[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H7185-H7189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      SOUTH ASIAN HEART HEALTH AWARENESS AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2022

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1254, I call 
up the bill (H.R. 3771) to amend the Public Health Service Act to 
provide for research and improvement of cardiovascular health among the 
South Asian population of the United States, and for other purposes, 
and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Chu). Pursuant to House Resolution 1254, 
in lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by 
the Committee on Energy and Commerce printed in the bill, an amendment 
in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee 
Print 117-58 is adopted, and the bill, as amended, is considered read.
  The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:

                               H.R. 3771

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``South Asian Heart Health 
     Awareness and Research Act of 2022''.

     SEC. 2. HEART HEALTH PROMOTION GRANTS.

       Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 
     et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 317U (42 
     U.S.C. 247b-23) the following new section:

     ``SEC. 317V. HEART HEALTH PROMOTION GRANTS.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to States 
     for the purpose of promoting awareness of the increasing 
     prevalence of heart disease, including, where appropriate, 
     its relationship to type 2 diabetes, in communities 
     disproportionately affected by heart disease such as South 
     Asian communities in the United States.
       ``(b) Use of Funds.--A State that receives a grant under 
     subsection (a) shall use such grant funds--
       ``(1) to develop culturally appropriate materials on 
     evidence-based heart health promotion topics, such as 
     nutrition education, optimal diet plans, and programs for 
     regular exercise;
       ``(2) to support heart health promotion activities of 
     community organizations that work with or serve communities 
     disproportionately affected by heart disease, such as South 
     Asian communities in the United States; or
       ``(3) to support, with respect to research conducted 
     relating to heart disease, conferences and workshops on how 
     practices, methodologies, and designs of such research should 
     be changed to include in such research more members of 
     communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, 
     such as South Asian communities in the United States.
       ``(c) Annual Report to Congress.--Not later than 180 days 
     after the date of the enactment of the South Asian Heart 
     Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022, and annually 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     on outreach efforts and data relating to heart disease in 
     communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, 
     such as South Asian communities in the United States.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For purposes of 
     carrying out this section, there is authorized to be 
     appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
     2027.''.

     SEC. 3. HEART HEALTH RESEARCH.

       Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 
     U.S.C. 284 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 409K. HEART HEALTH RESEARCH.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary may--
       ``(1) conduct or support research and related activities 
     regarding cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other 
     heart health-related ailments among at-risk populations, 
     including South Asian communities in the United States; and
       ``(2) establish an internet clearinghouse to catalog 
     existing evidence-based heart health research and treatment 
     options for communities disproportionately affected by heart 
     disease, such as South Asian communities in the United 
     States, to prevent, treat, or reverse heart disease and 
     diabetes.
       ``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--For purposes of 
     carrying out this section, there is authorized to be 
     appropriated $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 
     2027.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, as amended, shall be debatable for 
1 hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority 
member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their respective 
designees.
  After 1 hour of debate on the bill, as amended, it shall be in order 
to consider the further amendment printed in part A of House Report 
117-432, if offered by the Member designated in the report, which shall 
be considered read, shall be separately debatable for the time 
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent 
and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for a division of 
the question.
  The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.

                              {time}  1215


                             General Leave

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and add extraneous material on H.R. 3771.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New Jersey?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3771, the South Asian 
Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022. I thank Representative

[[Page H7186]]

Jayapal and the bill's bipartisan sponsors for their work on this 
important piece of legislation.
  Heart disease, Madam Speaker, claims a life in the United States 
every 34 seconds. In 2020 alone, heart disease resulted in the deaths 
of 697,000 Americans. These statistics, which are troubling by 
themselves, are further shaped by systemic health disparities. Black 
men have a 70 percent higher risk of heart failure compared to White 
men, and Black women have a 50 percent higher risk compared to White 
women. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Hispanic men, 
and for Hispanic women, heart disease is second only to cancer.
  The South Asian community is also disproportionately impacted by this 
deadly disease. While South Asians comprise 23 percent of the world's 
population as of 2020, they carry approximately 60 percent of the 
world's global burden of heart disease. The increased risk and 
disproportionate impact that heart disease has on the South Asian-
American community in this country is often obscured by the lack of 
data specificity, as South Asian Americans are often grouped with other 
Asian Americans.
  So H.R. 3771 takes a multipronged approach to address these trends. 
The legislation allows States to direct culturally appropriate 
resources to communities that are disproportionately impacted by heart 
disease through grants, with the goal of increasing awareness and 
promoting prevention. The legislation also supports research efforts on 
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other heart-related 
ailments among at-risk populations.
  H.R. 3771 is a bipartisan, commonsense approach to an undeniable 
heart health and research gap for the South Asian-American community. 
These important investments will ensure a greater understanding with 
respect to individuals disproportionately at risk for heart-related 
disease and will help in our efforts to address disparities in heart 
health currently experienced by many Americans.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation.
  I just want to thank Representative Jayapal, again, because, as you 
know, Madam Speaker, I have a very large Asian-American community, and 
many of them, particularly the healthcare providers, have pointed to 
the problems disproportionately with heart disease.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my concerns with H.R. 3771, 
the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022.
  Investing in the health of all Americans through innovative and 
targeted programming has been a priority for House Republicans. We have 
been steadfast in our support for heart health promotion and 
cardiovascular research through consistent and robust funding of the 
National Institutes of Health and most recently through passage of 
Congressman Barr's H.R. 1193, the Cardiovascular Advances in Research 
and Opportunities Legacy Act.
  Unfortunately, H.R. 3771, the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and 
Research Act of 2022, that we are discussing today will do nothing to 
meaningfully improve cardiovascular health of Americans.
  Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans have repeatedly expressed 
concerns throughout the entire legislative process. There are already 
numerous Federal initiatives at the CDC, the NIH, and the Patient-
Centered Outcomes Research Institute which are already dedicated to 
cardiovascular health. What the CDC really needs to do is refocus on 
its original mission of controlling and responding to infectious 
diseases.
  After extending itself in so many directions in their interest of 
prevention and public health, the CDC has become nearly incapable of 
adequately addressing serious threats posed by infectious diseases, 
especially novel ones for which there is little information about 
risks, spread, and treatment. Now is not the time to create duplicative 
programs when the CDC's management of an ongoing pandemic and the 
current monkeypox outbreak has arguably been abysmal.
  Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gotttlieb was recently quoted as saying 
that it may be too late to control and contain the monkeypox and 
compared CDC's response to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic saying 
that the U.S. is making a lot of the same mistakes, such as a lack of 
testing and not enough vaccines.
  I couldn't agree more.
  The window to getting this under control is closing fast. There are 
other concerning infectious diseases that need to be addressed. Ghana 
just recently declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, an incredibly 
infectious and deadly virus that needs to be addressed by the global 
health community immediately before it gets out of hand.
  Addressing and preventing heart disease is important. Make no mistake 
about that. But the ever-expanding portfolio of public health issues is 
simply not sustainable. We don't need another duplicative public health 
prevention initiative that further erodes the CDC's focus.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to 
the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Jayapal), who is the bill's 
sponsor.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Pallone for all the work 
he has done. I know he has a big API community in his district, so we 
appreciate his attention to these issues.

  I am very proud to rise in support of my bipartisan bill, the South 
Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, and I thank my colleague 
from the other side of the aisle, Representative   Joe Wilson, as well 
as several other Republicans who have cosponsored this bill and for 
leading on this issue with me.
  Every 38 seconds, a person in the United States dies from 
cardiovascular disease. It is the leading cause of death, regardless of 
gender, for most racial and ethnic groups in America. But within those 
groups, South Asian Americans have the highest death rate from heart 
disease nationwide.
  Now, one of the things I love about Congress is that when we have 
representation of various diverse communities, we are able to bring up 
issues that our constituents raise to us or that we feel very 
viscerally. I first introduced this bill in 2017 after the mother of 
Ven Neralla, my then-legislative director and who is still a staff 
member here in Congress, tragically died suddenly of heart disease. As 
we started researching the issue what we learned is that South Asian 
Americans are four times more likely to develop heart disease than the 
general population.
  As the first South Asian-American woman in the House of 
Representatives, I am aware of the barriers that our communities 
experience to address this epidemic. Much of our knowledge about the 
risks within this community is actually thanks to relatively new 
research and personal experience. We just don't exhibit the typical 
risk factors for heart disease, which hinders early diagnosis and 
prevention measures, not only within our own community but within the 
broader group of people who have heart disease.
  So while my bill does focus on the South Asian community, it benefits 
all Americans, and it is careful in the bill--in working through 
language with Republicans last year and in this Congress--to make sure 
that we have that multipronged approach. It is even more important as 
we continue to grapple with the lasting impacts of COVID-19. The 
American Heart Association says that heart disease will likely continue 
to kill more Americans than any other cause as `` . . . the influence 
of COVID-19 will directly and indirectly impact rates of cardiovascular 
disease prevalence and deaths for years to come. . . .''
  Ven's mom would have turned 80 this year. His family is just one of 
millions who have lost a loved one because of heart disease. But her 
death will not be in vain. This bill will help prevent other families 
from undergoing this same tragedy. By passing this bill, not only will 
we prevent deaths within the South Asian community, but we will also 
increase awareness and understanding of cardiovascular disease that

[[Page H7187]]

will benefit the health and well-being of every American.
  Again, I am grateful to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle 
who understand the importance of this bill and have really stepped up 
to help me pass this legislation on the floor today.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on passing this 
bill and saving lives.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Iowa (Mrs. Miller-Meeks). Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks 
is someone who is no less than an expert in public health.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Carter for 
yielding me time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Republican motion to 
recommit H.R. 3771.
  We can all agree that preventing myocardial events in Asian Americans 
and all populations is important, but the health of our children coming 
through the pandemic is critical.
  The Republican motion to recommit would require the Department of 
Health and Human Services to submit a report to Congress on the 
education crisis in K-12 public schools as a result of the COVID-19 
pandemic. This report would include the total number of days schools 
were closed, the impact that school closures had on our most vulnerable 
population--which includes both academic achievement and mental 
health--and the amount of classroom instruction time that was lost.
  As a mother of two children, I understand how important it is for all 
kids to be in school and learning among their peers. Unfortunately, 
throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools had vaccine mandates, 
masking requirements, and virtual-only learning which has resulted in 
students paying the price through learning loss. The report to Congress 
this motion to recommit authorizes will provide us with the data that 
will help us move forward from this pandemic.
  Early in the pandemic there was a lot of focus on limiting people's 
interactions with others. However, by summer of 2020, I would argue 
that the risk of keeping schools closed and how to reopen them as 
safely as possible was known. In fact, this was widely the practice in 
Europe.
  As a physician and former Iowa director of public health, I recognize 
that children are at infinitesimally low risk of severe illness with 
COVID. In fact, in February of 2021, The New York Times reported that 
86 percent of pediatric disease experts recommended in-person schooling 
regardless of vaccination status. In addition, a recent study found 
that grade-schoolers are at a lower risk than vaccinated adults.
  By using transparent data from the CDC, we can make the best 
decisions for students when it comes to in-person instruction, vaccine 
and masking mandates, and their mental health, given the startling rise 
in youth suicide.
  I believe that it is imperative for students to go to school and have 
in-person instruction. Our future leaders depend on the best education 
possible, which starts in the classroom. Let me repeat that: in the 
classroom.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the 
Republican motion to recommit. As we are entering a new school year 
after 2 years of a pandemic, our students deserve to be back in the 
classroom among their peers.

  Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of the 
amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to 
recommit.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Bustos). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from Iowa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may to consume 
to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu).
  Ms. CHU. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3771, 
the bipartisan South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act, 
which will not only raise awareness about the prevalence of heart 
disease in the South Asian community but save lives across our country.
  I thank Congresswoman Jayapal for introducing this very important 
bill.
  Language barriers, stigma, a lack of data surrounding AANHPI health, 
and the rise in anti-Asian rhetoric and violence are just some of the 
challenges communities of color face in accessing healthcare. South 
Asian Americans, in particular, have four times the risk of heart 
disease compared to the general population.
  The factors behind this epidemic of heart disease among this 
community are not understood, and, more importantly, preventative 
measures are rarely shared. This bill before us today will tackle these 
issues and help to reverse these frightening trends and better protect 
South Asian-American communities nationwide, as well as patients of all 
races and ethnicities.
  Specifically, this bill will create heart health promotion grants at 
the Centers for Disease Control to develop culturally appropriate 
materials to promote heart health, so that no one loses out on 
lifesaving information just because of the language they speak. It 
would also establish a clearinghouse of information on heart health 
through the NIH and conduct research on cardiovascular disease and 
other heart ailments among communities disproportionately affected by 
heart disease, such as South Asian Americans.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and have been proud 
to support its endorsement by the Congressional Asian Pacific American 
Caucus which I chair. This bill is going to save lives, and we must 
pass it today.

                              {time}  1230

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Let me just thank, again, Ms. Jayapal and others on a bipartisan 
basis. This is a very important bill for my district in many areas 
where we have a large South Asian community.
  And one of the things that Ms. Chu mentioned was the data. 
Oftentimes, we don't have the data, and just getting the information, 
in itself, is going to be significant as a result of this bill. I ask 
for support on both sides, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3771, known 
as the South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2021.
  This bill establishes programs that support heart-disease research 
and awareness among communities disproportionately affected by heart 
disease, like the South Asian community within the United States.
  The South Asian American community across the United States grew by 
nearly 40 percent between 2010 and 2017. Today, there are over 5 
million South Asian Americans in the United States.
  South Asian Americans are four times more likely to suffer from heart 
disease than other ethnic groups, and experience heart problems nearly 
a decade earlier on average.
  Globally, South Asians have emerged as the ethnic group with the 
highest prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of 
heart disease.
  Type 2 diabetes often occurs due to a combination of a patient's 
genetics, and environment. Those with South Asian heritage contain a 
genetic predisposition that places them at an even greater risk for 
Type 2 diabetes, and by extension, heart disease.
  Studies have shown that South Asians in the United States--people who 
immigrated from or whose families immigrated from countries including 
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal--are experiencing 
dramatic rises in rates of heart disease when compared to other 
immigrant groups within the United States.
  As a co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus and a member of 
the Congressional India Caucus, I've had the pleasure of engaging with 
members of the South Asian community, especially within my hometown of 
Houston. Texas has one of the highest populations of South Asian 
Americans, along with California and New Jersey.
  This bill would direct the Department of Health and Human Services 
(HHS) Secretary to create grants to provide funding for community 
groups involved in South Asian heart health advocacy, while also 
developing culturally appropriate materials to promote heart health in 
the South Asian community.
  These culturally appropriate materials to promote heart health would 
be tailored by health care providers who best understand the specific 
needs of the South Asian community within the United States.
  It would also direct the HHS Secretary to fund grants through the 
National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on 
cardiovascular disease and other heart ailments.
  Organizations like the South Asian Heart Center and the South Asian 
Health Initiative would be eligible for these opportunities.
  These organizations work to educate members of the South Asian 
American community

[[Page H7188]]

about their increased risk for heart disease, lead prevention efforts 
through programs that promote healthy lifestyles, and work on research 
towards understanding why South Asian Americans are at an increased 
risk for heart disease.
  This legislation would be instrumental in improving the health and 
wellbeing of millions of Americans. It is endorsed by a number of 
health organizations such as:
  the American College of Cardiology,
  American Heart Association,
  American Medical Association,
  American Stroke Association,
  WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease,
  American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin,
  South Asian Public Health Association,
  Hindu American Foundation,
  Hindu American Physicians in Seva,
  South Asian Health Lifestyle Intervention,
  Bangladsh Medical Association of North America, and
  South Asian Heart Center.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3771.
  Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3771, the ``South 
Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022.'' As Chairwoman 
of the House Health Subcommittee, I'm proud to have advanced this 
bipartisan bill and I'm pleased to support it on the Floor today.
  ``The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022'' 
sponsored by Representatives Jayapal and Fitzpatrick promotes research 
and awareness of heart health for communities that are 
disproportionately affected by heart disease.
  Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., but 
it is a disproportionate killer. According to the American College of 
Cardiology, South Asian Americans are four times more likely to die 
from cardiovascular disease than any other ethnic group in the U.S. 
Despite these alarming statistics, researchers still do not fully 
understand why it is such a targeted threat.
  This legislation provides $1 million annually for the next five years 
to advance research and awareness of heart health for the most 
vulnerable American communities.
  ``The South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act'' was 
introduced in the 115th Congress, passed the House in 116th Congress, 
and is past-due to become law in the 117th Congress. I urge my 
colleagues to help close this health disparity gap in our country and 
support this important bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate on the bill has expired.


                 Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Pallone

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 
1 printed in part A of House Report 117-432.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I have an amendment at the desk that was 
made in order by the rule.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the gentleman from New Jersey rise as 
the designee for the gentlewoman from New Jersey?
  Mr. PALLONE. Yes, I will be the designee in lieu of Ms. Sherrill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendment.
  The text of the amendment is as follows:
       Page 2, strike lines 15 through 22 and insert the 
     following:
       ``(c) Reports to Congress.--
       ``(1) Study on relationship between certain rates of 
     morbidity and mortality as a result of heart disease in at-
     risk populations.--
       ``(A) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall seek to enter 
     into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, 
     Engineering, and Medicine (or, if the National Academies 
     decline to enter into the agreement, another appropriate 
     entity) under which the National Academies (or other 
     appropriate entity) will conduct a study of the relationship 
     between COVID-19 and rates of morbidity and mortality as a 
     result of heart disease in at-risk populations, such as South 
     Asian communities in the United States.
       ``(B) Report.--Not later than 5 years after the date of 
     enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
     Congress a report on the results of the study under 
     subsection (a).
       ``(2) Report on outreach.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this section, and annually 
     thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report 
     on outreach efforts and data relating to heart disease in 
     communities disproportionately affected by heart disease, 
     such as South Asian communities in the United States.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 1254, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and a Member opposed each will 
control 5 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the underlying 
bill, H.R. 3771, and to offer an amendment that focuses on the impact 
of COVID-19 on rates of heart disease in at-risk communities.
  The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an immeasurable toll on the American 
people. Over one million people have lost their lives, and countless 
more will suffer long-term health impacts as a result of the disease.
  There is an undeniable link between COVID-19 infections and ongoing 
heart complications. A study published in Nature Medicine in February 
of this year concluded the risk of heart problems 1 year after COVID-19 
infection is substantial.
  COVID-19 can indirectly attack the heart through lack of oxygen, 
causing the heart to overwork and contributing to cell death and tissue 
damage in the heart and other organs. It can also infect the heart's 
muscle tissue, leading to tissue damage and inflammation, stress 
cardiomyopathy, and blood clots.
  And as a result, COVID-19 has only widened heart health disparities 
around the country. During the pandemic, Black, Hispanic, and Asian 
populations in the U.S. experienced a disproportionate rise in deaths 
caused by heart disease.
  This amendment directs the Secretary of HHS to enter into an 
agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and 
Medicine, or another appropriate entity, to conduct a study on the 
relationship between COVID-19 and rates of morbidity and mortality as a 
result of heart disease in at-risk communities.
  We must take steps now to understand the scope of the relationship 
between COVID-19 and heart disease in our most vulnerable populations.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the 
amendment.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my concerns 
with the amendment offered by Representative Sherrill to H.R. 3771, the 
South Asian Heart Health Awareness and Research Act of 2022.
  The amendment requires the Secretary to enter into an agreement with 
the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, to study 
the relationship between COVID-19 and rates of morbidity and mortality 
as a result of heart disease in at-risk populations.
  This amendment is highly duplicative of ongoing work at the National 
Institutes of Health. A basic web search for research on this issue on 
the National Library of Medicine's PubMed yields over 13,000 
publications, reviews, and clinical trial data.
  Furthermore, the NIH has an entire resource page titled ``How Does 
COVID-19 Affect the Heart.'' That page links to several studies funded 
by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
  This duplicative amendment will add additional costs to the bill, as 
authorizing the National Academies generally requires about $1 to $2 
million to conduct studies. What a waste of precious taxpayer dollars.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Jayapal), the sponsor of the bill.
  Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Representatives 
Sherrill's amendment to study the relationship between COVID-19 and 
rates of morbidity and mortality due to heart disease.
  And while it is true the gentleman is correct, that there is research 
out there, the reality is also that there needs to be more, and that 
the studies that are out there right now prove some elements, but not 
the entire causal relationship.
  In a large study of COVID-19 survivors conducted by the VA, 
researchers found increased frequency of abnormal heart rhythms, heart 
muscle inflammation, blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, and heart 
failure in patients who had COVID-19. The cardiac effects of COVID-19, 
however, are extremely widespread, and not broadly understood.

[[Page H7189]]

  I am just going to say, I also have personal experience with this. 
After my husband contracted COVID-19 from me, after I got it when some 
colleagues on the other side of the aisle did not want to wear masks on 
January 6 in the safe room, he, unfortunately had a series of heart 
attacks and had to have a series of heart operations last year.
  Every single doctor said to us, we need more research on exactly what 
the causal relationship is. And this is the reality of where we are 
today; and I think that this amendment by Representative Sherrill is a 
very good addition to the bill.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I oppose this amendment. I 
think it is duplicative, and I think it is a waste of taxpayers' money.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I would urge support for the amendment, 
as well as the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the previous question 
is ordered on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New Jersey 
(Mr. Pallone).
  The question is on the amendment.
  The amendment was agreed to.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the engrossment and third 
reading of the bill.
  The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, and was 
read the third time.


                           Motion to Recommit

  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I have a motion to recommit at the 
desk.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will report the motion to 
recommit.
  The Clerk read as follows:
       Mrs. Miller-Meeks of Iowa moves to recommit the bill H.R. 
     3771 to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  The material previously referred to by Mrs. Miller-Meeks is as 
follows:

       At the end of the bill, add the following new section:

     SEC. 4. REPORT ON THE COVID-19 EDUCATION CRISIS IN PUBLIC 
                   SCHOOLS.

       Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide 
     to Congress a report on the COVID-19 education crisis in 
     public schools during the period between March 1, 2020, and 
     March 1, 2022. Such report shall include--
       (1) the average number of days elementary and secondary 
     education schools were closed to in-person classroom 
     instruction;
       (2) the average amount of time intended for in-person 
     classroom instruction that was lost;
       (3) the participation rates in remote-learning programs;
       (4) the impact of school closures on children, including 
     the disproportionate impact on children in low-income, 
     disadvantaged, or vulnerable communities, with regard to--
       (A) academic achievement;
       (B) mental health and well-being; and
       (C) social development;
       (5) a detailed accounting of the Centers for Disease 
     Control and Prevention's decision-making process and data 
     used for the creation of the ``Operational Guidance for K-12 
     Schools and Early Care and Education Programs to Support Safe 
     In-Person Learning''; and
       (6) a detailed accounting of unspent Federal dollars 
     directed to school districts that were authorized by the 
     American Rescue Plan Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX, the 
previous question is ordered on the motion to recommit.
  The question is on the motion to recommit.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the noes appeared to have it.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this question will be postponed.

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