Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of taxpayers and, importantly, in support of life, an unalienable right endowed by our Creator. For over 40 years, Democrats and Republicans have come together to include the commonsense prohibition on taxpayer-funded abortions, better known as the Hyde amendment. President Biden himself was a vocal backer of the Hyde amendment during his decades in the Senate. Because of Hyde, 2.5 million lives have been saved and afforded the chance to reach their God-given potential. Yet, as we stand here today, House Democrats are advancing an annual funding bill that shockingly abandons the longstanding Hyde amendment. It shouldn't be controversial to spare precious babies and give taxpayers the assurance that their hard-earned money is not used for abortions. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, and we are glad that Brady is there. Go blue. Mr. Speaker, I have long championed bipartisan legislation to increase consumer protections from fraud and scams, particularly for our Nation's seniors and vulnerable populations. In April, the House passed by an overwhelming majority H.R. 1215, the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act, which I led with my friend and colleague, Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. Our bill creates the Senior Scams Prevention Advisory Group and the Senior Fraud Advisory Office within the FTC to better assist the agency and employers with monitoring, identifying, and preventing mail, telephone, and internet fraud. I have also championed legislation that cracks down on robocall scams and Medicaid patient abuse and fraud. These efforts are particularly important, as we saw scams increase at an alarming rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. But I cannot support H.R. 2668, the deceptively mis-advertised bill before us today. This bill was rushed through an entirely partisan process without addressing significant concerns from Republicans to protect fundamental due process rights and prevent the FTC from operating unchecked, as it did in the 1970s. I hoped the Energy and Commerce Committee would have had the opportunity to hear from the full slate of FTC commissioners on this bill, the same commissioners who testified in the Senate one week prior to our legislative hearing and commented on what should be included in any legislative fix to 13(b). Make no mistake, I fully support giving the FTC necessary tools to bring just enforcement actions against fraudsters and scammers, including restitution for harmed consumers. However, H.R. 2668 gives the FTC these new expansive tools without much-needed guardrails, all under the guise of protecting our constituents. Just this past April, in a rare 9-0 unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that section 13(b) of the FTC Act does not authorize the Commission to seek, or the Court to award, monetary relief including disgorgement or restitution. The Court stated that the Commission grossly misused its authority and encouraged Congress to address the issue with a bipartisan--and that was their term--bipartisan legislative solution. But the bill before us today is anything but bipartisan. This bill would grant the FTC a 10-year statute of limitations for this newfound authority, allowing the FTC the ability to go after conduct that is no longer occurring in the marketplace. There is a reason that a 5-year statute of limitations or less is standard in many Federal and State statutes. As the committee learned from the former head of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, shorter statutes protect against surprises through the assertion of claims long after the conduct, when evidence may be stale or no longer available, and encourage the timely filing of claims by regulatory agencies. Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee tried countless times to work with Democrats on a compromise solution to these issues, all to no avail. My good friend, the Republican leader of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, Representative Bilirakis, proposed a compromise amendment that would allow the FTC to go after bad actors while also respecting due process rights. His amendment even addressed the concern raised from my friends in the majority on the statute of limitations. This was a sincere offer from Republicans to address Democrats' concerns and meet them halfway, and it even received bipartisan support in committee. But instead of coming to the floor with a bipartisan bill, Democrats rejected our efforts and jammed through this partisan bill without consideration for its consequences. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2668. Come back to the table and work with Republicans to find a compromise solution that provides the FTC the tools to actually protect our constituents. That is what we must ask and that is what I ask.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3003, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2021. I want to thank my colleague from Michigan, Representative Dingell, as well as my fellow 5G Caucus co-chairs, Congressman Bill Johnson and Congresswoman Ann Kuster, for working with me on this important legislation to enhance United States' leadership in the development of wireless standards. H.R. 3003 directs the NTIA to assist and encourage participation by trusted companies, both large and small, in international telecommunications standards-setting bodies like 3GPP and IEEE. These independent business-led entities determine the standards by which 5G operators, equipment manufacturers, software providers, and others build to. Not surprisingly, countries like China are increasingly asserting their influence in these bodies in order to skew tech standards toward Chinese-controlled companies and their technologies. We need a unified approach to push back against international competitors like Russia and China in order to protect U.S. national security, global competitiveness, and cost-effectiveness of wireless communications. Our bill does just that. H.R. 3003 will undoubtedly help ensure the U.S. remains a leader in the future of tech.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding and allowing me the opportunity to speak. I rise today in support of H.R. 3119, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act. I thank my good friend from Illinois, Mr. Bobby Rush, for continuing to work with me to get this bill across the finish line. This is the third Congress in a row that we have introduced this bill, each time passing the Committee on Energy and Commerce with unanimous, bipartisan support. And frankly, given what we have seen just over the last few months in disruptions to our energy supply--including the Colonial Pipeline attack--it is well past due for this important energy security measure to be enacted in law. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's economy and the health and safety of the American public depend upon the reliable and uninterrupted supply of fuels and electricity. Hazards of all forms--including natural disasters, digital, and cyberattacks--are no longer just threats. They are occurring at an alarming and continuing rate. Whether it is power outages in Texas and California due to weather events, or foreign adversaries hacking into our pipelines or grid, it is critical that we better equip our Federal agencies to prevent and respond to attacks in a way that fully protects the public. Presidential administrations of both parties have recognized this by providing the Department of Energy with the responsibilities, expertise, and tools to ensure the reliable supply of energy. It is time Congress does its part by requiring the energy emergency and cybersecurity functions at DOE to be organized under the leadership of an assistant secretary confirmed by the Senate. This will ensure the Department has focused and accountable leadership with high-level continuity throughout future administrations. H.R. 3119 will encourage more effective and seamless information- sharing with Federal and industry stakeholders on energy security threats, risks, and incidents, as well as recovery and response. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 3119 in order to protect our Nation's electric infrastructure from foreign adversaries who are attempting to disrupt our energy system and cause untold harm to our economy, our daily lives, and our national security.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman, and I wouldn't have missed this. We have an Energy and Commerce markup that continues on. I guess through the chair to Paul, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to encourage you, and express through the chair, Paul, my deep appreciation for you as a friend, as a colleague, as a fighter. Though I have not heard all the comments of my colleagues, I am sure that they have said to you: We love you. We are pulling for you, for Sherry, for the family. We are in your corner. But we also know that you are the one who has to fight this; and friends sometimes feel that, in a very unique way, it is a helpless feeling. As we think about you and pray for you, and as a co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, you probably ought to expect that I am praying for you, and I will. I am praying that God will give you strength, patience, endurance, and even a joy in the process of what you are modeling to your family as you go through this. I know you are a tough guy. We have had our verbal battles together all the time, and I am not even going to admit today that you may have won on a few occasions. I know that you race cars, and you race cars not to lose, and you race cars to take that victory lap after you went through the checker flag. And right now we are expecting you to race, to give it your absolute best, to use all the resources necessary to continue on because your life is important to your family, to your friends, and to those of us who look on. If we admit, though you are going through a physical challenge that none of us are going through right now, but in the reality of life, none of us on the floor right here now have any more certainty about any longer time given to us than you have. I might not make it tomorrow. So it is important that we buy up the day that we have. And my prayers are that you are doing that in the challenges that you face, Paul, in the disappointments, in the discouragements that come, and the dark hours at night. Yet there is someone. And I am not saying this to you simply because I am a preacher, even though I have gone to the dark side. I am saying it to you because my relationship with the Savior makes it possible for me to look to the future, whatever that future means, with hope, with certainty. The Jesus who I hope is a spirit I exude to my colleagues, my friends, my neighbors, and to you tonight, Paul, is the same one who said: I come that you might have life and have it abundantly. He is the same one who came to die for each of us and understands our needs. He is the same one who said: I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he die--and we all will--yet shall he live. For whosoever lives and believes in me shall never abide in death. That is an eternal thing. And, Paul, you and I have talked about those spiritual things as well. Pull on to your faith. You and Sherry pull on that faith. Let it strengthen you. Let it encourage you. Let the loving, loving Savior who gave himself for you and me and everyone give you the strength to battle on, to go on that racetrack of challenge and whatever, to find a certainty that in Him there is an eternity, there is an eternity that begins here and now. Paul, we love you. I love you. I will be praying for you. I am counting on you to do everything you can. I am counting on your family to be blessed because of the example you are setting. But I am also saying to you that we are going to keep on supporting you. God bless you, brother.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I would state in conclusion that I urge strong support for H.R. 1374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H.R. 1374 is a bipartisan bill that has long-time support in the House. We passed it by voice vote on suspension in the 115th Congress and again in the 116th Congress. The legislation reauthorizes the State Energy Program and strengthens our energy emergency planning and preparedness efforts. This is an important bill, and we are reminded why every year when we witness how States must respond to a variety of hazards, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fuel supply disruptions, and physical and cyber threats. We have had harmful hurricanes and will continue to do so. Consequently, there is an ongoing urgency for State energy planning and action. The electricity crises in Texas and surrounding States this past winter provides a vivid example for State responses to energy emergencies; and, of course, the Colonial Pipeline incident last month had State energy officials working with Federal authorities to make sure people had fuel when they needed it. This legislation provides States with the flexibility they need to address local energy challenges. It also ensures that State energy security planning efforts address fuel supply issues, assess State energy profiles, address potential hazards to each energy sector, mitigate risk to enhance reliability, and incorporate regional planning efforts. H.R. 1374 also helps States protect fuel and electric infrastructure from physical and cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. It makes sure we are thinking ahead, not just about an actual threat, but how our energy and electric systems might be vulnerable in a broader sense. The bill also encourages mutual assistance, an essential part of responding and restoring in the event of an energy emergency. Prioritizing and elevating energy security planning and emergency preparedness is an important step in the face of increased threats, vulnerabilities, and interdependencies of energy infrastructure and end-use systems. Protecting energy security requires defense in depth, which means a strong energy sector, strong State capabilities, and ensuring sector agencies like the Department of Energy have the tools they need to respond to energy emergencies. This ensures we can help people in energy emergencies, whether caused by weather or cyberattack, and help them when they need it most. I urge support of H.R. 1374, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Florida for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1215, Fraud and Scam Reduction Act, and thank my colleague and friend, Representative Blunt Rochester, as well as the Committee on Energy and Commerce staff for their hard work in bringing the bill to the floor today. Sadly, in today's digital age, scams targeting seniors and their hard-earned money are growing in number and sophistication. Every year, scammers steal billions of dollars from unsuspecting consumers. The effect on victims can be financially and emotionally devastating, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse. Safeguarding seniors in Michigan and across the country needs to be a top priority. Retailers have diligently worked to combat these crimes. Their ability to educate their employees with best practices and training to recognize the signs of a scam can make a huge difference in stopping criminals. Our bipartisan bill builds upon the work retailers are doing by creating a Federal advisory council at the FTC to create a unified front against criminals who target our most vulnerable citizens and stop this fraud before it is too late. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to pass H.R. 1215 so we can help stop scammers from perpetrating a fraud and taking advantage of our loved ones and our neighbors.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the upcoming retirement of a legend in Michigan broadcasting, Frank Beckmann. For the past 48 years, Frank has been a pillar of the WJR airwaves. Frank has been inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and Michigan Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and he has a list of professional accolades longer than the time we have today. The Maize and Blue faithful know him as the voice of Michigan football for over three decades. His weekly listeners, the best informed in all of talk radio, know him as a clear and compelling proponent of commonsense values. Nonprofits and charities across the State know his generosity in using his microphone to support many worthy causes. I am blessed to know him as a friend. Congratulations, Frank, on a long and storied career. I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Frank Beckmann a wonderful retirement filled with family, lots of golf, and coolers full of fresh Lake Erie walleye.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. Mr. Speaker, there is no gun violence problem from legal gun owners. And this bill, as well as the prior bill, will do nothing to stop gun violence because it unnecessarily regulates law-abiding citizens. And we don't have to define that term, I would think, because they are not criminals. The problem is with criminals. And because criminals could care less about the bills we are talking about today, innocent people will die. I can think of neighbors of mine out in the country where I live, who have an ex who would want to cause violence to them. That lady could come to me and say: I can't get a gun because I have got to wait 10 days, but he could come this weekend. Would you loan me a gun? Mr. Speaker, what we are doing today wouldn't allow that. This lady is put at severe risk. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider what they are doing. This will not work. Vote against H.R. 1446 and support the Second Amendment made by people sometimes wiser than us.

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I sit here and listen to my colleagues, and that is what I want to do; but I become more frustrated with the fact that I think, Madam Speaker, we are in parallel universes. We are talking about gun crime. We all agree that gun crime is wrong. We all agree that the murders that go on with gun crime are horrendous and we don't want them to continue. But they are not happening as a result of law-abiding gun owners. We have background checks now that work. I have gone through those myself. We have dealt with them. I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I love Chicago. It pains me to see that become the murder center that it has become. And now I hear the report that the reason it is this is because people from Chicago can come to Michigan, buy illegal guns, and bring them back, that is the fault. No, it is a heart problem. It is a problem of criminals who are not being prosecuted. We have FBI who don't follow the background checks and don't do it in a timely fashion. We have a Justice Department that doesn't prosecute gun crimes. And we blame it on law-abiding citizens. What we will do today--as we have attempted other times--is to put law-abiding citizens under the gun--and I use that word specifically-- further who will not commit a crime, but have to go through onerous legislation that allegedly makes more transparent gun laws that stomp on the Second Amendment liberties that we have. Madam Speaker, that is wrong. That is wrong, and it will not end the gun problem. We have had a War on Poverty for years and poverty has increased. Government programs don't work. Madam Speaker, I appeal to my friends on the other side of the aisle: I know your hearts are right, but this won't do the job.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, H.R. 842 codifies the one-sided Obama-era ambush election rule, which deprives employees of the necessary time to learn about the potential implications of refraining from or joining a union. My amendment ensures workers have appropriate time to learn the pros and cons of an enormously important decision affecting their careers, their families, and their livelihoods. Unions often begin organizing campaigns weeks or even months before employers are made aware of this activity, creating a scenario in which workers are only hearing one side of the issue, like the other side of the Chamber today is trying to get across. Additionally, H.R. 842 imposes a complex scheme of new regulations and penalties on employers of all sizes. Small businesses lacking internal human resources or legal departments would be most harmed by this ambush election. Providing appropriate time for workers to hear both sides and inform themselves does not substantially change the organizing process. It merely creates a more informed electorate. Madam Speaker, I urge support for my amendment.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 842, the prounion bosses' act. First off, Americans have the right to organize and join a union if they choose to do so, and United States law has protected this freedom for over 80 years. My father was a machinist and a union organizer for part of his career, and I worked for a time at U.S. Steel South Works on the south side of Chicago, a union steelworker. Unions have and can still play a valuable role in our Nation's workforce. However, any reforms we make to our labor laws should put workers first. Unfortunately, the radical, partisan legislation we are considering today grants unprecedented power to union leaders at the expense of workers. We have seen what can happen when union leaders abuse the trust of their rank-and-file members. Most recently, a Federal investigation into the United Autoworkers revealed an extensive and long-lasting effort by two former UAW presidents and their subordinates to embezzle over $1.5 million in UAW money for their personal benefit. Sadly, the sweeping proposals of this bill will only increase the likelihood of abuse similar. Mr. Speaker, the hardworking families we represent deserve better than the legislation before us. Let's elevate and protect the rights of workers with a union that serves them instead of tipping the scales against them in favor of special interests and union leaders who serve themselves. Mr. Speaker, I urge opposition to H.R. 842.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act, not opposition to the gold standard, labor union apprenticeship programs. Updating our national apprenticeship system is an important discussion to have. However, this bill fails to deliver on the goal of strengthening our registered apprenticeship system and expanding earn- and-learn opportunities for Americans across the Nation. Our country's workforce is facing a unique crisis, and we must ensure that our apprenticeship programs, the system is expanding in the process. The apprenticeship system is up to the task to meet the needs of our evolving workforce only as we move it forward. For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that connectivity and the digital world are an integral part of our daily lives. Developing a high-skilled workforce is critical as we seek to expand technologies like broadband and 5G to underserved areas across the country, including my own district in Michigan. New research indicates winning the global race to 5G will create up to 4.6 million jobs and contribute $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy over the next decade. However, unless the U.S. has a large enough and properly trained workforce, we will not be able to fully reap the economic and technological benefits of 5G. Apprenticeships are a proven solution for meeting workforce needs, especially in wireless technologies. Congress and the Department of Labor should be laser focused on encouraging and incentivizing apprenticeships for 5G and advanced wireless deployment. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering would hinder the flexibility of employers to create earn-and-learn programs to teach job seekers the skills they need to build out and deploy the 5G and wireless infrastructure America so desperately needs. For these reasons, I must oppose and encourage all others to oppose H.R. 447, and urge my colleagues to work on a bipartisan solution that will empower workers and employers to create apprenticeships that are responsive to our modern economy.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, in the midst of these hard times, we are especially grateful for the healthcare and frontline workers who have bravely answered the call. Thankfully, we see glimmers of hope with the discovery and distribution of multiple vaccines. Yet, sadly, here in Congress, Democrats are using the pretense of COVID relief to ignore bipartisan consensus and push a $2 trillion liberal wish list of unrelated provisions. Let's not forget the most recent targeted COVID relief bill was signed into law only 1 month ago, and together with previously enacted stimulus laws, over $1 trillion remain unspent. Back home in Michigan, Governor Whitmer continues to go it alone, imposing punitive and arbitrary restrictions that have harmed too many small businesses and hardworking families. It is time to work together to end this pandemic and help our constituents get back on their feet. Let's get students back in the classroom, vaccines distributed, and workers back on the job.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Colorado for taking advantage of National Bible Week to give us a chance to talk about foundational principles. It was back in 1973--and this is a great book, the Bible. In 1973, a beloved mentor of mine brought me into his office, and he said: Tim, I think there is a verse in Scripture that would be good for your life verse of challenge. He read to me from Acts 20:24 where it says: But I do not consider my life of any account as dear unto myself, that I might finish the course and the ministry set before me to testify solemnly of the Gospel of the grace of God. I took that as a life challenge verse, and it has directed my entire life since 1973. It has been an impactful verse from Scripture, God's Word, to direct my steps, imperfect as they may be, to be about something more than just myself and declare a message that talks of eternal things and not just for the here and now. It all began, though, back in my home with my twin brother. My mom and dad, I thank God they were believers in this book and believers in God and taught their two young sons to memorize Scripture to impart in their lives. It was a verse that was referred to earlier that was the first verse that my twin brother and I were asked to memorize. It didn't mean anything really to me until it became personal by putting my own name in the words of that verse of John 3:16. For God so loved Tim that He gave His only begotten Son, that if Tim believed in Him, Tim would not perish, but he would have eternal life. That made all the difference in the world. It changed my life. It changed my perspective. It didn't make me perfect. Mom also asked me to memorize Second Timothy 3:16, where it says: All Scripture is inspired by God, and it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. I think mom wanted those words to be not so important for doctrine, but to correct me, to train me, and to reprove me as I moved forward in my life. Even as King David said in Psalm 119: ``Your Word,'' the Bible, ``Your Word have I treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You.'' And if I do, First John 1:9 says: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. How our country needs that today. As has been pointed out, we were founded on Biblical things, principles of Scripture that were seen to be important for a new nation. First Peter 1:21 says this--and I end with this Scripture: But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation. We hear that in our world today. We hear that in our country: Oh, whatever. To thy own self be true. You decide. You choose. You make Scripture important for you in whatever way. But it goes on to say: For no prophecy of Scripture was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. My colleague, the gentleman from Colorado, thank you for giving us an opportunity to remind ourselves that this book is from God. It is for our benefit. It will impact this Nation for good, not evil. It will give us the way to move forward, to bind up the division that has taken place, to bind up the uncertainty that is there and put us back on a path that God can bless.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I was in my office just finishing up a meeting when I saw this going on down here, and I knew I had to come because Chairman Walden-- You don't mind if I call you chairman still? I don't know if that violates any House policy, Mr. Speaker. You will always be my chairman. You were my first chairman as I came on the Energy and Commerce Committee, a committee that I wanted to be on for an awful long time. Representative Upton and I talked about that for quite some time. He assured me that that was the key committee to be on. I knew that for a fact, and I have not been disappointed. One of the quotes that means most to me is the quote that is above the Speakers's rostrum. It is a quote from Daniel Webster, who said: Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered. It is a powerful quote, and we all aspire to that, but a few actually achieve that. Chairman Walden, I want to say that, through the Speaker to you, I believe you have achieved that purpose in doing something here that will be remembered, if not in all of the policy issues and the legislative issues you fronted and pushed for, you will leave that in the lives of Members who have served with you on your committee and under your leadership. I will never forget a 27-hour markup and a debate that went on after the pattern that ought to be here in the House of Representatives. I remember the firmness with which you led that committee markup, the passion that you displayed on the issues, the agreements and disagreements that you had and you let in. But you treated us all on that committee with respect worthy of this institution, and you treated each Member with a purpose that said to all of us: You are important, and your ideas should be considered. I know for a fact I have served under chairmen and Speakers over the course of my tenure in State and in national politics who have led, but only a few have led in such a way as you, that the people you led felt that you really meant it, that you wanted their best whether you agreed or disagreed with us, and you made us better for the calling and for the purpose. So I want to say to you, Mr. Chairman, thank you for your service. I wish you well, your family, and in all of your endeavors. You can count on it that I will pray prayers of thanks for you and blessings on your life. All the best.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 8294, the National Apprenticeship Act. This bill, while well intentioned, fails to deliver on the goal of strengthening our registered apprenticeship system and expanding earn-and-learn opportunities for Americans across the nation. Our country's workforce is facing a unique crisis, and we must ensure that our apprenticeship system is up to the task to meet the needs of our evolving workforce. For instance, the COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that connectivity and the digital world are an integral part of our daily lives. Developing a high-skilled workforce is critical as we seek to expand technologies like broadband and 5G to underserved areas across the country, including my district in Michigan. Winning the global race to 5G will have a lasting economic benefit to the United States. In fact, 5G will create 3 million jobs and contribute $500 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years. However, as wireless technology evolves, the workforce needs to evolve along with it. Unless the U.S. has a large enough and properly trained workforce, we will not be able to fully reap the economic and technological benefits of 5G. Apprenticeships are a proven solution for meeting workforce needs, especially in wireless technologies. They provide the in-the-field experience and the necessary classroom instruction to build these advanced wireless networks. Congress and the Department of Labor should be laser focused on encouraging and incentivizing apprenticeship for 5G and advanced wireless deployment. Unfortunately, the bill we are considering would hinder the flexibility of employers to create earn- and-learn programs to teach job seekers the skills they need to build- out and deploy the 5G and wireless infrastructure America so desperately needs. For these reasons I must oppose H.R. 8294 and urge my colleagues to work on a bipartisan solution that will empower workers and employers to create apprenticeships that are responsive to our modern economy.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I thank the Speaker and the leadership for asking me, as the chairman of the House Congressional Prayer Caucus, to lead the House in prayer for our President. I would ask the Members to join me. Father, I thank You that You are a God that hears and answers prayers. And, God, You aren't partisan. And today, we have been shocked with the word that our President and First Lady, Melania, have tested positive with COVID. You know and You care. God, I would pray that we would unite together at least in this today, as a country and as a body, to pray for our President, even as Your Scriptures instruct us to pray for those in authority. We pray that You would spare them, that You would heal them, even as we pray for many, many, many others in our country and around the world who have been caught with this virus. But, in turn, I pray as well that You would tenderize our hearts, that You would unify our country, even with this being brought on today. And I pray that our President would understand and take on the words of Psalm 16:1, words that meant much to George Washington, our first President, that said: Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You. God, may we take refuge in You, even as our President, and may You heal our land as You heal him. It is in the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, I was told in persuasion class many, many years ago that if you had a weak argument, you shouted all the more. After hearing some of the leadership on the other side of the aisle, I guess they learned the same approach--a weak argument that isn't holding up. When I heard the majority leader talk about ``this is for the people,'' this is for ``your people,'' I don't believe that at all because Jeanie, my rural mail carrier, is working today; 68 Democrats are not working today. Yet, this is supposed to be something of importance. Last week, we heard the convention start this postal deal going on. This is just a continuation of the Democrat convention. I want you to know that nothing that has been said about supposedly what the President is attempting to do in defunding, in deflating, in stopping the vote or the mail service is true. My Democrat colleagues know that as well. I think that is why 68 chose to stay home today as opposed to coming here in a planned event that meant nothing other than politics.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just remind my colleagues that the current forfeiture system is ripe for abuse, and it has undermined the constitutional rights of far too many Americans. This amendment has already passed the House twice by voice vote. We support it here. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to once again support this bipartisan amendment and protect the right of due process for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Gabbard).

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my bipartisan amendment, which would help provide critical protections for all Americans and their right to due process under the Constitution. My amendment would prohibit the use of funds for the Department of Justice to implement its adoptive seizures policy. These forfeiture adoptions provide a loophole that helps law enforcement evade stricter laws governing civil asset forfeiture by seizing property and transferring it to Federal authorities in exchange for up to 80 percent of future proceeds. Now, while I support law enforcement and oppose the ridiculous idea to defund law enforcement, for many years I have worked in a bipartisan way to highlight civil asset forfeiture abuses and call for reform to the practice. And I thank my colleagues, Representatives Raskin, Amash, Rush, Gabbard, and McClintock, for joining me on this bipartisan effort today. The Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund contains proceeds from equitable sharing agreements between the Federal Government and local law enforcement. These arrangements create perverse incentives to seek out forfeiture opportunities, and it is used to circumvent State- enacted--like Michigan's--civil asset forfeiture reforms. In recent years, we have learned of a growing number of instances across the United States where the government has confiscated property from citizens and small businesses without any criminal conviction or any criminal charges being brought. Moreover, civil forfeiture disproportionately affects minorities and individuals who cannot afford to represent themselves. Mr. Speaker, current civil forfeiture practices are deeply unpopular with the public, and there is strong bipartisan support for reform. As such, proponents for reforming forfeiture practices include a broad coalition, like the ACLU, FreedomWorks, the NAACP, and Americans for Prosperity. Mr. Speaker, the current civil asset forfeiture system is ripe for abuse and has undermined the constitutional rights of far too many Americans. This amendment has already passed the House twice by voice vote. I ask my colleagues to once again support this bipartisan amendment and protect the right of due process for all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.