Tom Marino

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I am puzzled by those who oppose this legislation. Among the obligations we owe our constituents, one is to keep deadly substances like synthetic opioids out of our country and out of the hands of drug traffickers. Drug traffickers have no regard for the devastation they inflict on our citizens, as their sole motive is greed and profit. Sadly, their greed resulted in over 64,000 drug overdose deaths in 2016, destroying countless families. If a terrorist organization killed 175 Americans each and every day, we would all be certain that our response would be swift, laser- focused, and decisive. There is no question and no greater responsibility Congress has than to protect the health and safety of all Americans. Voting against this crucial legislation is a clear signal to all drug traffickers that Congress is giving them a green light to continue spreading their carnage. While we may differ as to the priorities to solve the opioid epidemic, make no mistake: a responsible and truly effective solution must include treatment, prevention, and enforcement. Over the course of this week, this Chamber has approved legislation in all three of those areas. This bill before us now gives law enforcement and the protecters of our borders the tools to keep these deadly poisons out of our communities. It also assures that these potent chemicals can remain in the hands of qualified researchers. Altogether, this bill strikes the perfect balance to respond to this ongoing epidemic. Mr. Chair, I want to state that I take a backseat to no one when it comes to treatment. There is no question that drug addiction is addiction. It is not only a biological addiction; it is a mental addiction as well. As a prosecutor for 18 years, an assistant district attorney, district attorney, and a U.S. attorney, I have seen my share of the devastation of drugs, put a lot of dealers away, helped a lot of people get into treatment; and, unfortunately, I have seen my share of people, particularly young people, on slabs in morgues. Anyone dealing today with opioids--regardless if they read the newspaper, regardless if they watch TV, regardless if they are aware of this legislation--knows, because of publicity, because of the deaths that are caused by opioids and fentanyl, of the probability of fentanyl or something like it being in the drug that they are selling. So I do not accept the argument that they don't know that it is there. Everyone knows that it is there. Mandatory sentencing, I used when I was a prosecutor in my community, and it worked. It put the worst of the worst away. We also, as prosecutors, had discretion. My constituents demand that we aggressively--aggressively--act now on this problem. Not only am I hearing that from the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania but across the country. I want to explain one thing on the chemical makeup. I had enough chemistry in college to make me dangerous. Picture, if you will, a chain of molecules and picture a single molecule. The scientists in China have devised a way to take an atom from that molecule or add to it to slightly change the composition, which technically removes it from being an illegal drug or an illegal opioid. This is why this legislation is needed. The Chinese are there every day trying to figure out a way--and they are figuring out ways--to alter, how to get around the law. We have to be a step ahead of them. This legislation is what is needed. It is good, bipartisan legislation. Mr. Chair, I want to thank Mr. Katko and Miss Rice, both of New York, for this very important legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2851. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have remaining.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chair, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I have no further speakers, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko).

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining on my side?

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield the gentleman from Oregon an additional 1 minute.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden), who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko).

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, all Members of the Chamber are acutely aware of the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic. The epidemic is destroying lives and families across the United States. It affects every area of our country, and grandparents, parents, and children alike. Especially during the course of this week, we have been reminded that over 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016. More than 20 percent of these deaths resulted from an overdose of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can be as much as 100 times more powerful than painkillers like morphine. Additionally, synthetic analogues with street names like K2, spice, bath salts, or molly, are designed to mimic other drugs like marijuana, LSD, and ecstasy, and can be more potent and deadly than the real thing. Criminal drug manufacturers, largely from China and Mexico, work continuously to stay ahead of our laws by altering the molecular structure of their drugs as soon as the government bans them. The Controlled Substance Act, which was signed into law more than 40 years ago, was designed to protect the public from the dangers associated with drugs and drug use. However, this law was not designed to handle the magnitude and speed with which these new psychoactive substances have emerged in our communities. It currently takes 3 years to schedule a new drug, but criminals can skirt the law by quickly changing a drug molecule and get it to the U.S. streets, often through the mail. The bill we are considering today, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, or SITSA, updates Federal law to provide swifter action to stop the unlawful importation and distribution of synthetic drugs and gives law enforcement effective tools to help keep our communities safe. While Congress has taken action to combat the opioid epidemic through the historic Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, it is clear that we need more tools to combat the ever-growing problem of synthetic drug abuse. Instead of taking 3 years to bring a drug under control, SITSA gives the Attorney General the power to act quickly and to classify a new dangerous drug in a matter of months when it is virtually identical to a current scheduled and powerful drug. The bill also requires the Attorney General to work with the Department of Health and Human Services so that these synthetic drugs can still be studied by qualified researchers. Supporters of H.R. 2851 include the National Association of Police Organizations, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National District Attorneys Association, and the American College of Emergency Physicians. I fully support this legislation. I encourage my colleagues to do the same, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 2851.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on May 15, 2018 due to Pennsylvania primary elections. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA for rollcall vote 181; YEA for rollcall vote 182; and YEA for rollcall vote 183.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1\1/2\ minutes to make a statement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 139, the FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act. As a former United States attorney, I know firsthand the enormous value that programs like section 702 provide in protecting our country. The worst threats have been thwarted due to our intelligence and law enforcement communities having tools like section 702. Chairman Goodlatte, along with the members of the Judiciary Committee, worked diligently on legislation to implement meaningful reforms while ensuring the law enforcement and Intelligence Committee still had the necessary tools available. This bill includes many other reforms from the USA Liberty Act, enhances section 702 protections, and maintains law enforcement abilities. Mr. Speaker, I would ask all Members to join me in voting ``yes'' on this legislation to implement real reforms, while ensuring that we still provide the tools necessary to keep American citizens safe. In conclusion, as a U.S. attorney, I have used this section. My office used this section. We followed the law to the letter. There were no complaints, and I want the American people to realize something: we in law enforcement, law enforcement throughout the U.S., we have to be right and on spot every second of every day. It only takes a terrorist a moment to get lucky and set off a bomb killing Americans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize former Congressman Joseph McDade, who passed away on September 24, 2017, at the age of 85. Mr. McDade, a Republican, represented Pennsylvania's 10th district from January 3, 1963 to January 3, 1999, the same district that I have the honor of representing. Mr. McDade served on the House Appropriations Committee, where he served as the vice chairman of the full committee, and chairman of the Energy and Water Development Subcommittee. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and went on to graduate from the University of Notre Dame and received his LLB from the University of Pennsylvania. He founded his own law practice in 1957 and was elected Scranton City Solicitor in 1962. Mr. McDade worked tirelessly to bring federal resources to northeast Pennsylvania, create jobs, improve the environment, and to improve education. Most notably, Mr. McDade was pivotal in establishing the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area as well as the creation of the Steamtown National Historic Site. Mr. McDade was a tremendous public servant and advocate who had a positive impact on thousands of people. He dedicated 36 years of his life to represent Pennsylvanians in this chamber and I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our former colleague, Joseph McDade, for his service and accomplishments. He will be missed.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation to rename the Liberty, Pennsylvania, post office after Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom. Ryan was born on September 23, 1979, in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, where he attended Liberty High School. While in high school, Ryan excelled in soccer, basketball, and baseball--serving as the captain for the soccer and basketball teams. After graduating from high school, he attended Mansfield University and pursued a degree in education science. Ryan planned to become a teacher and a coach to help young people become successful students, athletes, and leaders within the community. However, just months before Ryan was set to graduate from college, his National Guard unit was deployed to Iraq. While serving his country in Iraq, Ryan made the ultimate sacrifice, as he was killed in action on August 9, 2005. Ryan enlisted in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 1997, serving with Company B, First Battalion 109th in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Ryan was an accomplished soldier with a bevy of previous accomplishments and commendations. During his time enlisted, Ryan earned a Purple Heart, Combat Information Badge, Gold Star, Armed Service Ribbon, and numerous other awards that gave Ryan the recognition he deserved for his heroic years of service. Beyond these awards, Ryan also took advantage of what the military had to offer, graduating from the U.S. Army Europe Primary Leadership Development Course, which furthered his ability to lead both on deployment and in the communities about which he cared so deeply. While Ryan will always be remembered for his valor and his years of military service, he will also be remembered for what he brought to the communities of which he was a part. In his free time, Ryan could be found playing Monday night basketball with his friends at home and was an active member of the Eagle Base basketball team during his deployment. Staff Sergeant Ryan Ostrom prioritized the world around him--his country, his community, his family--all over himself. His years of service and his record speak for themselves, but beyond that, Ryan made a positive impact as a friend and a role model wherever he was. He was a soldier and leader on his deployments and an active member of the community back home in Wellsboro. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members support this legislation to honor Ryan by renaming the Liberty Post Office as the Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on July 17, 2017 due to travel delays. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA for rollcall vote 379. YEA for rollcall vote 380. YEA for rollcall vote 381.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome South Korean President Moon Jae-in on his first trip to the United States. South Korea is one of our staunchest allies and has been an excellent friend to the United States. I recently had the awesome opportunity to visit South Korea and was able to meet with many different government officials to hear more about the issues and concerns that are confronting the region. While there are several pressing concerns facing South Korea, and the region, if we remain committed as allies and friends we will continue to see peace and stability. I know that President Trump and President Moon will have an excellent, friendly, and productive meeting. I look forward to continuing to support South Korea as a Member of Congress and hope that President Moon enjoys his time in the United States.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2581, the Verify First Act, which was introduced by my colleague, good friend, and fellow Pennsylvanian Lou Barletta. This is a simple piece of legislation that ensures no American taxpayer dollars are used to fund healthcare for those who are here undocumented. Congress, the American people, and my constituents were told that, under ObamaCare, illegal immigrants would not be eligible for tax credits. Instead, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee issued a report detailing that, as of June 2015, over half a million people without legal status have received up to $750 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies. No record can be found if any of this was ever recovered. It is time that we ensure our taxpayers that their dollars are only going to those with legal status. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this legislation.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on June 8, 2017, on account of attending my son's graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``Yea'' for rollcall vote 295, ``yea'' for rollcall vote 296, ``yea'' for rollcall vote 297, ``yea'' for rollcall vote 298, and ``yea'' for rollcall vote 299.

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on June 7, 2017 on account of attending my son's graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 288, ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 289, ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 290, ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 291, ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 292, ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 293, and ``yea'' for rollcall vote No. 294. personal explanation

Mr. MARINO

Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to attend votes on June 6, 2017 on account of attending my son's graduation. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YEA for rollcall vote 286 YEA for rollcall vote 287