Daniel Meuser

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this rule and to H.R. 1644, also known as the government-controlled internet act. Once again, House Democrats are putting Federal Government control over freedom and bringing to the floor yet another partisan, central command government bill. H.R. 1644, or the government-controlled internet act, which, fortunately, has no chance of being signed into law, goes against everything that made the internet what it is today. There is a reason the United States is home to the top internet companies in the world. This doesn't happen by accident. It is because of the laissez faire approach that allows for an environment of economic growth, competition, and innovation. Instead of building on the pro-innovation approach that has revolutionized how we communicate, work, and stay connected, this legislation would impose heavy-handed, top-down regulations that would box the internet into outdated rules written in the 1930s. Why is the Democratic majority supporting a bill that will take the internet backwards? This bill is the quintessential solution in search of a problem. If we want to protect constituents, promote investment, and encourage innovation, H.R. 1644 is not the solution. If my colleagues across the aisle are serious about protecting consumers and ensuring access to a free and open internet, then we need to find bipartisan consensus on net neutrality principles that address blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. We need a modern framework that allows for continued American innovation and investment, not another Federal Government regulatory takeover. H.R. 1644 is not a serious solution to protecting our constituents and advancing American ingenuity. I urge my colleagues to oppose this effort and send a clear message that we need to move the internet forward, not backward. I hope they will oppose this rule and the underlying legislation.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the brave service of World War II U.S. Army Veteran Henry W. Smith of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He is the esteemed recipient of the rank of Knight in the order of the Legion of Honour. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military or civilian service. This award is reserved for those extraordinary individuals around the world who have made outstanding achievements and have dedicated themselves to defending the principles of liberty and equality. In the case of Mr. Smith, through his courage and conviction, he went above and beyond his call to serve during the Second World War. Mr. Smith bravely fought on the shores of Normandy, even surviving a boat crash and supporting our frontline efforts. He also participated in campaigns in Germany, Belgium, Holland and the Ardennes. He has received various military awards and decorations, including five Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. By virtue of his service, Mr. Smith has made great contributions to the American story, defended democracy, and most importantly, preserved our freedom. On behalf of the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer my most sincere and humble thanks to Mr. Smith for his service and sacrifice.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, we, our country, over the past 2 years have lived through persistent and daily accusations against our President of Russian collusion in his election, accusations made by many Democrats and the media. Our President was accused of nothing short of high crimes and misdemeanors. A 2-year, thorough investigation was carried out. Last Friday, perhaps the most thorough investigation in recent history concluded. The investigation enjoyed not only complete, unlimited access to witnesses, but the resources of the entire Federal Government, including the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the intelligence community. The Mueller investigation reached a conclusion that no Russian collusion took place nor was there any evidence of any participation by any persons in the campaign. The verdict is in. Nevertheless, our Democrat colleagues continue to talk about a further investigation. Any further investigations would not have the fraction of resources of the Mueller investigation. I ask: Seriously? Another investigation? This one was not enough? Or are we prolonging for the sake of prolonging this issue? We owe it to the American people to accept the facts from a 2-year investigation, move on, and do the work we were sent here to do. We owe this to the American people.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and congratulate Mr. Matthew Anthony of Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Matthew proudly represented Carbon County at the North American Special Olympics in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was named the Special Olympics North American Unified Gold Medalist in bowling. Matthew competes with his father, Christopher, and they are the first Special Olympics unified team from Carbon County, as well as the first bowling team from our area to make it to the national competition. Matthew has been actively involved with the Special Olympics since the Carbon County delegation was established fourteen years ago and has competed in a variety of different sports in addition to bowling, including floor hockey, track and field and bocce. Matthew is a strong competitor and a positive voice for all members of the vibrant Special Olympics community and the constituents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District. In his free time, Matthew works at his family business in Palmerton, plays video games, and enjoys restoring his 1987 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Wood Panel Station Wagon. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in congratulating Matthew for his many achievements and outstanding legacy of continued sportsmanship and wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ms. Delina Rodrigues of Carbon County, who represented the United States at the Special Olympics World Games in the United Arab Emirates. Delina took home three medals from the games: a bronze medal in the bench press competition and two gold medals in the deadlift and overall lifting events. Delina's success at the Special Olympics is the result of her many years of hard work and dedication to power lifting and track and field events. Having competed in various sports for Carbon County's Special Olympics Organization for fourteen years, she continues to exhibit great mental strength, athletic skill, and sportsmanship as she competes on the global stage. In addition to her outstanding athletic accomplishments, Delina is also a graduate of Carbon County Technical Institute. She is a great representation of the values we hold dear in Pennsylvania's Ninth District: courage, enthusiasm, and perseverance. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives join me in celebrating Delina's remarkable achievements and wishing her continued success in all her future endeavors and competitions.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Paul Karpovich of Luzerne County. Master Sgt. Karpovich was recently presented with the Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal and is the first recipient of this distinguished award. The Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal is reserved for those within our great Commonwealth who go above and beyond to support Pennsylvania's veterans. A member of the National Guard, Master Sgt. Karpovich has transcended his call to serve. He has become an instrumental member of the veterans community in Pennsylvania, giving selflessly to many men and women who served before him. For nearly 20 years, Master Sgt. Karpovich has served on the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day Parade Committee, he is also a life member of AMVETS Post 59, a member of American Legion Post 395, serves on the board of directors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Veterans Multi- care Alliance, and is a member of the Honorary First Defenders. Nearly 800,000 veterans call Pennsylvania home. We are fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Master Sgt. Karpovich who work to support our heroes. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Army National Guard Master Sgt. John Paul Karpovich on this well-deserved recognition and thanking him for the many contributions he has made and continues to make, to our veterans.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1. The people have a right to know what this bill truly is: a Big Government, central command takeover of our elections by the new House majority. This bill should be called the Democratic Politician Protection Act. This legislation is virtually a complete takeover by the Federal Government of State and local voting jurisdictions. It imposes new mandates, including more than 2 weeks of mandatory early voting and same-day registration, and diminishes the process of election day voting by expanding absentee voting and allowing both current and newly registered voters to cast their ballot by mail, with no additional safeguards to that process. The bill also allows felons to vote, violating our Constitution by usurping the 14th Amendment ability of States to determine whether felons may vote or not. An example of its impracticality can be seen in Lenhartsville Borough, Berks County, in my district, a small borough with a polling place that averages 60 voters each election. This bill would mandate that Lenhartsville open and operate a polling place for 15 days of early voting. That is absurd. Astonishingly, this bill also includes a 6-to-1 match of public funds to the campaign of a candidate that individual taxpayers may not even support on contributions up to $200. That is a possible $1,200 match of public funds going to fund political campaigns for each contribution. This legislation is not for the people. It is for partisan power. H.R. 1 isn't just terrible policy, it is an attempt to rewrite the rules of the political process itself and change the rules to favor one side. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose it, and I hope they will stand with me in defending the Constitution and the sanctity of our elections. I urge a ``no'' vote.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I was present, did insert card and voted No on final passage on Enhanced Background Checks Act, but my vote was not recorded. personal explanation

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize Dr. Stanley J. Dudrick and his many contributions to the field of medical science and to his home community in Northeast Pennsylvania. Dr. Dudrick grew up in Nanticoke, a small Pennsylvania coal mining town, and through hard work and dedication, grew to become a prominent figure in the medical profession. His research led to the development of a technique that revolutionized patient care--the practice of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN allows individuals who are unable to obtain adequate nutrition through the digestive tract to receive much- needed nutrition intravenously. The TPN method has helped save an estimated 10 million children and has been acknowledged as one of the most important advancements in surgery of the past century. Dr. Dudrick's contributions to the medical profession extend beyond his pioneering research. He has published over 700 works related to the care and management of surgical patients and has authored or co- authored over 2,500 scientific referenced citations--the most for any general surgeon. In addition to serving the residents of Pennsylvania's Ninth Congressional District as the medical director of the physician assistant program at Misericordia University and professor of surgery at The Commonwealth Medical College, Dr. Dudrick is chairman emeritus in the Department of Surgery and director emeritus of Program in Surgery at Saint Mary's Hospital, and professor emeritus of surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine. Advancements in medical research have allowed us to make important strides in increasing the quality of life for individuals who suffer from a variety of medical conditions, finding more effective and less invasive treatments, and most importantly, saving more lives. Dr. Dudrick is a pioneer in this regard, and his ingenuity, scientific prowess, and dedication to the human condition has made him a fixture in the medical community. Dr. Dudrick, through his creative thinking and ground-breaking invention, has improved the health of millions around the world and contributed to the survival of countless more. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and thanking Dr. Dudrick for his many contributions to the medical community.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today to recognize the dedicated service of Jason Witmier, Assistant Fire Chief of the Pottsville Fire Department and President of the Good Intent Fire Company. Jason is ending his tenure after bravely serving the city of Pottsville and its residents for over twenty-five years. An exceptional public servant, Jason has acted with pride, humility, and courage as a firefighter since 1991 and as Assistant Fire Chief for ten years. He has responded to countless emergency situations, always with an eagerness to help and a willingness to comfort those who are faced with unfortunate circumstances. Jason has spent his career safeguarding the wellbeing of his fellow citizens and improving the safety of his community, which has made him a cornerstone of Pottsville. He is a truly valued member of his community and serves as an example for his peers and younger generations to follow. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 9th Congressional District and the U.S. House of Representatives, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to Jason for his dedicated and brave service to Pottsville. We wish him the best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise today to recognize Senior Master Sergeant David Houtz. After 24 years of dedicated and honorable service in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, SMSgt Houtz will be retiring at the end of this month. I have a profound admiration for those individuals who answer the call to serve and dedicate themselves to our country and community. SMSgt Houtz is actively engaged in strengthening his community and serves as an important role model for both fellow airmen and our younger generations. Throughout his distinguished career, SMSgt Houtz has received various awards and accolades, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. He has also served as a Boy Scout leader, a coach for various youth sports, and a member of the Myerstown Water Authority. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking SMSgt Houtz for his dedicated service to the United States and his many contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We wish him the best as he enters this next chapter in life.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, It is with great respect that I rise today to recognize Mr. Don Kivler of the Lake Silkworth Volunteer Fire Department. Don, who currently serves as President of the fire department and as Captain of the Fire Police, recently celebrated his 90th Birthday. Don has been a member of the Lake Silkworth Volunteer Fire Department for over fifty years. A man of humility and integrity, he has bravely responded to countless emergency situations and dedicated over half of his life to promoting the safety and security of his friends and neighbors. Don has strengthened the department and shaped his community for years to come. He is truly a cornerstone of Lake Silkworth and serves as an example to those around him. As Don embarks on his 90th year, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for his dedicated service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and wishing him many more happy and healthy years.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I am new here, but I am almost speechless. We just had, moments ago, a vote that would have provided pay to the Federal workers who have not received their paychecks this year. Americans agree that we must provide for our border security, reopen the government, and end this shutdown. But since House Democratic leadership has refused to come to the table and negotiate in good faith, the least we could do is ensure our Federal workers don't suffer because of Washington's dysfunction. Last week, only six Democrats joined every Republican to vote to pay our workers. This vote took place moments ago, and 10 Democrats joined us again. We have heard speeches today on the floor, in the media, and all over the news by Democrats who claim to empathize with Federal workers who have gone unpaid. But when they had the chance today to pay them, for the most part, they have declined. We need to listen to the people, pay our Federal workers, secure our borders, and end this shutdown.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice the frustration of the residents of my district in Pennsylvania. Two weeks after the start of the 116th Congress, the Democrat leadership in the House continues to refuse to come to the table, negotiate a compromise, secure our borders, and put an end to the shutdown. I have been hearing every day from hundreds of people in my district: do our jobs, secure the border, put partisanship aside, and get things done. Reopen the government, yes, and build a barrier securing the most vulnerable parts of our southern border and put an end to this humanitarian and national security crisis. It is in our hands. This is what the people want, and this is what they expect. Instead, Democrat leadership appears to be treating this like a game, like we have taken an important issue--disaster relief for tragedy-stricken parts of our country--and poisoned it with partisanship. This is a messaging bill that makes for good talking points on TV, but does nothing to make our country safer or end the shutdown. Let's negotiate and do what the people expect of us. We were sent here to serve the people, not our political ambitions. It is long past time we start doing it. Madam Speaker, I urge a no vote on the rule and on the underlying bill, and I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding me the time.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, the information is clear: 17,000 criminals were apprehended by Customs and Border Patrol agents at our southern border last year. 90 percent of the heroin ravaging American families comes across our southern border. 400,000 immigrants were apprehended attempting to come here illegally last year. 2,400 pounds of fentanyl were seized by our Border Patrol last year alone, enough to kill every living American. The Customs and Border Patrol agency states, in no uncertain terms, a barrier or a wall is essential to do their job. Even if these facts are trivialized, no one in Congress can seriously claim that we do not have a crisis at our southern border. It is up to Congress to act. The first duty of government is to afford protection to our citizens, and our citizens are demanding it. I have received hundreds of calls to my office, urging us to follow the plan offered by Homeland Security experts to secure our border, build a barrier, enforce our immigration laws, and do our jobs.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, it is with a great sense of honor, respect, and patriotism I make my first address on this floor. This government shutdown needs to be resolved. The people know it is up to this Congress to do it and to do so in short order. Despite the high level of political morass we must wade through in these first days of the 116th Congress, I continue to believe that this Congress can do things better and actually work together to get things done for the American people. The need exists to advance and improve our border security, as well as correct aspects of our illegal immigration laws. The problem-solving, however, starts with securing our borders. Our borders are a serious problem. We all know this. The data is indisputable by anyone who seriously reviews the information. We have hundreds of thousands entering our country illegally every year, and our Border Patrol agents cannot manage the situation with the resources and tools Congress has appropriated. There is a cost and a plan to make our borders properly secure. Congress has the responsibility to provide the right level of funding so border security staff can, in fact, do their job and so our country has lawful immigration. The experts at Homeland Security say this cost is $5.7 billion. There are many in this Congress who will not vote for this, but less than 7 years ago, these same Members voted for border security funding which did, in fact, include a physical barrier. Politics has no place in this serious matter. The border agents, including Chris Cabrera of the National Border Patrol Council, emphasizes that a wall, or a barrier, is an essential tool. We here in Congress must provide the means so Border Patrol can do their job. I, myself, do believe in a policy of high fences and wide legal gates, but before we can talk about legal gates and deal with the issues such as DACA and extended work visas for agricultural workers, we must secure the border. The people want us to work together for our country, not for ourselves or our political parties. Let's not continue to let the people down. Let's show that this Congress can do things better. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MEUSER

Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.