Tim Walberg

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding, and I thank Congresswoman Debbie Dingell for working with me on this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5009, Jessie's Law. Everywhere I go in Michigan, I hear about the opioid crisis. It truly is the crisis next door. For many of our friends and loved ones, the terrifying realities of addiction are difficult to escape. The story behind Jessie's Law is a tragic one. The bill is named in memory of Jessie Grubb, a young woman living in Michigan at the time she died of an opioid overdose. Jessie was training for a marathon when a running injury required her to undergo surgery. Before the procedure, Jessie and her parents informed the hospital that she was in recovery from addiction; however, that information never made it to her discharging physician. Jessie was unknowingly discharged from the hospital with a prescription for oxycodone, which ultimately led to her death. If Jessie's history of addiction had been noted on her chart in a manner similar to other potentially lethal medical concerns, like a drug allergy, Jessie might still be here today. Jessie's tragic story was entirely preventable and is an example of why we need commonsense legislation like Jessie's Law. Jessie's Law will require the Department of Health and Human Services to establish best practices for hospitals and physicians for sharing information about a patient's past opioid addiction when that information is willingly shared by the patients with their doctor. By ensuring medical professionals are equipped with the right processes and tools to safely treat their patients, we can prevent future overdose tragedies like Jessie's. Mr. Speaker, the opioid crisis is devastating the dreams of a generation. Let's pass Jessie's Law today and help save lives in our communities.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my commonsense amendment to ensure our Nation's injured and amputee veterans will continue to have the ability to choose the orthotist or prosthetist that best meets his or her healthcare needs, whether that practitioner is a VA employee or a VA-contracted provider. The VA currently is proposing a rule that I fear will reverse a decades-old policy of allowing injured and amputee veterans to choose who provides their artificial limbs and orthotic braces. The VA would have the sole authority to make what they describe as this ``administrative business decision.'' But choice of provider is a clinical decision and an important patient protection. These men and women have sacrificed greatly for our country and it is imperative we do everything we can to make sure they receive the timely and patient-centered healthcare they have earned and deserve. O&P care is very intimate and specialized, and the correct practitioner for that veteran makes all the difference in the lifestyle the veteran leads. We should do everything we can do in our power to make the often difficult and frustrating transition from service to civilian life as easy as possible, especially when veterans have incurred a disabling condition. This has been a very important issue to me, and I would like to take the time to thank my colleague, Representative Rutherford, for working with me on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I would also like to thank both the Appropriations Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for working with me on this important and timely issue. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and empower our veterans in making their personal healthcare decisions, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his commitment and I certainly respect his position and that he will carry that out. I have legislation to do this, but this is the opportunity to at least make the point and give some certainty to our veterans that their care has and will be taken in deep and grateful consideration. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment and empower our veterans in making their personal healthcare decisions, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michigan International Speedway as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018. Located in my district in the heart of the beautiful Irish Hills, Michigan International Speedway is one of the Nation's premier racing facilities. Throughout the season, MIS will be commemorating this milestone by showcasing many of the memorable moments and drivers in the track's history. I look forward to joining everyone to kick off their first NASCAR race of the year, which is just weeks away. In addition to NASCAR, MIS offers year-round entertainment and festivals, making it a leading tourist attraction for people near and far. Through their extensive charity work and programs like the Spirit of America Blood Drive, MIS is actively involved in improving the community and impacting lives. Mr. Speaker, Michigan International Speedway is a staple of our community and the world of racing. We are fortunate to have them in the Seventh District. Here is to 50 more years of lasting memories for fans and drivers alike.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Foxx for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman's emphasis on preparing people for the real world through educational experiences that expand not only their abilities, but also their dreams. A lot of times the best education takes place when a person is dreaming. I have seen a lot of things happen in Michigan as a result of people all of a sudden being caught with a sweet spot dream saying, ``Could I do that?'' and they have done it. Since coming to Congress, my top priority has been creating good- paying jobs and growing a healthy economy in Michigan. We have had our challenges. We are delighted to see some very positive things taking place in Michigan, and specifically in my district. That is why every year we hold a large job fair at multiple places in my district. We had one just last week, in fact. Over the years, we have helped the hardworking men and women in our communities find employment, further their education, and pursue career advancement opportunities. That is a key: to let them know that they can advance; they are not stuck; you can always move on. When we did our first job fair back in 2011, the national unemployment rate was around 9 percent. Now it is down below 4 percent for the first time since 2000. As our economy continues to thrive, there are currently 6.6 million job openings waiting to be filled across the country, and businesses are anxious to hire workers with the right experience to fill them. I just met with six of those employers just before coming here, and their only concern is: How do we fill the jobs that we have to take on all the contracted projects in construction that we have? My colleagues and I on the Education and the Workforce Committee are working in a bipartisan way to help bridge the skills gap by expanding career and technical education. In today's economy, we need to celebrate the fact that not everyone follows the same path. That is a good thing. We need to move beyond the notion that a 4-year degree is the only way to climb the ladder of opportunity. In Michigan, we have a number of community colleges, career centers, and school districts leading the way in career and technical education. I think they have heard Chairwoman Foxx speak and they have gotten the point. We let it slide too long, and now we are picking up. These programs have helped numerous students thrive and develop a diverse and marketable skill set that prospective employers are seeking. The bipartisan legislation we passed in the House will strengthen CTE programs to help more students obtain the in-demand skills and jobs of the future. The House-passed bill will also remove unnecessary and duplicative licensing requirements that act as a barrier for workers trying to get their foot in the door. Coming from Michigan, we have a long and rich tradition of manufacturing, engineering, and other highly skilled fields. Our State's hardworking men and women are second to none. I am here tonight to say let's keep up the momentum. Let's continue to invest in building a talented and dynamic workforce and help prepare our people for a lifetime of success. And, oh, may I add, enjoyment in a sweet spot that they have found by being educated for the real-world jobs that make a difference. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the opportunity to speak on this issue tonight.

Mr. WALBERG. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, on that very point, I think it is crucial to understand that, if we are going to get people educated for real- world jobs, we are going to have to sometimes move the whole system out of its comfort zone, and that means higher education as well. It can't be assumed that that is the only game in town when, in fact, employers are looking for something in certain cases very different and very unique and very specific, custom made to fit those jobs. Then, as the gentlewoman knows better than probably any of us, these same employers will add to the benefit by adding additional training opportunities for these good employees to continue to upgrade their skills with more education. That is where we see higher education is going to have to compete and come to an understanding that it is a different world now and there are changes that have to take place if we are going to continue to succeed. I appreciate that point, and we need to get it done.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his good work in organizing this Special Order this evening. The tragic opioid epidemic has, unfortunately, become a major part of our national conversation, and that is what brings us here tonight, to raise awareness and continue our push for bipartisan solutions. I am grateful for Chairman Walden's and Chairman Burgess' leadership and the work of my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee doing a lot of work to tackle this public health crisis head on. Too many Americans from all walks of life and from all parts of the country are facing the terrifying realities of the opioid crisis. It is a deeply personal and painful issue for many of our friends and loved ones. I recently held a number of community forums in my district to collaborate with local leaders and hear from families whose lives had been swept up by the opioid epidemic. At one of those events, I joined with my good friend, a very successful electrical contractor, Mike Hirst, to speak with students at Jackson High School about the dangers of drug addiction. In 2010, Mike's son, Andy, died of a heroin overdose at the age of 24. This tragic loss has led Mike to dedicate himself to sharing the experience of his son's death and helping educate the community. Mike started a foundation in honor of his son and called it Andy's Angels, where he has counseled addicts, supported families, mentored at-risk youth, and more. People like Mike are making a real difference, and I am committed to ensuring that the Federal Government is a strong partner in this fight. Thanks to this committee's leadership, we took significant strides last Congress with the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, but we need to redouble our efforts. One example is Jessie's Law, which is a bipartisan bill I introduced along with my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. It is named after Jessie Grubb, who tragically died of an opioid overdose in Michigan in 2016. Jessie was a recovering addict doing very well, who was unknowingly discharged after a surgery from the hospital with a prescription for oxycodone that ultimately led to her death. It is a heartbreaking and entirely preventable story, and it is why we need to pass Jessie's Law so medical professionals are equipped to safely treat their patients, prevent overdose tragedies, and ultimately save lives. I am working with Congresswoman Dingell as well on another bipartisan bill, the Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act. Our legislation will help prevent the misuse or diversion of unused medications by equipping hospice professionals with the legal authority to safely dispose of unused drugs after a hospice patient's death. Many patients receiving hospice care need painkillers to help with end-of-life pain, but any leftover medications can, unfortunately, end up in the wrong hands, and we need to stop that from happening. The committee has made addressing the opioid epidemic a top priority, and these are just two of many legislative solutions that we will hear tonight. This is an urgent crisis, and I stand ready to continue working together to advance a bipartisan and comprehensive response, and I thank the leadership for taking this on. There is not a moment to waste.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Andrew Jenkins of the Eaton County Sheriff's Department for being awarded the Congressional Badge of Bravery. He is only the second law enforcement officer from Michigan to ever receive this high honor. On the evening of December 20, 2016, Deputy Jenkins was the first emergency responder to a Delta Township residence which was already in flames. Although he had no protective clothing or equipment, he immediately entered the home, finding three family members, two of whom were disabled and unable to walk. He subsequently rescued all three occupants, carrying the disabled individuals to safety as the fire continued to spread, putting himself in great danger. All three residents and Deputy Jenkins were hospitalized and treated for smoke inhalation, and one person was subsequently treated at the University of Michigan burn unit. If Deputy Jenkins had not acted so quickly that night, three lives may have been lost. His heroism and selfless actions that night clearly established why Deputy Jenkins is so deserving of the Congressional Badge of Bravery.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brain Awareness Week, a critical moment to discuss the impact of brain disorders on our nation and the urgent need for brain research and discovery. Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease have tremendous, devastating impact on individuals and families. My dad had Parkinson's, so I know firsthand the physical and financial toll it takes on patients and caregivers. These diseases also pose a serious financial burden for the nation. Today, neurological diseases cost the United States an estimated $800 billion a year. And that figure is projected to increase dramatically over the coming years. An estimated 5.5 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. In my home state of Michigan, 180,000 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's. That is projected to increase more than 20 percent--220,000 Michiganders--by 2025. And barring medical breakthroughs, the number of Americans age 65 and older with Alzheimer's is estimated to reach 16 million by 2050. Between now and 2050, the cumulative cost of caring for people with Alzheimer's is projected to exceed $20 trillion. Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States. Each year, 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's. The current total economic burden of the disorder is estimated to be about $14.4 billion a year in the United States. And by 2040, the prevalence of Parkinson's is expected to more than double. Thanks to advances in brain research, we have a deeper understanding of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and researchers recently identified possible environmental and genetic risk factors for Parkinson's. However, further research is required to unravel the complexities of these neurological disorders. Without breakthroughs, we will not be able to develop new, more effective treatments. Currently available treatments provide relief from some Parkinson's symptoms, but do not halt the progression of Parkinson's. Alzheimer's is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death in the U.S. that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured. This Brain Awareness Week, I extend my gratitude to the great scientific minds who are advancing our understanding of brain disorders. And let's redouble our efforts to find new breakthroughs in brain research and bring a healthier future in reach for our nation.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, as I travel to each corner of my district, I hear from workers and families who are optimistic about the new tax cut law and what it means for their pocketbooks. There is a momentum in our economy, and the latest jobs report from February is another piece of positive news. Last month, the economy added 313,000 jobs, far exceeding expectations; the unemployment rate remained at a 17-year low for the fifth consecutive month; and labor force participation increased by more than 800,000 workers, the biggest surge in 15 years. Earlier this week, the National Federation of Independent Business released a survey that found small-business owners' confidence in the economy is soaring, and they are prepared to hire and raise wages without a government mandate. Imagine that. Madam Speaker, these are encouraging signs that our policies of reducing excessive red tape and cutting taxes are working. Let's build on these results and continue to advance solutions that improve the lives of the people we represent.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Additionally, it requires the FCC to report to Congress on its efforts to promote broadband internet access for veterans, especially low-income and rural veterans. I would love to have broadband to my home, as well. This bill is critical for consumers and our Nation's telecommunications infrastructure, and I urge its passage today.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would first like to start off by remembering Ray Baum, whom this legislation is named after, very appropriately, and I thank the chairman for sharing him with us. As was correctly stated by the whip, we appreciate the staff that does so much work for us. Leaders like Ray Baum are special. He will be missed, but we will carry on in his memory and in the quality of service that he supplied. The RAY BAUM'S Act does something that hasn't been done in over 28 years: it reauthorized the Federal Communications Commission. It is amazing to think that we have a commission as important as that and it hasn't been authorized--or reauthorized, or reauthorized. It is time to do it and bring it up to this century, as well, and beyond. This bipartisan bill is good, forward-thinking policy that modernizes the FCC to ensure it is more transparent, efficient, and able to tackle the issues of the 21st century. It maintains the credibility of spectrum auctions and the promise the FCC made to Michigan broadcasters. It paves the way for new spectrum auctions that will allow for the United States to maintain its leadership in developing and deploying technologies such as 5G and, ultimately, win the race to 5G.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the truth. We heard so much dismissal of the tax cut plan before we passed it. Now that we passed it, not only did we read it beforehand, but rereading it again we are seeing the truth is working out. As I travel around, Mr. Speaker, the Seventh District of Michigan, optimism about the new tax cuts is hard to miss. I have people coming up to me at the grocery store, at gas stations, even in church, saying: You know, Congressman, we heard a lot of reports that this wasn't for middle class people, but I saw my paycheck in February and, it is true, I got a raise because the government is taking less out of it. I have heard from a number of workers excited about their bonuses and pay raises and from businesses that are looking to expand their operations. Just last week, I toured Lowe's home center in Adrian, Michigan, to visit with their team. Because of the new tax law, their employees are receiving $1,000 bonuses and expanded maternity and parental leave. I toured Cintas' Lansing operations. The tax cut afforded their employees $1,000 bonuses, and they reported to me that day that they jumped now on a plan that they were holding off, but now they are going to build a $17 million facility to add on to their operations. We already heard about Fiat Chrysler giving out $2,000 bonuses to all of their workers. They are also moving production of the Ram heavy-duty truck plant back from Mexico to Michigan--I wanted to reiterate that-- that is coming home and creating 2,500 new good-paying jobs. We have also seen announcements from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, utilities in Michigan and in other States, that their customers can expect to see lower utility bills, thanks to the tax cuts. In fact, they have submitted a request to the PSC for almost $400 million in rate reductions. That is real money. As Vice President Pence said last week when we welcomed him to the Motor City, tax reform is working for Michigan. Here is even more good news: the benefits are just beginning to kick in. This tax season is the last time taxpayers will have to file under the old and broken Tax Code. Under the updated Code, individuals and families at every income level will see tax relief. The standard deduction is nearly doubled to protect more of people's hard-earned income from taxation. The child tax credit is expanded from $1,000 to $2,000 to help with the cost of raising kids. With these new reforms, the typical middle-income family of four will receive a tax cut of more than $2,000. On top of that, the law will help small businesses thrive, boost job creation here at home, and make our economy stronger and more competitive, like it ought to be, in the United States and in Michigan. For families across Michigan, the new tax cut law means bigger paychecks and more money in their pockets, not in the Federal Government's pockets. And that is where it belongs. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity at any time to put forward truth, but, more importantly, truth that is optimistic, that builds on our people, that builds on letting them do for themselves with the resources they have earned. Mr. Speaker, I express appreciation to my colleague for holding this ``truth squad'' opportunity again tonight because people need more of that. They need more optimism that comes from truth that impacts them in a growing and positive way, and I am glad to be part of it.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in supporting the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act. Under the Obama administration, the FDA put forward an unworkable, one-size-fits-all mandate on restaurants and retail food establishments for providing calorie and nutrition information to customers. As written, many businesses cannot comply with these rules and would be subject to onerous, arbitrary penalties. H.R. 772 is a bipartisan solution that makes compliance possible by providing small businesses with greater flexibility to provide nutrition information in a way that best serves their customers. It ensures customers receive the nutrition information they want, but does so in a way that takes into account the diversity of restaurants and food products. This commonsense bill takes a flexible approach that will actually increase access to information for customers and allow good, hardworking Michigan restaurants, grocers, and convenience stores to continue meeting the needs of consumers. Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an individual who has exemplified service, loyalty, and Christian character. This week, Daryle L. Doden, a graduate of the class of 1968, will receive the Alumnus of the Year award from the Moody Bible Institute Alumni Association. I had the privilege of serving with Daryle on the Moody Alumni board, and I can attest to his contributions to the Moody community and beyond. His life has exemplified the highest level of integrity and he has earned the respect of many leaders in ministry, business, and his community through his wise stewardship of resources, relationships, and the opportunities that God has given him. In addition to being a loving husband and father to his five children, Daryle was a very successful businessman who founded Ambassador Steel Company in 1974. As his business grew to become the largest privately owned fabrication company in the United States, so did Daryle's generosity and support for charitable organizations. As another testament to his Christ-like character, he went on to start his own philanthropic arm of Ambassador Steel known as the Master Works Foundation, a platform by which he made a lasting, worldwide impact in both ministry and the marketplace. As a husband, father, grandfather, boss and friend, Daryle has sought to honor God, knowing that all his success comes from the Lord, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Congratulations to my friend, Daryle Doden, on this much deserved and prestigious award.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I hope everyone in the House votes to pass this extension today so we can get to work on quickly reauthorizing community health centers and other important public health priorities. I encourage my colleagues to put aside the political games, vote ``aye'' on the bill--the only correct vote--and then tell the Senate to do the right thing as well.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of this funding extension, which includes a vital, long-term reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. This bill provides the longest extension in the history of the CHIP program and provides security for millions of kids and pregnant mothers. It is important to remember the House has already acted responsibly three times to extend CHIP. In November, this Chamber passed the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act on a bipartisan vote. The bill not only would have extended CHIP for 5 years, but it also addressed other important public health programs like federally qualified health centers. Regretfully, partisanship and political gamesmanship left that bill to languish in the Senate. My constituents remain frustrated that the majority of my Democratic colleagues in this Chamber have voted three times against CHIP. The delays and posturing are inexcusable.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. This past Sunday, I stood at the side of a casket of a beloved longtime friend who had just turned 95 years of age 5 days before. Up until almost her dying day, she was vibrant, was committed to life, touching lives of people, changing lives and making an impact in the world. I am rejoicing today in a different way because of two brand-new lives that have been born: one to a staff member, and another to a former staff member of mine. Brand-new babies with an opportunity to be dreamers in this world. Who knows what their lives will be, but isn't this what it is all about? Life that is lived has impact and then goes on, and new lives to follow, ultimately to have impact, have dreams, and make a difference, and truly establish the divine plan that is the sanctity of life. This week we are observing the 45th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the 44th March for Life. There are people like us, like Congressman Smith, who have, for the past 35-plus years, been leading this challenge here. It was 35 years ago that I left my dream job as pastor of a local church to speak for life in the halls of the State legislature and end taxpayer-funded abortion. In Michigan, we still have a law that says abortion is not lawful, but because of Roe v. Wade, we march again this year speaking for life, speaking for the defenseless, speaking for those who would desire, who would dream to be found in a world that they can change. How did we get into this situation, especially when we have in that Declaration of Independence the immortal statement that says: ``We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,'' among them, the right to life--the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? John Adams, our second President, said: ``Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' May we redouble our efforts to be that moral people that stand on things that are timeless, that were designed by our Creator, God. Let me end with this: one of our good friends and former colleagues here in this Chamber, one night, gave me a poem that meant a lot to him. As I read that poem, it changed me as well. It is entitled, ``The Anvil,'' and it simply says: Last eve, I passed a blacksmith's door And heard the anvil ring the vespers chime; Looking in, I saw upon the floor old hammers, worn with beating years of time. ``How many anvils have you had,'' said I, ``To wear and batter all of these hammers so?'' ``Just one,'' said he; And then with twinkling eyes, ``The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.'' And so, thought I, the anvil, called the Master's word, For ages, skeptic blows have beat upon; And though the voice of fallen blows was heard, The anvil is unharmed and the hammers gone. Mr. Speaker, I believe the truth of miracle and blessing of life will prevail and the right to life will be protected for all. Even as we find the anvil stand firm, so will the truth of God's creation of human life. It will remain. Let us all who honor life never give up.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a large number of dedicated autoworkers who live and work in Michigan's Seventh Congressional District. Today I want to recognize one of the truly exceptional ones, Tania Pratnicki Young, the plant manager at Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee, Michigan. Tania has been the plant manager since 2013 and recently reached a remarkable milestone: 40 years with the company. The Fiat Chrysler plant employs about 700 people and produces engines for various Dodge and Jeep products, including the Jeep Cherokee. Under Tania's leadership, Dundee was the first U.S. facility to be awarded silver status for implementing the principles of World Class Manufacturing. It shows her commitment to excellence in productivity, quality, and safety. Tania calls Dundee ``the family plant.'' I have had the privilege of touring the factory floor with her and was impressed by the efficiency of the plant and the friendliness of her team. Thanks to people like Tania Pratnicki Young, the auto industry is thriving in Michigan. Tania, congratulations on your 40-year anniversary.

Mr. WALBERG

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe), a gentleman who had a distinguished record of supporting and helping and enabling workers.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this has been a telling debate. Again, I think the key question here, as has been asked by so many colleagues: Are Native American Tribes government entities; are they sovereign? The only answer that we can respond with is: Absolutely, yes. They are sovereign. This is not an issue debating NLRB or NLRA. It is going back to what we have established already that, in fact, a sovereign nation, just like a State or local government, is free from the intervention of NLRB. In this case, a sovereign nation has that right. Just as a reminder, over 150 Native American organizations have asked for this legislative effort to be achieved. Why? Because it was working fine up until 2004, and NLRB then came arbitrarily in--sometimes yes, sometimes not-- intervening, but, ultimately, they were changing the system in place. While we are moving back to letting the sovereignty reign in these Native American Tribes, yet we need to make it very clear for the future and not go back to what has precipitated this change. The bill amends the National Labor Relations Act to clarify that the law does not apply to any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian Tribe and located on Tribal land. It protects the sovereignty of Native American Tribes, reaffirming they are afforded the same rights and protections enjoyed by State and local government. It ensures Tribes have control over their labor relations and can determine what is best for the workplaces. It eliminates legal confusion and uncertainty that is hindering the ability of Tribal governments to serve their citizens. Mr. Speaker, that is what it does. It reasserts and reaffirms what we have already said in law. And for that reason, I ask my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 140, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, a provision in the pending legislation that will end the National Labor Relations Board's alarming overreach into businesses operated on sovereign Tribal lands. In March of 2017, the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, which I have the privilege of chairing, held a hearing on this legislation and heard from Native American business leaders on how the NLRB's arbitrary use of its jurisdiction had been harming businesses large and small on Tribal lands. Leaders of the Native American community testified before the subcommittee on how the NLRB had meddled in the day-to-day operations and management of Native American businesses, often dragging out matters for years. To make matters worse, the proceedings led by the NLRB are creating burdensome legal costs for businesses who are seeking to provide high- quality goods and services to Native American communities. While members of the NLRB have changed and have begun to make great progress in reversing some of the Board's most damaging decisions, Congress needs to make it clear that Tribal labor sovereignty must be safe from future Washington overreach. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act will clarify the National Labor Relations Act and reverse the troubling encroachment of the Federal Government on Tribal lands. Congress has the opportunity here to stand up for sovereign rights of Native Americans and the businesses they own and operate on their lands. These Tribes have created their own system of labor protections for employees and employers consistent with their lands and traditions, and it is not for Washington bureaucrats to tamper with those protections. I urge my colleagues to support the sovereignty of all Native American Tribes and pass the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.