Fred Upton

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Johnson), a valuable member of our committee who has worked so hard to get this bill to where it is today.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Ellmers), a member of the important Health Subcommittee and a real proponent of this legislation from day one.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds. I appreciate the gentleman from Massachusetts' statement. He is a very valuable player as we move this legislation on all fronts forward. I look very forward to working with the gentleman and with every Member of this body to make sure that the funding is there as we have laid out in this bill and to work with our colleagues in the Senate to make sure that it happens. Mr. Speaker, how much time remains on both sides?

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Bucshon), who again hosted a number of roundtables and discussions throughout the country and a very valuable member of the committee.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Collins), whose personal knowledge of the maze of the regulatory approval process made him a very valuable member of the Health Subcommittee in pushing this legislation forward.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gibson). This may be his last speech on the House floor, as he announced his retirement some time ago. He is a good Member in support of this legislation. He hounded us from the get-go.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Mimi Walters), an original cosponsor of our bill and great proponent from day one.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), the only pharmacist in the Congress.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, we have a good number of speakers left, and we will use all of our time. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Rothfus).

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), my dear friend who I have served with all my years here in Congress.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Herrera Beutler).

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Costello), a long-time supporter of this legislation.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. Therefore, I will let Mr. Pallone use the balance of his time to close, and then I will use the balance of mine. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I just want to thank all the people who have been involved in this Chamber, our staff, our Members, the Senate as well. I want to thank all the people outside the Chamber who brought their message to us because one of the things that we wanted to do from the very start was listen. You tell us what we need to do so we can find these cures for you--name the disease. I will confess that some of us had probably never heard of some of the diseases and some of the disease patient advocacy groups that actually came to us. We are doing the right thing because, yes, we listened; yes, we knew we needed more research; and as fiscal conservatives--and we all care about the deficit, we all do--we want to make sure that we can actually have the resources and a timeline to spend it in a prudent manner, really outlining the priorities that both sides of the aisle share. I commend the President. He was personally involved in this issue, not a Johnny-come-lately, coming up this aisle with his last couple of State of the Union Addresses on both Precision Medicine and the Cancer Moonshot. Vice President Biden spent weeks of his time and many hours with us helping us draft the legislation that we all care about and is included in this legislation. There are Lamar Alexander, Mitch McConnell, Patty Murray, Chuck Schumer, and others in the Senate caring about this legislation, knowing its impact on so many millions of people--our researchers, who have devoted their lives, and, again, many of us here. We traveled to MD Anderson, the Mayo Clinic, Ann Arbor, the Cleveland Clinic, and other great places to do research that actually can save people's lives. And we learned a lot. We learned a lot that, working together, we can get something done, and that is what this bill does. But I will tell you why this vote is important when we take it at about 5 p.m. or so. We don't want to win by a narrow margin. We want to win by a huge margin. We want to send a message to the Senate that what we did in countless hearings and roundtables has made a difference, that it is a strong bipartisan message, including the mental health legislation, again, which we debated for weeks and months here in the House, not only in the committee, but on the House floor. It is very important. It is important to people like Joe Kennedy, who spoke on the floor earlier today. The Ways and Means provisions that passed on a voice vote here are included so we can get the job done. Our leadership on both sides--John Boehner, Paul Ryan, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Scalise, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer--have really been outstanding. They knew from the get-go that we needed to get this thing done. Patients can't wait. They cannot wait. We are going to have the cure to get this thing done, and, yes, it will impact millions of lives. So, in an hour or two, when we vote on this, I would urge all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' for patients. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the question of adopting a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 34 with an amendment may be subject to postponement as though under clause 8 of rule XX.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I ask for Unanimous Consent to address the House for the purpose of a one-minute speech to honor the life of former Ohio Representative Steve LaTourette--who we lost too soon earlier this year. Steve LaTourette served this body well for 18 years and was known around the People's House as someone who worked hard, knew the rules of this institution, and always had a hand reaching across the aisle because he was dedicated to governing, and getting things done. Steve was also well-renowned for his quick wit. But most of all, Steve was a humble public servant, dedicated to the craft of governing. He loved the nitty gritty of getting common-sense legislation through the pipeline and into law. Now, most folks know that I am a passionate Michigan Wolverine fan, and even though Steve hailed from Ohio, he was a pretty smart guy evidenced by his degree from the University of Michigan. Steve and I were buddies and caught many games together through the years in Ann Arbor. In fact, Steve was one of my very dear friends. When Steve first got elected in 1994, we sensed a kindred spirit in one another and quickly teamed up on a host of issues important to our Midwest communities. His passionate work on behalf of the Great Lakes and environmental issues was particularly impressive. And the Republican Main Street Partnership was better for his tireless leadership and advocacy. He knew his neck of the woods in Ohio better than anyone, and worked hard as a fearless advocate for their needs. And with Steve, you always knew where you stood. He was a straight shooter, and no matter how difficult the topic, he was always honest. This body lost a great man when he retired. His wife Jennifer, and his six children, lost a great man with his untimely passing. Today, we stand together in remembering Steve LaTourette. We remember his passion, his grace, his humor, and his mantra of bipartisanship that--now more than ever--should be part of the fabric of this great institution.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, listen, we all know what happened in Flint was a tragic failure at every level, and folks there are rightly tired of the finger pointing. They want answers. Is it asking too much for the EPA to tell folks when lead levels are too high? I say no. This is why this very body passed the Kildee-Upton bill earlier this year, 416-2, that would force the EPA to alert families when lead levels are too high. Is it asking too much for us to tackle this problem in a fiscally responsible manner? I say no. That is why we have a responsible solution right in front of us. This provision will be fully paid for when conferenced with the Senate. Is it asking too much for our kids to have access to safe drinking water? I say no. I was just in Flint with my friend, Mr. Kildee. We ought to be focused on working together to get the job done. Folks in Flint have been asking these questions for more than 2 years now. And you know what? They deserve answers, action, and results. It is time to stand up and deliver.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the fact that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This gives all of us a chance to come together to promote awareness about the issue of suicide prevention and how we can all help others talk about suicide. For many families in communities across the country, loved ones are gone far too soon because of suicide. Suicidal thoughts and action certainly know no bounds. They affect people of all ages, races, sexes, and religions. The statistics are startling. Suicide has become the third leading cause of death among young people and is the 10th leading cause of death here in the U.S. Each year, more than 40,000 Americans die by suicide--more than 100 per day, on average. A week and a half ago, I was in Kalamazoo's Bronson Park for the Gryphon Place Suicide Prevention Walk. A beautiful young woman by the name of Kait stood before a crowd of more than 100 and read a stirring poem about being bullied and, as a result, how she harbored thoughts of suicide. Hearing her deeply personal story certainly broke everyone's heart. It really did. As a father of two young adults, my thoughts quickly turned to them and their school experiences. Bullying is a very serious problem in our schools and can lead to depression, psychological issues, and, of course, suicide. When she finished, I followed up with her and told her that she is not alone. Anyone considering suicide or having suicidal thoughts should know the same. You are not alone, and there are always help and options available. In our communities, we have got to do more to stop bullying the minute it rears its ugly head. We should do more to reach out to those vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and tendencies, particularly young people, as they grapple with the pressures of growing up. We should also do more to treat mental health issues that can lead to suicide. Here in the House, we recently were able to pass a very strong bipartisan piece of legislation sponsored by Dr. Tim Murphy, a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, to do just that. We voted to give a much-needed upgrade to our mental health system and deliver real reforms that are going to make a difference for folks suffering with mental health illnesses. In July, it was advanced through our committee 53-0, and then on the House floor by a 422-2 vote. This landmark vote marks the most significant reform to our Nation's mental health programs in decades, and I was proud to shepherd this important piece of legislation and now work with the Senate to get it done. Suicide prevention is deeply personal to me. I don't talk about it often, but my uncle, my daughter's college roommate, and my son's dear girlfriend's sister all committed suicide. Those losses have left an indelible impression on my life. Suicide is not an issue that can linger in the shadows. We have got to confront it and the underlying issues behind it together. I include in the Record Kait's message of hope and inspiration. It can also be found on my Web site, upton.house.gov. My (Survival) Story I tried to start writing my story, but all that became of it was complicated comparisons and meaningless metaphors. I thought that's just what I had do, to connect with people. Tell some confusing story about a lion and a lamb, or a turtle and a hare with some hidden cliche reworded moral of a story, explaining how the inferior character always wins in the end, and people would just get what I was trying to say. But, you see, in reality, I didn't know which character I was supposed to play and so I played someone different every single day. You see it's hard to stand up for yourself, when you don't even know who you are, and in school, if you didn't define yourself, others had no problem doing it for you. So my name tag read Kait, but the names people called me sounded nothing like that. slut, queer, trash, worthless, nothing. I call them names, because that's what I became. At least in my mind, so it kept me in line. for seven years in the hall I looked at the ground, I thought people wouldn't kick me if I was already down. And if I didn't look up, I couldn't see the mirror, that way you and I could both pretend I wasn't even there. And they decided that popcorn looked even better in my hair, but when I hid in the bathroom stall during lunch, they said I was throwing up my food. Which, I was. because I was too big, too small, too short, too tall, too skinny, and too fat. I was big foot and man hands, with gorilla arm hair. I took up other people's air and might as well go die in a hole because no one even wants me here. But that was okay, I didn't want to be here either. My mom still thinks I fractured my hand from catching it in the door, but I had the locker slammed on it because if you cry, that means you're asking for more. And I didn't know how to face her, or the fact that I was a failure. And even though I just graduated, I still feel I owe her apologies. for the messages everyday the principal left on her phone, for the days she had to get me, because I couldn't drive myself home, for the permanent art work on my arms that wouldn't ever be hung on fridge, for always playing too close to the ledge. Because I couldn't pass math, but I could calculate just how many pills it took me to get sick without passing out so I didn't have to go to school the next day. 42. I'm sorry. Even once they were done with me, I felt like I owed them an apology. Like they could hit me in the face, and I would apologize for standing in the way of their hand. There were times I didn't believe I would be here today. But look at me now, look where I stand, Never did I realize that my own two hands had to the power to control my life. or end it. My own principal, looked at me and said there was nothing he could do, unless I was seriously hurt. Like to actually be noticed, I'd have to be dead in the dirt. Because he thought that even if I walked away crying, as long as I was still alive and walking, it wasn't his problem. His position of power told him he could decide when I was in pain, but he wasn't the one who had to stand in the rain. Look in my eyes, look at my arms, read my poetry, can you still see me? I lost myself halfway between my current normalcy and my makeshift reality. Drowning in a sea of ideas that unless I became just another number in data about bullying, that I wouldn't actually make a difference. because in a world where we focus on problems like gun control, we over look the fact that people can cause just as much damage with their words. An issue is defined as a topic that can be debated or discussed, Like the ``issue'' I had with bullying was something that could be compromised. Like my own life, was a thing that could be compromised. It's like if you see a lamb being slaughtered, you just let it continue, because you too are a lamb, and it very well could be you. I think in a way that's kind of the worlds view, like if i don't change a number or a statistic. There's nothing I actually went through. Tell me why no stories ever make the news, about being a survivor of bullying. but if my story was told, after I was six feet under, it would actually mean something. It doesn't take 50 cents a day, it literally costs nothing to be a decent human being, or to simply treat each person like they have some meaning. they say charity begins at home, but I think that's where the love should start too because those that know hurt are the ones that hurt you and my brothers and sisters who have walked in my shoes, i'm sorry if it gave you blisters for the longest time I tried to wear a pair that didn't fit, when I tried to be a she, that wasn't me. Bullying is not just a consequence, the effects I still live with are alive and real, sometimes they are more real than I feel. You can not push me under the rug because I am still here. I am not just another bullying story. And I am not just my bullying story. Put a name to my face and call me, survivor.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the House for their swift consideration of H.R. 5944. This important, bipartisan piece of legislation helps our National Guard and Air Force continue to evolve into the 21st Century as Remote Piloted Aircraft--or RPA's--become a modern tool in our efforts to defend our nation. RPA's provide key intelligence, reconnaissance, close air combat support, and have become one of the most reliable tools in our toolbox as we fight terrorism abroad. Years ago, we could not have envisioned the advances in technology that now allow our soldiers and pilots to fly missions from a control center thousands of miles from the battlefield. Yet our laws are unfortunately woefully outdated when it comes to the infrastructure that supports RPA's. Now is the time to update those laws and now is the time to update this critical infrastructure. This bill allows our National Guard and Air Force stations on civilian airfields that operate and participate in RPA missions to remain eligible for nominal leases. Doing so will save our military millions of dollars that can be spent elsewhere--on soldiers and equipment. Without this fix to federal law, estimates show that the National Guard would be forced to spend over $155 million each year just to keep their leases for bases they are on now. That would be an additional $155 million on top of the current costs. If faced with this enormous cost, bases would be forced to shutter their operations permanently and missions would be eliminated entirely. This legislation not only saves dollars, it saves our current defense structure that helps protect our country, which in turn saves lives. Nothing in this legislation creates a mandate for our airports or the military, rather it allows leases and current agreements to be renewed. Future agreements can be fairly negotiated without the risk of airfields losing FAA grant eligibility or the Guard losing their entire budget to lease payments. I have many constituents that work at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Based in Michigan, which is just one of the many dual-use airfields that will immediately benefit from our legislation. Those servicemen and women support missions from cyberspace, on the ground, and in the air with our MQ-9 RPA mission that contribute to combat terror efforts overseas as we speak. We cannot risk disturbing these critical missions by moving or eliminating the capability the Guard and Air Force provide simply because of outdated laws that could not have foreseen the technology we would be using to effectively carry out missions. Every Guard and Air Force base on a civilian airfield will have the certainty to continue their operations without the fear of losing the lease structure currently in operation. With our bill, airfields will have the certainty knowing they are still eligible for FAA grants and together, the Guard and the FAA can develop better agreements for the future of airfields across the nation. H.R. 5944 prevents a disruption of our missions, saves taxpayer dollars, and allows our Guard to modernize for the 2lst century and beyond. I would like to sincerely thank the House Transportation and Infrastructure, Chairman Shuster and Subcommittee Chairman LoBiondo, both majority and minority staff, Nick Bush on my staff, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration for working together on this bipartisan solution for our airfields across the country. Providing for the national defense and supporting our troops around the country is one of Congress' foremost priorities and H.R. 5944 ensures that our military will continue to be the greatest in the world.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of seven bipartisan bills originating out of four of our subcommittees that are direct evidence of a very busy and productive session in the Energy and Commerce Committee. This package includes several measures that protect consumers and set Congress' sights forward to fostering next-generation technological development. We will consider a measure introduced by Full Committee Vice Chairman Blackburn, to enhance penalties for the use of automated ticket scalping software. For too long, consumers have been gouged, as scalpers have used software to buy large numbers of event tickets-- oftentimes preventing consumers from purchasing them at face value and then charging a 1,000 percent markup to resell those same tickets This thoughtful legislation, the BOTS Act, is a targeted measure to prevent this practice and to ensure that consumers have fair access to tickets at reasonable prices. We will also consider a measure authored by Mr. Lance, along with Mr. Kennedy, to ensure that online consumer reviews are no longer subject to gag orders--a practice ultimately affecting consumers as it hinders transparency and accountability in product reviews. Our legislation, the Consumer Review Fairness Act, does what it says and will help put a stop to this bad practice. We will also consider a resolution that makes some important findings with respect to the Internet of Things. Back home in Michigan, folks are turning to smart devices to improve their access to health care, education, transportation, and other services that simplify their lives. This resolution sets forth Congress' unified belief that innovation in this space must be allowed to flourish and that the government must also take advantage of technology. Similarly, we are putting forward a resolution authored by committee members Mr. Kinzinger and Mr. Cardenas that encourages a unified strategy around advanced financial technologies. The FinTech industry has changed how consumers engage in commerce and control their financial information as it lowers cost and increases financial access worldwide. This chamber's support for consumer empowerment through innovation is solidified with this resolution. On the Health front, today we are also considering Mr. Guthrie's Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act. H.R. 921 would ensure that team doctors, trainers, and other licensed health care professionals are covered by their malpractice insurance when providing care to their athletes outside of their primary state. We will also vote on Mr. Kinzinger's H.R. 1301, which originated out of the Communications and Technology subcommittee, and will ensure amateur radio operators are not prohibited from pursuing their passion simply because they live in a deed-restricted community. Amateur radio plays an important role in emergency response, often able to establish communication in disaster areas when traditional communications networks fail. I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense bill. Last, but certainly not least, we will consider a measure from Rep. Bob Latta to help provide certainty for innovators and entrepreneurs who are seeking to develop and license the next generation of nuclear technologies. These technologies may provide breakthroughs in safety and efficiency over the technology in use today. We should ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the expertise and resources to review and license the latest in advanced reactor technologies and this bill would do just that. Individually, each of these bills are important but taken together they are evidence of the fine, bipartisan lawmaking that has come to define this committee, and further evidence of our ongoing bipartisan record of success.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, southwest Michigan has had some tough times lately, and now we are faced with the news that broke yesterday that two bailiffs at Berrien County Courthouse in my hometown of St. Joseph, Michigan, were slain by an inmate who had overpowered his guard. So I rise today to offer support and love for the victims' friends, family and certainly our entire community. We should continue to keep those affected in our hearts and in our minds. I also want to thank the countless folks on the front lines who clearly prevented the tragedy from even being worse. The swift actions of those on the ground need to be commended, particularly the Berrien County Sheriff's Department led by Sheriff Paul Bailey. I was with him just this past Saturday, and what he had to endure the last 24 hours is unthinkable. I also want to thank the immediate action and outpouring of support from our local officials: St. Joseph Mayor Mike Garey; Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad; and State-elected officials, including our Governor Rick Snyder and State legislators John Proos and Al Pscholka. It is times like these when we need to unite as one. This heartbreaking tragedy happened in the blink of an eye, but we will never forget. We will remember and honor Joe Zangaro, who I knew personally, who was the head of courthouse security, a retired Michigan State Police officer. We will remember and honor Ronald Kienzle, a U.S. Army veteran, retired Benton Township police officer. I ask my colleagues and those who hear this message across the country to pray for the families of the two victims, the speedy recovery of another deputy, James Atterberry, Jr., and a civilian caught in the middle, Kenya Ellis. We will get through this together.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 809, I call up the conference report on the bill (S. 524) to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to address the national epidemics of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the conference report to accompany S. 524.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The simple truth is that we are in the midst of a real epidemic. Nearly every 12 minutes, someone in America dies of a drug overdose. The CDC reports over a quarter billion opioid prescriptions were written in the year 2012. The abuse of prescription painkillers and heroin has impacted, virtually, every single community. It is an epidemic that has no boundaries and does not discriminate. In my State of Michigan, we are seeing 10 times as many deaths today as there were 15 years ago. Sadly, the number continues to surge; but behind every statistic is a person who was loved, part of a family and community, and, yes, who was lost too soon. It is a frightening reality, but we have to face this epidemic head on, and today's vote is an important step forward. Since the beginning of this process, our focus has been, and continues to be, on attacking this public health crisis from every side, from zeroing in on treatment for addiction and overdoses to reforming prescription practices in the delivery of medicines and working with law enforcement of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, this conference report addresses prevention care by requiring HHS to create an interagency task force to address chronic and pain management care and by reauthorizing NASPER, a piece of legislation the House has passed with very large bipartisan support. The conference report addresses treatment by ensuring opioid reversal medication is accessible to patients, their family members and, yes, first responders as well. These medications are key to stopping the overdose epidemic and getting these patients into proper treatment to become productive members of our society. The conference report also ensures proper oversight and accountability by including the majority leader's OPEN Act. The conference report, as a whole, touches on the spectrum of issues driving the opioid crisis. While there is no one solution, we are making progress in addressing a problem that has rapidly grown. So I want to thank all my colleagues--certainly on the Energy and Commerce Committee that I chair and those off--for working to advance these important bipartisan bills that will make a real difference in our communities. I am also proud that our final package has achieved the support of over 200 of the Nation's leading advocacy groups, groups from across the country that are focused on recovery. These advocates are on the front lines in this epidemic and truly appreciate the positive impact that our solutions will have in every community. There is an urgency to our work as drug overdose deaths surge in Michigan and beyond. We owe this effort to the past, present, and, sadly, future victims of the opioid epidemic; our neighbors, friends, family across every part of the family in every demographic group. So let's come together and get the job done. What we are doing will save lives. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).