Guy Reschenthaler

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be amended by striking the last sentence in the first section of the resolution and insert ``All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived.''.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 614 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Neguse) pending which time I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. General Leave

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let's just go back and look at what has been said over the last few months. For the last few months, the administration and extreme congressional Democrats have been spreading lies that House Republicans were cutting veterans benefits. These lies were merely designed to score cheap political points at the expense of our veterans. Let's go through a few of the quotes from extreme Democrats. President Biden stated in May: ``Republicans in Congress proposed budget cuts that would threaten veterans housing services, medical care, and mental health care.'' It didn't stop there. Ranking Member Takano stated, on April 26, they are holding veterans benefits ``hostage, again pointing to concerns about fiscal responsibility.'' In the Senate, Senate Majority Leader Schumer stated, on March 1: ``Republican proposals would narrow healthcare eligibility for veterans and cut VA mandatory funding.'' Now we get to this week, when House Republicans will pass a bill that will fully fund veterans benefits, fully fund veterans healthcare, and fully fund all other veterans programs. This bill provides the VA $16.4 billion over the fiscal year 2023 enacted level and matches the President's budget request for fiscal year 2024. There is no question who was and who was not misleading the American people. There is no question that our actions today support veterans. Just watch to see how many of those Democrats will vote ``no'' tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Langworthy), my good friend and a member of the House Rules Committee.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, since we are discussing the Department of the Interior's out-of-touch rulemaking decisions this week, let's talk about last week with the Department of the Interior. The Department proposed a new rule adding barriers to the future of energy production. This decision will drastically impact oil and gas investments and will raise energy costs for hardworking Americans. Let's not forget that under the Trump administration, our Nation was energy independent, and this rulemaking will only deepen our reliance on foreign adversaries for energy. According to a recent Morning Consult poll, 88 percent of Americans believe we should produce oil and gas here in the United States, and 85 percent agree domestic energy production counters China and Russia. Again, that is 85 percent. In addition, 88 percent believe that domestic energy production will help lower costs for families. That is 88 percent. These seem to me like pretty overwhelming numbers. However, we have a bunch of unelected, career bureaucrats who are accountable to no one who are making these decisions. It is clear that Biden's Department of the Interior rulemaking continues to hurt our national security, our economy, and our energy independence, not to mention how wildly out of step this administration is with the American people. It is time that extreme Democrats stop the war on American energy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is amazing, I guess if you say something to knock people, you just assume they are going to think it is true. Let's talk about the facts. Let's talk about the numbers. This bill provides the VA $16.4 billion above FY23 levels. We are over the levels the Democrats passed last year. We are actually at the levels that the President wanted, that he put in his budget request for FY24. We are fully funding the VA. My crystal ball is broken today, but I am willing to bet that every single Democrat will vote ``no'' on this bill which, again, fully funds the VA and all the programs that they are talking about. Let's just see where they vote tomorrow. It is quite amazing. The talk about DEI in the military, under the Biden administration DEI created a recruiting and retention crisis without any reason for doing this, and that has weakened our military readiness. I was in the Navy. I lived through this. I can tell you that DEI and CRT are plummeting our recruitment numbers. For what? From 2015 to 2020, the Army went on a witch hunt. The Army reported 21 of roughly a million soldiers were subject to disciplinary actions due to participation in extremist organizations. That was in 2020, they said a million soldiers were involved in this. In 2021, the DOD did a study on that, and it reported that less than 100 of the over 2 million servicemembers actually participated in prohibited activity. For those of you without a calculator, that is roughly 0.00005 percent. That is what we are fighting over here. The underlying legislation we are talking about actually eliminates wasteful spending for DEI and CRT, and puts it where we need it, in veterans' programs and military construction. It also does a lot to reverse the negative impact on military readiness and what is driving down our recruitment--just one of the many things that is driving down our recruitment. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. We can sit here and talk about the numbers all day because the Republicans, we have actually increased military construction $800 million over what President Biden requested in his budget. We are $800 million over what the President wanted. Where are we using that money? Well, we are using it in places like the South Pacific. Today, China is the global leader in human rights abuses. In 2021, the Trump administration determined that the CCP is committing genocide against the Uyghurs. In the South China Sea, China is militarizing disputed territory and growing their malign influence. In 2020, let's not forget that China ended Hong Kong's longstanding autonomy and a democracy came crashing down. In 2019, a manmade virus escaped from a Chinese lab in Wuhan, killing tens of millions around the world. In the near future, the CCP plans to invade our ally, the free and independent democracy of Taiwan. That is why I support the underlying legislation which focuses investment in the Pacific theater by providing $1.425 billion for infrastructure related to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and $131 million for U.S. INDOPACOM. That is the Indo-Pacific Command. Again, think about those numbers. Think about combating China and their malign influences. When the Democrats sit here and say they are going to vote against this bill, they are voting against strengthening our Pacific theater against the malign influence of the CCP. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, and I am prepared to close. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank my good friend from Colorado for the spirited debate. I always enjoy it. We are here today because the Biden administration wants to tell the American people what they can do, how they can live. They want to tell you what kind of car you have to drive. They want to tell you what kind of stove that you can buy. They want to tell you what kind of energy you can use to heat your home. Now, under these Department of the Interior rules, Biden bureaucrats want to place further burdens on our farmers and ranchers, our rural communities, and economic development and on public and private land. Instead of focusing on the lesser prairie-chicken and the long-eared bat, maybe the Department should focus on securing our domestic energy supply chains and supporting American energy independence. Maybe that is the real purpose of why we are here talking about these issues, to force this Department to actually focus on what matters to American security and the American economy. I urge my colleagues to send that message to the Biden administration and support the underlying legislation. Additionally, as a Navy veteran, I support the underlying legislation that fulfills our commitments to America's veterans, our servicemembers, and their families. Let's not forget that this MILCON-VA bill is $800 million for military construction over what President Biden requested in his budget request for FY24. It is also at the President's requested level of FY24. Maybe instead of attacking these numbers, my Democratic colleagues should be attacking their far-left Democratic President who wanted numbers below what the Republicans wrote for these numbers, and, again, we are fully funding Biden's requested VA numbers. It is simple that a ``no'' vote on this is a vote against our veterans, and that is absolutely horrifying. Our country has sent generations of heroes around the globe to defend our freedoms and the freedoms of others. It is essential that we now take care of those who took care of us. For those reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the previous question and ``yes'' on the rule.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Youghiogheny River Lake on its 75th anniversary. Located in Pennsylvania's Fayette and Somerset Counties, the lake provides flood protection for the upper Ohio River and the Youghiogheny and lower Monongahela River Valleys. The flood control reservoir was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1938. Since its completion in 1943, the dam is estimated to have saved more than $569 million by preventing upstream flood damage. The benefits of the Youghiogheny River Lake don't stop there. Alongside its support staff, the lake also alleviates pollution, improves water quality, and enhances the navigability of nearby rivers. A hydroelectric plant along the dam generates enough power for approximately 8,000 homes per year. Visitors can camp, fish, swim, picnic, and boat on the Youghiogheny River Lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regularly stocks the lake with trout and operates a boat launch along the shoreline. The Youghiogheny Outflow Campground offers a nearby camping experience that allows even more visitors to enjoy the lake's beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate the Youghiogheny River Lake on its 75th anniversary. I thank the staff, volunteers, and community members who support the lake's success, and I look forward to seeing their continued dedication to the community over the next 75 years.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Hempfield Township of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania on the 250th anniversary of its founding. Since 1773, Hempfield Township has grown into 1 of the largest municipalities in Pennsylvania. Currently, it is home to over 40,000 people and is the largest municipality in Westmoreland County. While Hempfield Township is an important hub for business and industry, the township never forgot its rich agricultural heritage. Hailing from southeastern Pennsylvania, its early settlers were largely of German descent and worked to refine grain. As people moved to the area, Hempfield grew and is now home to several manufacturing facilities, institutes of higher education, and recreational businesses that are important to southwestern Pennsylvania's economy. Above all, the township's people exemplify the values of good citizenship and devotion to their community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Hempfield Township on their 250th anniversary and look forward to building on this storied history over the next 250 years.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confluence, Pennsylvania, and its important contributions to southwestern Pennsylvania. In 1870, the Confluence Land Company purchased an area in the Turkeyfoot Valley and laid out the town. Named for its location as the meeting point of Laurel Hill Creek and the Casselman and Youghiogheny Rivers, the town grew quickly and was incorporated as a borough just 3 years later, in 1873. By 1883, the town was already home to 450 people. Shipping and commerce were critical to the town's early prosperity because of its easy access to both water and railroads. Today, Confluence is a hub of outdoor recreation. Visitors to Confluence can enjoy many miles of adventurous hiking at nearby Ohiopyle State Park, scale the tallest Pennsylvania mountain at Mount Davis, bike through the Great Allegheny Passage, and enjoy some of the best boating our Nation has to offer. The region's incredible fall foliage adds even more appeal to Confluence's already amazing natural scenery. Mr. Speaker, the story of Confluence is uniquely American and important to our commonwealth's rich history. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Confluence on this remarkable milestone and look forward to building on this storied history over the next 150 years.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Washington County on the 225th anniversary of its agricultural fair and celebrate its importance to southwestern Pennsylvania's agricultural industry over the years. The Washington County Agricultural Fair is the oldest in Pennsylvania, having started in 1798. Since its creation, the annual fair has promoted our community's achievements in agriculture, horticulture, homemaking subjects, arts, and sciences. It is also an opportunity for 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, and many other community organizations to share their work with friends, neighbors, and visitors. Today, the 8-day event attracts over 65,000 attendees each year. Thc fair is an important part of Washington County's history and heritage. Over 1,700 individual farms operate in the region, making agriculture the largest industry in the county. Generations of families and farmers have worked to build a thriving and prosperous agricultural community, which is now a defining characteristic of Washington County's economy and culture. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate the Washington County Agricultural Fair on its 225th anniversary. I thank the staff, volunteers, and exhibitors for the important services they provide to southwestern Pennsylvania communities and hope for their continued success over the next 225 years.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the retirement of Colonel Adam J. Czekanski, who will retire from his post as Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District on August 4, 2023. Colonel Czekanski served honorably in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for 25 years. He began his career in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Cornell University as well as a Master of Science degree in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering from the University of Texas. Colonel Czekanski has served in a variety of important roles since joining the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was the Deputy District Commander for the San Francisco region, the Operations Officer for the South Pacific Division, and the Commander of the Buffalo District before finally taking a post as the Commander of the Pittsburgh District. During his time in leadership, Colonel Czekanski mobilized the Corps's workforce and operational capacity to confront a variety of environmental and engineering challenges unique to western Pennsylvania. During his command of the Pittsburgh District, Colonel Czekanski also traveled around the country on multiple Temporary Emergency Power Deployments to help rebuild communities after hurricanes and wildfires. His eagerness to serve those in need is an example to us all. Over the course of his service, Colonel Czekanski was awarded a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, and a Soldier's Medal. These awards are a testament to his dedication to the United States, our nation's military, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Adam J. Czekanski's diligent service to his brothers at arms, our communities, and our entire nation is evidence of a life well-lived and a retirement well-earned. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate him on his retirement and many impressive accomplishments throughout a successful military career.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Edwin ``Ned'' Rachuba, a Navy veteran and steamfitter from southwestern Pennsylvania, who passed away on March 10, 2023 at the age of 83. Mr. Rachuba graduated from Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy on active duty aboard the USS Wasp from 1957 to 1959 and an additional 4 years in the Navy Reserve. After leaving the military, Mr. Rachuba worked as a steamfitter and was a member of the Steamfitters Local Union 449 in Pittsburgh for 42 years. His professional life and military service exemplified the values of hard work, dedication, and commitment to his community. Outside of his professional career, Mr. Rachuba was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He married his high school sweetheart, Sally, and celebrated 63 years of marriage over their lifetimes. Mr. Rachuba would travel across Pennsylvania and the country to watch his grandchildren play sports, never missing an important family event. Mr. Speaker, Edwin Rachuba's dedication to his work, devotion to his family, and service to our Nation are an example of a life well-lived. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I extend my condolences to Mr. Rachuba's family and wish them healing during this difficult time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and accomplishments of Morgantown Police Officer Zane Breakiron, who sadly passed away on June 3, 2023. Officer Breakiron, a Uniontown, PA native, exemplified the values of humility, selflessness, and dedication and provided an example for all Americans of what it means to serve our communities. While attending Uniontown's Laurel Highlands High School, Officer Breakiron was a 3- sport varsity athlete, lettering in football, wrestling, and track and field. Following his graduation from the University of Florida, he joined the Morgantown, West Virginia Police Department. Zane served in the department's K-9 Unit and on their Underwater Search and Rescue Team. Continuing his passion for athletics in his professional life, he also served as a physical trainer for other officers in the department. Outside of his service as a law enforcement officer, Zane Breakiron spent time giving back to his native community in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He was involved in the Catholic War Veterans of Fayette County and was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police. The positive energy and kindness he spread in his community were a product of his unshakeable faith in Christ and active participation in the Church. Zane Breakiron was a brave and dedicated servant to his community and will be greatly missed for his kind, selfless, and hardworking spirit. Zane is survived by his parents, Dr. Garrett and Mindi Breakiron, his 2 grandparents, his aunt and uncle, his 2 cousins, and his younger brother. Mr. Speaker, Officer Breakiron's legacy of service to family, faith, and community should inspire all Americans. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I extend my condolences to Officer Breakiron's family and wish them healing and strength during this difficult time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of James Papariello, who sadly passed away on June 12, 2023, at the age of 84. In 1969, the Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, native built his own business, Jim Papariello Studios, that served the Greater Pittsburgh community for over 50 years. Throughout his career in commercial industrial photography, James captured many of Pittsburgh's important figures and organizations, including Mario Lemieux, Dr. Earl Starzl, U.S. Steel and Heinz corporations. Pittsburgher Magazine featured several of his works on their cover in recognition of their quality and significance to southwestern Pennsylvania. These covers and photographs are currently on display in the Heinz History Center for all to enjoy. Apart from his life's work, James also devoted himself to his family. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Linda, and his beloved children and grandchildren. His family will fondly remember James as a man whose greatest happiness came from spending time together. Mr. Speaker, James Papariello's love of his community and dedication to his family is an example to us all. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish his family comfort and healing during this difficult time.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Dr. Haakan Jonsson, who will step down as President of Covestro, LLC, on June 28, 2023. For 25 years, Dr. Jonsson worked to become an accomplished leader in both business and science. At the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden, he received a Ph.D. in Polymer Technology and a MS in Chemical Engineering. In 1992, he began his career at Covestro as a scientist working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the years, Dr. Jonsson rose through the ranks to become Vice President of the Polycarbonate Business Unit, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Innovation, and President of Covestro. Forever dedicated to his work, he sits on the boards of the American Chemistry Council, the Society of Chemical Industry America, and several other related industry boards. Dr. Jonsson's leadership also went beyond business and positively impacted the Greater Pittsburgh community. He sits on the Board of Visitors for the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering and the Board of Variety for the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh, among other boards of organizations providing important services to the communities of southwestern Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Jonsson's service to his community and dedication to Covestro are an example for us all. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate him on both his retirement and his many impressive accomplishments throughout a successful career in the sciences.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Joe Barron on his retirement from Kennywood, an amusement park in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where he worked for over 50 years. In 1972, Mr. Barron began working in the games department at Kennywood at 16 years old. Two years later, Joe met a new hire, Peggy, while staffing a Skee-Ball machine. She would later become his wife. Joe's distinguished career at Kennywood included rising to Human Resources Director in the personnel department and serving as Human Resources Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions for years. For 51 years, nearly every employee hired at Kennywood has had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Barron, including his own children-- and me as a teenager. As the years and management changed, Joe remained a staple at the park, driving to preserve the park's status and cultural significance to the greater Pittsburgh area. His deep respect and interest in the lives of the park's staff undoubtedly fostered the family-friendly atmosphere experienced by his colleagues and all who visit the park. Kennywood will sorely miss Joe's leadership and kind- spiritedness. Mr. Speaker, Joe Barron's innumerable contributions to the success of Kennywood and its staff are an inspiring example of the rewards of hard work, dedication to one's profession, and service to others. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Barron on his retirement and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. Every day an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die as a result of drug overdose. In 2021, Pennsylvania recorded 5,449 overdose deaths, which is the fourth largest amount in the Nation. Preliminary data shows that in 2022, roughly 110,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the U.S., which is a new record, as the fentanyl crisis deepens across this country. Just for perspective, fentanyl kills more Americans under age 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, and suicide. We must ensure law enforcement has all the tools necessary to prosecute and seize all dangerous addictive and deadly forms of fentanyl substances. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend and fellow Rules Committee member, Representative Fischbach, for the time. A quick history lesson. June 2020, Vice President Kamala Harris applauded former L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti's decision to slash police funding by $150 million. Representative Ocasio-Cortez has stated, ``defunding police means defunding police,'' an exact quote. Representative Cori Bush has said that she would ``make sure'' she has private security for her protection while simultaneously promising to defund the police that protect you. Representative Tlaib has said: ``No more policing, incarceration, and militarization.'' Representative Omar has stated: Not only do we need to defund, we need to dismantle police departments. What has been the result? What has been the result of these attacks on law enforcement? Well, 2021 was the deadliest year in two decades for our law enforcement officers. Mr. Speaker, 64 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty in 2022. Just to put that in perspective, that is a 40 percent increase from 2020. At least nine cities, the vast majority of which are Democrat- controlled cities, saw record homicides last year and skyrocketing crime that continues to plague our communities all across the country. Right here in D.C., for example, we are already seeing a 13 percent rise in violent crime in 2023 compared with 2022 when crime was already at near-historic levels. Democrats are now trying to deflect responsibility for this rise in crime, but it is their own far-left radical policies that are to blame. It is essential that we make it clear that Congress, at least this Republican majority, condemns all efforts to dismantle and defund our Nation's police officers. Mr. Speaker, for those reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and support the underlying piece of legislation.

Mr. RESCHENTHALER

Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Missouri for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would like to engage the gentlewoman from Virginia (Mrs. Kiggans), who is my fellow Navy veteran, for the purpose of a colloquy.