Kim Schrier

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his commendation on the amendment. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters), the chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Demings for yielding. Today, I am honored to pay tribute to law enforcement officers and their families. Every day, law enforcement officers put their lives at risk in order to keep us and our communities safe. Most of the time, they return safely home to their families. But that is not always the case, and we should never lose sight of that. In that spirit, I want to express profound gratitude to Deputy Ryan Thompson from Kittitas County, Washington, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2019. Ryan has since been recognized for this sacrifice on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial here in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for honoring and remembering Deputy Thompson's service. I also express my appreciation for the families of law enforcement officers who live with an undercurrent of worry every day while their loved one is on duty. And a very special thank-you to our very own Capitol Police, who stood up to a violent mob in order to protect us from danger. Several Capitol Police officers have lost their lives. Please know that we mourn with their families.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I am so proud of the wins in the American Rescue Plan, and in particular with what this means for America's children. As a pediatrician, my life's work has been the health and the wellbeing of children. This pandemic has been particularly hard for children and families. The most important thing we can do to bring relief to our communities is to end the pandemic. This means getting shots into as many arms as possible as quickly as we can. It also means taking steps now to ensure that when children return to the classroom, our schools and our small businesses can stay safe and stay open. Testing is key to keeping our schools and workplaces safe. And, frankly, we have not used testing in a way that significantly curbs the spread of this disease. Rapid home testing, in particular, is a critical public health tool that we have yet to really deploy. And there is funding in the American rescue package to support more strategic widespread testing. Rapid tests can give results in about 15 minutes, and they can be done at home. Imagine testing in the morning before brushing your teeth. By the time you are done with breakfast you would have a result. If positive, you would stay home and avoid spreading coronavirus to others. This is how we break the chain of transmission and starve the virus. What we need now is to get these tests evaluated, approved, scaled up and priced such that everyone can use them two to three times a week. Frequent testing means you will catch infections early while people are still asymptomatic and would otherwise unknowingly be spreading them to others. The technology is inexpensive and is similar to that used in pregnancy tests. In fact, these tests can be produced in bulk for a dollar or two per test. But we need investment from the Federal Government in doing head-to-head comparisons to determine which tests are the best, and then production and procurement of those best tests on a massive scale. This is a new virus. Variants have already emerged that make it more contagious. More are sure to come. It will be close to a year before all of our children are vaccinated. Now, frequent rapid testing is a way to identify infected children and staff before they get symptoms and keep them at home so they can't infect others. It can give staff and families confidence that our schools are safe. It can also give an early warning of outbreaks. Now, imagine what this sort of testing could mean for workplaces, for restaurants, and for theaters. The American Rescue Plan does more than strengthen our vaccines and testing though. It provides critical relief that families need right now. We are in one of the worst economic downturns this country has ever seen, and the American Rescue Plan provides help where it is most needed, prioritizing children and families. This plan shores up the child tax credit and provides it up front as a monthly check for up to $300 per child. This is a very big deal. More than 93 percent of children and families will benefit, including the poorest 10 percent, who currently get no benefits because their parents' income is too low to qualify. These are the families who need the help the most. This provision alone will cut the number of children living in poverty in half. It also shores up SNAP benefits and incorporates my bill to expand WIC, so that children can get good nutrition and enough of it to power their brains and their bodies. It provides cash benefits and enhanced unemployment benefits that will help the hardest-hit families the most, and it gets even more help to families with children. It expands Medicaid in States that haven't already and makes it easier for people to afford and sign up for health insurance. And finally, it provides resources to schools so that educators, staff, children, and their families feel confident that they are returning to classrooms safely. And it expands broadband access at home to narrow the digital divide. The American Rescue Plan is a win for the country. It meets the moment, and it focuses relief on the people and businesses hardest hit by the economic and social fallout from this pandemic. Important to this pediatrician, it helps families and children with bold policy changes we have always needed but that have become even more urgent during this crisis.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Speaker, I rise today in support of Section 1001 of the American Recovery Plan Act of 2021. This section provides necessary resources to strengthen food and agriculture supply chains that have been ravaged by COVID-19 and provides $300 million to allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct surveillance of animals that are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a physician, making sure we approach this and future pandemics from a One Health perspective is key for both human and animal health, and as a Member of the Agriculture Committee, I am personally invested in making sure USDA has adequate resources to do their part. We have already seen documented evidence of a strain of COVID-19 impacting people in Europe that matches a strain that has been documented in captive mink. We cannot ignore the One Health implications of this pandemic. The resources provided in this section will help ensure USDA can follow science-based international surveillance recommendations. I look forward to working with the Department of Agriculture to fully implement these provisions, because this is how we can stay one step ahead as this virus evolves, and also how we can detect the next virus that jumps from animal to human before it becomes a pandemic.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, the people in my district continue to struggle with the economic effects of COVID-19. My constituents and small business owners will be so relieved to know that help that they need is one step closer to being here, including more assistance to small businesses, funding for childcare and education, enhanced unemployment benefits, and rental assistance. Several of my bills to help children and families have been included in this package as well, including increasing funding for child abuse prevention and more help fighting hunger and boosting access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Finally, as a doctor, I am very happy that my legislation to improve education about vaccines, including a future or many future COVID-19 vaccines, is in this package. It is important that the American people feel confident that whatever vaccine does get approval, it is truly safe and effective, and that education begins now. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I had a high-risk pregnancy, complicated by both advanced maternal age and 24 years of type 1 diabetes. I worked until 2 days before my C-section, and I am so grateful that my employer allowed for minor accommodations which allowed me to continue to work. Women are half of our workforce, and 75 percent of those women will become pregnant at some point. Supporting women during their pregnancies is just as important as prenatal care, immunizations, affordable childcare, and public education. We can do that by passing this bill, as well as supporting programs like WIC that help new and expectant parents to provide the proper nutrition and developmental supports to their babies. We all benefit from healthy pregnancy outcomes. It costs us all when a baby is born prematurely and requires months in intensive care. It costs us all when a fetus is exposed to toxins in utero because we couldn't protect the mother from an unhealthy environment and that child then suffers a lifetime of damage that will require public support. It costs us all when half of our workforce may lose or leave their jobs because pregnant women and mothers are not welcomed or supported in the workplace. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter from over 40 public health organizations, clinicians, and maternal health providers who support this bill. September 14, 2020. Re Support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Dear Representative: The undersigned public health professionals, health care clinicians, and maternal health organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of mothers, infants, and families enthusiastically support the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 2694). Modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act, the bill would require employers to provide reasonable, temporary workplace accommodations to pregnant workers as long as the accommodation does not impose an undue hardship on the employer. This bill is critically important because no one should have to choose between having a healthy pregnancy and a paycheck. Three-quarters of women will be pregnant and employed at some point in their lives. Most pregnant workers can expect a routine pregnancy and healthy birth. However, health care professionals have consistently recommended that some pregnant individuals make adjustments in their work activities to sustain a healthy pregnancy and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth or miscarriage. These medically necessary workplace accommodations can include allowing additional bathroom breaks, opportunities to stay hydrated, lifting restrictions, or access to a chair or stool to decrease time spent standing. Unfortunately, too many pregnant workers, particularly pregnant people of color, face barriers to incorporating even these small changes to their workdays. Workplace accommodations help safeguard a healthy pregnancy or prevent harm to a higher-risk pregnancy. Across the country, pregnant workers continue to be denied simple, no-cost or low-cost, temporary adjustments in their work settings or activities and instead risk being fired or forced to take unpaid leave to preserve the health of their pregnancy. Low-wage pregnant workers in physically demanding jobs, which are disproportionately occupied by people of color, feel the impact most acutely. This impossible choice forces many pregnant workers to continue working without accommodations, putting women and their pregnancies at risk of long-lasting and severe health consequences. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a measured approach to a serious problem. As public health professionals, health care clinicians, and maternal health organizations, we understand the importance of reasonable workplace accommodations to ensure that pregnant persons can continue to provide for their families and have safe and healthy pregnancies. We collectively urge swift passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Sincerely, 1,000 Days; American College of Nurse-Midwives; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs; Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses; Black Mamas Matter Alliance; California Breastfeeding Coalition; California WIC Association; Center for Reproductive Rights; Children's HealthWatch. Families USA; Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia; HealthyWomen; Human Rights Watch; In Our Own Voice: National Black Women's Reproductive Justice Agenda; Majaica, LLC; March for Moms; March of Dimes; National Black Nurses Association; National Birth Equity Collaborative; National Institute for Reproductive Health. National Network of Abortion Funds; National WIC Association; National Women's Health Network; Nutrition First--WIC Association of Washington State; Pennsylvania WIC Association; Perinatal Health Equity Foundation; Physicians for Reproductive Health; Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Raising Women's Voices for the Health Care We Need; Shriver Center on Poverty Law. SisterReach; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine; Tara Hansen Foundation; The Afiya Center; URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity; U.S. Breastfeeding Committee; WIC Association of NYS, Inc.; Wisconsin WIC Association; YWCA of Greater Atlanta; ZERO TO THREE.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, the bipartisan Pregnant Workers Fairness Act simply ensures that reasonable accommodations are made to help pregnant women work safely, and, in turn, the economy is stronger, family outcomes are better, and children can start life strong and healthy. Everyone wins.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that my amendment to assess the Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) implementation and best practices was included in final passage of H.R. 6395, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021. I would also like to include in the Record a letter of support for my amendment from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). The Department of Defense (DOD) Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP) transfer excess equipment like hoses, trucks, and aircraft and vehicle parts to the U.S. Forest Service to be distributed to states. As the National Volunteer Fire Council notes, ``many of the fire departments that take advantage of FFP and FEPP are located in rural areas that have relatively small tax bases and therefore lack the resources to afford new specialized equipment and vehicles to respond to wildland fires and other unique vulnerabilities in the communities that they serve.'' The FFP and FEPP programs currently offer excess equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. As the nation is facing increasing threats of extreme fire events, states are not acquiring equipment in an equitable manner. This is due to a multitude of factors. My amendment requests an assessment of FFP and FEPP implementation and best practices, taking into account community need and risk, including whether a community is an at-risk community. It additionally requires consultation with state implementers and program recipients which will allow us to understand how these programs are operating on-the-ground, and more importantly, how we can improve access for volunteer and small fire and emergency service providers in rural communities. I am thankful to have the National Volunteer Fire Council's support for this amendment. I want to emphasize their request that the agencies carrying out the assessment required by this amendment ``establish a process for volunteer fire departments and state and national organizations representing the interests of volunteer fire departments to provide input into the assessment as part of consulting with `participants in the programs.' '' As the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act moves to conference, I ask that my colleagues work to include this important amendment in the final bill. National Volunteer Fire Council, Greenbelt, MD, July 22, 2020. Hon. Kim Schrier, MD, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Schrier: On behalf of the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), which represents the interests of the nation's volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services, I am writing regarding your amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 directing the Department of Defense (DoD), acting through the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), jointly with the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to assess the Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Federal Excess Personal Property Program (FEPP). As you know, the FFP and FEPP programs provide critical assistance to thousands of volunteer fire departments across the country each year by allowing them to acquire excess DoD property, including equipment and vehicles. Many of the fire departments that take advantage of FFP and FEPP are located in rural areas that have relatively small tax bases and therefore lack the resources to afford new specialized equipment and vehicles to respond to wildland fires and other unique vulnerabilities in the communities that they serve. These programs are extremely important to the volunteer fire service and I thank you for your interest in developing an assessment to evaluate ways that they can be improved. One issue that I hope can be examined as part of the assessment is the extent to which additional resources could increase access to and participation in the FEPP and FFP programs by volunteer fire departments. Based on anecdotal evidence from our members I believe that more assistance devoted to helping process applications to acquire surplus property and transport surplus property from where it is stored to the fire department requesting it would make it easier for some agencies to take full advantage of these programs. I am pleased that your amendment explicitly directs the agencies carrying out the assessment to ``. . . consult with State foresters and participants in the programs . . .'' State foresters play an important role in facilitating the acquisition of surplus property by fire departments in their states. Additionally, differences in state statutes authorizing fire department participation in the FEPP and FFP programs contribute to some of the variations we can observe in acquisition rates between states. All of these are important issues to be examined in the assessment. I would also encourage the Committee to direct the agencies carrying out the assessment to establish a process for volunteer fire departments and state and national organizations representing the interests of volunteer fire departments to provide input into the assessment as part of consulting with ``participants in the programs.'' Finally, I question the central role that DoD and DLA would play in developing the assessment under the amendment language. As you know, while DoD/DLA along with the General Services Administration are responsible for managing and disposing of a vast array of excess federal property, none of those agencies has anything to do with the management or administration of the FEPP or FFP programs, specifically. I encourage the Committee to clarify that each agency tasked with carrying out the assessment focus on aspects of the programs that are appropriate given the scope of their actual role in administering the programs. Thank you for your support for the FEPP and FFP programs, as well as the volunteer fire service generally. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Ron Roy, Chair, NVFC Wildland Committee, Division Chief, Douglas County Fire District #2, East Wenatchee, WA.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted that this amendment addressing antibiotic resistance has been included in this package. While today we are laser focused on COVID-19, our next pandemic could be a ``super bug.'' The antibiotics we have relied on for years are no match for the drug-resistant bacteria that infect more than 2.8 million people each year. As a pediatrician, I want to make sure that in 10 years I will still be able to treat my patients' bacterial infections like pneumonia, C. diff, meningitis, and abscesses. In order to do that we need to curtail the current overuse of antibiotics and make investments in developing new ones now. That is why Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria, or CARB-X, is so important. By funding early phases of research for promising new antibiotics, this public-private partnership minimizes the risk that discourages investment in new treatments.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, researchers across the globe are working on vaccines to protect us from COVID-19, and once rigorous studies are complete, we will be able to roll this out to the public and provide protection from this dreadful disease. But we need to be doing work now to build public trust and vaccine safety and understand concerns within specific communities. In order to do that, we need data on vaccine confidence and access broken down by race, ethnicity, geography, and age. Just this week, we have seen a prominent example of bad actors who willfully undermine science, peddle conspiracy theories, and intentionally spread misinformation. This won't be the last time. It is going to be hard to counter sophisticated efforts to sow doubt in vaccine evidence, efficacy, and safety, and we must reckon with this country's legacy of unconscionable treatment of people of color. My amendment ensures that we will get reliable information to the American people because a safe and effective vaccine is only helpful if people are confident in it and willing to take it.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, parents can't go back to earning until their children can go back to learning. The topic of reopening schools has been top of mind in recent weeks. We also need safe care for our young ones though, because their parents need to work, too. Childcare is essential, for parents and children. Many childcare providers have closed during this pandemic, some for safety, some for financial reasons. But childcare isn't just about parents' jobs. High quality early childhood education is the single best way to close the opportunity gap and give disadvantaged children a strong start. Every dollar invested in early childhood education pays back $7 down the road, and that is a phenomenal investment. The Child Care Is Essential Act provides financial assistance so providers can reopen safely. By passing this bill, we support children, working families, and childcare providers; all worthy of our investment.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, in Washington State, we are blessed with an abundance of rivers and lakes that support fish and wildlife. Right now, projects like modifying tide gates and restoring or reconnecting floodplains and wetlands are not getting the priority they need to protect these important ecosystems. I am so pleased that the bill I introduced with Congressman Rick Larsen was included in WRDA. By prioritizing rivers with the greatest chance of recovery, we have the best shot at protecting these waterways and achieving the largest return on our investments. Healthy rivers mean clean water for fish, wildlife, and communities, and healthy salmon runs help us meet our treaty rights obligations, ensure thriving local economies and recreational opportunities, and protect our endangered salmon and orca populations.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, two of my amendments were included in this year's National Defense Authorization Act, and I would like to just speak for a moment about their importance. First, the Department of Defense transfers surplus equipment like hoses, vehicles, and aircraft parts to the U.S. Forest Service to help States with firefighting. But this equipment right now is distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and doesn't take into account community need or risk. My district is seeing increasingly extreme fire events. But Washington State does not receive equitable access to this equipment. I am asking for an analysis of the program to make sure that equipment goes to the places where it is most needed, like Washington State. My second amendment supports military spouses, most of whom are women, who continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment. This unfair treatment happens too often because of frequent moves and impermanence in communities and surrounding bases, like JBLM in Washington State. This amendment will expand opportunities for military spouses in fields of education, software, and coding in companies with high levels of teleworking to ensure that military spouses are matched with fulfilling and successful employment.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding to me. The coronavirus pandemic has taken a severe toll on our economy and has resulted in the permanent loss of countless jobs and highlighted the need for broadband access for workers and students. That is why the Moving Forward Act is so critical right now. It is a bold infrastructure package that will put America back to work, create new jobs, expand broadband access, and invest in schools and tomorrow's clean energy infrastructure. I am proud to have included two important wins for Washington in this package. My bill to fund the Legacy Roads and Trails Program will prioritize culvert repairs and riparian habitat in Washington's forests. My amendment to ensure transit agencies in King and Pierce Counties have flexibility and predictability will allow them to continue to serve riders during this public health crisis. Passing the Moving Forward Act now is how we shore up our infrastructure, set the stage for a clean energy future, and restore our economy and families' financial security.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act. As a pediatrician, and a patient with type 1 diabetes, I know how important it is to have real access to healthcare. The Affordable Care Act was a phenomenal first step. It provided protection for 26 million Americans with preexisting conditions who otherwise would not have had access to health insurance, made sure young people were covered until age 26, and designated primary care and access to birth control as essential. Of course, it was imperfect. It was intended to be a first step. Now, with 10 years of experience, we know how to improve it by addressing the serious issues of cost and access. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act does just that, with a special emphasis on children and communities of color who, for too long, have faced health disparities. Also, with this bill, a family of four in my district would save an estimated $8,000 a year on health insurance. This legislation provides permanent funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program so that children will be able to get healthcare they need right from the start. I am particularly excited that this bill also includes the Kids' Access to Primary Care Act, a bipartisan bill I introduced to expand primary care access for children and families on Medicaid. By matching Medicaid reimbursement rates to higher Medicare rates, Medicaid patients will have access to more physicians, and children will get the care they need when they need it from their very own primary care physician. That kind of access to care should not depend on ZIP Code, income, or skin color. The toll this pandemic has taken on already disadvantaged communities drives home the need for everyone to have affordable access to the care they need. That is why this bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act, is so important. No family should ever face bankruptcy because of medical expenses. As one of the few doctors in Congress, I will always work to ensure that everyone can afford the care they need.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, today's bill is critical for small businesses in my district that are desperately waiting for this financial lifeline. The funding for testing is also critical as our country is woefully behind. We need 10 to 20 times current levels of testing to know who is infected and isolate them and to find emerging hot spots. Without that, we are flying blind, and we will see new surges. Widespread testing is key to moving forward.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, congratulations to the hardworking students of Tahoma High School from Maple Valley, Washington, for being selected for the 11th consecutive time to represent Washington state in the annual ``We the People: The Citizens and the Constitution'' competition organized by the Center for Civic Education. These dedicated students have spent the past year studying the history and principles of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. They have gained a better understanding of our nation's founding values, representative democracy, and how the lawmaking process functions. The annual in-person ``We the People'' final competition typically takes place in Washington, D.C., in late April. Understandably, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was cancelled this year. Regardless, I am tremendously proud of these students' diligent work over the past year. Civic education is vital to a well-rounded high school education. In this time of crisis, it is more important than ever that young people are well-informed so they can engage constructively with public policy. I hope that these talented students feel empowered to vote, participate in politics, and be leading voices for positive change in our state and country. I am excited to hear about how they carry the principles and values of civic education into their future endeavors and become the next generation of leaders. I am especially grateful to Gretchen Wulfing for her dedication to civic education. In addition to teaching government at Tahoma High School, Gretchen has coached Civic Education for 12 years. Most recently, in 2016, she was honored as one of Washington's distinguished Civic Educators. Teachers like Gretchen are especially vital in this uncertain time, and the 8th District is extremely appreciative for her dedication to educating students in Maple Valley. Finally, I would like to individually recognize each student, whose tremendous commitment and enthusiasm to learning our Constitution, I deeply admire. Congratulations to: Riley Barlett, Dane Bowman-Weston, Katerina Bruhl, Matthew Bruneel, Neena Chana, Claire Cunningham, Grace Denison, Shelby Ellis, Djanaya Esiong, Issabella Huser. Sarah Kropelnicki, Preston Lievano, Jaden Mason, Aidan Mercado, Emma Nickel, Gage Nickel, Calvin O'Connell, Luke Oriolt, Daniela Perezchica- Trancoso, Claire Riordan, Elizabeth St. John, Jasmine Tran, Janey Yee. Congratulations again to Gretchen and these bright students from Tahoma High School for their dedication to civic education. We in Washington's 8th District couldn't be more proud of them, and we wish them the best of luck.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I was traveling to Washington State to help officials and my constituents best prepare for and contain COVID- 19 (coronavirus). As a result, I missed Roll Call vote number 87 regarding the Cisneros Amendment to H.R. 1140. Had I been present, I would have voted YES. I missed Roll Call vote number 88 regarding my amendment offered by Representative Mucarsel-Powell to H.R. 1140. This amendment would ensure that TSA officers have the proper guidance regarding prevention and protections against the coronavirus. I thank Representative Mucarsel-Powell for offering this amendment in my absence. Had I been present, I would have voted YES. I missed Roll Call vote number 89 regarding the Republican Motion to Recommit on H.R. 1140. Had I been present, I would have voted YES. I missed Roll Call vote number 90 regarding final passage of H.R. 1140. Had I been present, I would have voted YES.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk made in order under the rule.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, first, I would like to applaud the work of my colleagues, Representative Kilmer and Representative DeGette, for all the hard work they have done on this underlying, very important bill. It is a great bill for Washington, and I will be supporting it. Protecting wilderness areas is so important to maintain Washington's beautiful environment for future generations. My amendment to the bill is very simple. It requires the Government Accountability Office to study how preserving wilderness lands can help reduce flood risks in residential areas. The area in this photo is practically in my backyard. Over the past week, Washington State has experienced severe winter storms. The Governor of Washington State recently issued an emergency proclamation for 25 counties due to flooding and winter weather. Three of those counties, Kittitas, King, and Pierce, are located in the Eighth Congressional District, my congressional district. In my district, these storms largely took the form of excessive rain and flooding. They caused landslides on a highway that cut off access to the Greenwater community and Crystal Mountain, Washington's largest ski area, which was closed for 4 days in a very busy, typical weekend period. In Issaquah, here, down the road from one of my district offices, the Eastside Fire Department evacuated apartment buildings that were in proximity to a creek that had breached its banks and had water rushing through the parking lot and under the building. In Fall City, a town that has two roads in and out, there is a slow- moving landslide underneath one of those roads, and the road has started to separate. Residents have been encouraged to evacuate so they are not at risk of being isolated in this town. As we continue to confront climate change, we need to holistically consider our approaches to wilderness and public lands. Preservation of our public lands is just one tool at our disposal to help mitigate the impacts of flooding. We need to let nature do what nature does best: soak up water and prevent land from moving and turning into a landslide or mudslide during a flooding event. Climate change science shows that our region will experience heavier, more intense rainfall and increased rain-on-snow events that will increase the risk of flooding. Comprehensive watershed level planning, from the headwaters in wild and public lands all the way down to our towns and cities, is critical if we are going to address the myriad challenges facing so many of our communities, from flooding to salmon habitat restoration, to expanding recreation and outdoor access. As we think on a watershed scale, wilderness areas in the Eighth Congressional District and across the State help protect the headwaters of our watersheds. A little further downhill, we have collaborative groups working on active management to improve forest health; and in the lower watersheds, we have local governments, Tribes, and other stakeholders working on integrative approaches to reduce flood risks in our communities. As our climate changes, we are going to see a marked increase in these 100-year events. Whether that is rainstorms, snowstorms, or wildfires, it can all be better managed with a thoughtful approach toward land use planning, management, and protection. Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the support of my colleague. He is absolutely right that wildfires do increase the risk of landslides and flooding later down the line. We forget about that part, what happens when the rain hits that previously scorched earth. I am thrilled to present this amendment to have a study to protect our city urban areas in times of flood, and I appreciate the support of my colleague. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to be standing on the floor today speaking in support of the PUGET SOS Act. The passage of the bill in this House is something that our State has been collectively working toward for years. I thank Representative Heck and Representative Kilmer and the other Members of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus for their leadership. The challenges facing our Sound are great and are compounded by our State's growth and climate change. Chinook populations remain far below recovery goals, despite having been listed as threatened since 1999 under the Endangered Species Act. As the only member from Washington State on the House Agricultural Committee, I plan to use my position to highlight the importance of responsible farming practices, ecosystem recovery, and riparian habitats. Mr. Speaker, the narrative that we can have farms or fish is false-- we can have both. State- and county-level agencies are also doing their part to help both fish and farmers. The Washington State conservation Commission is doing some amazing work in the agricultural world. Our conservation districts work statewide to implement natural resource improvement projects and build landowner engagement and commitment. Just one example is the work that the Pierce County conservation District did when they partnered with local farmers to address management practices and were able to have a substantial impact on the health of 278 acres for shellfish harvesting. The Puget Sound needs protecting. Other bodies of water like the Chesapeake Bay and the Great Lakes have formal program status under the Clean Water Act, which helps ensure their consistent Federal funding. The Puget Sound and all of the wildlife in it deserve the same status under the Clean Water Act. It is shortsighted and irresponsible to not fight for the Sound and its future. We owe it to the species whose futures are imperiled because of human activity. We owe it to our children and generations we will never know. We absolutely must protect Puget Sound.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, the people of Washington's Eighth District sent me to Congress to fight for their families and make thoughtful, evidence-based decisions. I did not come to Congress to impeach a President, but evidence is evidence, and a balance of power is fundamental to our democracy. On my first day in office, like everybody else here, I took an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect our country. History will judge this moment. Given all of the facts before us, impeachment is the only remedy.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I am so glad that my colleague from Texas, Mr. Wright, is well and I am so glad that he could afford the treatment that he needed. But we have people suffering from the cost of prescription drugs now, and intentionally holding up this bill hurts them. We absolutely must remain the leader in the world in innovation, but the thing is, we can reduce drug prices and still have money for research. The money U.S.-based drug companies made in 2015 by charging Americans high prices was nearly double what was needed to fund their global R&D. An H.R. 3 uses the savings to reinvest billions in the research and clinical trials needed to get cures faster. I am so excited about H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act. I am the first pediatrician ever elected to Congress, and currently the only female doctor here. I am also a patient with type 1 diabetes. My life depends on insulin, so the high cost of prescription drugs affects me and people like me every day. I have driven over 7,000 miles this year traversing my district talking to people about what matters to them. And you know what the biggest thing is? The cost of prescription drugs. Because it doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or Republican if you cannot afford your medication. I understand this issue both as a doctor and a patient, because it is not theoretical for me or for my patients. When we talk about the cost of insulin, I have felt that personally. I have seen the price of my insulin go from $40 a bottle to $300. That is the price for a bottle that holds 10 milliliters, 2 teaspoons. Before being elected to Congress, I worked for nearly 20 years as a pediatrician in the suburbs of Seattle, just 3 hours from the Canadian border. Mostly, I sent electronic prescriptions, but when patients asked for paper ones, I knew it was because they were going to Canada to fill it. EpiPens are $600 here; $50 there. In Canada, insulin costs $50. Right now, we pay three to four times what our colleagues overseas pay, and that is why we must use the negotiating power of Medicare to bring prices down. Our districts are alike. And we need to take on this out-of-control pricing. The people who sent us here asked us to do it. Let's deliver today. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this MTR and ``yes'' on H.R. 3. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. Blunt Rochester), my colleague, a champion of this bill.