Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1156, the China Financial Threat Mitigation Act of 2023, sponsored by Representative Spanberger of Virginia. It is crucial that we closely monitor any risk to our financial system and economy that may arise from the financial sector and economy of the People's Republic of China. Our financial regulators have already raised some concerns about such risks. For example, the Financial Stability Oversight Council highlighted in their 2022 report that ``difficulties in the real estate sector could cause strains across China's financial system, including at banks, nonbanks, corporate bond markets, and local government finances.'' However, further analysis is needed, as China's size and interconnectedness with the global economy may pose risks to the United States if those kinds of risks spill over. H.R. 1156 would require a comprehensive report by our Treasury Department looking at these different types of financial risks, in consultation with relevant agencies, to better inform Congress and provide actionable recommendations to our representatives at various international bodies, such as the Financial Stability Board, in order to mitigate these risks. Ranking Member Waters was pleased to work with Chair McHenry last Congress to advance this bipartisan bill through the House. I join her in hoping that we can pass this bill again with the support of the Senate so this work can begin quickly. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1076, the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act sponsored by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz), a bill that I am pleased to cosponsor and co-lead. Thanks to collaboration on both sides of the aisle, this bill offers a well-written study focused on the financing and proceeds of the illicit synthetic drug trade that is victimizing communities across the country. By following the money behind the multibillion-dollar drug trade, we are able to understand the traffickers' operations and improve our ability to disrupt their activities. The effects of this trafficking have been staggering. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, such as illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine, increased by 22 percent in 2021, resulting in the deaths of more than 100,000 of our family members and neighbors. In 2022, there were also nearly 200,000 nonfatal opioid overdoses in the U.S. In 2021, overdose death rates increased 44 percent for Black people and 39 percent for American Indian and Alaska Natives, showing troubling trends and widening disparities among population groups. Combating the opioid epidemic is one of the reasons why I ran for Congress. Like too many Americans, my family has been impacted by the opioid crisis. My mom's addiction began with the overprescription of opioids, which led to heroin and ultimately fentanyl when it started to take over the drug supply chain in 2016. Unfortunately, my mom's story is not unique in Jefferson County, in Colorado, or in this country. The opioid epidemic is now more lethal than ever as we continue to see drugs become more and more potent and easier to traffic. It is going to take an all-hands-on-deck approach to stop the flow of fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids in this country. Ensuring that we understand the financial networks of drug trafficking organizations is a critical tool that we need to protect American lives. This bill will not solve all the issues related to the opioid crisis. We need to do more to increase access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, and we need to do more to help support the workforce shortages. We need to crack down on social media companies that are permitting the sale of illegal drugs to young Americans, and we need to ensure that the financial system has the tools to quickly identify bad actors and break up their drug trafficking rings. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, I advocate for leveraging every financial tool at our disposal to pursue the traffickers of illicit fentanyl and other drugs. In this role, I also advocate for every individual family and community that has suffered or will suffer from misguided antidrug policies' physical, social, and economic damage to have the support that they need. Thus, I urge my fellow Members to vote for this needed trafficking study bill, but I also urge them to consider that we must take the time to learn the lessons of past epidemics and take further steps to eliminate harmful and counterproductive policies. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Beatty).

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the hard work, leadership, and resilience of one of my young constituents, Irene Alvarez. She is finishing up her junior year at Salida High School and is the winner of the 2023 Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year award. When Irene was in sixth grade, her father was deported. Her mother was forced to raise her as a single parent, working tirelessly cleaning houses to support their family. Despite all the trouble she faced at home, Irene chose to dedicate herself to helping others. In her 10 years at the Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club, she has become a leader, mentoring the kids around her, especially those who do not speak English. She teaches art, assists kids with their homework, and helps them translate when necessary. In Irene's own words, we help ourselves by helping others. In the face of adversity, Irene triumphed. I can't express how proud our whole community is of her strength and perseverance. I congratulate Irene, and I congratulate the Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club for being there to support and inspire leaders like Irene.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, today, we recognize and honor the impactful life of Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, who broke barriers becoming the first woman in history to represent Colorado in this House. With her intelligence and profound talent for political rhetoric, she completely redefined what women could achieve in our government. I grew up watching her confidently advocate for issues that mattered, like paid family leave and reproductive rights. Her legacy is clear today, as my colleagues and I tackle those same issues--building off Pat's victories and continuing her battles where she left off. Congresswoman Pat Schroeder will be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way and inspired an entire generation of women to lead, including me. With her two children, she demonstrated how a mother can fiercely represent her community, even while raising kids. As I work hard to take care of my son Davis while serving in Congress, I remember that Pat proved it's possible. When I became involved in politics myself, Pat Schroeder was always a relentless source of encouragement. While I was running to become the first woman to represent Colorado's 7th Congressional District, Pat gave me her full support and endorsement. Although she stepped down from her seat in Congress, she never retired from supporting and elevating her fellow women. I thank Congresswoman Pat Schroeder for all that she has achieved. We will never forget her contributions or sacrifice.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of my most important constituents and the milestones in the week to come. This Sunday, January 15, marks the 12th anniversary with my husband, Ian Silverii. Twelve years ago, I said yes to our first date, and it was the best decision I have made. I am so grateful for his love and support all along the way. No matter how difficult our paths have been, he has always been my rock and biggest cheerleader. I am thankful every day for the life we have built together. Happy anniversary to my partner and best friend and the dad to my other most important constituent, my son, Davis. January 19 is my son's third birthday. Davis has been the greatest gift to both of our lives. It has been amazing to watch him grow and to see him become the loving and empathetic little guy that he is. Nothing makes me happier and prouder than being his mom. His Dad and I love him so much. I can't wait to celebrate him and all that he brings to our lives and the people around him. Happy birthday to my sweet boy.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today because at a time when Americans across the country are facing urgent needs, Republicans are choosing to spend the first week of Congress attacking women's reproductive healthcare. This week, we should be advancing legislation to fight inflation and lower everyday costs for families who are struggling to make ends meet. We should be passing measures to improve our education system and address our dire workforce shortages. Instead, Republicans are doubling-down on their assault on women's reproductive freedom, even though the vast majority of Americans believe that women should have the right to choose. I came to Congress to make a meaningful difference in people's lives and fight against extremism just like this. The people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District sent me here to ensure these personal decisions are kept between women, their doctors, and their families, not Members of Congress. Just like I did in the State senate, I will not stop fighting until all Americans have control over their own bodies, their own healthcare decisions, and their own lives.