David McKinley

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2278) to extend the authorization of the Uranium Mill Tailing Radiation Control Act of 1978 relating to the disposal site in Mesa County, Colorado, as amended.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. 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 into the Record on the bill.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2278 was introduced by my Colorado colleague, Scott Tipton, and cosponsored by my Energy and Commerce colleague from Colorado, Diana DeGette. H.R. 2278 extends the authorization of the Uranium Mill Tailing Radiation Control Act of 1978 as it relates to the disposal site in Mesa County, Colorado. The legislation was considered by the Subcommittee on Environment and marked up through regular order. It was reported by the full committee with a bipartisan amendment and passed on a voice vote. Mining and processing uranium generates a byproduct known as uranium mill tailings. Congress passed the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act 40 years ago to establish the framework for DOE to dispose of mill tailings, which are left over from the nuclear defense activities and the development of our nuclear commercial industry. The act also authorizes the Grand Junction, Colorado, site to serve as a disposal location. This is the only DOE uranium mill tailing disposal site remaining open in the Nation, and so it is necessary for the final disposition of mill tailings discovered throughout this country. H.R. 2278 extends the site's current authorization until 2030. The extension will enable the site to plan long-term operations to protect the public health and the environment. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this important legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tipton), who is the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, in closing, again, this is the last remaining disposal site that we need to keep open. I appreciate the support, and I applaud the work of my colleague from Colorado (Mr. Tipton) for his efforts and Diana DeGette and the bipartisan nature of that cooperation between the two of them to get this done. Mr. Speaker, I call upon the Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Command Sergeant Major Timothy Bolyard who lost his life this past Monday in the line of duty in the Logar province in Afghanistan. A native of Thornton, West Virginia, Sergeant Major Bolyard was a decorated soldier with 24 years of service. He had received numerous recognitions for his dedicated service, including, among others, six Bronze Star Medals, two with valor; four Meritorious Service Medals; six Army Commendation Medals; 9 Army Achievement Medals. This was Sergeant Major Bolyard's seventh deployment. His tours have included Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Albania. Yesterday, the State flags in West Virginia were flown at half-mast in his honor. Mr. Speaker, we grieve with Sergeant Major Bolyard's family and are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers. To Command Sergeant Major Bolyard, we thank you for your service and sacrifice. You, sir, were truly an American hero, an inspiration, and we will always honor your memory.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my long time friend, Judge James E. Seibert as he transitions into retirement after 33 years of service to the people of West Virginia. Judge Seibert graduated from West Virginia University's College of Law in 1969. Upon graduation, he joined the Law Firm of Seibert and Kasserman in Wheeling, West Virginia. In 1985, Judge Seibert entered public service as a Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of West Virginia. But as much as he is recognized for his service on the bench, he is known for his contributions to the community, having served as: Chairman of the Ohio County Bar Association, President of the Wheeling- Ohio County Planning Commission, Chairman of Saint Vincent's Home, The Mental Hygiene Commissioner, President of the Wheeling Auto Club, and served on the Board for the Oglebay Park Children's Association. I thank, Judge Seibert for his 33 years of service and wish him, his wife Jenny, his three adult children, and three grandkids all the best.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 1002, a bill originally introduced by Representative Dent of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Glenville State College in Glenville, West Virginia. With an enrollment of 1,641 students, Glenville State has emerged as a pivotal institution of higher education in central West Virginia. Under the leadership of its president, Tracey Pellett, they stand out for their efforts to reduce the cost of tuition, thereby giving more students access to an affordable education. When we meet with students, their number one concern is the amount of debt that they are accumulating. That is understandable. Since 1987, nationwide tuition rates have grown more than 213 percent. But since 2016, while most colleges have hiked their tuition, Glenville has frozen their rates and even cut the cost of summer courses by 25 percent. For the upcoming school year, the school plans on reducing tuition by a full 2 percent. This could be a template for other universities and colleges across the country to follow. I applaud Glenville State College for its dedication to ensuring that every student can access a quality, affordable education.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to address the House for 1 minute.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank Majority Whip Scalise for his work on this issue. Mr. Speaker, as the lead cosponsor on this legislation, I, obviously, rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 119. Throughout the years, despite what we are hearing from the other side, there have been numerous efforts promoting a carbon tax. There have been bills debated in committees; hearings held; and, subsequently, time devoted on the House floor. None were passed. Carbon taxes, however, create uncertainty in the marketplace. Such a tax might reduce the amount of energy produced from coal and natural gas. I understand that. But as you have heard, it will also raise the cost of everything else Americans consume: gasoline, diesel fuel, food, clothing, and supplies. All would become more expensive. We heard also that CBO and Stanford studies have warned that a carbon tax is the most regressive tax that could be implemented. And its impact on the poor and the middle class is at a rate of twice others. This is a simple resolution stating that a carbon tax would be detrimental to American families and businesses, and it is not in the best interest of this country. Now, just last Congress, this very same resolution passed 237-163, and it is our hope that this year's effort will reflect the same bipartisan level of support. Thanks to tax cuts and regulatory reform, America's economy is clearly on the rise. Implementing a carbon tax at this juncture could very well put the brakes on that progress. So instead of reverting to put an ideologically driven tax on everything, there are better ways to address environmental concerns. We could invest strategically in research and innovation to deliver clean energy technologies, like has been done at NET Power, Petra Nova, or Longview. We could provide incentives, like 45Q, to capture and utilize carbon emissions. Or, lastly, we could advance energy efficiency. Mr. Speaker, America doesn't need more taxes. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for taking this amendment on. When you think about it, we are only funding about 300 to 400 projects a year. But in testimony before our committee, there are 450,000 contaminated sites across America; and if we are only renovating 400 sites, you can imagine how many thousands of years it will take assuming no additional brownfield sites are developed as a result of this. So this idea of grasping just $7 million I think is a fundamental way of trying to say: We need to do more in this effort; we need to put more funds in it. I agree with the gentlewoman's remark. If $250 million was authorized, then we need to put more money in this if we are serious about brownfields and removing the stigma across our community. Mr. Chairman, I support this amendment.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, increasing funding for arthritis research within the Department of Defense is an issue that deserves and warrants our attention. Military servicemembers and veterans live with arthritis at significantly higher rates than civilians. A recent study found that servicemembers aged 20 to 24 had osteoarthritis at a 26 percent higher rate than their civilian counterparts. In the same study, servicemembers over 40 are twice as likely to develop osteoarthritis after returning to civilian life. Arthritis affects one in three veterans and is the second leading cause of medical discharges. The corresponding healthcare and disability compensation costs are ultimately borne by the taxpayer. But by increasing research funding, we could help identify ways to reduce the risk and help prevent the development of arthritis in our military training and service. As co-chairman of the Arthritis Caucus with Anna Eshoo, I have been engaged with the Arthritis Foundation, the American College of Rheumatology, and other organizations on this important issue. We are asking Chairwoman Granger to commit to working with us to ensure that arthritis research receives the funding it deserves.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairwoman for her consideration on this important issue, and I look forward to working with her as we move forward.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 6. Over the past 2 weeks, America has witnessed something impressive. Both parties have come together, once again, to take action on one of the more challenging issues of our time: the opioid epidemic. But this health threat is not unique. In the past, Congress faced the AIDS epidemic that claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and stared down the Ebola nightmare. Congress responded methodically and thoughtfully by investing massive resources into medical research at the NIH and into treatment and prevention programs. That is exactly what Congress is trying to do today. In this bill, we are funding NIH to develop alternatives to opioids for pain management, increasing treatment and prevention programs, and equipping our law enforcement to stop dangerous drugs like fentanyl from coming into America. This bill is going to make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. Congress is building on the work that it started with CARA and with the 21st Century Cures, but this isn't the end. It is vital to continue working together. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for those kind remarks. This is not just West Virginia, but it is all across this country. I think we are speaking for all and trying to give a voice all across the country. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5176, the Preventing Overdoses While in the Emergency Room Act. The demand for these substance abuse services in America's emergency rooms far exceeds their availability. Treatment is particularly scarce in rural counties, in spite of having an average overdose rate that is 45 percent higher than more urban areas. In March, the Centers for Disease Control reported that the emergency room visits for opioid overdoses had risen 30 percent since July of 2016, in less than 2 years, a 30 percent increase. That is why I am honored to be joined by Congressman Doyle in introducing this bipartisan act, also known as the POWER Act. This legislation will provide competitive grants to ensure that overdose patients receive the treatment they need while still in the emergency room, giving them a better shot at recovery. This bill, hopefully, is intended to reduce repeat overdoses and thereby save lives. I want to thank the cosponsor of this bill, Mr. Doyle, and particularly our chairman, Mr. Walden, for their work on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, but let's just step back a second. Here is the reality. America and the entire world will be relying on fossil energy for years to come. The Energy Information Administration estimates that, in 2040, fossil energy will still make up 78 percent of the energy used in the world. Let's look at two examples of what America stands to lose if this amendment is adopted. The fossil R&D program has put America on the cusp of producing zero carbon emissions from electric generation using the innovative and unique Allam cycle. The innovative NET Power plant in Texas was funded by DOE in its research. It is amazing what they are doing using CO2 to spin a turbine instead of as an emission. To this end, Congress should be putting more money into this program on research, not reducing it. Secondly, the fossil R&D program also has had tremendous success in extracting rare earth elements from coal and mine drainage. But, currently, China controls over 90 percent of the world's rare earth elements. These minerals are critical to our national defense and are used in hybrid vehicles, wind turbines, fuel cells, and portable electronics. By adopting this amendment, we would be unnecessarily putting the environment at risk and lose a potential key supply of rare earth minerals. Fossil fuels will be around for the foreseeable future. We should be utilizing them in the cleanest, most efficient manner through research, and all of that requires more research at the Federal level. The House has soundly defeated a similar amendment in the past, and I urge my colleagues to do so now as well.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month. Every May, we call attention to the hardships associated with arthritis, a chronic disease that results in the inflammation or swelling of one or more joints of the body. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States, and carries a total economic burden of more than $300 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. During this month of recognition, it's critical we remember the more than 54 million Americans, and 300,000 children, living with arthritis. There are over 100 different forms in which this disease manifests, the most common being: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and psoriatic arthritis. While arthritis limits their daily activities, people with arthritis are fighters, and take action to conquer this disease. As co-chair of the Congressional Arthritis Caucus, along with my colleague Representative Eshoo, we work together to address some of the most pressing issues facing the arthritis community today, like the high out-of-pocket costs for medication. Increased awareness can lead to early detection and treatment, and it fosters an environment that supports people with the disease in our communities. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing National Arthritis Awareness Month.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 5515. Let's put this in historical context: In 1941, Congress passed the Berry amendment, which requires the Department of Defense to purchase certain items only from American companies. That list includes American-made products and already includes textiles, clothing, shoes, food, and certain tools. Our amendment would simply add dinnerware. America has some of the best and most talented producers of nontoxic, lead-free dinnerware in the globe. Companies like Coors in Tucson, Arizona; Emerson Creek in Bedford, Virginia; and Homer Laughlin in West Virginia. It makes common sense that when we purchase equipment for our military, whether it is weapons, food or supplies, it is incumbent upon us to consider American jobs as well. This amendment solidifies that belief. It shows our strong support for American manufacturing and already has been supported and endorsed by the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Importantly, it would ensure access to safe dinnerware for our military, free from lead or other carcinogenic materials. According to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration, there have been numerous violations involving lead and other contaminants in dinnerware coming from China, Mexico, and other suppliers around the world leading to concerns for their use by American troops. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to stand with American manufacturers, safety and health concerns, and the jobs that are created in our communities by supporting this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the remarks of the chairman. As far as it relates to national security, our schools and our hospitals all across America consider it a serious enough situation on their chinaware because of the lead content and other carcinogenic materials that they have mandated for the health of our children across America that they must have lead-free chinaware. But, unfortunately, what is happening for our military is that we don't have that requirement. By putting lead-free American products in, we would be able to have control. You say our troops can get sick from tainted food. They can get sick as well from the plates that they eat from if it migrates out of the material into their food when you put hot contents on it or cook it in a microwave. Those things can happen with that. If the schools and the hospitals think it is enough of a concern that they make this mandate, quite frankly, I think we ought to consider the same thing for our troops so that they are not made sick. As far as the price and the quality, if that language in the Berry amendment deals with satisfactory quality and fair price is the standard, all we are doing is adding that to it. So I don't see that issue being valid on this, because if it is not good quality, even if it is American-made, you are going to be able at a very minimum to acquire it from someone else at the same time. Mr. Chairman, again, I urge my colleagues to stand with us on this issue of American-made products safe for our troops. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 3663, which would name the VA medical center in Huntington, West Virginia, after a true American hero and my personal friend, Hershel ``Woody'' Williams. Woody is recognized as the last living Medal of Honor recipient from the notoriously horrific Battle of Iwo Jima; but in West Virginia, Woody is known far more for his work on behalf of veterans. Upon his retirement from the Marines, Woody served 33 years as a counselor with the Department of Veterans Affairs. He served as the commandant of the veterans nursing home in Barboursville, West Virginia, for years, providing care to aging veterans. Then, in 2012, he helped start a Medal of Honor foundation dedicated to honoring Gold Star families and their fallen loved ones. The foundation has erected monuments in 36 States, like Tennessee, and offers scholarships to children in Gold Star families. Woody frequently travels to Washington to participate in special ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of our fallen heroes. Earlier this year, as my colleague had mentioned, he received national recognition for his service to our country when he was asked to perform the coin toss for the Super Bowl. It is often said that the character of a person isn't measured by their actions while in the limelight, but rather by the work they do when they are not being in the light, when no one is looking. Woody's life is a manifestation of working behind the scenes. He has been unwavering in his support for our veterans, and Congress has an opportunity to offer him our heartfelt thanks and gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 3663, and I thank my colleague, Evan Jenkins, for this introduction of the bill and his support for Woody Williams.

Mr. McKINLEY

Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 613, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Correctional Officer Self-Protection Act, and urge its immediate passage. Mr. Speaker, every year when we are back in the district I conduct over 300 meetings with constituents to understand some of the issues they are facing. That might be from senior citizens, to nurses, to school teachers, to correctional officers. We do this on an annual basis to listen and learn and bring back their concerns, what is affecting them, back to Washington, so we can work on legislation. These meetings shape a large portion of the legislation our office works on. When student veterans in our district told us they were having problems using their GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees, we came back and passed legislation to address that issue. When the story of correctional officer Eric Williams' brutal murder was brought to our attention, we developed and passed legislation allowing officers to carry pepper spray, simple pepper spray, at all times. Now, when that was adopted, that might have prevented his death by inmates who took his life. Now, correctional officers in our district have brought us other concerns about being targeted when they finish their shift and leave prison for the day. We heard the story about how Lieutenant Albarati was targeted and brutally murdered on his way home from work at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Puerto Rico. All this was in retaliation for his investigation into a cellphone smuggling ring that was occurring in the prison. He was targeted, shot, chased, and killed after leaving work that day. Correctional officers often find themselves as targets, we are hearing, for retaliatory attacks for what they have done at work. Unfortunately, Bureau of Prison policy prohibits officers from carrying or storing their personal firearms at the Federal facility where they work or anywhere on the grounds. This bill requires that every Federal facility have a safe and secure area in which officers can store their personal firearms during their shift. With passage of this bill, we will provide them with one more tool to ensure they make it home safely to their families every day, giving them the peace of mind that they can perform their duties and not worry about the aftermath. Look, our Nation's prison guards are often taken for granted. They are the forgotten men and women of America who face evil, and I mean that in the strongest way. They face evil every day to keep our communities safe. Today, we have the opportunity to honor Lieutenant Albarati for his service and weep with his widow and his three children for their loss. His sacrifice, as the chairman said, must not be in vain. The lessons that we have learned can be used to prevent another tragedy like this from happening ever again. I thank the Judiciary Committee, its chairman, Mr. Goodlatte, and the House leadership for bringing H.R. 613 to the floor and urge all my colleagues to honor the memory of Lieutenant Albarati by voting ``yes'' and sending this bill to the Senate.