Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I thank the Representative for her leadership in organizing this bipartisan Special Order hour. It is important for us to be together here to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 340B program. We know that it has helped to ensure that rural communities and low-income individuals in districts like mine and across the country have access to the lifesaving healthcare and prescription drugs that they need. I am also here in strong opposition to what these drug companies are doing. They are undermining the 340B discounts. I believe it is a violation of the law, and it is hurting families in my district. There are at least 13 pharmaceutical companies right now that are unlawfully withholding or limiting discounts under the 340B program, and it impacts providers and patients in New Hampshire, including our hospitals, our community health centers, and other providers who serve our most vulnerable neighbors. I have heard about this from my constituents who have talked about the importance of this program, and I think their words tell a pretty powerful story. In Rockingham County in my district, one of my constituents requires daily medication. Without 340B, not only would she not be able to afford her medication, but she would also be forced to choose between affording her home or affording her own health. In Strafford County, in my district, there is another New Hampshire resident who uses the 340B program for insulin for their diabetes. They pay just $45 a month for three vials of insulin instead of $400 a month for just one vial. According to them, ``Everything would get turned upside down for me if the program ended.'' And because of the 340B program, staff at a community health center in my district have been able to reduce the cost of treatments significantly. Specifically, for one patient who has lived with a condition since they were 12 years old, costs were reduced from $400 to just about $100. They shared this with me: ``I can't imagine what I would do if it weren't for the 340B program helping with the price of my medication. Please do everything you can to protect this.'' Last year, I signed a letter with over 220 House Members to protect the 340B program and oppose the actions of these drug companies. We called on HHS to take action to stop these companies from denying these 340B discounts. In February, I was very proud to join so many of my colleagues in cosponsoring the PROTECT 340B Act. This would stop health insurers and pharmacy benefit managers from discriminating against 340B providers, and it would protect the health and well-being of my constituents and so many others across this country that depend on this program. At a time when pharmaceutical companies are reaping record profits, when the cost of prescription drugs continues to skyrocket, it is just unconscionable that there are corporate actors who continue to ignore the law and stick it to our consumers, our constituents, the patients across this country and hand them an astronomical bill. We have all got to join together and commit ourselves to fighting to lower the cost of prescription drugs. This is one area where I think Republicans and Democrats can come together and pass something meaningful. I hope our colleagues will heed the stories they have heard here tonight. I thank Representative Spanberger for her leadership.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tricentennial anniversary of the establishment of the Town of Chester, New Hampshire. First known as the Chestnut County, the name was later shortened to Chester after Cheshire County, England, whose county seat is Chester. Based in one of the thirteen original colonies, Chester is one of the oldest towns in America and its history is tied to that of the entire nation. Throughout the post-Revolutionary and the Civil War eras, Chester supplied housing and goods for many fellow New Englanders and Americans. Beyond its cultural impact, Chester has also given the State of New Hampshire three governors, three senators, a chief justice of the State Supreme Court, and so much more. Chester reached its population low of just over 650 residents during the early 20th century, but over the past 100 years, that number has grown to more than 5,000 residents. This quick growth is a testament to the charm and character of Chester, and I am confident that this town will continue to prosper for generations to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Chester on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Chester and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker. I rise today in recognition of Commander Russ Norris's dedicated service to his country. Commander Norris served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 22 years and brought his spirit of service home, maintaining active participation and leadership with Veterans of Foreign Wars. Commander Norris has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his service to his country, as in addition to the many milestones of Marine Corps training, he has achieved over a dozen advanced certifications. These include completing the Defense Institute for Security Assistance Management's Security Cooperation course, and the Commanders Responsibility Course. Amongst his many accolades, Russ earned the Korean Defense Service Medal, was selected to be a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and became a commissioned officer. Norris rose to the rank of Major and served at the highest echelons of the US military, before retiring in 2011. Commander Norris currently holds a B.A. in Government & International Studies, a master's degree in Operations Science and, while serving as Commander at the Post for Veterans of Foreign Wars, is pursuing his Doctorate. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I would like to thank Commander Russ Norris for his service and wish him the best in his work toward the completion of his degree.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rita McCabe's years of service for Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2010, Rita made history as the first President of the John H. Hargreaves Pelham Memorial Auxiliary 10722. In her time with the organization, Rita has provided Officer Training Sessions, as well as earned several distinguishments, including an Outstanding President award. Rita became a business owner in 2014, opening the first Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream shop in Nashua, New Hampshire, and has expanded the franchise to add locations in Ashland, Worchester, Cambridge, and Manchester. Rita's community involvement and impact do not end there. She was a Girl Scout Leader for 7 years, a Pastoral Council member for St. Patrick's Church twice and served two terms as Director-at-large for the Veteran Business Owners Initiative. Her commitment to bettering her community led Rita to provide unique hybrid training opportunities for officers at the John H. Hargreaves Pelham Memorial Auxiliary. Rita is a dedicated supporter of our troops, businesswoman and volunteer. The Granite State is thankful for her years of commitment and service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Rita McCabe for her continued dedication to the Auxiliary and congratulate her on her many well-deserved awards.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 104th birthday of Paul Thiem. Born on April 1, 1918, Mr. Thiem is a veteran and a resident of Wakefield, New Hampshire. During World War II, he answered the call of his nation and joined the U.S. Army Corps. Paul is an honorable member of our community, and is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. As a young patriot, Paul went above and beyond the call of duty in his service to his country, but his service to others does not end there. Following his military service, Paul traveled around the world, building factories that made shoes for nurses. His travels brought him to places such as Poland, Italy, Spain and Korea. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. Thiem a happy 104th birthday and thank him for his service to our Nation. I hope that he has a wonderful celebration with his loved ones and fellow veterans. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Jonathan B. Hotchkiss's long history of volunteerism and nearly 20 years of service to the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton, NH. For the past two decades, Jonathan has served his community as a steadfast supporter of New Hampshire agriculture and culture. Jon worked with the Farm Museum in a variety of capacities including the facility maintenance, cost-saving program development, grant writing, reenactments, and as both a member and President of the Board of Trustees. He worked tirelessly to develop community and business relationships that enabled the museum to become more organized, creative and financially stable. As public health precautions during the coronavirus pandemic caused many institutions to close their doors to the public for prolonged periods of times and face financial hardship. Due to Jon's hard work developing the museum's innovative cost-saving program, the Farm Museum gained a financial stability that has helped it weather the continuing pandemic. Prior to 1900, nearly 90 percent of New Hampshire residents lived on a farm. Our state's history is deeply tied to its agriculture and Jonathan's commitment to the preservation of this history is commendable. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Jonathan for his continued dedication to the Granite State and wish him the best as he transitions from his work with the museum.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a true New Hampshire original, a dedicated public servant, and a passionate advocate for the causes that he held dear. Renny Cushing, the Democratic leader of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, passed away on Monday after a courageous battle with cancer. I served with Renny in the State House and I saw firsthand his compassion, empathy, and good faith that he brought to every issue and every debate. He was guided by a strong moral compass and a sense of liberty and justice, right and wrong. His loss leaves a hole in New Hampshire that can never be filled, and we should all take inspiration from the legacy that he leaves behind. We will miss our friend. New Hampshire will miss the tireless spirit of a man who spent his life in the arena striving to make people's lives better and striving to make hope and history rhyme. My thoughts are with his family, his three daughters, and all who knew him and were touched by his example.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, on rollcall number 59, I had intended to vote ``yea''. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Barragan (Gomez) Bonamici (Beyer) Bowman (Jayapal) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Bustos (Meng) Carl (Moore (UT)) Cawthorn (Nehls) Clarke (NY) (Meng) Cohen (Beyer) Crist (Soto) DelBene (Beyer) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Doyle, Michael F. (Connolly) Frankel, Lois (Wexton) Gaetz (Boebert) Garcia (IL) (Correa) Gonzales, Tony (Bice (OK)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Gomez) Grijalva (Stanton) Harder (Beyer) Horsford (Connolly) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kahele (Takano) Keating (Connolly) Kelly (IL) (Jeffries) Kim (NJ) (Pallone) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Kuster (Meng) Lawson (FL) (Soto) Lofgren (Jeffries) Long (Fleischmann) McCaul (Reschenthaler) McEachin (Wexton) Moulton (Beyer) Porter (Wexton) Raskin (Jayapal) Reed (Kelly (PA)) Rogers (KY) (Reschenthaler) Roybal-Allard (Correa) Rush (Jeffries) Ryan (Kildee) Sewell (Beyer) Sires (Pallone) Spartz (Walorski) Suozzi (Beyer) Thompson (CA) (Takano) Timmons (Armstrong) Trone (Connolly) Underwood (Jeffries) Vargas (Correa) Vela (Gomez) Waltz (Gimenez) Waters (Takano) Yarmuth (Beyer)

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Takano for yielding and for his leadership on this issue, which answers the call of our Nation's veterans, their advocates, and our veterans service organizations. I rise in support of the Honoring our PACT Act, which makes good on this Nation's promise to veterans. It is well past the time that we address the impacts of toxic exposure that have been endured by members of our military. I am glad that we are taking meaningful, comprehensive action today. I am also pleased that this legislation includes a bill that I introduced, the PFAS Registry Act. PFAS chemicals have contaminated the environment and drinking water sources of hundreds of military bases across the country, including Pease Air Force Base in my district. These forever chemicals persist in the environment and the body and are linked to serious health conditions, including cancer. This provision will give military servicemembers and veterans access to health information, research updates, and other resources to help protect public health and provide relief to those who have been exposed to PFAS. The Honoring our PACT Act will help veterans already suffering from the impacts of toxic exposure. We also must do more to reduce the risk that more servicemembers will be exposed. That is why I have also submitted an amendment that will require our government to proactively raise awareness of the dangers of toxic exposure to Active Duty personnel. These provisions will require DOD and VA to create a strategy for awareness and prevention that will protect Active Duty servicemembers from harm and save lives. Our men and women in uniform already face numerous threats to life and limb for their service. We must minimize risks that environmental and toxic hazards pose and provide the care, benefits, and support that these veterans have earned. It is our solemn responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of my amendment as well as the underlying legislation.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor of the Homeland Procurement Reform Act, I am grateful that this legislation has been included in the America COMPETES Act. I will offer an amendment later today that strengthens provisions that support domestic manufacturing and American small businesses. It is of the utmost importance for our economic and national security interests that we make more things in America. That should be a priority when it comes to purchases made by the Department of Homeland Security for protective equipment for frontline personnel. Purchasing more of these items from qualified American small businesses would be a win for workers and companies that manufacture their products here in the United States. Small businesses receive less than 26 percent of Federal Government contracts. My amendment will help close that procurement gap and at the same time create good-paying jobs, support domestic manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chains. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the America COMPETES Act.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Kenneth Norton's nearly 20 years of service to the National Alliance of Mental Illness of New Hampshire. For the past two decades, Ken has served his community as a steadfast advocate for mental health services and suicide prevention leading the way before many in today's society recognized the importance of behavioral health. Ken started with NAMI NH in 2003 to help create and grow prevention programing and spread awareness to policy makers, providers, and families across our state. By focusing his efforts on the organizations three cornerstones of support, education and advocacy, Ken has significantly expanded NAMI's presence in New Hampshire after stepping into the role of Executive Director in 2011. Under his leadership, the staff of NAMI NH, the budget, and the number of people served has quadrupled in size recognized by their well-deserved Nonprofit Impact Award from the NH Center for Nonprofits in 2019. By working with lawmakers and the public advocates such as NAMI NH and other mental health advocates, Congress has delivered expanded funding opportunities to prevent, educate, and treat our communities in need. Using these new grant opportunities NAMI NH offers Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Mental Health Awareness & Deescalation training for our police, fire, and EMS. This allows our first responders to learn how to best manage individuals experiencing mental illness so they may protect the public while ensuring their own safety in these scenarios. NAMI programs, such as CIT, help develop professionals and individuals from all backgrounds and strengthen the communities they serve. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic we have seen increased anxiety, fear, isolation, and grief from people of all ages increasing the need for mental health services. The strain placed on hospitals to treat this new infectious disease has limited access to critical services including behavior health. Yet advocates like Ken never faltered despite this unprecedented time and continued his efforts to support community members in need of behavioral health services. While in Congress I am proud to have worked with Ken to open opportunities for mental health, suicide prevention, and addition services, and I am grateful for the devoted staff and volunteers at NAMI NH for their tremendous work. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Ken for his continued dedication to the wellbeing of fellow Granite Staters and wish him the best as he transitions from his role as Executive Director.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tricentennial anniversary of the establishment of the Town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire. Known as the Third Parish of Hampton prior to 1722, Hampton Falls was aptly renamed after falls on the Taylor River, their water used to power the watermills central to the town's early industries. The earliest residents of Hampton Falls worked on farms and in the timber industry. The town has stayed close to these roots, remaining heavily invested in farmland. Hampton Falls is home to Applecrest Orchards, the town's largest employer, New Hampshire's oldest and largest orchard and the oldest continuously operated orchard in the nation. In 1735, a mere 13 years after its establishment, Hampton Falls fell victim to a horrible bout of Throat Distemper that caused more than 200 deaths in the small population of less than 500, and that left only two homes in the community untouched. Since those troubling times, the town has flourished, reaching a population of more than 2,300. Hampton Falls is a small but mighty town, dedicated to maintaining its lands and protecting our environment. If the past three centuries are any indication on the future, Hampton Falls is sure to persevere and prosper for years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Hampton Falls on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Hampton Falls and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tricentennial anniversary of the charter of the Town of Barrington, New Hampshire. Founded in 1722, Barrington was named for Samuel Shute of Barrington Hall, the colonial governor of both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This small town has contributed to our ever-growing nation since before its independence. Hard-work and family are what has kept Barrington strong throughout the centuries. From its lakes and trails to its family-owned businesses, Barrington is an example of what the American Dream looks like for so many Granite Staters. This town of more than 9,000 has become a pillar of Strafford County and will continue to be for generations to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Barrington on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Barrington and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the tricentennial anniversary of the incorporation of the Town of Nottingham, New Hampshire. Incorporated by Lieutenant Governor John Wentworth and named for Daniel Finch, 2nd Earl of Nottingham, this town's long and rich history has culminated in the vibrant and caring community that we see today. From the beloved Pawtuckaway State Park to intimate local museums, the town of Nottingham has perfectly captured the beauty of its present and past. Nottingham's dedicated conservation efforts have preserved the surrounding wilderness in pristine condition. As the first town in the United States to make recycling mandatory, Nottingham has led the way in protecting our natural resources. The communities that have grown and persevered over the past three hundred years in Nottingham are remembered in the town's museums and in the families that pass on their stories. If the past three centuries are any indication of the future, the town of Nottingham will remain a harbor for its loving community and beautiful nature for many years to come. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Town of Nottingham on this incredible milestone. I look forward to a continued partnership with Nottingham and its residents who I am proud to represent in Congress.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, this morning oral arguments began at the Supreme Court for a case that many expect could overturn Roe v. Wade. Despite nearly 50 years of Court precedent and overwhelming public support for abortion rights, Roe and access to reproductive healthcare hangs in the balance. This issue is deeply personal to the women I represent in New Hampshire, and the last thing they want to see is a politician or a judge taking away their bodily autonomy. We are better off as a country with Roe as the law of the land. It supports the health and economic well-being of women and families. Still, we know that legislatures and Governors from Mississippi to Texas to New Hampshire are enacting extreme laws that punish doctors and take away women's rights. This must be stopped. That is why, regardless of what happens in this case, it is essential that the Senate joins the House in passing the Women's Health Protection Act. My constituents and the American people want abortion to be safe, legal, and accessible. This legislation will uphold that concept for the country even if the Court abandons it.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Leo A. Huppe, a World War II hero and active member of the seacoast community who passed away in late October at the age of 96. Born on February 25, 1925, in Laconia and residing in Rochester for more than 75 years, Leo was a long-time New Hampshire resident and an honorable member of our community. At the time of his passing, Leo was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. As a young patriot, Leo went above and beyond the call of duty in his service to his country. Among the many medals, ribbons, and badges he received for his heroic actions throughout World War II in the Asiatic Pacific, Leo was awarded the Silver Star and the World War II Victory Medal, as well as the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. After his service, Leo worked diligently as a self-employed carpenter before entering a well-deserved retirement in 1987 with his wife, Evelyn, with whom he shared over 75 anniversaries before passing. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I share my condolences to Leo's daughter, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchild, and great-great grandson. As we recognize Mr. Huppe, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, yesterday I missed three roll call votes. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Roll Call No. 374--YES; Roll Call No. 375--YES; and Roll Call No. 376--YES.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include any extraneous material on H.R. 1917.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1917, introduced and championed by Representative Fletcher. The Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects, or HELP Act, is designed to cut through red tape to unlock Federal assistance to State and local governments to complete some of the most basic mitigation projects more efficiently, such as buyouts of flood-prone properties. It represents a change to the current law's one-size-fits-all approach to reviewing projects that frequently delays mitigation work which will be welcome news to communities across my State in New Hampshire, and across our country as we deal with more frequent severe weather events that may require a Federal response. The National Institute of Building Sciences has conducted significant analysis on the return on investment to taxpayers for investments in mitigation. Congress, under both Democratic and Republican majorities, has seen fit to bolster investments in mitigation to drive down future disaster response and recovery costs. Just last week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up the Resilient AMERICA Act which would align the calculation used to fund the Federal Emergency Management Agency's pre-disaster mitigation program with the agency's post-disaster mitigation program. FEMA's longest-running mitigation program, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, or HMGP, began in 1989 and provides assistance after a disaster has struck. While there have been more than $5.2 billion obligated to HMGP projects, more than $1 billion in HMGP dollars have gone unobligated and will return to FEMA. This bill will help disaster-impacted communities complete the land acquisition and simple construction projects that would otherwise be categorically exempt from a NEPA review, streamlining the process with FEMA. I want to commend Congresswoman Fletcher for her efforts to help disaster-vulnerable communities quicken the pace of recoveries and mitigate against future events. I support this bill and urge my colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time. Committtee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, November 1, 2021. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Waters: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R. 1917, the Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act. I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I acknowledge that by foregoing formal consideration on H.R. 1917, the Committee on Financial Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claims to provisions in this or similar legislation, and that your Committee will be consulted and involved on any matters in your Committee's jurisdiction should this legislation move forward. In addition, should a conference on the bill be necessary, I would support your effort to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving provisions within this legislation on which the Committee on Financial Services has a valid jurisdictional claim. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation, and I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1917. Sincerely, Peter A. DeFazio, Chair.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1339) to require the Secretary of Transportation to establish an advanced air mobility interagency working group, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on H.R. 1339, as amended.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3193) to amend the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide for a high-speed broadband deployment initiative, as amended.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam 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. 3193, as amended.

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3193, the Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility, or E-BRIDGE, Act. Introduced by Ranking Member Graves and Representative Guest, the bill would create a high-speed broadband initiative at the Economic Development Administration and clarify that public-private partnerships and consortiums are eligible for broadband project grant awards. Access to reliable high-speed internet is vital for participation in today's workforce and economy. Whether it is working or learning from home, communicating virtually with friends and family, shopping online, or consulting with your doctor remotely, almost every aspect of our daily lives now relies on a connection to the internet. Unfortunately, millions of people across the country still don't have access to high-speed internet. In my home State of New Hampshire, 10 percent of households lack an internet subscription. This problem is especially prevalent in rural America. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, almost 30 percent of rural Americans don't have access to high-speed broadband internet services at home. This poses challenges for our small businesses, for students, for families. Passing this legislation will help our rural communities thrive by removing existing barriers to internet development. EDA already has the authority to award grants to fund the deployment of broadband infrastructure in communities in most need of assistance, but many communities lack the financial and technical resources necessary to properly develop broadband deployment strategies. In order to effectively deploy broadband projects in the last mile, local communities must have the flexibility to collaborate with public- private partnerships and consortiums in developing these proposals. By clarifying that public-private partnerships and consortiums are eligible for EDA grants, H.R. 3193 ensures that communities can leverage private-sector expertise without disqualifying them from receiving assistance. This bill also provides grant applicants with additional flexibility in financing broadband infrastructure projects by clarifying that funds can be combined with other Federal resources and allowing real or personal property to count toward the non-Federal share of a project's cost. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for introducing this critical legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, November 3, 2021. Hon. Peter DeFazio, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 3193, the ``E-BRIDGE Act.'' In order to permit H.R. 3193 to proceed expeditiously to the House Floor, I agree to forgo formal consideration of the bill. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action to forego formal consideration of H.R. 3193 in light of our mutual understanding that, by foregoing formal consideration of H.R. 3193 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward with regard to any matters in the Committee's jurisdiction. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation that involves the Committee's jurisdiction and request your support for any such request. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during Floor consideration of H.R. 3193. Sincerely, Maxine Waters, Chairwoman.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I want to commend again my fellow committee members for introducing this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.