Frank Pallone

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor His Excellency Varuzhan Nersesyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the United States. After nearly three years of dedicated service, Ambassador Nersesyan and his family will soon embark across the Atlantic to serve as Armenia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I would like to thank the Ambassador for his partnership and willingness to work together to strengthen the U.S.-Armenia relationship and share issues of importance relating to Armenia and the greater South Caucasus region. Over the past three decades, Armenia has faced three wars initiated by its neighbor, Azerbaijan, dual blockades by Turkey and Azerbaijan, the lingering impact of the devastating 1988 earthquake, energy shortages, an influx of Armenian refugees forcibly displaced from Azerbaijan, and periods of mass migration. Armenia has endured these challenges through the will of its people, who have strongly committed to democracy and the rule of law in contrast to many countries in the region. As a result, Armenia's last two parliamentary elections were free, fair, transparent, and accessible--a true testament to Armenia's democratic principles. The Ambassador has been a strong proponent of this democratic push, helping to enhance vibrant and strong U.S.-Armenia relations by helping to bring the legislative branches of our countries closer together. My colleagues in Congress and I have warmly welcomed our parliamentarian counterparts from Armenia in the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Congressional delegations have also been welcomed in Armenia, including a visit to Armenia involving Members of the House Democracy Partnership in 2019. We must continue this work of advancing our countries' mutual interests. The United States must continue rewarding innovative democracies and inclusive economies like Armenia. This is especially true in a region that is dominated by authoritarian regimes which have a tendency of perpetuating aggressions and attempting to stoke instability. Ambassador Nersesyan also exemplified the great personal strength and resolve shown of all Armenians as the world witnessed the heartbreaking 44-day war in Artsakh perpetrated by Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Turkish- backed mercenaries in the fall of 2020. Armenians in Artsakh have shown the international community that their right to self-determination in their centuries-old homeland must be taken seriously and their voices have been amplified by exemplary Armenian diplomats like the Ambassador. I witnessed his tireless dedication to advocating on their behalf for their right to self-determination and know his many efforts have not gone unheard in the United States Congress or in the current Administration. Ambassador Nersesyan's mission in Washington, D.C. is not his first experience in the United States. His deep knowledge of our country and commitment to diplomacy was evident when he served as Armenia's Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Armenia from 2008 and 2012. During that time, he also matriculated and graduated from my alma mater--the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University--where he earned a Global Master of Arts. During his time here, the Ambassador and his team have also done a wonderful job at showcasing Armenia's vibrant culture and history through many educational and artistic events in our nation's capital such as An Armenian Odyssey in early March 2020. Once again, I take this opportunity to salute Ambassador Nersesyan on his mission here in the United States. He has truly served in the United States with distinction and humility and has succeeded in strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations. I would like to bid him and his family farewell with the hope that he will continue to shine a bright light on behalf of his country in future diplomatic assignments.

Mr. PALLONE

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains on each side?

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 535, I call up the bill (H.R. 2467) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

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 include extraneous material on H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2467, the PFAS Action Act of 2021, is a comprehensive package of strategies to regulate PFAS chemicals, clean up contamination, and protect public health. I am proud to support this bipartisan bill which will deliver the tools communities across the country need to get PFAS out of our environment and out of the pathways that lead to our bodies. PFAS are an urgent public health threat. They are toxic, persistent, and being found in the environment across the country. Just how common are they? A recent report from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry concluded that ``Most people in the United States have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood.'' That finding is pretty astounding and incredibly concerning to families across the Nation. After all, these forever chemicals have long been linked with adverse health effects including cancer, immune system effects, infertility, impaired child development, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease. Industry has known about these dangers for decades, but we still have no Federal protections from PFAS in drinking water, no limits on PFAS air emissions, no Federal cleanup requirements on PFAS sites, and no limits on dumping PFAS into our waterways. We don't even have labeling of PFAS ingredients to allow consumers to protect themselves. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency is playing catch-up after 4 years of little action by the Trump administration, but this bill will help EPA tackle the complex challenge of PFAS by taking direct action on the two most studied PFAS, PFOS and PFOA, right away, while setting a reasonable timeline to study and evaluate other PFAS. This approach puts the focus on following the science by tailoring testing to relevant subgroups of PFAS and focusing regulation on the riskiest chemicals. Mr. Speaker, over a decade ago, PFOA and PFOS were voluntarily phased out by industry. While no longer in use, they continue to threaten public health because of widespread environmental contamination. This bill will drive environmental cleanups of that contamination and drinking water treatment, addressing the threat of PFOA and PFOS to communities across the country. Now, all other PFAS will be tested as appropriate. And where that testing reveals risk, this bill will ensure that EPA takes timely action to prevent and mitigate environmental contamination. In the meantime, this bill will pause the introduction of untested new PFAS while providing guidance and labels to help first responders and consumers limit their risk. Mr. Speaker, the longer we delay action on PFAS, the worse the problem becomes. It is time for Congress to act and use every tool available to stop the flow of PFAS pollution into our environment and into our bodies. A version of this bill was passed overwhelmingly last Congress with significant bipartisan support. It is championed--and I can't underestimate how much Representatives Dingell and Upton of Michigan have worked on this bill. I commend them for their continued leadership. I also thank Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee Chairman Tonko and Ranking Member McKinley for their continued support. We can't delay any longer. We should pass this bipartisan legislation today. I urge my colleagues to vote for the PFAS Action Act so that we can finally take action on these dangerous forever chemicals. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), who has done so much to protect our environment.

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

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio), the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who has always been so cooperative with us on both this bill and so many others.

Mr. PALLONE. I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New York (Miss Rice), a member of our committee.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Tonko), the chairman of the Environment and Climate Change Subcommittee, who has worked very hard on this issue for a number of years.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell), who is the sponsor of the bill and who has really brought our attention to this issue and prioritized it from the very beginning.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor), who chairs the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Mrs. Trahan).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green).

Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This comprehensive bill reflects the hard work of many of my colleagues. I want to thank some of the leaders in the House who have made this bill possible. Representative Dingell has led this bill for several years now, never losing sight of the communities she represents who have been impacted by PFAS in their environment and in their water. The bill builds on legislation from Representative Sean Patrick Maloney to require health effects testing on all PFAS chemicals. This critical testing forms the basis of required decisions throughout this package. The legislation also sets a moratorium on new PFAS until EPA has the science it needs to properly evaluate them and will ensure that all new PFAS are properly reviewed before going forward. This provision was authored and led through the committee process by Representative Kuster and also reflects the hard work of Representative Dean. Another essential piece of this bill builds on bipartisan legislation from Representatives Boyle and Fitzpatrick to set a national drinking water standard that protects public health, including the health of pregnant women, infants, and children. The legislation also takes important steps to address air emissions of PFAS. It incorporates legislation from Representative Stevens to address PFAS emissions under the Clean Air Act and legislation from Representatives Khanna and Levin to restrict unsafe incineration of PFAS wastes, including firefighting foam. Next, the bill includes a provision by Representative Soto to create a voluntarily PFAS-free label for cookware, so consumers can take steps to protect themselves from exposure. I also thank Representative Slotkin for her work to expand that label. The bill includes a provision by Representative Fletcher requiring EPA to issue guidance for first responders to both minimize the use of PFAS in firefighting foam and turnout gear and also minimize their risks. That provision was improved last year with input from Representative Golden. Risks to first responders are also a very serious concern, and I thank Representative Fletcher for her work on that important issue. Lastly, the bill incorporates two provisions related to the Clean Water Act from Representatives Delgado and Pappas. Those important provisions will protect our natural resources and stem the flow of contamination into our waterways. Madam Speaker, I include the following documents in the Record: A letter from the Sierra Club; a letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; a letter from the Coalition of NGO's; a letter from Defense Communities; a letter from the League of Conservation Voters; and an article from Environmental Health News titled: ``The real story behind PFAS and Congress' effort to clean up contamination.'' That is an op-ed. Sierra Club, July 15, 2021. Dear Member of Congress, On behalf of our over four million members and supporters, Sierra Club writes to express our support of H.R. 2467 the PFAS Action Act of 2021. We ask that you vote in support of this critical package and strengthening amendments. Communities around the United States are facing grave threats to their drinking water and health due to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This class of chemicals is widely used to make carpets, fabrics for furniture, Teflon coatings for cookware, paper packaging for food and other everyday materials. They're even used in firefighting foam (aqueous film forming foam; AFFF) for both civilian and military purposes. PFAS chemicals can't be broken down in an environment and effectively poison water sources. Right now, scientists estimate that more than 100 million Americans are drinking PFAS-contaminated water. This contamination is strongly linked to cancer, immune system suppression, thyroid problems, reproductive system damage and harming of children's growth and development. The PFAS Action Act takes critical steps in ensuring our communities are protected from dangerous chemicals. There are 9 important amendments that extend important protections against PFAS chemicals. However, two stand out as critical in dealing with PFAS contamination. First, Rep. Andy Levin's Amendment #8 to prohibit incineration of PFAS-based firefighting foams. Second, Rep. Sarbanes and Fitzpatrick's Amendment #15 which would require chemical companies to provide the analytical standards that allow chemists to measure new PFAS chemicals in people and the environment. Everyone, no matter zip code, gender or race, deserves clean drinking water and a healthy environment. We must safeguard frontline communities from the damage of PFAS. We need to stop emitting PFAS into the environment and protect those populations most susceptible to chemical contamination--like women, children and military service members. The PFAS Action Act is an important step in that process. Sierra Club urges you to support the PFAS Action Act. Sincerely, Michael Brune, Executive Director, Sierra Club.

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 include extraneous material on H.R. 2668.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2668, the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act. This legislation is essential to protect consumers and honest businesses across the country. It restores a critical tool of the Federal Trade Commission to go to court to get victimized consumers their money back and make lawbreakers return their illegal profits. The tool is section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act. For over 40 years, section 13(b) has been the FTC's primary and most effective means to obtain relief for consumers and businesses. Over just the last 5 years alone, the FTC returned over $11.2 billion to nearly 10 million Americans who had been scammed. As one example, the FTC used this authority to help relieve veterans and servicemembers from crushing student debt after they were scammed by the University of Phoenix and DeVry. The agency has also returned money to seniors and other vulnerable groups often targeted by fraud. None of this would have been possible without 13(b). Congress must act now because, in April, the Supreme Court ruled that 13(b) did not allow the FTC to seek restitution for consumers. Instead, the Court ruled that the FTC could only seek injunctions to stop bad actors from violating the law. In the case before the Court, a criminal payday lender was found to have defrauded consumers of $1.3 billion, but that money could not legally be returned to the victims. Without this legislation, that unjust result remains the law of the land. That is why this legislation has such broad support, including military and veterans groups, business organizations, consumer advocates, unions, and the attorneys general of 28 States, including both Republican- and Democratic-led States. That is why the FTC, during both the Trump and Biden administrations, has repeatedly and unanimously begged Congress to act to save the consumer protections afforded by 13(b). The opponents of the bill have misrepresented and mischaracterized what this bill does, in my opinion, Mr. Speaker. The Consumer Protection and Recovery Act simply restores the FTC's ability to seek equitable monetary relief for violations of all the laws it enforces, exactly as it has done for over 40 years. Some say these authorities are ripe for abuse. But under this bill, the FTC would not be able to bring more cases or enact more rules. The bill does not allow for civil penalties, fines, or punitive damages. Consumers can only get back what they lost, and lawbreakers only have to give up their illegal profits. Nothing in current law can replace the authorities that the FTC has lost. The suggested alternative, section 19 of the FTC Act, does not protect consumers in all cases and requires procedural hurdles that take far too long for any meaningful relief, or any relief at all, to reach our constituents. This bill ensures consumers are not left holding the bag when bad guys break the law. The money they get back allows hardworking families to pay rent, feed their children, buy clothes, and make ends meet. I thank Representative Cardenas for his leadership on this bill as well as Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky for all her hard work in helping us get this bill to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to put their constituents first and support the Consumer Protection and Recovery Act, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), the chairman of our Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee. She has worked long and hard on this legislation.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 535, I call up the bill (H.R. 2668) to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to affirmatively confirm the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and other equitable relief for violations of any provision of law enforced by the Commission, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cardenas), the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney).

Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Schrader).