H5652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 2, 2020 According to the Mayo Clinic, a D&C proce- b 1000 not deported who had her left fallopian dure is used for the following medical reasons: Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I re- tube removed, and it was confirmed by Clearing out tissues that remain in the uterus serve the balance of my time. independent gynecologists. after a miscarriage or abortion to prevent in- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, may I Now, Mr. Speaker, I really believe fection or heavy bleeding; Removing a tumor inquire how much time remains. that we crafted this resolution in a that forms instead of a normal pregnancy; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- way that it could truly be a bipartisan Treating excessive bleeding after delivery by tlewoman from Washington has 1 resolution and that protects the ability clearing out any placenta that remains in the minute remaining. for this investigation to continue with uterus; or Removing cervical or uterine polyps, Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I am all the facts on the table, and we are which are usually benign. prepared to close. grateful that there is an investigation However, when Pauline woke up from the Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I going. anesthesia, she was informed that the doctor yield myself the balance of my time. But in order to have a proper inves- had removed her fallopian tube during the sur- Mr. Speaker, John Adams’ famous tigation, we need to have these wit- gery. observation bears repeating here today. nesses here. We need to make sure that This medical procedure, which substantially He said: ‘‘Facts are stubborn things; the women who have had these proce- impacts Pauline’s potential to have more chil- and whatever may be our wishes, our dures are actually able to get care. And dren, was performed without her consent and inclinations, or the dictates of our pas- we need to make sure that this House has forever altered Pauline’s life. sions, they cannot alter the state of says very clearly, in any situation, And Pauline is not the only victim. facts and evidence.’’ that these unnecessary, unwanted med- Numerous allegations of medical abuse at We have heard a great deal from the ical procedures, if true, done without the Irwin County Detention Center have come other side about their passions, but we consent and knowledge, are wrong. to light over the past few days and weeks. don’t have all the facts. That is what That is all this resolution does. These shocking claims of medical mal- the ongoing investigations will provide Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues on practice reflect widespread medical neglect in us. the other side will vote ‘‘yes’’ with us the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce- The facts that stubbornly present on this resolution, and I yield back the ment (ICE) detention system. themselves on this matter here today balance of my time. It is imperative that we, as Members of Con- are that the AP found no evidence of The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time gress, fulfill our duty to the American people mass hysterectomies at this facility. for debate has expired. and get to the bottom of what happened to the The hospital that performs them for Pursuant to House Resolution 1164, women being held at the Irwin County Deten- the facility reports that two have been the previous question is ordered on the tion Center. performed on ICE detainees since 2017. resolution and on the preamble, as We cannot wait. The hospital tells us the allegations amended. The women in this facility cannot wait. are demonstrably false—demon- The question is on the resolution. We must seek out justice for these women strably—in other words, they can prove The question was taken; and the immediately, and that starts by voting to pass it. The attorney who made the allega- Speaker pro tempore announced that this resolution. tions that have given rise to this de- the ayes appeared to have it. Furthermore, Pauline and the other women bate today admitted to The Wash- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, on who have shared their stories of these vio- ington Post that they were not based that I demand the yeas and nays. lating and nonconsensual medical procedures on any evidence and that she included The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- must have the ability to contribute to this in- them ‘‘whether or not true’’ to prompt ant to section 3 of House Resolution vestigation. the investigation. 965, the yeas and nays are ordered. Had I not intervened and stopped Pauline’s All the wishes and inclinations on Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- deportation when I did, we would have lost a the other side to abolish ICE, repeal ther proceedings on this question are key witness to the investigation; someone who our immigration laws, throw our bor- postponed. is vital to shining a light on these cruel, and ders open, all the other things that f immoral medical procedures performed with- have been proposed from time to time out full and informed consent. and all of the vitriolic passions we have CONDEMNING QANON AND REJECT- We cannot be known as a country that vio- heard from the other side today cannot ING THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES lates our own laws. alter the state of facts and evidence. IT PROMOTES Just because someone is an immigrant, is More facts and evidence will be pre- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, pursu- undocumented, or being detained for deporta- sented to us as the investigation ant to House Resolution 1164, I call up tion, it does not mean that they can be denied unfolds, and that will tell us exactly the resolution (H. Res. 1154) con- their due process rights under the laws of this what happened at this facility. I would demning QAnon and rejecting the con- land and under the constitution of the United strongly advise my friends to await the spiracy theories it promotes, and ask States of America. investigation to inform us and to guide for its immediate consideration in the Last weekend, I, along with several other us. House. Members of Congress, had the opportunity to My Democratic colleagues are fond of The Clerk read the title of the resolu- visit the Irwin County Detention Center. saying that we must always follow the tion. During that trip, I was able to speak with data. Mr. Speaker, I now commend to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- multiple detainees and hear about the living them their own advice. ant to House Resolution 1164, the reso- circumstances and quality of care surrounding Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance lution is considered read. their detention at the facility. of my time. The text of the resolution is as fol- It is no secret that the United States has Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield lows: myself the balance of my time. had a long history of women being denied re- H. RES. 1154 productive rights and being violated medically, Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying Whereas, throughout history, conspiracy especially women of color. to my good colleague across the aisle theories that falsely blame secret cabals or When you perform procedures that disallow that, when he says that first reports marginalized groups for society’s ills have a woman from making her own choices or are always wrong, let me ask, is that fueled prejudice, genocide, and acts of ter- deny her from making a choice, you are vio- like the first reports of family separa- rorism; lating her very humanity, and I will not stand tion or kids in cages? Whereas QAnon is a movement promoting idly by and allow it to continue. When my colleague says to let the in- a collection of unfounded conspiracy theo- As a woman and a mother, I am appalled vestigation continue, that is exactly ries that have spread widely on the internet and horrified by what has been happening to what this resolution does. It specifi- since 2017; cally defines the ability to keep these Whereas QAnon initially alleged that these women at the Irwin County Detention prominent Americans are engaged in a secret Center, and I believe that we owe it to them women who will be witnesses in this in- plot to control the world, while using their to investigate their claims fully. vestigation in the United States. In power to exploit children, and has expanded I urge my colleagues to vote with their con- fact, just last week we had to, once to embrace virtually every popular con- science and pass H. Res. 1153 today. again, make sure that a woman was spiracy theory of the last several decades,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02OC7.024 H02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE October 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5653 from questioning the truth about the Sep- tests, and encouraging followers to damage, specific people, places, and organiza- tember 11th terrorist attacks, to believing in deface, or vandalize local, State, and Federal tions, thereby increasing the likeli- alien landings, to denying the safety of vac- Government properties and to attack law en- hood of violence against these tar- cines; forcement: Now, therefore, be it gets.’’ Whereas many QAnon followers express Resolved, That the House of Representa- anti-Semitic views, and the Anti-Defamation tives— Mr. Speaker, as the Members may League has said that the movement’s central (1) condemns QAnon and rejects the con- know, the resolution’s lead sponsor, conspiracy theory includes anti-Semitic ele- spiracy theories it promotes; Representative MALINOWSKI, has him- ments; (2) condemns all other groups and self faced threats from QAnon sup- Whereas conspiracy theories have been a ideologies, from the far left to the far right, porters after he was falsely accused of central driver of anti-Semitism for cen- that contribute to the spread of unfounded lobbying to protect sexual predators. turies, and QAnon conspiracy theories are conspiracy theories and that encourage According to the Combating Ter- fanning the flames as anti-Semitism is on Americans to destroy public and private rorism Center at the West Point Mili- the rise in the United States and around the property and attack law enforcement offi- world; cers; tary Academy: ‘‘QAnon is arguably no Whereas the Federal Bureau of Investiga- (3) encourages the Federal Bureau of Inves- longer simply a fringe conspiracy the- tion (FBI) has assessed with high confidence tigation, as well as all Federal law enforce- ory but an ideology that has dem- that ‘‘fringe political conspiracy theories’’, ment and homeland security agencies, to onstrated its capacity to radicalize to including QAnon, ‘‘very likely motivate continue to strengthen their focus on pre- violence individuals at an alarming some domestic extremists, wholly or in part, venting violence, threats, harassment, and speed.’’ to engage in criminal or violent activity’’, other criminal activity by extremists moti- Fortunately, a growing number of po- and that these conspiracy theories ‘‘very vated by fringe political conspiracy theories; litical leaders recognize the threat that likely encourage the targeting of specific (4) encourages the intelligence community QAnon poses, and that includes Repub- people, places and organizations, thereby in- to uncover any foreign support, assistance, creasing the likelihood of violence against or online amplification QAnon receives, as lican House Minority Leader KEVIN these targets’’; well as any QAnon affiliations, coordination, MCCARTHY, who recently said that Whereas the FBI bases this assessment on and contacts with foreign extremist organi- ‘‘there is no place for QAnon in the Re- ‘‘events in which individuals committed zations or groups espousing violence; and publican Party.’’ crimes, plotted attacks, or successfully car- (5) urges all Americans, regardless of our The Malinowski-Riggleman resolu- ried out deadly violence, and who—either be- beliefs or partisan affiliation, to seek infor- tion does several things: fore or after their arrests—attributed their mation from authoritative sources and to en- It condemns QAnon and rejects the actions to their conspiratorial beliefs’’; gage in political debate from a common fac- conspiracy theories that it promotes; tual foundation. Whereas QAnon adherents have been impli- It encourages the FBI and all Federal cated in crimes that they claim their QAnon The SPEAKER pro tempore. The res- beliefs inspired, including— law enforcement agencies to continue (1) a man arrested in 2018 for plotting to olution shall be debatable for 1 hour, to strengthen their focus on preventing plant a bomb in the Illinois Capitol rotunda equally divided and controlled by the violence, threats, harassment, and to make Americans aware of the ‘‘Pizzagate’’ chair and the ranking minority mem- other criminal activity by extremists conspiracy theory; ber of the Committee on the Judiciary. motivated by fringe political con- (2) a man arrested in 2018 for using an ar- The gentlewoman from Washington spiracy theories; mored car to block traffic on the Hoover (Ms. JAYAPAL) and the gentleman from Dam Bypass Bridge; And, finally, it urges all Americans, California (Mr. MCCLINTOCK) each will (3) a man in Arizona arrested in 2019 for regardless of our beliefs or partisan af- vandalizing a Catholic church; control 30 minutes. filiation, to seek information from au- (4) a woman in Colorado arrested in 2019 for The Chair recognizes the gentle- thoritative sources and to engage in plotting an armed raid to kidnap her child, woman from Washington. political debate from a common, fac- who had been taken from her custody; GENERAL LEAVE (5) a man charged with the murder of an tual foundation. organized crime boss in New York in 2019; Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I ask I would hope that these are principles and unanimous consent that all Members we could all agree with on a bipartisan (6) a woman arrested in New York with a may have 5 legislative days in which to basis. car full of knives after posting a video accus- revise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to ing Joe Biden of participating in child sex sert extraneous material on H. Res. support this resolution, and I reserve trafficking and threatening to kill him; 1154. the balance of my time. Whereas the FBI further assesses that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘these conspiracy theories very likely will emerge, spread and evolve in the modern in- objection to the request of the gentle- yield myself such time as I may con- formation marketplace . . . fostering anti- woman from Washington? sume. government sentiment, racial and religious There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support prejudice, [and] increasing political ten- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield of this resolution which condemns an sions’’; myself such time as I may consume. extremist group known as QAnon. Whereas, according to the Combating Ter- Mr. Speaker, QAnon is a movement I have to admit that I had only re- rorism Center at the United States Military promoting a collection of unfounded cently heard of this group, but I didn’t Academy at West Point, ‘‘QAnon is arguably conspiracy theories that have spread know any of the details of their beliefs no longer simply a fringe conspiracy theory on the internet over the last several but an ideology that has demonstrated its or tactics until this resolution was capacity to radicalize to violence individuals years. These conspiracy theories under- brought to us. But from what I have at an alarming speed’’; mine public trust in our democratic in- read, they are a delusional group that Whereas Facebook, Twitter, and Google stitutions and our election process, and began with an internet post in 2017, and have removed or blocked QAnon groups and that is why I am pleased to support they hold the bizarre belief that the content from their platforms for violating this important, bipartisan resolution Federal Government is infested with their policies against misinformation, bul- by Representatives MALINOWSKI and satanic pedophiles who are busy run- lying, hate speech, and harassment; RIGGLEMAN. ning a global child sex trafficking ring Whereas QAnon adherents have been harm- QAnon initially alleged that promi- ing legitimate efforts to combat child exploi- when they are not plotting against tation and sex trafficking, including by over- nent Americans are engaged in a secret President Trump. whelming antitrafficking hotlines with false plot to control the world while using Now, I am tempted to say you can’t reports; their power to exploit children. It now make this stuff up, but, obviously, Whereas the conspiracy theories promoted extends to a range of dangerous con- somebody did make this up; and, given by QAnon undermine trust in America’s spiracy theories. The FBI has assessed the reach of the internet, it is appar- democratic institutions, encourage rejection with high confidence that ‘‘fringe polit- ently being taken seriously by some of objective reality, and deepen our Nation’s ical conspiracy theories,’’ including extremists who are turning to violence. political polarization; and QAnon, ‘‘very likely to motivate some Lest it get out of hand, it is appro- Whereas our Nation’s polarization is fur- ther accentuated by others, from the far left domestic extremists, wholly or in part, priate for the House to speak with one to the far right, promoting extreme to engage in criminal or violent activ- voice on behalf of all of our commu- ideologies and antigovernment conspiracy ity and that these conspiracy theories nities across this great Nation in con- theories, hijacking legitimate peaceful pro- very likely encourage the targeting of demning QAnon and its conspiracy

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02OC7.027 H02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H5654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 2, 2020 theories. It should be clear to every groups that have wrought such division bers there. There have been days this man and woman of goodwill in this and destruction in our communities. year when the most widely shared so- country that this group seeks only to b 1015 cial media messages in the country are further roil our society and divide our those promoted by QAnon. citizens along lines of race, religion, That is especially important when we The physical threat is also real. The and politics. survey the violence perpetrated by the FBI, as we have heard, says that polit- Even in this highly polarized polit- lunatic fringe in Portland; Seattle; San ical conspiracy theories like QAnon in- ical climate, I think we can all agree Francisco; Oakland; Los Angeles; Chi- creasingly motivate domestic extrem- on this. Let me ask us all to do so cago; New York City; Washington, ists to commit violence. without attempting to smear any party D.C.; Louisville, Kentucky; Min- The Combating Terrorism Center at or candidate with the ravings from neapolis; and even Kenosha, Wisconsin. West Point says, QAnon ‘‘has dem- this, the lunatic fringe, of our society. It is especially important when the onstrated its capacity to radicalize to That term, ‘‘lunatic fringe,’’ was pop- mayors of these cities have withheld violence individuals at an alarming ularized by Theodore Roosevelt. He police protection from their own citi- speed.’’ And QAnon adherents have, in wrote this in his autobiography: zens, leaving innocent and peaceful fact, committed numerous criminal ‘‘Then, among the wise and high-mind- shopkeepers and residents to the mercy and violent acts in the last 2 years. ed people who in self-respecting and of mob law and when prosecutors have I think the greater threat is to our genuine fashion strive earnestly for refused to hold accountable those who social fabric. QAnon is like a pill that peace, there are the foolish fanatics al- have perpetrated this violence upon the immunizes you against objective re- ways to be found in such a movement American people. ality, which millions of our fellow and always discrediting it, the men There is precious little time before Americans are taking. It destroys trust who form the lunatic fringe in all re- the election to take a stand clearly and in government, in Democratic institu- form movements.’’ unambiguously against all political vi- tions, in science, and in facts. He continued: ‘‘As I have already olence and with one voice to stand with Mr. Speaker, the resolution we will said, there is a lunatic fringe to every the rule of law and not with the rule of pass today categorically condemns reform movement.’’ the mob. If we could speak together on QAnon. It has an equal number of Re- We have seen that borne out in the this most important issue, maybe we publican and Democratic cosponsors, turbulent period of history that we could start to find our way back to and I would thank them: Representa- now occupy, and how we deal with it other fundamental principles and insti- tives RIGGLEMAN, KINZINGER, will determine whether we can calm tutions that have always united us as a FITZPATRICK, GOTTHEIMER and LURIA. the political waters and restore peace people and made our Nation, in Lin- Our goal is a fully bipartisan repudi- and tranquility to our cities and civil coln’s words, the last best hope of man- ation of this incredibly dangerous phe- discourse to our conversations. kind on this Earth. nomenon. In that regard, it is important to So, please, my Democratic friends, do Extremist movements gain valida- note that QAnon and the lunatic fringe not squander this fleeting opportunity tion from the belief that they are mak- on the right no more speak for the to turn back from the perilous road we ing inroads into the mainstream. So it right than antifa and the lunatic fringe are on and reclaim the precious legacy is important to make clear we are uni- on the left speak for the left. Both are our forefathers left us. fied against them, both parties, no poisonous to our democratic institu- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of hedging, no winks and nods. tions, and both are destructive of what my time. Now, there is just one more point I Lincoln called the mystic chords of Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 would make today, and that is, when memory that should unite us as a free minutes to the gentleman from New we vote for this resolution today—and people. Jersey (Mr. MALINOWSKI), the sponsor I am confident we will all vote for it— So allow me to voice my hope that of this legislation and a leader in our we need to mean it. we will see similar condemnations of caucus. And here is the only reference that I the lunatic fringe that has been given Mr. MALINOWSKI. Mr. Speaker, it is will make to partisan differences. It is free rein in recent months to rampage, one of the oldest lies in the world. A an objective fact that this particular loot, vandalize, and burn so many of blood libel. It always goes something group of extremists today identifies our towns and cities across the coun- like this: that there is a powerful, se- with the right. There are a lot of them. try. cret group of people who just happen— And right now, even as we vote to con- QAnon and its allied groups are real, many of them—to be Jewish, and they demn QAnon, there are political but antifa and its allied groups are also are trying to control the world, and, operatives out there putting out vile real. Both are direct threats to our de- for good measure, kidnapping our chil- attacks that deliberately play to the mocracy because both threaten to em- dren. paranoid fears QAnon promotes. ploy violence for political ends, and This is the central conspiracy theory Some people may rationalize this by that is the very definition of terrorism. that QAnon promotes today. And it pretending, Oh, QAnon, it is not that No free society can long endure if their sounds crazy—so crazy that sometimes bad. These folks are just against sex acts of violence are excused, ignored, we don’t take it seriously enough. But trafficking, which is a real threat. Or or tolerated. throughout history, conspiracy theo- they are just against the deep state, Lincoln said it best: There is no ries, just like this one, have fueled and hey, so is President Trump. Some grievance that is fit object for redress prejudice, terrorism, even genocide. might say there are crazy groups on by mob law. To that, I would add this And today, social media is fanning the left, too, and that is absolutely observation: Without law enforcement, the flames. Their algorithms know ev- true. And this resolution condemns there is no law; and without law, there erything about us: what we search for them all. is no civilization. online, our biases, and they feed us But you know what? When I criticize I would express the fervent hope more and more extreme versions of antifa, as I have, I don’t get half-a- that, before we adjourn, we will enter- what they think we want so that we dozen death threats in a day. Only one tain condemnations of all groups on all stay glued to our screens and see more of these things—for now at least—is sides that employ violence for political ads and buy more stuff. considered an active terrorist threat by ends by name. That, above all, is what is causing so the FBI. Only one is a political force. Wednesday night, the Rules Com- many of our fellow Americans to fear Only one is winning elections. mittee rejected a motion on a party- and hate one another. And while many Remember what QAnon is: It is an line vote that would have brought to extremist groups on the left and the anti-Semitic, conspiracy-mongering the floor a resolution condemning right are recruiting followers online, cult that the FBI considers a potential antifa and its allied groups concurrent nothing today matches the scale of terrorist threat, and it has real grow- with this resolution. That would dem- QAnon. Nothing comes close. ing political power. onstrate that this House speaks clearly On Facebook alone, QAnon pages and So if you vote against fire today, and stands united against all such groups have had up to 3 million mem- please don’t play with fire tomorrow.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02OC7.018 H02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE October 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5655 Don’t be righteous here today and then easily condemned—condemned by all of This November, there will be 22 indi- go QAnon-lite on the campaign trail. us here in this Chamber today. Putting viduals on the ballot for the House and Don’t do or say anything to fan the aside the bizarre views of QAnon adher- the Senate who have either been en- flames further. ents, I call on this body to condemn dorsed by or lent credence to QAnon. Mr. Speaker, America desperately them because of their actions, actions This is a threat to public safety and to needs to come together. Conspiracy that include threatening the life of my our democracy as a whole. This move- theories are tearing us apart. Let us friend, TOM MALINOWSKI. Plotting to ment needs to be condemned and its pass this resolution and do it over- plant a bomb in the Illinois Capitol ro- followers need to be brought back to whelmingly and with true conviction tunda to make Americans aware of the reality, just as we would do with any so that we can say clearly, we have all pizzagate conspiracy theory; the mur- other cult. had enough. der of a man in New York in 2019, and Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I other such activities. Congressman MALINOWSKI, for his lead- yield such time as he may consume to QAnon and the conspiracy theories it ership on this resolution, for the hard the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. promotes are a danger and a threat work he did to make certain that the RIGGLEMAN), a cosponsor of this resolu- that has no place in our country’s poli- condemnation of this dangerous cult is tion. tics. I condemn this movement and bipartisan. And I hope all of my col- Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, be- urge all my fellow Members to join me leagues on both sides of the aisle will fore I begin today, I extend my best in taking this step to exclude them and support this resolution so we can send wishes to President Trump and other extreme conspiracy theories from a message clearly and strongly to the Melania. Our thoughts and prayers are the national discourse. American people that this cult is dan- with them as they battle COVID–19. We talk about the First Amendment gerous for our public discourse, dan- I also thank TOM MALINOWSKI for the all the time. It is absolutely appro- gerous for our democracy, and dan- amazing discussions that we have had priate for the Members of this body to gerous for our communities. going forward on this resolution. He is use the First Amendment to call out Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am an amazing person to work with, and I those that are using their First prepared to close, and I reserve the bal- thank him—and everyone else—for Amendment gift as United States citi- ance of my time. their work. zens to attack other individuals. Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. Speaker, I do rise today at a piv- This Nation has passed through minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- otal moment in our Nation’s history stronger storms than this in the past, nois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY), my good friend and a moment of reckoning for our na- and we will come out stronger still. and colleague. tional discourse. The vitriol and anger But it takes leadership from the top to Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I spewing from both sides of the political stand up against extreme ideas like rise today in strong support of H. Res. aisle, echoing across the darkest cor- QAnon. 1154 and call on all of my colleagues to ners and caverns of the internet has led I call on this House to do that today. denounce the dangerous QAnon con- to violence and hate, divisiveness and Support this resolution. Pass it. I agree spiracy theories. anger. with my friend and colleague, TOM Mr. Speaker, QAnon is a new front in It has all but extinguished the light MALINOWSKI, that we should not be an old war and relies on anti-Semitic of reasonable political discourse in this playing with fire. I have been in the in- tropes in order to spread the message. great country called by so many, a telligence business. I know the power QAnon followers actually believe that ‘‘City on the Hill.’’ But we cannot con- of information operations and false in- the world is controlled by a secret tinue to be this beacon of hope that we formation. Again, let’s pass this resolu- cabal of child abusers, who will drink have been for so long if we can’t ad- tion. the blood of their victims. The FBI has dress the issues holding us back, the Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 linked the group to domestic terror webs that have ensnared us and the minutes to the gentleman from Rhode and considers it a continuing terrorist mistrust that has invaded our politics. Island (Mr. CICILLINE). threat. The resolution before us today is not Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Speaker, I thank TOM a panacea but it asks us a question the gentlewoman for yielding. MALINOWSKI for leading this. The kind about our purpose here in this august Mr. Speaker, one of the stages of of messages that he is getting—very, body: Will we stand up and condemn a deprogramming cult members is to very frightening. And I also thank dangerous, dehumanizing and con- point out the differences between the DENVER RIGGLEMAN and all of the bi- voluted conspiracy theory that the FBI cult’s ideology and reality. And QAnon partisan sponsors of this legislation. has assessed with high confidence as is a cult. In an effort to reach some of 1030 very likely to motivate some domestic the people that have fallen under its b extremist, wholly or in part, to engage control, I would point out a few facts. Just last week, my subcommittee in criminal or violent activity? Mass shootings are not staged so that held a hearing on how social media When my friend and colleague, Rep- the government can come and take mainstreams extremism. When we resentative MALINOWSKI, and I intro- away your guns. heard from our witnesses, it was really duced a resolution condemning the John F. Kennedy, Jr., died more than terrifying. QAnon conspiracy theory, we knew 20 years ago in a tragic aircraft acci- QAnon and other extremist groups that we could draw the ire of those dent. He is not in hiding, nor is he have thrived for years on the internet, that believe in fantastical theories. We going to be President Trump’s running recruiting members, promoting racism, were condemning something that is a mate. dividing our communities, and plotting danger to our political discourse. And President Trump is not fighting actions of violence. QAnon believers have accused me of a secret war against a Satanic, child- As people have suffered, Big Tech has running a pedophilia ring for Israel, molesting network of politicians. prospered and profited. Algorithms being a member of the Zionist Organi- It is a sad statement that discussing that amplify profits for platforms like zational Government, been called a such obvious absurdities is occurring in Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter also traitor—accompanied by a picture of this Chamber today, but the fact is, amplify extremism. the gallows—and stated I was part of a that some have praised QAnon and en- This week, Facebook announced a target list. The grotesque nature of the couraged the growth of this cult, even ban on ads that support QAnon. Good, tweets and Instagram posts, and the as the FBI has labeled it a domestic but it is far too little and far too late. anti-Semitic tripe spewed by QAnon terror threat. Facebook users who are in QAnon-asso- adherents should cause concern for ev- And sadly, with the support of the ciated groups will still be able to see eryone. Obviously, this is all ridicu- White House, and even some Members extremist content, just further down in lous, much like their theory. of Congress, QAnon has moved from their news feeds. But the death threats TOM the darkest corners of the internet into Moreover, Facebook groups pro- MALINOWSKI received were a surprise the mainstream of today’s political moting anti-Semitism have grown by and a shock. This type of behavior is discourse. 27 percent in the past week.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02OC7.020 H02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE H5656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 2, 2020 Congress needs to denounce right But in this case, Americans do not mind; we remained silent. Or the geno- now this kind of hate rhetoric, and Big have the luxury of looking across the cide in Sudan; we remained silent. Tech must be held accountable for ocean at this threat and just hoping So this resolution is crucial. It is as profiting on this hate. and praying that it doesn’t come home. crucial as the work we will do in ad- Before I close, I would like to also Members of these groups are Amer- dressing the sin, the original sin, of state my support for H. Res. 1153 and ican. Politicians have unforgivably em- this Nation, and that was slavery. thank PRAMILA JAYAPAL for leading braced them. Social media platforms But I rise today to support H. Res. the effort and Speaker PELOSI and Ma- legitimize them to an unwitting public. 1154 that condemns QAnon and rejects jority Leader HOYER for their help on Well, I have had enough. conspiracy theories. I ask my col- this resolution as well. QAnon followers like to say, in their leagues to support this. And I thank Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 vague, ominous ramblings, that no one the author of this legislation for his minutes to the gentleman from Min- can stop what is coming. That is courage and leadership. nesota (Mr. PHILLIPS). wrong. We can, and we will. Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I am Mr. PHILLIPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Do not let the unforgivable main- prepared to close, and I reserve the bal- today to urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote, a unani- stream support for these groups raise ance of my time. mous ‘‘yes’’ vote, on Mr. MALINOWSKI’s doubts about our Nation’s resolve in Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I resolution. Quite frankly, I cannot be- this fight against extremism, that we yield myself the balance of my time. I lieve that I have to stand on the floor will stop what is coming, and then we will close as I began. of the United States House of Rep- will build a safer, stronger America. Extremist groups on the right and resentatives to issue these remarks. Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 the left that advocate violence as a Every one of us here swore the very minutes to the gentlewoman from method of achieving political goals same oath to defend our Nation from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), a member of threaten the very foundations of our enemies, both foreign and domestic. the Judiciary Committee. democracy, and I fully support this res- QAnon is a dangerous enemy, a dan- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, olution in its denunciation of one such gerous enemy lurking right within our thank you to the gentlewoman who is group called QAnon. borders that must be forcefully and, managing this resolution, and thank But the American people can see again, unanimously condemned. you very much to Mr. MALINOWSKI for with their own eyes where the violence What they propagate is not real. bringing us together. on our streets is coming from, and I Their baseless conspiracy theories, lies, I think I started out earlier this deeply regret that the majority is not and fearmongering are creating some- morning by saying the Nation is better willing to call out by name such groups thing, however, that is very real. And than this. It is not because people do as antifa or to acknowledge that such that is division; it is hate; and if left not have the right to espouse views evil forces even exist. We must speak unaddressed, violence against fellow that I may disagree with. But not when Americans. out together against all such groups, those views become detrimental to in- Just this week alone, my dear friend, and I am deeply troubled that, for some nocent Americans; when those views Representative MALINOWSKI, has re- reason, we cannot. ceived numerous death threats for sim- take the very hostile and historically We need to know who is funding ply condemning QAnon. Representative violent form of anti-Semitism; when these groups. We can already see with they begin to attack and marginalize SPANBERGER, a former CIA officer, has our own eyes who is encouraging them. been labeled a terrorist. And how could groups; when they evidence themselves We can see with our own eyes whose as we saw—although not claiming to be we forget Representatives SCALISE and mayors have deliberately withheld po- part of QAnon—that scene in Char- GIFFORDS both being shot during the lice protection from their citizens as last number of years by deranged peo- lottesville, with tiki torches, saying these extremist-driven mobs run ramp- ple? that part of the Nation did not belong ant in our communities. Every one of you here knows the very here, in essence threatening people of We can see with our own eyes those lives of our colleagues are now at risk. color, Jewish people. politicians calling for defunding police So who is going to speak against it? I believe this resolution is crucial. It departments that are the only means Has hate really become a partisan is crucial because it is dangerous to re- of defense that our citizens have. issue? Is reality really up for debate? main silent. As we have looked at We can see with our own eyes those I applaud my friend, my dear friend, QAnon, it is attempting to speak of prosecutors who have refused to hold Representative RIGGLEMAN, who has fringe beliefs that can be enormously accountable those who perpetrate vio- spoken very forcefully and imme- dangerous. It can actually motivate do- lence in our communities and who in- diately against QAnon. I know others mestic extremists, which may result in stead prosecute citizens who are des- are following suit. But those who don’t, harm to innocent persons. perately trying to defend themselves. for those who do not, what reason The FBI has made an assessment, So, I am pleased to support this reso- could you possibly have to remain si- with high confidence, that the fringe lution, but it is no substitute for a lent? political conspiracy theories, including clear and unambiguous stand against My friends, we are all Americans, QAnon, are motivating domestic ex- all political extremism and violence every single one of us. And Americans tremists, and where QAnon adherents that this House, for some reason, re- are looking to us right now to model have been implicated in one particular fuses to take. principled, thoughtful, decent leader- case of a man arrested in 2018 for plot- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ship at this increasingly fragile time in ting to plant a bomb in the Illinois of my time. our history. And history shall be our Capitol rotunda to make Americans Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield judge. aware of pizzagate. myself the balance of my time. Let me Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 I think we are also aware of, during start by thanking Mr. MALINOWSKI and minute to the gentleman from Massa- the last Presidential election, someone Mr. RIGGLEMAN for this bipartisan reso- chusetts (Mr. MOULTON). driving and rushing to a restaurant in lution, such an important statement. Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, in re- Washington, D.C., and going in the And I do hope all of my colleagues in sponse to September 11, President Bush basement, suggesting that pedophiles this Chamber vote for the resolution. I and this Congress sent soldiers and Ma- and the then-Presidential candidate am troubled that some might try to rines, like me, across the ocean to fight were involved in it. take this bipartisan resolution and in- against extremism. The terrorists that These are dangerous positions. They troduce other aspects that include call- we fought against used violence to ad- are not just that I disagree because a ing out cities like mine, the city of Se- vance their political agendas and philosophy is different from SHEILA attle, and other baseless comments. viewed lawmakers here as their en- JACKSON LEE. It is that we must not be But the most important thing is to emies. silent, for there have been atrocities return to the context of this resolu- QAnon, the proud boys, the boogaloo perpetrated around the world histori- tion. The context is that it is sad that, boys, and other extremist groups think cally because people remained silent. in the year 2020, a baseless, anti-Se- and operate in similar ways. The atrocities in Germany come to mitic conspiracy theory has infected

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 03, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4636 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K02OC7.023 H02OCPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with HOUSE October 2, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5657 the political discourse of our great de- targeting of specific people, places and organi- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- mocracy. zations, thereby increasing the likelihood of vi- ther proceedings on this question are This body should not be giving such olence against these targets.’’ postponed. an unhinged internet hoax the time of This assessment is supported by an alarm- f day. Frankly, it is sad that in the past ing number of ‘‘events in which individuals few weeks, the House has had to pass committed crimes, plotted attacks, or success- CONDEMNING UNWANTED, UNNEC- several resolutions, including a resolu- fully carried out deadly violence, and who—ei- ESSARY MEDICAL PROCEDURES tion calling for a peaceful transfer of ther before or after their arrests—attributed ON INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT power after this year’s Presidential their actions to their conspiratorial beliefs.’’ THEIR FULL, INFORMED CON- election, to publicly reinforce demo- For example, QAnon adherents have been SENT cratic customs and norms that until implicated in crimes that they claim their The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- QAnon beliefs inspired, including— recently were beyond question. But cir- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- 1. A man arrested in 2018 for plotting to cumstances, yet again, require this ished business is the vote on adoption plant a bomb in the Illinois Capitol rotunda to body to make a statement. of the resolution (H. Res. 1153) con- Through social media, this internet make Americans aware of the ‘‘Pizzagate’’ conspiracy theory; demning unwanted, unnecessary med- hoax has become so widespread that it ical procedures on individuals without has inspired threats and even acts of 2. A man arrested in 2018 for using an ar- mored car to block traffic on the Hoover Dam their full, informed consent, on which violence across the country, including the yeas and nays were ordered. against our Members on both sides of Bypass Bridge; 3. A man in Arizona arrested in 2019 for The Clerk read the title of the resolu- the aisle. Unfortunately, rather than vandalizing a Catholic church; and tion. condemn this hoax, rhetoric that 4. A woman arrested in New York with a car The SPEAKER pro tempore. The comes from the White House has in- full of knives after posting a video accusing question is on the resolution. stead given comfort to QAnon followers Joe Biden of participating in child sex traf- The vote was taken by electronic de- and credence to their belief in fab- ficking and threatening to kill him. vice, and there were—yeas 232, nays ricated and fantastical theories. According to the Combating Terrorism Cen- 157, answered ‘‘present’’ 4, not voting Under these circumstances, it is so ter at the United States Military Academy at 37, as follows: good to be doing a bipartisan resolu- West Point, ‘‘QAnon is arguably no longer [Roll No. 217] tion in this House. It is imperative simply a fringe conspiracy theory but an ide- YEAS—232 that the House of Representatives ology that has demonstrated its capacity to make it clear to the American people Adams Engel Levin (CA) radicalize to violence individuals at an alarm- Aguilar Escobar Levin (MI) that QAnon is a hoax and that we abso- ing speed.’’ Allred Eshoo Lieu, Ted lutely and completely condemn the vi- The conspiracy theories promoted by Axne Espaillat Loebsack olence perpetrated by its adherence. QAnon undermine trust in America’s demo- Barraga´ n Evans Lofgren I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes,’’ Bass Finkenauer Lowenthal cratic institutions, encourage rejection of ob- Beatty Fitzpatrick Lowey and I yield back the balance of my jective reality, and further deepen our Nation’s Bera Fletcher Luja´ n time. political polarization. Beyer Foster Luria Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a sen- It is therefore timely and appropriate that the Bishop (GA) Frankel Lynch Blumenauer Fudge Malinowski ior member of the Committees on the Judici- People’s House support this resolution, which Blunt Rochester Gabbard Maloney, ary and on Homeland Security, I rise in strong puts it on record clearly condemning QAnon Bonamici Gallego Carolyn B. support of H. Res. 1154, a resolution con- and rejecting the false conspiracy theories it Boyle, Brendan Garamendi Maloney, Sean demning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy F. Garcı´a (IL) Matsui promotes and spread. Brindisi Garcia (TX) McAdams theories it promotes. In the highly charged political climate we Brownley (CA) Golden McBath QAnon is a movement promoting a collec- find ourselves in it is also appropriate that this Bustos Gomez McCaul tion of unfounded conspiracy theories that body condemns any and all other groups and Butterfield Gonzalez (TX) McCollum Carbajal Gottheimer McEachin have spread widely on the internet since 2017. ideologies, from the far left to the far right, that Ca´ rdenas Green, Al (TX) McGovern Whereas, throughout history, conspiracy contribute to the spread of unfounded con- Carson (IN) Grijalva McNerney theories that falsely blame secret cabals or spiracy theories or that encourage Americans Cartwright Haaland Meeks marginalized groups for society’s ills have to destroy public and private property and at- Case Harder (CA) Meng Casten (IL) Hastings Moore fueled prejudice, genocide, and acts of ter- tack lawful authority. Castor (FL) Hayes Morelle rorism. Mr. Speaker, in addition to condemning Castro (TX) Heck Moulton QAnon first gained notoriety with its un- QAnon and its false and dangerous con- Chu, Judy Higgins (NY) Mucarsel-Powell founded, outrageous, and bizarre conspiracy spiracy theories, I support the resolution be- Cicilline Himes Murphy (FL) Cisneros Horn, Kendra S. Nadler theory alleging that prominent Americans are cause it calls upon the Federal Bureau of In- Clark (MA) Horsford Napolitano engaged in a secret plot to control the world, vestigation, as well as all Federal law enforce- Clarke (NY) Houlahan Neal while using their power to exploit children. ment and homeland security agencies, to con- Clay Hoyer Neguse tinue strengthening their focus on preventing Cleaver Hudson Norcross Qanon has gone on to embrace virtually Clyburn Huffman O’Halleran every popular conspiracy theory of the last violence, threats, harassment, and other crimi- Cohen Hurd (TX) Ocasio-Cortez several decades, from questioning the truth nal activity by extremists motivated by fringe Connolly Jackson Lee Omar about the September 11th terrorist attacks, to political conspiracy theories and urges all Cooper Jayapal Pallone Correa Jeffries Panetta believing in alien landings, to denying the Americans, regardless of our beliefs or par- Costa Johnson (GA) Pappas safety of vaccines. tisan affiliation, to seek information from au- Courtney Johnson (TX) Pascrell Many QAnon followers express anti-Semitic thoritative sources and to engage in political Cox (CA) Kaptur Payne debate from a common factual foundation. Craig Katko Perlmutter views, and the Anti-Defamation League has Crist Keating Peters said that the movement’s central conspiracy b 1045 Crow Kelly (IL) Phillips theory includes anti-Semitic elements; The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Cuellar Kennedy Pingree Mr. Speaker, history records that conspiracy Cunningham Khanna Pocan for debate has expired. Davids (KS) Kildee Porter theories have been a central driver of anti- Pursuant to House Resolution 1164, Davis (CA) Kilmer Pressley Semitism for centuries, and QAnon conspiracy the previous question is ordered on the Davis, Danny K. Kim Price (NC) theories are fanning the flames as anti-Semi- Dean Kind Quigley resolution and the preamble. DeFazio Kirkpatrick Raskin tism is on the rise in the United States and The question is on the resolution. DeGette Krishnamoorthi Rice (NY) around the world. The question was taken; and the DeLauro Kuster (NH) Richmond The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Speaker pro tempore announced that DelBene Lamb Rose (NY) has assessed with high confidence that ‘‘fringe the ayes appeared to have it. Delgado Langevin Rouda Demings Larsen (WA) Roybal-Allard political conspiracy theories’’, including Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, on that DeSaulnier Larson (CT) Ruiz QAnon, ‘‘very likely motivate some domestic I demand the yeas and nays. Dingell Lawrence Ruppersberger extremists, wholly or in part, to engage in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Doggett Lawson (FL) Rush criminal or violent activity’’, and that these ant to section 3 of House Resolution Doyle, Michael Lee (CA) Ryan F. Lee (NV) Sa´ nchez conspiracy theories ‘‘very likely encourage the 965, the yeas and nays are ordered.

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