Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I would ask my colleagues, on a bipartisan basis, to support this legislation. I thank the sponsor, the chairwoman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Oregon, particularly for saying we are the best committee in the House. I rise in support of his bill, H.R. 693, the PAST Act. I want to start by thanking Representatives Schrader and Yoho for their work over the past several years on this important bill that will finally put an end to the cruel practice of soring Tennessee Walking Horses, Spotted Saddle Horses, and Racking Horses. This incredibly painful practice has been illegal in the United States for nearly 50 years, since Congress passed the Horse Protection Act of 1970. But despite the Federal ban, soring continues to run rampant in some segments of the walking horse industry. The bill would amend the Horse Protection Act and finally put an end to the abhorrent practice for good. The bill bans the use at horse shows of chains, weighted shoes, and other devices that are commonly used to sore horses. It also puts an end to the failed system of industry self-policing by giving the USDA authority to train and license independent inspectors at horse shows. The legislation also strengthens penalties on those who violate the law. This bill has received endorsements from hundreds of equine and veterinary organizations, including more than 60 State and national horse groups, and all 50 State veterinary medical associations. So, again, I thank Representative Schrader for his continued leadership. It is time that Congress pass this legislation and put an end to soring once and for all.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with the New Jersey Business & Industry Association as they celebrate 60 years of Employer Legislative Committees and pay tribute to Frank Robinson for his 40 years of service to New Jersey. These incredible milestones and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association's efforts to support New Jersey businesses are truly deserving of this body's recognition. With a 40-year career spanning the public, private and political sectors, Frank Robinson is a well-known and well-respected face in Trenton. He has served in leadership roles at the New Jersey Democratic State Committee and the New Jersey General Assembly, as well as the 2001 New Jersey Congressional Re-districting Commission. Currently serving as a Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) since 2002, Frank has been an effective voice for New Jersey's business community. He is the longstanding Executive Director of the State Employer Legislative Committees (ELCs) as well as Director of the NJBIA's Grassroots Network. He also serves as a member on the Monmouth-Ocean Development Group Board of Directors and as a Trustee of the Jersey Shore Partnership. Throughout his tenure with the NJBIA and beyond, Frank has distinguished himself as an advocate for the growth and viability of New Jersey. Established by the NJBIA in 1959, today's eighteen ELCs provide local representation and accessibility to businesses in each county across the state. Hosting regular meetings, ELCs offer opportunities for business people to meet with local, state and Federal officials, hear directly from NJBIA's knowledgeable government affairs representatives and network with colleagues. ELCs provide an outlet for local businesses to discuss issues and learn about regulations and policies affecting their industry and employees. For over 100 years, the NJBIA has represented the common interests of New Jersey's manufacturing and business industry. It continues to be a leading voice in New Jersey's state capital on industry affairs and an effective advocate on behalf of its members. Its information, programs and services are invaluable resources to companies and its understanding of laws and regulations help NJBIA members navigate the changing industry landscape. NJBIA's efforts to promote and expand New Jersey's business community are supported by its proficient and competent staff and the successful information sharing of its ELCs. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope my colleagues will join me in marking 60 years of Employer Legislative Committees and honoring Frank Robinson's 40 years of dedicated leadership to New Jersey.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Elizabeth ``Betsy'' Barrett as she is honored by the Sandy Hook Foundation for her years of service. It is my pleasure to join with the Sandy Hook Foundation in thanking Ms. Barrett for her tenure as President and her continued service on the Board of Trustees. Ms. Barrett's exemplary leadership and contributions to the Sandy Hook Foundation and the greater Monmouth County area are truly deserving of this body's recognition. Throughout her many years with the Sandy Hook Foundation, Ms. Barrett has been a tireless advocate for the park and its historical and ecological importance. Under her leadership, the Sandy Hook Foundation has assisted the National Park Service in preserving valuable landmarks and highlighting the area's recreational offerings to attract thousands of visitors to the park. At her direction, the Foundation provided resources for the renovations of the deteriorating Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and Superstorm Sandy-damaged History House along Fort Hancock's Officer's Row. Additionally, following Superstorm Sandy's destruction on Sandy Hook, Ms. Barrett mobilized the Foundation to assist park staff and emergency personnel as they tackled the needs associated with reopening the park, helping navigate logistical challenges and bringing food to the site. From her hands-on help after Superstorm Sandy to her friendly assistance to visitors needing directions, Ms. Barrett is deeply involved with the success and vitality of Sandy Hook. Her leadership and hard work have greatly benefited the park and its visitors. Her efforts as President of the Sandy Hook Foundation are valuable to our community and help ensure that this historical and natural site is available for future generations to enjoy. Madam Speaker, once again, please join me in thanking Betsy Barrett for her years as President of the Sandy Hook Foundation and her continued support and involvement.

Mr. PALLONE

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

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to block oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. My amendment is steeped in bipartisan tradition. For 27 years, starting in 1982, Congress continuously supported an Atlantic oil and gas drilling moratorium. We cannot take the greatest resource of our coastal communities and economies for granted, which is why, today, we must act to restore the bipartisan language that would protect the Atlantic Coast from drilling. The Trump administration's misguided effort to drill in the Atlantic is reckless, in my opinion. Simply put, the vitality of our coastal economies is tied to healthy ocean ecosystems. Healthy oceans along the East Coast support billions in gross domestic product and more than a million jobs through fishing, recreation, and tourism alone. In my home State of New Jersey, the tourism industry generates $44 billion a year and supports over half a million jobs. This will no longer be the case if the beautiful beaches of the Jersey shore are slicked with oil. The bipartisan cosponsors of this amendment and the communities we represent are unwilling to accept the tremendous risks that come with oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic. Hundreds of local governments have passed formal resolutions opposing oil and gas exploration and drilling in the Atlantic, as have numerous local chambers of commerce, tourism and restaurant associations, and commercial and recreational fishing associations. More than 43,000 businesses and 500,000 commercial fishing families have joined together to strongly oppose offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling. Mr. Chair, ocean health is already strained by too much trash, rising sea temperatures, and acidification due to climate change. Our oceans and our economies can't afford the risks of dangerous oil and gas development. More than 4 million gallons of oil have been spilled or leaked in the Pacific Ocean since 1969. Again, the unimaginable risk to our shores is not worth making wealthy oil and gas companies richer. In 2010, the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster caused a 10-year projected economic loss of $8.7 billion in fisheries from Texas to Florida, including 22,000 lost jobs. There is no hiding behind State lines from oil spills. The only way to protect ourselves is a full Atlantic moratorium and a commonsense return to historic bipartisan precedent. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chair, may I inquire how much time I have left.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I appreciate the comments that the gentleman from South Carolina made. I don't mean to speak for his State, but I have to say, I was in Savannah and then went for a couple of days over to Saint Helena island, Hilton Head, and some of the areas where the Gullah people are. On another occasion, in May, I was in Charleston, and I went to James Island and a few other places. I find it very hard to believe that the people who live in those coastal areas don't share the same concerns that we have in New Jersey about the impact of an oil spill on our tourism and recreational fishing industry. Again, I am not going to speak for the gentleman's State because that wouldn't be proper. But let me say this: When my colleague on the other side says that we can drill safely, I have to disagree. When we had the BP spill 9 years ago, there was a bipartisan commission that was set up, and they made certain recommendations about drilling. Those recommendations were not followed by the Republican leadership in Congress. The fact of the matter is that the BP spill was in relatively shallow water, compared to the type of drilling that is proposed off the coast of the Atlantic. What is happening is that, as we go further and further off the Outer Continental Shelf, the possibility of spills and the inability to take proper safety precautions become even more of a problem. That was what the BP commission recommended. They pointed out that as we go deeper out, the technology doesn't exist to protect the coastal areas from a spill. So I have to take issue with the gentleman. I would point out that the recommendations of the BP commission were never met. I ask my colleagues to stand united by voting in favor of protecting the health and economic vitality of the coastal communities of all 14 States along the Atlantic Coast and the District of Columbia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Chair, I rise for the purpose of engaging in a colloquy with the chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the policy restricting travel and communications of United States Government personnel to Nagorno-Karabakh. Madam Chair, I want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for the opportunity to discuss this important issue. I had proposed an amendment to Rules that would prevent funds from being used to implement an official ban on U.S. diplomatic efforts with the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, or the Republic of Artsakh, as it is commonly referred to by its citizens. At present, only a handful of highly specialized U.S. officials connected to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, or OSCE, Minsk Group, are allowed to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh or to engage directly with officials who represent that territory. Madam Chair, it is far past time that the United States take a more engaged role in the region to finally end this decades-long conflict. We must remain committed to strengthening the ceasefire in Nagorno- Karabakh, removing barriers to dialogue, and resolving status and security issues that have hindered discussions in the past. Allowing direct, open dialogue and our diplomats to have a presence on the ground, as necessary and when safe, is the only way for the United States to help bring this conflict to a resolution. And, ultimately, it would go a long way towards producing a long-lasting, more democratic future for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Madam Chair, I thank Chairwoman Lowey, who has been very supportive of Armenia and protecting Nagorno-Karabakh for as long as I have known her. We came to Congress the same year. We traveled to Nagorno- Karabakh. She really is a champion of the region. So I thank her for the opportunity to discuss the intent of my amendment and look forward to working with her and her staff to that end.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Woodbridge Township on the 350th anniversary of its founding and join with its officials and residents in celebration of this historic milestone. Woodbridge received its charter on June 1, 1669 by King Charles of England, nearly five years after its settlement. Its long history has been marked with notable events, residents and visitors, including an overnight stop at the Cross Keys Tavern by George Washington on his travel from Mount Vernon to New York for his inauguration. It has also received several distinctions for its outstanding growth and community excellence. In 1964, Woodbridge was among only ten municipalities in the United States to receive the All American City Award, and in 1966 the township was presented with the Distinguished Achievement Award in the National Cleanest Town Achievement Contest by First Lady Johnson. Woodbridge continues to preserve its history and community atmosphere while embracing growth. Today, the township is comprised of the communities of Avenel, Colonia, Fords, Hopelawn, Iselin, Keasbey, Menlo Park Terrace, Port Reading, Sewaren and Woodbridge and is one of the largest municipalities in New Jersey, with over 100,000 residents. It is home to Metropark train station, Woodbridge Center mall, large corporations and businesses as well as bustling downtowns. It is also a thriving arts community, with the Barron Arts Center and the Avenel Performing Arts Center, among others. Its diverse population and distinct features make Woodbridge a unique and flourishing town. In its 350th year, the township is governed by Mayor John McCormac, Council President Cory Spillar and council members Kyle Anderson, Howie Bauer, Lizbeth DeJesus, Nancy Drumm, Gregg M. Ficarra, Debbie Meehan, Virbhadra N. Patel and Brian Small. Madam Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in marking the 350th anniversary of Woodbridge Township and celebrating its rich history.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Two River Theater on its 25th Anniversary and join its leadership, staff and Board of Trustees in honoring its founders, Joan and Robert Rechnitz. Founded in 1994 by Joan and Robert (Bob) Rechnitz, Two River Theater continues to bring art, culture and vitality to the greater Red Bank community. Two River Theater is a premier regional theater, providing an outstanding educational and recreational resource for the greater Monmouth County area. Its efforts to introduce theater to a broader audience and represent the diversity of the communities it serves are commendable. Two River Theater remains dedicated to fostering new work and imaginative interpretations of classics, supporting the creative expressions of many leading artists. Its commitment to promoting the arts has contributed to the thriving cultural landscape of the community. Joan and Bob's commitment to the arts and humanities extends beyond Two River Theater. The Joan and Robert Rechnitz Hall at Monmouth University promotes arts exhibitions and education and Bob continues to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Philadelphia Orchestra, among many other philanthropic endeavors. In addition to promoting arts appreciation and advancement, Joan and Bob are stalwart advocates of land preservation and conservation efforts as well as health care facilities and innovations, supporting the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center and many others. Their impact on the community is immeasurable. Once again, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing the contributions and achievements of Joan and Robert Rechnitz and congratulating Two River Theater on its 25th Anniversary. The theater enriches the quality of life of Monmouth County and brings new visitors and artistic diversity to the community.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on H.R. 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise to speak in favor of H.R. 987, the Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act. This legislation, Mr. Chairman, is a big step in our commitment to delivering on our promise to make healthcare and prescription drugs more affordable. It brings together seven bills that passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee last month. Taken together, these bills will strengthen our Nation's healthcare system, reverse the Trump administration's sabotage of the Affordable Care Act, and help lower the costs of healthcare and prescription drugs. The first title of this bill contains three bipartisan measures intended to address high prescription drug costs by promoting greater competition in our pharmaceutical marketplace. One of the most effective ways to bring down the cost of prescription drugs is to ensure that generics can come to market as soon as possible. The first proposal would address so-called exclusively parking, a practice where a first-time generic is blocking the approval of other generics from entering the market. The second proposal prohibits the use of pay-for-delay agreements between brand and generic drug manufacturers that delay generic entry into the market. And finally, the third drug pricing measure would address situations where some brand drug companies are delaying or impeding generic entry by denying generic drug manufacturers access to samples or to single, shared system REMS. By eliminating these three barriers, we will prevent some manufacturers from manipulating the system to extend their monopolies at the expense of consumers, and this will make prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans. Now, the second title of this bill, Mr. Chairman, will help lower Americans' healthcare costs, protect people living with preexisting conditions, and reverse some of the most harmful actions the Trump administration has carried out to sabotage the Affordable Care Act. Two of the proposals will restore funding for the navigator program and outreach and enrollment efforts that help provide consumers with the support and information that they need to make the right healthcare decisions for their families. Restoring this funding is critical, considering that the Trump administration gutted funding for consumer outreach and marketing by 90 percent. It cut navigator funding by 80 percent, leaving huge swaths of the country without access to fair and unbiased enrollment help. H.R. 987 will also provide States with funding to establish their own State-based marketplaces, which will help make healthcare more affordable. In 2018, premiums in these State marketplaces were 17 percent lower than in the federally facilitated marketplace, and enrollment was higher for the State plans. And, finally, Mr. Chairman, H.R. 987 will reverse the Trump administration's regulation to expand junk insurance plans, known as short-term limited duration health insurance. The Trump administration expanded these junk plans from the current 3-month term and made these plans available for up to 3 years. These junk plans are exactly that, Mr. Chairman: They are junk. They discriminate against people with preexisting conditions. They set higher premiums for people based on age, gender, and health status. They deny access to basic benefits like prescription drugs, maternity care, and mental health and substance abuse treatment, and they set arbitrary dollar limits for healthcare services leading to huge surprise bills for consumers. This legislation would prevent the administration's expansion of these plans from taking place. In closing, Mr. Chairman, I believe this is an important bill that will lower healthcare and prescription drug costs, protect people with preexisting conditions, and end some of the administration's ongoing sabotage of our Nation's healthcare system. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn), our distinguished whip.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Rush), the sponsor of the pay-for-delay legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), who chairs our Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our distinguished majority leader.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Schrader), who is the sponsor of the BLOCKING Act, one of the generic competition bills.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), who is the sponsor of our Protecting Americans With Preexisting Conditions Act that we passed last week.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), our dynamic leader, our Speaker.