Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. I yield the gentleman an additional 1 minute.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in general support of H.R. 4167. I agree that it is important to make sure that consumers using multiline telephone systems, or MLTSs, can directly dial 911 without having to dial additional digits first. We are talking about the multiline phone systems that we use in large office buildings and hotels. Many of these systems require consumers to dial an extra 9 to get an outside line. Most of us know that, but too many people do not realize this applies to 911 also. If you don't dial 9 first, you can't reach emergency services. Such a requirement led to a tragedy in Texas several years ago. Kari Dunn was killed while her 9-year-old daughter tried to call for help. She did what she was told to do in an emergency--dial 911--but because the system she was using required her to dial 9 first, she only heard silence at the other end. Building on the Herculean effort of Kari Dunn's family, we are one step closer to fixing this problem once and for all. Kari's Law is an important step to making our systems work better in an emergency, but we should not delay taking the next step, and that is providing location information to first responders. These multiline systems often fail to deliver precise location information. That means that if someone calls 911 from this very building, for instance, precious minutes would tick by as emergency personnel struggle to figure out where the call came from in the Capitol. We should act immediately to correct this problem, too, because making sure the call goes through is only helpful if public safety officials can find the caller. Mr. Speaker, that is why Democrats had hoped to include such a provision in H.R. 4167 during markup. We are encouraged by the commitment we received from Subcommittee Chairman Walden to work together on a separate bill to address this concern. We hope to get this done soon. With that commitment, I urge Members to support H.R. 4167. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3998, Securing Access to Networks in Disasters, or SANDy, Act. Superstorm Sandy had a dramatic effect on my district back in New Jersey. We saw firsthand the importance of communications networks during an emergency. Broadcast and cable networks provide critical information to help us stay out of harm's way, and telecommunications networks are what makes sure we can call for help and keep track of our loved ones. Unfortunately, when Hurricane Sandy ripped through the Northeast, we could not rely on several of these systems when we needed them most. For instance, nearly one in four cell towers were knocked out. In some of the hardest hit areas of my State, as many as half of the towers went down. Many of them stayed down for weeks. That is why I have spent the past several years figuring out what went right and what went wrong. We learned about issues that have plagued our networks for at least a decade--not just during Sandy, but during Hurricane Katrina and other major disasters as well. The SANDy Act will take another step toward making that right. Specifically, the SANDy Act would recognize the important role that wireline and mobile telephone, Internet, radio and television broadcasting, and cable and satellite services play during emergencies. These communication providers need priority access to help them repair and maintain their communications equipment during disasters. But this bill is part of a larger effort to keep us safe in emergencies. As part of the lead-up to today, I worked, as my colleague said, with the Nation's largest wireless carriers and the Federal Communications Commission to pull together a voluntary framework to ensure the industry complies with the wireless provisions that were originally set forth in the SANDy Act. Most important, the framework makes sure that if one network goes down, its customers can access another network that is still operational. Everyone should be able to call for help as long as any signal is available. Mr. Speaker, this agreement will save lives during major emergencies in the future. I would like to thank the wireless carriers and the FCC for working with me to craft this comprehensive agreement, as well as Chairman Walden. Having these networks operational can mean the difference between life and death during an event like Superstorm Sandy. I urge all Members to support H.R. 3998, and I hope that once it passes the House today, the Senate will take up the measure and send it to the President. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2589. For the past several years, Republicans have been focused on changing procedures at the Federal Communications Commission. The bill we are considering today demonstrates that Democrats are willing to work with Republicans on these ideas when the proposals are reasonable. The original bill had some issues. It would have required the FCC to post within 24 hours of adoption any final rules that were modified by the Commission. Such a requirement was inconsistent with the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires that any rule changes are accompanied by an explanatory text. Additionally, the original bill failed to take into account the fact that in many cases where there is a delay in the release of FCC decisions, it is usually due to late receipt of dissenting statements from some Commissioners. To fix these issues, Democrats proposed an amendment during markup to provide the FCC to post, in its entirety, the text of any actions within 24 hours after dissenting Commissioners file their statements. The improvements ensure that this bill will not force the FCC to act in conflict with other laws, such as the Administrative Procedure Act. I urge my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, the Nation's spectrum is one of our most valuable natural resources. Under the bipartisan oversight of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, one spectrum auction alone last year raised more than $40 billion. It is imperative that we continue our bipartisan management of this valuable national asset, but to do that we must follow regular order through the proper committee of jurisdiction. That is the only way that we can make sure that we continue proper congressional oversight. This amendment that we are considering today was made public 1 day ago. This process runs counter to our successful bipartisan efforts to manage spectrum well. It does not allow the relevant agencies adequate time to weigh in, and it does not allow interested stakeholders to provide meaningful input. I appreciate my colleague's efforts to improve this amendment, but these are extremely complicated issues of national importance. They cannot be put together overnight. Earlier today when the rule for consideration of this bill was debated here on the floor, my Republican colleagues said that they chose to exclude some Democratic amendments because those amendments did not go through the committee process. Well, the same can be said of this amendment as well, Mr. Chairman. If there are issues of national security underlying this amendment, the Democrats on the Committee on Energy and Commerce stand ready to work on them expeditiously, but we must stand by our commitment to regular order. The consequences of getting this wrong are simply too high. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith), the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rutgers Gardens as it celebrates its centennial this year. Since its development, Rutgers Gardens have contributed to the agricultural studies, as well as the beauty, of Rutgers University. Over the years, Rutgers Gardens has expanded and evolved. Today it encompasses nearly 180 acres comprising the former land of Wolpert Farm, Welshman Farm and Helyar Woods. It is located on Rutgers University's Cook Campus, a stark contrast to the rest of the university's urban setting. While beautiful, Rutgers Gardens provides much more than simply a botanical display for the community to enjoy. From the onset, the purpose of the gardens was agricultural research, which still continues today. Additionally, students and visitors can receive valuable horticultural education through various programs and materials offered by the gardens. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in marking the 100th Anniversary of Rutgers Gardens. This milestone is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jason O'Donnell and Vincent Ciniello for their selfless and heroic actions to save a woman's life. The efforts of Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Ciniello are truly deserving of this body's recognition. On May 4, 2016, Jason O'Donnell and Vincent Ciniello, along with another Good Samaritan responded to the cries of a woman who had fallen into Wesley Lake in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. After Mr. Ciniello and another person pulled the woman out of the frigid water, Mr. O'Donnell, a former Bayonne firefighter, performed CPR on the unresponsive victim until Asbury Park and Neptune first responders arrived on scene. The woman was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. Mr. O'Donnell and Mr. Ciniello are both employees at public relations firm Kivvit's New Jersey office, located in Asbury Park on the opposite side of the lake where the woman fell. Mr. O'Donnell, a former Assemblyman representing New Jersey's 31st Legislative District, was a long time member of the Bayonne Fire Department, reaching the rank of Captain. Mr. O'Donnell received his Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from New Jersey City University. His experience and training helped save the woman's life. A 2015 graduate of Rutgers University, Mr. Ciniello embodied his membership in the school's National Honor Society of Leadership and Success with his actions to pull the woman to safety. Both Jason O'Donnell and Vincent Ciniello have exemplified the meaning of hero with their fearless and brave actions. I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in thanking both of them, along with the other bystanders and the first responders, for their efforts to save a life.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 250th anniversary of one of the greatest academic institutions in New Jersey, the United States and the world. Since 1766, Rutgers University has forged young minds and prepared our nation's workforce. Students at Rutgers get exposure to the full range of academic disciplines and the kind of trailblazing research that can only be found at the world's top research institutions. Reflecting the assets of the great state of New Jersey, the Rutgers student body is also one of the most diverse in the nation. Throughout the years, I've enjoyed the privilege of representing the Rutgers community. During my time in Congress, whatever issue comes across my plate, I've always had the nation's experts in every field within arm's reach. That's especially true in recent years, following the merger with University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the designation of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey as a National Cancer Institute. It is Rutgers' tremendous history of academic achievement and national leadership that led President Obama to accept the University's invitation to speak at its 250th commencement this coming Sunday. I was proud to lead two Congressional letters urging the President to accept Rutgers' invitation. I commend Rutgers for its 250 years of contributions to our country, and I'm excited about Rutgers' future and its accomplishments yet to come.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise this morning to speak in favor of the House amendment to S. 524. Over the last 2 days of floor debate, we have heard heartfelt speeches from Members of Congress about how the opioid epidemic is affecting their constituents and, for some, their own families. We have heard from both Democrats and Republicans, Members from urban districts, suburban districts, and rural districts, as well as Members from every region of the United States. What is clear is that no community has been immune to this crisis, including communities in my home State of New Jersey. About 256,000 New Jersey residents are addicted to heroin and prescription opioids. That is nearly the same as the entire population of Newark, the largest city in New Jersey. This is a serious crisis that demands an urgent response. A comprehensive solution to the crisis will require real dollars and must take an approach that targets the full spectrum of addiction: prevention, crisis response, expanding access to treatment, and providing support for lifelong recovery. The approach must be guided by science and cannot be deterred because of stigma or misperceptions about proven treatment and intervention strategies. I am pleased to support the package of opioid legislation that we are considering today because it takes steps towards that approach. This bill incorporates proven public health approaches to fight against the heroin and prescription drug abuse crisis. It improves the tools available to prescribers to prevent opioid abuse and the development of opioid use disorder. It expands access to lifesaving naloxone, an opioid overdose-reversal drug, to respond to those in an acute opioid crisis. It expands access to evidence-based treatments to help individuals with opioid use disorders enter recovery. However, Mr. Speaker, I want to make clear we must go further to ensure that the scale of our response is proportionate to the burden of the crisis. We not only need to support individuals' entry into recovery, we need to ensure that we provide access to the support and services that lead to lifelong recovery. We must also further expand access to bupe, or buprenorphine, an office-based, medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. Currently, we do not have adequate treatment capacity to respond to the unprecedented demand for opioid use disorder treatment. That is why we need to expand upon the Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Expansion and Modernization Act to significantly increase the number of patients a physician can treat with this medication as well as permanently allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat patients with this medication. In the committee, Democrats voted to raise the cap to 500 patients for qualifying physicians with appropriate credentials. Additionally, committee Democrats and Republicans voted unanimously to permanently allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to treat patients with bupe. I am committed to continuing to work with my colleagues as part of our conference with the Senate to ensure that we lift the arbitrary and harmful physician treatment cap and to ensure that nurse practitioners and physician assistants in every community can permanently use their skills and experience to serve those in need of opioid use disorder treatments in their community. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to be clear that we should not be under the illusion that we can adequately respond to this crisis without providing urgently needed resources. Waiting on the appropriation process isn't suitable. Our States and communities urgently need money now. Additionally, we should not be forced to cut other discretionarily funded public health programs to provide resources for substance abuse programs. The discretionary funding caps have already left many of our vital public health programs underfunded. Forcing additional cuts to those programs in order to provide funding to respond to the opioid epidemic will limit our ability to adequately respond to the opioid crisis as well as to meet the remaining public health needs of our communities. We don't have to guess how it turns out if we fail to provide the urgent, robust funding that is desperately needed. Sadly, the evidence is already staring us in the face. There will be more lives lost to the epidemic and will be thousands more Americans who will continue to be left behind to battle without the treatment and recovery support services they need. We are losing now, we estimate, 78 Americans each day, and we can't afford anything less than a comprehensive well-funded Federal response. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to this legislation because I believe it takes important steps in turning the tide on this crisis that is taking the lives of 78 Americans every day. But I also urge my colleagues to support providing the financial resources and additional tools necessary to meet the burden of this crisis. I urge support for this package and once again stress that we are not providing enough funding. As much as I believe that this package is very important, I certainly would agree with my colleague on the Republican side how important it is. We are not providing enough resources. I hope that, when we go to conference and before this package goes to the President, we can provide the additional resources. I urge everyone to support the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Reverend Aaron N. Gibson, Sr. on his 20th Pastoral Anniversary. As the pastor of Second Baptist Church, Rev. Gibson continues to provide outstanding spiritual leadership to the Long Branch community. Installed as pastor of Second Baptist Church in Long Branch, New Jersey on May 19, 1996, Rev. Gibson brought with him a wealth of experience that has helped him lead his congregation and oversee an extensive expansion of the church. Prior to his call to serve the Second Baptist Church, Rev. Gibson served as an Associate Minister of the Fulton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, Assistant Pastor of the Gospel Service in Vogelweh, Germany and Director of Parish Development for the Chaplaincy during his service to the U.S. Army Chaplain Board. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Rev. Gibson served in the Chaplain Corps for 27 years, reaching the rank of Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School and the Commandant of the Non-Commissioned Officers' Academy. In addition to his service to Second Baptist Church, Rev. Gibson is an active member of the community. He is a co-founder of the Urban Ministerium of Long Branch and served as its first President, a position he held for over 10 years. Rev. Gibson is also a member of the Permanent Council of the Seacoast Missionary Baptist Association of Central Jersey and previously served as its Second Vice-Moderator and Acting Moderator. He is also a member of the NAACP and has been recognized for his many contributions to the community, ministry and country, achieving both the Legion of Merit military award and the Whitney M. Young Service Award, among countless others. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in celebrating the 20th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Aaron Gibson, Sr. His leadership, service and dedication to the church and community are truly deserving of this body's recognition.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I ask all of my colleagues to support this bill. As I said, this interagency task force is an important part of this larger opioid package that we produced in the Committee on Energy and Commerce on a bipartisan basis. I know the rest of those bills are going to come up on suspension--or most of them--this afternoon. I can't emphasize enough the importance of this package, as well as this bill, as being part of it. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Kennedy), who is the Democratic sponsor of this bill and has worked a lot on the opioid epidemic problem.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.