Congressional Record — House, October 20, 2021
Summary
Page H5707 of the House section of the Congressional Record for October 20, 2021, in interleaved columns. Mr. LaMalfa speaks for 1 minute under the heading OSHA Changes to Vaccine Reaction Reporting, and another speaker says the vaccine mandates are about control and not safety, which is that speaker's view. Mr. Johnson of Louisiana asks unanimous consent for 5 legislative days for members to revise and extend remarks on a special order. A further passage on the care economy says infant care costs more than in-state college tuition and asks why families are steps from financial ruin.
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“Congressional Record — House, October 20, 2021.”
Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2021-10-20-crec-2021-10-20-pt1-pgh5707-4-5278c7b118/
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October 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5707
priorities: expand the government’s lieutenant colonel; she has a medical GENERAL LEAVE
control over everyday Americans. degree; and she is an expert. And if she Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
f is not, who is? Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
These mandates are about control all Members have 5 legislative days to
OSHA CHANGES TO VACCINE and not safety. Every American must revise and extend their remarks and in-
REACTION REPORTING have the freedom to make their own clude extraneous material on the sub-
(Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given health decisions, and our concerns will ject of my Special Order.
permission to address the House for 1 not be silenced. The American people The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there
minute and to revise and extend his re- will continue to resist the vaccine objection to the request of the gen-
marks.) mandates, and I am proud to stand tleman from Louisiana?
Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, his- with them. There was no objection.
torically, under the Occupational Safe- f Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
ty and Health Act, covered employers Speaker, during my time this after-
HONORING GENERAL COLIN noon, my colleagues and I will address
were required to maintain an annual
POWELL the burning issues that are on the
log of all work-related illnesses and in-
juries. (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was hearts and minds of all our constitu-
An illness or injury is recordable if it given permission to address the House ents back home—really, all Ameri-
is work-related, a new case, and the in- for 1 minute and to revise and extend cans—and that is the numerous self-in-
cident involves days away from work her remarks.) flicted crises of the Biden administra-
or medical treatment beyond first aid, Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, tion and the House Democrats’ increas-
among other things. today, I rise to pay tribute to Sec- ingly radical leftwing legislative agen-
On May 21, OSHA changed these re- retary Colin Powell, America’s general. da.
quirements. This new OSHA policy ef- Secretary Powell was more than an Madam Speaker, Democrats may nar-
fectively removes legal liability from astute general and outstanding civic rowly control the House, the Senate,
leader who served our Nation’s Presi- and the White House, but over the past
employers that require a vaccine at
dent. He was kind-hearted, a genuine several weeks, it has become abun-
least through May 2022. Now, if a work-
American hero. He was a man of con- dantly clear that they just cannot gov-
er decides to get a vaccine to keep
science and integrity who bravely ern.
their job and experiences an adverse re-
stood against divisiveness and lived life America is in crisis. Everybody
action, the employer is not responsible
bringing people together. knows that, and everybody can feel it
for this injury. As the son of two hardworking Ja-
OSHA stated it changed this require- in so many areas.
maican immigrants, he knew the im-
ment only because they do not want to
portance of education and hard work. b 1630
give any suggestion of discouraging Today, the White House spends its
General Powell, as he prefers to be
workers from receiving the COVID–19 days doing damage control on all these
called, was the first African-American
vaccinations or to disincentivize em- multiple crises of their own making.
National Security Advisor, Chairman
ployers’ vaccination efforts. Just think of what we are facing
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Sec-
Why are they trying to hide statis- right now. We have an economic crisis
retary of State, and he had 35 years of
tics related to the vaccine? While this where jobs remain unfilled, prices for
service in the military for this Nation.
policy change appears to be a mere He described himself in a New York basic goods continue to rise, and the
sidenote for OSHA’s lengthy guide- Times article, and he talked about shelves sit empty.
lines, we have to ask President Biden himself in the third person: ‘‘Powell is We have got an energy crisis that has
and OSHA: Why is the ethical burden a problem-solver. He was taught as a led to the highest gasoline crisis since
on the workers and not on the govern- soldier to solve problems. So he has 2007, and we know the projections for
ment? views, but he is not an ideologue. He warming our homes in the winter are
f has passion, but he is not a fanatic. He off the charts.
is, first and foremost, a problem-solv- We have multiple foreign policy cri-
RESIST VACCINE MANDATES
er.’’ And that he did. ses, and we have on the southern bor-
(Mr. MOORE of Alabama asked and der humanitarian, national security,
In Vietnam, he was a hero when the
was given permission to address the and public health crises like we have
helicopter that he was in crashed, and
House for 1 minute.) never seen before.
he pulled out his commander, Major
Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam These really are existential kinds of
General Charles M. Gettys.
Speaker, millions of freedom-loving Also, he was a passionate servant of threats to the country. I know our col-
Americans with legitimate concerns the people. When he retired, he orga- leagues like to throw that word
with the vaccine—some are vaccinated, nized America’s Promise. America’s around, but it really does apply here.
by the way—have had their jobs, liveli- Promise helped at-risk children. I re- And while all Presidents confront cri-
hoods, and military service held hos- member seeing his program, hearing ses beyond their control, that is not
tage by this new vaccine mandate. about his program, and supporting his what is happening here. These crises—
They are being told to shut up and program. the things we are talking about
take it. That is un-American. To his wonderful wife, Alma, and his today—are the direct result of this ad-
With both Army Fort Rucker and children, he remains to us an ex- ministration’s own actions.
Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in my tremely beloved individual. I am re- We know that inflation is rising be-
district, I am especially disturbed by minding all Americans, let us remem- cause Democrats are flooding the econ-
the new vaccine mandates our military ber that a general can be soft and omy with money and supply is down
and civilian contractors are having to strong and remain a hero to all of us in because of labor shortages caused by
endure. nature, spirit, sacrifice, and deeds. the Democrats’ so-called pandemic
Last week, I spoke at a meeting of The Nation has lost a great leader, policies. Gas prices are up thanks to a
concerned Fort Rucker employees. We but more importantly, the Nation has steady assault on our energy producers
expected about 20 to 30 attendees, but lost a symbol of what is best and great by the Biden administration. Our for-
hundreds showed up. Clearly, Ameri- about America. eign policy is in crisis because of the
cans are mobilizing to resist against f Biden debacle in Afghanistan and all
these mandates. the other fumbles that they have made.
sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE
I met with Lieutenant Colonel The- AMERICA IN CRISIS The border problem is simple. They
resa Long, a military physician sta- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under opened the border. They put a welcome
tioned at Fort Rucker. We have seen the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- mat there and told everybody around
firsthand the health risks associated uary 4, 2021, the gentleman from Lou- the world to come on in. The Demo-
with the vaccine that can impact our isiana (Mr. JOHNSON) is recognized for crats opened it, and so we should not
military readiness. Why are voices like 60 minutes as the designee of the mi- be surprised or shocked at the result of
hers being ignored? She has the rank of nority leader. that invitation.
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H5708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 20, 2021
Here in Congress the picture is no means for the first time since the 1950s of illegal crossings than he is to secur-
better. If you think about this, the we were exporting more energy than ing our border. The cartels and human
Democrats have a mere three-seat ma- importing. We were energy inde- smugglers have taken notice of our
jority in this House. We have a fifty- pendent, and we saw the many benefits weakened position and are more than
fifty deadlock in the Senate. There is across all sectors of United States willing to exploit these changes for
no objective person in this country who manufacturing, production, and con- their financial benefit. Meanwhile,
could look at those numbers and say sumption. For example, in 2020, the av- those who are understandably seeking
that the Democrats have any mandate erage gasoline price in the United opportunity and a better future are
to ram through the most partisan and States was $2.17 per gallon. being coached to gain entrance to the
most expensive legislative package in I am proud to represent a district and U.S. by claiming asylum.
the history of this Nation using the come from a State that plays such a As a result of our open southern bor-
slimmest majority possible. large role in domestic energy produc- der and the refusal by the Biden admin-
If you ask the Democrats what is in tion. In fact, Pennsylvania is the sec- istration to detain the majority of
the bill, Madam Speaker, they can’t ond largest producer of natural gas and those we encounter, more than 2 mil-
tell you because they don’t know. the third largest net supplier of energy lion illegal immigrants are expected to
Is amnesty in it? to other States. Without the energy pass through our southern border this
Well, the House certainly worked to production of my district and others in year. Already, 1.2 million have entered
add it. rural America, our cities would wake the country illegally and have been ap-
Taxpayer funded abortion? A carbon prehended since President Biden took
up cold, in the dark, and hungry. But
tax? A tax on prescription drugs? office, and millions of these are ex-
President Biden chose to stifle Amer-
They have been working very hard to pected to be brought into the interior
include all those things. The one thing ican energy production, issuing execu-
tive order after executive order reduc- of our country—all at taxpayers’ ex-
they do know for sure is that they are pense.
deadlocked. They are insistent that ing and even pausing our own access to
oil and natural gas. The desperate situation at the south-
they want to spend $5.5 trillion of hard- ern border calls for urgent action. In-
In addition, the Biden administration
working Americans’ tax money while stead, House Democrats are determined
inflation goes through the roof and has reached out to OPEC-Plus begging
them to produce more oil which—let’s to use the budget reconciliation proc-
while we are trying to recover from a ess to pass amnesty for millions of ille-
pandemic. This is the worst possible not forget—is less environmentally
friendly, less humane, and less regu- gal immigrants. This type of thinking,
time to be doing what they are doing. if turned into law, will have staggering
The American people expected com- lated than United States sources.
Last week, I joined my colleagues in consequences for our Nation for years
petence in the White House. They to come. Widespread illegal immigra-
wanted bipartisanship in Congress. a letter to this administration oppos-
ing the pleas, the begging to OPEC- tion is detrimental not only to Ameri-
They have received instead the most cans and our families but to our Nation
incompetent White House of our life- Plus, and encouraging the use of Amer-
ican produced energy to meet our cur- and even the migrants themselves.
times and a Democrat-led Congress As one of the Representatives in Con-
trying to push the most extreme agen- rent needs. We asked the administra-
gress for middle Tennessee, I have the
da in our history. tion to reverse the crushing executive
responsibility to safeguard our sacred
This is not hyperbole; these are facts. orders impeding our own energy pro-
freedoms. But if we cannot control our
And my colleagues are going to lay out duction and to work with Congress on
borders, how can we defend our sov-
many of the reasons, many of the facts, issues affecting American energy secu-
ereignty as a nation?
and much of the evidence that proves rity and supply. We know the answer to That is why I am fighting to restore
what every American now knows intu- this self-imposed crisis: we must lift law and order at the southern border.
itively. If House Democrats drop their the limitations on our own energy sup- President Biden and House Demo-
radical, dangerous agenda right now, I ply. crats can no longer run from this cri-
promise you, Madam Speaker, they By repealing these executive orders sis.
would find so many Members of this and encouraging American producers Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
party on our side of the aisle who to harness our abundance of natural re- Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman’s
would be ready to work with them in a sources, we can meet our energy needs effort, and I thank him for sharing his
bipartisan fashion tomorrow. We have and we can ensure Americans and our insights this afternoon.
so many challenges facing the country. allies have access to affordable, reli- Madam Speaker, I yield to the great
But they won’t do that. They are dug able, and exportable energy produced gentleman from the big State of Texas
in. And their votes prove over and over in the United States. (Mr. SESSIONS).
now that they are determined to be Big Madam Speaker, I want to thank the Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I
Government socialists and not the gentleman, once again, for his leader- want to thank the gentleman from
Democratic Party of our parents’ gen- ship. Louisiana not only for his leadership to
eration. Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam our conference but also speaking up
This afternoon we will highlight Speaker, this is such an important and taking time out of his schedule to
what this agenda is doing to our coun- issue in Louisiana, my home State. We speak directly to America and Ameri-
try. are a big energy State. We were so ex- cans about important issues that face
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- cited to have achieved not just energy our country today.
tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMP- independence under the Trump admin- Madam Speaker, we hear time after
SON). istration but energy dominance. We time our colleagues from the Demo-
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. were a net exporter, and, of course, all cratic Party talk about all the violence
Madam Speaker, first of all, I thank that has been reversed, as my friend that is taking place in large cities.
my good friend and colleague for orga- just explained. Murders are up 30 percent last year ac-
nizing and leading this leadership hour. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- cording to the FBI who talked about
Madam Speaker, I rise today to ad- tleman from Tennessee (Mr. ROSE). this rise. And then we turn around and
dress the Biden administration’s en- Mr. ROSE. Madam Speaker, the fight see where they are the activists who
ergy crisis. This is a crisis that was to restore law and order and secure our are leading the defunding of police, the
created by the Biden administration. southern border continues. Border ap- destabilization of our cities. The bring-
Last week, the price of gas reached a prehensions remain at a 2-decade high ing together of illegals into this coun-
sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE
7-year high. In fact, in my home dis- as the Department of Homeland Secu- try with record drug deals and amounts
trict, Pennsylvania-15, we are now pay- rity warns officials to prepare for of drugs on our streets, record numbers
ing anywhere from $3.49 to $3.67 a gal- roughly 400,000 illegal migrants cross- of death from fentanyl, opioids—mis-
lon—well over the price any American ing the border just this month. ery.
should have to pay. President Biden is more committed But what does our President do?
In 2019 and 2020, the United States to ending President Trump’s policies He goes off on an aggressive agenda,
was a net total energy exporter. This that had successfully slowed the surge one which is fueled by the radicals in
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October 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5709
his party, one which he fully believes b 1645 few simple questions. They are as fol-
in, one that he is proud of, and one that Increasingly, we are finding that this lows:
they sustain and are still pushing. It is new administration, the House and the Why did you stop construction on the
not enough just to push and push big Senate under Democratic control, are border wall even though we had sup-
spending and Big Government. It is ac- taking away the basic rights and free- plies on the ground and contractors
tually an agenda that is in chaos. A doms that would have been enjoyed by ready to finish it? Why?
chaotic agenda is apparent to the What is the plan to secure our border
free people, but they are not because
American people. and enforce our immigration laws
this administration intends to extend
For a second I would like to have us today? Do we have a plan?
the long arm of the Federal Govern- What is the plan to prevent addi-
think back about what we have had ment into all transportation, to all
previously with Republicans not only tional surges of illegal immigrants who
members of the military, and to free are crossing our border? As we know,
in charge in the House and the Senate people who want to live their own life. there are 30- to 50,000 on the way that
but in the Presidency leading this Madam Speaker, Republicans are on are going to get here, and I want to
great Nation. Our goal as Republicans the floor today to offer better ideas, to know what the plan is before they get
is to have America to be a land of hope, offer hope and solutions, but perhaps here; not a week after they get here.
to have America to be a land of oppor- more importantly to say this, that we What is the plan to handle thousands
tunity, to have America to be a land of believe that it is time that this admin- of individuals living in makeshift
freedom, for America to be a land of istration get off its radical agenda, rad- camps along the border? Can the White
achievement, and for America to be a ical agenda that is leading America House assure us that these criminals
land of heroes. into chaos. who are sneaking across the border will
For this to happen, Madam Speaker, If the President would listen, if the not be released in our community?
it means that America needs its ability Speaker of the House would listen, and I challenge my friends from across
to go back to work and to have the dig- if the Senate majority leader would lis- the aisle to stand up and start speak-
nity of work. Madam Speaker, it means ten, they would hear even members in ing out. This is not a Republican issue.
that we need to have Americans who go their own party saying that a radical It is an American issue. We have got to
to work not because a government or a agenda will greatly change America to stand up for our constituents because
political party wants to keep people where we would become a socialist Na- when we are getting these people com-
away from work and is using trillions tion. ing across the border with diseases, un-
of dollars of government funds to keep Madam Speaker, we are here offering documented, the drugs, it becomes an
them there. the example that we have known that American problem, and we as Ameri-
Madam Speaker, we have an adminis- made America great, and it is called cans have got to stand together and
tration and a President who wants to capitalism and freedom. fight this.
take people’s freedom away by requir- I want to thank Mr. JOHNSON for tak- If we can’t get the Democratic Party,
ing them to wear not just masks but to ing the time to gather Republicans to- the Democrats across the aisle, to lis-
have vaccinations or lose their job. gether on the floor to offer not just our ten to what we are saying, there will be
But, Madam Speaker, the thing that vision but also to highlight to the a tsunami in 2022 that will change this
is harming America that is apparent to American people that elections have House for a long time. And that is not
everyone right now is the cost of items consequences, and we look forward to what we need. We need to be working
just to live. Inflation and monetary next year. I want to thank the gen- together.
policy are what the Fed is responsible tleman for allowing me this time. Although I doubt my letter will get a
for, the Fed bank. And they are pre- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam response from President Biden, I will
pared to give hundreds of billions of Speaker, I thank my friend for his continue to fight to secure our border
dollars and trillions of dollars, some comments, and that clarity and convic- so we can protect the health and the
$5,000 trillion is what they will be tion is so necessary right now. I love safety of American citizens.
asked to go take loans out on again. how the gentleman is articulating the Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
That devalues not just the American stark differences between the two com- Speaker, I thank my friend and appre-
dollar, but it actually causes a price in- peting visions for this country right ciate him being here tonight and ar-
crease directly at the grocery store now. The chasm is so wide between the ticulating that so well.
where people buy their food and basic Republican and Democratic Parties, I yield to the gentleman from Geor-
elements. and we say that without any pleasure gia (Mr. CLYDE).
at all. Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, I thank
Inflation is at a 40-year high, but we It is a sad development in our poli- Vice Chairman JOHNSON, my good
keep hearing about how much money tics that this is not—listen to us at friend from Louisiana, for yielding.
the government is going to put in peo- home—this is not your parents’ and Madam Speaker, no matter how hard
ple’s pockets. But it is robbed when your grandparents’ Democratic Party. the White House attempts to spin this
they net it out, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am delighted to economic crisis as a high-class prob-
It is robbed when they net it out be- move from Texas and move over to lem, our Nation’s financial future is in
cause inflation robs not just people Alabama. shambles because of the Biden adminis-
who have families, but it robs those I yield to the gentleman from a Ala- tration’s policies and it affects all of
who live on a fixed income. It robs the bama (Mr. CARL), a good friend of us.
vitality and the ability that we have to mine. Inflation continues to climb ahead of
be ingenious and to move our country Mr. CARL. Madam Speaker, I thank the holiday season hitting a 13-year
forward. the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. high just last week. From the gas
So, Madam Speaker, please know JOHNSON) for organizing this Special pump to the grocery store, Americans
this, that the Republican Party and Order. are paying more for just about every-
our Members who are here tonight are Madam Speaker, I rise today to ad- thing while they are working less. De-
not just speaking about things because dress President Biden’s failure to se- spite having over 10 million job open-
we disagree, it is because we love our cure our borders and enforce our na- ings across the country, only 194,000
country. We believe that what was tional immigration laws. The Biden ad- jobs were added last month, making
built and available for America and ministration’s disregard for the na- September President Biden’s worst jobs
Americans is the greatest country in tional security threat and humani- report since taking office.
sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE
the history of this world. We believe in tarian crisis they have created is ex- Instead of putting the brakes on
Americanism. We believe in American tremely troubling. The American peo- spending, Biden and his allies in Con-
exceptionalism. We believe in the Con- ple deserve better than this. My con- gress are carelessly adding fuel to the
stitution. We believe in freedom and a stituents in south Alabama, as well as inflationary fire by advancing their
right to make our own decisions in our millions of folks across America, share $1.2 trillion—only 9 percent—infra-
own homes and in our own commu- my concern. That is why today I sent a structure bill, and $4.3 trillion Big Gov-
nities. letter to President Biden asking him a ernment socialist spending package. So
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H5710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 20, 2021
in the face of an economic catastrophe, Pumping trillions into our economy since February. This does not count
Democrats are gearing up to spend a will devalue the American dollar. Com- the hundreds of thousands of got-
whopping $5.5 trillion on their liberal bine this with rising prices, everyday aways. This crisis is not seasonal, is
wish list. That is wrong for small busi- folks won’t be able to afford a whole not inherited. It appears like a pur-
nesses. That is wrong for hardworking lot. Democrats risk crashing the econ- poseful chaos by our Democratic Party.
people across the country, and that is omy if they choose to move forward We must restore security at the south-
just wrong for America. with their political agenda, Madam ern border, end illegal immigration,
Squandering trillions of dollars for Speaker. and take immediate steps to prioritize
unpopular, radical, and dangerous poli- Let’s not lie about who is going to be the health and safety of all Americans.
cies, while imposing a $2.1 trillion tax hurt the most if this happens. It will be Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
hike to pay for it, will only inflame the our poor and working-class folks, our Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his
current economic crisis and burden fellow Americans—both the Repub- comments. The gentleman is right. It
Americans with more financial insta- licans and Democrats, conservatives does appear to be purposeful. The
bility. and liberals. Paychecks just won’t go chaos, there is just too much of it, and
How many more empty shelves will it as far as they did before, as we are see- that is what people back home say.
take and record-high gas prices—yes, ing already. Vulnerable folks will This has to be intentional.
look, $3.30 per gallon is where we are struggle to afford basic goods and serv- There is no way that we could have
right now. That is a 50 percent increase ices for their families. these many dilemmas piled upon each
from where we were for the last 4 years Picture that car colliding with the other this quickly unless there were
under the Trump administration. How train, Madam Speaker. Think of that some ulterior motive. It is a rhetorical
many more struggling Americans will total devastation. It can be prevented question, I suppose, for the American
it take for the Biden administration to if the flashing red warning signs are people.
get serious about this economic crisis taken seriously and heeded. Joe Biden Madam Speaker, I am delighted to
and call it a crisis, and act like it is a and the Democrats need to get control yield to the gentleman from New Jer-
crisis? of our economy or let the Republicans sey (Mr. VAN DREW).
Mr. VAN DREW. Madam Speaker, I
For the sake of our country, I call on take the wheel.
thank Chairman JOHNSON, my always
President Biden to join us. Reverse Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
friend, for yielding.
course and work with Republican law- Speaker, I thank my always friend. Madam Speaker, our country is expe-
makers to get our economy back on The gentleman’s metaphor paints a riencing an unbelievable crisis at our
track. real picture. We are headed for a crash southern border. In August alone, the
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam if we don’t change course. United States Customs and Border Pro-
Speaker, I thank my friend for those Madam Speaker, I am delighted to tection encountered over 200,000 mi-
insights. yield to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. grants at the U.S.-Mexico border which
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- OWENS), my good friend and Super was a 317 percent increase from August
tleman from Tennessee (Mr. Bowl champion. of last year. Let me repeat that one
BURCHETT). Mr. OWENS. Madam Speaker, I want more time: a 317 percent increase from
Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I to thank my friend from Louisiana for just one single year ago.
want to thank my sometimes friend his leadership. President Biden has prioritized re-
from Louisiana for that kind introduc- Madam Speaker, as crisis after crisis versing effective Trump-era border
tion and thank him so much for yield- emerges from this administration, I policies such as the Remain in Mexico
ing. would like to take a moment to discuss Policy and most notably, the border
Madam Speaker, the current state of an issue that has been on my mind and wall. They were working. We literally
our economy is like a car about to blow in the hearts of millions of Americans: have tons of building materials, all of
through a railroad crossing. As the car the crisis at our southern border. which have been bought and paid for by
approaches the tracks, indicator lights It is a humanitarian, national secu- the hardworking men and women
flash red warning of danger ahead. De- rity, and public health crisis that must American taxpayers, sitting in the
spite warnings, the car tries to beat be addressed immediately. I have seen desert collecting dust because Presi-
the oncoming train across the tracks. these horrific scenes for myself down in dent Biden cares more about trying to
We have all seen this scenario. The McAllen, Texas, and further south be politically stylish than he does im-
train T-bones the car at full speed leav- through the Darien Gap where families, plementing policies to protect and
ing it in pieces. women, and children endure a dan- strengthen our America which we love
Think of this preventable crash in gerous trek to America. so much.
economic terms. We are ignoring flash- For the past 9 months, the border has Is President Biden requiring these
ing red fiscal indicators like rising in- served as a hotbed for drug smugglers, migrants to show proof of vaccination?
flation, as illustrated in some of the human traffickers, child trafficking, The answer is no. Are they being tested
issues right here; weak labor force par- and illegal immigration, and is a direct for COVID–19? The answer is no. Are
ticipation; and $28 trillion of national result of the disastrous and harmful they being tested for other deadly vi-
debt. We need to heed these warnings. open border policy of President Biden ruses? The answer is no.
If we don’t, we face the complete de- and Vice President HARRIS. Americans are still unable to return
struction of our entire economy. These policies are enriching the car- to their normal ways of life but hun-
Joe Biden and the Democrats are tels, smugglers, and human traffickers dreds of thousands of illegal immi-
crashing our economy. They control who prey on and abuse women and chil- grants are allowed to breach and break
the spending in Congress and the Fed- dren crossing the border. Some report through the border and infect our Na-
eral agencies overseeing various sec- earnings as much as $14 million a day. tion. How does that make sense? How
tors of the economy. Since these folks These are horrendous crimes and can any one individual American make
don’t seem to care or want to work they have no place in our country. any sense or understand that?
with us Republicans, they are the only Here is what we know: During the
ones who can stop this out-of-control month of August, almost 19,000 of the b 1700
economy from colliding with disaster. 208,000 illegal immigrants to cross the Drug cartels are recruiting and using
Instead of steering the economy border were unaccompanied minors. children as drug mules, they are sexu-
away from danger, Joe Biden and the With a record number of minors cross- ally abusing women, and they are re-
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Democrats are going to put the pedal ing the border alone, we need to be ac- sponsible for bringing enough fentanyl
to the metal in pursuit of their multi- tively taking steps to prevent preda- into America to kill every man,
trillion dollar, far-left political agenda. tors from exploiting these innocent woman, and child, at least 10 times
Their expensive socialist plan reck- children. over, and we read it in the headlines.
lessly overstimulates the economy, Another fact: The number of illegal This is unlike anything we have ever
pays folks not to work, and bloats our immigrants taken into custody along seen before in our America, yet this ad-
national debt. the southern border topped 1.2 million ministration continues to leave this
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October 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5711
border wide open. Again, how does it every economist worth anything said immigration; it should be human traf-
make sense? How can we understand was three times too high in taxpayer ficking and drug trafficking—or the
it? How can we believe it? dollars. They continued enhanced un- crime rate in the country. It is a blue-
The Border Patrol is on track to en- employment supplement under this print to bankrupt and fundamentally
counter more migrants this year than plan; spent trillions of taxpayer dol- turn America into a Big-Government,
it has in any year prior. In fiscal year lars; extended 100 percent health insur- socialist Nation.
2021, roughly 10,000 migrants with ance through COBRA, a further dis- So what is included in their House
criminal records were detained at the incentive to work; and sent stimulus Democrat bill? It includes a radical ex-
southern border. This is no joke. This checks of $5,600 to families of four. pansion of the IRS, granting them un-
is a real tragedy for America. The There is something in all of the precedented access to the bank trans-
former Border Patrol chief has also sciences, Madam Speaker, known as actions of a vast majority of Ameri-
stated that our Border Patrol is en- the law of cause and effect, and the ef- cans. Again, a war on small business. It
countering known and suspected ter- fects of these actions have included allows on-demand, taxpayer-funded
rorists at ‘‘a level that we have never disincentives to work, rampant infla- abortions by excluding the Hyde
seen before.’’ This is no joke. This is tion, heavy consumer spending, but no- amendment protections. Folks, we are
the real world which we live in now in body to make the goods and provide just one of three countries that allow
America. the services. elective, full-time abortion. The other
There are serious shortages among So since the production in the U.S. is two are not good company: China and
Border Patrol agents, and somehow down, all of these products are now North Korea.
congressional Democrats and the ad- coming from Asia as the thousands of It provides college financial aid for
ministration are making zero efforts to containers waiting off our coast prove. illegal immigrants. It advances Green
address them. They fail to recognize So the blunders and mistakes being New Deal priorities to the tune of $630
the severity of the issue or even admit made have caused overdemand, weak billion at the expense, again, of small
that there is an issue to begin with. production, and less trucks on the businesses.
Again, it is no joke. These men and road. It forces taxpayers to spend nearly
women are putting their lives in dan- Some in this House call this the $14,200 per person per year for govern-
ger. Half the time they don’t even have economy of the future, the modern ment-controlled healthcare plans, dou-
the backup that they should. I remem- monetary theory. My constituents call bling the cost of the average employer-
ber when I went to the border and saw it Big Government socialism versus sponsored healthcare plan.
them encountering all types of dan- free market capitalism or just simply It continues welfare benefits without
gerous situations. Not a single backup economic madness. work requirements for able-bodied
sometimes. How can we do that to our But wait. We are not finished. Or adults without dependents, at a time
American men and women in law en- they are not finished. Progressives in when there are 10.1 million jobs open-
forcement? this House that, let’s be honest, run ings. Folks, I am talking 25 million
Make no mistake about it. I don’t this House and the White House, are people, work-capable people.
want anyone to think otherwise. Make holding a transportation and infra- That is not all. The Democrats are
no mistake—this is the worst border structure bill hostage while doubling desperately trying to sell this bad bill,
crisis that we have ever experienced in down—no, tripling down—no, 3.5 tril- with both Biden and NANCY PELOSI
America. President Biden is actively lion down on all of the effects of this falsely claiming it will cost zero dol-
destroying our country and our way of liberal economic policy. So we will lars. You have got to be kidding.
life by not taking this crisis seriously continue with the disincentives to But the American people can see that
at all. But he should. I will say it work; we will continue spending us this costly bill will wreck our econ-
again. This is no joke. It is the real into oblivion; and we will add to it omy, all to advance the Democrats’ so-
thing. taxes on small businesses and families cialist agenda.
Madam Speaker, God help us all. We and all who purchase goods while infla- We must fight for the future of this
must save our country. tion increases, making American busi- Nation by stopping their tax-and-
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam ness less competitive worldwide. spending spree. My friends, why in the
Speaker, I thank my friend for doing This is why $3.5 trillion in a rec- world would you follow the Biden ad-
all he does to save this country, and we onciliation plan must be stopped, and ministration and BERNIE SANDERS over
have a lot of work still to do. the American people need to contact the cliff after every legislative initia-
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- their Members because they are not tive that has been created by this ad-
tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. giving us a seat at the table to nego- ministration has resulted in a crisis
MEUSER), who is my good friend. tiate or discuss this disastrous plan. and caused the American people tre-
Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam mendous suffering? Stop this nonsense.
thank my good friend Mr. JOHNSON Speaker, I thank my friend for that Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
very much, our conference vice chair, really good explanation of what we are Speaker, it is nonsense indeed.
for putting this together today. facing right now. People back home are Madam Speaker, as they say, every-
Madam Speaker, as we all know, we scratching their heads, how can it thing in Texas is bigger, including the
have the latest crisis under the Biden come to this? Well, you see, it is the re- representatives.
administration, known as the supply sult of policies that are being imple- I yield to the gentleman from Texas
chain bottlenecks, particularly at our mented by this administration. (Mr. PFLUGER), also my good friend.
U.S. ports. We have thousands of ships Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Mr. PFLUGER. Madam Speaker,
waiting to be unloaded with goods that tleman from Georgia (Mr. ALLEN), also thank you to my good friend from Lou-
the consumers of the U.S. have pur- my good friend. isiana.
chased. Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, I thank Crisis after crisis after crisis.
Now, some of this could be said to my good friend from Louisiana for Madam Speaker, I rise against the
have been COVID related due to the holding this Special Order and his lead- extreme anti-American policies that
manufacturing delays and disruptions ership in our conference. we see right now that are being dis-
in the U.S. and worldwide. But that It started off with the war on fossil cussed in this forum, in this House.
was the reason for shortfalls last year. fuel and then the border crisis. Now, I ask two simple questions of the
This situation has been very much ex- this new deal is about a war on small President: Are you making us more se-
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acerbated by the policies of the Biden business. And the Biden administration cure? Are you making us more pros-
administration. and BERNIE SANDERS’ trillion-dollar perous?
You see, in Q4 of 2020, we had a 4 per- tax-and-spend bill, it is not about ad- And the answer to that is no. Un-
cent GDP growth, which is pretty good, dressing our Nation’s urgent needs, equivocally, no.
and it was followed by 6 percent in Q1 which I have just described, like: rising We have got an anti-American energy
of 2021, which is very good. Then came inflation; supply chain crisis; illegal movement in this country that is going
along the so-called rescue plan, which immigration—we should not say illegal to devastate every American. It is
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H5712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 20, 2021
going to leave us cold, dark, and hun- about the pressures that have been Madam Speaker, I pray that we will
gry; it is going to embolden our adver- brought to bear on America’s supply get our fiscal house in order and stop
saries; and it is going to harm our envi- chains and the effects that those pres- this reckless Federal spending.
ronment. sures are having on inflation and on Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
This administration is taking a hard the constituencies that we represent. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
line against American energy by can- Every day, I talk to members of the those insights. It is so important that
celing thousands of pipeline jobs, by community from my district who are people recognize what is happening
canceling drilling permits, by struggling in paying their bills. They here.
kneecapping our energy producers with are struggling because, just in the last Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to
targeted tax increases and harmful reg- year, they are being asked to pay over how much time is remaining.
ulations. $20 more in my county to fill their gas The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen-
Americans are already feeling the tanks to get to work. They are being tleman from Louisiana has 12 minutes
pain of the Biden energy crisis at the asked to pay substantially more for remaining.
gas pump, at the grocery store, where commodities like milk and eggs and Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam
we see exorbitant prices that are con- Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from
bacon.
tinuing to skyrocket. Madam Speaker, economists say that Wisconsin (Mr. GROTHMAN).
Just today, I had a Democrat col- Mr. GROTHMAN. Madam Speaker, I
this inflationary pressure is greatly ex-
urge the American people not to take
league who said: In my district, small acerbated by the irresponsible spending
their eyes off the ball. I honestly some-
businesses are feeling the pain every- decisions that have been made right times believe the reason the majority
where. I said: Well, push back. Stop here in this Chamber in the last 18 party is putting people like Steve
this madness. Any vote for reconcili- months. That is important to talk Bannon in the headlines, or mandatory
ation is a vote against the American about tonight, because we are consid- vaccines, as horrible as they are, or
worker; it is a vote against American ering the largest spending bill in the driving up the cost of gas to over $3 per
energy. history of our country. gallon, it is to cause the American pub-
To make matters worse, heating bills In fact, if you take the version of lic to avert their eyes from the most
are forecasted to be 54 percent higher that bill that is in print and the spend- long-term dangerous policy that the
in 2021. Under this administration, ing it represents, combined with the Biden administration is implementing,
make no mistake about it, middle-class extra Federal spending that has been and that is what is going on, on the
families will pay the price, and they approved over the last 18 months, border.
will be forced to think twice before added together, that exceeds the com- I was down on the border last Thurs-
turning the heat on this winter. bined annual wages of every single day in the Yuma sector. So the Amer-
We are nearing an all-out energy American. I find that a stunning sta- ican public understands, there are nine
emergency that is eerily close to where tistic. I am also very concerned about sectors along the border, and every
our neighbors in Europe are feeling, at the possible impact that this spending time I go down there, I find more
$25 for gas—$25 in Europe. It is only will have on our national debt. things that should scare the American
going to get worse. Now, the administration just this people to death.
Instead of unleashing the producers week has said that this spending pack- First of all, we have just the sheer
in the Permian Basin, where I rep- age will be fully paid for and will not number of people who are crossing the
resent, people who have done more to add a single dollar to our deficit. My border. A year ago in July, for all nine
innovate and bring emissions down to response to that is: prove it. sectors, an estimated 8,000 people were
levels that the Paris climate accords crossing the border. We are now up to
b 1715
could never have dreamed of, we are over 100,000 people a month crossing
cutting them off at the knees. The Speaking charitably here, it strains the border.
American family, our mothers and fa- credibility to believe that that would As far as the type of people coming
thers, the working-class American, is be the case. It is certainly not the case across the border, I saw something in
who is paying for this. that the current version of the spend- the Yuma sector I hadn’t seen before,
Adversaries whose energy is nowhere ing bill that is in print is fully paid for. and that is dozens of identifications
near as clean as ours are going to ben- But if the new version will be paid for, scattered along the ground where peo-
efit from this. prove it. Wait to vote on the bill until ple crossed from Mexico into Arizona.
You see that today, on average, $3.30 the Congressional Budget Office has Why are people throwing away their
per gallon, over a dollar more at the had a chance to score it and verify that identification prior to checking in at
pump than what we saw last year. It is that claim is accurate. the Border Patrol? There is only one
only going to get worse. Madam Speaker, even if that is the obvious reason. They don’t want the
I am urging my colleagues to oppose goal, I would submit that America does United States to know who they are.
this radical agenda, to stand up for not have a revenue problem. In fact, These people are paying the drug car-
American energy producers, and to pro- last year we collected more in tax rev- tels to come here. If you are from Mex-
vide every American household with af- enue than in any year in our entire ico, you are paying $3,000 or $4,000 a
fordable, reliable energy that has come country’s history. We do not have a person. If you are from Central Amer-
from this country that has allowed us revenue problem, Madam Speaker. We ica, you are paying $6,000 to $8,000 a
to lift a billion people out of poverty in have a spending problem. person. If you are from Brazil, you are
this world. Even if you believe, as some of my paying over $10,000 a person.
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam colleagues do, that the problem is that The drug cartels are recruiting peo-
Speaker, Mr. PFLUGER said it so well. we don’t tax people enough and that we ple by putting on Central American TV
We feel this acutely in energy States need to enact the largest tax increase or Brazilian TV ads urging people to
like Texas and my home State of Lou- in the history of our country, which is come here. There are some Americans
isiana, the Permian Basin and what this bill would do, then my ques- who are taking out ads telling people it
Haynesville Shale, but all across this tion would be, why would we not use is not all it is cracked up to be to turn
Nation. We benefit from domestic en- that extra revenue to shore up the so- yourself over to the drug cartels.
ergy production. It is not only the cial safety programs that are already But right now, clearly, many people
cleanest and the most efficient, it ben- in danger of failing, programs that peo- are crossing the border. These are not
efits us here at home. It is that Amer- ple depend on, like Medicare and Social people, by the way, coming across in
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ica first idea that this administration Security? desperation. They are people with very
is abandoning too quickly. Why would you not use that extra top-of-the-line shoes or top-of-the-line
Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- revenue to pay down the $2 trillion of purses, well-done hair, well-done nails.
tleman from California (Mr. deficit that we currently have every People have to realize that people are
OBERNOLTE). year and the almost $29 trillion of na- not always coming here out of even a
Mr. OBERNOLTE. Madam Speaker, I tional debt that we will be passing on little bit of desperation. They are com-
rise this evening deeply concerned to our children and their children? ing here because it has been advertised
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October 20, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5713
they will make more money coming side of the border, the Mexican mili- Just by way of a quick reminder,
here. tary, does not seem to care as much over 1.2 million illegal immigrants
As far as families, in July, in all nine now as they did a year ago is because have been apprehended at the border
sectors, there were about 15,000 unac- why should they risk their lives taking since February alone. We know that
companied children coming here. You on the drug cartels when the American number is grossly undercounted be-
go down there and see children in what Government, by all of their actions, in- cause of all the got-aways and people
can only be described as pens, being dicate that they don’t care whether we who came totally undetected across
held on mats as they wait for the enforce the border? the totally open border.
United States to transport them wher- Two examples. We have, of course, as Madam Speaker, I yield next to the
ever they want. They write on their well advertised free medical care for gentleman from California (Mr.
clothes which address they should be people coming here, and there are Bor- LAMALFA), my good friend.
delivered to, and we turn the children der Patrol agents who believe people Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker,
over to nonprofit organizations that just come to the United States for the today marks exactly 9 months in of the
will transfer these children to New free, superior medical care. Biden administration. The motto was
York, to Denver, wherever they want In the reconciliation bill that is Build Back Better. So, where do we
to go. being passed here, people who come stand? What have we built back better
It drives the Border Patrol up the here illegally are getting free college. on behalf of the real American people
wall because, of course, if any Amer- Talk about a magnet to come to the out there?
ican took a 5-year-old child and United States. Of course, it shows con- He talked about unity in his inau-
dropped them off at the airport and tempt for the American middle class guration speech. It only seems to be
said, ‘‘Please deliver this child to Or- that we are seeing more and more. that he has unified the American peo-
egon,’’ or Maryland or wherever, social If you are a member of the American ple in anger at the cost of doing busi-
services would be after them. middle class and want to go to college, ness. Everything has gone up for Amer-
But the United States, due to ne- you take out those student loans, go ican families, as you see from this
glect, has pushed a policy in which peo- $30,000 in debt, go $40,000 in debt, go chart here.
ple south of the border are encouraged $50,000 in debt. But if you are somebody In my home State of California, ev-
to turn their children over to the Bor- showing up here illegally, you get free erything is going up. We see fuel. We
college. Talk about advertising that heard the national average is $3.30. In
der Patrol and transfer them wherever
our administration does not even re- my home State, it is anywhere from
they want.
Of course, as we have more and more motely care whether our immigration $4.20 to $5. Now, it is not the rest of the
children come here, the Border Patrol laws are being obeyed or not. country’s problem how the State runs
cannot patrol the border because they The other thing that we have moving itself, but it kind of underlines that we
through here, again, on the reconcili- have big problems.
have to spend all their time processing
ation package is we believe about 10 What is the focus going to be? The
the little children. The more Border
million more people coming here, who Biden administration is going to make
Patrol is not patrolling the border, the it where farming in California is even
we did not appropriately, vet are going
more people are just walking in here, more difficult. We are going to have
to be eligible for amnesty and allowed
without any vetting at all. fewer of the crops California grows,
to become American citizens, which is
Last year in the Yuma sector, they
a further magnet, bringing more people therefore driving inflation even more
would be processing maybe 25 people a on everything when these crops have to
here.
day. This year it can be up to 700 peo- While there are a lot of things filling be replaced with foreign imports.
ple a day. And it is not a difficult up the newspapers today—well, people I mean, come on. The inflation is
thing. don’t read newspapers, but a lot of being caused by this government, when
The way they treat each other is things filling up the TV screen or the you pull just $4 trillion or $5 trillion of
kind of a sign that maybe they might computer screen—I want the American spending out of midair. Now they are
not make the greatest people to have people to contact their legislators and threatening to have tax increases on
around America. They needed help re- pay attention to what is going on at certain people, whether it is corpora-
cently because of fights between the the border. tions or the rich or whoever. But then
Haitians and the Colombians. Is that a There are people right now who per- they back off on that, and they say no
sign of the type of people that we are manently want to change America, and tax increases on those under $400,000.
letting into our country? they are going to get away with it un- It is going to be impossible to pay for
Other things that you learn down less there is more of an uproar here this without doing that. Show us how
there: In the past, when I would go saying: ‘‘Get that immigration stuff you are going to do it. The inflation is
down to the border, I was under the im- out of the reconciliation package. Fi- going to kill the American worker, es-
pression that if people had any symp- nally hire some more Border Patrol pecially middle- and lower-income
toms, they were tested for COVID. agents to see what is going on down folks.
Now, we don’t want another 100,000 peo- there. And please, please, please go It is irresponsible what is going on.
ple a month here under any cir- back, Biden administration, to the Just throwing these terms, trillions of
cumstances. But right now, I was told Mexican Government and renegotiate spending—stimulus spending is basi-
that we like to test them, but of deals where we keep people south of cally what it is because it isn’t infra-
course, you can’t require people to be the border.’’ structure. Trying to sneak it through
tested, which means we are letting peo- By the way, while I am talking about in budget reconciliation by getting a
ple in this country who may well have things that indicate there is a com- mere 50 votes over in the Senate is
COVID. plete lack of caring on the southern really a sleight of hand that is going to
Now, I don’t know what to make of border on the part of the Biden admin- hurt this country.
that. I guess what I make of it is when istration, when was the last time we This country is already hurting com-
the Biden administration requires saw Vice President KAMALA HARRIS at pared to a year, year and a half ago,
mandatory vaccines for people, it is the border? I tell you, if you go down the way our economy is right now, our
really not that important. They are to the border there are all sorts of Con- energy reliability, our food reliability.
just doing it to avert people’s eyes be- gressmen poking around, seeing what You want to talk supply chain? All the
cause if it were that important, they is going on with the most important ships are sitting off California, waiting
would be requiring at least tests for issue facing America today. Where ex- to be unloaded.
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people coming over the border. But actly is KAMALA HARRIS, as she just There is one thing about it: If we
they don’t even require tests. We will brazenly ignores this crisis? were building it here, if we were pro-
just let them come here. Please, America, wake up, and defend ducing it here, manufacturing it here,
Other activities of the Biden admin- our southern border. we wouldn’t have to be worried about
istration clearly are acting as magnets Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam unloading ships. But when you chase
to bring more people here. One of the Speaker, I thank my friend. He is the jobs out of the country with hor-
reasons why the people on the Mexican right. We better wake up. rendous regulations and the taxation
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H5714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 20, 2021
that is going to be upon business, farm- does America not value our families or And the current reality is to make it
ers, timber fallers, you don’t get a good our children? work, often for families—including my
result. Why is it that France has provided 8 own family—the only way you make it
The Biden administration needs to weeks of maternity leave to working work is with the help of grandparents
take a real good hard look at how eco- women since 1913—yes, since 1913—yet or friends. So God help you, if you
nomics actually work and quit doing we struggle to provide paid family don’t have that safety net in place.
this to the American people because, I leave? The current reality is that too many
will tell you what, we are not going to Why is it that Germany 30 years ago moms are being forced to leave their
have much left after 4 years of all this. was able to decide children have the jobs because they simply can’t make it
I appreciate my friend here from right to quality childcare, yet some of work. And if we don’t act, too many of
Louisiana trying to bring this to the my colleagues call universal childcare those moms will not be able to re-enter
American people with the time here to- and pre-K a handout? our workforce.
night on seeing how this 9 months in of Surely if our European counterparts
Two weeks ago, I convened a round
the Biden administration is costing can understand that childcare and pre-
table to have an in-depth conversation
and hurting regular Americans. K is not babysitting, it is education
with working women in NJ–11. The sto-
Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam that fuels the brain and emotional de-
ries I heard on that call mirror the ex-
Speaker, Mr. LAMALFA is exactly right. velopment in the most formative years
of a child’s life so that children can periences of women across my district,
It has been only 9 months. It is only of the women serving alongside me in
going to get worse. grow and thrive, we certainly can grasp
that. this legislative body, and they mirror
Madam Speaker, what you have my own experiences over the past 16
Surely my colleagues who stand here
heard tonight is a quick summary from years as a working mom raising my
and preach about the sanctity of life
a number of our friends. We could go on can understand the hypocrisy of advo- four children.
for hours if we had the time, but I cacy for birth but not advocacy for life. Anyone who has had a child in the
know we are almost out of time. After they come out of the womb is last few decades knows that the bar-
We talked about the economic crisis, when we should be investing in them. riers to entry for childcare in America
energy crisis, foreign policy crisis, bor- And surely, they can understand that begin before your first child is even
der crisis. It goes on and on and on. I the she-cession that happens to both born. You are only pregnant for 9
will summarize and close with this: We Republican women and Democratic months, but mothers have told me
have two competing visions for Amer- women is real in this country and has about 2-year waiting lists and a dearth
ica. It is now very clear: It is free-mar- resulted from a pandemic that isn’t of available options.
ket capitalism v. Big Government so- just a burden on working women and That situation got worse during the
cialism. families, it is a burden on all of us. It pandemic, with many centers closing
I think the American people see the is an issue that touches every corner of down or going out of business.
results of the latter. I hope we have an our society and government from na- And that is the current reality when
opportunity very soon in the next elec- tional security to economic growth, things go according to plan.
tion cycle to get back to the former. and most importantly, the health and During that round table, we heard
Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- well-being of our children and the from too many people who had changes
ance of my time. progress of our country as we work to in their lives which upended their
f build back better. whole childcare plan. During that
b 1730 Now, I am just getting started here, round table, I heard from a professor
but I have got many colleagues who are who told me about how her search for
THE CARE ECONOMY here and want to speak to this issue. childcare became twice as hard when
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- she and her wife found out they were
the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- tlewoman from New Jersey (Ms. expecting twins. It got even harder
uary 4, 2021, the gentlewoman from SHERRILL). than that when they were born pre-
California (Ms. SPEIER) is recognized Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I mature and had health concerns that
for 60 minutes as the designee of the thank Chairwoman SPEIER for yielding. required in-home care.
majority leader. I appreciate it.
She and her spouse were forced to
I rise today to talk about the
GENERAL LEAVE make the impossible choice to cut
childcare crisis facing our Nation, and
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I ask their income in half so one of them
by extension, our national economy.
unanimous consent that all Members I rise today to share the stories from could stay at home or to incur the as-
have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- working mothers in my district, to tronomically high cost of in-home
tend their remarks and include extra- outline the disastrous impact main- care. That is the catch-22 our families
neous material on the subject of my taining the status quo will have for are facing too many times today.
Special Order. families and communities and busi- I have a working mom and a council-
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nesses, and to instill a sense of urgency woman in my district who faced a simi-
objection to the request of the gentle- for addressing this childcare crisis, be- lar dilemma. When she had her son, she
woman from California? cause prior to COVID, women rep- was lucky enough to find a great
There was no objection. resented over half the working people childcare center with space for him,
Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I am in this Nation. Over half. but the price of quality care was steep.
astonished by the last hour. It is like So let’s be clear, when working moms She was in the position where her sal-
they are living in a different universe. are losing ground, that is the American ary was just above the cost of care.
If you look at the economic growth in middle class losing ground. And the Like far too many women, she consid-
the United States under this adminis- current reality of the American ered leaving the workforce simply be-
tration, it is actually growing at such childcare system is endless waitlists cause the costs were unjustifiable. But
a rate that by the end of the year it for spots that may never open up. in her case, she couldn’t afford not to
will have reached 6 percent in growth. The current reality is unreasonable work. And she is lucky she didn’t stop
So all of that blather that went on on costs that eat away at 20, 30, 40 percent because we know that for women who
the other side of the aisle should be of a working parent’s paycheck. quit the workforce for even 1 year, that
registered as what it is: False. In fact, I have a constituent who has is a 40 percent pay cut over the next 15
sspencer on DSK126QN23PROD with HOUSE
But we are here to talk about some- two children in childcare and pays over years.
thing much more important than a the amount of their paycheck in This issue is about the family budget,
bunch of lies. We are here to talk about childcare. And in over half of the the bottom line, the ability to make
what 90 Members of the Democratic States in this Nation, center-based in- ends meet. And for too many families,
Women’s Caucus are concerned about, fant care costs more than in-State col- the exorbitant costs of childcare place
and that is the care economy. The lege tuition. That is what is facing them just steps away from financial
question that we want to ask is: Why families today. ruin.
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