[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 20, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H7974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CONSERVING ENERGY SAVES MONEY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Porter) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, this month, Californians have faced one of 
the hottest and longest heat waves on record. From Sacramento to San 
Diego, families have suffered triple-digit temperatures.
  These extreme temperatures put an enormous strain on our electrical 
grid. It is urgent that Americans increase the energy efficiency of our 
homes.
  Fortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act makes this transition easier 
and cheaper. Thanks to this new law, which I helped pass, families can 
get new tax credits and rebates for installing energy-efficient 
products in their homes, including windows, water heaters, and heating 
and cooling systems. I recently welcomed Secretary of Energy Jennifer 
Granholm to visit an Orange County family saving money on utilities 
with efficient appliances.
  As the climate crisis continues to harm communities, the Inflation 
Reduction Act delivers relief. We can conserve energy and save families 
money at the same time.


                    Nursing Homes Aren't Commodities

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to champion protecting our 
seniors.
  Wall Street shouldn't get to decide if older Americans can age with 
dignity. But across the country, private equity firms are spending 
billions to turn nursing homes into commodities.
  When private equity firms take over nursing homes, they cut costs and 
cut corners; they lay off trusted staff; and they stretch care workers 
too thin to provide the care and attention older Americans need. 
Quality of care declines, and deaths among residents rise dramatically.
  We cannot entrust our loved ones to these bad actors. They focus on 
maximizing returns for investors at the expense of delivering protected 
care to seniors, their patients.
  I have long pushed to hold private equity accountable and to end 
corporate abuse in healthcare. The health and well-being of our seniors 
are not for sale.


                   Climate Crisis Is a Health Crisis

  Ms. PORTER. The climate crisis is a health crisis.
  This month, high temperatures threaten the well-being of 
Californians. For some, it was a matter of life and death.
  In the past decade alone, extreme heat has killed 3,900 Californians. 
We know who dies from extreme heat.

                              {time}  1045

  Older Americans die in homes they can't afford to keep cool. Workers 
die in the sun, doing jobs they can't afford to lose.
  After years of ignoring the climate crisis, our Nation has finally 
directed resources to fighting climate change. Green investments in the 
Inflation Reduction Act will help older adults live longer and avoid 
heat-related health emergencies. They will protect our children from 
wildfire smoke that causes chronic breathing conditions. And by 
contributing to a healthier workforce, they will keep our economy 
strong.


                         Broadband Competition

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, the ability to shop for the best deal is 
fundamental to a free market economy. Yet, for years, many people in 
apartments and office buildings have been stuck with only one option 
for internet.
  Service providers have unfairly locked out competitors by securing 
exclusivity agreements with landlords. Tenants are trapped into one 
choice for broadband, whether they are getting a fair deal or whether 
they are getting ripped off.
  Allowing big corporations to gatekeep the market is not healthy 
capitalism. I have previously pushed for the Federal Communications 
Commission to crack down on abusive Internet Service Providers. I am 
pleased that the FCC unanimously adopted new rules this year to end 
these predatory agreements.
  Strengthening competition for broadband is proven to lower costs, 
improve service, and promote innovation. Americans should have the 
freedom to choose the internet plan that is best for them.

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