[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 78 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 986, THE PROTECTING AMERICANS WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS ACT OF 
2019 AND H.R. 2157, A COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL TO 
    HELP AMERICAN COMMUNITIES RECOVER FROM RECENT NATURAL DISASTERS

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                           HON. TONY CARDENAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2019

  Mr. CARDENAS. Madam Speaker, I am proud to express my support for 
H.R. 986, the Protecting Americans with Preexisting Conditions Act. For 
too long this Administration has undermined and attacked the care of 
our most vulnerable Americans and perpetuated unjust barriers to 
treatment. By passing this bill my colleagues are fulfilling the will 
of the American people, who used their voice to tell Washington that 
these partisan attacks on the Affordable Care Act were unacceptable.
  The American people also care about protecting the only planet we 
have. Climate change continues to threaten the safety of Americans 
every year by fueling the frequency and severity of natural disasters. 
In my state of California, the fire season has turned into a year-long 
ordeal. People in California have lost so much as these fires get worse 
and worse. We've lost lives, homes, communities, and livelihoods. H.R. 
2157 is another step towards recovery. Among other things, it provides 
funds for emergency forest restoration, to farmers struggling with crop 
and livestock losses due to wildfires and other disasters, and for 
legal services for people who need legal help during the recovery 
period. H.R. 2157 provides needed relief for Californians and all 
Americans, including those living in Puerto Rico and other territories 
devastated by hurricanes.
  Importantly, this bill also prevents Defense funds from being used to 
construct an unnecessary and ineffective wall along the southern 
border. When we have real problems to fix, we cannot waste a penny on 
an unnecessary slogan. Instead, we need to be addressing the healthcare 
needs of Americans and ensure they can get back on their feet in the 
wake of natural disasters, as we have done today.
  As always, I want to take the time to thank those who have worked 
tirelessly to improve our nation's healthcare, environment, and 
response to natural disasters.

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