Mark Takano

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. In closing, let me just say, it was a delight to join my colleague from Michigan at the Joni Mitchell concert and stand up and participate in ``Big Yellow Taxi,'' which is his favorite song. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas), the ranking member of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 815, the RELIEVE Act, as amended, which is sponsored by Representative McMorris Rodgers and cosponsored by our committee members, Representatives Pappas and Bergman. It will address a gap for a small population of veterans who first enrolled in VA healthcare within the last 60 days to be covered for emergency care in the community, even if they have not received any services from a VA provider. Existing VA authorities for coverage of emergency care in the community are extremely complex. They are also not well understood by veterans, who often end up blindsided by massive medical bills that they can't afford. Under current law, VA can only cover emergency care in the community for a nonservice-connected condition if the veteran was enrolled in VA healthcare and had used VA care within the 24 months before the emergency care episode. This bill would make an exception for veterans who first enrolled in VA healthcare within 60 days before their emergency care episode. Such veterans may not have had a reason to use VA care yet or they may have experienced a wait time for a routine appointment. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 815, as amended, which will help ensure veterans who are new to VA healthcare will be covered for unexpected medical emergencies. I also highlight a new meaningful benefit for veterans who are experiencing acute suicidal crises. It is important for veterans and their families and caregivers to know that VA has now implemented legislation I championed to remove cost from the equation when veterans are in imminent risk of self-harm. VA will now fully cover up to 30 days of inpatient or residential care or up to 90 days of outpatient care for veterans who are experiencing an acute suicidal crisis, regardless of whether the veteran has ever enrolled in or used VA healthcare benefits. Any veteran experiencing a mental health crisis should call 988 and press 1 to speak with a trained professional from the Veterans Crisis Line. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me to pass H.R. 502, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 502, as amended, legislation to ensure veterans can recoup the money they paid into the Montgomery GI Bill. Under current law, veterans who do not fully access their Montgomery GI Bill can lose out on the payments they made into the program, in some cases totaling up to $1,200. The Montgomery GI Bill is in the process of being phased out for the more generous Forever GI Bill. Many veterans may not remember the $1,200 they paid into the program in their early days of service or even be aware that they are entitled to a refund of the unused funds. The process to reclaim that $1,200 can be difficult, and there are times when the veteran can simply lose out on the money because they waited too long. This legislation eliminates that cumbersome process by making it so that the veteran is repaid, no questions asked. The bill is fully offset, and it is supported by the veterans service organizations community, including by Student Veterans of America. I thank Representative Banks for his work on this legislation and the VSO community for bringing this issue to our committee. We were able to pass this legislation under the House last fall, but unfortunately, the Senate was unable to consider it. That is why I am thankful we can consider this bill early in 2023, giving our colleagues in the Senate plenty of time to complete it. No disrespect to the Senate, Mr. Speaker. I urge the rest of my colleagues to support this legislation to ensure no veteran loses out on what is owed to them, and I certainly hope that Members of the House who aspire to be Senators will remember what it is like to be a House Member and make sure this never happens again. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 753, as amended, the VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act. This bill will require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop an analytical model to compare the costs of off-site versus on-site regulated medical waste treatment. The VA will further be required to install on-site regulated medical waste treatment systems at VA facilities that would realize cost savings within a 5-year period. Regulated medical waste is any type of waste generated by healthcare facilities that may be contaminated by blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. There are Federal and State requirements governing how it must be handled and how it may be transported given the infection transmission risks it poses. On-site regulated medical waste sterilization systems would enable VA medical facilities to treat and compact this waste before it is transported off-site for disposal. There are potential cost savings associated with being able to sterilize and compact medical waste before it is taken off-site. Trucking costs are higher for untreated medical waste because of all the precautions that must be taken to comply with applicable State and Federal regulations when transporting it, and because it takes more trucks to move the waste if it is not compacted first. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 753, as amended, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1226, as amended, the Wounded Warrior Access Act introduced by my good friend, neighbor, and chair of the House Democratic Caucus, Representative Pete Aguilar. This bill would require VA to establish and maintain a secure internet-based portal to establish a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits. Additionally, this bill contains a provision requiring VA to warn claimants about benefit scammers, provide a way to report potentially fraudulent activity, and provide a tool for claimants to search for accredited representation. Currently, to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits, veterans or designated representatives must submit a Freedom of Information Act, otherwise known as a FOIA, or Privacy Act request. Submitting this form, followed by waiting for it to upload into an individual's electronic claims file, and then awaiting action on the request can be time consuming and can negatively impact a claimant's ability to understand what records VA is evaluating and what information could better assist in a claim's positive adjudication. Establishing and maintaining a secure, internet-based portal to enable a claimant or their representative to make records requests related to VA claims and benefits would modernize this essential process and assist in more timely, positive claim outcomes. This bill would also add another tool in the toolbox for veterans when navigating the complexities of the claims process and will help veterans gain a little more autonomy over their claim. It is my hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar), my good friend who serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in fervent defense of a great friend and loyal colleague, Congresswoman Judy Chu, in light of recent attacks against her character. I consider Congresswoman Chu to be a fearless advocate for her community, a loyal Member of the United States House of Representatives, and a close personal friend. The disgraceful remarks made by a fellow Member of Congress towards Congresswoman Chu challenging her ``loyalty and competence'' exemplify the extremes Republicans will go to discredit the credibility of those they disagree with. To insinuate Congresswoman Chu is disloyal to her country is baseless and a blatantly racist attempt to vilify a faithful public servant. Congresswoman Chu's heritage as a proud Chinese American woman is a strength for this legislative body, rather than a danger. It is a somber reminder of the relentless scrutiny individuals of Chinese descent face on a daily basis. The unfortunate reality is these types of attacks on Chinese Americans are not atypical, as grotesque stereotypes perpetuate that Asian Americans are always foreign. The Republican Conference must hold all of their members accountable and must condemn all xenophobic attacks of all forms. Words matter--and can bring about significant harm to communities of all types. Our country has lived through the impacts of targeting Americans based solely on their country of origin. We must avoid the mistakes of our past and denounce bigotry and racism as it occurs, not channel it into hatred and baseless attacks against our fellow Americans.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, this resolution is not about socialism. It is about political cynicism. No one in this Chamber would defend the atrocities committed by murderous Communist ideologues such as Mao Zedong or Fidel Castro, but that is not what this resolution is about. This resolution is about conflating some of our most cherished social safety net programs with so-called socialism. With this resolution, Republicans demonize Social Security, on which more than 46 million retirees rely today. Republicans demonize Medicare, which has saved the lives of countless Americans. Republicans demonize many other Federal programs, including benefits offered to our Nation's veterans. Harry Truman was right when he said that: ``Socialism is a scare word that [Republicans] have hurled at every advance the people have made in the last 20 years.'' Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member McGovern for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I had hoped to rise today to offer an amendment which was a clarifying amendment, which would have clarified what the resolution before us today meant by the words ``socialist'' and ``socialism.'' None of us have any objection to, in fact, embrace the whereas clauses that we condemn egregious examples of totalitarian authoritarianism and the excesses thereof. But we are very concerned about what the resolved clause means and the way ``socialism'' is defined. There are many ways to look at socialism. My amendment simply was to clarify that the implementation of any opposition of socialist policy in the United States does not include Federal programs such as Medicare, Social Security, TRICARE, VA Healthcare, the VA Loan program, VA burial benefits, and VA homelessness programs. But you know what? Unfortunately, the Committee on Rules last night blocked my amendment. The rejection of my amendment sends a clear message to the American people under this Republican majority. Social Security and Medicare and veterans benefits are not safe because they construe those to be socialist programs. This resolution being considered today is really ridiculous. It dishonestly conflates any effort to improve the lives of Americans with the violence of totalitarian Communist regimes. Without my amendment, it could only be read as an attack on Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' benefits. The programs my amendment specifies helps veterans receive healthcare, aid struggling families who have fallen on hard times, and support millions of Americans by ensuring they receive the benefits they have spent their life working and paying for. Medicare, Social Security, TRICARE, VA Healthcare, the VA Home Loan program, VA burial benefits, and efforts to end veteran homelessness are programs every Member of this body should be proud to support. But instead, my colleagues on the other side have spent years attempting to undermine and dismantle them, and they are doing it again with this so- called resolution. This so-called anti-socialism resolution is simply the latest volley in an assault that goes back decades. Despite these attacks, the programs my amendment defends are overwhelmingly supported by the American people. Americans know that these policies work. They are practical. They are beyond ideology. They are simply common sense. The people want us to join together to bolster and expand them, not to denigrate and defund them and play stupid games to distract and propose red herring amendments such as this to get us off the track of working for the American people.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. These bills will ensure that there is no lapse in the care and resources homeless veterans need when the public health emergency designation ends, and I hope my Republican colleagues will support them. The Biden administration announced last night it intends to extend the COVID-19 emergency declarations to end on May 11. Unlike my colleagues on the other side who want to irresponsibly put an end to the national emergency today, the additional time gives the agencies and Congress time to ensure there is no disruption in care and services for veterans. My Republican colleagues have a choice to make. They can continue to insist on pushing an agenda that politicizes the pandemic, terminate the public health emergency designation prematurely, and wholly disregard the disastrous impact such an action would have on veterans, or they can put aside this shortsighted approach and use their newfound control of Congress to actually do the job they were sent to Washington to do: pass legislation that helps our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 382.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Pallone for yielding time. I rise today in opposition to H.R. 382, the Pandemic is Over Act. This is an effort by our Republican colleagues to hastily terminate a public health emergency designation that will have damaging effects on our Nation's veterans and those who care for them. Currently, this emergency designation grants our government a number of critical flexibilities that not only allow it to work more efficiently and effectively but that are essential to support America's veteran population. When we passed the CARES Act in 2020, we did so carefully and thoughtfully to ensure that veterans would be able to safely and quickly access the care they needed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We also ensured the Department of Veterans Affairs and its employees had the tools and flexibilities they needed to meet their mission. I am especially concerned by the risk that would be caused by hastily terminating healthcare providers' ability to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth. This will severely impact millions of patients' access to medications they need to manage chronic pain, complex mental health conditions, and substance abuse disorders. Veterans who experience these conditions at greater rates than their nonveteran counterparts are among those who would be severely affected. VA estimates at least 47,000 veterans have active controlled substance prescriptions from prescribers they have never seen in person. A sudden termination of the public health emergency would mean all of them would need immediate in-person visits with their prescribers in order to continue their treatments. An additional 247,000 veterans have active controlled substances prescriptions through virtual care at VA, and many of these veterans' continued access to medications could also be at risk. During the public health emergency, we also specifically addressed the unique health and safety needs facing homeless veterans. Those actions included ensuring that veterans experiencing homelessness had access to basic needs, like shelter, food, clothing, and transportation, while also ensuring service providers had the funding they needed to maintain social distancing and distribute those in need across multiple facilities to reduce the spread of COVID-19. What we learned from the pandemic is that providing these foundational basic needs to homeless veterans and service providers works in promoting housing security. Last week, VA announced it housed over 40,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in 2022, surpassing its goal of housing 38,000 veterans. That tremendous accomplishment can be directly attributed to the authorities Congress put in place during the pandemic. Rolling back those flexibilities now would mean more veterans would go without the resources they need to survive. If my Republican colleagues are so insistent on ending the public health emergency prematurely, I hope they are equally insistent on ensuring that we quickly make permanent those pandemic authorities that veterans need. I am proud to support Congresswoman Nikema Williams' bill, H.R. 491, the Return Home to Housing Act, and cosponsor Congresswoman Cherfilus- McCormick's bill, the Healthy Foundations for Homeless Veterans Act.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, my amendment would require the Secretary to consider the current number of inactive but approved Federal oil and gas leases and permits to drill in the development of any proposed plan. My amendment is vital to fully capturing the scope of unused oil and gas leases and permits to drill on Federal lands that companies are choosing not to utilize. There are currently over 9,000 approved permits to drill on Federal land, yet my Republican colleagues want to open up even more Federal lands and approve additional permits to drill. The underlying bill is merely a politically motivated effort to undermine this administration's ability to tap into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve while opening up more Federal lands to exploitation by private-sector interests. Before the Secretary can draft any plan that proposes expanded drilling on Federal lands, I believe it is important that it consider all information relevant to such a plan, and that includes how many leases and permits are already approved but left inactive. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, the United States is at the forefront of clean energy development and clean energy deployment globally. Not only are we developing countless private renewable energy projects across the country, but we have hundreds more wind, solar, and geothermal projects on Federal lands, with many more on the way. If we are to remain a global leader in renewable energy deployment, then we should ensure any new oil and gas drilling does not impede the rapid deployment of renewable energy projects that are so critical to our energy independence and security. Before we consider approving even more land for outdated and highly polluting forms of energy, we must continue on our march into the future and invest in renewable energy projects, not just on Federal lands but in every community that stands to benefit from these projects. My amendment would require the Secretary to not only certify that increased oil and gas drilling on Federal lands will not negatively impact renewable energy project development but also prohibit the inclusion of any recommendations to expand such drilling in this plan if it would do so. Yes, we must make gas affordable at the pump, but the President of the United States has already helped lower prices for the American people by drawing down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. In fact, the underlying legislation would create additional barriers to keeping gas prices low. The answer is not more drilling. The answer is to invest in renewable energy and to make these new technologies more affordable for everyday Americans. If we want to keep the United States from falling second to China in the deployment of renewable energy projects, then we should be taking every reasonable step to continue their deployment. My amendment would do just that by ensuring the plan required in the underlying bill mitigates any impacts to renewable energy projects on Federal lands. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Point of Order

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I respectfully reject the point of order against my amendment. Adding limitations to the scope of the existing plan required in paragraph 1 falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the base text and the legislative intent of the bill.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 82.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 80.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, my amendment is simple in that it would improve the transparency of the process around the development of the plan required in the underlying bill. Like other regulatory processes where public input is required, my amendment would require the Secretary to provide for an opportunity for at least a 90-day public comment period on the plan. If Congress is going to open up more Federal land for oil and gas production, we must hear from the communities and stakeholders that would be affected by most of these projects. This amendment simply gives an opportunity for the public to offer their views and knowledge for the Secretary to consider in the formation of any plan. Oil and gas drilling can be a terribly destructive process for the environment and the communities around these drilling sites. The individuals and families who must live near drilling sites are forced to experience the harsh day-to-day realities of air and water quality impacts, which can lead to increased risks of developing asthma, respiratory disease, cancer, and other harmful side effects. If the Secretary is going to recommend a plan to expand more drilling, then we should hear from experts, stakeholders, and others who have a vested interest and allow them to participate openly and honestly in the process. This is a simple, good-governance amendment. We are elected to Congress by the people, and it is the people who are affected who deserve a say in what happens in their communities. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk, No. 81.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I was unable to cast my vote on H. Con. Res. 7--Commedning the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran demonstrating in more than 133 cities and risking their safety to speak out against the Iranian regime's human rights abuses. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 36.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, it should not be a partisan issue to support democracies globally and, in particular, affirm the results of the free, fair, and credible Presidential election in Brazil last fall. The radio silence of my Republican colleagues regarding the January 8 attack on Brazilian democracy is inconsistent with their professed concern over freedom. On a bipartisan basis, we should denounce a would-be autocrat who refuses to accept the results of elections and is taking refuge within the United States. Our contempt should also extend to American extremists who are undermining democratic institutions at home and abroad. Our commitment to democratic freedom cannot be selective. Fascism and communism are two sides of the same authoritarian coin. Standing up for democratic values is not just about standing up to the Chinese Communist Party. It is about condemning autocratic movements globally. We must defend democratic institutions here and everywhere, including any conspiracy undermining Brazilian democracy.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, there is broad recognition among Democrats and Republicans that Congress must adopt a whole-of-government approach in response to the intensifying great power competition between the United States and China. The formation of the select committee is the Republicans' response to the China question. However, I do remain skeptical of the true intentions behind the formation of this committee, and I hope my Republican colleagues can approach this topic from a position of strength, not weakness, xenophobia, or fear. A specific focus on strategic competition with China could be meaningful if the committee's work remains constructive, but I question why the work of this proposed select committee could not have been done through the current committees of jurisdiction. With that being said, to be constructive, the committee should consider perspectives beyond the military domain that include the political, economic, military, cultural, and diplomatic implications of a potential U.S. response. Republican leadership should also select Members to sit on this committee who are serious minded about the risks posed by China and not merely anti-China hawks yearning to isolate China through military might. Most importantly, it is my hope that the committee will consider meaningful ways that we can promote a rules-based international order that the United States has spent considerable time and resources building up in the post-World War II era. We must leverage our soft- power tools and work cooperatively with our allies and other democratically aligned partners across the globe to achieve our ends. Finally, unity at home is just as important to demonstrating the strength of our Nation as it is to project our strength abroad. Our strength is derived from our unwavering commitment to our democratic values, the cohesion of our alliances, the intellect and innovation of our people, and the shared prosperity of every American. What grants us currency with the world is our credibility at home as a reliable partner that provides a robust social safety net for its people and consistently supports democratic ideals. Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues to take this opportunity seriously. It is not simply enough to demonize and dehumanize our adversaries to align the world behind our democratic ideals. Let's use this select committee to show that we have unity and strength to outrival China and that we are good for more than just fearful rhetoric. Until this point, my Republican colleagues have shown an unwillingness to avoid the vitriol that undermines a constructive approach to China, so I plan to vote ``no'' on this resolution. However, I hope we can move forward in a constructive way.

Mr. TAKANO

Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. Again, I ask my colleagues to join me in passing S. 4949, and I yield back the balance of my time.