Keith Rothfus

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution. The Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives has been investigating potential violations of the Federal law that makes it illegal to sell fetal tissue--that is body parts--for profit. The evidence reveals appalling practices. For example, on video, we saw a Planned Parenthood doctor talking about doing ``less crunchy'' types of abortion. That was to make sure they had intact body parts to sell. The gruesome practices the panel discovered shocked the conscience. Where does this end? Consider this: It was startling to learn that the University of New Mexico had a summer camp program in which students dissected the brains of unborn children. According to documents obtained by the panel, the university ordered from a late-term abortion doctor ``whole, fixed brains to dissect with summer camp students.'' Think about that. We are talking about students--teenagers-- dissecting the brains of someone within the age group of their own siblings. What barbarity are we teaching our children? How seared have our consciences become? The select panel must move forward with its investigation into these alarming violations of law and assaults on human dignity and conscience.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to remember an outstanding member of the Sewickley, Pennsylvania, community: the late Regis Bobonis, who passed away this past November 25. This great American was a man of many firsts. He was the first African American news reporter for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the first African American television news reporter in Pittsburgh. Following his career in communications, he served as the public relations director for Mercy Hospital for 25 years. Prior to these achievements, Regis Bobonis served as a Petty Officer 3rd Class during World War II, and he was a committed husband, father, and grandfather. He and his late wife, Hurley Williams, remained married for 53 years before her passing. Through his work for the Daniel B. Matthews Historical Society in Sewickley, Mr. Bobonis discovered there were more Tuskegee Airmen from western Pennsylvania than any other State in the Nation. His discovery led him to spearhead the campaign that resulted in the largest outdoor memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen, which is in Sewickley Cemetery, pictured to my left. Mr. Bobonis' sterling example and lasting contributions to our community will not be forgotten. May his family be consoled, and may he rest in peace.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this important legislation that provides significant investments and reforms to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and cures for Americans. I also applaud the inclusion of a provision I authored that is crucial for our seniors. It would restore the open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, who until 2011 had the ability to change Medicare Advantage plans during the first 3 months of the year. Unfortunately, those 3 months of flexibility have been replaced with an annual Medicare Advantage disenrollment period during the first 45 days of the year. Given Medicare Advantage's popularity and history of success, seniors should be given the choice of changing to a plan that addresses their needs. Restoring this 90-day open enrollment window will allow seniors who find that their plan is not working for them to make the change that does work for them. This bill also contains very important legislation authored by my colleague from Pennsylvania, Representative Murphy, to help families dealing with a mental health crisis by significantly reforming our mental healthcare system. These reforms are crucial for families, veterans, and all individuals dealing with a mental health crisis and the drug addictions that can often accompany such illnesses. I commend Chairman Upton's work in bringing this critical legislation to the floor. I urge its passage.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S. 2234, to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Office of Strategic Services in recognition of their superior service and major contributions during World War II. The accomplishments of the OSS are too numerous to mention here. We cannot imagine what the world would look like today had evil forces prevailed over good in World War II, but thanks to the invaluable contribution of the brave servicemembers of the OSS, we do not have to. The OSS organized, trained, supplied, and fought resistance organizations throughout Europe and Asia that played an important role in America's victory during World War II. The men and women of the OSS were pioneers in counterintelligence, technology, and unconventional warfare. The OSS was the prototype for modern-day American intelligence and special operations communities. The outstanding Americans who serve today as Navy SEALs, U.S. Army Special Forces, Air Force Special Operations Command, Marine Special Operations Command, and more can trace their roots to the OSS. For these and many other reasons, it is right that we honor the servicemembers of the OSS for their extraordinary contributions to American history and that future generations of Americans learn about the crucial role they played in keeping America safe. While so many of the OSS servicemembers have already gone to their eternal rest, including my own father-in-law, Edgar Lewis, it is fitting and good that we pass this legislation while we continue to have OSS members among us today.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5711. Despite the President's assurances, Iran remains a menace to the stability of the Middle East and a threat to America and its allies. All of us, both Republicans and Democrats, need to take action to reduce the harm that this rogue state and its accomplices can do. H.R. 5711 takes some very important steps in that effort. By prohibiting the Secretary of the Treasury from green-lighting U.S. financing for the export of commercial aircraft to Iran, we are making it more difficult for Iranian airlines to acquire planes that we know are used to ferry soldiers and weapons. I need to ask my colleagues across the aisle: Is that such a bad idea? By blocking Ex-Im assistance to the Government of Iran, we are preventing the U.S. taxpayer from subsidizing efforts by the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism to acquire aircraft to support its deadly activities around the world. We can all agree that Ex-Im should never be used for this purpose. The Government of Iran continues to fund terrorist activities, and it is intimately involved in Syria's violent civil war. Let us not forget the recent hostile actions taken by Houthi rebels in Yemen. These rebels receive funds from Iran, and they fired missiles at U.S. Navy warships on patrol in the Red Sea. The American people cannot be complicit in these hostilities. We owe it to our constituents and our allies around the world to pass this commonsense legislation. I thank my colleagues from Michigan, Illinois, and California for introducing this bill. I urge its support.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the water infrastructure bill, and I thank Chairman Shuster for his hard work and dedication in getting us to this point. As part of our Better Way agenda, House Republicans are putting transparency and accountability front and center, especially when it comes to how we spend the taxpayers' dollars. Chairman Shuster approached this legislation the same way, increasing congressional oversight and transparency to ensure that our tax dollars are invested in the most pressing projects. I also applaud Chairman Shuster's dedication for ensuring that the long-delayed Upper Ohio Navigation project gets underway. In the 21st century, we should have a state-of-the-art infrastructure to build a thriving 21st century economy; yet the Emsworth, Dashields, and Montgomery locks and dams along the upper Ohio River are aging and in serious disrepair. I often like to say that western Pennsylvania built this country. This would not have been possible without the infrastructure that turned our rivers into highways of commerce. This allowed Pennsylvania steel, machinery, petroleum projects, and agricultural goods to travel to market efficiently and affordably along the Ohio River and beyond. Completing much-needed renovations to the upper Ohio locks and dams will allow us to continue to generate billions of dollars in economic activity benefiting generations of western Pennsylvania families, workers, and businesses in our region and across the country. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation. I again commend Chairman Shuster and thank him for his great work on this legislation.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act. While everyday Iranians earn around $15,000 a year, corruption pervades the highest levels of the Iranian Government, where bad actors use their wealth and positions of power to fund terrorism and to advance their own interests. The wealthiest and most powerful of the Iranian elites, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the foundations they run control an estimated one-third of the nation's total economy. While President Obama and his administration have engaged in negotiations with Iran's leadership under the delusional pretext that they are in any way trustworthy or honorable, we know better. The Iranian Ayatollah's favored slogan, ``Death to America,'' should have tipped the administration off that Iran is our adversary, not a peace- loving ally. President Obama's foreign policy with respect to Iran has set America back, endangering us and our allies. And with the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, he has funneled billions of dollars to the world's leading state sponsor of terror. Indeed, Iran funds Hezbollah, which was responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist organization prior to September 11, 2001. This legislation is among several key efforts the House is making to mitigate the damage the Obama administration has already done by providing Iran with billions of dollars in sanctions relief and cash payments. Requiring increased transparency regarding the funds that Iran's leaders hold, many of whom are engaged in sinister activities, will help financial institutions and private businesses comply with money laundering, related laws, and more carefully decide with whom they do business. Mr. Chairman, to a large degree, holding corrupt Iranian leaders more accountable is a matter of life and death for Americans and our allies. Iran has made its evil intentions toward America clear, and its leaders are intent upon harming us. I strongly urge this House to pass this crucial legislation.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is being ravaged by skyrocketing levels of prescription opioid and heroin abuse, and our veterans have been particularly hard hit. Today, 68,000 veterans are struggling with opioid abuse disorder. Veterans suffer higher rates of opioid abuse than their civilian counterparts, and the number of opioid abuse disorders among veterans has increased 55 percent over the past 5 years. This is why I joined my colleague from across the aisle, Bill Keating, in introducing H.R. 5057, the Safe Prescribing for Veterans Act. This bill encourages increased safety in opioid prescribing practices by ensuring that healthcare professionals within the VA who are authorized to prescribe controlled substances complete at least one continuing medical education course in pain management every 2 years. Last night, Mr. Keating and I offered this proposal as an amendment to H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act, and it passed with strong bipartisan support. This amendment has the potential to save thousands of lives by increasing opioid abuse awareness among the nearly 55,000 VA health professionals working across the country. I commend my colleagues for supporting our efforts.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Craig J. Rolish of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He is an Airforce veteran who served in Vietnam as an enlisted airman, and is a 2002 recipient of the Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award. In 1993, Craig was involved in the founding of the Veteran Community Initiatives (VCI). For the past 23 years, Mr. Rolish has been instrumental in the growth and credibility of the VCI's efforts to enhance the lives and well-being of veterans and their families. As the Vice President-Treasurer, and original Board Member, Mr. Rolish has been long involved in ensuring VCI assists in meeting the social and economic needs of the disabled, disadvantaged, physically and mentally challenged, unemployed and underemployed, and current and previously incarcerated. Craig's dedication to veterans and their families for more than 20 years has created a lasting legacy at VCI. Mr. Speaker, Pennsylvania values its veterans, and it is my great pleasure to honor the man who has spent more than two decades building an organization that provides assistance to those who have served in our armed military and their families.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on the life and legacy of that relentless patriot Phyllis Schlafly, who died yesterday at the age of 92. We have lost--and Heaven has gained--a great champion of faith, limited constitutional government, and family. Mrs. Schlafly was dedicated first and foremost to God and to her family. She loved this country and fought for the principles and policies she believed we needed. It was these three loves--love of God, family, and country--that fueled her life's work. Her organization, Eagle Forum, now has around 80,000 members. Though she had many followers devoted to the principles that make America strong, she faced incredible odds and strong opposition in her many political fights. This did not frighten her, and she simply kept moving forward. It was not lost on anyone that this pioneer, this lawyer, this mother of six was a strong and independent woman. Mrs. Schlafly's dedication to the unborn and leadership in keeping the Republican platform pro- life is an inspiration to pro-life women and men everywhere. May she rest in peace, and may God be with her family and friends as they mourn her loss.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of Pittsburgh which, this year, is celebrating the 200th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. For two centuries, Pittsburgh has embodied the very best of the American spirit. Waves of immigrants, the tired, poor, and huddled masses from distant lands, as well as Americans from other parts of this country, found opportunity in Pittsburgh for themselves and their descendants, and the neighborhoods they settled still reflect that diversity. Together, these individuals built a city out of coal, steel, and hard, honest work that epitomized the industrial character of our Nation. And while the vast furnaces that once lined the three rivers are a shadow of their past, the perseverance of Pittsburgh citizens have allowed the city to become a world leader in medicine, education, and technology, with world-class universities, hospitals, and research centers. It is a success story no one could have predicted, and the story is far from over. The past 200 years have firmly cemented Pittsburgh's place in the history books, leaving future generations of Pittsburghers with vital roles to play in the coming years. Happy birthday to America's most livable city, the city of champions. Many happy returns. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the work of an institution that improves the lives of the blind, visually impaired, physically handicapped, or reading disabled by providing them free access to books in braille or audio format, mailed directly to recipients or instantly downloadable. The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, or NLS, was established by an act of Congress in 1931 and falls under the jurisdiction of the Library of Congress. It started out as a network of only 19 libraries in 1931, and it has grown to 56 regional and 65 subregional libraries throughout the United States. These libraries provide audio-described DVDs, books, and magazines as well as large-print and braille books. I was honored to do an audio recording of myself reading a children's book via the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The book I read was ``Uncle Andy's Cats,'' by James Warhola, the nephew of Pittsburgh's native son, pop artist Andy Warhol. The audio book will be archived by the Library of Congress and available for children. I encourage others to do the same.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, as seen in this debate, few issues divide this country the way abortion does. One sides argues an autonomy that allows no questions. The other implores we recognize the inalienable, God-given right to life of all human beings, a right recognized in our Declaration of Independence. Notwithstanding these divisions, our citizens have long agreed that no one should be coerced into participating in abortion or paying for an abortion. Pro-life Americans have deeply held convictions that abortion destroys a human life. They have watched sonograms of babies in utero, and they have seen the tragic aftermath. They do not want to be involved in this procedure in any way. Yet, from a New York nurse, who was forced against her conscience to take part in aborting a 22-week-old baby, to Catholic institutions in California being forced to pay for insurance plans that cover abortion, people of conscience are threatened. This is wrong. Martin Luther King, Jr., a faith leader--he was a Reverend--was a powerful advocate for conscience rights. Dr. King put it simply: ``Conscience asks the question, is it right?'' The Conscience Protection Act is in the long tradition of our Nation's respect for religious freedom and the protection of people of conscience. I urge support for this legislation.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I commend the chairman, the ranking member, the conferees, on this work that they have accomplished. The opioid and heroin epidemic has hit western Pennsylvania hard. Nothing brings this crisis into sharper focus than when you are speaking with a parent who has lost a child, or a family member watching a loved one go through revolving doors of treatment and still be slipping away. This conference report has been a bipartisan, all-hands-on-deck effort reflective of the collaboration we see happening at the grassroots of our communities. I am pleased to see the conference report include the provision my colleague from across the aisle, Congressman Keating, and I championed in the House legislation to establish coprescribing guidelines for overdose antidotes such as naloxone. I am also pleased with how this legislation gives the proper focus to our veterans. This conference report is a necessary step in moving forward to address this crisis. Let us continue to work together to combat this deadly scourge. I urge its passage.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague and neighbor from Pennsylvania, Congressman Murphy, for his unrelenting leadership on this legislation and for calling attention to a problem that affects millions of families across the country. Nearly 10 million Americans have serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, substance abuse disorder, and major depression. I think today of the many families in my district who tell me about the heartbreak they have had after losing loved ones to drug addiction or suicide. This legislation will improve the oversight of mental health and substance abuse programs by ensuring we are using the most relevant data and most effective, evidence-based programs to address our mental health crisis. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I thank the gentleman for his leadership.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, on June 12, 2016, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 862 will sponsor its 15th annual Support Our Troops Rally to honor the courageous individuals serving in our armed forces as well as our veterans. It is an opportunity to pay our respects to our troops stationed both here at home and overseas. We should never fail to recognize the irreplaceable contributions of our service members, and we should never take their service for granted. As civilians, it is often easy to go about our daily lives, enjoying our freedoms, without remembering the sacrifices that purchased them. Robert Gwin organized the first Support Our Troops Rally 15 years ago, and the tradition has only grown stronger, with the rally drawing larger crowds every year. This is a testament to the value of institutions like Vietnam Veterans of America in demonstrating gratitude to our troops who need to know how much their service means to the rest of us. The Support Our Troops Rally fosters a strong sense of patriotism and appreciation in our community. Most important, it helps us convey our gratitude to our veterans and troops, particularly those overseas in dangerous areas of the world

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Madam Speaker, as we approach Memorial Day weekend, we learn from the Book of Wisdom that ``the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.'' They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction; and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. ``For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. ``As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; They shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. Those who trust in Him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with Him in love: Because grace and mercy are with His holy ones, and His care is with the elect.'' As we gather with our families this Memorial Day weekend, let us always be mindful of those who gave their lives for our country. May God bless them and their families always.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, in contrast to the religious persecutions in Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries, America increasingly became a safe space for people to exercise their faith in accordance with their conscience. Religious freedom was woven into the fabric and constitution of our country from the beginning, and faith has played a big role in forming the character of our Nation. From efforts to abolish slavery, secure civil rights, and protect human life, to providing health care, food, shelter, and hope to countless millions, religious organizations have been indispensable to the progress we have made. Indeed, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 recognized the extraordinary contributions of religious organizations when it preserved their right to hire individuals who shared their beliefs. Today we see clouds encroaching upon the sunshine of religious freedom and the freedom of conscience. These attempts to crush conscience must be resisted. It is conscience that convicts us of our own shortcomings, and it is that conviction that allows us to correct course and to seek what is good, beautiful, and true. That is why protecting religious freedom is vital. Mr. Speaker, let us together join forces against the growing intolerance that threatens it.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, the first freedom mentioned in our Constitution is the free exercise of religion. The Founders understood the universal right to seek God in accordance with one's conscience and, also, that many sought refuge on these shores because of religious persecution. Pilgrims, Puritans, Quakers, Catholics--these were just some of the groups who fled persecution. In the old country, in the old days, exercising one's faith could result in lost business opportunities and other forms of discrimination. Some faced imprisonment and even death. The Founders knew that history and sought to guarantee that this new Federal Government would not allow such injustice. Regrettably, Mr. Speaker, today we are seeing laws, rules, executive orders, and court rulings at different levels of government force some people to choose between following their consciences and pursuing their livelihoods. Such a choice is exactly what the penal laws of 18th century Ireland presented to Catholics in that country: abandon your faith or face severe hardship. Forcing such a choice is at odds with explicit, fundamental, constitutional liberties and basic human rights. The intolerance of religious freedom will not--cannot--stand in our Nation.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beaver Falls Chief of Police Charles R. Jones on his retirement after decades of outstanding service to his community and to our Nation. After serving his country in the Air Force, which included time at the 911th Airlift Wing in Pittsburgh, Chief Jones embarked upon a career in law enforcement. He is a graduate of both Municipal Police Officers' Training Academy and the Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriff's Training Program in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He started with the city of Beaver Falls Police Department in 1994, and by 2008, he was chief of police. In October of 2011, the Pittsburgh FBI field office chose Chief Jones to join with other U.S. and international law enforcement leaders at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for professional studies. A recipient of numerous awards, a man of faith, and a true leader, I thank Chief Jones for his service. In thanking the chief, I would be remiss in not also recognizing his wife Regina, who has also been a great advocate for her community. Although the chief is retiring, I fully expect he will continue his service to his community in multiple endeavors in the years to come.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a speech and communication disorder that causes extreme difficulty in learning to speak, which can affect literacy and school performance. Often times, children with Childhood Apraxia of Speech require frequent and aggressive speech therapy to improve their ability to communicate. Sadly, the cause of the disorder is unknown. More progress must be made to understand and develop better treatment for this complex condition. Fortunately, the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association located in Pittsburgh, PA continues to work tirelessly to raise awareness about Childhood Apraxia of Speech and to provide support to families of affected children. Thanks to their hard work, great strides have been made toward educating the public, and local, state, and federal officials. Increased awareness of this disorder will serve as an impetus toward more effective treatment, as well as to create a more supportive environment for families struggling with this rare condition. Children with apraxia and their families confront tremendous obstacles with determination and persistence. To all the families and children living with apraxia, I offer my heartfelt encouragement as you deal with the unique challenges you face. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these individuals on Apraxia Awareness Day this May and in thanking the Childhood Apraxia of Speech Association for increasing awareness in our communities about this challenging disorder.

Mr. ROTHFUS

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from Wisconsin for his leadership on this very important piece of legislation, and the chairman and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee for working together to bring it to the floor today. The United States is being ravaged by skyrocketing levels of prescription opioid and heroin abuse. This brutal epidemic accounted for more than 28,000 American deaths in 2014. It is destroying families and devastating our local communities. Tragically, our Nation's veteran population has been particularly hard-hit by this crisis. Veterans suffer significantly higher rates of opioid abuse than their civilian counterparts. And according to some estimates, the number of opioid use disorders among veterans has increased 55 percent in the past 5 years. Worst of all, the death rate from opioid overdose among veterans is nearly double the national average. Clearly our veteran population has a unique set of needs when it comes to dealing with addiction that must be addressed through specialized programming. We need meaningful and evidence-based solutions, including treatment for co-occurring illnesses, such as depression and PTSD. I have been working to help develop those solutions as part of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic and by holding a series of roundtables with stakeholders in my district. I strongly believe that the legislation we are considering here today is another step forward in that process. Specifically, the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act will direct $103 million in Federal funds toward abuse programs focused squarely on addressing the opioid epidemic. By structuring this funding as a competitive grant program, the bill provides States and localities with maximum flexibility to attack opioid abuse that is unique to their communities. Among other things, States will be able to use the grant funds for various types of anti-opioid programs, including veteran treatment courts. These specialized courts, which seek to divert veterans away from traditional justice systems and provide them with both treatment and tools for rehabilitation, are certainly worthwhile and should be supported. But it is also my sincere hope that we can reach many veterans who are at risk of opioid or heroin abuse long before they enter our court system in the first place. And that is the goal of my amendment. Specifically, my amendment would expand the list of permissible uses for funds from the newly created Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program to include efforts to develop, implement, or expand programs to prevent and address opioid abuse by veterans. As currently drafted, the legislation permits similar funding for efforts to prevent and address opioid abuse by juveniles. My amendment will simply ensure that the same resources are available to treat our veterans. We have a solemn obligation to stand with our veterans. It is the principle of solidarity. They stood for us; we need to stand for them. Let us keep that commitment today by ensuring that our veterans have the resources and support they need to combat this horrible epidemic. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner).

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) for his work on this important legislation. To close, I simply urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to ensure that the funds provided in this legislation can be used for programs that will provide direct assistance to our veterans in the fight against opioid and heroin abuse. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman. I also want to thank my colleagues, particularly the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating), my friend, for inviting me to work with him on this important amendment, which adds drug take-back programs to the list of authorized uses under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program created by this legislation. While prescription drugs can be lifesaving when used properly, they can also be harmful and even lethal if they end up in the wrong hands. As recognized by Mr. Keating, unused prescription medications can pose a real safety concern and public health risk, particularly in homes with children. These unused drugs can be accidentally ingested, stolen, or misused, which is why it is absolutely essential that we take appropriate steps to provide both a safe and responsible means of disposing of them. This amendment ensures that Federal grant funds can be used for that purpose. I believe this is a positive step and will offer real benefits in reducing accidental overdose deaths. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.