Jackie Walorski

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I am indeed happy, and I am thrilled today to actually be here and cast my vote for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or the USMCA. I can't tell you enough of what it will do for our districts in northern Indiana. The hardworking Hoosiers in Indiana's Second District are builders and growers. We manufacture most of the RVs you see on the road and a large portion of boats and trailers that you see on many lakes. We manufacture auto parts and musical instruments. Our farmers put food on the table, including corn, soybeans, pork, duck, eggs, and dairy products. Mexico and Canada are key export markets for all of them and the workers they employ. It has been 25 years since NAFTA has been in force. Technology, transportation, and consumer habits have all evolved; NAFTA, however, stayed the same. Politicians promised the sky when it came to trade agreements, but President Trump promised to modernize NAFTA, and, unlike anyone else, he kept that promise with USMCA. USMCA dismantles trade barriers that stood in the way of American exports for so long. For farmers in my district, this means more dairy, more poultry, and more eggs are heading to Canada. For manufacturers, this means fewer paperwork headaches that slow down shipments and prevent them altogether. For businesses of all sizes, types, and shapes, this means e-commerce standards that promote fair competition and that will be used as a standard in future agreements. For workers, this means more jobs staying in the United States. Robust enforcement ensures that the potential of the USMCA does not evaporate overnight. The promises made by all sides will be promises kept by all sides. Madam Speaker, this day is long overdue, but I am so happy it is finally here. Our economy is booming thanks to tax cuts and regulatory reforms, and now USMCA will keep that momentum going. It will put more money in workers' pockets, and it will help small businesses thrive. It is a big win for President Trump and Ambassador Lighthizer, and it is a big win for America. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this agreement.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in direct opposition to this rule and in opposition to the divisive partisanship that is on display right now in this House of Representatives. It is no secret Democrats have wanted to impeach President Trump from day one, regardless of any fact. They knew the result they wanted; they just needed time to figure out how to get there. So they began their impeachment inquiry behind closed doors, selective leaks instead of transparency, no due process. Once they crafted their perfect narrative, they moved on to public hearings. They hoped the American people wouldn't notice that they failed to uncover one piece of evidence to justify impeachment. They failed to make the case for this drastic action, and yet here we are. For the first time in history, a President is on the brink of being impeached with the votes of one single party. But let's be clear about one thing: This impeachment obsession is not about accountability; it is not about justice; it is not even about the Constitution. It is about pure partisan politics at its worst, and you are watching it right here. The American people see right through this today. They have seen the rigged process; they have seen the lack of transparency and the complete absence of any supporting evidence. They know that Washington is broken. That is why they sent us here: to fix it. But instead, House Democrats are dividing the country and further shaking the people's trust in this Congress. It is a sham impeachment. It has been carried out at the expense of hardworking Americans who just want us to move forward. Madam Speaker, this charade should go no farther. We should stop wasting time and focus on what keeps our Nation moving forward: helping workers and families thrive, protecting the safety and security of our country. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the rule so we can get back to work for the American people.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I will include in the Record my opposition to these Articles of Impeachment.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 3. This misguided, partisan legislation was written behind closed doors. It will result in fewer cures, less innovation, and worse health outcomes. We all agree that prescription drug affordability is a vital issue for the American people. However, we shouldn't be sacrificing new cures in the process. The bill tells patients with cancer, Alzheimer's, and other terrible diseases to keep waiting for the cures they so desperately need. That is why I support H.R. 19, the Lower Costs, More Cures Act. This bipartisan bill will lower out-of-pocket spending while also protecting access to new medicines and cures. Madam Chair, we have an important opportunity to work in a bipartisan fashion for the American people. But here we are again, considering a partisan bill that has no path forward in the Senate. This has become such a disturbing trend. I urge my colleagues to vote against this flawed legislation so we can work together on a bipartisan solution.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mary Ryman on her retirement after 46 years as Bristol Town Clerk, making her the longest-serving town clerk in the State of Indiana. For the people of Bristol, Indiana, walking into Town Hall means seeing a friendly face every day. For nearly half a century, Mary has been there to serve the community of Bristol, and she is always the right person to ask when residents have a question or need assistance. Her unparalleled commitment to her community exemplifies what it truly means to be a Hoosier and a public servant. Guided by the values of integrity and respect for all people, Mary has proven to be a pillar of the town and a model citizen. Her unmistakable passion for making Bristol a better place inspires all who know her, and it's no surprise that she plans to continue serving her community as a volunteer at Bristol's Community Food Pantry. Mary's compassion and warmth go far beyond her duties at Town Hall. She constantly strives to give back to those in need and to strengthen her community. As a member of the Bristol United Methodist Church, she has taught Sunday School for many years and enjoyed singing in the choir. She is also often found helping stray animals by providing them food and comfort. And she is a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Madam Speaker, on behalf of Indiana's 2nd District, I want to thank Mary for the many years she has dedicated to serving the hardworking Hoosiers of Bristol and building a brighter future for northern Indiana. With her retirement, she leaves behind a legacy full of accomplishments, but her impact on the community is sure to last far into the future.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose the previous question. If we defeat the previous question, Republicans will amend the rule to include the repeal of the medical device tax. The medical device tax takes effect on January 1, 2020, unless Congress acts. Time is of the essence. Yet, my friends across the aisle continue to waste our time and energy and, more importantly, clock time that we need to stop this tax from going into effect. This is a bipartisan bill with 253 of us cosponsoring it. All I am asking is that the 253 cosponsors get an opportunity before this expires to say stop this, stop the wheels from grinding. Let's do something that counts for our fellow Americans, for senior citizens who are the recipients of a lot of these medical device implants. It brings quality of life. Oftentimes, it brings the extension of very important quality of life to seniors. It is less time in hospitals. It has been proven--back up on people's feet to engage back in the workforce and their part of the American Dream. Instead of having nothing happening in a bipartisan way, as our fellow Americans are watching what is happening in this House, if 253 of us agree on this today, we can stop this onerous tax. We can stop costing healthcare and the exorbitant amount of increases sent back down to all of our constituents. This is a big deal in the State of Indiana, where I come from. What we do in the State of Indiana with 300 medical device manufacturing companies supporting nearly 55,000 good-paying jobs--nationally, the industry directly employs over half a million people. It is no understatement to say that thousands of jobs are at stake if the medical device tax comes back in 26 days. When the tax was in effect for the 3 years of 2012 to 2015, industry lost almost 30,000 jobs nationwide, according to government data. Madam Speaker, we should be focusing on important, urgent, bipartisan issues like this. We can do something together to make our constituents and to make our Nation better. I urge my colleagues to support this important bill. Twenty-six days to go. We can work together. Over 250 of us are cosponsoring this legislation. I ask, on behalf of every citizen, everybody working in the medical device industry, and for the sake of our own economy, let's do something that makes sense for this country.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise to vote down the previous question. If we defeat the previous question, Republicans will amend the rule to include the restoration of the 15-year schedule for qualified improvement property, or QIP, as part of H.R. 1309, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Healthcare and Social Service Workers Act. Madam Speaker, there is strong bipartisan support to fix QIP, which affects restaurants, retailers, and other leaseholders in every congressional district in this country. There are 271 bipartisan cosponsors split nearly evenly between Republicans and Democrats on H.R. 1869, which I helped introduce to resolve this issue. Fixing QIP is a commonsense solution that would unleash investment, create jobs, and help small businesses grow. However, it also requires urgency, and Congress must do everything in our power to address this issue as soon as possible. I hope that we defeat the previous question to ensure that restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses are able to unlock the full benefits of tax reform and continue driving our Nation's economic growth forward. Failing that, I sincerely hope that all sides can come together before the end of the year to enact this bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the previous question.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said, if we defeat the previous question, Republicans will amend the rule to include the consideration of the repeal of the medical device tax. The medical device tax hurts jobs and innovation, preventing the development of cutting-edge, lifesaving technologies. That also increases the cost of patient care for all of our constituents, Republican and Democrat. There is not a corner on the market for patient success and lifelong cures more than the medical device tax elimination. Hoosiers in my State are proud to be leaders in medical innovation, with more than 300 medical device manufacturers in my State alone supporting nearly 55,000 good-paying jobs. However, after this tax took effect, the industry lost nearly 30,000 of those jobs nationwide from 2012 to 2015, according to the Commerce Department data. Congress has temporarily suspended this job-killing tax since 2016, and this expires in January. Here we are at a crux that we have never faced before. We are 3 months away. Congress needs to act today, now, not for me, for all of us on this floor. These folks who live and die by medical devices do not declare themselves as being Republicans, Democrats, or independents. They are Americans in need of our help, and they need it now. Medical devices have literally changed the way we think about healthcare. In all of our districts, patients undergo less invasive procedures, which leads to shorter hospital stays. New technologies diagnose illnesses earlier, lowering the impact of care on a person's daily life. Yet, all these notable gains will be wiped out if the medical device tax elimination repeal is not carried through here today. It will divert millions of dollars that could have been spent on critical investments in research and development of cures and therapies. There is huge bipartisan support for this bill. Unlike very few other bills in this place, it is bipartisan because we have all recognized at one time or another that our constituents need our help and we are doing something to help them. By defeating the previous question, we can do that. We can unleash the potential of the medical device technology that could be developing better treatments, managing chronic care, and improving the quality of life for people in all of our districts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the previous question.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Steve Maple on his 12-year career as Indiana Farm Bureau District 4 Director. For many years, Steve has been dedicated to serving Hoosier family farmers, but his passion for agriculture began long before his time at the Farm Bureau. He has contributed a great deal to the strength of the Hoosier farming community, and his invaluable perspective and leadership skills have helped farmers in north central Indiana build an incredible foundation for growth and innovation. His spirit, commitment, and expertise will be greatly missed, but his legacy will surely be carried on. Steve has been an excellent educator, advocate, mentor, and leader. With his term as District 4 Director coming to an end, I want to thank him for all he has done to make sure our farmers have what they need to thrive. He is an inspiration to us all and an outstanding role model to future generations. Farmers are the backbone of our economy, and having people like Steve in these leadership roles truly puts Indiana in a strong position to continue leading the nation in agricultural innovation and production and feeding the world. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Steve the best as he embarks on this next chapter in life.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, due to Ways & Means Committee business, I was unavoidably detained and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 573

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today because what we are witnessing is unprecedented in the history of this country. House Democratic leaders are conducting an impeachment inquiry behind closed doors with selective leaks instead of transparency, with no due process and without a vote on the House floor. Why do they want to keep this process hidden from view? Because they know the American people will see right through this partisan scheme. Democrats decided to impeach this President the day he took office. Now they are just trying to come up with a reason, no matter what the facts are. The American people know that Washington is broken, and they sent us here to fix it. Instead, House Democrats are shaking the people's trust in this institution. We should be passing USMCA to give our farmers and workers a better deal. We should be voting on bipartisan legislation to lower prescription drug costs. We should be working to fix our immigration system and secure the border. Madam Speaker, it is time to end this charade and get back to work.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3152 and to honor the life and legacy of Senator Richard Lugar, who passed away earlier this year. Senator Lugar was a true statesman, whose unwavering dedication to his community and his country led to a lifetime of service. He worked tirelessly to champion freedom, advance democracy, and build peace and prosperity both at home and abroad. His wisdom, bipartisanship, and commitment to America's ideals made our country stronger and safer. Though we will miss his spirit and conviction, the values he fought for will endure in those who follow his example of servant leadership. He built a foundation of opportunity and empowerment so future generations of Hoosiers could carry on his life's mission. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3152 to dedicate the Richard G. Lugar Post Office in Indianapolis and to celebrate a leader who never stopped working to make the world a better place.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Norman Wiseman, a great Hoosier celebrating his 80th birthday. Norman was born on September 25, 1939, in Ridge Farm, Illinois, as the youngest of three brothers. At a young age, Norman moved with his family to northern Indiana, where he attended Madison High School and fell in love with his late wife, Sonja Gall. They graduated in 1958 and got married a year later on Valentine's Day. Through a lot of hard work, dedication, and compassion for one another, Norman and Sonja built a beautiful life together full of love, laughter, and happiness. They had children, started a business, grew a garden every summer, and even raised honey bees. Norman has always been active in the community and has taught his family the cherished lessons of kindness, integrity, and faith. Though his business, Wiseman Plumbing, is Norman's passion, his greatest accomplishments are the positive contributions he has made to the lives of those around him and his family. He remained steadfast and committed as his business thrived, and he continues to work years after he closed up his shop. When he's not working, he loves connecting with people and spending time around the community. At church he is known as ``Norman the Doorman,'' greeting churchgoers each Sunday. His wife Dee and his five children, four grandchildren, and first great-grandchild, David, are life's true blessings for Norman. All who know him are undoubtedly touched by his friendliness and spirit, and I am humbled to call him a friend. Madam Speaker, Norman Wiseman sets a profound example as a good father, loving grandfather, avid businessman, and caring friend. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I wish Norman a very happy birthday and many more years of continued health and happiness.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bruce D. Jennings on being named the 2018 Indiana High School Principal of the Year. Annually since 1992, the Indiana Association of School Principals has recognized outstanding principals across our great state of Indiana. In his 12 years as principal at Bremen High School, Mr. Jennings has truly been an extraordinary educator, and it is clear this high honor is well-deserved. However, his impact goes far beyond the walls of Bremen High School. In addition to his role as principal, Mr. Jennings has served his community in compassionate and philanthropic ways that have helped to advance educational opportunities for the next generation. As a member and advisor of organizations like the Marshall County Community Foundation, the Bremen Dollars for Scholars Organization, and Indiana University's Educational Leadership Program, Mr. Jennings works hard to build a bright future for Hoosier students and lead by example for educators across the country. His record of leadership and dedication reflects positively on Bremen High School and the northern Indiana community, and I am grateful for his innovative ideas that promote creativity, confidence, and discovery. Mr. Jennings' ability to connect with students and teachers and share his passion for learning empowers everyone at Bremen High School to reach the next level of success. He is a true inspiration and valuable role model to us all, and I have no doubt Bremen students are well- equipped for whatever their futures may hold. Madam Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank Bruce Jennings for all he has done to educate, guide, and support his students and faculty. It is a privilege to represent principals like Mr. Jennings who help make our schools vibrant and our students' futures bright.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the City of Plymouth on being named the 2019 Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, and to thank Mayor Mark Senter for his leadership and service to his community. Plymouth, Indiana, has not only gained impressive economic momentum and helped attract businesses that want to grow and hire more workers, the city has also shown its commitment to improving the quality of life for residents. Hoosiers in Plymouth love their city and their neighbors, a fact that can be seen clearly in their spirit, compassion, and active involvement in community events--including my favorite, the annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival. This accomplishment is a well-deserved recognition for northern Indiana, a true celebration of Mayor Senter's tremendous leadership, and a result of the hard work of all the public servants who help make Plymouth a great place to live. The strong Hoosier values of commonsense and togetherness help all ships rise in this community, and it's a model for cities and towns across the country. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent communities like Plymouth in Congress. On behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to congratulate the City of Plymouth and Mayor Senter on the hard work and dedication that have helped this community thrive.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to vote down the previous question. If we defeat the previous question, Republicans will amend the rule to include the repeal of the medical device tax and the health insurance tax as part of H.R. 748, the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019. H.R. 748 is an important piece of legislation that would permanently repeal ObamaCare's 40 percent tax on employer-provided health insurance, commonly referred to as the Cadillac tax. Ending the Cadillac tax will provide important relief to both employers and employees and ensure employers can remain leaders in utilizing new technologies to reduce healthcare costs and ensure better patient outcomes. However, this bill doesn't include repealing other burdensome taxes, like the medical device tax and the health insurance tax. We all know that Americans are facing rising costs and fewer healthcare options. Raising taxes on health coverage would only make matters worse for families, small businesses, and Medicare Advantage enrollees. That is why we should also include a bipartisan provision to provide seniors relief from the burdensome health insurance tax. Hoosiers are proud to be leaders in medical innovation, with more than 300 medical device manufacturers in my State that support nearly 55,000 good-paying jobs. However, after ObamaCare's medical device tax took effect, the medical technology industry lost almost 29,000 jobs nationwide from 2012 to 2015, according to the Commerce Department's data. Medical devices have changed the way we think about healthcare. New technologies diagnose illnesses earlier, lowering the impact of care on a person's daily life. All these notable gains will be wiped out if the medical device tax is reinstated. By defeating the previous question, we can repeal this job-killing tax as well. It is critical that we repeal all three of these burdensome taxes before they go back into effect. Doing so will help lower premiums, improve access to care, and boost American manufacturing jobs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against the previous question.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Ways and Means be discharged from further consideration of the bipartisan bill H.R. 2207, the Protect Medical Innovation Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce be discharged from further consideration of the bipartisan bill H.R. 2447, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on June 27, 2019, I wasn't able to vote due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 425; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 426; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 427; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 428; and ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 429.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday June 26, 2019, I wasn't able to vote due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 415; NAY on Roll Call No. 416; YEA on Roll Call No. 417; YEA on Roll Call No. 418; and YEA on Roll Call No. 419.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, on Wednesday June 26, 2019, I wasn't able to vote due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on rollcall No. 420; Yea on rollcall No. 421; Yea on rollcall No. 422; Yea on rollcall No. 423, and Nay on rollcall No. 424.

Mrs. WALORSKI

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2940, to extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, program for another 3 months, because families who use these critical benefits should not be penalized for the failures here in Washington. We are here for the 39th extension of TANF because we are once again unable to move a longer term extension or a reauthorization of this program. I certainly hope Democratic leaders in the House will allow Chairman Davis and me to work with our colleagues on the Ways and Means Committee in a bipartisan manner to develop a long-term TANF reauthorization that ensures this program focuses on helping individuals prepare for, find, and keep good jobs. At a time when we have 7.5 million job openings and growing demand for workers that is driving wages up, we not only want every person to reach their full potential--we need them to. We have the opportunity to make economic and social gains in ways not seen in decades so families are better off financially, helping to improve their overall well-being in the near and long term. Better wages and stable work bring along a whole host of benefits, most importantly, the positive impact on children who are spared the trauma that comes from unrest in the home. At the root of addressing these challenges needs to be a focus on human interaction, engagement, support, encouragement, and belief in the possible, not just assumptions about the probable. It is time to focus on solving the root causes rather than pushing complex government ideas that will only address the symptoms. That is why I, along with more than 50 of my colleagues, have come forth with a full reauthorization of the TANF program. Our bill, called the JOBS for Success Act, would return the program's focus to families by: Expecting universal case management so we can rebuild the human connection and so no one is ignored or left behind in this process; Holding States accountable for work outcomes, meaning folks can get and keep a job, and ensuring that dollars go to their families; Prioritizing households below 200 percent of the poverty line so they get the services they need to be successful; Using funds to support and encourage work over the long term, because we know life is hard, not just when someone is starting a job, but 6 months into the job when the car breaks down or one of life's many challenges happens; and Increasing resources available to support childcare to more than $14 billion annually, better utilizing existing funds, and allowing up to half of a State's annual allocation to be used for childcare. We all want families to succeed and to achieve their American Dream. The first step on that bridge out of poverty is getting a job, keeping a job, and moving through the ranks to higher pay and more benefits. Unfortunately, under Democratic leadership, we have yet to see any proposals to reform or improve this program. And today, we are moving to the floor without any formal consideration by the committee or hearings on this bill. Instead of reaching across the aisle to get things done for the American people, Democratic leadership is focused on investigating the President and going after his tax returns. They are proposing new entitlements that tax low-income workers and subsidize large corporations. They are passing bills that claim to protect people with preexisting conditions but, in reality, take away their health insurance choices. And they are continuing to allow infanticide by refusing to bring to the floor the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Republicans want to work on bipartisan changes to improve childcare under TANF, and we have come forward with a viable plan to improve support for families in need by nearly doubling historic funding levels. I know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have the same desire, and I hope we can find common ground before the next bill comes to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Estes), and I ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control that time.