[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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