Markwayne Mullin

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte).

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, my amendment would prohibit funds from implementing the Obama administration's social cost of carbon rule. Congress and the American people have repeatedly rejected cap and trade proposals. The Obama administration continuously used social cost of carbon models, which could be easily manipulated in order to attempt to justify new job-killing regulations. The House has a clear, strong record of opposition to the social cost of carbon, voting at least 11 times to block, defund, or oppose the proposal, including H. Con. Res. 119, which we will be considering later this week. A carbon tax would be passed along to consumers, undermining the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act we passed last year. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close. Well, simply put, I urge our colleagues on both sides to come together and kill this job-killing regulation and support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert).

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry).

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chairman, this amendment would prohibit funds from enforcing the Obama administration EPA methane rule. This rule is currently facing litigation uncertainty, and Congress must act to block this job-killing regulation estimated to cost our economy $530 million annually. While oil and gas production has increased more than 25 percent since 2005, related methane emissions have actually decreased almost 40 percent during the same time period. It is counterproductive for the Federal Government to enact harmful regulations that cause inefficiencies, recklessly spend taxpayer dollars, and force hardship upon job-creating industries. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their bipartisan approach, and I urge a ``yes'' vote from all my colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess), the chairman.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this legislation to reauthorize the Animal Drug User Fee Act, ADUFA, which will continue agreements between the FDA and the animal drug industry to pay user fees that will help speed the approval of new drugs. Farmers, ranchers, families, and veterinarians need ADUFA so they can keep their animals and pets safe and healthy. In the rural and agricultural communities across the country, including my home State of Oklahoma, ADUFA is critical to farmers, ranchers, and all American consumers. These animals are a major food source for our communities and our families, so it is vitally important that we move quickly today and reauthorize ADUFA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. 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 materials in the Record on the bill.

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5554) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to reauthorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and generic new animal drugs, as amended.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of my bill, H.R. 6082, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act. My colleague Mr. Blumenauer and I introduced this bill to help physicians fight the opioid epidemic. The Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act allows the flow of information among healthcare providers and health planners for the purpose of treatment, payment, and healthcare operations. Unfortunately, there is an outdated Federal Government mandate, 42 CFR part 2, which is creating a firewall between doctors and patients. My bill, the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act, will give doctors access to patients' addiction medical information that can integrate their care, prevent tragic overdoses, and improve patient safety. SAMHSA has stated: ``The practice of requiring substance use disorder information to be any more private than information regarding other chronic illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, may in itself be stigmatizing. Patients with substance use disorders seeking treatment for any condition have a right to healthcare providers who are fully equipped with the information needed to provide the highest quality care available.'' When a person violates part 2, it is referred to the Justice Department, and there is only a $50 penalty. There have been zero cases--let me repeat that--there have been zero cases in which part 2 was enforced or any action taken by the Department of Justice or SAMHSA. The penalties for noncompliance underneath HIPAA are based on the level of negligence and can range from $100 to $50,000 per violation, with a maximum of $1.5 million per year. There have been 173,472 HIPAA violations since 2003, with 97 percent of those complaints resolved. Patients, doctors, hospitals, and a broad spectrum of stakeholders agree we need to end this outdated Federal Government mandate helping prevent the private sector's innovation. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the Overdose Prevention and Patient Safety Act.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 181; YEA on Roll Call No. 182; and YEA on Roll Call No. 183.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Robert Holden, a member of the Choctaw and Chickasaw Tribes, who joined the staff of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) in 1984 and retired last December after 33 years of dedicated service to NCAI and to the millions of Native people that were foremost in his mind every day of his life. Many of you know that NCAI was begun in 1944 at the peak of the Federal government's ``Termination Policy,'' which sought to dissolve Indian tribal governments and to assimilate Indian people into the mainstream of America. Today, NCAI is the oldest, largest and most representative tribal organization in the country, with more than 300 member tribes. When people in Congress or in public want to gauge the views of Indian Country on matters of health care, housing, cultural issues, economic development or sovereignty, they turn to NCAI. For more than three decades, these people have often talked to Robert who spent most of his career at NCAI when salaries were low, there was no proper retirement program or health care, and with few staff. This meant long days, evenings and weekends, travel away from home and family, and often-frustrating times getting the attention of decision- makers in Congress and Federal agencies. Working under the leadership of at least 6 Executive Directors, Robert became, over time, the institutional and collective memory of the NCAI organization as well as the source of continuity that is so important to a membership organization like NCAI. None of these challenges could prevent Robert from persisting in his life's work and his absolute dedication to the cause of tribal sovereignty and improving the lives of Indian people. Robert's leadership and commitment to the mission of NCAI stabilized the organization through many internal changes and external challenges. Robert's work for NCAI over the years has been varied and compelling. In the 1990's he managed the Nuclear Waste Policy Committee for NCAI on a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, which anchored the organization's finances during a very difficult period. By identifying other contract and grant opportunities, Robert generated millions of dollars to NCAI, making possible the good work of the organization over the years. Robert had great success on policy issues--particularly emergency response and tribal-friendly amendments to the Stafford Act, which he labored on for more than two decades. His efforts bore fruit when a window of opportunity opened after Hurricane Sandy and, as was typical of his work ethic, Robert jumped in with both feet. This is a prime example of Robert's patient but steady vision and how his long-term commitment has benefitted not just NCAI but tribal communities across the United States. Robert is also leaving a legacy from his work with Native Veterans: his accomplishments include the recent decision by the Veterans Administration to expand the Tribal Veterans Service Officers Program; Native Code Talker legislation; and the establishment and funding of the National Indian Veterans Memorial, which will be housed on the grounds of the National Museum of the American Indian. As a strong supporter and advocate for Native political participation, Robert pressed for increased voter awareness and action in Native communities even before the ``Native Vote'' phenomenon took shape. In all of Robert's work, his fundamental belief in the wisdom of Indian people and the capacity of tribal governments to take on challenges of increasing technical complexity before long was one of the anchors of the Tribal Self-Governance movement, particularly in law enforcement and public safety. Robert Holden may have retired, but he is not going away. He plans to serve as an Ambassador at Large for NCAI, continuing to participate in NCAI gatherings, and continuing to serve the Indian people and our country as he has done his whole adult life. In 2017, the NCAI's member tribes unanimously passed Resolution MKE- 17-027 titled ``Appreciation for Robert Holden.'' Therefore, I include this Resolution in the Record. I am grateful to Robert for his life's dedication to these important matters and for his indomitable spirit in making sure Indian tribes were always part of the discussion here in the halls of power in Washington, D.C. I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in wishing Robert all the best in whatever the Creator has in store for him in the years to come. Appreciation for Robert Holden The National Congress of American Indians Whereas, We, the members of the National Congress of American Indians of the United States, invoking the divine blessing of the Creator upon our efforts and purposes, in order to preserve for ourselves and our descendants the inherent sovereign rights of our Indian nations, rights secured under Indian treaties and agreements with the United States, and all other rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws and Constitution of the United States and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of the Indian people, to preserve Indian cultural values, and otherwise promote the health, safety and welfare of the Indian people, do hereby establish and submit the following resolution; and Whereas, The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) was established in 1944 and is the oldest and largest national organization of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments; and Whereas, Robert Holden, the Deputy Director of NCAI, is preparing for a well-deserved retirement; and Whereas, Robert started at NCAI in 1984 and for 33 years has graciously shared his tenacity, resilience, intelligence and compassion to make lasting change for tribal nations; and Whereas, Robert's leadership and commitment to the mission of NCAI has stabilized the organization through many internal and external changes; and Whereas, For more than a decade Robert managed the important National Indian Nuclear Waste Policy Committee, with Russell Jim of the Yakama Nation serving as Chairman, at a time when Congress was considering the creation of a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain and the movement of significant amounts of high-level nuclear waste across many reservations; and Whereas, Robert Holden has been a leader in promoting emergency and radiological preparedness and transportation safety and urged proactive steps to address impacts on Indian tribes and provide emergency response capabilities; and Whereas, Robert Holden's work led directly to the Stafford Act amendments authorizing Indian tribes, as sovereigns, to make disaster declarations directly to the President of the United States; and Whereas, Robert has been consistently committed to working with Native Veterans, and the expansion of tribal veterans services and Robert has kept forth issues such as the Native Code Talker Bill and a National Indian Veterans Memorial, and fought to keep the Veterans Committee going for every veteran to attend at no cost; and Whereas, Robert has maintained exemplary commitment to voting participation in Indian Country; and Whereas, In all of Robert's work, his support for the capacity of tribal government to take on challenges of increasing technical complexity has been one of the anchors of the SelfGovernance movement, particularly in law enforcement and public safety; and Whereas, Robert has developed and maintained hundreds of relationships with tribal leaders from around Indian country, building trust with NCAI; and Whereas, Robert plans to continue as an ambassador for NCAI, participating in the NCAI gatherings, continuing his lifelong commitment to advancing tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and the federal trust responsibility; and Whereas, words cannot capture the immeasurable spirit and incomparable contributions of Robert Holden to NCAI and to the whole of Indian Country; Now therefore be it Resolved, That the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) expresses deep appreciation, love, gratitude, friendship, and respect for Robert Holden.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tenth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill. This is a special day where we will have the chance to recognize pharmacy's many contributions to the American health care system. Organized by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) for the past decade, this event will take place March 7-8, 2018. This year alone, more than 400 individuals from the pharmacy community-- including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and students, state pharmacy association representatives and pharmacy company leaders--will visit us here on Capitol Hill. Advocates from all 50 states will share their views with us about the importance of supporting their access agenda--legislative priorities that will ensure that our constituents will continue to have access to more than 40,000 community and neighborhood pharmacies across the country and be better able to utilize pharmacists to improve health care quality while reducing the cost of care. Patients have always relied on their local pharmacist to meet their health care needs and we as policymakers know our local pharmacists to be important community leaders. They are trusted, highly accessible health care providers deeply committed to providing high quality, convenient, and efficient health care services. As demand for health care services continues to grow, pharmacists have expanded their role in health care delivery, partnering with physicians, nurses and other health care providers to meet their patients' needs. Innovative services provided by pharmacists do even more to improve overall patient health and wellness. Pharmacists are highly valued by those that rely on them most--those in rural and underserved areas, as well as older Americans, and those struggling to manage chronic diseases. Pharmacy services improve patients' quality of life as well as health care affordability. By helping patients take their medications effectively and providing preventive services, pharmacists help avoid more costly forms of care. Pharmacists also help patients identify strategies to save money, such as through better understanding of their pharmacy benefits, using generic medications, and obtaining 90-day supplies of prescription drugs from local pharmacies. Pharmacists are the nation's most accessible health care providers. In many communities, especially in rural areas, the local pharmacist is a patient's most direct link to health care. Utilizing their specialized education, pharmacists play a major role in medication therapy management, disease-state management, immunizations, health care screenings, and other health care services designed to improve patient health and reduce overall health care costs. Pharmacists are also expanding their role into new models of care based on quality of services and outcomes, such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and medical homes. The pharmacy advocates of NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill will be promoting an access agenda. They know that we face difficult debates about the future of health care and the pharmacy community wishes to work with us to help in the effort to develop comprehensive and consistent approaches to public policy that put pharmacy's value to work for patients and payers. They understand well that the issues we are debating today are highly connected and vital to pharmacy, to all of health care, and to society as a whole. I believe Congress should look at every opportunity to make sure that pharmacists are allowed to utilize their training to the fullest to provide the services that can improve care, increase access and lower costs. In recognition of the Tenth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, I would like to congratulate pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and the entire pharmacy community represented by NACDS, for their contributions to the health and wellness of the American people.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe for allowing this to come to the floor and Leader McCarthy for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I also want to thank my fellow Senators from Oklahoma, Mr. Inhofe and Mr. Lankford, for their great work in getting this passed in the Senate. As the sponsor of H.R. 42, the House companion bill to S. 1266, I urge my colleagues to support and vote in favor of today's bill. Nearly a year ago, we debated this bill on the floor and saw it passed by voice vote. I look forward to another strong response from the House in sending this bill to the President's desk and it becoming law. This bill simply authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with nonprofit organizations that accredit healthcare organizations in order to investigate VA medical centers. This bill would allow the VA to get a second opinion from outside of the agency in order to get the best information and provide the best care for our veterans. Just like how patients sometimes need to get a second opinion on their diagnosis, the VA should not be above bringing in a second opinion. Our veterans deserve care equal to the finest civilian hospitals, so let's bring more transparency to the VA by allowing them to invite the people who evaluate those private hospitals to take a look at the VA and make recommendations when problems arise. This is a commonsense bill that will help improve the care for our veterans, and I hope all will support it. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this bill.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3545, a bill originally introduced by Representative Murphy of Pennsylvania, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th anniversary of the Stilwell Oklahoma food production facility. The food production facility in Stilwell, originally called the Stilwell Canning Company, first opened on March 16, 1942 when World War II drove up the demand for canned items. An expansion project completed in 1999 made the Stilwell plant the largest frozen dessert production plant in the country. Schwan's Company acquired the plant in 2003 when it purchased the Mrs. Smith's pie brand from Flowers Foods. A recent $40 million investment by the Schwan's Company gave the Stilwell dessert manufacturing facility a state-of-the-art pie line and put the facility on the leading edge of pie production in the industry. Schwan's Company is one of the largest employers in Adair County, with over 300 employees. The Mrs. Smith's, Edwards, and Schwan's pies and okra produced each day at this facility are enjoyed by families across our great country. I am honored to recognize this facility today before the United States House of Representatives and I wish them a very happy 75th anniversary.

Mr. MULLIN

Mr. MULLIN. Madam Chair, I would urge a ``yes'' vote on this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert), my chairman.

Mr. MULLIN. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gosar).

Mr. MULLIN. Madam Chair, my amendment would prohibit the implementation of the Obama administration's social cost of carbon, SCC, rule. Congress and the American people have repeatedly rejected cap-and- trade proposals. The Obama administration continuously used social cost of carbon models, which can easily be manipulated, in order to attempt to justify new job-killing regulations. The House has made a clear, strong record of opposition to the social cost of carbon, voting at least 11 times to block, defund, or oppose the proposal. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MULLIN. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.