Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act, or the CARS Act. In April, the Biden administration's EPA opposed a rule setting light- and medium-duty tailpipe emissions standards so stringently that the EPA expects the proposal would force two-thirds of new light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in 2032 to be electric. There is no hiding that the proposed rule is an electric vehicle mandate. Not only does this EV mandate display breathtaking government overreach into the auto industry, but it is also unaffordable, unattainable, and unrealistic for American consumers. EVs are $13,000 more expensive than the average, gas-fueled vehicle. Repairs to an EV cost $2,300 more on average, leading to higher insurance costs, over $500 annually. The proposed standards are also unattainable. Our grid cannot handle the power load that is required, plus most of the country lacks the charging infrastructure needed for the mandate. We also don't have access to all the critical minerals to produce the vehicles or the capacity to refine those minerals for use in batteries. China controls most critical mineral mines, processing, and manufacturing for EVs. China has 78 percent of the world's cell manufacturing capacity for EV batteries. Have we already forgotten the disastrous realities of overreliance on China for our supply chain? I have yet to hear a constituent say we need our supply chains to be more reliant on China. Opponents of the CARS Act argue that EVs are growing in popularity and prices are dropping. If that is the case, why is the mandate necessary? Just last week, nearly 4,000 car dealers sent a letter to the administration pleading with them to pump the brakes on the proposed rule, citing lack of demand. The range of EVs is another concern. Currently, one charge couldn't even get me across my district. EVs have almost 80 percent more issues and are less reliable than other vehicles. Let me be clear: I am not against EVs. I am against EV mandates. A single EV battery requires the mining of hundreds of thousands of pounds of minerals. Those minerals are then refined using energy from China's coal plants. Ironically, an EV mandate is not a silver bullet to reduce global emissions. Sadly, the biggest loser for this mandate may be the American autoworker, since significantly less labor is required to assemble EVs. The future of those working at engine plants, like the one in my district, are now in peril, too. The administration should side with consumers and innovators, not pick winners and losers. EVs will play a significant role in the future of the industry, but so should hybrids and other solutions as they become more functional, reliable, affordable, and chosen by the consumer. Madam Speaker, let's allow consumers to have access to affordable and reliable cars, encourage American innovation, and set us up to prevail over China.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, as a Representative of a northern border district, I rise today to address the border crisis impacting communities across the country, including those in my district. What is unfolding at our southern border is a humanitarian and national moral crisis. Under the Biden administration's failed policies, every State has become a border State. Border crossings are at an all-time high and include people on the terrorist watch list and child sex predators. Fentanyl flows freely over the border and then is trafficked across the country. I have been to both the north and south borders and talked with border agents. They feel like the administration has abandoned them, as have our constituents. In May, House Republicans passed the strongest border security package in history, yet the Senate refuses to vote on H.R. 2 or any other border solution. We can't wait any longer, Mr. Speaker. The Senate must vote on H.R. 2, secure our border, and protect our communities.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 798. On October 7, Hamas carried out the largest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Women were brutally raped and murdered; babies brutally murdered and decapitated; and innocent civilians abducted, tortured, and murdered. In the aftermath, we have seen despicable acts of anti-Semitism and support for the terrorists across college campuses in this country. Students organized protests calling for ``armed confrontation with oppressors'' and using imagery reflecting the Hamas terrorists paragliding into the music festival in Israel. There are vile chants calling for the elimination of Jewish people in the State of Israel. There are professors asking Jewish students to identify themselves and stand in the corner of a classroom. There are projections on a campus building saying, ``Glory to our martyrs,'' referring to the Hamas terrorists. These are despicable actions, and they have created a hostile environment for many Jewish students across our country. This is wholly unacceptable, and this is not free speech. Jewish students deserve to know they are safe on campus, and colleges and universities have a legal and moral obligation to foster an environment free from vile anti-Semitic discrimination. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a critical issue impacting millions of Americans who work hard every day so that, when the time comes, they can enjoy their golden years in retirement. October is National Retirement Security month, so it is a good time to both reflect on the retirement reforms we have recently enacted and look ahead to the remaining work to be done. America's retirement savings system and the retirement outlook for millions has dramatically improved because of Congress's bipartisan work over the last few years. Our private sector retirement savings system works well for many employees and employers, but additional improvements could help more Americans achieve a successful retirement for all. As a senior member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. I was proud to play an active role in helping draft and advance the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 into law last year. Building on the great work Congress achieved with the SECURE Act of 2019, SECURE 2.0 included almost 100 provisions that will help employers offer plans and assist employees in both beginning to save and saving more for retirement. I was especially pleased that my provision to reduce administrative costs for employers by increasing the cash-out limit for the first time in over two decades was included in the final law. One significant issue we still need to make more progress on is providing greater access to savings and income options that will help make sure retirees do not outlive their retirement savings. Americans collectively face a substantial retirement income gap. This means that the amount of money retirees have saved compared to what they need is $4 trillion short, with 40 percent of families likely to outlive their retirement savings, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute. This gap is concerning, and why guaranteed, or lifetime income has long been a critical issue for me. A few years ago, as the Chairman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce's Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee, I was proud to chair a hearing on a range of bipartisan retirement bills. One of the bills we discussed that day was the Increasing Access to a Secure Retirement Act, which I introduced with Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester to remove a regulatory barrier for employers looking to offer lifetime income solutions to their employees. That important provision became law in the SECURE Act, but our efforts to ensure everyone has access to the best lifetime income options remain ongoing. Earlier this year, I along with Representative Donald Norcross reintroduced the bipartisan Lifetime Income for Employees Act. This legislation would improve plan sponsors' and investors' default lifetime income options and take a crucial step to help American retirees have adequate income in retirement. Increasing the range of savings and income options will help provide workers with the possibility to achieve higher returns on their retirement investments and greater peace of mind that their income will last throughout retirement. Our bill, and other sensible steps to improve worker access to guaranteed lifetime income. must be a part of future bipartisan retirement saving packages. I am hopeful my colleagues will cosponsor the Lifetime Income for Employees Act and help us to enact it into law. In addition to expanding access to lifetime income Congress must do more to help all Americans achieve a financially secure retirement. More than 55 million Americans do not have access to an employer sponsored retirement plan, including 78 percent of workers at arms with fewer than 10 employees. Congress should continue to work to help them get access to savings plans as this is the first step to helping them achieve financial security in retirement. Let's not wait until next year's National Retirement Security Month to advance proposals that will strengthen our nation's private retirement system. Bipartisanship has been and will continue to be the key to advancing the next retirement security package. We can and should act now to help all our constituents get on a clearer path to a more secure retirement.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today supporting the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. Why wouldn't I? I deal in a sense of reality. I live in a State that produces automobiles. I live in a State right now that is at risk of having a major disruption due to a strike potential. I have autoworkers who are concerned about their jobs because of the push on EVs that isn't working. We even had one of the major chairmen of the auto companies attempt to take an EV trip across the Nation. They couldn't make it because we don't have the infrastructure available. Beyond that, H.R. 1435 prevents a waiver for California to effectively ban the internal combustion engine. California's political agenda does not reflect how the rest of America operates, and I would suggest it doesn't reflect what a lot of Californians need. Look no further than EV sales to know the American people don't want this forced transition. They may like the F-150 Lightning. It is a hot rod, but it doesn't do the job.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, autoworkers in Michigan also don't want this mandate. Let consumers and innovators in the auto industry guide the future, not California's politicians.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern about DNA from invasive silver carp found in the St. Joseph River, which runs through my district. Silver carp have overtaken watersheds across the country and would pose a significant challenge to preserving the health of the Great Lakes and its tributaries. This news increases the urgency to take commonsense steps to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species. That is why I have continued to support bipartisan efforts that will maintain a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem through securing funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and why I continue to support efforts like the Brandon Road Lock and Dam to fight invasive species. I will continue to closely monitor the additional testing conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Service and pursue long-term solutions to keep the Great Lakes healthy.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable young man from the Fifth District of Michigan, Jude Stamper. While completing his Eagle Scout leadership project, Jude sought to raise funds to help purchase a new van for a local shelter. He organized, emceed, and played in a fundraiser with the Monroe High jazz band that far surpassed his initial goal. Jude has a rare condition called AMC which makes movement difficult, but Jude doesn't slow down. In 2018, then-Michigan basketball coach John Beilein recognized Jude's infectious attitude, valuable perspective, and unparalleled energy. Beilein had him join the team, and stars like Moe Wagner and Duncan Robinson credited Jude's spirit for helping propel the team to the national championship game. Mr. Speaker, we are grateful for Jude's contributions, and we look forward to what he takes on next.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3799, the CHOICE Arrangement Act. I thank both the Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on Education and the Workforce for their hard work in bringing this important bill to the floor. I must state that what I have heard over the last 20 minutes of sitting here and listening to my colleagues, it would lead me to believe that they think Republicans don't want good healthcare, that we don't need good healthcare, that we don't use good healthcare, and that we would support employers not giving us good healthcare or our constituents good healthcare, and that we would expect that Republican employers wouldn't feel the same impact of trying to compete with other employers whose benefits their employees look for. That is just not true. I don't think the American public believes that. We have the same concerns. We want good healthcare. That is why this bill has been put forward. With the ACA, true, everybody had insurance, but not everybody had healthcare when they tried to use it. The high cost of healthcare remains a struggle for small businesses, many of whom are facing lingering hardships from the pandemic as well as inflation. In fact, a recent survey from the NFIB showed that while employers by and large believe offering health benefits is important, 98 percent of small businesses are concerned that healthcare costs will become unsustainable within the next 5 to 10 years. The CHOICE Arrangement Act provides innovative healthcare solutions to bring down healthcare costs for small businesses. I am proud that H.R. 3799 includes my legislation to expand association health plans. AHPs are commonsense solutions that empower small employers and their employees when making health coverage decisions. Right now, small businesses are often on an unequal playing field with larger companies and unions. Because they have fewer employees, small businesses have limited bargaining power when it comes to negotiating for lower insurance costs for their workers and higher care coverage. By providing small businesses with greater bargaining power, the Association Health Plans Act allows them to offer more quality options for workers at a better price. Madam Chair, the Association Health Plans Act will level the playing field for small businesses and empower their employees to access quality healthcare at a lower cost. It also represents an important step toward purchasing health insurance across State lines. Today's vote is an immediate first step to help job creators provide affordable healthcare options to their employees and transition toward a patient-centered healthcare system that works for Republicans and Democrats. Madam Chair, I encourage support of H.R. 3799.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 272, and call on the Russian government to release United States citizen Paul Whelan. I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, for her continued work on this important issue. It has now been four-and-a-half years since Paul Whelan, a marine veteran and Michigan resident, was imprisoned in Russia. After a sham trial, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison without proper evidence. Vladimir Putin is focused on using American hostages as leverage against the United States. We have seen prisoner swaps bring other Americans home but, tragically, Paul has been left behind in Russia. As the Whelan family stated, the Russians are using Paul Whelan as an example of how America does not treat our citizens equally. If there was ever a time for the U.S. Government to move decisively for Paul, it's now. Congress can send a strong message today by passing this resolution, and we hope the administration will follow suit. I've met with members of the Whelan family on many occasions. Despite these long agonizing years, they continue to be pillars of strength. It's time for Paul Whelan to come home to Michigan and be returned to his family.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chair for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1615 and in support of our gas stoves. Across southern Michigan, people--including chefs in my district and, most importantly, my wife--are bewildered by the attacks on gas stoves, and many can't wrap their heads around it. Here is the deal: a climate group with deep ties to the CCP published a questionable study on gas stoves. President Biden's climate czar and Energy Secretary have met with this group, and despite the group's deep ties to the CCP, American taxpayer dollars continue to be funneled to them. Shortly after publication of the study, a Consumer Product Safety Commission member said that a gas stove ban was ``on the table.'' Let's be clear. The House is not going to stand by while the administration continues to restrict the freedoms of Americans, undermine energy security, and make life even more costly for families. About 40 percent of Americans are utilizing gas stoves, and we are not going to restrict our own freedom because a group connected to the CCP would like us to. Natural gas is safe, it is reliable, and it is affordable for millions of Americans. Natural gas makes America strong, resilient, provides stability, and has been the key factor in cleaning up our environment unlike other nations. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to support our freedom, energy security, and a prosperous future.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 45, introduced by my colleague, Mr. Good. This resolution will block President Biden's illegal debt transfer scheme. Forcing those who either did not attend college, saved and sacrificed to pay their way through school, or those who paid off their loans to pay for someone else's debt is simply unfair. Estimates show 570,000 of my constituents, nearly three-quarters of my district, will not benefit from this giveaway. Yet, as taxpayers, they will still be on the hook for over $3,500. It will further fuel inflation but does nothing to address the rising cost of college. Simply put, the President's illegal debt transfer is a slap in the face to those who paid their bills or did not go to college. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. A recent poll shows just 16 percent of Americans are satisfied with how things are going in the United States. Why? Washington has largely ignored pressing issues in the past 2 years. While the fentanyl epidemic may not grab headlines in the mainstream media, it has lost the pulse of mainstream America, few issues are more important. Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 49. Nearly every American knows a friend or a relative who has struggled or even overdosed. I do. Despite the crisis, Congress has continued to kick the can down the road by temporarily extending the class-wide scheduling order. Each time, law enforcement is left scrambling as we approach the deadline, which would let many of the fentanyl-related substances become legal. We must permanently give law enforcement the tools they need to keep Americans safe. The HALT Fentanyl Act complements other solutions like the recently passed Secure the Border Act, which will help properly root out the flow of illicit drugs and limit supply. Mr. Chair, I urge the bill's passage, which will represent another step toward restoring the voice of the American people in the House.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S.J. Res. 11. The legislation will disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency's misguided heavy-duty vehicle rule that seeks to upend our economy in order to meet President Biden's extreme climate goals. As a member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, I am not against reducing emissions--far from it. It should be done through innovation, not top-down government mandates that ignore reality. Trucks today show the power of innovation--I drive one of those--having already reduced emissions by 98 percent. It seems like this administration has closed their eyes to any side effects of their rush to green. From tailpipe emissions regulations that will force people to buy expensive and less practical EVs to new rules on power plants that will threaten the reliability of our electric grid. It seems like the EPA hasn't even thought about the economic and energy security of our constituents. In their final rulemaking, the EPA said they considered cost when deliberating these regulations. I am not sure how that could be true when they estimate it will cost thousands of dollars per truck to upgrade them with the necessary equipment. The fact is small-truck owners and operators might not be able to afford these changes and will either go out of business or be forced to pass the cost on to the customer. On top of this, the rule also applies to trucks and equipment used by my farmers and farmers across the country. Our supply chains are already stretched thin. Inflation is sky-high. Either of these scenarios worsens our economic outlook and raises prices for the consumers across the board. The trucks that haul our food, our energy resources, and our goods will be impacted. This is just the first of several, strict, heavy-duty vehicle emissions rules that the Biden administration is implementing. In our modern digital economy, people and commerce depend on our truckers more than ever before. This rule will put further strain on our supply chain and increase costs for Michiganders and people across the country. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the resolution.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, here is the deal: It is January 19, 2021. Gas is $2.38 per gallon. We had just replenished our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. American energy dominance provided stability across the geopolitical landscape. The following day, the war on domestic energy began with the cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and executive action restricting domestic production. In a matter of mere months, gas prices would reach record highs. Our emergency reserves would be tapped for political purposes, and we would be begging adversaries to increase their production while an empowered Russia and an empowered China both eyed territorial expansion. This is what the radical Green New Deal looks like in implementation. My constituents have told me about the energy bills that they can't budget for, the unaffordable rate spikes in peak hours, and even stories of gas tanks being drilled into. Everything costs more when energy costs more. With H.R. 1, energy will cost less. The Lower Energy Costs Act will unleash domestic production. H.R. 1 includes permitting reforms, increased production and processing of critical minerals, and an undoing of the Biden administration's regulatory stranglehold on the energy sector. In Michigan, activists have long eyed shutting down Line 5, an essential international pipeline sustaining 34,000 jobs across the Midwest and billions in economic activity. Language I authored, included in H.R. 1, would protect these pipelines from being unilaterally shut down by an overzealous executive branch. Prosperity, opportunity, and security are on the line. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act. I thank Representative Letlow and Chair Foxx for their leadership in defending the God-given rights of parents and protecting kids as well. Parental involvement in their children's education is paramount to a student's success. However, in recent years, we have seen a push by some to exclude parents from their children's education. This is why I recently introduced the PROTECT Kids Act with Senator Tim Scott which has been included as an amendment to H.R. 5. The PROTECT Kids Act would require any Department of Education-funded elementary or middle school to seek and acquire parental consent before changing their child's pronouns or preferred name on any school form. This provision is straightforward, common sense, and will safeguard the critical relationship between parents, schools, and children. When a child goes on a field trip or fails a test, their parents are told and are often required to sign an acknowledgment or a permission slip. Why should relatively small things require notification but something as significant as a child's pronouns or a change in accommodations can be withheld from the people who raise and love them? Recent polling shows this has the broad support of the American people. Three-quarters of Americans believe schools should be required to obtain consent from parents. Parents have a fundamental right to raise and educate their children how they choose. We must pass the Parents Bill of Rights Act to help mitigate issues we have seen nationwide and to support parents who need the support to do right by their kids as well. On this side of the aisle, we believe this is the right way to go, and we believe that in the end it will promote education, family, and individualism as well.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the love, dedication, and faithfulness of George and Norma Carpenter of Allen, Michigan. In 1943, in the midst of a war George bravely served in, George and Norma were married. Soon they will be celebrating their 80th anniversary. Throughout the years, George and Norma have continued to set an example for our community, not only through their dedication to each other, but also to their faith as devoted members of the Countryside Bible Church. George and Norma are currently 98 and 97 years old, respectively, and are still strong in their health as well as their love for each other. With over 100 descendants, the Carpenters have left a tremendous mark on the community and beyond. I would like to recognize this remarkable couple and congratulate them as they celebrate their extraordinary milestone.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, since being sworn in as Michigan's Fifth Congressional District Representative, I have been fortunate to get to know so many great people. From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, I have been traversing southern Michigan to meet with my constituents and discuss the many issues that are important to them. I have met with Michigan DNR at Warren Dunes State Park to discuss how we can protect the Great Lakes and our natural resources here in Michigan. I have been able to tour several small businesses and manufacturing facilities across the district, meet with law enforcement from Berrien County to Monroe, and have meetings with local leaders in Adrian, Jackson, Marshall, Monroe, New Buffalo, Niles, Stevensville, and Three Rivers. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continued meetings with my constituents and serving the great people of Michigan's Fifth District that celebrate Michigan's 186th birthday this very week.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, I insist upon my point of order.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I support H.R. 21. Michiganians are facing hardships due to President Biden and Secretary Granholm's war on American energy. My constituents are struggling to afford to fill up their tanks and heat their homes. Instead of abandoning his failed progressive policies and unleashing domestic energy production to lower costs for hardworking Americans, the Biden administration decided to use America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve as a political Band-Aid. President Biden has sold off over 250 million barrels of oil, draining our SPR to its lowest level since 1983. America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve is to be used in cases of national emergency, not political emergencies. Energy security is national security. H.R. 21 is a commonsense measure to ensure that our SPR remains ready for when we face global supply disruptions that threaten our economy and prevents politically motivated withdrawals. Let's pass it.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I withdraw my reservation of a point of order.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I think we need to remember that H.R. 21 is about strengthening the SPR by requiring any nonemergency use to be accompanied by a plan to produce American oil resources. This amendment undermines the purpose of the bill. It would deprive the country of the benefits of secure American supplies of cleanly produced fossil energy. We should reject this anti-American energy amendment. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I reserve a point of order.