Kim Schrier

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Trone).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Nevada (Mrs. Lee).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin).

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), my colleague and the chair of our committee.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following: first, a letter from the National Child Abuse Coalition supporting H.R. 2480, which praises the legislation's improvements to interstate data sharing and increases to authorization levels; second, a letter from the American Academy of Pediatrics endorsing H.R. 2480, which praises the legislation's public health focus; and third, a letter from the American Psychological Association supporting H.R. 2480, which praises this legislation's improvement to research on helping families experiencing substance use disorders. National Child Abuse Coalition, May 7, 2019. Chairman Bobby Scott, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC. Representative Kim Schrier, Washington, DC. Ranking Member Virginia Foxx, House Committee on Education and Labor, Washington, DC. Representative James Comer, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Foxx, Representative Schrier, and Representative Comer: On behalf of the National Child Abuse Coalition, thank you for your outstanding leadership on the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The reforms and funding levels you have proposed in this legislation are extremely important, and we strongly encourage all members of the House Committee on Education and Labor to support its passage. If appropriately funded, this legislation will reduce child abuse and neglect, strengthen families through community-driven solutions, improve local responses to child trauma, increase states' child safety tools, and bring much improved data and transparency around abuse and neglect fatalities so that states can make tailored reforms to prevent future fatalities. Though some changes to the bill are still needed, we look forward to continuing to work with you as the legislation moves forward. In particular, we strongly support the following elements of the proposal: Authorization levels. Meaningful increases to CAPTA funding are essential to ensure this bill's important reforms will make children safer and families stronger. For too long, Congress has sought key improvements to this law but has failed to appropriate the funds that would allow states to successfully implement them. The Coalition believes at least $500 million for each title is critical, but we recognize the authorization levels in this legislation reflect your strong commitment to keeping children from being harmed. We were very disappointed to learn that the House Labor-H bill released today does not reflect the important investments you have included in the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. We look forward to working with you to ensure the funding levels included in this legislation are executed in the appropriations process. The reforms this Committee envisions for CAPTA will not be realized without robust increases to funding. Emphasis on family strengthening. We also applaud the bill's focus on family strengthening, a clear reflection of what we know to be true: that healthy and strong families are key to ensuring children are healthy and can achieve their full potential. The Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act reflects the entire continuum of supports to families, starting with primary prevention at the heart of Title II and extending into the identification and treatment of abuse and neglect in Title I. All are essential to creating systems of support that both prevent child abuse and neglect and keep families together whenever possible, and also ensure timely and appropriate action when child abuse or neglect does occur. Improvements to child protection systems to reduce child fatalities and near fatalities from abuse and neglect. Experts estimate nearly 3,000 children die every year from child abuse and neglect. Without proper data and disclosure, efforts to reduce these fatalities will not succeed. The legislation's reforms in Section 103 to develop uniform standards for tracking and reporting of child fatalities resulting from maltreatment are absolutely essential to making sure federal, state, and local governments have the information they need to keep more vulnerable children alive. The bill's reforms to clarify and strengthen disclosure about fatalities and near fatalities in Section 106 are also very important to these efforts. Both of these reforms were proposed by the Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities, a bipartisan Commission devised by Congress to put an end to these tragic child deaths. We also commend you for taking steps to improve interstate data exchange. Thoughtful attention to children and families impacted by substance use disorders. As the national rise in substance use disorders continues to drive more children and families into the child welfare system, we appreciate the thoughtful attention paid by the Committee to these issues. In particular, the bill incorporates new language reflecting the intersection between child abuse and neglect and substance use disorders, the needs of children and families with substance use disorders, and how critical collaboration across multiple public and community partners is to effectively connect families to needed treatment services. Improved transparency, accountability, and focus on key priorities. We greatly appreciate the legislation's much- needed streamlining and updating of CAPTA in ways that will prioritize key needs from the experts working in states and communities, and that will improve transparency and accountability to ensure better implementation of the law. The revisions to Sections 104 and 105 reflect a more focused approach to key priorities in child welfare. The use of funds in Section 106 presents a much more cohesive and coordinated vision to help states in their efforts to prevent, treat, and intervene in child abuse and neglect. The bill's revisions specifying the state mandates in Section 106 will bring much- needed improvements to CAPTA's transparency and accountability. Finally, as the bill advances, we look forward to working with you so that the following provisions in Title II strike the right balance to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars, reduce bureaucratic requirements for states, and reflect the importance of a universal, or public health, approach to primary prevention: Administrative cap. Thank you for working with the Coalition and its members on this provision in between introduction and mark-up. We appreciate your willingness to respond to deep concerns from the states that the initial proposed cap would hinder states' ability to carry out the provisions of the legislation. CBCAP lead agencies are committed to running their programs efficiently, and most of them operate as part of larger agencies and do not always control what shared expenses are charged to them. We heard from numerous CBCAP lead agencies that a four percent cap would greatly limit their ability to provide adequate oversight and support in implementing the bold vision that is proposed in the underlying legislation. As the legislation advances, we hope to work with you to ensure that the administrative cap is consistent with guidance from Office of Management and Budget related to federally negotiated indirect cost rates for federal funding, in a manner that does not undermine state flexibility to effectively implement the law. 70/30 funding formula. The Coalition urges Congress to simplify the Title II formula to be entirely population based. Currently, thirty percent of the funding formula is determined by a very complicated set of rules that burdens states with onerous bureaucracy, reduces state flexibility, produces accounting incentives that do not necessarily reflect state investments, and creates a situation where states that might benefit the most are the least able to leverage funds. As a result, just three states receive nearly one-third of the funding from this portion of the formula. We hope that you will continue to work with us to create a more appropriate formula for this Title. Public health approach. As the Committee repeatedly heard from the witnesses at its March 26th hearing, a universal approach to primary prevention services is essential to the success of Title II. Primary prevention of child abuse is most effective when it takes a universal approach to building protective factors and reducing risks in families and communities. It is important that CAPTA strike the right balance between emphasizing building a universal--or public health--approach and targeting higher risk communities. We look forward to working with you to make sure the final law addresses this in the best manner possible. Thank you for your commitment to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect, and to improving the lives of children and families in the United States. The National Child Abuse Coalition and its twenty-five organizational members stand ready to continue to help support your efforts as the critical bill moves through Congress. Sincerely, Ruth J. Friedman, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Child Abuse Coalition.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2480. I am so pleased that we worked together in a bipartisan fashion. Parenting is the hardest job we have, and yet we have no training for it. This bill ensures that parents will have the support they need. It will save lives and prevent child mistreatment, maltreatment, abuse, and neglect. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today to draw attention to an important issue that I hope we can begin to address. Research is at the core of our ever-changing agriculture industry, including in my district. Our farms rely on research from land grant universities like Washington State University to build resilience in the face of a changing climate, to manage pests and diseases, and to respond to drought stresses. As the number one USDA research and expenditures university in the country, Washington State University's work helps farmers in my district expand new varieties of economic powerhouse crops like pears, cherries, wine grapes, apples, potatoes, and hops. Prior to the recent farm bill signed into law last December, the USDA could exempt nonprofit and land grant universities like Washington State University from a requirement that Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant recipients match the Federal Government dollar for dollar. It is really important to note that this waiver authority for matching requirements is available to every other ag research program in the farm bill except specialty crop research. During consideration of the recently passed farm bill, a Senate- originated provision that dropped the exemption was included. This will have devastating impacts on agriculture in my district and around the country. Washington is the second most agriculturally diverse State in the Nation, growing everything from potatoes to peppermint, apples to azaleas, and wine grapes to barley and wheat. Washington State University partners with the USDA to make the State of Washington one of the largest and most successful agriculture enterprises in the world. From the beginning, Washington farmers, WSU, Washington State Department of Agriculture, and the USDA have joined forces to improve the productivity, efficiency, and safety of products coming from our State's fields and pastures. For example, in 2018, WSU received more than $5 million in funding to research pests threatening grapes, onions, garlic, and other specialty crops. This important research, which supports our State's diverse agricultural economy, would be jeopardized under the matching requirement authorized last year. This bipartisan amendment would underscore congressional support for vital public research like the work at Washington State University. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Chair, in summary, I would like to encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. It will fund research throughout the country and end a process that is unfair to specialty crop farmers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment would support farmers and ranchers who employ agricultural practices that help us meet the goals and ambitions of the Paris Agreement. In order to combat climate change, we are all going to have to work together. Ours is a country that has already banded together to take on the greatest challenges of our times, and this is no exception. This is a time for the United States to not just partner, but to lead the world in protecting this planet for our children and future generations. Now, farmers and ranchers are on the front line of the climate crisis, and they are stepping up. Droughts, fires, and floods are threatening their safety and their livelihoods. My time on the Agriculture Committee and time spent with growers in my district have shown me that farmers are deeply invested in addressing our climate and are eager to be part of the solution. Farmers are already expanding no-till practices, rotating crops, and planting cover crops to sequester carbon, fix nitrogen and other soil nutrients, and reduce erosion. With that healthier soil packed with organic matter, they are decreasing their reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilizers, increasing yields, saving water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must recognize and celebrate the contributions of our farmers who engage in sustainable ag practices. My amendment would support this agricultural ingenuity and creativity and prevent this administration from standing in the way of farmers and ranchers who are fighting climate change. The climate crisis is an urgent matter, and there isn't one silver bullet. Let's recognize that the solution will require something from all of us and support our farmers who can make a tremendous dent in CO2 emissions. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I would just like to reiterate that it is so important that we all step up. When I hear my colleagues talking about jobs, needing to do other things, waiting, this is too advanced. It is frustrating to see that 2 years passed and we saw absolutely no legislation to protect our climate. Kicking the can down the road further just puts our future in peril, along with the future of our children. So I would ask for that step of faith that we will protect jobs. I am happy to say that H.R. 9 specifically notes that, in addressing our changing climate, this will create jobs, clean energy jobs, and you can rest assured that our economy will flourish with addressing our climate. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize Petty Officer Second Class Margaret Nicol of the United States Coast Guard. A fellow resident of Sammamish, Washington, Maggie grew up in a large boating community in Florida. She found out all too well at the early age of 8 that the Coast Guard is an elite group of individuals whom we can always count on when she had to be rescued by them. Driven by a desire to give back, she enlisted in the Coast Guard Reserves during high school. After attending college, she completed 2 years of Active-Duty service in Iraq, responded to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and went on to pursue registered nursing. After relocating to the Seattle area in 2017, she rapidly qualified well ahead of deadlines to earn her response boat-small coxswain and boarding team member qualifications. To support her colleagues, she amassed over 130 hours helping to train and qualify crew members, significantly increasing Station Seattle's Reserve mobilization readiness. But Petty Officer Nicol's commitment to our country does not stop at the armed services. She is a business owner of FLWA Holdings, providing affordable housing for those in need in Washington and Florida. She volunteers at Food Lifeline, serves local schools in the community, and engages with the Diveheart Foundation for disabled children, adults, and veterans. Among her accolades, Petty Officer Nicol has earned the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and, most recently, the high honor of being named the 2018 Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year. She epitomizes the Coast Guard's core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty. Most importantly, she leads by example, champions a humanitarian spirit, and has devoted her life to serving others. Thank you, Maggie. Washington State and the Coast Guard would not be the same without you. Tahoma High School, State Champions

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tahoma High School, State champions. Congratulations to the students of Tahoma High School from Washington State's Maple Valley on their 10th consecutive statewide victory and 23rd victory in the last 25 years in the Center for Civic Education's We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution annual tournament. These smart and ambitious students from the Eighth District will represent Washington State in the 32nd annual We the People finals later this month right here in D.C., where they will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Constitution to distinguished panels of scholars, lawyers, and leaders from across the Nation. They will no doubt uphold the standards of excellence for which Tahoma High School is known and champion the values inscribed in our founding documents. I would especially like to recognize Gretchen Wulfing, Tahoma High School's dedicated teacher and coach for civic education. She has coached the Tahoma High School team for 11 years, was honored as one of Washington's Civic Educators of 2016, and received Washington's Civic Educator of the Year distinction in 2011. We are grateful for her dedication to our schools and to our next generation of leaders. Congratulations to Gretchen and the hardworking students from Tahoma High School for being true warriors of the Constitution. You are exemplars of young people leading the way in the 21st century. Good luck. Washington could not be more proud of you. We Are a Nation of Immigrants

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague, Mr. Green of Texas. We are a nation of immigrants. It is our responsibility to welcome refugees and to not close our doors to those seeking asylum. We are a good country at heart. We should not separate children from parents. We are better than that.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to offer this amendment to the Violence Against Women Act along with my colleagues, Representatives Lauren Underwood and also Representative Donna Shalala. This amendment would help increase the number of healthcare professionals who are able to assist children exposed to violence and also ensures that trauma and behavioral healthcare specialists are included in efforts to address domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and childhood exposure to violence. The long-term effects of childhood exposure to adverse experiences, which include domestic and sexual violence that go unaddressed, are chilling. Children exposed to violence, when they become adults, are more likely to have addictive behaviors, to drop out of school, and to be violent themselves. The effects of these adverse experiences can be mitigated through counseling and other intervention services, which is why my amendment would require funding authorized under this section to be used to increase the number of social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, trauma specialists, and others who are trained in counseling children exposed to violence. As a pediatrician, I know firsthand that if we treat adverse childhood experiences early, we can mitigate the costly long-term effects that occur later in life. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood).

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two law enforcement officers in my district. Police Officer Benito Chavez was injured in the line of duty protecting our community in a senseless act of violence after a car chase last week. He has only been with the Kittitas Police Department for 8 months, so he has many years of service ahead of him. I am happy to know that he is home with his family and his wife, and I thank him for his service, wish him a speedy recovery, and hope that he will be back on the job soon. On a much sadder note, I, Kittitas County, and the whole Eighth District mourn the loss of a hero, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Thompson who lost his life in the line of duty on March 19. It is heartbreaking that Deputy Sheriff Thompson leaves behind his wife and three children. I send my deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his colleagues who have been hit hard by this tragedy. We will be forever grateful for his service to our community and to our State. We all owe such a debt of gratitude to Officer Chavez, Deputy Sheriff Thompson, and all law enforcement professionals who put themselves at risk every day to keep our community safe.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Grijalva for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I am excited to have the opportunity to speak on this bill, and I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to support this important lands package. Now, there is one section, the same as Dan Newhouse's, that is particularly near and dear to my heart and critical for my district and for the State of Washington. It is the Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan that you just heard about. This forward-thinking legislation will ensure water security for our farmers, rivers, salmon, and communities for the foreseeable future. It allows Tribes to make important infrastructure improvements, protects local salmon habitat, and, therefore, is also instrumental in saving our dwindling Puget Sound orcas. Mr. Speaker, I applaud my Republican colleague, Mr. Newhouse, and also our Senators, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and so many people who worked hard on this plan to make it come true, for the effort they have put in over so many years to see this legislation through. The Yakima River Basin Integrated Plan is a model for the rest of the country on how to address water scarcity in a changing climate. Partners with very divergent interests all came together with a common goal of protecting Washington's environment and wildlife and ensuring our communities are resilient in the face of a changing climate. This agreement will help Washington State for years to come.

Ms. SCHRIER

Ms. SCHRIER. Madam Speaker, today is different because today I would like to honor my father, Joel Schrier, who celebrates his 80th birthday this weekend. He grew up in the Bronx in a one-bedroom apartment with his parents and his three siblings, including his twin sister, Gloria, who will also celebrate this weekend. He went on to study physics and work as an aerospace engineer, marry my mom, Joan, in 1964, and be a phenomenal father to my brother, Marc, and me. He was engaged and involved in our upbringing at a time when most fathers weren't. He taught me to bike and skate, showed me how to make the best French toast from Friday night challah, and inspired me to study physics. When I was diagnosed with diabetes, he helped me with shots and checking my blood sugar levels. Weekends were always for family. And for that, mom, Marc, and I are deeply grateful. Of course, it is the values that he and mom instilled in me that really led me to run for Congress. A strong sense of justice and fairness, and an ethic that if something is wrong in the world, you do something about it: to be an upstander and not a bystander. So, Dad, thank you, and happy birthday. We love you.