[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING 88TH ANNIVERSARY OF SOCIAL SECURITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Porter) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate a foundational program 
that has delivered for older Americans and people with disabilities.
  Since 1935, Social Security has lifted millions of families out of 
poverty. It has protected seniors' retirement, helped disabled 
Americans live with dignity, and provided a lifeline for families that 
have lost loved ones. Over 1 million Californians rely on Social 
Security.
  We should build on that success, not dismantle a program that adds 
zero dollars to the Federal deficit.
  I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 
Act, which will safeguard this program for generations to come.
  Workers pay into Social Security. They work hard and contribute to 
our economy. Congress has a duty to keep this Nation's promise and 
guarantee that Social Security will be there when workers and their 
families need help.
  On the 88th anniversary of Social Security, let's recommit ourselves 
to fulfilling this responsibility.


                  Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Anniversary

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, August 5, 2023, marks the 60th anniversary 
of the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a milestone that shows our 
commitment to peace and safety.
  The year before the treaty's signing, the world was closer to nuclear 
war than ever before. By halting most nuclear tests, this agreement 
cooled the arms race and demonstrated the power of diplomacy.
  The anniversary of this treaty also serves as a solemn reminder that 
the United States has never taken responsibility for the harms of the 
67 nuclear tests that we conducted in the Marshall Islands.
  With world tensions heightening once again, the ideals put forth six 
decades ago in the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty remain just as 
important today. I have introduced bipartisan legislation to formally 
apologize for the harms we inflicted on the Marshallese people, and I 
will continue to demand action as a member of the House Indo-Pacific 
Task Force.
  We owe it to our kids and grandkids to safeguard this planet for 
future generations.

                              {time}  1100


                      Holding the FAA Accountable

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, the Federal Aviation Administration is 
responsible for keeping Americans safe in the air and on the ground. It 
should be subject to rigorous and consistent oversight.
  Our constituents deserve a Congress that does its job of holding the 
FAA accountable. Too often, the FAA takes months just to respond to 
congressional inquiries, much less fix these longstanding problems.
  I am proud that the House adopted my bipartisan amendment requiring 
the head of the FAA to testify annually before Congress so that we can 
get answers about the Agency's successes and shortcomings. My amendment 
also strengthens the transparency on FAA's response time for 
congressional requests.
  Holding Federal agencies accountable is not a partisan issue. Every 
American benefits from tough, consistent, and fair oversight. I urge 
the Senate to include this oversight amendment in its own FAA 
legislation.


               Brain Imaging Helps Blast Exposure Victims

  Ms. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, our troops risk their lives to keep us safe. 
In training and during combat, they can develop health conditions that 
aren't immediately visible. To repay those who serve our country, we 
must do all we can to identify and treat these internal injuries and 
prevent them when possible.
  In recent decades, we have seen a striking increase in troops with 
traumatic brain injuries due to blast exposure. I have worked with 
Democrats and Republicans to deliver help.
  The House recently adopted a bipartisan amendment that I wrote to 
gather more data on how routine brain scans can contribute to the 
diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention of brain injuries.
  At least one study has shown that regular brain imaging can 
accelerate patients getting the care they need and put them on the path 
to recovery. A more complete understanding of this technology will help 
us get our servicemembers the top-notch care they deserve.

                          ____________________