Bobby Scott

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, across the country, students on college campuses are facing an increased incidence of substance misuse. Even before the pandemic, there was a rising demand for substance prevention and recovery programs on campuses. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health and student well-being crisis. In fact, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study found that 89 percent of college students experienced increased anxiety, and one in four students surveyed said their depression significantly increased. College-aged students misuse substances more than any other age group. In a lot of cases, substance misuse in college can lead to lower academic performance and unemployment after graduation. Tragically, in the worst cases, substance misuse can lead to illness and death. That is why the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez) acted and introduced the bipartisan Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act. This bill brings together the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services to encourage institutions to develop evidence-based substance misuse prevention and recovery programs for students with substance use disorders. This bill also encourages institutions to holistically address substance use and mental health concerns. Importantly, it reauthorizes grants to help institutions carry out these efforts. Madam Speaker, if we want to tackle the mental health crisis head-on and help our students reach their full potential, then we must invest in their well-being. This legislation will help deliver on that goal. I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for leading this effort, and I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), who is the sponsor of the legislation.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, as lawmakers, we have an opportunity to make a difference in students' lives and protect their health, including their mental health. The benefits of doing so are clear. Students with higher rates of well-being have higher GPAs and are more likely to graduate and be engaged in our community. Unfortunately, mental health issues and substance misuse are rising, and that is a concern for our college campuses. The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act will provide both guidance and funding to help make sure that students have the tools that they need to reach their full potential. Again, I thank the chief sponsor of the bill, Ms. Leger Fernandez; the lead cosponsor of the bill, the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson); and Mr. Keller for their leadership on this important bill. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6493, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Honorable Paul Trible for his 26 years of extraordinary service as the president of Christopher Newport University located in Newport News, Virginia. Prior to his service at Christopher Newport University, President Trible served as a Commonwealth's Attorney for Essex County, Virginia before being elected to represent Virginia's First Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. After serving three terms in this chamber, President Trible was then elected to the United States Senate, where he served one term. After working as a teaching fellow at Harvard University, he returned to the Virginia Peninsula to serve as president of Christopher Newport University. Over the course of his tenure, President Trible has ensured that Christopher Newport University has remained focused on both the academic achievement and personal development of its students, a focus which is exemplified by the establishment of the President's Leadership Program. Through a combination of academic study and community service, the program prepares students for a life of leadership, service and civic responsibility. Under Mr. Trible's presidency, enrollment at Christopher Newport grew from 2,920 to over 4,700, with a graduation rate of 74 percent. Full- time faculty also increased from 166 to 282, and the university library's holdings increased to 1.2 million volumes. In 1996, President Trible worked with then-Delegate Alan Diamonstein to secure a $5 million appropriation for the university's Ferguson Center for the Arts and a 21 percent increase in the university's operating funds. Since then, President Trible has overseen $1 billion in construction projects, including the recent $60 million, 83,00-square-foot Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center. The university's endowment, which stood at $330,000 when President Trible took office, has grown exponentially under his tenure and now exceeds $60 million, securing a bright future for the university for generations to come. Madam Speaker, as the Christopher Newport University community gathers to celebrate a truly remarkable leader, I want to congratulate Paul Trible on 26 years of legendary service to Christopher Newport University, and over 50 years of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. I also want to thank Rosemary Trible, his wife and partner for over 40 years, for her countless contributions, and their two children--Mary Katherine and Paul. I thank President Trible for his decades of service and congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. William R. Harvey for his 44 years of extraordinary service as the president of Hampton University, ending one of the longest serving tenures of any sitting college president in our country. After obtaining degrees from Talladega College, Virginia State University and Harvard University, Dr. Harvey became the 12th president of Hampton University, then-named Hampton Institute, in 1978. A native of Alabama, he looked forward to returning to the south and working at an Historically Black College & University (HBCU) after receiving his doctorate at Harvard. Over the course of his legendary tenure, he has ensured that Hampton University has remained focused on both the academic achievement and personal development of its students. He has remained responsive to the needs of his students, building one of the nation's most premiere institutes of higher education, and he has overseen the graduation of more than 38,000 students. Under Dr. Harvey's presidency, Hampton has built over 30 new buildings, introduced over 90 new degree-granting programs, including 12 doctorates. The average SAT score for accepted students has risen by more than 300 points during his tenure. Thanks to Dr. Harvey's visionary leadership, Hampton University is home to the world's largest freestanding proton beam cancer treatment institute. It also became the first HBCU to lead a NASA mission, launching weather and atmospheric research satellites into space. The university's endowment, which stood at $29 million when he became president, has grown exponentially under his tenure and now exceeds $400 million, securing a bright future for the university for generations to come. Most recently, Dr. Harvey successfully guided Hampton University through the COVID-19 pandemic by following the science. Also leading by example, Dr. Harvey recently opened the doors of Hampton for the upcoming summer semester to refugees displaced by the Russian War in Ukraine. Aside from his work at Hampton University, Dr. Harvey has served on numerous boards, including the National Geographic Society, National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and National Collegiate Athletic Association. He is also the sole owner of a plant that bottles Pepsi products in Houghton, Michigan. Dr. Harvey has been the recipient of many accolades and awards over the years, including the Daily Press Citizen of the Year and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award. Madam Speaker, as the Hampton University community gathers this weekend to celebrate a truly remarkable leader, I want to congratulate Dr. Harvey on 44 years of legendary service to Hampton University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the nation. I also want to thank Norma Harvey, his wife and partner for over 50 years, for her countless contributions, and their three children--Kelly Renee, William Christopher, and Leslie Denise--and five grandchildren, Taylor, Gabrielle Lauren, Victoria, and Chloe. I thank Dr. Harvey for his decades of service and extend congratulations on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for yielding. Madam Speaker, more than 2 million Federal employees provide key services to the public. In fact, during the height of the pandemic, Federal workers were critical in delivering vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other COVID relief to the American people. So it stands to reason that when a Federal worker gets sick or injured on the job, we are obligated to provide them and their families with the resources and medical care that they need. Today, we can improve that effort by providing expanded healthcare access for injured Federal workers who are seeking healthcare covered by Federal workers' compensation. We live in a country where people are increasingly turning to nurse practitioners and physician assistants as their primary healthcare provider. This is particularly true in rural America where they are disproportionately impacted by physician shortages. Unfortunately, Federal law now limits what can be reimbursed under Federal workers' compensation, forcing injured workers to see only a physician to certify the injury and disability as work-related and to deliver services. It is time to correct this lag in access to healthcare. After all, core Federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and the Veterans Affairs' system, already recognize services delivered by nurse practitioners and physician assistants if provided within the scope of practice allowed by State law. This bill would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to receive reimbursement for healthcare services they are providing to injured Federal workers if, and only if, those services are already permissible under their State laws. Madam Speaker, a ``yes'' vote on this bill is a step to expand the group of available healthcare providers consistent with existing State law so that we can ensure injured Federal workers and their families get the support and care they deserve. I thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) for his leadership on the bill, along with the distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Walberg), and the committee's ranking member, Dr. Foxx, for their support of this legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7791) to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to establish waiver authority to address certain emergencies, disasters, and supply chain disruptions, and for other purposes.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi), the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from dozens of health, nutrition, education, and child advocacy organizations urging passage of this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. May 18, 2022. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Charles Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader Schumer, and Leader McConnell: Parents across the country are increasingly anxious about the diminished availability of infant formula in traditional retail channels after Abbott Nutrition instituted a nationwide recall of its most popular products in February 2022. The undersigned organizations urge swift action in Congress to provide federal agencies with the flexibilities and resources needed to shore up supply, assure the safety of infant formula available on the market, and provide families with options that ensure babies have access to essential nutrition. Although breastfeeding is the optimal source of infant nutrition, sustained breastfeeding is not an option for many mothers. Infant formula is an essential product constituting the majority--or even exclusive--source of nutrition for many infants and some older children and adults with metabolic disorders. Since Abbott Nutrition announced the infant formula recall in February 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led an interagency effort to address supply challenges and encourage increased production among the limited domestic manufacturers. The infant formula manufacturing sector is highly concentrated, with only four companies--Abbott Nutrition, Reckitt Benckiser (Mead Johnson), Nestle (Gerber), and Perrigo--commanding nearly 90 percent of the domestic infant formula supply. As the nation navigates through the Abbott recall, manufacturer assurances of increased production have not yet translated to increased stock on the shelves, leaving many families with limited options and acutely impacting individuals who need specialty formulas to accommodate for allergies, digestive issues, or metabolic disorders. More than half of all infant formula purchases in the country go through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which typically limits the 1.2 million infants receiving formula benefits to a specific brand. Though WI C's State-based, sole-source contracting process has been a successful cost containment strategy, limited options posed a unique challenge during this unprecedented failure of the manufacturing sector. Starting in February 2022, a patchwork of waivers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and contract flexibilities exercised by State WIC Agencies allowed for WIC families have more options--including additional container sizes and brands--to ensure that low-income families could obtain infant formula amid limited supply on the shelves. As with the commercial market, WIC's program structure did not anticipate the possibility of the widespread shortages that are felt today by all parents of formula-fed infants. The bipartisan Access to Baby Formula Act advances common- sense, but essential, flexibilities that will provide regulatory relief and maximum flexibility to State and local providers as they support low-income families during product recalls and public health emergencies. This legislation also works to build contingencies into State contracts with infant formula manufacturers and promotes collaboration between USDA and FDA to assure a coordinated, public-private response to infant formula recalls and supply disruptions. These steps empower WIC with the flexibility to ensure that the most vulnerable infants have access to adequate nutrition when supply is strained or limited. Additionally, the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 would provide $28 million in funding for FDA to address product shortages and strengthens the agency's capacity to assure safety of infant formula, especially as new products enter the domestic market. FDA's limited bandwidth to monitor for safe manufacturing practices at infant formula production sites is concerning, and this additional funding will be essential to building a safe and more resilient supply chain that delivers quality product to support infants' nutrition needs. Together, these two bills provide a substantial next step in the federal response to the Abbott recall and will better position agencies and low-income families to weather the crisis. But more must be done to identify and remedy the structural factors that allowed for the domestic infant formula supply to be so substantially impacted by the closure of only one manufacturing facility. We look forward to ongoing efforts in Congress and federal agencies to assess the competitiveness of the infant formula manufacturing sector and assure that any given manufacturer's operations are sufficiently diversified to deliver essential product to parents in need. We thank you for your attention to this issue, which remains top-of-mind for so many parents across the country, and we urge swift action to deliver change and build a better future for the next generation of Americans. Sincerely, National Organizations National WIC Association, MomsRising, 2020 Mom, 9to5, A Better Balance, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance to End Hunger, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Federation of Teachers, American Public Health Association, American Public Human Services Association, American Society for Nutrition, Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Autistic People of Color Fund, Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, BUILD Initiative, Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, Catholics for Choice, Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), Chamber of Mothers, Child Care Aware of America, Child Welfare League of America, Children's Advocacy lntitute, Children's HealthWatch, Coalition on Human Needs, Community Change Action, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Province; Democratic Mayors Association, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Educare Learning Network, Equal Rights Advocates. Family Values @ Work, Family Voices, Families USA, FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education), First Five Years Fund, First Focus Campaign for Children, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Hispanic Federation, Hunger Free America, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), March of Dimes, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Mom Congress, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Association for the Education of Young Children, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Counties (NACo), National Association of Social Workers, National Birth Equity Collaborative. National Center for Parent Leadership, Advocacy & Community Empowerment (National PLACE), National Community Action Partnership, National Council of Jewish Women, National Diaper Bank Network, National Education Association, National Head Start Association, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Law Center, Nemours Children's Health, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Nurse- Family Partnership, ParentsTogether Action, Partnership for America's Children, Perigee Fund, PL+US: Paid Leave for the U.S., Population Connection Action Fund, Prevent Child Abuse America, Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK)), Research 2 Impact,

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, across the country, the ongoing shortage of formula is disproportionately hurting women and children who rely on the benefits through the WIC program, leaving them with few options to purchase safe formula for their infants. That is because about half of the infants in America participate in the WIC program. In times of crisis, one of our core responsibilities as lawmakers is to ensure that families in need can continue to feed their children and keep them healthy. While I am encouraged that the Biden administration and Abbott Nutrition have reached an agreement to restart formula production following the company's recall, the immediate consequences facing our children require additional action. That is why the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel) and I took action to help vulnerable Americans provide their babies with the nutrition they need. One of the flexibilities in the WIC program that the Access to Baby Formula Act provides will allow families in need to use WIC benefits to purchase other safe and available infant formula products. WIC vouchers can be limited to one brand product. This makes sense because a WIC program can require companies to bid for the privilege of participating. Having the power to limit participation to just one brand encourages vendors to agree to huge discounts. Unfortunately, in a time of shortage, a voucher for a product not on the shelf is of no value. This bill allows flexibility in such a time so that parents will be able to purchase whatever brand is actually available. This legislation reflects our commitment to ensuring access to formula for those who need it most, during both the current crisis and into the future. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut and the gentlewoman from California for their urgent leadership on the Access to Baby Formula Act, and I urge my colleagues to join in taking a stand for our Nation's children. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), the chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I had another speaker on the way, but he is not here yet, so I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, as I said at the beginning of debate, one of our core responsibilities as lawmakers during times of crisis is to ensure that families, particularly those most in need, can continue to feed their children. This is precisely the goal that the Access to Baby Formula Act seeks to achieve. By providing additional flexibilities in the WIC program, we have a critical opportunity to assure that families can continue using their WIC benefits to get safe and available formula products that their children need. Simply put, the Access to Baby Formula Act is legislation we need to ensure access to formula for children and families who need it most, both during this current shortage and into the future. I thank the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes) and the gentlewoman from California, (Mrs. Steel) for their urgent leadership on behalf of our Nation's children and families. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7791, the Access to Baby Formula Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of H.R. 7309, the Clerk be authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, spelling, and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the actions of the House.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1119, I call up the bill (H.R. 7309) to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut (Mrs. Hayes), a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 4 of House Resolution 1119, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 3.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, is the backbone of our Nation's workforce development system. Each year, WIOA programs help working people across the country get the skills they need to find better-paying careers and help employers access a dedicated and skilled workforce. Unfortunately, our investment in workforce development has fallen significantly over time. While the U.S. labor force has grown approximately 50 percent over the last four decades, Federal investment in workforce development has fallen by two-thirds when adjusted for inflation. Federal investment in workforce development has fallen by two-thirds. This underinvestment hurts workers, it hurts businesses, and it hurts our economy's competitive edge. Other developed countries spend between one-half of 1 percent to 1 full percent of their gross domestic product on workforce development. We spend only one-tenth of 1 percent. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 addresses this chronic underinvestment so that we can finally meet the needs of workers and businesses, fill job openings with qualified workers, reduce supply chain shortages, and lower costs for families. By investing approximately $80 billion over the next 6 years, this legislation would more than double the number of people receiving training services in fiscal year 2023 and allow us to train 1 million workers per year by 2028. The legislation modernizes WIOA to help expand work opportunities for disconnected youth. It makes critical reforms to improve Job Corps, and it expands sector-based training so that we can train for entire sectors such as electric cars, trucking, and nurses. It strengthens community colleges' capacity to help workers succeed in in-demand industries. It helps justice-involved individuals re-enter the labor force and obtain sustainable career paths. Madam Speaker, if we want to keep our global competitive edge, if we want to lower costs, and if we want to accelerate our economic recovery, then we must pass the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022. This legislation is the product of a largely bipartisan, year-long effort, including a bipartisan roundtable and three bipartisan hearings in our committee. While many of my counterparts across the aisle have voiced opposition to the size of the investments in the bill, I remain hopeful that all of my colleagues will join me in voting to stand with America's workers. Madam Speaker, I thank the chair of the Higher Education and Workforce Investment Subcommittee, Ms. Wilson, for her work on this critical priority, and I urge support of the legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), the chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan), a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Espaillat), a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.