David McKinley

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman-in-waiting for the opportunity to address this. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the STREAM Act. Over the last century, American companies have mined coal in at least 26 States across the country. Over that same period of time, thousands of these mines have ceased operation. Abandoned mines produce acid drainage that, unfortunately, flows into our streams and is toxic. As a result, tens of thousands of miles of streams and waterways across America are being poisoned. West Virginia alone, according to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, has indicated that we have 1,500 miles of streams that are toxic in West Virginia. The STREAM Act ensures States have the flexibility to use these federally allocated funds for acid mine drainage cleanup and provides long-term maintenance of these cleanup projects. The bill preserves the use of important guidelines already in place, as you have heard, and simply extends them to recently approved new funding measures. Making our streams safe is not a partisan issue. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Congressional Coal Caucus, I am proud to be leading the Republican effort, in conjunction with Representative Cartwright, to pass this bipartisan legislation. For anyone who has never seen these orange, poisoned streams, they will never understand the gravity of the situation. But for those of us that have seen and lived with this devastation that will last for years, decades, into the future, the time to vote ``yes'' is now. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the STREAM Act, and I encourage a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of Hershel ``Woody'' Williams. Williams was born the youngest of 11 children on a dairy farm in 1923 in Quiet Dell, West Virginia. In 1943, Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to train at Camp Elliott in San Diego, California as a demolition man in the use or flamethrowers. He served at the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3d Marine Division. During the battle, Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Ret.) Williams displayed a ``valiant devotion to duty'' and service above self as he ``enabled his company to reach its objective'' by charging enemy fortifications 5 separate times with his flamethrower. On October 5, 1945, President Truman awarded Williams with the Medal of Honor for his actions, stating in his citation ``Cpl. Williams' aggressive fighting spirit and valiant devotion to duty throughout this fiercely contested action sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.'' After World War II, he spent the rest of his life giving back to veterans and Gold Star Families, he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for 33 years as a Veterans Service Representative, allowing him to continue serving veterans and their families. Williams also established the Woody Williams Foundation to continue to serve Gold Star Families, and to date, the Woody Williams Foundation is responsible for establishing 104 Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments across the United States with more than 69 additional monuments underway in 50 states and 1 U.S. Territory. Woody Williams' selfless sacrifice as a World War II veteran, champion of service to Gold Star families, and was the last surviving Marine from World War II to wear the Medal of Honor. The Nation mourns the passing of this proud son of West Virginia. He is a true embodiment of ``The Greatest Generation.''

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of en bloc No. 2, which includes an amendment to report, track, and take action on suspicious orders. While the COVID-19 pandemic raged through our population and dominated the headlines, the opioid epidemic exploded exponentially, silently claiming the lives of tens of thousands of Americans every year. Recent CDC data shows that the overdose death rate for last year was over 103,000 citizens. In 2017, the Energy and Commerce Committee conducted a comprehensive bipartisan investigation into opioid dumping in West Virginia. Outrageous details came to light, exposing how drug shipments in rural West Virginia went unconstrained. For example, over 2 million opioids were sent to a little town of 3,000 people. Another example: Even after a distributor found numerous red flags during his site visit, nearly 1.5 million doses of opioids were still shipped to a single pharmacy in Kermit, West Virginia, with a population of 406. The report that was filed by the Energy and Commerce Committee details failures on the part of both DEA and the distributors to identify and halt suspicious orders. Distributors felt they didn't have the authority to halt suspicious orders and could have been subject to lawsuits. As recommended in the report, this amendment not only requires the distributors to report suspicious orders but also to investigate the situation and decline to fill the order if it is warranted. American communities deserve to be treated better. This influx of illegal drugs must be stopped, and this amendment is a step in the right direction. Madam Speaker, I urge Members to adopt this amendment.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, in West Virginia, the 340B Drug Pricing Program is essential to providing access to low-cost medicine for inividuals in rural and underserved areas. Without it, many health care providers would not be able to deliver critical services to the communities they serve. The benefits are clear and the need is obvious, not just in West Virginia, but for rural and underserved communities across the country. Since coming to Congress more than a decade ago, I've been strong advocate for the 340B program. It has been an honor to join Rep. Spanberger on numerous occasions in our ongoing effort to defend and protect 340B, because it is the right thing to do for the people we serve. On the 30th anniversary of the program, we must recommit to holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and protect the program going forward. This means ensuring care for the uninsured, low-income and rural patients is not interrupted and our most vulnerable communities continue to have access to affordable medicine. If 340B ended in West Virginia, for example, the State's hospitals would see losses of nearly $300 million, resulting in services being cut, and access to care and low-cost prescriptions severely limited, hurting the neediest people the most. We need to stay engaged and keep up the charge. God Bless America.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, my question is: Why hasn't Speaker Pelosi called for a vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act, which would make the dangerous fentanyl derivatives illegal permanently? Drug overdoses from fentanyl and derivatives have skyrocketed, hitting a tragically high level. Madam Speaker, 100,000 people died in America last year. Law enforcement officials in West Virginia are frustrated. From Clarksburg, Parkersburg, and Martinsburg, they are all saying the same thing, Madam Speaker: Enough is enough. A slap on the wrist, and these fentanyl dealers are back on the street, pushing their deadly poison into the hands of our children. What is Speaker Pelosi waiting for? Close the border. Put traffickers in jail. Increase sentences for dealers. Keep them out of our neighborhoods. Madam Speaker, enough is enough. Children are losing their mothers; wives are losing their husbands; and parents are losing their children. How many more people will lose their lives from fentanyl derivatives before Congress--the Democrats--take action on this legislation? I will say it one last time: Enough is enough.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida. Madam Speaker, today the Supreme Court will hear a case that could determine the future of unborn children. For nearly 50 years, the Federal decision of Roe v. Wade has threatened the lives of the unborn. This is a decision that should be left to the States. In 1973 Justices were told that unborn babies could not live on their own until the 28th week. But since then, there have been major advances in medicine. We now know that as early as 5 weeks unborn babies have a heartbeat and their brains are beginning to develop; by 10 weeks the babies have legs and arms that can kick; and by 15 weeks babies can taste, yawn, suck their thumb, and, more importantly, they can feel pain. They are living, breathing, and feeling human beings who deserve a chance to live. Jeremiah and Isaiah said in the Bible that the Lord spoke to them in the womb: ``Before you were born, I set you apart.'' Both these prophets were trying to tell us something: Every life is precious. Therefore, Congress has a moral obligation to protect the lives of our vulnerable, unborn children and to be their voice. Today I hope the Supreme Court will agree.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his support on this, as well as the ranking member on our side. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual who represents the very best of West Virginia and recognize him as one of our country's most respected and thoughtful jurists, the Honorable Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Judge Stamp began his tenure as a Federal judge when he was confirmed in 1990 to the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, where he would preside as chief judge. In West Virginia, Judge Stamp is known for his commitment to service above self. This is evident from his military service, his time spent in the West Virginia legislature, his work as a private attorney, and for his support of countless community organizations. He has been a steadfast and respected pillar of West Virginia, living there his entire life. Having raised two adult children, Judge Stamp and his wife, Joan, are valued members of the Wheeling community. And Judge Stamp has already been honored by his selection to the Wheeling Hall of Fame. Humble to the extreme, but humble by nature, it is a testament to his character that Judge Stamp would never personally seek this type of recognition. But he has earned it and his peers would like to see that recognition for him. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud that Congress is taking this opportunity to honor such a great American by naming the building in which Judge Stamp has spent the majority of his professional service and public life, the Frederick P. Stamp, Jr. Federal Courthouse in Wheeling, West Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this resolution and I thank the chairman for his support.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the importance of robust funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program in the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The purpose of this program is to prepare the buildings that low-income Americans live in for the requirements of the 21st century. The current limitations to the formula that provide funding for this program, however, will not cover the costs of ensuring that homes are cool enough in the hot weather, warm enough in the cold weather, or dry enough in any season. The formula for calculating the value of investments in homes must reflect the expected impact on the safety of participants and their homes under anticipated weather conditions, and the impact on their health and of adapting their energy system to meet future requirements. The current program cost limits mean that switching a home to a cleaner fuel mix is rarely possible. The same limits impede the integration of apprentice workers and other trainees into the program. Therefore, the Secretary must ensure that the regulations for this Program achieve the statutory goals of permitting a combination of deep retrofit measures sufficient to keep participants safe from extreme weather conditions, minimize the greenhouse gas emissions from their homes, and ensure health conditions in weatherized homes. The Secretary should establish the appropriate costs for an average package of retrofits that delivers retrofits of sufficient scale to produce safe, healthy, and efficient homes with the cleanest possible fuel mix, and to adjust applicable regulations to support this mission, particularly by ensuring the costs attributed to a home are no more than the costs of services provided directly to that home. The Secretary should also simplify and streamline the procedures for delivering Weatherization investments, including the procedures for retrofitting entire multi-family buildings and the regulations regarding combination of Weatherization and funding available from other public or private sources for the same general purposes.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to Division E of H.R. 4502, which provides funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, for fiscal year 2022. The purpose of this amendment is to highlight the need for additional financial resources for our rural water systems to address lead in drinking water. It was recently reported that the drinking water at three locations in Clarksburg, West Virginia, contained lead levels above 15 parts per billion, which is EPA's action level for lead contamination. The Clarksburg Water Board, CWB has done everything in its power to address the issue at hand, yet they are still constrained and need assistance to address this issue. The $8,804,000 this amendment subtracts and adds back to the funding level for capitalization grants under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund is the total amount the CWB would need to replace their water lines and improve their drinking water distribution system. By highlighting this needed funding, Congress will ensure that our rural water systems are given the assistance they deserve.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I voted No on H.R. 1629. Although I support the bill, I do not support the tactics by which it was brought to the floor. H.R. 1629 was once a bipartisan bill but now, like so many other good bills, it will fail due to the pettiness of partisanship.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Mike Myer of Wheeling, who passed away earlier this year. Besides being a loving husband and father, Mike was an incredibly gifted editor at the Ogden newspaper chain and was a personal friend. Over the years, Mike and I had lively discussions on politics, the fossil fuel industry, and what would make West Virginia better. He was both a pragmatic and authentic editor, and he cared deeply for the livelihoods of men and women in the coal and natural gas fields of our valley. Out of frustration, Mike would repeatedly ask why Members of Congress would intentionally inflict harm on so many of these families. His passion was his community and the people who lived there. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Connie, and their two children and two grandchildren as we all mourn Mike's passing. Mike, you made a difference. You are already missed.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3361, the RIVER Act, and thank Chairman Tonko and Congressman Loebsack for working with us in a bipartisan way on this important legislation. This RIVER Act reauthorizes key hydropower production and efficiency incentives through 2036. Boosting hydropower production will ensure that Americans have access to affordable, clean energy. As Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers has previously noted on numerous occasions, only 3 percent of America's 91,000 dams generate electricity because in part it takes 10 years to get a permit to develop new hydropower projects. This bill will help streamline and develop utilizing existing infrastructure and overcome barriers to future projects. I urge my colleagues to support the RIVER Act. Mr. Speaker, I ask a point of personal privilege to address my esteemed chairman. Mr. Speaker, I say to my ranking member and my former chairman, colleague, since I came here 10 years ago, coming from the business sector nearly 50 years in private practice in the business of engineering, I have been so impressed with the leadership we have had in Energy and Commerce. It wasn't what I was expecting. You and Fred, and even to some extent my friend, Frank, to some extent--Frank, don't get carried away here. I have seen you taking on some difficult issues and using humor, your approach, you have been able to work through some difficult situations coming up with solutions. So you are going to be missed. You and Mylene have earned the break. But I think of all the legislation. You have been in my house. You have come to West Virginia--``West by God Virginia''--and I do appreciate what you have done for us, what you have done on the opioid epidemic. It is still ravaging West Virginia and across this country. People have to understand that in West Virginia more people are going to die from opioids than from COVID this year. This is still a problem, but thanks to you, we are moving in the right direction. I can't express enough how much you have meant to me in my career and my confidence. The people's House has been in good hands under you, and I very much appreciate your service. God bless all of you as you continue in your retirement.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bill Raney as he retires from the West Virginia Coal Association. Nearly 40 years ago, in the West Virginia Legislature, Bill and I began working together, advocating on behalf of the coal industry and the families who depend on it. Today, we continue to work together, fighting for those same families, but now with a national perspective. He has led West Virginia through the best and the worst of times for coal. Bill is an icon in the industry, and his legacy is filled with remarkable accomplishments. He is a colonel in the West Virginia Reserves, has chaired many statewide organizations, and has been nationally recognized for his advocacy of coal. Bill Raney exemplifies the true Mountaineer spirit, serving others to make West Virginia a better place. It has been an honor to work with Bill, and I wish him and his wife, Pam, a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my long-term friend, Lee Paull III, of Wheeling, West Virginia, who passed away earlier this month. There was nothing Lee loved more than his family and being from Wheeling. He was an absolute pillar in the community, a successful business owner, an active member of the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and a passionate supporter of the Linsly School and Wheeling Hospital, as well as numerous other organizations. His active role in political circles earned him the nickname of ``Mr. Republican.'' Lee was a proud supporter of conservative values and principles. But most importantly, Lee worked hard to try to make Wheeling, West Virginia, a strong and vibrant community for generations to come. He and his wife, June, touched the lives of thousands in our area. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, their three children, and six grandchildren as we all mourn his passing. Lee, you made a difference. You will be missed.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3878. While Congress has understandably been focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid epidemic has not gone away. In fact, across the nation overdose deaths are up 13 percent from this time last year. In West Virginia, nearly twice as many people have died from drug abuse than from COVID. Last Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee conducted an investigation that found massive evidence of pill dumping. One example in the report was that nearly 9 million pills were distributed in just two years to a single pharmacy in West Virginia. Finally, two years later we're passing legislation that would help address the problem. I am proud to work with Mrs. Dingell on this nonpartisan bill. The Block, Report, and Suspend Suspicious Shipments Act would require drug wholesalers and manufacturers to report and stop unusually large orders. We are hopeful this bill will be another positive step in addressing America's opioid epidemic. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 3878.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4712. Understandably, our nation has focused on COVID, but the opioid epidemic still ravishes across America. During this crisis overdose rates have increased dramatically. In fact, in West Virginia more people have died from drug abuse than from COVID. We have a duty to our constituents to ensure that all possible treatment options are available. MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment), has been proven to be effective in treating opioid addiction. Yet, drug companies are holding new treatments hostage through a loophole in the Orphan Drug Act, which was created to encourage drug companies to research treatments for rare diseases. It was not intended to prevent competition. With millions of Americans suffering from opioid addiction, it is vital we give them and health care providers every option available. The Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act will help expand access for those suffering from addiction by making innovative treatments available. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 4712.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 3147, the Improving Safety and Security for Veterans Act of 2019. The bill is indeed the companion to H.R. 5616, which I introduced in January of this year following the death of seven veterans at our Clarksburg VA Medical Center. A former nursing assistant at the hospital has now pled guilty to murdering these veterans by intentionally and inappropriately injecting them with insulin. Her actions are beyond the pale. Congress must do everything it can to ensure that this never happens again. This bill was just the first step toward that goal. It will, indeed, as you heard the chairman say, provide transparency and accountability at our VA medical facilities by requiring the VA to submit to Congress detailed reports on patient safety and quality of care at those hospitals. It will also ensure that the public is well-informed as to what occurred in Clarksburg. The public was kept in the dark for far too long during the course of this investigation. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country, and they deserve the best possible care and should feel safe when they come to one of our facilities. Congress now has the opportunity to restore the public's confidence in our Veterans Affairs system and ensure that our veterans are receiving the care they deserve. I join with the chairman, Mr. Speaker, in saying that I urge all of our colleagues to join unanimously in supporting this bill.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Davis for yielding. I rise tonight to honor my friend, John Shimkus. Ten years ago, John took me under his wing and was my mentor to get started in this, and I can't tell you how much I have learned from being around John. Now, in Scotland, ``McKinley'' means ``stubborn'' in Gaelic. I have wondered, what does ``Shimkus'' mean in Lithuanian? Now, I have got to think, the only thing I can think of, trying to shake this out, is it must mean ``persistence,'' because I have never met a person as persistent as John Shimkus. He personifies the trait. Think about what he has done in his 24 years here in Congress. Just most recently, his relentless focus in leading on the Brownfields legislation, or the fly ash legislation, or his love of TSCA. So, John, you have made a difference. You have impacted many of us in our careers. You will never know how many lives you have touched and the hundreds of thousands of jobs that through your legislation you have helped create in America. I think we all owe you a debt of gratitude for that. So thank you for being a friend, thank you for being a great American. Thank you, Karen, for sharing him with us. It has been an honor to work with you, and I wish you the best in the years to come. God bless you.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Upton for yielding. Well, Madam Speaker, here we go again: another partisan bill that leadership contends will save the environment. But last week, experts testified that it will not prevent wildfires on the West Coast, droughts in the Midwest, or hurricanes on the East Coast. This is just another effort to gin up the liberal base and divide the House before the election. But what the bill does do is it creates uncertainty, increases consumer costs, and jeopardizes national security. Madam Speaker, I thought we were here to find solutions for the environment, but apparently not. The majority is deliberately misleading the American public with this legislation. Have they no shame? Remember, this bill will not prevent wildfires, droughts, or hurricanes. Madam Speaker, Congress can do better. America deserves better.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor George Beam of Fort Ashby, West Virginia, who will be celebrating his 100th birthday next month. George Beam's life is one of exemplary service to his community and his country. During the height of World War II, he enlisted and served in the United States Army, leaving behind his wife and newborn baby. Mr. Beam sensed the call of duty and he knew serving his country was the right thing to do. For his service, he received numerous recognitions, including a Purple Heart for his injury at the infamous Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Beam returned home to West Virginia where he operated several businesses in Fort Ashby. George Beam, we wish you a happy 100th birthday. You truly are a great American.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, Yesterday, I mistakenly voted against the Great American Outdoors Act As cosponsor of the House companion to this bill, I support permanent, full funding for the Land and Conservation Fund and funding for deferred maintenance in the National Parks System. This important piece of legislation would protect and ensure safe access to important locations in West Virginia like the Monongahela National Forest or the New River Gorge National River. The continued operation of locations like these would further generate $9 billion annually in consumer spending and support 91,000 jobs across West Virginia.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, in times of crisis the American people look to their elected officials to step up and work together to do what is best for the country. The CARES Act is an unprecedented response to a public health and economic emergency unlike any we've seen before. Americans are facing something many of them have never encountered before. The coronavirus is threatening the health of their loved ones as well as their financial livelihoods. Leaving them feeling worried and scared. This bill will give the health care professionals and researchers on the front lines the resources they need to fight the virus and ultimately develop a vaccine and cure. It will help individuals feeling financial hardship by providing economic assistance and expanding unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs. It will help small businesses stay alive and maintain payroll during this period of distress. It will ensure children receive the nutrition they need while schools are closed. Now is a time for all Americans to pull together to help fight this invisible enemy. This is the third time Congress has acted in response to this crisis. More action will likely be needed, but this legislation represents an important step to give Americans confidence that the government can meet this public health and economic challenge.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6020, and I thank the committee, both sides on this, for advancing this piece of legislation to us. My colleague and I from Massachusetts, Lori Trahan, have been leading this fight around the country to preserve Minor League Baseball in 42 communities. Baseball in these communities is threatened by this proposal by Major League Baseball to virtually eliminate minor league teams in small towns, from Massachusetts to Montana, in communities like Charleston, Bluefield, and Princeton, West Virginia. But why is Congress involved? You have to understand: For the most part, Major League Baseball controls the destiny of minor leagues, and they should not be allowed to bully these small communities into submission. Our goal is to level the playing field for these small towns and ensure that they have a voice in this matter. Minor League Baseball is a point of pride in these cities and towns and brings jobs and economic development. It provides affordable, family-friendly entertainment, and brings people together for an afternoon at the ballpark and, hopefully, creating the next generation of baseball fans. Mr. Speaker, this bill is intended to show Congress' commitment to preserving America's pastime in small parts of rural America, far removed from the bright lights of major leagues. By passing this piece of legislation, we will be sending a message that eliminating grassroots baseball in these 42 communities is an unnecessary burden on these small towns, jerking the rug out from under baseball towns in rural America. Look, there are many things in our American culture that should matter. This particular legislation demonstrates that there are some things in our American society, in our culture, that should mean more than dollars and cents. Major League Baseball needs to think about this.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let's be frank, Senate leadership has already said they are never going to vote on H.R. 3. Earlier today, President Trump made it clear that he would veto it. So what are we doing here? If lowering the costs of prescription drugs were really a priority for Democrats, they would vote to adopt H.R. 19, the bipartisan alternative, instead of this politically charged bill. H.R. 19 has 35 bipartisan provisions that passed out of the House committee. It includes 90 percent of the bipartisan Grassley-Wyden bill in the Senate. H.R. 19 will not only lower drug prices, but it will protect innovation and research into new medicines and cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, rheumatoid arthritis, ALS, diabetes, and Parkinson's. The Congressional Budget Office and the Council of Economic Advisers have both concluded that H.R. 3 will prevent hundreds of new cures from entering the market. Therefore, I have to ask the supporters of H.R. 3: Which cures for our loved ones are you willing to sacrifice?

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, last week, Wheeling lost a compassionate doctor and an all-around good man. So, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Bill Noble of Wheeling, West Virginia. Bill was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, teacher and cardiologist. My wife, Mary, a nurse, worked with Bill for many years at Ohio Valley Medical Center where he not only served as chief of cardiology, but was also a dedicated teacher. He was recognized as teacher of the year several times by the medical residents, but his greatest passion was for his work as a cardiologist. Bill touched the lives of thousands in the area and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Dawn, his two children and his extended family as they mourn his passing. He will be missed.