and vision for U.C. Davis, the institution is respected and revered as a world-class research university and as a reliable local partner. I have had the pleasure of working personally with Marj through the years in my role representing Sacramento in Congress, and I consistently found her to be one of the most effective, sophisticated, and professional government relations experts I encountered. U.C. Davis--and the Sacramento region writ large--are beyond fortunate to have had Marj working on their behalf for the past three decades. Marj's dedication and commitment to U.C. Davis have made our region a better educated, more vibrant, more attractive place to live and work. Her contributions cannot be understated. Mr. Speaker, as her family, friends and colleagues celebrate her distinguished career, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the remarkable Marjorie Dickinson.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Estelle Saltzman on the occasion of her retirement as CEO and President of Runyon Saltzman, Inc., one of Sacramento's most innovative communications firms. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Saltzman for her leadership and commitment to Runyon Saltzman, as well as for her dedication to the cultural vitality of the greater Sacramento region. Since founding the agency alongside Jean Runyon in 1976, Ms. Saltzman has been instrumental in making Runyon Saltzman one of the top communications firms in the area. Her background in reporting and political science helped her form the agency into an industry leader in public affairs and social marketing. Her leadership at Runyon Saltzman has been acknowledged over the years by those who understand the value she provides to the local business community. She was awarded the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber's 1988 ``Sacramento Business Woman of the Year'' award, lifetime achievement awards from the Sacramento Public Relations Association and the International Association of Business Communicators, and the ``Women Who Mean Business'' award from the Sacramento Business Journal. In addition to her work at Runyon Saltzman, Estelle has been an active member of the Sacramento community. She serves on the boards of the Crocker Art Museum, the Sacramento History Foundation, Restoration House, Opening Doors, Inc., and the Family Justice Center. Thanks in no small part to her leadership, these organizations now stand as important cultural and community landmarks for the Sacramento region. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to Estelle Saltzman, outgoing CEO and president of Runyon Saltzman, as her friends and colleagues celebrate her well-earned retirement. I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring her tenacity and dedication on behalf of Runyon Saltzman, as well as her dedication to the Sacramento region.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 150th Anniversary of St. John's Lutheran Church. As the church's congregation celebrates this valued center of worship, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring this historical place in Sacramento. The first service at St. John's Lutheran was held on September 29th, 1867, when Pastor Matthais Goethe led the church's first members in prayer. Two months later, 23 founding members signed St. John's Lutheran's first charter. Although the building itself has been relocated twice, once in 1873 and again in 1912, it has remained a vibrant meeting place for both the faithful and other members of our Sacramento community. Today, St. John's is more beloved than ever by its community. The congregation is renowned for geniality and generosity, and the church welcomes all who would take communion, worship, or simply observe with open arms. Despite its venerable age, this Sacramento institution shows no sign of slowing down. Mr. Speaker, as our community celebrates the 150th Anniversary of St. John's Lutheran Church, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring this staple of the Sacramento area and all it has provided to the community.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the leadership of Rusty Selix, whose outstanding advocacy and efforts on behalf of mental health have changed, improved and saved lives. Rusty has been a leading expert in mental health policy and finance for the past 30 years, and state and local government policy and finance for 40 years. His work has been focused on mental health since 1986, when he became the Executive Director and legislative representative of the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies, a statewide association of non-profit, publicly funded mental health providers. He also served as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association (Mental Health America) in California from 1993 until 2014 and has worked with every major mental health organization nationally and in California. He has served as Chair of the Policy Committee for the National Council for Behavioral Health and Mental Health America, helping to guide national mental health policy for many years. Rusty was the original co-author and leader, with Senator and now Mayor Darrell Steinberg, of the Proposition 63 Campaign--the November 2004 California ballot measure which is transforming the state's public mental health system. Beyond his innumerable and far-reaching accomplishments, I honor Rusty for the spirit and manner in which he has achieved them. Rusty has been able to intuitively and adeptly reach out and bring together with a diversity of stakeholders in collaborative efforts to attain a united goal. Guided by an unwavering focus on mental health, Rusty combines a clear understanding of the ``big picture'' with a solid, grounded sense of what can be shifted or altered to achieve change. Be it legislative, financial or organizational Rusty can see the necessary steps ahead and present his position in a way that encompasses and appeals to the needs and interests of those who can impact their own systems to accommodate the proposed change. With an authentic, non- defensive posture, Rusty is truly open to listening and learning about the others' concerns and able to skillfully propose feasible solutions to potential problems. Rusty's tireless work has always been about creating the change that can bring reality to his vision of improving lives and systems and not about self-aggrandizement. He acts with great integrity and, as such, is trusted for his honesty and his ability to follow through. Throughout our work together on mental health policy, he has always acted as an immediate, knowledgeable, and trusted resource. Mr. Speaker, I know many in the state government and the mental health and substance use disorders community will miss the work and presence of Rusty Selix as he takes a step back from his active role with CCCBHA and will serve as the Senior Policy Consultant for this organization for which he has done so much. He has been an incomparable force with a strong, solid voice. His legacy will live on for years to come and I'm pleased that he will continue to be a voice for behavioral health care providers and those that they serve in the great state of California.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1. When I was home last weekend, my constituents shared how devastating this bill would be for them. A fifth grade teacher, Sarah, talked about how harmful the elimination of the deduction to purchase classroom supplies will be for teachers. She said: How out of touch do you have to be to cut a tax credit for public school teachers? A senior citizen, Mark, spoke about how devastating the repeal of the medical expense deduction would be for him and his wife with Alzheimer's. How can House Republicans justify helping corporations over families in need? A father, Devin, who works two jobs to support his family, spoke about how he counts on the student loan interest deduction to plan for his future. He said: All I ask is that Congress keep the promise they made to us. We planned based on the promises they made. I hope they don't break that promise. I hope they don't make life a little bit harder on our families. How can Republicans defend making the lives of middle class families like his more difficult? To make matters worse, this bill will explode the deficit and lead to devastating cuts to Medicare. I ask my Republican colleagues to think about the families that will be hurt by this bill instead of prioritizing handouts to billionaires and corporations.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the Republican tax plan. This bill is nothing but a giveaway to America's wealthiest and corporations on the backs of middle class families. The GOP tax plan gets rid of commonsense policies that the American people rely upon: It eliminates the student loan deduction that helps young people pay for college; It eliminates the medical expense deduction, which helps families struggling with diseases like Alzheimer's afford care; It eliminates the deduction for teachers that helps them purchase supplies for the classroom; and It sharply reduces the State and local tax deductions that my constituents in Sacramento rely upon. Meanwhile, when the national debt grows as a result of the GOP's unfunded tax breaks, Republicans will turn around and justify cuts to earned benefits like Medicare and Social Security. Middle class Americans shouldn't be punished so that the megarich and corporations get a break.

Ms. MATSUI

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3922. Mr. Speaker, the uncertainty that we have created for our community health clinics and their patients is unacceptable. Each day it is a new threat. Most of the year it has been TrumpCare's severe cuts to Medicaid, which health centers and their patients rely upon. Today it is a lack of extension of the critical grant funding. Tomorrow or the next week, we will be back to ripping Medicaid away to pay for the Republican's tax cuts. We have always extended CHIP and community health center funding on a bipartisan basis, but, unfortunately, the bill before us today is not bipartisan. The Prevention Fund, which would be slashed in this bill, funds programs that are critical to children and families who rely upon CHIP and community health centers. Many times these programs are even run out of our community health centers and could not exist without the Prevention Fund. These are things like childhood asthma prevention, vaccines, and lead abatement. It often takes someone going above and beyond a simple doctor's visit to provide families with the resources they need to stay healthy. We need to invest in these services. We cannot strip this funding from critical prevention programs that children and families rely on. We cannot allow programs like Medicare and Medicaid to be attacked and raided. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 3922.