Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

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.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, thanks to my chairman in exile. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1425, the slow coronavirus cures act. There are many problematic provisions in this bill, but, ultimately, it is yet another political ploy that will not be considered in the Senate or become law, and we don't want it to be because it is not good. This bill is a step toward nationalizing the drug industry and opening the door to one-size-fits-all, government-controlled rationing of prescription drugs. Governments don't negotiate; they dictate. The radical approach taken by H.R. 1425 includes troubling and unprecedented government interference in private, market negotiations, which will eliminate choice and competition and jeopardizes innovation and access to future cures. Countries that have adopted drug pricing systems like the one proposed in this bill face decreased access to innovative new medicines, increased wait times for treatment, and supply shortages for in-demand drugs. The bill will negatively impact investment and research and development of future treatments, putting breakthrough cures for diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and sickle cell disease at risk. At a time when we have the best minds urgently working on a vaccine for COVID-19, why would we want to slow down the development of lifesaving medications? Congress should be putting in place policies to incentivize difficult research and development for these rare and devastating diseases, not discouraging it. I stand ready to work with my Democrat colleagues and advance bipartisan legislation that would lower healthcare and drug costs without sacrificing innovation. But that is not the bill before us today. Sadly, like last week's police reform bill, the majority is once again focused on messaging, not legislating, and that is too bad.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, what in the world is happening in our God blessed country? A lengthy pandemic decimating our economy and taking over 121,00 precious American lives, followed by the horrific murder of Mr. George Floyd by a bad cop, leading to nationwide protests and demonstrations of people wanting to be heard. Sadly, all of this has been overshadowed by the violence, looting, destruction, and lawless mayhem in America's major cities. We have even seen weak and feckless Democrat government leaders acquiesce to anti-American warlords setting up their own countries at the expense of residents and shopkeepers. This is taking place under the influence of shadowy, anti-American organizations and individuals. We know who they are, so I will not distinguish them by saying their names. America is awake and willing to address major concerns. Despite the hundreds of heroic police officers who have been injured, paralyzed, or killed just doing their jobs for us, violent punks continue hijacking the sad event that began all this foment we grieve over. Their goal is to literally tear down and destroy our history and freedoms. America is under attack. We must wake up before it is too late. These evil forces of destruction are showing us that we can't stop them. Or can we? John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, said this: ``A republic once equally poised, must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty.'' I don't know his position on slavery at that time, though even as a minister and President of Princeton, I am sure he had his flaws. Yet this message rings true as we view in live time our Nation's loss of virtue and liberty. The key purpose of government is to reward the doer of good and punish the doer of evil. Today, the forces of division and anarchy are rejecting this purpose, calling for the defunding and/or ending of police. While Republicans are offering workable and commonsense justice reform, the Democrat leadership digs in saying ``no'' to any negotiation. Yet they continue to support or remain silent about the senseless destruction of our cities and history. Chances are if you were to list the greatest Americans, you may think of George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ulysses Grant, men who have made tremendous positive impacts on our country, and in doing so, the entire history of humanity. Yet this week, enlightened leftists have gone after statues of these men, attempting to rewrite history and tarnish America's overwhelmingly positive legacy for humanity. As with other humans, these men are not perfect, but none of these monuments were erected to honor their shortcomings or faults; they were erected to honor their extraordinary contributions to society. These men are responsible for some of the most important distinctives: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the ending of slavery, victory over the Confederacy, and conservation of America's greatest natural treasures. Ironically, the rights these vandals and anarchists enjoy, like the right to assemble, would not be possible if not for the very men they ignorantly tear down. Even the Lincoln Memorial was vandalized recently, the Great Emancipator, who was the first President nominated and elected by the party formed in my district in 1854 Under the Oaks in Jackson, Michigan, the Emancipation/Republican Party. Make no mistake: this is an attack on America itself, not an attempt to make reforms or anything else the defenders of these cowardly acts may claim. Few in the Democratic Party have spoken out against these acts, which leads me to wonder, at what point did pride in America become a partisan issue? Is it because these anarchist acts are taking place in Democrat-run cities? Is it because these are the same people that they have directed all of their so-called antipoverty, social welfare, Big-Government-will- take-care-of-you programs toward? Or is it because Democrat leadership fears crossing the big-moneyed, sinister individuals and organizations masterminding radical societal change? What exactly is the endgame of these attempts to erase and rewrite history? Could it be the destruction of the American idea or America itself? I call for my colleagues, Democrat and Republican, and America-loving patriots to stand with me as proud Americans in our fight against anarchy and ignorance. May we be people who, with courage and humility, echo the words of our Framers in pledging ``our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor'' to defending and perfecting America.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Witnesses.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I had an experience just last week, in a virtual hearing, when it came my turn to push the ``mute off'' button on the microphone, it didn't work. I was passed over. Then, when I texted in to find out why, I was told, basically: That is too bad. We will catch you at the end. The only place for us to be in this Congress is where we are supposed to be, and that is here. We ought to be doing our work together. Let me read you a quote from General Omar Bradley, a famous general who understood the cost of leadership. He said, of the Athenians: In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all--security, comfort, and freedom. When the freedom they wanted most was freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free. Mr. Speaker, together, we work for the freedom of this country. Mr. Speaker, I would submit to you that if I am not willing to do what is necessary to be here, then it is time for me to consider turning over to somebody else. I would suggest that that ought to be for all of us who are privileged to represent people in this august body, which is not like any other parliamentary body in the world, not like a State legislature. This is the U.S. Congress. Let's act like it. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, may I respond. Education and Labor Committee last week.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and our President. This pandemic has upended life for everyone. I have heard from workers living from paycheck to paycheck who face an uncertain future. I have heard from struggling farmers. I have heard from small business owners who suddenly can't make payroll or rent. I have heard from courageous healthcare professionals and first responders who desperately need personal protective equipment to continue to care for the sick. These are incredibly trying times. While the CARES Act won't solve every unique challenge, help is on the way. America has faced periods of profound adversity in the past. Each time, we prevailed. Together, as Americans, we will do so again. But may we remember that, while our Nation is locked down, our creator, God, is wide open to our prayers. Let's use them as we put hands and feet, together, to our prayers.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Coach Pat O'Keefe of Grand Ledge, who is retiring after 51 seasons leading the high school's baseball program. Coach O'Keefe led the Comets to a pair of State championships and an incredible 1,315 wins, making him the winningest baseball coach in Michigan history. Adding to his accolades, Coach O'Keefe is a member of the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame. He shares the successes of his career and gives credit to his wife of 48 years, Melody. Coach O'Keefe is an exemplary community leader who will leave a lasting legacy beyond baseball. He modeled the value of hard work and sportsmanship, and he taught valuable life lessons to the young men on his teams. Once again, I wish to congratulate Coach O'Keefe on a remarkable career, and I thank him for making such a positive impact on five decades of students in Grand Ledge.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Johnson, Task Force Chairman Gianforte, and my colleagues at RSC for their leadership on this task force and putting together a document that has answers if we are willing to accept them and move them forward. Moving them forward will make an impact for the better of this country and its taxpayers. Making government more efficient and accountable to the people is something we all should be able to rally behind. It shouldn't be a partisan issue. After all, we are a government of, by, and for the people. We are here today to talk about a series of commonsense solutions that will return power to the folks back home. I am proud that one of them is my bill, H.R. 3830, the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which unanimously passed the House last week and now is over in the Senate. It is a pretty simple bill. American taxpayers deserve to know where, when, why, and how the government is spending their hard-earned dollars, and they deserve to have those dollars spent in an efficient, smart manner. My bipartisan legislation requires Federal agencies to supply online accounting of their program activities in an easily searchable inventory so that Americans can keep tabs on where and how their tax dollars are being spent. All of the information provided for the inventory will be updated regularly to provide for a more realtime accounting of Federal programs and dollars. The Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act will help cut down on waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Government by allowing policymakers to better identify areas where any programs duplicate and put a stop to it. Congress needs to do more to lighten the load for the next generation. We need to streamline efficiencies, increase effectiveness, institute more transparency, and provide better accounting across the Federal Government. Madam Speaker, I applaud the GEAR Task Force for highlighting these proposals and working to make our government better serve the people we represent.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I simply cannot, in good faith, support a bill that undermines basic freedoms for workers and takes our labor laws backwards. Instead, let's put workers' interests first by focusing on protecting and expanding workers' rights within their union.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend from North Carolina for yielding. I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2474, but not necessarily because of some of the reasons that I have heard, though questionable, from my friends on the other side of the aisle. As the son of a machinist tool and die maker and a former union steelworker myself, I value the time-honored role unions play in our workforce. I can remember some of the arguments that my dad made for the unions in the steel mills' machine shops where he worked. I also remember many of the arguments he made for unions going above and beyond, in the sense of going too far, for their own protection and not that of the employees. But any reforms we make to Federal labor laws should put workers first, not union leaders first. When we fail to do that, it opens the door to extravagant abuses of power. Just look at what is happening in Michigan, sadly, with the corruption scandal at the top levels of the UAW. How can we even entertain a transformational labor law at a time when members of the UAW leadership are under an ongoing Federal investigation for using members' dues to pay for UAW leadership's lavish trips to California featuring poolside villas, top-shelf liquor, fine cigars, golf, and even a $1,200 bill at a Hollywood salon. In our ethics investigations, we would certainly put those to the top of our concerns. This corruption scandal has already yielded 11 convictions. Two previous UAW presidents have been formally implicated as members of a racketeering enterprise within the union--I hate hearing those words, because those impact union membership and their dues--and the current president, who took over because of the corruption allegations against the former presidents, has come under Federal investigation as well. We should, instead, be looking into these abuses as our committee rather than turning a blind eye and passing legislation that will, instead, consolidate special interest power to coerce workers by undermining their right to privacy. Clearly, this bill sends exactly the wrong message at the wrong time. It is not speaking for the hardworking families we represent, the hardworking union members we represent. They deserve better, and that is what this legislation doesn't offer.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4031, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, not just because my district has Lake Erie on its borders, but because of the impact of such a great proposal that has had bipartisan support and, now, thankfully, even as recently as just this last week, to talk with the President with my colleagues and know of his support as well. The Great Lakes are something that we all treasure in Michigan, and they are central to our State's economy and way of life. As stewards of this natural resource, it is incumbent on us to take care of them so that future generations can enjoy their beauty, their bounty, and their economic benefits. That is why the bipartisan support for GLRI is so overwhelming. For the past decade, the GLRI has been the driving force behind cleaning up and protecting the Great Lakes. Funds from this successful program go towards restoring wetlands, combating harmful algae blooms, stopping invasive species, and much, much more. With additional resources, we can accelerate and expand GLRI's impact even more for the citizens of not only our States, but of this great country. I am proud to join my colleagues in this bipartisan effort to preserve the Great Lakes and continue it long into the future as beneficial for all who experience the greatness of what it is. Let's pass this critical legislation.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman and gentlewoman. Mr. Speaker, I did shave this morning, so there wasn't much hair on the chinny chin chin. Mr. Speaker, American taxpayers deserve to know where, when, why, and how government is spending their hard-earned dollars. This is why I partnered with my colleague from Tennessee, Representative Jim Cooper, to introduce H.R. 3830, the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act. This bipartisan legislation requires Federal agencies to supply an online accounting of their program activities in an easily searchable inventory so that Americans can keep tabs on where and how their tax dollars are being spent. The inventory will account for how funds are allocated, the total amount appropriated, obligated, and outlaid for services and the intended population served by each program. It will also provide performance reviews for each program, including any and all inspector general or Government Accountability Office reports. All of the information provided for the inventory will be updated regularly to provide for a more real-time accounting of Federal program dollars. Mr. Speaker, I ask for support from my colleagues for this legislation. I think its time has come.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Walden, my friend, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3201. Opioids, heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl-like substances have ravaged the communities of all of us, like mine, across this Nation. Synthetic opioids have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Americans last year, and I have heard firsthand some of those devastating stories from friends, neighbors, and constituents in my district. The DEA has been able to combat this part of the epidemic by changing the scheduling so that the administration could combat all fentanyl- related substances. Passing S. 3201 will allow law enforcement the leeway to properly combat these fentanyl-like substances. My support of this measure is strong, but I am admittedly frustrated. We need to make this scheduling classification permanent. We cannot let expiration dates approach while political games that we have seen for months and months now take the spotlight and consume precious legislative time that could have indeed helped to deal with some of the concerns my friends on the other side of the aisle expressed about minimum mandatories and criminal justice reform. We have come dangerously close to the expiration of the temporary order making fentanyl-related substances schedule I. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 3201, but I also encourage immediate action to be taken to make these changes permanent and to stop using political games to stand in the way of doing things like this. Pass this legislation today.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.J. Res. 76, certainly not because I want to defraud students, certainly not because I want to protect scam education institutions--not at all. The Department of Education released an updated and improved borrower defense rule last year for all the opposite reasons, to, in fact, protect students and protect quality education and promote that but also to protect the taxpayer. It did all of the above. I think we need to keep that in mind and not just spend our time on messaging. We want to have results that produce quality education opportunities for the future. The 2016 Obama administration rule was a broad, sweeping, reactionary measure, sadly, to an issue that requires a more nuanced solution that will have results. Defrauded students who have been financially harmed deserve relief, absolutely. The Department's 2019 rule establishes a fair process in which these students will get the relief they deserve. A point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker. I hearken back to the hearing we had with Secretary DeVos. I was embarrassed for the first time, really, in the many years I have been on this committee to hear someone who has spent her adult life promoting education maligned in that way. I would challenge any of our committee members, myself included, to exhibit the number of years, talent, and treasure put toward enhancing opportunities for schools and education, and, by the way, the students and success that we have seen. I think that the success that the President saw in this Secretary of Education was why she was put there. This rule that is in place right now, which we are debating today to try to change, is a rule that will enhance education as well as protect the taxpayers. When Secretary DeVos was before our committee last month, she explained how the Department is also taking proactive measures to prevent fraud from occurring through more transparency for students on the College Scorecard. Under the 2019 rule, predatory schools were held accountable for misrepresentations leading to financial harm to students. This rule also lays out a transparent framework that guarantees the process while establishing a proportional connection between financial harm and the amount awarded. Hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be used responsibly. I think we will all agree to that. This 2019 rule respects the taxpayer while also allowing appropriate relief for defrauded students and setting an example for institutions that we will not accept what has gone on. Mr. Speaker, I end by saying this: I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' today to keep a responsible system that protects defrauded students.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1230. Let's be clear. All of us are against workplace discrimination of any kind, and, Mr. Chairman, at my age I am certainly against age discrimination. All of us want to protect all American workers from discrimination, but contrary to the bill's title, this legislation will end up harming workers. It is a payout to trial lawyers by muddying legal standards under the guise of a nice-sounding bill. Any plaintiff who files a discrimination lawsuit under this bill is extremely unlikely to receive any monetary awards, but the trial lawyers will still get paid for their time. Right now we have an economy that is booming. More than 7 million jobs are unfilled across this country--that is 7 million jobs going wanting right now. The pro-growth policies we put in place are working. Our focus should be on protecting workers and encouraging greater workforce participation and not rewarding lawyers through increased opportunities to garner legal fees. Sadly, this legislation was rushed through the Education and Labor Committee for partisan purposes. It did not receive a thoughtful consideration of bipartisan ideas. We can do better but, once again, we are using precious time to debate political messaging bills instead of solving problems. Mr. Chairman, protecting our older workers and encouraging appropriate job training are outcomes we can all agree on. But the crux of this bill is designed to help attorneys, not workers. I urge my colleagues to look beyond the title and vote ``no'' on this payout to trial lawyers. We can do better, and we can protect all workers, including those of age, from age discrimination.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker: ``Around her neck hung a gold necklace that said `Best Mom,' a Christmas present from her two daughters. ``Stefanie closed her eyes, just as she does at the dentist. `That way I don't have to see what's going on,' she said. ``Ten minutes later, the sleepless nights, the tighter jeans, the third child that she said would have strained the family's finances, were a memory.'' That shocking article was in the Chicago Tribune 17 years ago, 2003. That child who would have strained the family's finances would have been a senior high school student and who knows what more. Back then, 40 million babies had been aborted since Roe v. Wade. Today, 61 million. January 22 marks the 47th ignominy of Roe v. Wade. As recently as yesterday, in committee, I heard abortion defended as a ``woman's constitutional right to choose what is best for her own body and interests.'' Now, someone decried the fact that there are so many men standing and speaking today, but we men have always stood to defend the innocent and to defend our families. So, proudly, today, we do the same. Charles Darwin said, ``great is the power of steady misrepresentation.'' And so we have created a lie. We have chosen a lie. We have been sold a lie. We have lived a lie. We have even tried to make it the truth, but it is still a lie. And children, innocents, and women have been hurt because of it; and, ultimately, all life has been cheapened and diminished. May God change our hearts. Our children are not our burdens; they are our hope. Our children are tomorrow's dreams and ideas and imagination. Our children are the pioneers who unlock more secrets of God's universe, harness new technologies for peace, strive to create a world freer from want, and bring forth long-awaited cures for dreaded diseases. They are our artists, our poets, who will make life more vivid and colorful, and the faithful who will serve God and their fellow beings. Babies aren't a choice once they are conceived; they are a gift from our loving creator, God. Thomas Jefferson wisely stated: ``The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.'' And so I end by saying human liberty is inseparably linked to human life. God help us as a nation to choose life and liberty.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of a President who carried out his oath of office. I am afraid the reason we are here today, again, is out of pure opposition to this President, and not the serious national security issues at hand. Make no mistake; terrorist Soleimani is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans, including those that my friend and colleague, Ralph Abraham, just read. Hundreds of Americans; and he was plotting to kill many more. The President used his full legal authority to take defensive action and eliminate this brutal terrorist. The world is safer today because of it. In times like these, we need to come together as a country and stand behind our men and women in uniform. Whoever occupies the White House should have the ability to direct and address threats and prevent American bloodshed. Just 48 hours ago, Iran attacked U.S. military personnel; and yet, we are hastily voting on this partisan resolution that will weaken national security. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this political show resolution.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member and the chairman for moving this bill forward. I rise today in support of H.R. 4500, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019. I am pleased my colleague from Michigan, Representative Dingell, worked with me on this important legislation to enhance United States leadership in the development of wireless standards. Michigan's economy has become resurgent, in no small part, thanks to the renewed focus under past-Governor Snyder on STEM education and technical careers in the IT field. As co-chair of the 5G Caucus, I understand the importance of bringing not only these technical jobs to Michigan, but also the jobs that will come as a result of leading the world on 5G deployment. As industry continues to send their best and brightest to these global technical standards-setting bodies, we must continue supporting them with necessary technical expertise and continue leading the world in wireless innovation. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to these baseless Articles of Impeachment. Our Founding Fathers never intended impeachment to be a one-sided political weapon. Sadly, the majority has reduced this serious constitutional action to a purely partisan tactic to take down President Trump. History will not be kind to the vote today. It will be remembered as a rushed process that lacks credibility or transparency with a predetermined outcome that puts a premium on political theater instead of facts. By any objective standard, the Democrats' impeachment case is the thinnest imaginable. There is no impeachable offense before us today. It is a complete and total sham. I close, not by quoting a President from the past, but rather from the duly elected President Donald Trump: ``You are the ones interfering in America's election. You are the ones subverting America's democracy. You are the ones obstructing justice. You are the ones bringing pain and suffering to our Republic for your own selfish personal, political, and partisan gain.'' These are hard words I know, but that is the sad reality of this entire process. I will proudly vote ``no'' today, a vote that upholds our Constitution, defends our President, and preserves the pillars of our Nation's democracy.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Chair, as I travel across Michigan, I constantly hear about the high cost of prescription drugs. Hardworking families are simply paying too much. We agree on this, and that is why we need to tackle this issue in a bipartisan way, not try to score political points like, Madam Chair, I am hearing tonight. Sadly, H.R. 3 is a partisan, heavy-handed approach that has no chance of becoming law. Mr. Chair, let's be honest: Governments don't negotiate; they dictate. This drug-pricing scheme will ultimately hurt families, stifle innovation, and prevent lifesaving cures from becoming available to our friends, our neighbors, our families. Approximately 100 lifesaving drugs, according to the Council of Economic Advisers, won't come to fruition if H.R. 3 passes. Mr. Chair, I would dearly love to ask my colleagues: Which of those cures would we do away with? Alzheimer's? Parkinson's disease? Childhood cancers? Which ones would we give up for H.R. 3? There is a better approach, a plan that is patient-focused and filled with bipartisan provisions that enjoys support in the Senate, and, oh, by the way, the President would sign. It would become law. It would reduce the costs and increase innovation. It is H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. Mr. Chair, this bill will strengthen transparency, encourage medical breakthroughs, and make medications that families rely on more affordable. If the other side is serious, Mr. Chair, about getting something done, then we should be voting on the Lower Costs, More Cures Act this week and move it forward for our people and provide cures at lower cost--and many more than the other countries that you are talking about tonight.

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Chair, as I travel across Michigan, I constantly hear about the high cost of prescription drugs. Hardworking families are simply paying too much. That is why we need to tackle this issue in a bipartisan way, not try to score political points. Sadly, H.R. 3 is a partisan, heavy-handed approach that has no chance of becoming law. Let's be honest: Government doesn't negotiate; they dictate. This drug pricing scheme will ultimately hurt families, stifle innovation, and prevent lifesaving cures from becoming available to our friends, our neighbors, and families. There is a better approach, a plan that is patient-focused and filled with bipartisan provisions that enjoys support in the Senate as well. It is H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This bill will strengthen transparency, encourage medical breakthroughs, and make medications that families rely on more affordable. If the other side is serious about getting something done, then we should be voting on the Lower Costs, More Cures Act this week.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of S. 151, the TRACED Act. In 2018 alone, phone numbers with 517 and 734 area codes in my district received over 223 million robocalls. I know. I received a bunch of them. Not only are these calls bothersome and unwelcome, but they often lead to scams that prey on the most vulnerable. One such scam is the one-ring scam, which attempts to trick consumers into paying huge fees for return phone calls. S. 151 includes important legislation that I worked to have included which will end the harmful practice of one-ring scams. Mr. Speaker, robocalls are not only a nuisance; they pose a threat to individuals' privacy and security. S. 151, the TRACED Act, will help put a stop to these harmful practices by empowering phone carriers to implement call authentication technologies so consumers can trust their caller ID with no additional cost. It will also expand and streamline the FCC's enforcement authority to take strong and quick action when it tracks down robocallers and levy fines against those bad actors. In the end, Mr. Speaker, this legislation will put a stop to these predatory actors behind harmful robocalls and put consumers back in charge of their phones.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 552 and call on the Russian Government to provide evidence of wrongdoing or to release United States citizen Paul Whelan. I thank my colleague Congresswoman Haley Stevens for her untiring work on this important issue. Paul Whelan is a veteran. He is a Michigan resident, who has been held in Russian captivity for nearly 10 months without charges. And I repeat, he has been held in Russian captivity for nearly 10 months without charges. Throughout his entire time, Paul has not been given due process. He has had multiple pretrial hearings in which his detainment has repeatedly been extended without the production of any new or credible evidence. While in captivity he has been in need of serious medical attention, and his health has deteriorated. It is unacceptable for an American citizen to be detained for any length of time without charges and without proper medical care. Paul's entire family, including his parents who live in my district in Manchester, Michigan, are deeply concerned about his health and safety, as they should be. I met with members of the Whelan family on many occasions, and they have been pillars of strength, but also have endured much agony. We stand united today saying this is not a partisan issue. It is an American issue. As Republicans and Democrats we are committed to raising awareness about Paul's case and advocating for his freedom. And we stand to send a strong and powerful message today by passing this resolution. I encourage my colleagues to stand together and pass this resolution and tell Russia it is wrong as to what they are doing.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, our duly elected President took office, and even before that, House Democrats have been calling for his impeachment. The rationale may keep changing, and it will, but their quest for impeachment has been never-ending. Yet for some reason, this impeachment inquiry is being conducted behind closed doors, leaving many Members of this body and the American people, most importantly, in the dark. Is that fairness? They are even refusing to take a formal vote here on the House floor. A fair and open process appears to be the least of their concerns. Instead of wasting valuable time with this baseless inquiry, there is so much more we could and should be doing. We could be ratifying the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to help manufacturers and farmers in my district in Michigan and across the country. We could be working in a bipartisan fashion to lower healthcare costs, to continue growing a healthy economy, and to rebuild our roads and bridges. Let's stop the impeachment theater and get back to the pocketbook issues that our constituents care about.