[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 107 (Tuesday, June 20, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2971-H2972]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REAL SOLUTIONS ARE BIPARTISAN SOLUTIONS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Nickel) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, in such a closely divided Congress, the only 
real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can pass the House and get 
60 votes in the Senate.
  For me, bipartisanship is more than just a buzzword. That is why as a 
member of the House Financial Services Committee, I am working on 
advancing commonsense, bipartisan legislation. Since January, I am 
proud to have advanced three bipartisan bills through committee and one 
through the floor of the House.
  The Equal Opportunity for All Investors Act, which I co-led with 
Congressman  Mike Flood, recently passed on the House floor with 383 
votes and would help cut through government red tape and ensure well-
qualified and more diverse individuals are able to invest in our 
private markets.
  The second bill, Improving Disclosures for Investors Act, which I co-
led with Congressman Huizenga, is the next step in the decades-long 
process of modernizing the SEC's electronic delivery rules, while 
providing strong investor protections.
  The China Exchange Rate Transparency Act, which I co-led with 
Congressman Meuser, would enable us to learn more about China's 
exchange rate policies to level the playing field for American 
businesses and promote domestic manufacturing.
  As we look ahead, I know that we can reach consensus and find common 
ground on the issues facing the American people. One of those areas is 
stablecoin legislation. I am proud of the work we have done this 
Congress on bipartisan stablecoin legislation.
  The most recent draft includes many of my suggestions, like 
protecting State regulators in North Carolina, adding consumer 
protections, and ensuring banks can safely hold digital assets in their 
custody.
  I hope that we can continue to come together, put politics aside, and 
reach a bipartisan agreement that can pass through committee with 
support from Democrats and Republicans. I stand ready to work with 
Members on both sides of the aisle to find solutions and get things 
done for the people of North Carolina's 13th District.


              Celebrating Distinguished North Carolinians

  Mr. NICKEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and congratulate a 
distinguished North Carolinian, Dr. Mandy Cohen, on her recent 
appointment as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, the CDC. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Dr. 
Cohen's commitment to public health and her exceptional leadership 
skills.
  North Carolina has a rich history of contributing remarkable 
individuals to our great Nation. Our State has always nurtured talent 
and fostered innovation. Dr. Cohen's appointment as the head of the CDC 
exemplifies North Carolina's continued influence on the national stage.
  Throughout her tenure as the secretary of the North Carolina 
Department of Health and Human Services--where I served in the State 
senate during her tenure, as well--Dr. Cohen has demonstrated 
unparalleled dedication to improving the health and well-being of our 
citizens. In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the 
COVID-19 pandemic, she led North Carolina's robust response efforts 
with compassion and expertise.
  Today, as we honor Dr. Cohen, we also take pride in recognizing two 
other North Carolinians appointed to critical national positions.
  Michael Regan, a native of North Carolina's 13th Congressional 
District, serves as the administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency, the EPA. Mr. Regan's passion and expertise have propelled us 
toward a greener, more sustainable future.
  Erik Hooks, the deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, FEMA, also hails from North Carolina. In his role, 
Mr. Hooks has played a pivotal role in disaster response and recovery 
efforts, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across our 
Nation.
  As we celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Mandy Cohen, Michael 
Regan, and Erik Hooks, we also recognize the collective achievements of 
North Carolina. I was with our Governor, Roy Cooper, just last week and 
he made note of these important contributions from these three North 
Carolinians in this administration.
  Our State has consistently produced exceptional leaders who have made 
significant contributions to our Nation.

[[Page H2972]]

  I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Mandy Cohen on her 
appointment as the Director of the CDC. I am confident she will bring 
the same passion and expertise to this new position that she 
demonstrated throughout her career in North Carolina.
  To Michael Regan and Erik Hooks, I express my deepest appreciation 
for their invaluable contributions to our Nation. North Carolina is 
proud to call these exceptional individuals our own, and we look 
forward to the positive impact they will play and continue to have on 
our country.

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