Abigail Spanberger

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to honor the lifetime of achievement of Mr. James Holmes. Following decades of service to the Culpepper community and 35 years of service to the Culpepper County Electoral Board, Mr. Holmes is stepping down as the current chair of the board at the end of this year. Growing up in Culpepper, Mr. Holmes attended George Washington Carver School and was among the first integrated classes at Culpepper High School. Mr. Holmes' determination to improve our Commonwealth for future generations of Virginians brought him back to Culpepper after he graduated cum laude from Virginia Union University and earned his J.D. from Howard Law School. A licensed and ordained Baptist minister who has pastored in Culpepper for decades, Mr. Holmes has held many positions with the Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Association. From his service on the electoral board to casting an electoral vote in 2008 for our first Black President, Mr. Holmes has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and elevating the voices of Virginians within our communities. Mr. Holmes has touched many lives throughout his career as president of Culpepper Housing and Shelter Services, president of the Culpepper County United Way, president of the Culpepper County Equalization Board, and as a caring member of his community. Today I stand on the floor of the United States House of Representatives to thank James Holmes for his commitment to progress, equality, and community empowerment.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the lifetime of achievement of Mr. James Holmes. Following decades of service to the Culpeper community and 35 years of service to the Culpeper County Electoral Board, Mr. Holmes is stepping down as current Chair of the Board at the end of this year. Growing up in Culpeper, James Holmes attended George Washington Carver School and was among the first integrated classes at Culpeper High School. Mr. Holmes' determination to improve our Commonwealth for future generations of Virginians brought him back to Culpeper after he graduated Cum Laude from Virginia Union University and earned his JD from Howard Law School. A licensed ordained Baptist minister who has pastored in Culpeper for decades, Mr. Holmes has held many positions with the Wayland Blue Ridge Baptist Association. From his service on the Electoral Board to casting an Electoral Vote in 2008 for our first Black president, James Holmes has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and elevating the voices of Virginians within his community. Mr. Holmes has touched many lives throughout his career--as President of Culpeper Housing and Shelter Services, President of Culpeper County United Way, President of the Culpeper County Equalization Board, and as a caring member of his community. Today, I thank James Holmes for his commitment to progress, equality, and community empowerment.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 5328) to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to extend terminal lakes assistance.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 5328. This legislation will enable the desert terminal lakes assistance program to fulfill its intended purpose while bringing the program to an orderly closure. S. 5328 amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 by changing the program's sunset date from October 1, 2023, to October 1, 2025. The program has successfully improved the water supply to Walker Lake, Pyramid, and Summit Lakes for the benefit of at-risk natural desert terminal lakes and associated riparian and watershed resources. To date, the program has secured over half of the water to reach the restoration goal for Walker Lake while also protecting agricultural interests in Nevada and California. The program has brought nearly 20,000 acres under sustainable management. With an additional 2 years, the program can maximize conservation outcomes while supporting agricultural producers and ensure that maximum outcomes are achieved as the program ends. The ability to complete the program in an orderly way and fully spend the funds allocated back in 2014 will enable 70 to 80 percent completion of Walker Lake's restoration goals. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close debate. I appreciate the comments from the gentleman from Pennsylvania and agree with him completely. The focus that he has placed on recognizing how valuable this program has been in conserving water, how effective it has been, and how this fix in this legislation will ensure that we can in a fiscally responsible and without budgetary impact way ensure this program's success by extending it for an additional 2 years is exactly why I urge everyone to vote for this legislation. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to celebrate the record of service of my friend and our colleague, Congresswoman Elaine Luria. Elaine came to Congress as one of the first two women who graduated from the United States Naval Academy to serve here in the Halls of Congress. She had an incredible 20-year career as a Navy Nuke before continuing her service here in the Halls of Congress. But for anyone who thought that she was solely focused on the Navy--and it did feel like she has always been focused on the Navy--she has been a dedicated Congresswoman focused on the issues that matter to Virginia's Second District. One of her proudest achievements, and first achievements of many, was passing bipartisan legislation to protect the Chesapeake Bay, a vital resource to her community. Elaine, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, has been a champion for our military and our Navy, and I caution anyone never to doubt Elaine when she says that the Navy is the strongest and most powerful element that our United States military has in the face of a rising Chinese threat. To continue her service, Elaine Luria continued on the January 6 Committee where she has bravely, proudly, and resolutely wanted to have a defined history for generations to come of what happened in the lead- up to and on that day. As she leaves Congress, I wish her and her family well. I am grateful for her friendship and her service to our great Commonwealth.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize William ``Joe Joe'' Dickson for the building security service he has provided to Virginia's Seventh Congressional District Office over the past 8 years. Since 2014, Mr. Dickson has ensured the safety and security for 3 Members of Congress, including myself, and my predecessors Representative Eric Cantor and Representative Dave Brat. In his role, he has kept a watchful eye on our offices and our staff, allowing us to safely focus on serving the constituents of the Seventh Congressional District. Mr. Dickson consistently and selflessly goes above and beyond his job description to ensure that my district staff and constituents are safe and feel welcome when entering our office building. He has become a friend to us all, greeting my staff each morning with a smile. His jovial nature and compassion for my team is evidence that he has genuine care for the well-being of those around him. His dedicated protection and service to the office of the Seventh Congressional District is well deserving of commendation and celebration. Madam Speaker, please join me in thanking William ``Joe Joe'' Dickson on his 8 years of service to the Seventh Congressional District.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today, a day after we celebrated the life of A. Donald McEachin, to again on the House floor remember the life and legacy of my friend, my mentor, and, as he used to call me, his neighbor. When I was first running for Congress, Mr. McEachin, Donald, used to tell people: I need a new neighbor in Virginia. I had the privilege of working closely with him, learning from him, and being his friend throughout our service together in Congress and our work across our shared communities. He was a good man who endeavored to make others feel heard throughout his career, whether he was in the courtroom, in the Virginia General Assembly, or here in Congress. For decades, he served his community each day with a passion for people, a sense of humor, and an abiding faith in God. He was a relentless advocate for those who needed a voice, our natural resources, and every Virginian. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of so many. I will miss my friend, my brother, my mentor, and I stand here on the House floor to give my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Colette; his wonderful, adored children, Mac, Briana, and Alexandra; and his beloved grandbaby. He will be missed. We will continue to do right in his memory and in his honor.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here as a Virginian, a UVA alumna, and a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives to remember the UVA football teammates who were shot and killed earlier this week. For the University of Virginia, it has been an unimaginable loss for their families, and it has been an unthinkable reality. This week, we remember Lavel Davis, Jr. We remember Devin Chandler. We remember D'Sean Perry. Both on the field and off the field, their classmates, their coaches, their professors, and their loved ones saw their commitment to success. They saw their selflessness, their curiosity, and their determination to make the University of Virginia, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and our Nation a stronger place. Please join me in remembering their lives, honoring their memories, and standing strong as their families mourn. We also stand with the University of Virginia student body, professors, the community, the entire football team, and all those who are impacted by this horrific loss. We also pray for the recovery of Michael Hollins, Jr., as he and his family continue on the long road to healing. This week has demonstrated the resilience of the UVA community. May we forever remember the lives that were lost: Lavel Davis, Jr., Devin Chandler, and D'Sean Perry.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a distinguished Virginian, Ms. Edna Lewis. Edna was born in Freetown, Orange County, Virginia in 1916. As a child growing up in a small farming community of emancipated slaves, Edna learned how to grow and cultivate food on her grandfather's farm. Drawing upon the heritage and culture of her African-American ancestors, Edna developed her distinct style of traditional Southern cooking. At the age of sixteen, Edna left Freetown and eventually settled in New York City. Working as a seamstress and dressmaker, it wasn't until 1949 that she began cooking professionally as the head chef at Cafe Nicholson, a new restaurant in Manhattan. The restaurant and Edna's unique style of Southern cooking quickly gained a dedicated following-- including prominent individuals ranging from Eleanor Roosevelt to Truman Capote. Even after Edna eventually left Cafe Nicholson, demand for her cooking and culinary expertise did not diminish. She published her first cookbook in 1972, followed shortly after by The Taste of Country Cooking in 1976. The Taste of Country Cooking, her seminal work, combines recipes and stories from her childhood in Freetown. Edna's ability to impart her voice and heritage in the cookbook made it loved and adored by many. Edna published two more cookbooks over the course of her life. She was the recipient of numerous accolades, including the James Beard Living Legend Award and International Association of Culinary Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award, among many others. In 2014, she was honored by the creation of a U.S. postal stamp with her image. Now, in honor of Edna's life and achievements, the Orange County community will be installing a historical marker so that visitors can learn more about her and her contributions to our Commonwealth and our Nation. As the U.S. Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, I thank Orange County for creating an enduring memory of Edna so that future generations can remember one of the great champions of Southern cuisine.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Congressman Gottheimer and Congressman Rutherford, for their leadership on this legislation. I thank CBC Chair Beatty for her partnership on these important issues of public safety and public trust. And I appreciate that this bill has the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Officers. This is a smart investment, smart policy, and at this moment we should have the common commitment to keeping America's communities safe.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, in follow-up to my colleague from Texas' comment, I would also say that we get what we pay for, which is why I rise to support the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act which is legislation I was proud to cosponsor. This legislation follows our prior increases of funding to the community-oriented policing program through the appropriations process. The Invest to Protect Act would help get the job done of ensuring that police departments--particularly those like I represent in smaller and rural communities--have the ability to recruit and retain officers. This legislation invests in officer safety, it invests in domestic violence response training, and it invests in funding the police departments like those I represent. Throughout Virginia's Seventh District, I hear directly from local police departments about the need for stronger investments in training, equipment, recruitment, and retention. And as a former law enforcement officer, I greatly admire and am thankful for the dedication of the men and women who work every day to keep our communities safe.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Chris R. Jenkins on his 45th anniversary of service to Virginia with the Culpeper Police Department. On August 15, 1977, Chris Jenkins began his law enforcement career at age 18 serving the Town of Culpeper as a dispatcher. In the 45 years since, Chief Jenkins has honorably served his community and worked to make Culpeper a safer place to live and raise a family. Chief Jenkins was first appointed as the Culpeper Police Department's fifth Chief of Police in 2010. In this role, he has implemented many successful programs including a community policing model, mental health co-responders, and Body-Worn Cameras. Beyond his career, Chief Jenkins has also helped raise thousands of dollars for local non-profit organizations--such as Team Jordan, a coalition which supports suicide prevention and response in Culpeper--and served on multiple boards and committees to support his community. His dedication and integrity to make Culpeper a better place is inspiring and deserving of commendation and celebration. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Chief Jenkins on 45 successful years in law enforcement and a lifetime of making Culpeper a better place.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, today, I am so proud to rise in support of the Inflation Reduction Act. As chair of the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, I am excited that this bill includes dedicated funding to further the role of Virginia's crop and livestock producers in our work to protect our planet. Farmers are the original conservationists, and their expertise cannot be ignored if we are going to meet our shared climate goals while also bringing greater investments to rural America, strengthening our farmers' bottom lines, and lowering the cost of inputs. We can make investments in our Nation's producers by investing in existing voluntary conservation programs at USDA, and that is what this legislation does. I am proud that the conservation provisions in this bill reflect multiple pieces of legislation that I have championed to make possible, including my bipartisan REAP Improvement Act. These provisions include stronger investments in the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP, and support our conservation workforce and our Natural Resources Conservation Service. These are smart investments for the bottom lines of our farmers.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chair, I stand in support of my amendment to increase funding for suicide prevention coordinators at the VA, and I thank the chairwoman for her advocacy and good work on the larger bill. Last Saturday, the new 988 national suicide prevention lifeline launched. Now veterans in crisis can reach the veterans crisis line by calling 988 and pressing 1. This new number will allow more individuals to access help when they need it the most, and it will save lives. Due to this transition, the VA anticipates an increase in call volume, as much as 2\1/2\ times higher than last year. We need to make sure that there are enough professionals in place at the VA to handle the uptick in caseloads--starting with suicide prevention coordinators. Suicide prevention coordinators receive referrals from Veterans Crisis Line callers, and remain in contact with high-risk veterans, providing follow-up care and connecting them with resources within their communities. The 988 number is an important step in providing mental health care to veterans in crisis. But it is our duty to ensure that there are suicide prevention coordinators in place to care for those who have borne the battle. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the Americans who represent the very best of our country and ensuring the success of the new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for all those who may need it.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to protect seniors and crack down on drug companies obscuring the side effects of their prescription drugs in their television ads. The United States is one of only two countries that allow direct-to- consumer pharmaceutical advertising, and there are serious consumer safety concerns about these ads. These ads use distracting imagery, such as butterflies, happy puppies, cheesy music, and beautiful sunrises to distract consumers from a drug's dangerous side effects. Congress instructed the FDA to crack down on these deceptive techniques more than a decade ago. However, the FDA has misused that statutory deadline by more than a decade. My amendment simply instructs the agency to finalize the rulemaking as soon as possible. Medical decisions should always be made between a patient and their doctor, not between a patient and their TV screen. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my commonsense consumer protection amendment.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, this is the first step towards lowering meat prices, but in addition to increasing processing capacity for American cattlemen and poultry producers, we need to go after anticompetitive practices in the meat industry. That is why I am proud that this package also includes the bipartisan Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act. The bill would establish a special investigator at USDA to investigate violations of our existing antitrust laws that have been on the books for more than 100 years, and I thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks for co-leading this effort. This bill has broad bipartisan support and bicameral support. So I thank Senator Jon Tester, Senator Grassley, Republican; Senator John Thune, Republican; Senator Hoeven, Republican; and Senator Rounds, Republican, for joining with us in pushing this bill forward. It has support from the U.S. Cattlemen's Association, and this bill is responsive to the needs of the people I represent because the Virginia Cattlemen's Association supports this bill, as does the National Farmers Union. Americans want lower meat prices both now and in the future. They want lower gas prices and to make biofuels accessible to more Americans. We have the opportunity to do that. I urge my colleagues to support this package.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in support of my legislation, H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act. Congress cannot shy away from addressing the urgent economic challenges that face our local communities and our entire country, and that challenge continues to be inflation. We know how rising prices, consolidation across industries, and supply chain challenges are impacting America's families, businesses, and seniors, and as lawmakers, our job is to listen to the people we represent and then respond with legislation that can help solve those problems. Indeed, this package, the Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act, is just that. It is a compilation of bills put together by lawmakers who are responding to their constituents. I have heard from the other side of the aisle that, in fact, it would have been nice if we came together in a bipartisan way. So I would note that my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle from Iowa, Arkansas, New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee--it feels like I am practicing State capitals with my fifth grader-- Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Illinois, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Iowa, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Florida, Wyoming, Virginia, Minnesota, each of these are individual Members of Congress from the Republican side of the aisle who are leading on this issue. In fact, two of the bills in this package are led by our Republican colleagues, and I am proud that I have joined with Congressman Dusty Johnson in support of the bipartisan Butcher Block Act. I am proud to be his co-lead as he leads that important piece of legislation. It is a commonsense step toward allowing American processors the ability to expand their operations, launch a new business or just make sure they are keeping--

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk made in order by the rule.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of my amendment to include the American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act in H.R. 7606, the Lower Food and Fuel Cost Act. I thank Congressman Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio for his partnership on this bipartisan legislation. Supply chain disruptions are impacting the operations of businesses in Virginia and across the country, leaving shelves empty and driving up prices for consumers. For crop and livestock producers, as well as agribusinesses, the current disruptions are a threat to their livelihoods and their ability to deliver high-quality products at an affordable price while still making ends meet. Meanwhile, Americans are suffering from rising food prices at grocery stores, dollar stores, and restaurants. Rising inflation makes trips to the grocery store more and more stressful as the price of staple items like meat, eggs, and vegetables rise, sometimes going up monthly, even weekly. Americans have shared the experience of going to the grocery store-- we all have--picking up our favorite food items that we have purchased for years and thinking, well, this is more expensive than last week. My husband and I were just talking about this issue over the weekend as we changed our own shopping list because of it. Few products are more essential than the foods we eat. Farmers, particularly small- and medium-sized producers, have been left out of investments that are meant to mitigate supply chain challenges, and that has meant it is getting more difficult to get products from the farm to the market and, finally, to the table. While big companies have the budget to invest in supply chain innovations, research, and experts, small- and medium-sized producers are paying higher prices than ever for fertilizer, fuel, shipping, and other input costs. When farmers pay more to produce food, all Americans pay more at the grocery store. That is why we must empower USDA to do more to resolve farmers' and food businesses' supply chain challenges. We must be prepared. To address these concerns, I was proud to lead the bipartisan American Food Supply Chain Resiliency Act. This legislation would establish supply chain regional resource centers through cooperative agreements with the Agricultural Marketing Service at USDA. These resource centers would offer locally tailored coordination, technical assistance, and grants to small- and medium-sized producers and agribusinesses, leading to stronger supply chains. This bill would also expand the great work of the Agriculture Innovation Program to include research and support on supply chains. By establishing supply chain regional resource centers, this bill would provide additional support to family farmers and food businesses trying to deliver their goods at a lower price for consumers. These centers would help local producers get through lean years, obtain the inputs they need, and address challenges related to transportation costs, labor, and high energy prices. In fact, USDA has already taken similar steps to build collaboration across sectors of local and regional food supply chains through regional centers. Our bipartisan legislation would support and build on these centers, as well as make sure they are a wise, tailored investment with a clear mission and fair reporting requirements. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support our bipartisan bill. Once again, I thank Congressman Gonzalez for his partnership. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My colleague on the other side of the aisle mentioned that this bill will not provide immediate relief, and I concur. This bill is not meant to provide immediate relief. The amendment before us would plan for the future and would recognize that we face disruptions in our supply chain, and frequently, when we do, it is our farmers and producers who are impacted, particularly smaller and medium-sized producers like those in our districts. This bill, this amendment to the larger bill, is an issue of planning for the future, recognizing disruptions that may come, and being able to proactively plan for such challenges. It is unfortunate that the gentleman feels that they were left out of the process, but I am heartened that the scope of concern relates to the process and not the underlying amendment. This amendment is about long-term planning. It is about ensuring that our smaller and medium-sized producers and agribusinesses have the technical assistance, the support, and the coordination that they will need to weather challenges in supply chain disruptions that may occur today, 10 years, 20 years, 30 years into the future. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. There is no disagreement that across America's regions and across our commodities, our Nation's farmers and ranchers have gotten the short end of the stick, particularly when it comes to rising input costs as a result of supply chain bottlenecks and inflation. The Lowering Food and Fuel Costs Act and this amendment take crucial, commonsense steps toward addressing these challenges, both now and into the future, planning for a future where we can be proactive, continually so, and ensure that small and targeted investments from USDA today can have impacts on small- and medium-sized producers' ability to get food to market and improve their bottom lines. At the same time, these investments should also lead to lower food prices for Americans at the grocery store, convenience stores, and restaurants. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment. I look forward to working with my colleague across the aisle to receive additional, very specific feedback on how we can make some of these provisions stronger, better with that input into the future. Today, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the amendment in front of us and, ultimately, ``yes'' on the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SPANBERGER

Ms. SPANBERGER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of this Special Order.