Mark Pocan: “I want to thank my friend, Ms. Jayapal, for yielding me some time. I want to thank my friend from Wisconsin (Mr.…”

“I want to thank my friend, Ms. Jayapal, for yielding me some time. I want to thank my friend from Wisconsin (Mr. Grothman) for his supportive words. I appreciate that. I am happy that we here today to pass H.R. 2134, the Helen Keller National Center Reauthorization Act of 2019, which I am glad to author and introduce with my colleagues, Representatives Tom Suozzi and Tom Cole. Without their support, as well as the support of Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Pete King, and Chairman Bobby Scott, this legislation would not be on the floor today. The Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults was first authorized by Congress in 1967 to assist the deaf-blind community in America. To this day, it is the only comprehensive national program that provides information, referrals, support, and training exclusively to Americans who have combined vision and hearing loss, while also supporting families and professionals who work with the deaf-blind community. Unfortunately, the center's authorization has lapsed, but through our actions today, we will be able to reauthorize it through 2023 and continue to advocate on its behalf during the annual appropriations process.…”