David McKinley

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the House for passing H.R. 728, the bipartisan Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act. My wife, Mary, was a critical care nurse for over 45 years, and we could tell you firsthand the role that nurses play in patient care. But America is facing a shortage of skilled nurses. Our nursing workforce in America is aging, and the average age is 50 years old. By 2022 there will be 1 million nursing jobs open and available. We must find a way to encourage people to go into nursing. This bill helps not only to recruit nurses but to provide rural and underserved communities a competitive way to attract and keep talent. Madam Speaker, H.R. 728 is a step forward in addressing our Nation's growing need for nurses.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 1701h anniversary of Temple Shalom, West Virginia's oldest Jewish congregation. Temple Shalom is in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia--the city in which West Virginia officially declared statehood in 1861. The congregation has been active longer than West Virginia has been a state. The Jewish community has played a pivotal role in the fabric of our society. As our founding father George Washington came before the Hebrew Congregations of Newport, Rhode Island, in 1790, he promised to deliver the religious freedom and liberty sought by individuals in pursuit of ``a more perfect Union.'' On Saturday mornings, the respected members of Temple Shalom gather together to pray to G-d and read Torah. It is with the upmost respect and honor that I would like to extend my highest regards and gratitude to Temple Shalom and its active role in the city of Wheeling. Mazel tov to Temple Shalom as they celebrate their 170th year. We look forward to your continued legacy in our community.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, working Americans are rightfully concerned with their salaries and wages. H.R. 582, the ``Raise the Wage Act'' was an attempt to address this issue by increasing the minimum wage up to $15/hour. Unfortunately, this is not the right approach. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stated that this could result in the loss of up to 3.7 million jobs. Incremental increases in the federal minimum wage are appropriate, and I was proud to support West Virginia's recent increase of the minimum wage to $8.75/hour. But the fact is, H.R. 582 did not account for regional differences in cost of living. $15/hour may work for places like Manhattan and San Francisco but would devastate small businesses in the Mountain State. Further, such a drastic increase in the minimum wage would harm those workers that this bill claims to help. CBO has estimated that of the millions of jobs lost, 46 percent will be young workers and 38 percent will be those without a high school diploma. For every person lifted out of poverty by this bill, another 1 to 3 jobs would be put at risk. If Democrats in Congress are serious about addressing issues surrounding the minimum wage, they should have proposed legislation that accounts for regional factors and slowly increases it to a more reasonable level, instead of pushing a one size fits all 107 percent increase nationwide. Unfortunately, this legislation would have been unworkable for West Virginia and I was given no other choice but to oppose it.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have Representative Brian Fitzpatrick's name removed from H.R. 2205 as a cosponsor. His name was added inadvertently.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Chairman, again, let's do something novel here. Let's do what we say we were going to do. Let's fund this program. I ask for support for this bipartisan amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this bipartisan amendment to H.R. 2740. Last fall, President Trump signed into law the comprehensive opioid package. Included in that package was the POWER Act, which provides competitive grants to hospitals in high-overdose or rural areas. Sadly, Congress has not yet funded that program. The grants included in the POWER Act will help provide emergency rooms the resources they need to offer overdose patients not only short-term care, but the long-term treatment that is proven to help prevent repeat overdoses. This bipartisan amendment, introduced with my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Michael F. Doyle), would fund the grant program with the $10 million Congress has already previously authorized. Madam Chairman, if we believe this is a good program and we voted to authorize it, then let's vote for this amendment and fund it. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, as a member of the Congressional HIV/ AIDS Caucus, I rise today in support of provisions of the Labor-H Appropriations bill which would fund President Trump's initiative to end HIV/AIDS by the year 2030. Our nation is facing a continuing HIV crisis which has made its way into all of our communities and has destroyed the lives of too many of our constituents. Significant progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the past several decades, but the CDC reports that over one million Americans still struggle with this terrible disease. In 2019, this is simply unacceptable. The Labor-H Appropriations bill being voted on today includes many controversial matters which are sure to guarantee it is dead on arrival in the Senate. Despite this fact, the HIV/AIDS provisions enjoy broad bipartisan support. It is my wish that we could come together as one body to pass beneficial, bipartisan provisions which would make all Americans better off. We cannot set this issue to rest until HIV has been fully eradicated from the United States. The administration has made this issue a priority and it is about time Congress follows suit. Many of us have known family, friends, or constituents who suffer from this abominable disease. We owe it to all of them to put aside our partisan differences and fund the initiative to eradicate HIV/AIDS from the United States by 2030.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: I oppose discrimination in all forms, and agree that individuals should have protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender. Unfortunately, H.R. 5, the Equality Act, is a radical overreach that goes beyond the scope of discrimination and would harm doctors, families, women, religious groups, and many others. The Equality Act fails to include conscience protections for doctors who have a moral or religious objection to the services they will be required to provide under the legislation. This bill would force doctors to forego their expertise and provide gender-affirming therapies, even if it goes against their best medical judgement. It could also force doctors and nurses to perform abortion-related services, regardless of their religious or moral objections. This legislation also harms protections for women's sports provided by Title IX. Women are already beginning to lose sporting competitions and scholarships to their biologically male competitors who identify as females. These women have worked hard for their achievements and deserve the chance to compete on a level playing field. Most importantly, the Equality Act would prevent parents from making health care choices that impact their own children and could even lead to parents losing custody of their children. In some states, like Ohio, this is already happening. A judge recently removed a biological girl from her parents custody after they did not allow her to take testosterone supplements to help her transition to a male. The federal government should not play a role in these important decisions. This legislation does not serve as a constructive path forward to addressing the issue of discrimination in our country. That is why I voted against the Equality Act. It is yet another example of a messaging bill that will not be taken up in the Senate and therefore, will never be signed into law. Isn't it time that Congress finally put American families ahead of divisive, partisan politics?

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, this is the third time today I have heard the word ``sabotage'' so that must be the new operative word coming from my colleagues across the aisle. I would submit to you, I will turn the table back because if there is someone trying to sabotage the effort of lowering healthcare prices, it is you. Our chairman on the other side, however, I think genuinely wanted to lower the healthcare prices when the bills came out in a nonpartisan fashion which was universally adopted by us. But someplace from the time they left Energy and Commerce to the time they came to the floor, they were put into something that the Senate has already indicated they have no appetite for. So if we truly want to lower healthcare prices in this vote, then it is a ``yes'' vote. But if you want to sabotage this legislation, you go right ahead and do what you have to do. So I know, Mr. Chairman, there were good efforts here, bipartisan efforts to try to get something done. It looks like something has crept in to cause a problem. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, the bills to recognize lower drug prices passed the Energy and Commerce Committee with unanimous bipartisan support. They were genuine efforts to address the most expensive component of healthcare, but Democrats have packaged these bipartisan drug-pricing solutions with controversial, ideologically driven legislation that will not be taken up by the Senate. Shame on them. So here we go again. According to The Washington Post, in so doing, the Democrats have put a pothole in the path of drug pricing. We have all seen the charts and seen the quotes here earlier in the day. Mr. Chairman, as the 11th-most bipartisan Member of the House, I recognize the importance of playing nice in the sandbox and putting good legislation before politics. This combination fails that test. My amendment is simple. It would strike the most controversial portions from the bill, leaving those areas that allow us to lower the cost of prescription drugs. Therefore, if your goal is to lower the cost of prescription drugs, I would encourage my friends and colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this amendment. But if you want to play politics with the healthcare of Americans and see this bill stopped in the Senate, then vote ``no,'' and you will see what happens. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise as the designee of the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), and I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, let's be clear. We must have a global approach to the climate crisis, but giving a pass to countries like China and India subverts that process. Look at their record. Since 2001, there has been a 290 percent increase in emissions; India, 235. We have got a negative 16. We are reducing that. So because of their miserable record of curtailing greenhouse gases, we still, in America, across the country, in rural areas, are going to face droughts, wildfires, and sea level rise. Because of India and China, experts are saying that Miami, Florida, and Baltimore are still going to flood. So let's be honest. The Paris accord is really nothing more about political theater than actually addressing climate change. Instead, we should have an agreement that is enforceable with legally binding targets and specific financial support that provides for liability or compensation for damages that could be caused and an understanding that global communities are still fossil fuel driven. America should not unilaterally transform our energy policies while gambling that other nations will voluntarily--and I underscore that, voluntarily--reduce their emissions. History and past agreements indicate other nations are not following the lead of the United States. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``no'' on H.R. 9.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, I voted against H.R. 1644 because it could open Internet Service Providers (ISP's) in rural areas to burdensome regulations that stifle innovation and slow the deployment of efficient and reliable broadband internet service. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss my vote. A free and open internet is critically important, but heavy-handed regulation is not the only way to achieve net neutrality. I support the important concepts of no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization and have cosponsored legislation to support this including: The Promoting Internet Freedom and Innovation Act of 2019 (H.R. 1096), the Open Internet Act of 2019 (H.R. 1006), and ACCESS BROADBAND Act (H.R. 1328.) Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, designating broadband as a Title I Information Service and subjecting it to a ``light touch'' regulatory system. As a result, the internet transformed into one of the most important drivers of economic growth and job creation. In 2015, the Obama Administration's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reclassified the internet as a Title II Telecommunications Service, implementing heavy regulations and reporting requirements originally intended for rotary landline phones. This action led to a $3.6 billion decline in broadband investment; the first period of declining investment in the internet era. In 2017, the Trump FCC reversed the order to return the internet to its original light touch framework. H.R. 1644 would bring back the heavy-handed regulation and government control of the internet. The measure would lock in approximately 700 unpublished rules that have not been shared with Members of Congress, some of which would allow the FCC to set rates, impose new taxes, approve the deployment of new technologies, and dictate how internet companies interact with their customers. The internet has thrived without government intervention and should continue to do so. Most importantly, I have heard from many small internet service providers in West Virginia that the reclassification forced them to comply with extensive rules. These rules require them to write new policies, take money, and employee time to complete verifications on prioritization that they were not capable of engaging in to begin with. This bureaucracy is not only incredibly burdensome to small businesses, but it drives vital resources away from the deployment of broadband internet service in rural areas that need it most. Lacking broadband service is more than an inconvenience, it is a barrier to education, connectivity, and economic growth. It is my hope that we can arrive at a permanent bipartisan solution that protects consumers, encourages innovation, and preserves an open internet. Unfortunately, this bill does not accomplish that. I am hopeful that we can come to a bipartisan solution in good faith. The state of West Virginia is blessed with beautiful mountains and heavily forested land. However, the geography that makes our state so special also poses unique challenges in deploying internet technology.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chair, the Violence Against Women Act is an important law that authorizes funding to protect women from violent crimes and supports victims. Let me be clear: the Violence Against Women Act needs to be reauthorized. In 2013, I was proud to vote to reauthorize this legislation. Last fall, I joined a letter urging Speaker Ryan to pass a clean extension of the Violence Against Women Act before it expired. Finally, I will vote to support a clean one-year extension of the Violence Against Women Act. Unfortunately, my Democratic colleagues let politics stand in the way of funding to help victims of violent crimes. They have included provisions in H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, to deny citizens of their constitutional Second Amendment rights without due process. Our requests for a clean reauthorization, without such politicized provisions, have gone unanswered. Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault deserve better. This is why I opposed H.R. 1585. Congress needs to work towards a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act that removes these poison pills and puts victims before politics.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheeling Park High School Speech and Debate Team, which has won the West Virginia State championship for 40 years in a row. Think about that. Their uninterrupted string of victories began when Jimmy Carter was President, and now has extended through the administrations of Presidents Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43, President Obama, and now President Trump. Their winning streak is longer than most of my staff has been alive. Their 40-year record may very well be the longest in the country's history. Their students are part of a dynasty. Some even have a personal family legacy because they are following the footsteps of their parents, who also won when they competed in the high school competition at Park. Look, Generation Z suffers from a lot of negative stereotypes, but the team members on the Wheeling Park Speech and Debate Team are examples of a great new generation and what they can do. These students are dedicated. They work year-round and compete in competitions to hone their skills. They are able to convey emotions and sway an audience while passionately arguing today's most pressing topics. We couldn't be prouder of these students. There is no doubt in my mind, they have a bright future ahead of them, and that has everything to do with their work ethic and dedication. I would also like to congratulate and thank their coaches, Bill Cornforth, Kayla Nelson, Isabella Droginske and Brigitte Mazure, as well as the team's founding coach, Fran Schoolcraft, who led them through their first 25 victories. Congratulations on their first 40, and here's to the road to 41. Congratulating American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th anniversary of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. My wife, Mary, was a critical-care nurse for over 45 years and served as the past president of AACN. Her time as a critical-care nurse taught me how difficult it is to have a career in nursing. It requires working long hours, weekends, and caring for people during the most challenging times of the patients' lives. And while sometimes nurses get to see happy endings, other times, they share in the emotions of families making very difficult decisions. That is why it is important to honor the American Association of Critical- Care Nurses, their dedication to their patients, and their push for excellence because, like their mission statement says, ``Nothing less is acceptable.''

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life of Robert ``Scat'' Scatterday, Jr., of Wheeling, WV, a businessman, retired professor, a Vietnam veteran, a father and a friend. Scatterday was known throughout our community for his leadership and service to others. For over 30 years I had the privilege of calling him my friend. He retired from the U.S. Air Force as a major with 37 years of service, including 136 combat missions in the Vietnam War. His military decorations include the Bronze Star. Scatterday spent 30 years teaching at Belmont Technical College in Belmont, Ohio, and treated every citizen of Wheeling, West Virginia, as part of his family. Scatterday was active in the Wheeling community. He helped plan the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic and other events. He served as a board member of the Ohio River Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America; founded the Golden Gathering in Wheeling; supported the United Way of Upper Ohio Valley and Young Life in the Ohio Valley. Scatterday inspired all those around him; he was a quiet, unassuming and humble man, a caring and thoughtful father and grandfather, and a wonderful friend. He will be missed but remembered for everything he contributed to the Wheeling community and the positive difference he made in the lives of so many. Scatterday is survived by his four children, his seven grandchildren and his large extended family. May he rest in peace.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John Overington for his long record of legislative service to the State of West Virginia. Opting to retire, John won't be representing the people of Berkeley County, West Virginia, for the first time in 34 years when the House of Delegates convenes in Charleston next month. John and I served together in the legislature for decades in the eighties and early nineties. I came to know John as someone who has always followed his conservative principles, even when it wasn't in vogue. During the 34 years he served in the minority, many of those votes were lonely fights, but he never swayed from his staunch, unwavering commitment to conservative principles. After the 2014 election, the Republicans took the majority in West Virginia Legislature for the first time in 84 years, and his conservative values helped dictate a new agenda. He chaired the Industry and Labor Committee and served as speaker pro tem. I wish the best to John and his wife, JoAnn, as he retires from this legislative service. Serving as a citizen-legislator can often be a thankless task. The people of West Virginia owe him a debt of gratitude for his decades of service and his dedication to West Virginia.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2389) to reauthorize the West Valley demonstration project, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 2389 is a bill to reauthorize the West Valley demonstration project, which was introduced in May of 2017 by our New York colleague, Tom Reed. The bipartisan legislation moved through the Energy and Commerce Committee by regular order, including legislative hearings and markups, as part of our broad nuclear waste management agenda. It was reported to the full committee, with a bipartisan amendment, by a voice vote. Let me thank the ranking member of the Subcommittee on the Environment, Mr. Tonko, for working closely with us on this legislation. H.R. 2389, as amended, authorizes appropriations to support the Department of Energy's environmental remediation at its West Valley cleanup site in New York through 2025. It also directs a study to help Congress determine the final disposition of the radioactive waste that DOE is cleaning up at the site. H.R. 2389 also continues the work of this Congress to address the Federal Government's obligation for treatment and disposal of the legacy waste produced during the Cold War and through the Federal Government's early efforts to develop a civilian nuclear energy industry. The Department of Energy has successfully remediated 92 sites of this waste, but the most technologically challenging projects remain in place at 17 locations, one of which is the West Valley site. In 1980, Congress passed the West Valley demonstration project to direct DOE to address legacy environmental issues and authorized the appropriations, however, only through fiscal year 1981. The project has not been reauthorized since that time, despite Congress funding DOE's work at the site for the past 37 years. H.R. 2389 corrects this situation and provides a path to answering important questions concerning waste disposition and ensures spending at the site is subject to an active authorization. I urge all Members to support this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reed).

Mr. McKINLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.