[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H7080-H7081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




REMEMBERING THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK AT THE OAK CREEK SIKH 
                                GURDWARA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Wisconsin (Mr. Steil) for 5.
  Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10-year 
anniversary of the horrific attack at the Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara on 
August 5, 2012. I rise to honor the memory of those we lost in that 
attack.
  On August 5, 2012, a shooting took place at the Sikh Temple of 
Wisconsin, killing seven worshippers.
  I also rise to honor Lieutenant Brian Murphy, who responded to the 
scene and was shot at 15 times at close range.
  This senseless act of violence should have never occurred and, in 
particular, in a house of worship. Nonetheless, the Oak Creek community 
came together. The Sikh community responded with compassion and stayed 
true to the Sikh principle of Chardi Kala, translating to relentless 
optimism.
  I join the Oak Creek community to remember and honor the victims of 
this tragedy.


                        Impact of Rising Prices

  Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, every day I am home in Wisconsin, I hear 
about the impact of rising prices and the impact that they are having 
on families' budgets. Wisconsin's families and seniors have continued 
to share their concerns with me about rising costs.
  A 79-year-old woman in Janesville, Wisconsin, told me: Bryan, I drive 
less and am more careful about what I buy in the grocery store because 
I am on a fixed income.
  A woman in Oak Creek said: Bryan, I am on a fixed income and with the 
increased cost of medication, groceries, and gas, it is difficult to 
stretch money until the next month's payment.
  A 68-year-old woman from Kenosha, Wisconsin, said: Bryan, I am 
delaying my retirement. Food costs and energy costs are out of control.
  Madam Speaker, we need to change course. It is time we unleash 
American energy, get spending under control, and address the issues 
American families are facing every day.


             Protect Our Communities from Illicit Fentanyl

  Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, illicit fentanyl is devastating our 
communities. In Racine County last year, 68 people died from an illicit 
fentanyl overdose. In Kenosha County, 48 people died of an illicit 
fentanyl overdose death.
  Illicit fentanyl is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 
18 to 45. We must keep working to keep these drugs off our streets.
  I am pleased to announce two of my amendments passed the House last 
week.
  The first amendment will support funding to combat fentanyl from 
entering the country and strengthening border security. The second 
amendment will support funding for high intensity drug trafficking 
areas. This will be used to combat the increase in overdose deaths from 
fentanyl and related substances. These amendments are an important step 
in keeping these dangerous substances off our streets.
  In order to stop the illicit fentanyl flow, we need to secure the 
border, fund law enforcement, and make fentanyl-related substances a 
permanent schedule I drug.
  I encourage Congress to take the steps necessary to protect our 
communities from this illicit substance.


                        Children's Mental Health

  Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, the COVID-19 shutdowns exacerbated a 
worsening crisis in our country. What I am talking about is our 
children's mental health.
  I recently sent a letter to the CDC regarding our youth's mental 
health. The CDC has not released data on suicide rates among children. 
Why?

  The data on suicide rates in children is an important tool needed to 
strengthen our mental health infrastructure across our country.
  As we approach the coming school year, this critical data will help 
us make informed decisions to support our children and improve their 
mental health. I urge the CDC to release this important data regarding 
our children's mental health.


                    Quality Healthcare for Veterans

  Mr. STEIL. Madam Speaker, I will discuss an issue impacting veterans 
in my district. I am continuing to hear stories from families in 
Wisconsin about the quality of care at the State-run Wisconsin Veterans 
Home in Union Grove.
  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported in May that the State-run 
veterans home ranks among one of the worst State-run veterans homes in 
the entire country. This is unacceptable. The substandard care veterans 
have

[[Page H7081]]

suffered at the Union Grove facility is abhorrent and must be addressed 
immediately.
  Two months ago, I asked for a Federal review of the State-run 
facility. Our veterans and their families should be receiving the 
highest-quality care at any facility in Wisconsin. The quality of care 
at that facility has long been a concern of mine.
  It is abundantly clear that the veterans home at Union Grove has much 
larger issues than many imagined. We need to ensure our veterans are 
receiving the care they deserve. I continue to call on the Department 
of Veterans Affairs and CMS to provide a Federal review of the Union 
Grove Veterans Home.

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