Lloyd Smucker

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. As the Republican leader on the House Education and Labor, Higher Education and Workforce Investment Committee, we should be focusing on making colleges more affordable and helping more students complete their degrees, not subjecting them to electioneering efforts. I cannot support a Federal overreach into places where students should be free to learn without the influence of politics. We must reject this overreach. We must speak now and stand up against this power grab before it is too late. I will be voting against this measure, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, today, during Black History Month, I rise to celebrate Rita Smith-Wade-El, a leader in my community of Lancaster. Rita passed away last month, but her impact will be felt in our community forever. She was a fierce leader on social justice issues and racial equality in our community. Her life can best be described as a life of service and a life of compassion. She served as a lector, eucharistic minister, and social justice committee member. She was always trying to lighten the load for others and lend a helping hand. Rita saw those in need and recognized that if she had the power to give, she would, and even if it wasn't in her power, she would try anyway. Rita was a longtime Millersville University professor of psychology and African American studies and founded the school's African American studies minor. I am very happy to celebrate her life today. We will miss her in our community, and we will miss her contributions to our community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor an Olympic champion and truly one of the greatest athletes my district has ever produced: Mr. Henry Norwood, otherwise known as ``Barney,'' Ewell. Mr. Ewell was born into poverty and grew up in Lancaster. He attended McCaskey High School and later went on to attend Penn State. He served his country for 4 years, from 1941 to 1945, during World War II. He became known as the fastest man in the world after he broke the world record for the 50-yard dash in 1940. He went on to win one gold and two silver medals at the 1948 Olympics in London. I know people who still recall cheering on the streets in Lancaster City after Barney Ewell returned from London, having won the medals for our country and for our community. Mr. Ewell was an inspiration to Lancaster City, and it is an honor to highlight his story today.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, as you know, this month is Black History Month, and I am taking some time to remember African Americans who have made a difference in the community where I live. I rise today to honor one of my community's civil rights and community leaders, Mr. Nelson Polite, Sr., of Lancaster. Mr. Polite was one of the early leaders in the civil rights movement in Lancaster in the 1960s. He was a fierce advocate who worked hard to change the unjust policies of segregation. Mr. Polite devoted his life to the ideals of fairness and justice for everyone, regardless of their skin color. He organized protests against Whites-only admittance at Rocky Springs pool and followed in the footsteps of his father, who helped found the Lancaster NAACP. Mr. Polite led by example and represented the goodness of our community. He was active in his church and worked to ensure that residents had job opportunities, housing, and overall quality of life. He served as a Lancaster councilman for 12 years. This month, Black History Month, marks 3 years since he passed away, but the evidence of the change that he fought for is evident in our community. I was proud to count him as a personal friend, and it is my honor to remember him today and, this month, highlight the work that he did.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, due to illness I missed Roll Call vote No. 59. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 59.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor one of Lancaster County's most honored public servants and a true hero, former Denver Fire Company Chief, John Weaver, who passed away on January 26. John served our community for 50 years. He became a junior fireman when he was just 14 years old. He later joined the Denver Fire Company when he was 18, in 1969. He held every officer position, including fire chief. He became a fire instructor, and most recently, he was one of the primary drivers for the fire department. He was a brave man who helped make the fire department what it is today. John was also an entrepreneur who founded a manufacturing company, Weaver Industries. Beyond working for the fire company and saving lives there, John was also involved in our community. He believed in giving back and serving others. He served on the Cocalico School Board for 12 years, and coached golf and bowling. John found great joy in helping people and set a wonderful example for all of us. He leaves behind a wife, three sons, and four grandchildren. May we remember his giving spirit and may he rest in peace.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Dick Shellenberger, a wonderful man who dedicated his life to serving Lancaster County. Dick recently passed away and left an enormous legacy in our community. I attended a memorial in his honor on Friday, and you could tell how well-loved he was in the community by so many people who showed up to pay their respects. Dick first ran a dairy farm with his father. He was a graduate of Lancaster Mennonite High School. He worked for Kreider Farms and established the farm's ice cream business, operating its four family restaurants, two dairy stores, and wholesale milk business. He then was a restaurateur, but he eventually became Lancaster County Commissioner. He was a strong proponent of farmland preservation because he knew the importance of agriculture and farming in our community. He served on many community boards and on his church boards and was always looking for ways to give back. He is survived by his wife, Pam; a son, Richie; a daughter, Missy; and his six grandchildren. Dick's legacy will undoubtedly live on in our community. We are grateful for his service to Lancaster County. We also know that he is in a better place, but we will certainly miss him here. It is humbling to be able to honor his life.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the accomplishments of residents from my district, who recently competed in the 103rd Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show, which is the nation's largest indoor agricultural exposition. For one week each January, residents from across the Commonwealth come to view and interact with the best of Pennsylvania's farming community. Lancaster and York Counties in the district I represent, proudly boast the most fertile soil of anywhere in the world. In our communities, our agricultural traditions and heritage run deep. We have award winners from all across the district: Steve Topper from Hanover won numerous 1st place awards for his chicken entries; the Espenshades--Evan, Alan and Charlene of Bainbridge won numerous awards for their dairy cattle entries; the Manheim Central FFA Chapter won the ``Best of Show Award'' for Antique Tractor Restoration; a mother and daughter team, Dorothy Martin and her daughter Debra Berkoski of Conestoga, won awards for baked goods while competing against one another. Alpine Heritage Creamery in Paradise had award-winning cheese; Kermit Miller of Felton and Charles Hess of Pequea have award winning soybeans; and Madam Speaker, breweries and vineyards from across the district were remarkably successful--St. Boniface, Aldus Brewing, Swashbuckler Brewing, Stoudt Brewing, Mount Hope Winery, Nissley, Levengood's and Wynridge all took awards home this year. I'd also like to congratulate all the members of the Future Farmers of America from my district who received their Keystone Degrees this year and who entered exhibits. Their dedication of learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live and living to serve--the FFA motto--will provide them lessons that they will use all of their lives.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a constituent and a friend of mine, Mr. Ken Schwebel, of Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, who faithfully served as the chairman of the Keystone Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors in 2018. Ken also currently serves as the president of the Witmer Group, a leading regional masonry company. Ken led the Keystone ABC Chapter through many milestones during his time as chair. Under his leadership, the chapter chartered its first- ever college student chapter from Millersville University, and also taught middle-school children more about construction through two Construction War programs. The chapter also had a record number of participants in networking events, and had the largest enrollment in its apprenticeship program under Ken's leadership. I would like to congratulate and thank Ken for his service to the construction industry and to our community.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I regret I was unable to vote due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 6; YEA on Roll Call No. 5; NAY on Roll Call No. 4; and NAY on Roll Call No. 3.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Madam Speaker, I regret I was unable to vote due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 11; YEA on Roll Call No. 10; NAY on Roll Call No. 9; YEA on Roll Call No. 8; and NAY on Roll Call No. 7.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and to honor the young women of the Donegal Indians field hockey team, who won the PIAA State championship this year, their second in 3 years. The Donegal Indians held an impressive 28-1 season record, with 235 points scored and only 19 points scored against them. They can be described in one word: dominating. They finally met their match in the State championship game, where they were scoreless through regulation. When the team needed to score, they turned to one player, Captain Mackenzie Allessie, who holds the national record for scoring in girls high school field hockey. Mackenzie racked up an impressive 351 goals during her tenure at Donegal. The last goal that Mackenzie scored lifted the Indians to their second championship. The team members' drive is a trait that will serve them well in the future. I congratulate them, their coaches, and the community for their victory. I wish them all continued success. Recognizing Casey Kaufhold

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the amazing accomplishments of Ms. Casey Kaufhold, a 14-year-old freshman at Conestoga Valley High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Casey is a winner and a world record holder. Last month, she competed with Olympic-class archers from around the world at the World Archery Indoor Series GT Open in Luxembourg. She earned 589 out of 600 possible points to win the gold medal for this event and set a world record for the highest score earned by an archer under the age of 17 during competition. We are all incredibly proud of Casey's achievements, and we are looking forward to all that is in store for her in the future, which I believe will be as a future Olympian. And if she does so, she will represent our Nation well. We wish her continued success in all of her endeavors. Recognizing Linn Moedinger

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a man synonymous with railroading in Lancaster County: Mr. Linn Moedinger. After 51 years--51 years--working for the Strasburg Rail Road, Linn is retiring as president of the Strasburg Rail Road Company. Strasburg Rail Road was founded in 1832. It is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the Western Hemisphere. After 125 years of declining revenue, 24 individuals, including Linn's parents, decided to buy the railroad. Today, it is a top tourist destination in the district that I represent. They brought new life to Strasburg Rail Road, turning it into a tourist railroad and helping educate and entertain thousands of visitors in our community each year. Linn took his first paying job at the Strasburg Rail Road when he was 17. He cleaned the restrooms. Year after year, his responsibilities increased and so did his love for the railroad. Linn was named president in 2000 and has overseen great expansion of the Strasburg Rail Road, and it is a historical marker in the State of Pennsylvania. Thank you to Linn for his many years of service, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably absent in the House Chamber for roll call votes 394, 395 on September 12, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 394; yea on Roll Call No. 395; and yea on Roll Call No. 396.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor and remember a dedicated public servant in our community who just passed away 2 weeks ago today at the young age of 53--Willow Street Fire Chief Michael Reese. Chief Reese's career as a firefighter, which spanned four decades and began when he was a teenager, stands out in our community as one of service, pride, and bravery. His loss is a tremendous loss to our community as well as his fellow firefighters. President Bob Kiesel said recently in a statement, and he said it best: ``Chief Reese's life was dedicated to helping others.'' In addition to his 39 years as a firefighter and EMT, Chief Reese spent 17 years as an emergency dispatcher and assistant supervisor with the Lancaster County-Wide Communications. Chief Reese focused his entire career on serving others, on making our community a safer place, and on saving the lives of those he was charged with protecting. Michael served alongside his brother, David, who is the deputy fire chief in Willow Street. David and all the firefighters in Willow Street and across central Pennsylvania will carry Michael's spirit with them for the rest of their lives. I am extraordinarily grateful for his service. We owe a debt of gratitude to Chief Reese, his wife, Susan, and to his entire family. His memory will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on a topic that should continue to be in the forefront of our agenda here in Congress: workforce training and development. Before coming to Congress, I owned and operated a small construction company in Lancaster County, and when we worked to expand our footprint in central Pennsylvania and sought out new markets to expand the business, we faced a serious problem: Many times, there just simply were not workers available to fill the jobs that we needed to fill in order to expand. Qualified or trained workers were just simply unavailable. Just recently, I met with half a dozen of the Nation's largest staffing agencies. They told me today that this has reached crisis proportions. They are seeing companies all across the country being faced with the same problem that I was faced with as a business owner, and companies now are making decisions on where to locate new facilities, where to expand based on the available workforce in that area. Sometimes, that is offshore rather than right here in America. I have seen the skills gap firsthand. I have managed through it, understood the impacts of it, and so now, in Congress, I am working to try to fix it. One of the best ways that we can lift people up, improve their standard of living, and create more opportunity is to connect them with a good-paying, family-sustaining job. Let's be honest: the best antipoverty program is a job. Right now, our economy is booming, consumer optimism is rising, and American manufacturing has risen in each of the last three quarters. We have sustained economic growth, and jobs are being created all across the country. In fact, there are roughly 6 million jobs available right now. Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady said it best when he said, recently: ``We have gone from a nation that asks, `Where are the jobs?' to one that asks, `Where are the workers?' '' One of my priorities in Congress has been to work to expand opportunities for work-based learning, where individuals get real experience from real professionals as they are learning. I was very happy to see the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act just came back from the Senate. We will be, hopefully, passing that onto the President's desk this afternoon. There is additional work that we can do; therefore, I have introduced additional legislation that will continue this effort. H.R. 5153, the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act, would address the urgent need to ensure that current and future American workers are prepared for the jobs available in today's 21st century economy. By establishing a new Federal tax credit, this legislation would encourage donations for community-based apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, workforce development, and educational preparedness, and it would encourage partnerships with companies looking to sponsor these programs. Encouraging investments in organizations and programs that are preparing our workforce for the jobs of today means that more people will be connected with a job. It means more families will be improving their standard of living. It means that people will thrive off the dignity that jobs provide. But it is really more than just an investment in workforce training programs. It is an investment in the American people. There are so many different paths to obtaining a good-paying job. I have my own experience of running my construction company during the day while I was taking college courses at night. I never did quite obtain that bachelor's degree, but I gained the skills necessary for my industry. My experience isn't that different from so many people in this country. I know firsthand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to finding a good job or helping others get connected with one. We have to ensure that our educational system is preparing workers to succeed in the 21st century. We have to invest in our people. I believe that this legislation makes a down payment and puts us on the right path. It is my hope that Congress advances this legislation to change lives, support families, lift people up, and support our growing economy.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the second annual National Day of Civility. This day, July 12, was chosen to mark a verse in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 7, verse 12: ``So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.'' This, of course, is known as the Golden Rule. In fact, it was one of my mother's favorite Bible verses. She had her hands full, I am sure, raising 12 kids--I was number 10--and this was her favorite Bible verse that she would quote to us, the idea that everyone deserves your respect. Each one of us in this Chamber has the opportunity to live this rule, as do our constituents. We are privileged to live in the United States of America, the greatest country in the history of the world, due in large part to our system of government. It is really an experiment. It is a system of government designed to encourage debate, respect, and resolve differences and rely on citizen input. Today, there is an alarming decline in our public discourse. People can't even seem to talk to each other, can't come to the table, and can't hear each other out. We urgently need to reverse this trend. At the beginning of last year, members of the freshman class drafted and signed a commitment to civility, laying out our effort to make the government work more efficiently and effectively, help build consensus and restore public trust, and serve as a positive influence on society at large. On this National Day of Civility, let's renew our commitment to civility. Congress may not be able to change the state of public discourse, but we certainly can and should serve as an example to the American people.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Lampeter-Strasburg High School women's softball team located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, that recently reached the pinnacle of its sport by winning the State championship. I am especially proud, Mr. Speaker, of this win because this is the school in my home school district where my family and I reside. The Lampeter-Strasburg Pioneers beat West Allegheny on Thursday, June 14, to claim its first-ever PIAA 5A softball State championship. After losing by a slim margin 2 years ago, the Pioneers overcame adversity and returned to the State finals this year to win 6-2. The team's 14-3 win over Donegal--which won last year's 5A State championship title--in the Lancaster-Lebanon section 3 playoff is further evidence of its success during the postseason. I spoke to Coach Gene Charles last night by phone. He credited the victory to the team's clutch hitting and key defensive stops later in the game. Coach Charles has coached at Lampeter-Strasburg for more than 20 years, building an extensive network of active alumni who frequently travel to games with his family. We are lucky to have leaders and mentors in our district like Coach Charles who inspire our student athletes to strive for success and to learn from failure. Junior Brynne Baker also pitched a noteworthy game, holding the opposing team to just one earned run. In her postgame interview, Baker said this was a huge win for the team, especially the graduating seniors, and a proud moment for the Lancaster-based community. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, their families, and all those who made this championship for Lampeter-Strasburg possible. Your community is proud of you and will continue rooting for you season after season.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Lancaster Catholic High School baseball team today. The Crusaders baseball team recently claimed its first baseball championship in school history. After a remarkable 20-5 season, the Crusaders won the Lancaster-Lebanon Section 4 and District 3 titles, setting themselves up for a run at the State championship. Sure enough, the Crusaders defeated South Side 5-1 in the PIAA 3A Championship. In addition to the Crusaders' great offense, the highlight of the game was senior Dillon Marsh's dominating pitching performance. Marsh, who has committed to playing at the University of Kentucky next year, pitched a complete game, striking out 11 batters without allowing a single walk. This game continued his excellent postseason performance, during which he surpassed the 100 strikeout mark for the season and threw a no-hit shutout in the State semifinals. In summarizing his victory and the celebration with his teammates, Marsh simply stated: ``It was just pure happiness.'' Congratulations to the Lancaster Crusaders baseball team, the coaches, the families, and everyone at the school and in the community who supported this team along the way.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Manheim Township High School boys lacrosse team, who recently won the program's first-ever PIAA State title. The Blue Streaks defeated La Salle, 6 to 4, in the PIAA Class 3A championship game this past Saturday to bring the title to Lancaster County. Manheim Township of District 3 became the first school from outside Districts 1 or 12 to win the boys lacrosse title since the tournament began. This historic championship is a fitting end to an excellent season that also included a program best 26-1 record and both the Lancaster-Lebanon League and District 3 titles. These young men have put in countless hours of hard work to achieve this incredible result. As I have said before, high school sports are about more than just winning. They are about teaching our children valuable skills such as teamwork, commitment, and perseverance. They build character and create memories that will last a lifetime. These young men have displayed these valuable skills throughout their entire season, and I am proud to represent them. I look forward to the team's future successes. Congratulations to the Manheim Township High School boys lacrosse team, the coaches, their families, and the faculty, staff, and students who enabled this historic title. Combating Opioid Epidemic

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to address another topic this morning. I want to speak in support of the House's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic that has swept across Pennsylvania and across the Nation. This week, the House is voting on more than 30 opioid-related bills, with many more to come next week as well. Sadly, you would be hard-pressed today to find someone who hasn't been impacted by this epidemic or who doesn't know someone who has. It transcends socioeconomic and geographic lines and makes no distinction between age, income, race, gender, or politics. Hundreds of thousands of American lives have been cut short by drug abuse. In my region of Pennsylvania, prescription drugs, heroin, and fentanyl are the leading causes of death in several communities. In fact, our region has experienced a 23 percent increase in opioid- related deaths in 2018 as compared to the same time period in 2017. Too many families feel broken and feel lost. Those whom we know personally--our neighbors, our family, and our friends--are working to save the lives of those whom they love. Our constituents should know that we here in Congress have their backs. They should know that we are working to provide them with the resources necessary to prevent addiction, to treat abuse, and to help families and individuals recover. This week and next, the House is passing legislation that changes the way opioids are prescribed and encourages alternative methods and medications to treat pain. We are cracking down on deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl. We are giving law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs off our streets and out of our communities, and we are improving data used to help at-risk patients, families, and those who are already struggling with addiction. Our communities are coming together and standing side by side to help each other through this difficult time. Those struggling with addiction and their family and friends are getting some much-needed assistance from Congress. Both in Washington and in Pennsylvania, I will continue to work with my colleagues, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement to prioritize an immediate and effective response to save the lives of those we love.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, but, more importantly, for moving this bill through committee and allowing it to be brought up for a vote today on the floor. I rise today as the lead sponsor of H.R. 2991, the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act. I am glad the House is taking up this important bill with bipartisan support from the Pennsylvania delegation. The concept of the bill is simple. It would make two counties in Pennsylvania, Lancaster and York Counties, both located in south central Pennsylvania, a national heritage area. National heritage areas are a congressional designation where ``natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from human activity shaped by geography,'' which describes this area very well. According to the National Park Service, there are currently 49 national heritage areas in 32 States. I am very proud of the natural beauty that we find in our Pennsylvania communities, particularly in these two counties. We want to ensure we maintain that safe and clean environment into the future for residents and visitors. The Susquehanna River and its surrounding landscape have played a starring role in American history. Our region's heritage reflects events and causes that exemplify the American experience, many flowing from the central historical role of the river. Along the Susquehanna, a tradition of public and private collaboration has helped our region prosper from heritage and outdoor tourism, and this national heritage area designation will attract more visitors, stimulate our local economy, and preserve natural resources and historical landmarks. I want to thank the countless local officials and Members of Congress who have worked on this legislation for many years. Without their tireless work and the sustained input and support from the residents of York and Lancaster Counties, we would not be here right now. This was a bottom-up effort led by grassroots support from these communities. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record a list of the dozens of local organizations that support this legislation. The following local organizations support the Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act: Amishview Inn & Suites/Miller's Smorgasbord/Plain & Fancy Farm; Borough of Columbia; Bube's Brewery; Colony Packaging & Machine; Downtown Inc.; Discover Lancaster; Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County; Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County; Historic York, Inc.; Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Lancaster County Board of Commissioners; Lancaster County Conservancy; Lancaster County Parks & Recreation; Lancaster County Planning Commission; Lancaster Farmland Trust; Landis Valley Museum. LancasterHistory.org; Long Level Marina; Northern York County Historical & Preservation Society; PPL Corporation; Pennsylvania State Grange; Preservation Pennsylvania; Rivertownes PA USA; Shank's Mare Outfitters; Susquehanna Glass; Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce; York County Board of Commissioners; York County Convention & Visitors Bureau; York County Department of Parks & Recreation; York County Economic Alliance; York County History Center.

Mr. SMUCKER. Again, I urge passage of H.R. 2991.

Mr. SMUCKER

Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Chair, I rise today to support the National Defense Authorization Act and thank the chairman of the committee for this bipartisan legislation which supports our troops, enhances military readiness, and provides for the defense of our Nation. I also encourage my colleagues to support my amendments, Nos. 43 and 48, to the NDAA. My amendments seek to improve the mental health services provided by the Department of Defense so our troops receive only the best treatment. It comes as no surprise that the high levels of violence and trauma our servicemembers experience is cause for negative impacts on their mental health. Our soldiers suffer from major depression at a rate five times higher than the civilian population rate. Additionally, their diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder was approximately 15 times greater than the general population. Congress can help. Currently, there is a serious shortage of mental health providers at the DOD. Our troops are paying the price, but they don't have to. One of my amendments would help identify the scope of the workforce problem at DOD and ensure that an effective strategy is in place so our Nation's troops have full access to qualified mental health providers. My other amendment would require the DOD to establish a monitoring program carried out by each branch of the armed services to conduct periodic reviews of the medication prescribing practices of its own providers to treat PTSD. This monitoring program will help ensure that every military branch is regularly monitoring the medications prescribed to treat PTSD to ensure that our troops are getting the proper treatment. Some of the greatest wounds inflicted upon our brave servicemen and - women are unseen. We should be doing everything possible to ensure that we are treating these wounds as we would any other. I urge my colleagues to support my amendments on behalf of the servicemembers and military families that we represent.