E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016 No. 40 House of Representatives The House met at noon and was You alone can trace the deepest fault memory of Washington County Com- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- lines of history and read the highest missioner Ted Bearth, who passed away pore (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska). aspirations of the human heart. last week. f Bless the Members of the people’s Ted was elected to the county board House today. Give them sound judg- in 2012 and was reelected in 2014, rep- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO ment and make them as practical as resenting Washington County’s Second TEMPORE the American people who sent them District. However, Ted’s long record of The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- here as their Representatives. public service began more than 40 years fore the House the following commu- Help them to withstand open criti- ago, when he was elected to the nication from the Speaker: cism when they know what is right be- Oakdale City Council in 1974. He spent fore You and conscience. Often they WASHINGTON, DC, an impressive 26 years of service as a March 14, 2016. are characterized by half-truths and at- city council member and mayor. I hereby appoint the Honorable ADRIAN tributed motives that are far beneath Ted’s commitment to Minnesota and SMITH to act as Speaker pro tempore on this them. Uphold them at such times with his community goes well beyond elect- day. personal integrity and compassion for ed office. As a Marine Corps veteran, he PAUL D. RYAN, those most in need. was also involved in the Oakdale Vet- Speaker of the House of Representatives. Having called them to serve others to erans Memorial Committee. f the best of their ability, lift them even Ted Bearth was a beloved member of higher by Your grace and power to live MORNING-HOUR DEBATE our community and a dedicated public and work for Your greater honor and servant. Despite his declining health, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- glory. he stayed involved and in touch with ant to the order of the House of Janu- Amen. county staffers and fellow commis- ary 5, 2016, the Chair would now recog- f sioners. He was known for his strong nize Members from lists submitted by THE JOURNAL leadership and ability to forge lasting the majority and minority leaders for connections. morning-hour debate. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I wish Ted’s family peace during this Chair has examined the Journal of the f difficult time and assure them that he last day’s proceedings and announces will be greatly missed by many Min- RECESS to the House his approval thereof. nesotans. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair nal stands approved. f declares the House in recess until 2 f IN HONOR OF NANCY DAVIS p.m. today. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REAGAN Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 1 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina minute p.m.), the House stood in re- gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. cess. asked and was given permission to ad- WILSON) come forward and lead the dress the House for 1 minute and to re- f House in the Pledge of Allegiance. vise and extend his remarks.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina led b 1400 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: Speaker, last week the American peo- AFTER RECESS I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the ple lost a devoted public servant, United States of America, and to the Repub- The recess having expired, the House Nancy Davis Reagan. was called to order by the Speaker pro lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. As a former staff member of the tempore (Mr. BISHOP of Utah) at 2 p.m. Reagan administration, I will always f f appreciate the devotion of Nancy A PUBLIC SERVANT REMEMBERED Reagan to the American people, espe- PRAYER (Mr. EMMER of Minnesota asked and cially to her husband ‘‘Ronnie.’’ The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick was given permission to address the Nancy Reagan will always be cher- J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: House for 1 minute.) ished for how she inspired a Nation and God of mercy, thank You for giving Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. showed that goodwill prevailed. She us another day. Speaker, I rise today to honor the demonstrated that service by showing

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.000 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 small acts could make a world of dif- OFFICE OF THE CLERK, tion, including the Commission allowing the ference. Nancy’s fierce love for her hus- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, sixty days’ notice herein provided to expire band and her country was her service. Washington, DC, March 10, 2016. without Commission action, shall be treated Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, as an order issued by the Commission accept- A passionate advocate for drug The Speaker, House of Representatives, ing such change for purposes of section 313.’’. awareness and prevention, Nancy Washington, DC. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Reagan launched the ‘‘Just Say No’’ DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- ant to the rule, the gentleman from program to fight drug and alcohol mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- abuse among young people to promote the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- fulfilling lives. She strived to always tives, the Clerk received the following mes- sage from the Secretary of the Senate on NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. make a positive impact for our citi- The Chair recognizes the gentleman zens. March 10, 2016 at 1:35 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 524. from Kentucky. Mrs. Reagan showed that no act of With best wishes, I am GENERAL LEAVE kindness, no act of love, is too small to Sincerely, Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask be meaningful. She practiced what she KAREN L. HAAS. unanimous consent that all Members preached, living every day to the full- f may have 5 legislative days in which to est. In every sense of the word, she was revise and extend their remarks and to RECESS the very model of a First Lady, wife, insert extraneous materials in the and mother. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- RECORD on the bill. In conclusion, God bless our troops, ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and may the President, by his actions, declares the House in recess until ap- objection to the request of the gen- never forget September the 11th in the proximately 3 p.m. today. tleman from Kentucky? global war on terrorism. Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 6 min- There was no objection. Happy 13th birthday, Addison. utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- f f sume. b 1506 As we begin consideration of this leg- islation, I thank the gentleman from DINA KIM RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S AFTER RECESS Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY) for VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD The recess having expired, the House bringing this matter to the attention (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania was called to order by the Speaker pro of our committee. asked and was given permission to ad- tempore (Mr. ROTHFUS) at 3 o’clock and The Federal Power Act sets forth dress the House for 1 minute and to re- 6 minutes p.m. processes to set rates for electricity, including opportunities for the public vise and extend his remarks.) f Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. to protest a rate change filed with Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratu- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER FERC. New rates take effect if FERC late Dina Kim, a senior at State Col- PRO TEMPORE approves them or if FERC fails to issue lege Area High School, located in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- an order approving or denying the filed Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair rate within 60 days. The failure to ap- District, on earning the national Presi- will postpone further proceedings prove or deny a rate may result from dent’s Volunteer Service Award. today on motions to suspend the rules agency delay or, in some limited cases, This award honors people across the on which a recorded vote or the yeas from a vote that results in a dead- Nation who have volunteered 100 hours and nays are ordered, or on which the locked Commission, for example, a 2–2 per year or more in service to their vote incurs objection under clause 6 of vote. In such cases, the rates become communities. Dina has worked for rule XX. effective by operation of law even when years as a translator for Compassion Record votes on postponed questions these rates were not approved by a ma- Korea and was a former volunteer in will be taken later. jority of Commissioners. The Federal Power Act provides ad- Malaysia, helping to teach English to f ministrative redress for members of refugee students. FAIR RATEPAYER ACCOUNT- the public to protest Commission rate Dina started volunteering with Com- decisions. However, if these rates be- passion Korea when she was in fifth ABILITY, TRANSPARENCY, AND EFFICIENCY STANDARDS ACT come effective by operation of law—for grade. The organization allows people example, a deadlock, 2–2—the adminis- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I from around the world to sponsor a trative processes are not available to move to suspend the rules and pass the child in need from another country. the public because FERC did not actu- bill (H.R. 2984) to amend the Federal Dina works to translate letters from ally issue an order for the public to Power Act to provide that any inaction children to their sponsor families in protest. The public literally gets shut by the Federal Energy Regulatory Korean. out. Dina Kim estimates that she has ac- Commission that allows a rate change I don’t want to speak for the gen- cumulated 600 hours of volunteer serv- to go into effect shall be treated as an tleman from Massachusetts, but I ice both in State College, her former order by the Commission for purposes think some of his constituents recently home in Texas, and in Malaysia. of rehearing and court review. experienced this firsthand. As a result She will graduate this year and plans The Clerk read the title of the bill. of that and of the hard work of Mr. to attend college, majoring in linguis- The text of the bill is as follows: KENNEDY’s, of his staff’s, and of the tics. She is an example of the great H.R. 2984 committee staffs’ on both sides of the contributions young people can bring Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- aisle, this legislation was drafted, and to the communities we serve. I con- resentatives of the United States of America in we considered it in committee. We gratulate Dina on this award and wish Congress assembled, have it on the floor today, and I would her the best of luck in the future. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. urge all of the Members to support this This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Fair Rate- important legislation. payer Accountability, Transparency, and Ef- f I reserve the balance of my time. ficiency Standards Act’’ or the ‘‘Fair RATES Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Act’’. COMMUNICATION FROM THE myself such time as I may consume. SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL POWER I thank the House for allowing me to CLERK OF THE HOUSE ACT. Subsection (d) of section 205 of the Federal discuss the Fair RATES Act, H.R. 2984, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Power Act (16 U.S.C. 824d(d)) is amended by and for bringing it to the floor for a fore the House the following commu- adding at the end the following: ‘‘Any ab- vote. nication from the Clerk of the House of sence of action by the Commission that al- I also thank Chairman WHITFIELD, Representatives: lows a change to take effect under this sec- Chairman UPTON, Ranking Members

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.004 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1305 RUSH and PALLONE, as well as the com- Mr. Speaker, I also want to give par- cludes best practices and measurement and mittee staffs on both sides, for their ticular thanks to the committee staffs verification techniques) for the mainte- work with our office to help this bill on both the majority and minority nance, purchase, and use by the Federal move forward. In particular, to echo agency of energy-efficient and energy-saving sides, including Patrick Currier, Alli- information technologies, taking into con- Chairman WHITFIELD’s comments, he son Trexler, Rick Kessler, Caitlin sideration the performance goals established has been an incredible partner with us Haberman, and Alexander Ratner. under subsection (d). as we have tried to move this bill for- Finally, I have to acknowledge some- ‘‘(c) ADMINISTRATION.—In developing an ward, and I am truly grateful for his body on my own team, Eric Fins, who implementation strategy under subsection assistance in doing so. knows more about energy rates and ca- (b), each Federal agency shall consider— Mr. Speaker, every year regulators in ‘‘(1) advanced metering infrastructure; pacity markets than he ever thought ‘‘(2) energy-efficient data center strategies New England hold energy capacity auc- he would, and I am grateful for that. tions to ensure that we have sufficient and methods of increasing asset and infra- He is now writing a law school essay on structure utilization; energy that is generated to meet con- the topic. ‘‘(3) advanced power management tools; sumer demand. Two years ago, during I yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘(4) building information modeling, includ- an auction, there was a shortfall that Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, in ing building energy management; triggered administrative pricing at tri- conclusion, I do want to thank the gen- ‘‘(5) secure telework and travel substi- ple the current capacity payments, tleman from Massachusetts, once tution tools; and ‘‘(6) mechanisms to ensure that the agency skyrocketing from about $1 billion to again, for bringing this important issue $3 billion. realizes the energy cost savings brought before us. about through increased efficiency and utili- That rate increase hasn’t even We must allow the public to have ad- reached our constituents yet, and our zation. ministrative process relief, and this ‘‘(d) PERFORMANCE GOALS.— region already pays the highest energy legislation will do that in those cases ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days rates in the continental United States. when FERC does not actually issue an after the date of enactment of this section, Next June, a significant portion of order; so I would urge the passage of the Director, in consultation with the Sec- their bills will triple due to that auc- retary, shall establish performance goals for this legislation. tion. evaluating the efforts of Federal agencies in When the Federal Energy Regulatory I yield back the balance of my time. improving the maintenance, purchase, and Commission reviewed the rate in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The use of energy-efficient and energy-saving in- crease, it was down to four commis- question is on the motion offered by formation technology. sioners and it deadlocked 2–2. One the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. ‘‘(2) BEST PRACTICES.—The Chief Informa- tion Officers Council established under sec- Democratic Commissioner and one Re- WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2984. tion 3603 of title 44, United States Code, shall publican Commissioner raised concerns recommend best practices for the attain- about whether those rates were just The question was taken; and (two- thirds being in the affirmative) the ment of the performance goals, which shall and reasonable for consumers. How- include Federal agency consideration of, to ever, the rates took effect by operation rules were suspended and the bill was the extent applicable by law, the use of— of law without any action from FERC; passed. ‘‘(A) energy savings performance con- and because there was no official deci- A motion to reconsider was laid on tracting; and sion by FERC, there was no decision to the table. ‘‘(B) utility energy services contracting. ‘‘(e) REPORTS.— appeal, holding our constituents voice- f ‘‘(1) AGENCY REPORTS.—Each Federal agen- less. ENERGY EFFICIENT GOVERNMENT cy shall include in the report of the agency Another annual auction just took TECHNOLOGY ACT under section 527 a description of the efforts place last month with rates, again, and results of the agency under this section. that were three times higher than they Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘(2) OMB GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY REPORTS are today. Those rates are, again, being move to suspend the rules and pass the AND SCORECARDS.—Effective beginning not reviewed by a shorthanded FERC, bill (H.R. 1268) to amend the Energy later than October 1, 2017, the Director shall which sets up the potential for the Independence and Security Act of 2007 include in the annual report and scorecard of exact same outcome of consumers, to promote energy efficiency via infor- the Director required under section 528 a de- once again, being shut out of the proc- mation and computing technologies, scription of the efforts and results of Federal and for other purposes, as amended. agencies under this section.’’. ess. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of With bipartisan support and endorse- The Clerk read the title of the bill. contents for the Energy Independence and ments from the American Public Power The text of the bill is as follows: Security Act of 2007 is amended by adding Association, the New England Public H.R. 1268 after the item relating to section 529 the fol- lowing: Power Association, the National Rural Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Electric Cooperative Association, my resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘Sec. 530. Energy-efficient and energy-sav- bill, the Fair RATES Act, would sim- Congress assembled, ing information technologies.’’. SEC. 3. ENERGY EFFICIENT DATA CENTERS. ply ensure that avenues of good gov- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Section 453 of the Energy Independence ernance remain open. It provides that This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Energy Effi- and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17112) is cient Government Technology Act’’. if at any time rate changes take effect amended— by operation of law without Commis- SEC. 2. ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND ENERGY-SAVING (1) in subsection (b)(2)(D)(iv), by striking sion action, deadlocked or otherwise, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. ‘‘determined by the organization’’ and in- aggrieved parties retain the right to (a) AMENDMENT.—Subtitle C of title V of serting ‘‘proposed by the stakeholders’’; protest those rates through the process the Energy Independence and Security Act of (2) by striking subsection (b)(3); and that is outlined by the Federal Power 2007 (Public Law 110–140; 121 Stat. 1661) is (3) by striking subsections (c) through (g) amended by adding at the end the following: Act. and inserting the following: ‘‘SEC. 530. ENERGY-EFFICIENT AND ENERGY-SAV- ‘‘(c) STAKEHOLDER INVOLVEMENT.—The Sec- I am the first to admit that this is a ING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES. complex issue, but my bill is a simple retary and the Administrator shall carry out ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: subsection (b) in collaboration with the in- fix to a complex problem. When we as ‘‘(1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘Director’ means formation technology industry and other lawmakers identify a flaw in one of our the Director of the Office of Management key stakeholders, with the goal of producing laws, especially one that unduly harms and Budget. results that accurately reflect the most rel- our constituents, it is our obligation to ‘‘(2) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY.—The term evant and useful information available. In act to amend the law. ‘information technology’ has the meaning such collaboration, the Secretary and the The unpredictability of my region’s given that term in section 11101 of title 40, Administrator shall pay particular attention energy rates means families can’t save United States Code. to organizations that— for the future and local businesses ‘‘(b) DEVELOPMENT OF IMPLEMENTATION ‘‘(1) have members with expertise in energy STRATEGY.—Not later than 1 year after the efficiency and in the development, operation, can’t grow. The least we can do is to date of enactment of this section, each Fed- and functionality of data centers, informa- ensure that they will never be held eral agency shall coordinate with the Direc- tion technology equipment, and software, voiceless when their electric bills ar- tor, the Secretary, and the Administrator of such as representatives of hardware manu- rive at the end of each month; so I urge the Environmental Protection Agency to de- facturers, data center operators, and facility my colleagues to support this bill. velop an implementation strategy (that in- managers;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.007 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 ‘‘(2) obtain and address input from Depart- ‘‘(j) PROTECTION OF PROPRIETARY INFORMA- I rise in support of H.R. 1268, the En- ment of Energy National Laboratories or TION.—The Secretary and the Administrator ergy Efficient Government Technology any college, university, research institution, shall not disclose any proprietary informa- Act, sponsored by two Energy and industry association, company, or public in- tion or trade secrets provided by any indi- Commerce Committee members, the terest group with applicable expertise; vidual or company for the purposes of car- ‘‘(3) follow— rying out this section or the programs and gentlewoman from California (Ms. ‘‘(A) commonly accepted procedures for initiatives established under this section.’’. ESHOO) and the gentleman from Illinois the development of specifications; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (Mr. KINZINGER). ‘‘(B) accredited standards development ant to the rule, the gentleman from H.R. 1268 promotes the use of energy- processes; and efficient and energy-saving informa- Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- ‘‘(4) have a mission to promote energy effi- tion technologies and practices across tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- ciency for data centers and information the Federal Government, especially in NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. technology. data centers. ‘‘(d) MEASUREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS.— The Chair recognizes the gentleman The Secretary and the Administrator shall from Kentucky. The bill amends the Energy Inde- pendence and Security Act of 2007, the consider and assess the adequacy of the spec- GENERAL LEAVE EISA Act, to require Federal agencies ifications, measurements, best practices, and Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask benchmarks described in subsection (b) for to coordinate with OMB, DOE, and unanimous consent that all Members use by the Federal Energy Management Pro- EPA in developing an implementation may have 5 legislative days in which to gram, the Energy Star Program, and other strategy for maintenance, purchase, efficiency programs of the Department of revise and extend their remarks and to and use of energy-efficient and energy- Energy or the Environmental Protection insert extraneous materials in the saving information technologies. Agency. RECORD on the bill. The legislation highlights specific ‘‘(e) STUDY.—The Secretary, in collabora- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tion with the Administrator, shall, not later items that should be considered in the objection to the request of the gen- than 18 months after the date of enactment strategy and sets performance goals to of the Energy Efficient Government Tech- tleman from Kentucky? There was no objection. evaluate agencies’ efforts. It would also nology Act, make available to the public an amend EISA to require DOE and EPA update to the Report to Congress on Server b 1515 and Data Center Energy Efficiency published to collaborate with stakeholders as on August 2, 2007, under section 1 of Public Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I they implement the data center effi- Law 109–431 (120 Stat. 2920), that provides— yield myself such time as I may con- ciency program and other measures to ‘‘(1) a comparison and gap analysis of the sume. improve data center efficiency. estimates and projections contained in the I thank Representative ESHOO of This legislation was reported with original report with new data regarding the California, a member of the Energy and unanimous consent last month by the period from 2008 through 2015; Commerce Committee, for her work on Energy and Commerce Committee, and ‘‘(2) an analysis considering the impact of information technologies, including this bill. the provisions of H.R. 1268 previously virtualization and cloud computing, in the This legislation would require Fed- passed committee in 2015 as part of public and private sectors; eral agencies to coordinate with the Of- H.R. 8. ‘‘(3) an evaluation of the impact of the fice of Management and Budget, the I commend Ms. ESHOO and Mr. combination of cloud platforms, mobile de- Department of Energy, and the Envi- KINZINGER. This is good, bipartisan effi- vices, social media, and big data on data cen- ronmental Protection Agency to de- ciency legislation that deserves all of ter energy usage; velop an implementation strategy, in- our support. ‘‘(4) an evaluation of water usage in data cluding best practices and measure- I urge my colleagues to support its centers and recommendations for reductions passage. in such water usage; and ment and verification techniques for ‘‘(5) updated projections and recommenda- the maintenance, purchase, and use of I yield back the balance of my time. tions for best practices through fiscal year energy-efficient and energy-saving in- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I have 2020. formation technologies. OMB would be no further speakers. ‘‘(f) DATA CENTER ENERGY PRACTITIONER required to track and report on each I yield back the balance of my time. PROGRAM.—The Secretary, in collaboration agency’s progress. Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to with key stakeholders and the Director of In 2013, the U.S. data centers con- rise today in support of my legislation, the En- the Office of Management and Budget, shall ergy Efficient Government Technology Act. I maintain a data center energy practitioner sumed an estimated 91 billion kilo- program that leads to the certification of en- watt-hours of electricity, enough elec- thank Chairman UPTON, Ranking Member PAL- ergy practitioners qualified to evaluate the tricity to power all of the households LONE, and my legislative partner Congressman energy usage and efficiency opportunities in in New York City twice over; and, I ADAM KINZINGER for their strong support of this Federal data centers. Each Federal agency might say, they are on track to reach bill. shall consider having the data centers of the 140 billion kilowatt-hours by 2020. This This bill is all about bringing our federal gov- agency evaluated every 4 years, in accord- amounts to roughly 2 percent of all the ernment’s IT and data centers into the 21st ance with section 543(f) of the National En- century. The federal government is the na- ergy Conservation Policy Act (42 U.S.C. electricity used in the U.S. each year. 8253), by energy practitioners certified pursu- Federal data centers are responsible for tion’s largest landowner, employer, and energy ant to such program. at least 10 percent of all U.S. data cen- user and should lead by example in this field. ‘‘(g) OPEN DATA INITIATIVE.—The Sec- ter energy use. By requiring federal agencies to utilize the retary, in collaboration with key stake- Consequently, this bill seeks to im- best technologies and energy management holders and the Director of the Office of prove the energy efficiency of Federal strategies, this legislation will reduce the fed- Management and Budget, shall establish an eral government’s energy use, save taxpayer open data initiative for Federal data center data centers by, in part, requiring the energy usage data, with the purpose of mak- Department of Energy to update a 2007 dollars, and set the standard for the private ing such data available and accessible in a report on data center energy efficiency sector. manner that encourages further data center and maintain a data center energy Today, the world generates more data in innovation, optimization, and consolidation. practitioner certification program. twelve hours than was generated in all of In establishing the initiative, the Secretary DOE also would establish an open data human history prior to 2003. This data must shall consider the use of the online Data initiative to help share best practices be stored and processed at data centers Center Maturity Model. which are the backbone of the 21st century ‘‘(h) INTERNATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS AND and support further innovation and de- METRICS.—The Secretary, in collaboration velop a metric that measures data cen- economy but can be highly energy inefficient. with key stakeholders, shall actively partici- ter energy efficiency. While we now routinely hear about data cen- pate in efforts to harmonize global specifica- So this is a very important bill that ters, this was not the case when I began ex- tions and metrics for data center energy and focuses on efficiency in these Federal amining this issue over a decade ago. In water efficiency. data centers, and I would urge all of those days I had to explain to my colleagues ‘‘(i) DATA CENTER UTILIZATION METRIC.— what a data center was. Today, most people The Secretary, in collaboration with key the Members to support this legisla- stakeholders, shall facilitate the develop- tion. understand that data centers are a critical part ment of an efficiency metric that measures I reserve the balance of my time. of our national infrastructure and are found in the energy efficiency of a data center (in- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield nearly every sector of our economy. According cluding equipment and facilities). myself such time as I may consume. to the GSA, the federal government alone has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.003 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1307 more than 2,000 data centers which store ev- The Clerk read the title of the bill. actions of a minimal material signifi- erything from Social Security and tax records The text of the bill is as follows: cance. to e-books at the Library of Congress. H.R. 4427 As amended by Congress in 2005, the Data centers are critical to our economy and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- subsection in section 203 of the Federal our lives, but they can be extremely inefficient resentatives of the United States of America in Power Act that pertains to mergers when it comes to energy use. Experts esti- Congress assembled, and consolidations of FERC jurisdic- mate that most data centers could slash their SECTION 1. CLARIFICATION OF FACILITY MERG- tional facilities did not include an ex- energy use by up to 80 or 90 percent by sim- ER AUTHORIZATION. press minimum monetary threshold of ply implementing existing technologies and Section 203(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Power $10 million or any other amount. FERC best practices. Several Silicon Valley compa- Act (16 U.S.C. 824b(a)(1)(B)) is amended by has since interpreted this statutory nies have taken the lead in developing effi- striking ‘‘such facilities or any part thereof’’ and inserting ‘‘such facilities, or any part change as eliminating the de minimis cient, sustainable data centers, but we can do thereof, of a value in excess of $10,000,000’’. exceptions for mergers and consolida- much more across both the private sector and SEC. 2. NOTIFICATION FOR CERTAIN TRANS- tions. As a result, mergers and consoli- government. ACTIONS. dations of any amount, no matter how H.R. 1268 will drive energy efficiency im- Section 203(a) of the Federal Power Act (16 small, require FERC approval. provements across the government’s IT and U.S.C. 824b(a)) is amended by adding at the This legislation, H.R. 4427, which was data centers by requiring federal agencies to: end the following new paragraph: introduced by Mr. POMPEO of Kansas, 1. Utilize the best technologies and energy ‘‘(7)(A) Not later than 180 days after the remedies this discrepancy by amending management strategies; date of enactment of this paragraph, the section 203 to expressly include a min- 2. Formulate specific goals and periodically Commission shall promulgate a rule requir- imum monetary threshold of $10 mil- ing any public utility that is seeking to evaluate their energy efficiency; and lion for mergers and consolidations of 3. Make data center energy usage statistics merge or consolidate, directly or indirectly, FERC jurisdictional facilities, thereby public in a way that empowers further innova- its facilities subject to the jurisdiction of mirroring the existing $10 million mon- tion. the Commission, or any part thereof, with Importantly, the bill requires government those of any other person, to notify the Com- etary threshold set forth in the other mission of such transaction not later than 30 agencies to formulate specific performance three subsections of section 203. days after the date on which the transaction As explained by the general counsel goals and a means to calculate overall cost is consummated if— savings. The Department of Energy estimates of FERC, ‘‘adding a $10 million de mini- ‘‘(i) such facilities, or any part thereof, are mus threshold to the ‘merge and con- that implementation of best practices alone of a value in excess of $1,000,000; and could reduce the government’s data center en- ‘‘(ii) such public utility is not required to solidate clause’ . . . could ease the ad- ergy bill by 20 to 40 percent. And the Center secure an order of the Commission under ministrative burden on the Commis- for Climate and Energy Solutions found that paragraph (1)(B). sion staff and the regulatory burden on widespread adoption of energy efficient infor- ‘‘(B) In establishing any notification re- industry without a significant negative quirement under subparagraph (A), the Com- effect on the Commission’s regulatory mation technologies could save the federal mission shall, to the maximum extent prac- government over $5 billion in energy costs responsibilities.’’ ticable, minimize the paperwork burden re- Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge all through 2020. sulting from the collection of information.’’. In 2005, I authored language in the Energy Members to pass this legislation intro- SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. duced by the gentleman from Kansas Policy Act which mandated an EPA study on The amendment made by section 1 shall the energy use and energy costs of data cen- (Mr. POMPEO). take effect 180 days after the date of enact- I reserve the balance of my time. ters. This report was transmitted to Congress ment of this Act. Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield in 2007 and served as a driver of both private The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- myself such time as I may consume. and public investment in energy efficiency. ant to the rule, the gentleman from I rise in support of H.R. 4427, legisla- Based on widespread agreement across gov- Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- tion by the gentleman from Kansas ernment, industry and academia, the bill be- tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- (Mr. POMPEO), which would add a $10 fore us today requires an update to this impor- NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. million threshold to trigger FERC re- tant report. H.R. 1268 also creates a new The Chair recognizes the gentleman view of a merger or consolidation ‘‘Open Data’’ initiative to make federal data from Kentucky. under section 203 of the Federal Power center energy usage statistics publicly avail- GENERAL LEAVE Act. able in a way that empowers further innova- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask This is a significant change to cur- tion. unanimous consent that all Members The Energy Efficient Government Tech- rent law as established by the Energy may have 5 legislative days to revise nology Act passed the House last Congress Policy Act of 2005 that essentially did and extend their remarks and to insert with 375 votes. It passed the House again in away with the Public Utilities Holding extraneous materials in the RECORD on this Congress as part of H.R. 8, and it is in- Company Act, PUHCA, as it had ex- the bill. cluded in the Senate’s comprehensive energy isted for 70 years, in order to reduce The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there bill which is currently being debated. This non- the burden on industry. objection to the request of the gen- But it also fundamentally altered controversial, bipartisan bill has strong support tleman from Kentucky? and strengthened section 203 of the from both industry and energy efficiency advo- There was no objection. Federal Power Act to protect against cates, and I urge my colleagues to support it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I potential market abuses that might question is on the motion offered by yield myself such time as I may con- arise without the protections of the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. sume. PUHCA. With that reasonable com- Section 203 of the Federal Power Act WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the promise authored by then-Chairmen rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1268, as establishes requirements for the sale, BARTON and Domenici, it earned the bi- amended. disposition, merger, purchase, and ac- partisan support of Ranking Members The question was taken; and (two- quisition of certain utility assets and Dingell and Bingaman. thirds being in the affirmative) the facilities. In the Energy Policy Act of Testimony we heard at a recent En- rules were suspended and the bill, as 2005, Congress amended section 203 by ergy and Power Subcommittee hearing amended, was passed. dividing the section into separate stat- highlighted that, last year, roughly 20 A motion to reconsider was laid on utory subsections, adding a new sub- percent of section 203 applications fell the table. section granting FERC jurisdiction to beneath the $10 million threshold. That f review sales of certain generating fa- is a significant number of applications. cilities and increasing the minimum Furthermore, in multiple conversa- FEDERAL POWER ACT monetary threshold from $50,000 to $10 tions with FERC general counsel and AMENDMENT million for three of the four statutory others, it became clear that, if the bill Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I subsections. This monetary threshold were to be enacted in its original form, move to suspend the rules and pass the serves as a floor to ensure that public FERC would have no way to know if at- bill (H.R. 4427) to amend section 203 of utilities would only be required to file tempts were being made to evade the the Federal Power Act, as amended. and FERC to review proposed trans- review threshold by structuring major

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.005 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 merger consolidation activity as a se- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4427, as The issue is the red tape. Despite the ries of below-threshold consolidations. amended. importance of the project, the red tape FERC has already told us that it has The question was taken; and (two- with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the tools to deal with efforts to evade thirds being in the affirmative) the has created an impassable deadlock in review through such schemes if it finds rules were suspended and the bill, as it that won’t allow for construction of out that they are occurring. amended, was passed. it. Even though we all recognize that However, the clear problem was, A motion to reconsider was laid on hydroelectric power is clean and it is which FERC acknowledged, that the the table. appropriate and the project is enor- bill, as introduced, would leave the f mously important to Montana and Commission with no standardized way REINSTATING AND EXTENDING Idaho, the bureaucratic red tape has to acquire information to even know DEADLINE FOR CONSTRUCTION just prevented it from going forward. that these below-threshold trans- OF HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT This is why we are here. Congress actions were actually occurring. I INVOLVING CLARK CANYON DAM must act, and Congress will act. I am think we can all agree that FERC sure my colleagues on the other side of should not have to rely on trade publi- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I the aisle will agree that this is a wor- cations or word of mouth to know that move to suspend the rules and pass the thy project for Congress to use our au- merger consolidation activity is occur- bill (H.R. 2080) to reinstate and extend thority and to introduce the legislation ring involving regulated entities. the deadline for commencement of con- to authorize such projects and inde- The easiest way to address this prob- struction of a hydroelectric project in- pendently move ahead. lem is by requiring regulated entities volving Clark Canyon Dam. This is why I urge all my colleagues engaging in merger or consolidation The Clerk read the title of the bill. to support H.R. 2080. activity to simply have to notify FERC The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield that a transaction is occurring, and H.R. 2080 myself such time as I may consume. that is exactly what the committee did Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. when it adopted by voice vote an resentatives of the United States of America in 2080, a bill sponsored and led by the Congress assembled, amendment by Subcommittee Ranking gentleman from Montana (Mr. ZINKE) SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF TIME FOR A FEDERAL Member BOBBY RUSH. ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION to reinstate and extend the deadline for The bill, as reported by the Energy PROJECT INVOLVING CLARK CAN- commencement of construction on the and Commerce Committee, requires YON DAM. hydroelectric project involving Clark FERC to begin a rulemaking process to Notwithstanding the time period described Canyon Dam. develop a short, simple notification in section 13 of the Federal Power Act (16 Mr. Speaker, on August 26, 2009, U.S.C. 806) that would otherwise apply to the process for transactions between $1 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FERC licensed the Clark Canyon Dam million and $10 million. The bill also project numbered 12429, the Federal Energy project at the Bureau of Reclamation’s includes statutory direction to FERC Regulatory Commission (referred to in this Clark Canyon Dam on the Beaverhead to minimize the notification burden on section as the ‘‘Commission’’) shall, at the River in Beaverhead County, Montana. industry to the maximum extent pos- request of the licensee for the project, and Section 13 of the Federal Power Act sible. after reasonable notice and in accordance requires licensees to commence con- What we envisioned is a standard with the procedures of the Commission under struction of the hydroelectric project form of a page or less, able to be com- that section, reinstate the license and extend within a time fixed by the license, no the time period during which the licensee is more than 2 years from its being pleted online, that simply informs required to commence construction of FERC that a transaction is occurring project works for the 3-year period beginning issued. It also authorizes FERC to or has recently occurred, who is in- on the date of enactment of this Act. issue one extension of that deadline for volved, what the appropriate amount of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- no more than 2 years. that transaction is, and a brief descrip- ant to the rule, the gentleman from In March of 2015, FERC terminated the license for the Clark Canyon Dam tion of the transaction. The bill we are Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- hydroelectric project after the licensee considering now also adds language re- tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- did not commence construction by the quested by industry, supported by both NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. the chairman and ranking member of The Chair recognizes the gentleman already extended deadline of August the committee, which provides further from Kentucky. 2013. The bill authorizes FERC to rein- certainty by setting a reporting dead- GENERAL LEAVE line of not later than 30 days from the Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask state the terminated license for the consummation of a reportable trans- unanimous consent that all Members Clark Canyon Dam hydroelectric action. have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- project to extend for 6 years the date I commend the gentleman from Illi- tend their remarks and to insert extra- by which the licensee is required to nois and the gentleman from Kansas, commence construction. FERC has no neous material in the RECORD on the along with Chairman UPTON, Chairman bill. objections to this legislation, and the WHITFIELD, and Ranking Member PAL- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Committee on Energy and Commerce LONE, for coming together and address- objection to the request of the gen- reported the bill by voice vote without ing this issue. It is a sensible piece of tleman from Kentucky? dissent. legislation that reduces the burden not There was no objection. I hope my colleagues will support only on industry, Mr. Speaker, but also Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I passage of H.R. 2080. I commend the on the government, while ensuring the yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from gentleman from Montana for all his public good is protected. Montana (Mr. ZINKE), who is the author work in bringing this to the floor. I urge passage of the legislation. of this legislation. I yield back the balance of my time. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, this is Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, as the b 1530 an important piece of legislation to gentleman from Massachusetts made Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today give additional time for the develop- reference, this bill will reduce regu- in firm support of H.R. 2080, which rein- ment of Clark Canyon Dam, for which latory burdens, bring important parity states and extends the deadline for con- a license has been issued in the past. I to the statute, while also protecting struction of the Clark Canyon Dam hy- urge passage of this legislation. ratepayers by providing important no- droelectric project. I yield back the balance of my time. tice requirements. I would urge its pas- The dam is located outside of Dillon, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sage. Montana, and will provide critical elec- question is on the motion offered by I yield back the balance of my time. tricity to both Montana and Idaho. the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The That is why I am proud to have the en- WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the question is on the motion offered by tire Idaho delegation with me and the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2080. the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. entirety of the Montana delegation in The question was taken; and (two- WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the support of this bill. thirds being in the affirmative) the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.012 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1309 rules were suspended and the bill was house Energy of Bellingham, Wash- time period during which the licensee is re- passed. ington. quired to commence the construction of the A motion to reconsider was laid on The project was officially licensed by project for up to 3 consecutive 2-year periods from the date of the expiration of the exten- the table. FERC in 2014, and a 2-year extension sion originally issued by the Commission. f was also granted that year. Unfortu- (b) REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.— nately, delays once again in paperwork If the period required for commencement of EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- and redtape require that Congress act construction of the project described in sub- STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC to extend the deadline. section (a) has expired prior to the date of PROJECT INVOLVING GIBSON I am fairly confident that my col- the enactment of this Act, the Commission DAM shall reinstate the license effective as of the leagues on the other side will also sup- date of its expiration and the first extension Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I port this bill, being that the same issue authorized under subsection (a) shall take ef- move to suspend the rules and pass the before us is dams provide a clean fect on the date of such expiration. bill (H.R. 2081) to extend the deadline source of power. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for commencement of construction of a The project has been reviewed mul- ant to the rule, the gentleman from hydroelectric project involving the tiple times, and it is in the best inter- Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- Gibson Dam. ests of Montana and our country. The tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- The Clerk read the title of the bill. dam itself is important not only to NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. The text of the bill is as follows: Montana and local farming commu- The Chair recognizes the gentleman H.R. 2081 nities, but it also protects pivotal wild- from Kentucky. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- life in areas around it. GENERAL LEAVE resentatives of the United States of America in Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask Congress assembled, support H.R. 2081. unanimous consent that all Members SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF TIME FOR FEDERAL I reserve the balance of my time. may have 5 legislative days in which to ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield revise and extend their remarks and in- PROJECT INVOLVING GIBSON DAM. myself such time as I may consume. sert extraneous materials in the (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the re- Mr. Speaker, this legislation was re- RECORD on the bill. quirements of section 13 of the Federal ported unanimously out by the Com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory mittee on Energy and Commerce. I objection to the request of the gen- Commission project numbered 12478–003, the know of no objections to the bill. I tleman from Kentucky? Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (re- commend Mr. ZINKE for his work on There was no objection. ferred to in this section as the ‘‘Commis- bringing it to the floor. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I sion’’) may, at the request of the licensee for I yield back the balance of my time. yield myself such time as I may con- the project, and after reasonable notice and Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I urge sume. in accordance with the procedures of the passage of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I want to give a strong Commission under that section, extend the I yield back the balance of my time. thanks to the gentlewoman from North time period during which the licensee is re- Carolina (Ms. FOXX) for her work on quired to commence construction of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by this legislation. project for a 6-year period that begins on the This, like the other two pieces of leg- the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. date described in subsection (b). islation that we have just passed, re- (b) DATE DESCRIBED.—The date described in WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the fers to a hydroelectric project, in this subsection is the date of the expiration rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2081. North Carolina in this instance. of the extension of the period required for The question was taken. commencement of construction for the Like the facts in the other cases, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the after granting a license to commence project described in subsection (a) that was opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being issued by the Commission prior to the date construction of this project, FERC of enactment of this Act under section 13 of in the affirmative, the ayes have it. issued an order terminating the project the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806). Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on license as a result of continued delays that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- by the project applicant and other The yeas and nays were ordered. ant to the rule, the gentleman from agencies. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- This legislation requires FERC to re- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- instate the license and extend the start tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- ceedings on this motion will be post- time for construction of the W. Kerr NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. poned. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Scott Dam project for 6 years. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of from Kentucky. f my time. GENERAL LEAVE EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, this Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC legislation was reported unanimously unanimous consent that all Members PROJECT NUMBERED 12642 out by the Committee on Energy and may have 5 legislative days in which to Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Commerce. I know of no objections to revise and extend their remarks and in- move to suspend the rules and pass the the bill. sert extraneous materials in the bill (H.R. 3447) to extend the deadline I yield back the balance of my time. RECORD on the bill. for commencement of construction of a Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I urge The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there hydroelectric project, as amended. the passage of this legislation. objection to the request of the gen- The Clerk read the title of the bill. I yield back the balance of my time. tleman from Kentucky? The text of the bill is as follows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The There was no objection. question is on the motion offered by H.R. 3447 the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the resentatives of the United States of America in rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3447, as Montana (Mr. ZINKE), the author of Congress assembled, this legislation. amended SECTION 1. EXTENSION. The question was taken. Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the time The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the firm support of H.R. 2081, which rein- period specified in section 13 of the Federal opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being states and extends the deadline for con- Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. struction of the Gibson Dam hydro- wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission project numbered 12642, the Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on electric project. that I demand the yeas and nays. Similar to the project before, the Commission may, at the request of the li- censee for the project, and after reasonable The yeas and nays were ordered. Gibson Dam—this is situated in Au- notice, in accordance with the good faith, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gusta, Montana—is a partnership be- due diligence, and public interest require- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- tween the Greenfields Irrigation Dis- ments of that section and the Commission’s ceedings on this motion will be post- trict of Fairfield, Montana, and Toll- procedures under that section, extend the poned.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.016 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- This legislation simply requires Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC FERC to reinstate the license and ex- tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- PROJECT NUMBERED 12715 tend the start time for construction of NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I the Jennings Randolph Dam in West The Chair recognizes the gentleman move to suspend the rules and pass the Virginia for 6 years. from Kentucky. bill (H.R. 4416) to extend the deadline I urge the passage of this legislation. GENERAL LEAVE I reserve the balance of my time. for commencement of construction of a Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask hydroelectric project. Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. unanimous consent that all Members The Clerk read the title of the bill. may have 5 legislative days in which to The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. Speaker, this legislation was re- revise and extend their remarks and in- H.R. 4416 ported unanimously by the Committee sert extraneous materials in the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- on Energy and Commerce. I know of no RECORD on the bill. resentatives of the United States of America in objections to the bill. I commend my Congress assembled, colleague, the gentleman from West The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there SECTION 1. EXTENSION. Virginia (Mr. MCKINLEY), for bringing objection to the request of the gen- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the time it to the floor. tleman from Kentucky? period specified in section 13 of the Federal I yield back the balance of my time. There was no objection. Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Commission project numbered 12715, the yield back the balance of my time. yield myself such time as I may con- Commission may, at the request of the li- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sume. censee for the project, and after reasonable question is on the motion offered by Mr. Speaker, once again, this is legis- notice, in accordance with the good faith, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. lation extending, for 8 years in this due diligence, and public interest require- WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the case, construction of a hydropower ments of that section and the Commission’s rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4416. project at the Collinsville Dam in New procedures under that section, extend the time period during which the licensee is re- The question was taken. York. quired to commence the construction of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the I want to thank the gentleman from project for up to 3 consecutive 2-year periods opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being New York (Mr. GIBSON) for his work on from the date of the expiration of the exten- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. this bill. sion originally issued by the Commission. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on Once again, the FERC had issued a li- Any obligation of the licensee for the pay- that I demand the yeas and nays. cense to commence construction of this ment of annual charges under section 10(e) of The yeas and nays were ordered. the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 803(e)) shall project. They then issued an order ter- commence upon conclusion of the time pe- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- minating the project because it did not riod to commence construction of the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- meet certain time deadlines because of project, as extended by the Commission ceedings on this motion will be post- delays by the project applicant and under this subsection. poned. other agencies. (b) REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.— This legislation simply requires If the period required for commencement of f FERC to reinstate the license and ex- construction of the project described in sub- EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- tend the start time for a period of 8 section (a) has expired prior to the date of STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC years. I urge the passage of this legisla- the enactment of this Act, the Commission PROJECT NUMBERED 13287 shall reinstate the license effective as of the tion. date of its expiration and the first extension Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I I reserve the balance of my time. authorized under subsection (a) shall take ef- move to suspend the rules and pass the Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield fect on the date of such expiration. bill (H.R. 4434) to extend the deadline myself such time as I may consume. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for commencement of construction of a Mr. Speaker, this bill was reported ant to the rule, the gentleman from hydroelectric project. unanimously by the Committee on En- Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- The Clerk read the title of the bill. ergy and Commerce. It has the support tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- The text of the bill is as follows: of a number of Democrats on the Com- NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. H.R. 4434 mittee on Energy and Commerce from The Chair recognizes the gentleman Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- from Kentucky. New York who have been working with resentatives of the United States of America in Mr. GIBSON on the legislation, includ- GENERAL LEAVE Congress assembled, ing Mr. ENGEL, Mr. TONKO, and Ms. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask SECTION 1. EXTENSION. unanimous consent that all Members CLARKE. It was reported out, as I said, (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the time without dissent. may have 5 legislative days in which to period specified in section 13 of the Federal revise and extend their remarks and in- Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- I urge passage of the bill. sert extraneous materials in the wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory I commend Mr. GIBSON for bringing it RECORD on the bill. Commission project numbered 13287, the to the floor. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Commission may, at the request of the li- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance objection to the request of the gen- censee for the project, and after reasonable of my time. notice, in accordance with the good faith, tleman from Kentucky? due diligence, and public interest require- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I There was no objection. ments of that section and the Commission’s yield back the balance of my time. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I procedures under that section, extend the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The yield myself such time as I may con- time period during which the licensee is re- question is on the motion offered by sume. quired to commence the construction of the the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Mr. Speaker, I want to give a special project for up to 4 consecutive 2-year periods WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the from the date of the expiration of the time thanks to the gentleman from West rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4434. Virginia (Mr. MCKINLEY) for his work period required for commencement of con- The question was taken. on this legislation. struction prescribed in the license. Like the other three before, this re- (b) REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the lates to a hydropower project, this one If the period required for commencement of opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being construction of the project described in sub- located at the Jennings Randolph Dam in the affirmative, the ayes have it. section (a) has expired prior to the date of Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on in West Virginia. Like the other cases, the enactment of this Act, the Commission after granting a license to commence may reinstate the license effective as of the that I demand the yeas and nays. construction of this project, FERC date of its expiration and the first extension The yeas and nays were ordered. issued an order terminating the project authorized under subsection (a) shall take ef- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- license as a result of continued delays fect on the date of such expiration. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- by the project applicant and other The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ceedings on this motion will be post- agencies. ant to the rule, the gentleman from poned.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.020 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1311 EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- With that being said, Mr. Speaker, I GENERAL LEAVE STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC ask that this bill be passed by the en- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask PROJECT NUMBERED 12737 tire House. unanimous consent that all Members Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield may have 5 legislative days in which to move to suspend the rules and pass the myself such time as I may consume. revise and extend their remarks and in- bill (H.R. 4411) to extend the deadline Mr. Speaker, this legislation was re- sert extraneous materials in the for commencement of construction of a ported out unanimously by the Energy RECORD on the bill. hydroelectric project. and Commerce Committee. I know of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The Clerk read the title of the bill. no objections to the bill. I commend objection to the request of the gen- The text of the bill is as follows: my colleague from Virginia (Mr. GRIF- tleman from Kentucky? H.R. 4411 FITH) for bringing it to the floor. There was no objection. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I resentatives of the United States of America in Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- Congress assembled, yield myself such time as I may con- sume. SECTION 1. EXTENSION. sume. Before I get into a specific discussion (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the time Mr. Speaker, I think the House may of this legislation, I do want to thank period specified in section 13 of the Federal be setting a record today on hydro- the staff on both the Republican and Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- power projects. Democratic side of the Energy and wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory I urge passage of the bill. Commerce Committee. Commission project numbered 12737, the I yield back the balance of my time. I certainly want to thank Mr. KEN- Commission may, at the request of the li- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The NEDY, Mr. RUSH, and Mr. PALLONE for censee for the project, and after reasonable question is on the motion offered by notice, in accordance with the good faith, working with us on all of these impor- due diligence, and public interest require- the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. tant pieces of legislation. ments of that section and the Commission’s WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the Once again, this particular bill re- procedures under that section, extend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4411. lates to a hydropower project at the time period during which the licensee is re- The question was taken; and (two- Flannagan Dam in Virginia. I would quired to commence the construction of the thirds being in the affirmative) the like to thank the gentleman from Vir- project for up to 3 consecutive 2-year periods rules were suspended and the bill was ginia (Mr. GRIFFITH) for his work on from the date of the expiration of the exten- passed. this legislation. sion originally issued by the Commission. A motion to reconsider was laid on (b) REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.— I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman If the period required for commencement of the table. from Virginia (Mr. GRIFFITH). construction of the project described in sub- f Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, like the section (a) has expired prior to the date of EXTENDING DEADLINE FOR CON- previous bills, this is a dam project in the enactment of this Act, the Commission which the license was issued, but for may reinstate the license for the project ef- STRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT NUMBERED 12740 various reasons, the timeline has ex- fective as of the date of its expiration and pired or is about to expire, and this the first extension authorized under sub- Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I would give it up to an additional 6 section (a) shall take effect on the date of move to suspend the rules and pass the such expiration. years in which to get the project com- bill (H.R. 4412) to extend the deadline pleted. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for commencement of construction of a ant to the rule, the gentleman from This, like the other one I mentioned, hydroelectric project. is also a run-of-river hydroelectric Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- The Clerk read the title of the bill. project, which means it won’t change tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- The text of the bill is as follows: the flow of the river. None of the sports NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. H.R. 4412 and recreational activities will be af- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- from Kentucky. fected negatively in any way. resentatives of the United States of America in This is located in Dickenson County. b 1545 Congress assembled, It is the Flannagan project. I ask the SECTION 1. EXTENSION. GENERAL LEAVE House to approve this extension. (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding the time Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask period specified in section 13 of the Federal Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I yield unanimous consent that all Members Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806) that would other- myself such time as I may consume. may have 5 legislative days in which to wise apply to the Federal Energy Regulatory Mr. Speaker, I just want to conclude revise and extend their remarks and in- Commission project numbered 12740, the today by thanking committee staff sert extraneous materials in the Commission may, at the request of the li- from both sides of the aisle, again, on RECORD on the bill. censee for the project, and after reasonable the Energy and Commerce Committee The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there notice, in accordance with the good faith, for all the work they put into making objection to the request of the gen- due diligence, and public interest require- sure that the legislation today is pos- ments of that section and the Commission’s sible. A tremendous amount of hours tleman from Kentucky? procedures under that section, extend the There was no objection. time period during which the licensee is re- went into those efforts. Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I quired to commence the construction of the I also want to commend Mr. WHIT- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from project for up to 3 consecutive 2-year periods FIELD, Mr. RUSH, Mr. PALLONE, and Mr. Virginia (Mr. GRIFFITH), who is the au- from the date of the expiration of the exten- UPTON for working in such a collabo- thor of this legislation. sion originally issued by the Commission. rative manner to get these bills to the Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, this (b) REINSTATEMENT OF EXPIRED LICENSE.— floor today as well as the individual If the period required for commencement of bill, like the others before it dealing sponsors of the bill. Mr. GRIFFITH had with dams, deals with a dam in construction of the project described in sub- section (a) has expired prior to the date of two important pieces of legislation for Alleghany County, Virginia, the the enactment of this Act, the Commission his district. Gathright Dam project. It, too, was may reinstate the license for the project ef- Mr. Speaker, this specific piece of given a license. It, too, for various rea- fective as of the date of its expiration and legislation was reported, again, unani- sons amongst the agencies in the com- the first extension authorized under sub- mously by the Energy and Commerce pany seeking to build a hydroelectric section (a) shall take effect on the date of Committee. I know of no objections to dam or add to the project there, has such expiration. the bill. I urge its passage. not met the time constraints. This bill The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I yield back the balance of my time. would extend that for up to 6 years. I ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. WHITFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I also would ask that we adopt it. Kentucky (Mr. WHITFIELD) and the gen- urge passage of H.R. 4412. I would point out that this project tleman from Massachusetts (Mr. KEN- I yield back the balance of my time. would be a run-of-river project. In NEDY) each will control 20 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The other words, it is not going to change The Chair recognizes the gentleman question is on the motion offered by the flow of the river in any way. from Kentucky. the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.024 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 WHITFIELD) that the House suspend the vilian targets including bakeries, hospitals, regional or international hybrid court to rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4412. markets, and schools, contrary to United Na- prosecute the perpetrators of grave crimes The question was taken; and (two- tions Security Council Resolution 2254, committed by the Government of Syria, its thirds being in the affirmative) the adopted on December 18, 2015, which de- allies, and other parties to the conflict; and manded ‘‘that all parties immediately cease (6) urges other nations to apprehend and rules were suspended and the bill was any attacks against civilians and civilian ob- deliver into the custody of such a Syrian war passed. jects’’; crimes tribunal persons indicted for war A motion to reconsider was laid on Whereas the attacks by the Government of crimes, crimes against humanity, or geno- the table. Syria and its allies have focused on civilian cide in Syria, and to provide information f targets and the United States-backed opposi- pertaining to such crimes to the tribunal. tion, and have led to the expansion of the Is- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- CONDEMNING VIOLATIONS OF lamic State in Syria; ant to the rule, the gentleman from INTERNATIONAL LAW BY THE Whereas other parties to the conflict in GOVERNMENT OF SYRIA Syria, including the Islamic State of Iraq New Jersey (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- and the Levant and the al-Nusra Front, have tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN) Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. engaged in torture, rape, summary execution each will control 20 minutes. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules of government soldiers, kidnapping for ran- The Chair recognizes the gentleman and agree to the concurrent resolution som, and violence against civilians; from New Jersey. Whereas these continued violations of (H. Con. Res. 121) expressing the sense GENERAL LEAVE international law, without any promise of of the Congress condemning the gross Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. violations of international law accountability, jeopardize hope for estab- lishing a meaningful and lasting peace Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that amounting to war crimes and crimes through the Geneva and Vienna processes; all Members may have 5 legislative against humanity by the Government Whereas Syria is not a state-party to the days to revise and extend their re- of Syria, its allies, and other parties to Rome Statute and is not a member of the marks and include extraneous material the conflict in Syria, and asking the International Criminal Court; on this resolution. President to direct his Ambassador at Whereas the United States supports the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the United Nations to promote the es- collection and analysis of documentation re- objection to the request of the gen- lated to the ongoing violations of human tablishment of a war crimes tribunal tleman from New Jersey? where these crimes could be addressed, rights, the coordination of Syrian and inter- national actors working on documentation There was no objection. as amended. and transitional justice efforts, and edu- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. The Clerk read the title of the con- cation and outreach on transitional justice Speaker, I yield myself such time as I current resolution. concepts and processes, including efforts of may consume. The text of the concurrent resolution the Syria Justice and Accountability Center Mr. Speaker, the U.N. Security Coun- is as follows: sponsored by the United States and various cil should move immediately to estab- other states and multilateral institutions; H. CON. RES. 121 lish a Syrian war crimes tribunal. H. Whereas the international community has Whereas the Government of Syria, led by previously established ad hoc or regional tri- Con. Res. 121, which I introduced, is a President Bashar al-Assad, has engaged in bunals through the United Nations to bring bipartisan piece of legislation backed widespread torture and rape, employed star- justice in specific countries where war by Chairman ROYCE as well as by ELIOT vation as a weapon of war, and massacred ci- crimes, crimes against humanity, and geno- ENGEL and others, calling upon the ad- vilians, including through the use of chem- cide have been committed; ministration to pursue this policy goal, ical weapons, cluster munitions, and barrel Whereas ad hoc or regional tribunals, in- including using our voice and vote at bombs; cluding the International Criminal Tribunal Whereas the vast majority of the civilians the United Nations. for the former Yugoslavia, the International Mr. Speaker, past ad hoc/regional who have died in the Syrian conflict have Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and the Spe- been killed by the Government of Syria led cial Court for Sierra Leone, have success- war crimes tribunals, including courts by President Bashar al-Assad and its allies, fully investigated and prosecuted war for Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and the specifically the Russian Federation, the Is- crimes, crimes against humanity, and geno- former Yugoslavia, have made a sig- lamic Republic of Iran, and Iran’s terrorist cide, and there are many positive lessons to nificant difference, holding some of the proxies including Hezbollah; be learned from such tribunals; and worst mass murderers to account with Whereas the Government of Syria report- Whereas any lasting, peaceful solution to successful prosecutions followed by edly has subjected nearly 1,000,000 civilians the conflict in Syria must be based upon jus- to devastating sieges and manipulated the long jail sentences. tice for all, including members of all fac- Who can forget the picture of the in- delivery of humanitarian aid for its own tions, political parties, ethnicities, and reli- gain, thereby weaponizing starvation against gions: Now, therefore, be it famous former President of Liberia, populations, such as in Madaya; Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Charles Taylor, with his head bowed, Whereas the Government of Syria con- Senate concurring), That Congress— incredulous that the Special Court for tinues to target schools, water, electric, and (1) strongly condemns the continued use of Sierra Leone in 2012 meted out a 50- medical facilities as a way to deny civilians unlawful and indiscriminate violence against year jail term for his crimes against access to critical infrastructure and basic civilian populations by the Government of humanity and war crimes. services; Syria, its allies, and other parties to the con- According to the Syrian Center for Whereas the Government of Syria has con- flict; ducted massive and widespread enforced dis- (2) urges the United States and its partners Policy Research, approximately 5 years appearances, systematic torture, and killing, to continue to demand and work toward the of wanton bloodshed in Syria has killed amounting to what the United Nations Inde- cessation of attacks on Syrian civilians by either directly or indirectly an esti- pendent International Commission of In- the Government of Syria, its allies, and mated 470,000 people. Other estimates quiry on the Syrian Arab Republic recently other parties to the conflict; put the death toll at a quarter of a mil- described as ‘‘extermination’’ at the hands of (3) urges the Administration to establish lion. the State; additional mechanisms for the protection of While the United Nations long ago Whereas the same Commission of Inquiry civilians and to ensure consistent and equi- abandoned estimating the death toll described these and other actions per- table access to humanitarian aid for vulner- due to its inability to verify the verac- petrated by the Government of Syria as war able populations; crimes and crimes against humanity; (4) urges the United States to continue its ity of the numbers, the war in Syria Whereas the Government of Syria and its support for efforts to collect and analyze has caused a massive loss of life, in- allies have carried out mass atrocities with- documentation related to ongoing violations cluding genocide against Christians, out regard for international norms or human of human rights in Syria, and to prioritize Yazidis, and other religious minorities, decency; the collection of evidence that can be used to especially women and children. Whereas the Government of Syria and its support future prosecutions for war crimes The International Syria Support allies have attacked various religious and and crimes against humanity committed by Group, co-chaired by the United States ethnic minority populations in Syria, includ- the Government of Syria, its allies, and and Russia, as we all know, brokered a ing Christians, Turkmens, and Ismaelis; other parties to the conflict; Whereas the Russian Federation has not (5) urges the President to direct the United cessation of hostilities that kicked in only enabled the Government of Syria’s per- States representative to the United Nations on February 27 that applies to all par- petration of these crimes but has committed to use the voice and vote of the United ties except ISIS and al-Nusra. its own violations of international law by States to immediately promote the estab- While we all hope and pray the cease- leading deliberate bombing campaigns on ci- lishment of a Syrian war crimes tribunal, a fire holds as it goes into the third week

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.029 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1313 and humanitarian groups gain access just two, convictions. By way of con- There is a substantial difference in to sick, frail, and at-risk people, the trast, the Yugoslav court convicted 80 style between these two evil forces. atrocities committed against Syria’s people; Rwanda, 61; and Sierra Leone, When ISIS kills people, they put the population demand accountability and 9. Moreover, a singularly focused Syr- beheadings on YouTube. When Assad justice. ian tribunal that provides Syrians with kills thousands with his barrel bombs, There have been—I think I should a degree of ownership could signifi- or even with chemical weapons there point this out because many people cantly enhance its effectiveness. for a while, Assad had the good taste to who are following the news know this— I chaired a Congressional hearing on deny it. But different styles do not numerous violations of the cease-fire establishing a Syrian war crimes tri- mask the fact that we are confronted by Assad and his forces. bunal back in 2013, and included such with two great evils; and this resolu- In an opinion piece in Newsweek a great leaders as David Crane, the tion, I think, is an important step in few hours ago, it was noted that ‘‘re- former prosecutor for the Special Court dealing with those evils. gime forces are openly bombing and, in for Sierra Leone, and founder and This resolution condemns the gross some cases, launching ground oper- chairman of the Syria Accountability violation of international law, per- ations to capture key rebel territory Project. petrated by the Assad regime and those without making any pretense of at- Mr. Crane testified that the Syria forces supporting Assad, which have tacking the Nusra Front.’’ Accountability Project has collected amounted to war crimes and crimes Further, the Syria Ceasefire Monitor data ‘‘and built a framework by which against humanity. ‘‘reports 111 violations as of March 9— President Assad and his henchmen’’— We all hope that the current almost all perpetuated by the Assad re- this is his quote—‘‘along with members ceasefire holds and even holds better gime or Russian forces.’’ of the opposition can be prosecuted than it has, but 5 years of civil war in A Syrian court is needed for all the openly and fairly.’’ Syria has shown us the use of weapons past, present, and—God forbid—likely He and his team have ‘‘developed a we thought were relegated only to the future atrocities being committed in crime base matrix which catalogs most history books, including chemical Syria. of the incidents chronologically and weapons used by the Syrian govern- Rigorous investigations by a new highlights the violations of the Rome ment against its own civilians. Syrian court, followed by prosecutions, Statute, the Geneva Conventions, as Assad has conducted deliberate convictions, and serious jail time for well as domestic Syrian criminal law.’’ bombings of schools, hospitals, and hu- perpetrators of crime on all sides will Significantly, with respect to the manitarian sites for the clear purpose not only hold those responsible for war ICC, Mr. Crane testified that ‘‘it lacks of causing civilians to flee, and overall, crimes accountable, but will send a the capability and the political and he has conducted a brutal war that has clear message that such barbaric be- diplomatic sophistication to handle killed hundreds of thousands of Syrians havior has dire personal consequences. such a mandate.’’ and sent millions fleeing the country. The victims and their loved ones, Mr. Indeed, I would like to relay some He has been aided in this process by Speaker, deserve no less. words that I had with David Crane just the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, Can a U.N. Security Council resolu- a few hours ago; and he reminded us whose chief spokesman redisclosed just tion establishing a Syrian war crimes that it is important that the Congress last week how proud the Revolutionary tribunal prevail? Yes, I believe. With a continue the quest to seek justice for Guard Corps is of helping Assad and serious and sustained diplomatic push the oppressed and work on justice for how Tehran is helping to finance both by the United States and other inter- the Syrian people, in particular, as we Hezbollah and the Shiite militias that ested parties, past success in creating recall the fifth anniversary of the be- are helping Assad. war crimes tribunals can, indeed, be ginning of the civil war in that coun- The resolution before us today makes prologue. try. Tomorrow, March 15, marks the specific mention of the role that Iran fifth anniversary of this horrific con- and the Shiite extremist militias are b 1600 flict. playing, and that is an important part Notwithstanding Russia’s solidarity Finally, Mr. Speaker, accountability of the resolution. So I agree with the with Serbia during the Balkan war, es- that is aggressive, predictable, trans- gentleman from New Jersey. It is time pecially with Slobodan Milosevic, the parent, and applicable to all perpetra- to show the people who are committing International Criminal Court Tribunal tors of genocide and crimes against hu- these war crimes that there will be a for the former Yugoslavia was unani- manity on all sides of the divide must tribunal, that they will be personally mously approved. Ditto for the special be pursued now. held to account. court in Sierra Leone in 2002. The I reserve the balance of my time. And while I would hope that would Rwanda tribunal was created in 1994, Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield drive home a message that would be with China choosing to abstain rather myself such time as I may consume. relevant both to those who direct ISIS than to veto that court. I want to commend the gentleman and those surrounding Assad, I think it At a Syrian war crimes court, no one from New Jersey for authoring and will have a bigger impact on the gen- on any side who commits genocide, war bringing this resolution to the floor. erals around Assad who do not view crimes, or crimes against humanity Mr. Speaker, Syria and much of Iraq themselves as martyrs, but view them- would be precluded from prosecution. face two great evils. ISIS is well-known selves as powerful individuals in Syria As I said, in the early 1990s, the Rus- to us, and its evil is established by who would wish to travel and enjoy the sians knew that the Yugoslav court them on their own Web sites every day. good life with money they have stolen was designed to hold all transgressors The second evil is the extremist Shi- and taken from the Syrian people. liable, whether they be Bosnian or ite alliance, consisting of Iran, Assad, So I do not see that I have any speak- Croats and not just Serbians and, Hezbollah, and many of the Shiite mili- ers on our side, and I have been noti- again, they didn’t veto that particular tias based in Baghdad to Basra. And, of fied that I should not expect any, and court as it was established. course, this Shiite alliance is aided by for that reason, I yield back the bal- I believe the Russians and the Chi- Russia, although today there were re- ance of my time. nese can be persuaded to support or at ports that give us a glimmer of hope Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. least abstain from blocking establish- that Russia will be diminishing its role Speaker, I do want to thank the gen- ment of such a court. in the Syrian conflict. tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN) An ad hoc or a regional court has sig- The Shiite extremist alliance, I be- for his very eloquent remarks and nificant advantages over the Inter- lieve, is even more dangerous than ISIS strong support for this resolution. I national Criminal Court, or the ICC, as since they include two state actors and urge support and passage of this resolu- a venue for justice. For starters, nei- a nuclear program. And the extremist tion. ther Syria nor the United States is a Shiite alliance has killed more Ameri- I yield back the balance of my time. member of the ICC, although mecha- cans than ISIS, from the Marines who The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. nisms exist to push prosecutions there. died in Lebanon in the 1980s, to the DUNCAN of Tennessee). The question is The ICC, however, has operated since IEDs that were manufactured in Iran on the motion offered by the gen- 2002, and only boasts of only two, two, and deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. tleman from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.030 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 that the House suspend the rules and the eradication of those communities and mitted crimes against humanity, war crimes, agree to the concurrent resolution, H. the destruction of their cultural heritage; and ethnic cleansing against [Christian, Con. Res. 121, as amended. Whereas ISIL operations have in fact driv- Yezidi, Turkmen, Shabak, Sabaean- The question was taken. en minority religious and ethnic commu- Mandean, and Kaka’i] communities in nities from their ancestral homelands; Nineva’’ and ‘‘perpetrated genocide against The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Whereas under applicable international the Yezidi people’’; opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being law referenced in section 2441 of Title 18 of Whereas on December 7, 2015, the United in the affirmative, the ayes have it. the United States Code, murder, torture, mu- States Commission on International Reli- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. tilation, rape, cruel treatment, and hostage- gious Freedom called on the United States Speaker, on that I demand the yeas taking of non-combatants constitute war Government ‘‘to designate the Christian, and nays. crimes; Yezidi, Shi’a, Turkmen, and Shabak commu- The yeas and nays were ordered. Whereas crimes against humanity, as de- nities of Iraq and Syria as victims of geno- fined by the International Military Tribunal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cide by ISIL’’ and urged world leaders ‘‘to convened at Nuremberg in 1945, and in var- condemn the genocidal actions and crimes ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- ious international instruments since then, against humanity of ISIL that have been di- ceedings on this motion will be post- include murder, extermination, enslavement, rected at these groups and other ethnic and poned. deportation, and other inhumane acts com- religious groups’’; f mitted against any civilian population, as Whereas on February 3, 2016, the European well as persecution on political, racial, or re- Parliament expressed the view that ISIL ‘‘is DEFINING CERTAIN ATROCITIES ligious grounds in connection with such committing genocide against Christians and AS WAR CRIMES, CRIMES crimes; Yezidis, and other religious and ethnic mi- AGAINST HUMANITY, AND GENO- Whereas the United Nations Convention on norities’’; CIDE the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime Whereas Syrian President Bashar al of Genocide, signed and ratified by the Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Assad’s violence against the Syrian people United States, defines genocide as ‘‘any of has attracted foreign fighters from around Speaker, I move to suspend the rules the following acts committed with the intent the world, who have supported and com- and agree to the concurrent resolution to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, mitted ISIL atrocities; and (H. Con. Res. 75) expressing the sense of ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: Whereas according to some estimates, the Congress that those who commit or (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing conflict among all parties to the Syrian civil support atrocities against Christians serious bodily or mental harm to members of war has killed 470,000 and displaced 11,000,000 the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the people: Now, therefore, be it and other ethnic and religious minori- group conditions of life calculated to bring ties, including Yezidis, Turkmen, Resolved by the House of Representatives (the about its physical destruction in whole or in Senate concurring), That— Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka‘e, and Kurds, part; (d) Imposing measures intended to pre- (1) the atrocities perpetrated by ISIL and who target them specifically for vent births within the group; (e) Forcibly against Christians, Yezidis, and other reli- ethnic or religious reasons, are com- transferring children of the group to another gious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria mitting, and are hereby declared to be group’’; constitute war crimes, crimes against hu- committing, ‘‘war crimes’’, ‘‘crimes Whereas on August 7, 2014, Secretary of manity, and genocide; State John Kerry declared that ‘‘ISIL’s cam- (2) all governments, including the United against humanity’’, and ‘‘genocide’’, as paign of terror against the innocent, includ- amended. States, and international organizations, in- ing Yezidi and Christian minorities, and its cluding the United Nations and the Office of The Clerk read the title of the con- grotesque and targeted acts of violence bear the Secretary-General, should call ISIL all the warning signs and hallmarks of geno- current resolution. atrocities by their rightful names: war cide’’; The text of the concurrent resolution crimes, crimes against humanity, and geno- Whereas in August 2014, the United States is as follows: cide; conducted targeted airstrikes and humani- (3) the member states of the United Na- H. CON. RES. 75 tarian assistance operations to help break tions should coordinate urgently on meas- Whereas Christians and other religious and the siege of Mount Sinjar, saving the lives of ures to prevent further war crimes, crimes ethnic minorities have been an integral part thousands of Yezidi men, women, and chil- against humanity, and genocide in Iraq and of the cultural fabric of the Middle East for dren; Syria, and to punish those responsible for millennia; Whereas His Holiness, Pope Francis, has Whereas the so-called Islamic State of Iraq noted that ‘‘entire communities, especially – these ongoing crimes, including by the col- and the Levant (ISIL) and associated ex- but not only – Christians and Yezidis have lection and preservation of evidence and, if tremists are committing egregious atrocities suffered and are still suffering inhuman vio- necessary, the establishment and operation against ethnic and religious minorities in lence because of their ethnic and religious of appropriate tribunals; Iraq and Syria, including Christians (includ- identity’’ and that, for Christians being (4) the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the ing Assyrian Chaldean Syriac, Armenian, killed for their faith in the Middle East, ‘‘a Lebanese Republic, the Republic of Turkey, and Melkite communities, among others), form of genocide -- I insist on the word -- is and the Kurdistan Regional Government in Yezidis, Turkmen, Shabak, Sabaean- taking place, and it must end’’; Iraq are to be commended for, and supported Mandeans, and Kaka‘i, among others; Whereas a March 13, 2015, report by the Of- in, their efforts to shelter and protect those Whereas ISIL specifically targets these re- fice of the United Nations High Commis- fleeing the violence of ISIL and other com- ligious and ethnic minorities, intending to sioner for Human Rights detailed ‘‘acts of vi- batants until they can safely return to their kill them or force their submission, conver- olence perpetrated [by ISIL] against civil- homes in Iraq and Syria; and sion, or expulsion; ians because of their affiliation or perceived (5) the protracted Syrian civil war and the Whereas religious and ethnic minorities affiliation to an ethnic or religious group’’ indiscriminate violence of the Assad regime have been murdered, subjugated, forced to and stated that ‘‘[i]t is reasonable to con- have contributed to the growth of ISIL and emigrate, and subjected to grievous bodily clude that some of these incidents, consid- will continue to do so as long as this conflict and psychological harm, kidnapping, human ering the overall information, may con- continues. trafficking, torture, and rape; stitute genocide’’; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas ISIL engages in, and publicly ar- Whereas in testimony before the House ant to the rule, the gentleman from gues in favor of, the sexual enslavement of Foreign Affairs Committee on May 13, 2015, New Jersey (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- non-Muslim women, including pre-pubescent Dominican Sister Diana Momeka, whose tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN) girls; convent was driven from Mosul, Iraq, de- each will control 20 minutes. Whereas ISIL atrocities against Christians, scribed the ISIL offensive as ‘‘cultural and The Chair recognizes the gentleman Yezidis, and other minorities have included human genocide’’ and stated that today mass murder, crucifixions, beheadings, rape, ‘‘[t]he only Christians that remain in the from New Jersey. torture, enslavement, the kidnaping of chil- Plain of Nineveh are those who are held as GENERAL LEAVE dren, and other violence deliberately cal- hostages’’; Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. culated to eliminate their communities from Whereas in December 2015, the United Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the so-called Islamic State; States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s all Members may have 5 legislative Whereas ISIL has deliberately destroyed Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of days to revise and extend their re- and looted numerous cultural sites, religious Genocide issued a report focused on the marks and include extraneous mate- shrines, churches, monasteries, and muse- treatement of minorities in Nineveh from ums in order to eradicate the cultures of eth- June to August 2014, which found that ISIL rial. nic and religious minorities from the terri- had ‘‘targeted civilians based on group iden- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tory it attempts to control; tity, committing mass atrocities to control, objection to the request of the gen- Whereas these atrocities have been under- expel, and exterminate ethnic and religious tleman from New Jersey? taken with the specific intent to bring about minorities’’ and, in that context, ‘‘com- There was no objection.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.033 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1315 Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. murder of Christians, and expressing I want to thank my colleague from Speaker, I yield myself such time as I its intent eliminate Christian commu- California, ANNA ESHOO, and our col- may consume. nities from the Islamic State.’’ league from Nebraska, JEFF FORTEN- Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like The letter recounted how ‘‘ISIS BERRY, for their drafting of this resolu- to thank JEFF FORTENBERRY and his jihadis have stamped Christian homes tion which I and so many others have lead cosponsor, ANNA ESHOO, for their in Mosul with the red letter N for Naz- cosponsored, and I want to thank the extremely important resolution, H. arene in the summer of 2014,’’ pointing chair and ranking member of our com- Con. Res. 75, as amended, calling on the out how the ‘‘elimination of Christians mittee for their work in preparing the Obama administration to declare the in other towns and cities in Iraq and amendment that we adopted in com- annihilation of Christians, Yazidis, and Syria began long beforehand.’’ mittee. other minorities, for what it is, a geno- Mr. Speaker, I held a hearing 3 years This resolution, H. Con. Res. 75, iden- cide. ago extolling and urging the adminis- tifies the violent acts of ISIS by their On December 4 of last year, a coali- tration to recognize the genocide right name: war crimes, crimes against tion of prominent religious leaders against Christians, and our witnesses, humanity, and, where appropriate, wrote President Obama and stated, the private witnesses who spoke, gave genocide. We could and will be con- ‘‘Christian and Yazidi minorities in instance after instance of crimes ducting a complete analysis in the fu- Iraq and Syria are being targeted for against Christians that were done sim- ture to identify which atrocities of eradication in their ancient homelands ply because they were Christians. ISIS are merely war crimes and which solely because of their religious be- At a December 9 hearing, we heard atrocities of ISIS are part of an overall liefs.’’ from four witnesses. I mentioned one a systemic genocide. But it is clear that They had been prompted by reports moment ago, Carl Anderson, from the at least some of the war crimes are of an ‘‘imminent’’ State Department Knights of Columbus. We also heard part of a planned genocide against reli- finding that ISIS was committing from Dr. Stanton, of Genocide Watch, gious minorities in the areas that ISIS genocide against the Yazidis, a finding who said, ‘‘Failure to call ISIS’ mass occupies. they ‘‘wholeheartedly’’ endorsed, but murder of Christians, Shiia, Muslims, This resolution also includes a call were ‘‘deeply troubled,’’ like we all and other groups in addition to the upon the United States and all the were, that the genocide of Christians Yazidis by its proper name, genocide, states of the U.N. to conduct measures was going to be bypassed or excluded. would be an act of denial as grave as designed to prevent these crimes and Apparently press reports had claimed the U.S. refusal to recognize the Rwan- genocide in the future. Now, it is said that the rationale for excluding Chris- da genocide back in 1994.’’ that People of the Book, most rel- tians was that, unlike the Yazidis, b 1615 evantly Christians, are being told by Christians had a choice to convert to ISIS that they only have to pay a jizya Islam and pay an Islamic tax, or be Bishop Kalabat, a Chaldean bishop, and they will be allowed to live, a spe- killed, tortured, enslaved, or held hos- was extremely pointed in his remarks cial tax imposed upon them. But the tage. when he said that ‘‘the Obama adminis- In direct rebuttal of that argument tration, including President Obama fact is that we know that the Yazidis at a hearing that I held on December 9, himself, have neglected to mention are not even given that option but are Carl Anderson, the Supreme Knight of that the ISIS atrocities were com- subject to extermination; whereas, the Knights of Columbus, stated: mitted against Christians. They right- Christians may be told to pay the tax Many times the payment of the tax is not ly mention atrocities committed in and then, when they run out of money, presented as an option for these Christians. Iraq against the Yazidis, and they are be executed because they are not pay- In instances where the Yazidi tax has been horrific.’’ The bishop went on, ‘‘But ing more. So we know that ISIS is enacted or extracted, it has failed to ensure there are also atrocities of rape, guilty of crimes against humanity, war that the Christians could live as Christians, killings, crucifixions, beheadings, crimes, and genocide. that they were protected from rival hangings that the Syrian and Iraqi In addition to passing this resolu- jihadists, or even other members of ISIS, or Christians have endured, and they are tion, we ought to focus on the most that the amendment of payment was not significant thing the United States is raised over time until it became impossible intentionally omitted.’’ He compel- for some of them to pay, causing the family’s lingly stated that ‘‘the U.S. Govern- doing against ISIS, and that, of course, home, and even their children, to be con- ment should not turn a blind eye to the is our airstrikes. I believe our air- fiscated, and the adults to be killed or forced genocidal atrocities faced by Iraq’s strikes have been subject to rules of to become Muslims. ethnic and religious minorities, includ- engagement that are far too limited. It is a very, very poor argument that ing the Christians, the Yazidis, and For example, we have learned that we has been made by the State Depart- others.’’ try to cut off ISIS’ flow of money by ment, so we believe they have made Finally, in very, very powerful testi- hitting the tanker trucks that are tak- this. Hopefully, they will rectify it. mony, the head of Yezidi Human ing the oil out of ISIS areas for sale, Let me also point out to my col- Rights Organization-International, Mr. but we are only hitting those trucks leagues that the Genocide Convention Ismail, stated that though his people, when they are parked, not when they defines genocide as ‘‘the killing and the Yazidis, were on the verge of anni- are moving. certain other acts committed with the hilation, he called upon the adminis- It is true that, if you hit a moving intent to destroy, in whole or in part, tration not to neglect the others who truck, you may kill the driver, and a national, ethnical, racial, or religious are also on the verge of annihilation, that driver may be an ISIS soldier or group.’’ and said, ‘‘the Yazidis and the Chaldo- may be a civilian; but if you look at The religious leaders who signed the Assyrian Christians face this genocide the strategic bombing that we engaged December 4 letter compiled extensive together.’’ in during World War II, not just the files supporting a finding that ISIS’ Now is the time to act. We cannot let strategic bombing of Germany, but the treatment of Iraqi and Syrian Chris- the cries of the victims go unheeded as strategic bombing of occupied France tians absolutely meets this definition. we once did when we confronted the and occupied Belgium and so many They include: genocide in Rwanda and other geno- other occupied countries, you will see Evidence of ISIS assassinations of church cides that have occurred around the that we hit munitions plants and trans- leaders; mass murders; torture, kidnapping world. Mr. Speaker, I therefore urge portation tanker trucks whether or not for ransom in the Christian communities of those people operating the transpor- Iraq and Syria; sexual enslavement and sys- my colleagues to vote for H. Con. Res. tematic rape of Christian girls and women; 75. tation devices and operating in the mu- its practices of forcible conversions to Islam; I reserve the balance of my time. nitions plants were civilian or mili- its destruction of churches, monasteries, Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield tary. cemeteries, and Christian artifacts; and its myself such time as I may consume, If we are going to get serious against theft of lands and wealth from Christian and I rise in strong support of the reso- ISIS, we have to be willing not to tar- clergy and laity alike. lution. get civilians but, instead, to do every- They went on to cite ‘‘ISIS’ own pub- Mr. Speaker, this resolution deals thing we can to prevent killing civil- lic statements taking credit for mass with the crimes of ISIS. ians; but we have to be willing to hit

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.034 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 strategic targets even if we are not 100 and it compels the responsible commu- I thank the gentleman from New Jer- percent sure that all civilian casualties nities of the world to act. Secondly, it sey (Mr. SMITH) for yielding me the will be avoided. creates the potential preconditions for time. So I look forward to our working when there is a security settlement in Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I con- both diplomatically and militarily for the Middle East that will allow these tinue to reserve the balance of my the destruction of ISIS and eventually ancient faith traditions to reintegrate time. holding ISIS’ leaders to account for back into their homeland and continue Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. their war crimes, crimes against hu- to contribute to the once-rich tapestry Speaker, first of all, I want to thank manity, and genocide. that made up the Middle East. Mr. FORTENBERRY for his very eloquent Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of That is why this is so essential. It is remarks and for reminding us that this my time. just. The responsible communities of is an existential threat to Christians, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. the world must act, and it is essential but really, as well, to civilization. I Speaker, I yield such time as he may for international order and inter- thank him again for the resolution. consume to the gentleman from Ne- national stability if there is going to Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the braska (Mr. FORTENBERRY), the author be a chance for any type of hope and gentleman from Staten Island, New of H. Con. Res 75. long-lasting viability of order and tran- York (Mr. DONOVAN). He is a member of Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, quility in that area. the Foreign Affairs Committee. first, let me thank my colleague and As my colleague, Mr. SMITH, men- Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank good friend, Congressman CHRIS SMITH tioned, Genocide Watch has labeled my good friend from New Jersey (Mr. of New Jersey, for his tireless efforts this genocide. The International Asso- SMITH) for allowing me this time to ex- on a whole, broad spectrum of assaults ciation of Genocide Scholars has called press and rise in support of H. Con. Res. on human dignity. He is constantly this genocide. The Yezidi Human 75. trying to elevate the conscience of this Rights Organization-International has When considering the long history of body and the worldwide community. I said this is genocide. Pope Francis has civilization, we look back in horror at thank the chairman, as well, for co- said that this is genocide and has de- the unimaginable pain mankind is ca- ordinating this effort and speaking fa- cried the scandal of silence and the pable of inflicting on itself, and each vorably to it, as well as Chairman scandal of indifference in this regard— succeeding generation wonders how a ROYCE and Ranking Member ENGEL, again, another reason why action by people stood idly by as warring fac- who passed this through the Foreign this body is so essential. tions destroyed innocent life and prop- Affairs Committee. In addition to that, I want to leave erty. I need to also, because she is not you with one quick story. Last year, the world watched a beach here, thank ANNA ESHOO, a Democratic I represent the largest Yazidi com- turned red as executioners sawed off colleague from California. munity in America. I have been dealing the heads of 21 Coptic Christians on the We are living in a time when our with this community for many, many shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Two country looks at Congress and sees years, many of whom resettled in Lin- weeks ago, terrorists stormed a retire- stagnation, anger, and gridlock and not coln, Nebraska, because they were ment home full of nuns caring for the being able to get things done. What we given special visas to come to America elderly and frail. And in the months in have before us today is a transpartisan because they worked side by side with between, ISIS systemically killed or resolution. It has risen above the petty our soldiers during the Iraq war as enslaved thousands of Yazidi people. and difficult differences that we often translators. Because of the grave Scripture speaks of perseverance and work out here on the floor of the House threat that they were under, they were endurance in faith under siege and not of Representatives. It has risen above given special privileges to become citi- growing weary. Matthew says: it because of its essential nature. Not zens here, and many settled in my Blessed are those who are persecuted be- only is there a grave injustice hap- State of Nebraska, my hometown, Lin- cause of their righteousness, for theirs is the pening in the Middle East to the peo- coln. kingdom of Heaven. ple, to the Christians, Yazidis, and I have been working with the com- But that doesn’t excuse our silence. other religious minorities who have as munity for a number of years about a Political correctness cannot stand in much a right to be in their ancient number of concerns. About a year and the way of our moral obligation as a homeland as anyone else, but this is a a half ago, a group came to see me. free and decent people. I support the threat against civilization itself. Young men who had worked as trans- resolution and hope we can have the When a group of people, ISIS—8th lators were on the verge of tears. They moral conviction to call this massacre century barbarians with 21st century were passionate and angry. I don’t what it is: genocide. weapons—can systematically try to ex- blame them for being angry. Their Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I re- terminate another group of people sim- mothers, their sisters, and their family serve the balance of my time. ply because of their faith tradition, members were trapped on Mount Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. violating the sacred space of individ- Sinjar. They were pleading with me: Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- uality, conscience, and religious lib- Congressman, act. Do something now. tleman from Texas, Judge POE, the erty, you undermine the entire system We can’t wait. chairman of the Foreign Affairs Sub- for international order building out of To the Obama administration’s cred- committee on Terrorism, Nonprolifera- rule of law and proper social inter- it, shortly thereafter—and the House tion, and Trade. action—civilization itself. That is why had passed a resolution creating some Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gen- so many Members have come together groundwork for trying to stop the an- tleman for yielding time. here in a bipartisan, transpartisan way nihilation of Yazidis—the Obama ad- Mr. Speaker, ISIS, this evil group, and said, ‘‘Enough.’’ ministration, President Obama, acted, has been intentionally targeting Chris- This is a genocide against Christians and I am thankful for that. tians worldwide because of their reli- and Yazidis. It is a crime against hu- This week we have an opportunity to gious belief. ISIS not only targets manity and against others, as well, continue to plead and urge the State Christians, it targets any religious who are suffering because of their reli- Department to act as well. I know they group, including some Muslims who gious faith. are under an evaluation as to this real disagree with them. By the way, it should be noted that genocide that is happening. I respect As the previous speaker from New the group of people who have been their process, but I think the facts are York mentioned, they are proud of the most killed by ISIS are innocent Mus- clear; and it is my sincere hope that fact that they murder people, that they lims, as well. Secretary Kerry and the State Depart- behead people, and that they put their This is an important resolution to ment will meet their lawful deadline murders on television for the world to speak clearly about what is happening this week and declare this fact: there is see. These atrocities committed by this in the land. a genocide against Christians and terrorist group in the name of a per- Why is it important? Because it Yazidis, and civilization itself is at verted jihad religion are the worst raises the international consciousness, stake. crimes we have seen in our lifetime.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.066 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1317 More than that, ISIS’ massacres of genocide resolution, another bipartisan S. 2426 religious and ethnic minorities fits the piece of legislation. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- definition of genocide. The definition I want to thank my colleagues for resentatives of the United States of America in of genocide is clear. It is the deliberate their moving words today. Judge POE, Congress assembled, and systematic destruction of a racial again, hit the nail right on the head, as SECTION 1. PARTICIPATION OF TAIWAN IN THE or cultural group. That is exactly what did our friend from New York. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZATION. I think we need to say it and we need ISIS is doing. ISIS has already forced (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- hundreds of thousands of Christians to to say it with exclamation points, that lowing findings: leave their ancestral homes. declaring genocide is a solemn and ex- (1) Safety, security and peace is important tremely serious step not to be taken b 1630 to every citizen of the world, and shared in- lightly. formation ensuring wide assistance among For the first time since Jesus, there I am very proud of the work that the police authorities of nations for expeditious are almost no Christians left in this Foreign Affairs Committee did. I want dissemination of information regarding criminal activities greatly assists in these part of the world. There were 1.5 mil- to thank our chairman, ED ROYCE, and lion Christians in Iraq in 2003—1.5 mil- efforts. the ranking member, ELIOT ENGEL, for (2) Direct and unobstructed participation lion. Since that time, terrorists have their work on this resolution. either killed or forced Christians to in the International Criminal Police Organi- All of us understand the seriousness zation (INTERPOL) is beneficial for all na- run for their lives. of calling crimes genocide. It rep- tions and their police authorities. Inter- Today, 13 years later, there are 66 resents an assertion that a legal defini- nationally shared information with author- percent fewer Christians in this area. tion has been met and that we are wit- ized police authorities is vital to peace- Some of those who could not get out nessing acts of physical and mental vi- keeping efforts. before ISIS came in and took over their olence intended to destroy a group in (3) With a history dating back to 1914, the areas have been tortured, crucified, ex- whole or in part. role of INTERPOL is defined in its constitu- tion: ‘‘To ensure and promote the widest pos- ecuted, and murdered in the most inhu- The targeted depravity of ISIS mane possible ways, tortured because sible mutual assistance between all criminal against the Yazidis, Christians, and police authorities within the limits of the of their belief. other minorities more—I will say it laws existing in the different countries and ISIS has not only targeted Chris- again—more than meets that defini- in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of tians, it has targeted other commu- tion. Human Rights.’’. nities. The Yazidi community of Iraq But far more than the legality, (4) Ongoing international threats, includ- has been tortured. ISIS slaughtered al- speaking clearly of genocide, is an ap- ing international networks of terrorism, most all of the men in one community peal to the conscience of the world. It show the ongoing necessity to be ever inclu- sive of nations willing to work together to on Mount Sinjar and then sold the evokes the moral gravity and the im- women and the girls off into slavery, combat criminal activity. The ability of po- perative of never again. lice authorities to coordinate, preempt, and this demonic desire of theirs, and gave The United States must not wait any act swiftly and in unison is an essential ele- them to their fighters. It is just an- longer to find its voice and call these ment of crisis prevention and response. other example of tragic cases of geno- bloody purges what they are: genocide. (5) Taiwan maintained full membership in cide in world history. We and our partners must defeat ISIS INTERPOL starting in 1964 through its Na- ISIS will not stop, Mr. Speaker, ex- so that Christians, Yazidis, all reli- tional Police Administration but was ejected terminating these people, until they gious communities, and all the people in 1984 when the People’s Republic of China (PRC) applied for membership. bow down to their ideology, and their of Syria and Iraq, can live in peace, ideology is based on hate. ISIS does not (6) Nonmembership prevents Taiwan from free from this grotesque persecution. gaining access to INTERPOL’s I–24/7 global just target those under its control. The I urge passage of the resolution. police communications system, which pro- terrorists seek to cleanse the world, I yield back the balance of my time. vides real-time information on criminals and the whole world, from all people who The SPEAKER pro tempore. The global criminal activities. Taiwan is rel- do not accept their belief, including question is on the motion offered by egated to second-hand information from other Muslims. the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. friendly nations, including the United It is time the United States and the SMITH) that the House suspend the States. rest of the world make it clear to all rules and agree to the concurrent reso- (7) Taiwan is unable to swiftly share infor- what ISIS is doing. We must denounce mation on criminals and suspicious activity lution, H. Con. Res. 75, as amended. with the international community, leaving a murder, this genocide, that is occur- The question was taken. huge void in the global crime-fighting efforts ring because of people’s religious be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the and leaving the entire world at risk. lief. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (8) The United States, in the 1994 Taiwan I am glad that this resolution is com- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Policy Review, declared its intention to sup- ing forward. I am proud to be a cospon- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. port Taiwan’s participation in appropriate sor of H. Con. Res. 75. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas international organizations and has consist- Mr. Speaker, justice demands ISIS be and nays. ently reiterated that support. held accountable for what it does. Jus- (9) Following the enactment of Public Law The yeas and nays were ordered. 108–235, a law authorizing the Secretary of tice must be done. After all, isn’t jus- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- State to initiate and implement a plan to en- tice what we do in the United States? ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- dorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan And that is just the way it is. ceedings on this motion will be post- at the annual summit of the World Health Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I com- poned. Assembly and subsequent advocacy by the mend the gentleman from Texas for his f United States, Taiwan was granted observer speech and the gentleman from Ne- status to the World Health Assembly for six braska who spoke earlier for his intro- DEVELOPING A STRATEGY TO OB- consecutive years since 2009. Both prior to duction of this resolution, along with TAIN OBSERVER STATUS FOR and in its capacity as an observer, Taiwan has contributed significantly to the inter- my colleague, ANNA ESHOO, from Cali- TAIWAN IN THE INTERNATIONAL national community’s collective efforts in fornia. And, of course, I commend CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZA- TION pandemic control, monitoring, early warn- CHRIS SMITH for a lifetime of work on ing, and other related matters. human rights. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. (10) INTERPOL’s constitution allows for I yield back the balance of my time. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules observers at its meetings by ‘‘police bodies Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. and pass the bill (S. 2426) to direct the which are not members of the Organization’’. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes to Secretary of State to develop a strat- (b) TAIWAN’S PARTICIPATION IN close. egy to obtain observer status for Tai- INTERPOL.—The Secretary of State shall— (1) develop a strategy to obtain observer I thank my good friend, Mr. SHER- wan in the International Criminal Po- status for Taiwan in INTERPOL and at other MAN, for his good, bipartisan, strong re- lice Organization, and for other pur- related meetings, activities, and mechanisms marks expressed today during both of poses. thereafter; and these debates on the war crimes tri- The Clerk read the title of the bill. (2) instruct INTERPOL Washington to offi- bunal and now on Mr. FORTENBERRY’s The text of the bill is as follows: cially request observer status for Taiwan in

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My hope is that we have a FOR TAIWAN IN INTERPOL.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of from INTERPOL due to a political similar vote today. this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to pique, just as it makes no sense to ex- I commend the gentleman from New Congress a report, in unclassified form, de- clude Taiwan from the World Health Jersey for describing why this bill is scribing the United States strategy to en- Organization, another example of the important. Since I have previously dorse and obtain observer status for Taiwan government of mainland China putting commented how important it is that in appropriate international organizations, politics over the health and safety of we discuss Foreign Affairs bills not including INTERPOL, and at other related people. once, but twice, on the floor of this meetings, activities, and mechanisms there- But there is another reason for hav- House, I would be remiss if I did not after. The report shall include the following: (1) A description of the efforts the Sec- ing a good global citizen such as Tai- add my own comments. retary has made to encourage member states wan as a member of INTERPOL: When this bill was introduced in the to promote Taiwan’s bid to obtain observer INTERPOL is an organization that is House, it was by the chair and ranking status in appropriate international organiza- in need of reform. member of the Asia and the Pacific tions, including INTERPOL. A number of authoritarian countries Subcommittee, Mr. SALMON and my- (2) A description of the actions the Sec- abuse the INTERPOL red notice sys- self. retary will take to endorse and obtain ob- tem not against criminals, but to har- I appreciate the Senate commending server status for Taiwan in appropriate ass political dissidents and exiles who our draftsmanship, since imitation is international organizations, including are unable to travel internationally for the most sincere form of flattery. INTERPOL, and at other related meetings, Why is this bill necessary? Because activities, and mechanisms thereafter. fear that they will be arrested and face extradition in their home country, Taiwan functions day to day as an The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- independent country and it needs to ant to the rule, the gentleman from where they suffer persecution, impris- onment, and even death. function in that manner inside inter- New Jersey (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- For example, Jacob Ostreicher, a le- national organizations. tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN) To date, Taiwan has been admitted each will control 20 minutes. gitimate American businessman who was the victim of an extortion ring in- to only one international organization, The Chair recognizes the gentleman the World Health Organization, and from New Jersey. volving corrupt Bolivian Government officials and jailed in Bolivia, a matter there it has only observer status. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. The fiction that Taiwan acts as, Speaker, I yield myself such time as I on which my subcommittee held three hearings and for which I traveled to functions as, a part of China com- may consume. plicates and interferes with so many I rise in strong support of S. 2426, the Bolivia with our colleague NYDIA international organizations, but it Senate version of a bill that previously VELA´ ZQUEZ, has, since his return to the should not be allowed to interfere with passed the House with strong bipar- United States, discovered that he has law enforcement against criminal tisan support. been red-noticed by vindictive Bolivian gangs and international criminal syn- I especially want to commend Chair- Government officials. dicates. man MATT SALMON for authoring the The red notice effectively prevents As things stand now, Taiwan gets House version of this important meas- him from traveling abroad. He is cur- some of the information it needs from ure and Senator GARDNER for doing the rently going through a time-consuming the international police organization same on the Senate side. Their leader- and costly process to clear his name. known as INTERPOL, but it is not con- ship on this issue is much appreciated. To help encourage reform at sistently made available. It is not reli- Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us INTERPOL, we should welcome democ- able. today will help secure observer status racies such as Taiwan. Taiwan doesn’t have realtime access for Taiwan at INTERPOL. The bill re- I also believe strengthening Taiwan’s to INTERPOL’s networks and systems. quires the Secretary of State to de- law enforcement capabilities benefits This doesn’t just hurt the people of velop and execute a strategy to ensure American citizens as much as it does Taiwan, but hurts people all over the that Taiwan participates in the Taiwanese. world who are potential victims of INTERPOL’s next general assembly Every year, Mr. Speaker, tens of criminals who cannot be apprehended meeting in Indonesia. With this piece thousands of Americans travel to Tai- because we don’t have an efficient of legislation, we are sending a clear wan, and this bill will certainly help sharing of information as part of this message that safety and security are a Taiwan’s police protect American citi- zens and other internationalists as multilateral law enforcement agency. priority. It is for this reason that the bill di- Taiwan, Mr. Speaker, as we all know, they travel to Taiwan. It is a good bill. rects the President to develop a strat- is a model of democratization and It is an important bill. egy to obtain at least observer status openness, a thriving nation of 23 mil- I reserve the balance of my time. for Taiwan in the International Crimi- lion people. Its successful transition Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. nal Police Organization, or INTERPOL. from authoritarianism to a thriving de- I commend the gentleman from New I rise in strong support of this bill. mocracy is a shining example for so Jersey for managing this bill here Just to put the legislative history in many other nations. today, and I commend the chairman of The sole reason that Taiwan is ex- the RECORD, the House passed H.R. 1853 the Asia and the Pacific Sub- cluded from the international organiza- overwhelmingly late last year. In fact, committee, Mr. SALMON, for intro- tions is the persistent opposition of the the vote on this floor was 392–0. We sent the bill to the Senate. In- ducing this bill. communist government of mainland I reserve the balance of my time. China. stead of acting on the House bill, the But China’s opposition puts politics Senate xeroxed our bill, put their own b 1645 over the safety and security of people. name on it, and now sends it back here. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. In a world where terrorism and inter- If I was driven by ego, I might try to Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gen- national drug and human trafficking serve in the other body. But the deci- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE), the networks are global in scope, the re- sion to send the bill back to us with chairman of the Committee on Foreign sponse must be coordinated globally as their own names on it is a trend we are Affairs’ Subcommittee on Terrorism, well. seeing in the Foreign Affairs area, a Nonproliferation, and Trade. At this time, Taiwan relies on de- trend that I do not condemn because it Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gen- layed, secondhand information from allows us here on this floor to consider tleman for yielding. the United States about international well-drafted House bills twice and to Mr. Speaker, before I left Houston criminals and criminal activities, mak- vote on them twice and to emphasize early this morning, I met with Presi- ing it more vulnerable to security to the administration how serious we dent Ma from Taiwan, and we had an threats. Likewise, Taiwan cannot share are about their being enacted. interesting and wonderful discussion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.016 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1319 Taiwan and the United States share a everyone can benefit from increased plement a plan to endorse and obtain ob- lot in common. Historically, during safety and security. Blocking Taiwan server status at the annual World Health As- World War II, for example, all the way from INTERPOL is not in the interest sembly for six consecutive years, owing to up until today, the United States has of any nation. And as Judge POE just Taiwan’s significant contribution to the global been a great partner with Taiwan so as mentioned a moment ago, even the community’s efforts of addressing pandemic to make sure that area of the world is People’s Republic of China would ben- control and global public health issues of our free, that it is a democracy. It is a efit because this is all about trying to day. thriving democracy and the folks in catch and to inhibit criminals from Indeed, the INTERPOL’s constitution allows Taiwan are proud of the fact of the re- moving effortlessly across borders; so observer status at meetings by police entities lationship that they have with the it is in its interest as well not to block who are not members of the Organization. United States. This is another way Taiwan. The current status of non-membership sta- that we can help this thriving area, I urge my colleagues to support the tus preludes Taiwan from gaining access to this thriving democracy, stay up to Salmon-Sherman bill which is before INTERPOL’s I–24/7 global communications date on the world criminal gangs that us today. systems, an important real time information are roaming throughout the world. I yield back the balance of my time. sharing infrastructure on domestic and global Organized crime is an international Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand in criminals. crime now, Mr. Speaker, as you being a strong support of S. 2426, directing the Sec- The current state of affairs relegates Taiwan former judge would know. They are retary of State to develop a strategy to obtain to hearsay or second hand information from more sophisticated and they are more observer status for Taiwan in the International friendly nations such as the United States. in-depth about how they promote their Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). This impedes Taiwan’s ability to move swift- criminal syndicates throughout the Last year, I supported H.R. 1853, which ly in information acquisition as it relates to its world. Most importantly, it is inter- passed here in the House of Representatives, domestic and global crime fighting efforts. national. Crime has now moved to so- directing the Administration to develop a strat- As a senior member of the Committee on phistication beyond what it was when egy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the Homeland Security, global and national secu- both the gentleman from Tennessee International Criminal Police Organization rity efforts and infrastructures that promote and I were practicing at the courthouse (INTERPOL), and for other purposes. global communications to achieve peace and as judges. As the Ranking Member of the Sub- stability are very important to me. Why not help out this organization, committee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Se- This measure seeks to protect our security this group of people—Taiwan, 20 mil- curity, and Investigations, the empowerment of interests in Taiwan as well as the global secu- lion-plus individuals—so that it can law enforcement in order that they be able to rity of the world. Taiwan’s inaccessibility to critical information keep up with the information and the carry out their mandate in upholding the rule readily made available to its law enforcement intelligence about crime, which affects of law and preservation of peace and security forces places our entire world at risk. the whole world? are imperatives I believe we must continue to This measure seeks to facilitate Taiwan’s di- It affects not only free societies, it seek to facilitate here in the homeland as well rect and unobstructed participation in the Inter- affects societies that aren’t so free. as in the global community from Nigeria to national Criminal Police which promotes global INTERPOL is the group. It is the or- Taiwan and everywhere in between to main- security. ganization that tracks international tain global stability and combat violent extre- I support and urge the support of this meas- crime. Taiwan should have this infor- mism. ure because it is beneficial for all nations and mation. It should have at least ob- Our world today is fraught with global ter- their police authorities to be able to share in- server status to know what is going on rorism, with groups such as ISIL, Boko Haram, formation with authorized police authorities in with these criminal syndicates al-Shabab and their other affiliates, utilizing in- their law enforcement and peacekeeping ef- throughout the world. China doesn’t formation sharing and technologies to advance forts in combatting local and global crimes, in- want Taiwan to have INTERPOL ac- their vitriolic causes. cluding the contemporary crime of violent ex- cess or even observer status. It is a po- This is why organizing, inclusion and em- tremism. litical thing for China. As my friend powerment of nations willing to work together Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today from New Jersey mentioned, China, it to combat domestic and global terrorism is in in support of this measure, which would direct would seem, would want Taiwan to our global and national security interest. the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to have access to information about This measure facilitates the United States’ obtain observer status for Taiwan in the Inter- criminals—or outlaws, as we call them. and the global community’s ability to move national Criminal Police Organization, also This is an important piece of legisla- swiftly to empower police and law enforcement known as INTERPOL. tion. As the ranking member pointed in our collective efforts of coordinating, pre- As a co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan out so eloquently, it is such a good empting and acting swiftly in unison, strategi- Caucus, I support the dynamic U.S.-Taiwan piece of legislation that the Senate cally in combatting terrorism, crisis prevention relationship based on our shared values, deep just copied it, put its name on it, and and response and maintaining, peace, secu- economic ties, and a history of close collabo- sent it back to us because it wants us rity, law, order and respect for the rule of law. ration. to vote on it twice. We will vote on it I join this bipartisan measure which seeks to Gaining observer status for Taiwan in twice and we will show all concerned, facilitate INTERPOL member states’ efforts to INTERPOL would further enhance U.S.-Tai- especially the folks in Taiwan and the promote Taiwan’s ability to bid to obtain ob- wan relations and provide for a pragmatic inte- international community, that we sup- server status in the INTERPOL. gration of Taiwan into an international com- port its right to know the information Indeed, since 1964, Taiwan had maintained pact. about criminals that lurk throughout full membership, but was ejected 20 years Taiwan’s contributions to INTERPOL will the world. later when the People’s Republic of China strengthen law enforcement initiatives to fight And that is just the way it is. (PRC) applied for membership. human trafficking, arms smuggling, terrorism, Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Part of what the United States Administra- and other criminal threats. back the balance of my time. tion can do is to take the lead in endorsing Integrating Taiwan into an international law Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I yield Taiwan in obtaining its observer status. enforcement body like INTERPOL increases myself such time as I may consume. Let me underscore that the Administration communication and information sharing to the Mr. Speaker, Taiwan already missed and our Secretary of State are doing a fan- benefit of the people of Taiwan and the INTERPOL General Assembly tastic job in diplomatic efforts on behalf of our INTERPOL member countries. meeting that took place last fall in nation, earning us goodwill in the global com- This is a practical step that serves the inter- Kigali, Rwanda. Our hope is that with munity. ests of the U.S., Taiwan, and INTERPOL, and the passage of this bill, the United The United States has expressed its affirm- I would urge my colleagues to support this States will be able to figure out a way ative intentions in support of Taiwan’s partici- measure. for Taiwan to observe the General As- pation in appropriate international organiza- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sembly meeting later this year in Indo- tions, as delineated in the 1994 Taiwan Policy question is on the motion offered by nesia. Review. the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. It is time that we insist that Taiwan For instance, Public Law 108–235 author- SMITH) that the House suspend the be an observer to INTERPOL so that ized the Secretary of State to initiate and im- rules and pass the bill, S. 2426.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.042 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 The question was taken. on October 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, Act, shall be deemed to satisfy the require- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the 2016, the Administrator of the Federal Avia- ments of subsections (a)(1)(B) and (a)(2) of opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being tion Administration shall— section 48114 of title 49, United States Code, in the affirmative, the ayes have it. (A) first calculate such funding apportion- for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, ments on an annualized basis as if the total and ending on July 15, 2016. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. amount available under section 48103 of such SEC. 107. ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas title for fiscal year 2016 were $3,350,000,000; Section 41742(a)(2) of title 49, United States and nays. and Code, is amended by striking ‘‘and $77,500,000 The yeas and nays were ordered. (B) then reduce by 21 percent— for the period beginning on October 1, 2015, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (i) all funding apportionments calculated and ending on March 31, 2016,’’ and inserting ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- under subparagraph (A); and ‘‘and $138,183,060 for the period beginning on ceedings on this motion will be post- (ii) amounts available pursuant to sections October 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, 2016,’’. poned. 47117(b) and 47117(f)(2) of such title. TITLE II—REVENUE PROVISIONS (b) PROJECT GRANT AUTHORITY.—Section f 47104(c) of title 49, United States Code, is SEC. 201. EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM AIR- amended in the matter preceding paragraph PORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND. AIRPORT AND AIRWAY EXTENSION (1) by striking ‘‘March 31, 2016,’’ and insert- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 9502(d) of the In- ACT OF 2016 ing ‘‘July 15, 2016,’’. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)— Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I move SEC. 102. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORI- TIES. (A) by striking ‘‘April 1, 2016’’ in the mat- to suspend the rules and pass the bill (a) Section 41743(e)(2) of title 49, United ter preceding subparagraph (A) and inserting (H.R. 4721) to amend title 49, United States Code, is amended in the first sentence ‘‘April 1, 2017’’, and States Code, to extend authorizations by inserting ‘‘and $3,948,087 for the period be- (B) by striking the semicolon at the end of for the airport improvement program, ginning on October 1, 2015, and ending on subparagraph (A) and inserting ‘‘or the Air- to amend the Internal Revenue Code of July 15, 2016,’’ before ‘‘to carry out this sec- port and Airway Extension Act of 2016 or any tion’’. specified extension;’’, and 1986 to extend the funding and expendi- (2) by adding at the end the following: ture authority of the Airport and Air- (b) Section 47107(r)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘April 1, ‘‘(7) SPECIFIED EXTENSION.—For purposes of way Trust Fund, and for other pur- 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 16, 2016’’. paragraph (1), the term ‘specified extension’ poses. (c) Section 47115(j) of title 49, United means any provision of law enacted after the The Clerk read the title of the bill. States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘March date of the enactment of this paragraph and The text of the bill is as follows: 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016’’. before April 1, 2017, but only to the extent that such provision of law provides for the H.R. 4721 (d) Section 47124(b)(3)(E) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘and extension (including authorization of addi- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- not more than $5,175,000 for the period begin- tional amounts) of an existing authority (de- resentatives of the United States of America in ning on October 1, 2015, and ending on March termined as of the date of the enactment of Congress assembled, 31, 2016,’’ and inserting ‘‘and not more than this paragraph) for a period ending not later SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. $8,172,541 for the period beginning on October than March 31, 2017, under one or more of the (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, 2016,’’. following: the ‘‘Airport and Airway Extension Act of (e) Section 47141(f) of title 49, United ‘‘(A) Section 106, 41742, 41743, 47104, 47107, 2016’’. States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘March 47114, 47115, 47116, 47117, 47124, 47141, 48101, (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016’’. 48102, 48103, or 48114 of title 49, United States tents for this Act is as follows: (f) Section 186(d) of the Vision 100—Cen- Code. Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. tury of Aviation Reauthorization Act (117 ‘‘(B) Section 186(d) or 409(d) of the Vision Stat. 2518) is amended by striking ‘‘March 31, 100—Century of Aviation Reauthorization TITLE I—AIRPORT AND AIRWAY 2016,’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016,’’. Act. PROGRAMS (g) Section 409(d) of the Vision 100—Cen- ‘‘(C) Section 140(c)(1), 411(h), or 822(k) of Sec. 101. Extension of airport improvement tury of Aviation Reauthorization Act (49 the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of program. U.S.C. 41731 note) is amended by striking 2012.’’. Sec. 102. Extension of expiring authorities. ‘‘March 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section Sec. 103. Federal Aviation Administration 2016’’. 9502(e)(2) of such Code is amended by striking operations. (h) Section 411(h) of the FAA Moderniza- ‘‘April 1, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘April 1, 2017’’. Sec. 104. Air navigation facilities and equip- tion and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 42301 SEC. 202. EXTENSION OF TAXES FUNDING AIR- ment. prec. note) is amended by striking ‘‘March PORT AND AIRWAY TRUST FUND. Sec. 105. Research, engineering, and develop- 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016’’. (a) FUEL TAXES.—Section 4081(d)(2)(B) of ment. (i) Section 822(k) of the FAA Moderniza- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended Sec. 106. Funding for aviation programs. tion and Reform Act of 2012 (49 U.S.C. 47141 by striking ‘‘March 31, 2016’’ and inserting Sec. 107. Essential air service. note) is amended by striking ‘‘March 31, ‘‘March 31, 2017’’. TITLE II—REVENUE PROVISIONS 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016’’. (b) TICKET TAXES.— (j) The amendments made by this section Sec. 201. Expenditure authority from Air- (1) PERSONS.—Section 4261(k)(1)(A)(ii) of shall take effect on March 31, 2016. port and Airway Trust Fund. such Code is amended by striking ‘‘March 31, Sec. 202. Extension of taxes funding Airport SEC. 103. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2017’’. OPERATIONS. and Airway Trust Fund. (2) PROPERTY.—Section 4271(d)(1)(A)(ii) of Section 106(k) of title 49, United States such Code is amended by striking ‘‘March 31, TITLE I—AIRPORT AND AIRWAY Code, is amended— 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘March 31, 2017’’. PROGRAMS (1) by striking paragraph (1)(E) and insert- (c) FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS.— SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF AIRPORT IMPROVE- ing the following: (1) TREATMENT AS NON-COMMERCIAL AVIA- MENT PROGRAM. ‘‘(E) $7,824,891,355 for the period beginning TION.—Section 4083(b) of such Code is amend- (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— on October 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, ed by striking ‘‘April 1, 2016’’ and inserting (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 48103(a) of title 49, 2016.’’; and ‘‘April 1, 2017’’. United States Code, is amended by striking (2) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘March 31, (2) EXEMPTION FROM TICKET TAXES.—Sec- ‘‘and $1,675,000,000 for the period beginning 2016,’’ and inserting ‘‘July 15, 2016,’’. tion 4261(j) of such Code is amended by strik- on October 1, 2015, and ending on March 31, SEC. 104. AIR NAVIGATION FACILITIES AND ing ‘‘March 31, 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘March 2016’’ and inserting ‘‘and $2,645,218,579 for the EQUIPMENT. 31, 2017’’. Section 48101(a)(5) of title 49, United States period beginning on October 1, 2015, and end- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ing on July 15, 2016’’. Code, is amended to read as follows: (2) OBLIGATION OF AMOUNTS.—Subject to ‘‘(5) $2,254,357,923 for the period beginning ant to the rule, the gentleman from limitations specified in advance in appro- on October 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER) and the priation Acts, sums made available pursuant 2016.’’. gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) to the amendment made by paragraph (1) SEC. 105. RESEARCH, ENGINEERING, AND DEVEL- each will control 20 minutes. may be obligated at any time through Sep- OPMENT. The Chair recognizes the gentleman tember 30, 2016, and shall remain available Section 48102(a)(9) of title 49, United States from Pennsylvania. until expended. Code, is amended to read as follows: GENERAL LEAVE (3) PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION.—For pur- ‘‘(9) $131,076,503 for the period beginning on poses of calculating funding apportionments October 1, 2015, and ending on July 15, 2016.’’. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask and meeting other requirements under sec- SEC. 106. FUNDING FOR AVIATION PROGRAMS. unanimous consent that all Members tions 47114, 47115, 47116, and 47117 of title 49, The budget authority authorized in this have 5 legislative days in which to re- United States Code, for the period beginning Act, including the amendments made by this vise and extend their remarks and to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.043 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1321 include extraneous materials on H.R. port infrastructure, and promotes pas- work, including procurement, and 4721. senger service reforms. which have certainly interrupted the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there We have worked every step of the orderly operation of the air traffic con- objection to the request of the gen- way under an open process in order to trol system. tleman from Pennsylvania? address concerns and find common How do we protect the FAA from There was no objection. ground to move forward. In the mark- Congress and idiots who want to shut Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield up, the committee approved 44 amend- down the government? myself such time as I may consume. ments, mostly on a bipartisan basis, to That is a tough one. I propose man- I rise in support of H.R. 4721, the Air- make the AIRR Act a better bill; but datory spending. The FAA is virtually port and Airway Extension Act of 2016. our work isn’t done yet. With so much self-funding. With the current tax This bill extends the authorization of at stake, it is critical that we get this structure and without adopting a con- the Federal Aviation Administration reform right. troversial new private fee structure programs through July 15, 2016. The We are working with Members in the that would be put through by the non- bill also extends the revenue collection House to get the ball over the goal line. profit corporation, the existing tax authorities for the Airport and Airway Last week, Members of the Senate structure can pay for virtually 100 per- Trust Fund through March 31, 2017. The Commerce Committee introduced its cent of the FAA, as it is, on an ongoing current FAA authorization expires at FAA reauthorization bill, and I look basis. If we adopted some efficiencies the end of this month. forward to working with Chairman with a couple of other reforms, it Without this bill, the authority to THUNE. We have worked well with the would be in very, very robust shape and collect aviation taxes will lapse, de- Senate Commerce Committee on the we would no longer have to rebut the priving the trust fund of more than $30 highway bill, on passenger rail reform, idiocy of government shutdowns. million per day. That is $30 million a and on a Surface Transportation Board Now, there are certainly other parts day for air traffic control, airport de- reauthorization. I believe we can be of the government I care about that velopment, and other aviation pro- successful on an aviation bill as well. shouldn’t be shut down, but at least grams that can never be recovered. I am confident that we can produce a mandatory spending here, like with So- Additionally, airports will be unable transformational FAA bill that will re- cial Security checks and veterans’ ben- to receive grant money that has al- store our global leadership position in efits, would say no, this is critical; it ready been awarded to them, putting aviation and ensure that the United will continue even if, for some reason, dozens of construction projects across States has the safest, most efficient Congress is so dysfunctional as to shut the country at risk of delay, cost over- aviation system in the world. In the down funding for the government. run, or cancelation. meantime, we need to pass this short- Secondly, procurement. Congress has H.R. 4721 will avoid these unneces- term extension, and I urge all of my been trying to reform procurement at sary consequences while Congress colleagues to support it. the FAA since 1996. Unfortunately, works to finish a long-term aviation I reserve the balance of my time. back then, Congress didn’t mandate bill. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield procurement reforms. They merely On February 11, the Transportation myself such time as I may consume. gave the FAA license to depart from and Infrastructure Committee ap- Here we are in the first or second Federal procurement procedures if they proved H.R. 4441, the Aviation Innova- short-term extension of the FAA, hope- so wished. In the end, unfortunately, tion, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, fully the last. The Senate has intro- either through the initiative of the or the AIRR Act. duced a bill and I have had an oppor- FAA’s or perhaps of some of the people The AIRR Act provides the trans- tunity to review the Senate bill. If you down at the Office of Management and formational reform we need to mod- put the bills side by side, you will find Budget, the procurement reforms were ernize our antiquated air traffic con- very substantial agreement. In fact, not done. In fact, they ended up with a trol systems; to ensure the system is there is very substantial agreement in system that is pretty much the same safe and efficient; and to ensure the the House over many of the critical as the other, which is perhaps even less U.S. leads the world in aviation. provisions of the bill that relate to functional than those of other Federal The AIRR Act takes ATC out of the safety, to the future regulation of agencies. Federal bureaucracy and establishes an drones, to flight attendant risk, and Finally, personnel. Again, in 1996—20 independent, not-for-profit corporation numerous other provisions that were years ago—Congress, in recognizing to provide and modernize ATC service. agreed upon during the markup. this problem, gave the FAA the oppor- This corporation will be governed by The one major disagreement between tunity, the discretion, to adopt dif- an independent board and representa- the House and the Senate bills is the ferent personnel procedures, particu- tives of the public interest. This inde- same disagreement that exists here in larly as it relates to the mid-level bu- pendent entity will provide a service. It the House, which is over the privatiza- reaucratic bulge in the agency which will not be given the public airspace. tion of the air traffic operations in this does lead to some analysis, paralysis, And the FAA will continue to be our country. and other problems that slow down Nation’s aviation safety regulator. Let I am not going to regurgitate the en- needed measures or actions by the me stress that the FAA will continue tire debate again here on the floor. The FAA. to be the Nation’s aviation safety regu- point is, with both bills being so simi- I offered a very simple amendment lator and that Congress will have full lar, absent privatization, we could that addressed those three things. It oversight over that entity. move well within the temporary exten- shouldn’t be controversial. It says let The bill includes protections for gen- sion. the FAA fund itself with the existing eral aviation and for service to rural In fact, we could probably have a bill tax structure and make that manda- communities. This structure gets ATC done—well, we are not here very much. tory spending so we never shut them away from political infighting and Congress is having, I think, a record down again. Let’s have procurement re- from an FAA management structure few number of legislative days this forms and personnel reforms that are that has wasted billions of dollars in year—but whenever we are going to be mandatory. trying to modernize the system. around again. I think there is a week I believe this reform will benefit pas- in April and maybe a couple of days in b 1700 sengers first, our communities, all sys- May when we are going to be here and Unfortunately, that amendment tem users, and will ultimately save we could get this done. That seems to failed and, instead, this privatization taxpayers and the traveling public bil- me to be the more prudent course. proposal prevailed. But that now has lions of dollars. The chairman and I do agree on what brought us to this point where, what is The AIRR Act also streamlines the needs to be addressed at the FAA. First the path forward? FAA certification process so as to im- off, the biggest problem the FAA has is Okay. We are now going to extend prove America’s competitiveness and the United States Congress—the stupid this agency temporarily until just be- to protect jobs. It includes a robust shutdowns, sequestration, and other fore the longest summer break in his- safety title, protects investment in air- things which have interrupted critical tory for Congress. Well, I guess back in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.044 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 the 1940s and 1950s they used to take So, again, that reform I think will go Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association the summers off. But at least since the great distances to make this a modern opposed to this bill. You have business invention and installation of air-condi- FAA system, to be able to get it to op- aviation opposed to this proposal be- tioning, it is the longest summer break erate with the GPS-based systems, give cause they don’t know what this fee in history. us much more capacity, improve the structure will be and how it might or So we have to get it done before then. airspace, decrease the time it takes to might not discriminate against them. Otherwise, Congress won’t be back fly places for the traveling public, and So what I propose is that you keep until sometime in September for a cou- decrease the amount of energy burned the existing structure, which every- ple of days when it is not likely to do up, which will be good for the environ- body can live with. Now, the airlines any major legislation. ment. don’t like it because every time I buy The stability and the predictability Again, I will continue to work with an airline ticket and I pay the excise that we need with the FAA, the re- my colleagues and with the Senate to tax, the airlines say that is their forms we need—not just the ones I try to do something, which, really, its money. mentioned, but the reforms in drones, time has come, to significantly reform I say no. That is actually a tax that the reforms to give flight attendants the FAA and do something that, again, is levied on me, as a passenger, which the same mandatory rest hours and over 50 countries have done. Britain, goes to the government. It is not their many, many other provisions—that are Germany, Australia, New Zealand, our money. in agreement between the House and allies around the world have done it But they think they can create a sys- the Senate should not have to wait. successfully and with very, very safe tem where it won’t be taking money So I would hope that we won’t drag results. out of their pocket, which they say the this out until just before Congress ad- I reserve the balance of my time. excise taxes do. But I don’t know where journs and, instead, that we move for- Mr. DEFAZIO. I yield myself such the $10 billion or so a year is going to ward with all dispatch after the Senate time as I may consume. come to. acts this week, if the Senate acts this Mr. Speaker, well, let’s just set the Then, of course, the Office of Man- week—you never can predict the Sen- record straight. Only two countries agement and Budget also in this report ate—and begin to correlate the few dif- have privatized. That is Canada and found last week that, with mandatory ferences that I see between the bills. Great Britain. spending by this private corporation, Then, at some point, I think it will In the case of Great Britain, the gov- there will be a $19.848 billion deficit be time to give up on the privatization ernment and the taxpayers had to over a 10-year period. proposal and move forward and put this come in and bail out the corporation. Let me repeat that. Mandatory bill into place. In the case of Canada, it was a very spending by a private corporation as- I reserve the balance of my time. prolonged transition, 7 or 8 years, sessing some sort of new fee structure Mr. SHUSTER. I yielf myself such which would set back NextGen for a on users of the system, including pas- time as I may consume. generation. So those were not without sengers, and the OMB says that that Mr. Speaker, just a couple of points their problems. would increase the Federal deficit by to point out. Again, we talk about pri- There is a MITRE report, which $19.848 billion. vatization, but this is a not-for-profit looks at all of the other conversions Of course, the majority is always free corporation that is going to be gov- around the world which were govern- to waive the rules and they can ignore erned by the stakeholders. ment corporations, not private cor- that. I mean, the rules have been The government will have represent- porations. So there are only two that waived numerous times to create more atives, and the others that use the sys- have gone to private corporations. deficit around here, just by the discus- tem will be on there to make sure that All the other countries that have sion on the other side that they want this entity operates in the most effi- changed over have gone to government to address the deficit whenever we cient, safe manner possible. Just to corporations, and they also had transi- eliminate taxes, waive the rules, and point out, over 50 countries around the tion issues. I mean, it is very instruc- pretend that actually eliminating world have done this and they have tive. taxes will raise money or it is budget- done it successfully. We haven’t held hearings on the neutral. As the gentleman points out, in the MITRE report or the recent GAO re- I guess, in this case, they could waive bill that we passed, there is much port that point to the potential for dis- the rules and say the mandatory spend- agreement, but there are significant ruption and seeing that this proposal ing by the private corporation that will differences on this point. won’t cause the sorts of disruptions lead to additional deficit doesn’t mat- The gentleman also points out, which that happened in other countries. ter and it doesn’t exist. I agree with, Congress is part of the On the issue of mandatory spending, I reserve the balance of my time. problem. It is not just the bureaucrats we would still, as the authorizers, have Mr. SHUSTER. I yield myself such at FAA. It is the way Congress funds the authority to direct that agency time as I may consume. things. much more so than we will have if we Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman His solution to mandatory spending, give it to a private corporation. for pointing out the potential for a pro- though, I would oppose significantly According to the most recent CBO re- longed period to get to NextGen. because that takes the Congress out of port, they deem that this corporation We forget it has been a prolonged pe- the equation. It gives the FAA money. will be mandatory spending and it will riod. For over 20 years, we have been They will get it automatically with- be a private corporation which will trying to get NextGen in the current out Congress going through appropria- have the authority to tax. system, and we haven’t been able to tions or any kind of real oversight by So we are giving authority to a pri- get it. Congress. If it comes down to it, it will vate corporation to establish some sort It is the GAO, it is the Inspector Gen- be very difficult to change. The track of a fee or tax structure—they can’t eral of the Transportation Department, record is very, very clear. tax; so it will be fees of some sort—a and it is numerous reports that have As the gentleman points out, over fee for the amount of space that you said there is no end in sight as to when time we have reformed over and over take up in an airplane when you are we can get NextGen, a GPS-based sys- and over, given the FAA the ability to flying over the country—who knows tem. do things that other agencies don’t what those fees will be—we don’t Let me just point out—the gen- have. know—which would be potentially dis- tleman mentioned Canada, which is a But to paraphrase my good friend ruptive and potentially disadvantage model we are looking at very closely. and colleague from Oregon who has other users of the system, which is why We certainly have made it to be an said this a number of times, the only you have all the regional airlines that American model. But what has Canada agency worse than the Department of fly 62 percent of the flights every day done? Defense for procurement is the FAA. opposed to this bill. Canada, in this type of system, a not- They just can’t get it right. And Con- You have Delta Air Lines, the largest for-profit corporation—which this cor- gress is an accomplice in that failure. airline, opposed to bill. You have the poration will not be able to raise taxes,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.046 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1323 will not be able to put taxes. It will go other runway. That is not going to hap- source. At least today you can look at to a user fee-based system. pen. So we can’t even talk about that. that and say: Well, we are paying for 93 What has Canada done? They have There are other places where we percent of it through taxes that are decreased the cost of those user fees by could improve efficiency with another being raised, that are dedicated; all we 30 percent over the last 20 years, a 30 runway, where you could improve effi- have got to do is come up with 7 per- percent decrease. ciency with more terminal space, more cent. But now it will be: Wow, we have What they are doing this year is that gates, more apron. Yet, the airports got to come up with 100 percent to fund the Canadian Nav Can will launch its are not being allowed to assess a user those inspectors and those certifiers first batch of satellites, and over the fee to get there. and all those people over there. Wow, next 13, 14 months, until the next year I actually was an original advocate this is great; let’s bifurcate the agency. of 2017, they will launch 70-plus sat- for the passenger facility charge many Plus the communications problem. ellites. They will have visibility of 100 years ago when I saw the unfairness of And, by the way, the certifiers will percent of the world’s global airspace. the previous system. have to certify the new systems that Today all of us together see about 30 I live in Springfield, Oregon, across the private corporation is proposing to percent. The Canadians will do this the river from Eugene. Eugene has the put in place, so the certifiers are now based on a system that we are trying to airport on their property. They had to laid off because of a dumb government move toward to implement. So it has build a new airport, and they could shutdown but, hey, they can move been a great success for Canada. It has only assess the fees in taxes against ahead over here. Well, no, they can’t lower costs. They are going to have a the people of Eugene. Yet, people from move ahead. They can’t deploy any system that is deployed. It is safe. Corvallis, people from Springfield, peo- new systems because they are user fee- The only good news about Canada ple from Roseburg, all use that airport. based, and these people over here are doing it is that they are one of our best So I thought it would be only fair to general fund-based. allies. It is not the Russians and the assess a passenger facility charge for So I do not believe this solves the Chinese doing it. If they were doing it, those sorts of improvements, which I problem. I think it would be better to we would be hell-bent on trying to get probably enjoy more than most people, say, if you want to do this, do it the this done. flying more than most people. But we way President Clinton did propose, Let me just point back to, this is a haven’t allowed an increase in that, which is a government corporation. He system that the stakeholders will be in and certainly the costs of construction did not propose privatization. Virtually charge of at the board level. The FAA have not gotten any cheaper. the vast majority of the countries in will still be the regulatory agency. Many of the airports are bonded out. the world have gone with government So, again, this is something that is a They don’t have the capability of corporations. If you do that, you don’t long time coming. The Clinton admin- issuing more bonds without more rev- have some of the bizarre problems that istration tried to do it. The Bush ad- enue flow, but we seem to be ignoring they are trying to work around here ministration tried to do it. that. with the Constitution, which prohibits The time has come. We should do So if you want to look at the system giving regulatory authority to a pri- this. We should not let the Canadians to increase efficiency as a whole and to vate entity. have the ability that we don’t have, help the passenger experience, you Well, they work around that by say- even though they are our allies. have got to look at the system as a ing everything the corporation wants I reserve the balance of my time. whole, and I am afraid we are a little to do has to be approved by the Sec- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield bit short there. retary, who, by the way, will have a myself such time as I may consume. Back to the corporate model, we giant new office of experts to advise We have been down this path some- don’t know what the user fees will be, him or her on whether or not to ap- what exhaustively, except we haven’t which, again, is why business aviation, prove the new fee structure, whether or held exhaustive hearings to bring in general aviation, the Nation’s largest not to approve the new routes, whether the stakeholders, poke at this idea, see airline and the regional airlines, which or not to approve this or that or any- if there are alternatives and other fly 62 percent of the airplanes every thing that is regulatory in nature. ways to make the FAA into a more ef- day, are all opposed to this black hole. That all still has to go back to the Sec- ficient agency. b 1715 retary, who, by the way, is subject to Actually, the Canadians are not Congress and the appropriations proc- launching a satellite. They are putting Suddenly we are going to have a pri- ess and political appointment. a module on a satellite, and they are vate corporation that assesses some We aren’t solving the problem. If this allowing people to actually license in sort of user fee, which is raising more goes forward, you are not solving the or lease in with them, which the FAA than $10 billion a year to pay for itself, problem. I posit that you are creating could do. and then the gentleman says that safe- more. That is not the critical part of the in- ty will remain with the FAA. It will, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance frastructure we need here in the U.S. with no funding. of my time. That satellite-based system will not be So it is a crisis that every once in a Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, how able to improve the ground-based sys- while, you know, idiots take over, and much time is remaining on our side? tem that we have here in terms of our we shut down the government, and that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- very, very busy airports. We land more messes up air traffic control, and then tleman from Pennsylvania has 111⁄2 planes in a day at LaGuardia than Can- we go into sequestration. But it is minutes remaining. ada lands in—I don’t know how many okay if they shut down every inspector Mr. SHUSTER. I yield myself such days. in the FAA and everything else that time as I may consume. So the issue of our system and more goes into safety in the FAA and every- Mr. Speaker, I will say, point out for efficiency in our system depends on thing that goes into certification at the Record, correct the Record, first, many things, including one thing the FAA because that will all remain the gentleman is correct: Canada is not which is a glaring omission in both the with the vestigial agency over in the launching satellites. They are launch- House and Senate bills: runways, general fund with no funding source, ing modules to go on satellites by the aprons, terminals. Guess what. Both because the assumption is all of the ex- corporation that they own about half the House bill and the Senate bill stiff isting excise taxes are going to be re- of to deploy this GPS-based system. the airports. pealed and replaced by new, unknown So, the gentleman is correct. Tech- We haven’t allowed them to assess a user fees by the private entity. nically they are not satellites, but they reasonable increase in the passenger fa- So what is that new system and how are components to go on satellites cility charge in many, many, many and where is the money going to come which will, in fact, see 100 percent of years. So even if this system becomes from for safety, for certification and the global airspace, which America more efficient, one way or another, at all the other critical functions of the should be doing. some point, you can’t get more planes FAA? That is left to the total discre- The next thing I would like to cor- into LaGuardia without building an- tion of Congress, with no funding rect is we have had numerous hearings

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.047 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 on this. We have had over half a dozen planes, or controlling the airspace in REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- hearings. In fact, we had one just be- the most efficient and safe way. VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF fore we marked the bill up. We have Again, I urge all my colleagues to H.R. 4596, SMALL BUSINESS had over 12—I think maybe even 14 or support this short-term extension that BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT ACT, 15—roundtable discussions with both is on the floor today. AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDER- sides of the aisle and stakeholders from ATION OF H.R. 3797, SATISFYING all over the industries who sat there Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ENERGY NEEDS AND SAVING and talked to us about what they of my time. THE ENVIRONMENT ACT thought is good and what is bad. Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, this short-term bill Mr. STIVERS, from the Committee The concern about safety—as I said, to extend the FAA authorization for three on Rules, submitted a privileged report safety stays in government, and today months and tax revenue for one year gives us (Rept. No. 114–453) on the resolution (H. the FAA safety certification portion of more time to negotiate bipartisan reforms that Res. 640) providing for consideration of it is paid by the general fund. That is are needed. While I will support this extension, the bill (H.R. 4596) to ensure that small appropriate. The other fees, the taxes, I’m concerned that Republicans are using this business providers of broadband Inter- we plan to eliminate most of those bill to buy time for privatization. net access service can devote resources taxes, eliminate those taxes and go to Let me be clear: we should not privatize the to broadband deployment rather than a user fee-based system. FAA. Privatizing the FAA would put control of compliance with cumbersome regu- There is plenty of money there. That our skies in the hands of a private corporation latory requirements, and providing for will go to run the ATC system. This that put profits over passenger safety. It gives consideration of the bill (H.R. 3797) to way it will be in a user fee-based sys- that private corporation the power to tax the establish the bases by which the Ad- tem, which history has shown us what flying public who have no alternative. It would ministrator of the Environmental Pro- Canada has done. History has shown us, increase complexity and lead to higher costs tection Agency shall issue, implement, I think, in many, many cases, when for passengers. It would reduce air service to and enforce certain emission limita- you take something outside the gov- small and rural communities. And it hands a tions and allocations for existing elec- ernment that can go outside the gov- private corporation billions of dollars’ worth of tric utility steam generating units ernment, it is run more efficiently. We taxpayers’ property and other assets—free of that convert coal refuse into energy, will get out of the starts and the stops charge. which was referred to the House Cal- of the appropriations process, of the endar and ordered to be printed. government shutdowns, of the 23 exten- Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, the US Airways sions last time. pilot who landed his disabled aircraft on the f This will be a better program. And Hudson River in 2009, agrees. He told POLIT- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the Secretary and the FAA will still ICO: ‘‘There ought to be other, better ways to PRO TEMPORE maintain that regulatory oversight, make sure that air traffic control has long- which, in fact, means that Congress term, consistent funding for capital improve- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- will maintain regulatory oversight. ments other than eviscerating access to the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings And I don’t know when Congress has air traffic control system for anyone other than will resume on motions to suspend the not had oversight and, in many cases, airlines.’’ rules previously postponed. screwed up many of the private indus- I think we can all agree that there are im- Votes will be taken in the following tries in this country by our overreach provements that can and should be made to order: and our oversight by putting rules and the FAA, and this bill gives us time to work to- S. 2426, by the yeas and nays; regulations in place that don’t work. In ward them. But we should not cloak those im- H. Con. Res. 75, by the yeas and nays; the case of the FAA, we rolled those provements in a bill that gives up Congress’s H. Con. Res. 121, by the yeas and back in many cases, let them go out- jurisdiction and harms taxpayers. nays. side the Federal Government human The first electronic vote will be con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The resources rules and regulations. What ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining question is on the motion offered by did they do? They just kept on doing electronic votes will be conducted as 5- the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the same old thing. minute votes. SHUSTER) that the House suspend the So this is an opportunity for us, f again, with extensive hearings, with rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4721. extensive experience around the world, The question was taken; and (two- DEVELOPING A STRATEGY TO OB- looking at people who have done it suc- thirds being in the affirmative) the TAIN OBSERVER STATUS FOR cessfully. Again, I believe the time has rules were suspended and the bill was TAIWAN IN THE INTERNATIONAL come for us to do this, to make this a passed. CRIMINAL POLICE ORGANIZA- modern aviation system that I believe A motion to reconsider was laid on TION will improve safety, although we have the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- an incredibly safe system today. finished business is the vote on the mo- It will reduce the cost for the trav- f tion to suspend the rules and pass the eling public. It will make their flight bill (S. 2426) to direct the Secretary of times faster, more efficient, and it will RECESS State to develop a strategy to obtain be good for the environment. I don’t observer status for Taiwan in the see, really, anything in this that many, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- International Criminal Police Organi- many Members of this House can’t em- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair zation, and for other purposes, on brace. declares the House in recess until ap- which the yeas and nays were ordered. I will continue to talk about it and proximately 6:30 p.m. today. The Clerk read the title of the bill. continue to push it because I really be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lieve the time is now to have a modern Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 22 min- utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. question is on the motion offered by air traffic control system that will be the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. the envy of the world, just as our avia- SMITH) that the House suspend the f tion system, our airlines, the develop- rules and pass the bill. ment of our airlines, and our manufac- The vote was taken by electronic de- turers have been for years. If we don’t b 1830 vice, and there were—yeas 381, nays 0, do it, I think we stand to diminish our- not voting 52, as follows: selves in the world. AFTER RECESS [Roll No. 111] Ladies and gentlemen, we invented aviation. We ought to make sure that The recess having expired, the House YEAS—381 we continue to be the leaders in the was called to order by the Speaker pro Abraham Amash Barr Aderholt Amodei Barton world when it comes to aviation, tempore (Mr. COLLINS of Georgia) at 6 Aguilar Ashford Bass whether it is flying planes, building o’clock and 30 minutes p.m. Allen Barletta Beatty

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.049 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1325 Benishek Fincher Lucas Sa´ nchez, Linda Stivers Walker The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bera Fitzpatrick Luetkemeyer T. Stutzman Walorski question is on the motion offered by Beyer Fleischmann Lujan Grisham Sanford Swalwell (CA) Walters, Mimi Bilirakis Fleming (NM) Sarbanes Takai Walz the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Bishop (GA) Flores Luja´ n, Ben Ray Scalise Takano Wasserman SMITH) that the House suspend the Bishop (MI) Forbes (NM) Schakowsky Thompson (CA) Schultz rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Schrader Thompson (MS) Bishop (UT) Fortenberry Lummis Watson Coleman lution, as amended. Black Foster Lynch Schweikert Thompson (PA) Weber (TX) Blum Foxx MacArthur Scott (VA) Thornberry Webster (FL) This is a 5-minute vote. Bost Frankel (FL) Maloney, Sean Scott, Austin Tipton Welch The vote was taken by electronic de- Boustany Franks (AZ) Marchant Scott, David Titus Westerman Sensenbrenner Tonko vice, and there were—yeas 393, nays 0, Boyle, Brendan Fudge Marino Westmoreland Serrano Torres not voting 40, as follows: F. Gabbard Massie Williams Sessions Trott Brady (PA) Gallego Matsui Wilson (FL) [Roll No. 112] Sewell (AL) Tsongas Brady (TX) Garamendi McCarthy Wilson (SC) Sherman Turner YEAS—393 Brat Garrett McClintock Wittman Bridenstine Gibbs McCollum Shimkus Upton Abraham Davis, Rodney Hunter Simpson Valadao Womack Brooks (AL) Gibson McDermott Aderholt DeFazio Hurd (TX) Sinema Van Hollen Woodall Brooks (IN) Gohmert McGovern Aguilar DeGette Hurt (VA) Slaughter Vargas Yarmuth Brown (FL) Goodlatte McHenry Allen Delaney Issa Smith (MO) Veasey Yoder Brownley (CA) Gosar McKinley Amash DeLauro Jackson Lee Smith (NE) Vela Yoho Buchanan Gowdy McMorris Amodei DelBene Jeffries Smith (NJ) Vela´ zquez Young (AK) Buck Graham Rodgers Ashford Denham Jenkins (KS) Smith (TX) Visclosky Young (IA) Bucshon Granger McNerney Barletta Dent Jenkins (WV) Speier Wagner Young (IN) Barr DeSantis Johnson (GA) Burgess Graves (GA) McSally Stefanik Walberg Zeldin Barton DeSaulnier Johnson (OH) Bustos Graves (LA) Meadows Stewart Walden Zinke Bass DesJarlais Johnson, E. B. Butterfield Green, Al Meehan Beatty Deutch Johnson, Sam Byrne Green, Gene Meeks NOT VOTING—52 Benishek Diaz-Balart Jolly Calvert Griffith Meng Adams Herrera Beutler Pascrell Bera Dingell Jones Capps Grijalva Messer Babin Higgins Pearce Beyer Doggett Jordan Capuano Grothman Mica ´ Becerra Huffman Perlmutter Bilirakis Dold Katko Cardenas Guinta Miller (FL) Blackburn Hunter Richmond Bishop (GA) Donovan Keating Carney Guthrie Miller (MI) Blumenauer Israel Rohrabacher Bishop (MI) Doyle, Michael Kelly (MS) Carson (IN) Hahn Moolenaar Carter (GA) Hanna Bonamici Johnson (GA) Roskam Bishop (UT) F. Kelly (PA) Mooney (WV) Conyers Joyce Black Duffy Kennedy Carter (TX) Hardy Moore Rush Cartwright Harper Costa Kaptur Ryan (OH) Blum Duncan (SC) Kildee Moulton Davis, Danny Keating Bost Castor (FL) Harris Sanchez, Loretta Duncan (TN) Kilmer Mullin Doggett Kelly (IL) Boustany Edwards Kind Castro (TX) Hartzler Schiff Mulvaney Duckworth King (NY) Boyle, Brendan Ellison King (IA) Chabot Hastings Shuster Murphy (FL) Duffy Kirkpatrick Chaffetz Heck (WA) F. Emmer (MN) Kinzinger (IL) Murphy (PA) Ellmers (NC) Langevin Sires Brady (PA) Engel Kline Chu, Judy Hensarling Nadler Frelinghuysen Lipinski Smith (WA) Brady (TX) Eshoo Knight Cicilline Hice, Jody B. Napolitano Graves (MO) Maloney, Tiberi Brat Esty Kuster Clark (MA) Hill Neal Grayson Carolyn Waters, Maxine Bridenstine Farenthold Labrador Clarke (NY) Himes Neugebauer Gutie´rrez McCaul Wenstrup Brooks (AL) Farr LaHood Clawson (FL) Hinojosa Newhouse Heck (NV) Noem Whitfield Brooks (IN) Fattah LaMalfa Clay Holding Nolan Brown (FL) Fincher Lamborn Cleaver Honda Norcross ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Brownley (CA) Fitzpatrick Lance Clyburn Hoyer Nugent The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Buchanan Fleischmann Langevin Coffman Hudson Nunes Buck Fleming Larsen (WA) Cohen Huelskamp the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- O’Rourke Bucshon Flores Larson (CT) Cole Huizenga (MI) Olson ing. Burgess Forbes Latta Collins (GA) Hultgren Palazzo Bustos Fortenberry Lawrence Collins (NY) Hurd (TX) b 1847 Pallone Butterfield Foster Lee Comstock Hurt (VA) Palmer Byrne Foxx Levin Conaway Issa So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Paulsen Calvert Frankel (FL) Lewis Connolly Jackson Lee tive) the rules were suspended and the Payne Capps Franks (AZ) Lieu, Ted Cook Jeffries Pelosi bill was passed. Capuano Fudge LoBiondo Cooper Jenkins (KS) Perry The result of the vote was announced Ca´ rdenas Gabbard Loebsack Costello (PA) Jenkins (WV) Peters Carney Gallego Lofgren Courtney Johnson (OH) as above recorded. Peterson Carson (IN) Garamendi Long Cramer Johnson, E. B. A motion to reconsider was laid on Pingree Carter (GA) Garrett Loudermilk Crawford Johnson, Sam Pittenger the table. Carter (TX) Gibbs Love Crenshaw Jolly Pitts Stated for: Cartwright Gibson Lowenthal Crowley Jones Pocan Castor (FL) Gohmert Lowey Cuellar Jordan Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Poe (TX) Castro (TX) Goodlatte Lucas Culberson Katko Poliquin 111, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been Chabot Gosar Luetkemeyer Cummings Kelly (MS) Polis present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Chaffetz Gowdy Lujan Grisham Curbelo (FL) Kelly (PA) Chu, Judy Graham (NM) Davis (CA) Kennedy Pompeo f Cicilline Graves (GA) Luja´ n, Ben Ray Davis, Rodney Kildee Posey Clark (MA) Graves (LA) (NM) DeFazio Kilmer Price (NC) DEFINING CERTAIN ATROCITIES Clarke (NY) Green, Al Lummis DeGette Kind Price, Tom AS WAR CRIMES, CRIMES Clawson (FL) Green, Gene Lynch Delaney King (IA) Quigley AGAINST HUMANITY, AND GENO- Clay Griffith MacArthur DeLauro Kinzinger (IL) Rangel CIDE Cleaver Grijalva Maloney, Sean DelBene Kline Ratcliffe Clyburn Grothman Marchant Denham Knight Reed The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Coffman Guinta Marino Dent Kuster Reichert finished business is the vote on the mo- Cohen Guthrie Massie DeSantis Labrador Renacci Cole Hahn Matsui DeSaulnier LaHood Ribble tion to suspend the rules and agree to Collins (GA) Hanna McCarthy DesJarlais LaMalfa Rice (NY) the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. Collins (NY) Hardy McCaul Deutch Lamborn Rice (SC) 75) expressing the sense of Congress Comstock Harper McClintock Diaz-Balart Lance Rigell Conaway Harris McCollum Dingell Larsen (WA) Roby that those who commit or support Connolly Hartzler McDermott Dold Larson (CT) Roe (TN) atrocities against Christians and other Conyers Hastings McGovern Donovan Latta Rogers (AL) ethnic and religious minorities, includ- Cook Heck (WA) McHenry Doyle, Michael Lawrence Rogers (KY) ing Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea- Cooper Hensarling McKinley F. Lee Rokita Costello (PA) Hice, Jody B. McMorris Duncan (SC) Levin Rooney (FL) Mandeans, Kaka‘e, and Kurds, and who Courtney Hill Rodgers Duncan (TN) Lewis Ros-Lehtinen target them specifically for ethnic or Cramer Himes McNerney Edwards Lieu, Ted Ross religious reasons, are committing, and Crawford Hinojosa McSally Ellison LoBiondo Rothfus Crenshaw Holding Meadows Emmer (MN) Loebsack Rouzer are hereby declared to be committing, Crowley Hoyer Meehan Engel Lofgren Roybal-Allard ‘‘war crimes’’, ‘‘crimes against human- Cuellar Hudson Meeks Eshoo Long Royce ity’’, and ‘‘genocide’’, as amended, on Culberson Huelskamp Meng Esty Loudermilk Ruiz which the yeas and nays were ordered. Cummings Huffman Messer Farenthold Love Ruppersberger Curbelo (FL) Huizenga (MI) Mica Farr Lowenthal Russell The Clerk read the title of the con- Davis (CA) Hultgren Miller (FL) Fattah Lowey Salmon current resolution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.020 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 Miller (MI) Rigell Thompson (MS) CONDEMNING VIOLATIONS OF Hurt (VA) Meng Schweikert Moolenaar Roby Thompson (PA) INTERNATIONAL LAW BY THE Issa Messer Scott (VA) Mooney (WV) Roe (TN) Thornberry Jackson Lee Mica Scott, Austin Moore Rogers (AL) Tiberi GOVERNMENT OF SYRIA Jeffries Miller (FL) Scott, David Moulton Rogers (KY) Tipton The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Jenkins (KS) Miller (MI) Sensenbrenner Mullin Rokita Titus Jenkins (WV) Moolenaar Serrano Mulvaney Rooney (FL) Tonko finished business is the vote on the mo- Johnson (GA) Mooney (WV) Sessions Murphy (FL) Ros-Lehtinen Torres tion to suspend the rules and agree to Johnson (OH) Moore Sewell (AL) Murphy (PA) Ross Trott the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. Johnson, E. B. Moulton Sherman Nadler Rothfus Tsongas Johnson, Sam Mullin Shimkus Napolitano Rouzer 121) expressing the sense of the Con- Turner Jolly Mulvaney Neal Roybal-Allard Shuster Upton gress condemning the gross violations Jones Murphy (FL) Neugebauer Royce Simpson Valadao of international law amounting to war Jordan Murphy (PA) Newhouse Ruiz Sinema Van Hollen Katko Nadler Nolan Ruppersberger crimes and crimes against humanity by Slaughter Norcross Russell Vargas the Government of Syria, its allies, and Keating Napolitano Smith (MO) Nugent Salmon Veasey other parties to the conflict in Syria, Kelly (MS) Neal Smith (NE) Vela Kelly (PA) Neugebauer Nunes Sa´ nchez, Linda and asking the President to direct his Smith (NJ) O’Rourke T. Vela´ zquez Kennedy Newhouse Smith (TX) Olson Sanford Visclosky Ambassador at the United Nations to Kildee Nolan Speier Palazzo Sarbanes Wagner promote the establishment of a war Kilmer Norcross Stefanik Pallone Scalise Walberg crimes tribunal where these crimes Kind Nugent Stewart Walden King (IA) Nunes Palmer Schakowsky could be addressed, as amended, on Stivers Paulsen Schrader Walker Kinzinger (IL) O’Rourke Stutzman Payne Schweikert Walorski which the yeas and nays were ordered. Kline Olson Swalwell (CA) Palazzo Pelosi Scott (VA) Walters, Mimi The Clerk read the title of the con- Knight Takai Perlmutter Scott, Austin Pallone Walz current resolution. Kuster Takano Perry Scott, David Labrador Palmer Wasserman Thompson (CA) Peters Sensenbrenner Schultz The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LaHood Paulsen Thompson (MS) Peterson Serrano Waters, Maxine question is on the motion offered by LaMalfa Payne Thompson (PA) Pingree Sessions Watson Coleman Lamborn Pelosi the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Thornberry Pittenger Sewell (AL) Weber (TX) Lance Perlmutter SMITH) that the House suspend the Tiberi Pitts Sherman Webster (FL) Langevin Perry Tipton Pocan Shimkus Welch rules and agree to the concurrent reso- Larsen (WA) Peterson Titus Poe (TX) Shuster Westerman lution, as amended. Larson (CT) Pingree Tonko Poliquin Simpson Westmoreland This is a 5-minute vote. Latta Pittenger Polis Sinema Torres Williams Lawrence Pitts Pompeo Slaughter The vote was taken by electronic de- Trott Wilson (FL) Lee Pocan Posey Smith (MO) Tsongas Wilson (SC) vice, and there were—yeas 392, nays 3, Levin Poe (TX) Price (NC) Smith (NE) not voting 38, as follows: Lewis Poliquin Turner Price, Tom Smith (NJ) Wittman Lieu, Ted Polis Upton Quigley Smith (TX) Womack [Roll No. 113] LoBiondo Pompeo Valadao Rangel Speier Woodall YEAS—392 Loebsack Posey Van Hollen Ratcliffe Stefanik Yarmuth Lofgren Price (NC) Vargas Reed Stewart Yoder Abraham Clawson (FL) Fattah Long Price, Tom Veasey Reichert Stivers Yoho Aderholt Clay Fincher Quigley Vela Renacci Stutzman Young (AK) Aguilar Cleaver Fitzpatrick Loudermilk Rangel Vela´ zquez Ribble Swalwell (CA) Young (IA) Allen Clyburn Fleischmann Love Ratcliffe Rice (NY) Takai Young (IN) Amodei Coffman Fleming Lowenthal Visclosky Rice (SC) Takano Zeldin Ashford Cohen Flores Lowey Reed Wagner Richmond Thompson (CA) Zinke Barletta Cole Forbes Lucas Reichert Walberg Barr Collins (GA) Fortenberry Luetkemeyer Renacci Walden NOT VOTING—40 Barton Collins (NY) Foster Lujan Grisham Ribble Walker Bass Comstock Foxx (NM) Rice (NY) Walorski ´ Adams Gutierrez Noem Beatty Conaway Frankel (FL) Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rice (SC) Walters, Mimi Babin Heck (NV) Pascrell Benishek Connolly Franks (AZ) (NM) Richmond Walz Becerra Herrera Beutler Pearce Bera Conyers Fudge Lummis Rigell Wasserman Blackburn Higgins Rohrabacher Beyer Cook Gallego Lynch Roby Schultz Blumenauer Honda Bilirakis Cooper Garamendi Roskam MacArthur Roe (TN) Waters, Maxine Bonamici Israel Bishop (GA) Costello (PA) Garrett Rush Maloney, Rogers (AL) Watson Coleman Costa Joyce Bishop (MI) Courtney Gibbs Ryan (OH) Carolyn Rogers (KY) Weber (TX) Davis, Danny Kaptur Sanchez, Loretta Bishop (UT) Cramer Gibson Maloney, Sean Rokita Duckworth Kelly (IL) Webster (FL) Schiff Black Crawford Gohmert Marchant Rooney (FL) Ellmers (NC) King (NY) Welch Sires Blum Crenshaw Goodlatte Marino Ros-Lehtinen Frelinghuysen Kirkpatrick Westerman Smith (WA) Bost Crowley Gosar Matsui Ross Granger Lipinski Westmoreland Boustany Cuellar Gowdy McCarthy Rothfus Graves (MO) Maloney, Wenstrup Williams Boyle, Brendan Culberson Graham McCaul Rouzer Grayson Carolyn Whitfield Wilson (FL) F. Cummings Granger McClintock Roybal-Allard Wilson (SC) Brady (PA) Curbelo (FL) Graves (GA) McCollum Royce ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Brady (TX) Davis (CA) Graves (LA) Wittman McDermott Ruiz Brat Davis, Rodney Green, Al McGovern Ruppersberger Womack The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Bridenstine DeFazio Green, Gene McHenry Russell Woodall Brooks (AL) DeGette Griffith the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- McKinley Salmon Yarmuth Brooks (IN) Delaney Grijalva ing. McMorris Sa´ nchez, Linda Yoder Brown (FL) DeLauro Grothman Rodgers T. Yoho Brownley (CA) DelBene Guinta McNerney Sanford Young (AK) b 1854 Buchanan Denham Guthrie Young (IA) Buck Dent Hahn McSally Sarbanes Young (IN) Bucshon DeSantis Hanna Meadows Scalise So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Zeldin Burgess DeSaulnier Hardy Meehan Schakowsky Zinke tive) the rules were suspended and the Bustos DesJarlais Harper Meeks Schrader concurrent resolution, as amended, was Butterfield Deutch Harris agreed to. Byrne Diaz-Balart Hartzler NAYS—3 Calvert Dingell Hastings Amash Gabbard Massie The result of the vote was announced Capps Doggett Heck (WA) as above recorded. Capuano Dold Hensarling NOT VOTING—38 Ca´ rdenas Donovan Hice, Jody B. The title of the concurrent resolution Carney Doyle, Michael Hill Adams Gutie´rrez Pearce was amended so as to read: ‘‘Concur- Carson (IN) F. Himes Babin Heck (NV) Peters rent resolution expressing the sense of Carter (GA) Duffy Hinojosa Becerra Herrera Beutler Rohrabacher Carter (TX) Duncan (SC) Holding Blackburn Higgins Roskam Congress that the atrocities per- Cartwright Duncan (TN) Honda Blumenauer Israel Rush petrated by ISIL against religious and Castor (FL) Edwards Hoyer Bonamici Joyce Ryan (OH) ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria in- Castro (TX) Ellison Hudson Costa Kaptur Sanchez, Loretta Chabot Emmer (MN) Huelskamp Davis, Danny Kelly (IL) Schiff clude war crimes, crimes against hu- Chaffetz Engel Huffman Duckworth King (NY) Sires manity, and genocide.’’. Chu, Judy Eshoo Huizenga (MI) Ellmers (NC) Kirkpatrick Smith (WA) Cicilline Esty Hultgren Frelinghuysen Lipinski Wenstrup A motion to reconsider was laid on Clark (MA) Farenthold Hunter Graves (MO) Noem the table. Clarke (NY) Farr Hurd (TX) Grayson Pascrell Whitfield

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.023 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1327 b 1900 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL PI They are listening to our national de- So (two-thirds being in the affirma- DAY bate. They are listening to the tele- tive) the rules were suspended and the (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN asked and vision. They are coming to class, and concurrent resolution, as amended, was was given permission to address the they are repeating. They are repeating agreed to. House for 1 minute.) the bullying that they hear on tele- The result of the vote was announced Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. vision, and they take it to the class- as above recorded. Speaker, I rise today to join mathe- room. A motion to reconsider was laid on maticians, math lovers, and millions The children are listening. It is time the table. around the world in celebrating Inter- for civility in our Presidential dis- national Pi Day. Observed every year course. f on March 14, beginning at 1:59 p.m., Pi f WE MUST CONFRONT EVIL IN THE Day recognizes the mathematical con- IRAN SCOFFS AT AGREEMENTS WORLD stant known as pi. It also coincides (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was (Mr. MCCARTHY asked and was with the birthday of one of science’s greatest minds and former resident of given permission to address the House given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend for 1 minute.) my district, Albert Einstein. While many will celebrate today by his remarks.) Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, there Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Iran are times in history we are ashamed of, indulging in a tastier type of pie, today offers a much more serious reminder of once again has blatantly scoffed at the times when people were faced with West by breaking its agreements. great evil and the world looked away. the importance of technology, engi- neering, and math, fields that help Just this last week, Iran’s Islamic Cambodia’s Communist regime mas- Revolutionary Guard Corps test-fired sacred its people. Many in the world strengthen our Nation’s economy and security. Studies have shown little im- several ballistic missiles. The missiles made excuses for them. Stalin purged were reportedly designed to hit our Russians and starved the nation of provement in math and science test scores in the United States since 1995. ally Israel and were inscribed in He- Ukraine. He was praised by a Pulitzer brew, ‘‘Israel must be wiped out.’’ Prize-winning journalist. And so as we honor the concept of pi and the legacy of Einstein, I ask my Under U.N. Security Council Resolu- The Jewish people of Europe were tion 2231, Iran is forbidden from under- systematically murdered by Hitler, but colleagues to join me in renewing our commitment to outstanding STEM taking any work on missiles designed the world was too afraid to see the to deliver nuclear weapons. But the truth. The scales were only lifted from education in our schools and support of STEM at the Federal level. Iranians will do what suits them. The their eyes when millions were already West—specifically, the United States— dead. At the time, people made excuses f probably will do nothing about this for their decision to look away. They CONGRATULATING WAYZATA test. The Ayatollah conveniently said the politics were too dicey, or it HOCKEY TEAM breaks international agreements. wouldn’t be diplomatic, or sometimes (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given Under the same U.N. agreement, the they couldn’t believe that such evil ex- permission to address the House for 1 Ayatollah is prohibited from buying ists. minute and to revise and extend his re- conventional arms for the next 5 years, When we look back, those excuses marks.) but the Ayatollah broke his word don’t make sense. They don’t matter. Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, Indiana again. The U.N. agreement has not What matters is that people were dying has its basketball, Texas has its foot- stopped Iran from negotiating an arms and the world didn’t notice. Evil does ball, but in Minnesota it doesn’t get sale with the saber-rattling Russians. exist, but ignoring it or refusing to call much better than the annual high Mr. Speaker, the ink is barely dry on it by its name does not make it go school hockey tournament. the so-called deal that the Obama ad- away. I would like to congratulate the ministration made with Iran. Iran is a ISIL is murdering Christians. They Wayzata High School boys hockey rogue nation determined to destroy the are targeting people who share my team for taking home the title with a United States and Israel. Meanwhile, faith, the faith of many people in this tough 5–3 victory for the championship the United States sits blissfully by and House, people who believe in Jesus over Eden Prairie. The Trojans, under just wrings its hands. Christ. Because of that belief, they are Coach Pat O’Leary, fought back from a Iran must be stopped. Sanctions being marked for execution. ISIL is 3–1 deficit to claim their first ever must be enforced, and eventually the murdering and enslaving religious and State hockey title. citizens of Iran must change their gov- ethnic minorities everywhere they gain The State hockey tournament is al- ernment. power, and we know it. ways a tremendous event, with fans And that is just the way it is. We know what they are doing, and if from around Minnesota descending on f we don’t say it, we should be ashamed. St. Paul to fill up the Xcel Energy Cen- ISIL is committing genocide. They are CONGRATULATING FIRST TWO RE- ter to cheer on their teams. CIPIENTS OF CONGRESSIONAL targeting non-Muslims, Christians, The players at Wayzata should be PATRIOT AWARD Yazidis, and more, and pushing them to very proud of their accomplishments extinction. on and off the ice. I want to recognize (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was But we also can’t ignore what else is their commitment not just to their given permission to address the House happening in Syria. The Assad regime sport, but to spending time in the for 1 minute and to revise and extend and its allies are indiscriminately kill- classroom and in the community to be- her remarks.) ing on a breathtaking scale. Torture, come outstanding student athletes. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rape, chemical weapons, barrel bombs, Mr. Speaker, the family, friends, and rise tonight to congratulate Congress- forced starvation—the Syrian regime is fans are very proud of the Wayzata men SAM JOHNSON and JOHN LEWIS for targeting civilians and millions are High School hockey team. We offer being named the first two recipients of suffering. them congratulations. the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Congres- The world cannot look away. The f sional Patriot Award. Obama administration cannot dance This prestigious award was estab- around the question. Today the House THE CHILDREN ARE LISTENING lished to biennially honor two Mem- stands firmly to proclaim to the world (Mr. GARAMENDI asked and was bers of Congress who have placed the that genocide is happening, that evil is given permission to address the House interests and the goals of nation above real, and that it must be stopped. We for 1 minute and to revise and extend all other concerns. urge the administration to join us. his remarks.) As a former U.S. Air Force pilot, SAM We must look evil in the face and Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, my JOHNSON truly understands what it confront it, because if we do not wake daughter is a kindergarten teacher, means to serve one’s country. He flew up, more innocent blood will be shed. and the children are listening. combat missions in both the Korean

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.057 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 and the Vietnam wars, and he spent putting it aside in storage instead of woman with a big heart and maybe nearly 7 years as a prisoner of war in just letting it run out to the ocean. I even an old soul. She had a lot to give Hanoi after he was shot down over am a little frustrated we didn’t get to and a lot of intellect to make a dif- Vietnam. I commend SAM JOHNSON for that point earlier. ference in this world. his tireless work to support America’s Back in December, we had a press f men and women in uniform as well as conference and put forth legislation to GENOCIDE IN THE MIDDLE EAST for his efforts on behalf of all veterans. acknowledge that we are losing water Mr. Speaker, I also have much praise that could be put aside in other storage The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. for another wonderful colleague, JOHN facilities for anybody to be able to use. LAHOOD). Under the Speaker’s an- LEWIS. JOHN’s record of fighting for We are looking forward to working nounced policy of January 6, 2015, the civil rights and civil liberties dates with Senator FEINSTEIN on this and gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. FOR- back to the 1960s, when he was named bringing forward sensible water storage TENBERRY) is recognized for 60 minutes chairman of the Student Nonviolent with water we already have in these as the designee of the majority leader. Coordinating Committee and served as high-flow times. Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, we are living in a time of great polit- the youngest keynote speaker along- f side Dr. Martin Luther King at the ical difficulty. That is not a secret to REMEMBERING TIFFANY JOSLYN March on Washington in 1963. anyone. Just moments ago the House of Rep- Congressmen SAM JOHNSON and JOHN (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was resentatives did something essential. LEWIS have both lived lives of distinc- given permission to address the House tion, and I expect that tomorrow for 1 minute.) We came together not in a bipartisan fashion, but in a trans-partisan fash- night’s inaugural ceremony at the Li- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ion, rising above the petty difficulties brary of Congress will be a great testa- rise with great sadness and over- that we seemingly cannot ever resolve, ment to their life of service. whelming grief to acknowledge the and spoke to the heart of something f passing of my beloved staff member, Tiffany Joslyn. that is essential for all of humanity. PREVENTING CRIMES AGAINST As we return to Washington, I did not We declared together what is hap- VETERANS ACT want one day to pass without a tribute pening in the Middle East to Chris- (Mr. ROONEY of Florida asked and to her, although I will return again tians, Yazidis, and others to be geno- was given permission to address the with more details and more expressions cide. I am extraordinarily proud of this House for 1 minute.) of how talented she was. body for speaking clearly, for speaking Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speak- Tiffany died Saturday, March 5, in a factually, and for speaking about this er, I rise today to speak on behalf of very tragic car accident while trav- grave injustice that is happening to so our Nation’s veterans, who have been eling between Rhode Island and Massa- targeted by criminals seeking to de- many ancient faith traditions. chusetts, having gone home to mourn This is a grave injustice, and it is an fraud them. with her family on the passing of a rel- Last year, veterans in my district assault to human dignity. This grave ative. injustice is a threat to civilization brought to my attention that these in- The greatest tragedy of all is that itself when one group of persons, name- dividuals are advertising themselves to not only did Tiffany lose her life, but ly, ISIS, can systematically target an- the veterans community, claiming her beloved only brother died and his other group of persons because of their that, for a fee, they can speed up their wife was injured in the same accident. claims with the VA. faith. I come today to acknowledge her That destroys the very basis for Now, everybody knows that the light and to tell her parents of the international order, tranquility among claims process at the VA is far too great respect Tiffany has garnered people, and for civilization itself. That slow, but these people are deliberately throughout the Washington commu- is why what we did tonight in speaking seeking out veterans, purporting to nity and beyond. so clearly and rising above differences speed up this process with their VA She was a brilliant writer. She served in a unanimous fashion is so extraor- claims, which they cannot do, then il- as Deputy Chief Counsel of the Sub- dinary. legally charging them exorbitant fees committee on Crime, Terrorism, Home- I owe an extreme debt of gratitude to and then disappearing. land Security, and Investigations of my colleague, ANNA ESHOO from Cali- I introduced a bill with my fellow the House Judiciary Committee. fornia. ANNA has been a stalwart leader Floridian and neighbor, Democrat TED Republicans and Democrats loved her in this effort. Her own ethnic back- DEUTCH, titled the Preventing Crimes well. She had the kind of spirit, gen- ground is Chaldean. She has an inti- Against Veterans Act, to penalize these erosity, and eagerness to get the job mate familiarity with the Middle East fraudsters who are blatantly engaging done that everyone loved. and the suffering of this group of peo- in a scheme to defraud our veterans. Tiffany had a passion to help the ple. Yes, that is true, these people prey most vulnerable and those who were ANNA has led Congress on her side of on American veterans. So it is our duty caught up in the criminal justice sys- the aisle and my side of the aisle, in to ensure that our heroes are protected tem unfairly, but also those who de- partnership with me, to continue to try under every aspect of the law. I am served restoration and rehabilitation. to confront the scandal of silence, the confident that this bill can pass the Together we were on a journey to con- indifference toward what is happening House with bipartisan support. tinue to find a way to reform the to these ancient faith traditions that f criminal justice system. have as much a right to be in their an- b 1915 She made great progress. Two of the cestral homeland as anyone else. bills we worked on have already passed In June of 2014, in the Iraqi city of SENSIBLE WATER STORAGE out of the Judiciary Committee, and I Mosul, there was an eerie silence one (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given am praying that they come to the floor morning. For the first time in two mil- permission to address the House for 1 not only in her name, but in the names lennia, the church bells didn’t ring. minute and to revise and extend his re- of all the vulnerable people that would Mosul is one of those diverse cities in marks.) benefit from her great work. the Middle East. It had a rich tapestry, Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I am To her family, this tragedy is so a vibrancy of various faith traditions: heartened to see over the weekend in a enormous that words cannot comfort, Christians, Yazidis, Muslims. Sacramento Bee article that California but you should know that your daugh- There were differences of religious Senator DIANNE FEINSTEIN has also ter and your late son were lights to so perspectives, sometimes tension, but called for pumping excess water that many. May good bless them as they they found a way to continue to con- flows through the delta, despite opin- rest in peace, for they left a legacy. It tribute an interdependency toward the ions on endangered fish numbers. will go on and on. well-being of that community. We have been talking a long time I am ever grateful for the oppor- They were invaded by eighth century about taking that excess water and tunity to work with Tiffany, a young barbarians with 21st century weaponry:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.059 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1329 ISIS. The Christians who were there nity came to see me. They were on the be a genocide. In doing so, it helped put were told to leave, convert, or die by verge of tears. an end to that grim reality. the sword. They spoke passionately, even an- So today the House has spoken, and I Many fled with just what was on grily—and I don’t blame them for being am proud that we have done so in a their back. The remaining Christians angry—Congressman, do something. transpartisan manner, with unanimity. in the homes had this painted on their Our mothers, our sisters, our families, What I hope this does is, again, elevate door. This is the Arabic symbol for the are trapped in Sinjar and ISIS is com- international consciousness, calling letter N. ing for them. We don’t have the capac- upon the responsible communities of It stands for Nazarene, which is a de- ity to stop them. Help us. You are the the world to seek out constructive, cre- rogatory term used by some in the only ones who can. Help us. Please, do ative ways to help stop the violence, to Middle East to describe the Christians. something. There is no more time. help stop the persecution, to push for This was painted on their door as a The Yazidi community also took its the right type of security arrange- sign that it was time for them to go or case to Washington. Around the same ments that will restore what was once they would die, except it wasn’t paint- time a resolution that was led by my the rich tapestry of diversity of per- ed in nice gold like this. It was painted good friend, Congressman VARGAS, who spectives and beliefs in the Middle blood red. will speak momentarily, and passed by East. We have so many tragedies and dif- us in the House of Representatives, Without that, I have little hope. But ficulties facing humanity, we can which called for international humani- with this, and the return of persons sometimes become numb to the vio- tarian assistance in northern Iraq for like Omar and others who respect dif- lence that is happening in so many the besieged people, laid some of the ferences, who have true friendships, places in the world because it is over- groundwork, which was a very pruden- who are willing to sacrifice for their whelming. tial decision—and I commend Presi- deep beliefs, these are the nobility of But when you have one group of peo- dent Obama for it—to stopping what values that the ancient traditions can ple who has extreme disregard for that was certain to be a slaughter on Mount bring back to their shattered home- sacred space of humanity, for that sa- Sinjar, saving the remnants of the land; and that is why it is so important cred space of conscience and individual Yazidi people who were still there. that we acted today. rights that are expressed in religious So today we, as a body, are calling Mr. Speaker, let me turn to, again, freedom, you not only have a threat to upon the international community as my good friend from California (Ms. a group of people far away, but you well as the fullness of our own govern- ESHOO), who has worked tirelessly on have a threat to the underpinnings of ment to act and to call this genocide. this resolution and wants to share her civilization itself. This is one of those Yazidi trans- thoughts as well tonight. I happened to be in the room when lators. His name is Omar. Again, he Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my Pope Francis was given a small Chris- gained his citizenship because he was friend, the gentleman from Nebraska, tian cross, a crucifix. This cross had so sacrificially helpful to us during the the very distinguished Mr. FORTEN- belonged to a young Syrian man. He height of the Iraq war. He has lost 36 BERRY. I thank him for his words and had been captured by the jihadists. family members of the Yazidi commu- for his magnificent remarks here on He was told: Convert or die. So he nity to the violence. the floor this evening. We obviously chose. He chose his ancient faith tradi- He recently went back to the liber- share the same sentiments. tion. He chose Christ. He was beheaded. ated areas of Sinjar and saw the I think if anyone is tuned in this His mother was somehow able to re- bombed remains of the ancient Chris- evening for what we call a Special cover his body and this cross and bury tian church here. He took it upon him- Order, the Congress is not really held him. She fled and came to Austria. self—a Yazidi man that does not share in great regard today, but there is on a Through this means, the small cross the Christian tradition—to put a make- day-to-day basis for so many of us a came into the possession of the Holy shift cross over the site where the discovery of deep friendship that is cre- Father. Christians previously lived. ated, that comes about because we This is not an isolated story. It has Why is this genocide designation im- work so closely together on something happened over and over and over again, portant? It is just to Omar and his fam- that binds us, where we have not only as persons who were denied their life or ily. It is just to the Christians who died common ground, but the deep, deep denied the very conditions for life and or had to flee. It is just to the other values of our country that are embed- they had to flee. This is called geno- people who are under severe persecu- ded in us and everyone here, people cide. tion. By the way, I should note that across the country, and that we get to The International Association of the people who have been killed the work on it together. Genocide Scholars, the prestigious aca- most by ISIL are innocent Muslims. Congressman FORTENBERRY is my demic body, has labeled this genocide. The genocide declaration, though, de- brother, and I thank him. I thank him Genocide Watch has called this geno- clares that there is a systematic at- from the bottom of my heart for the cide. The Yazidi international commu- tempt to exterminate this ancient values that he has expressed, the work nity has labeled this a genocide. Pope faith tradition of the Christians, that he has put into this, and what it Francis has said so. Presidential can- Yazidis, and others. means to the people that we are speak- didates on both sides of the aisle have What it means is we are helping set ing for. said so. Now the House of Representa- the preconditions, if you will, for when This resolution expresses the sense of tives has declared it so as well. there is, hopefully, a real security set- the Congress that the atrocities that I live in Lincoln, Nebraska, and I am tlement in northern Iraq and in Syria are being perpetrated by ISIS, they privileged to represent the largest and in other places and that the Chris- constitute war crimes, and they are Yazidi community in America. It is not tians, Yazidis, and others are fully in- genocide against religious and ethnic a community that I have gotten to tegrated back into their ancient home- minorities in Iraq and Syria and know just recently because of all the land and given fullness of rights as citi- throughout the region. difficulties that they have had. We zens, given fullness of protection and Now, over the past decade we have have worked with them for many, process, full integration into their own really witnessed an acceleration. It many years. governance structures. started when there was the invasion of Many of these Yazidi families were Iraq, but it has heightened as the years translators for the United States Army b 1930 have gone on. And now the assault on during the height of the Iraq war. Be- By raising this banner tonight, I Christians and other religious minori- cause of that, this body, by law, gave think we have done something good. It ties, particularly by ISIS, has moved to them special citizenship options to live is a word, but it is a powerful word. a level of barbarism that we read about here in America, and many settled in In 2004, Colin Powell, then-Secretary in the history books, and is taking Lincoln, Nebraska. of State, came to the Senate Foreign place, imagine, in the 21st century. About a year and a half ago, a num- Relations Committee, and he declared It has included the torture and the ber of young men in the Yazidi commu- there what was happening in Darfur to murder of thousands, the displacement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:07 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.062 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 of millions, including Assyrians, American, because my grandparents curring before our very eyes, we must Chaldeans, Syriacs, Armenians, fled, both sides of my family, the Ar- properly identify the crimes and honor Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka‘e, menian side and the Assyrian side, for our international commitment under Amalekites, and the Yazidis that Mr. this very reason, because they were the Responsibility to Protect.’’ FORTENBERRY has spoken to and rep- being hunted down and persecuted be- So, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues, resents so magnificently. These are cause they were Christians. with the words of Pope Francis, Bishop families that are being torn apart, fa- We know that a century ago the Demetrios, countless advocates across thers and sons being executed, mothers world witnessed—but the House and our country and around the world, and and daughters being enslaved and the Congress is still silent on this, and the 203 bipartisan cosponsors of this raped. we have to address that, too—when the resolution, and the voice of the entire The USA Today columnist, Kirsten Ottoman Empire rounded up and mur- House, unanimous vote this evening of Powers, painted a very vivid picture dered Armenians, Greeks, and other this resolution, I am very proud. when she wrote in December of last minorities in Constantinople. By 1923, I am very proud and I am lastingly year: there were some 1.5 million women, grateful to be a part of this body that In October, Islamic State militants in children, and men who were lost. It was has spoken as one on this issue of enor- Syria demanded that two Christian women a systematic campaign that we now mous import and morality because we, and six men convert to Islam. When they re- know as and call the Armenian Geno- tonight, have let it be known to the fused, the women were publicly raped, and cide. world that this is, in fact, the horror of then beheaded along with the men. On the So for those in my family who told genocide that is taking place in the same day, militants cut off the fingertips of a 12-year old boy in an attempt to force his the stories, my grandparents, my par- Middle East. Christian father to convert. When his father ents, this is, for me, a bittersweet Again, it is a moment of great pride refused, they were brutalized and they were evening. But I think that they are all to me, certainly to my family and to both crucified. proud, those who have been called to people, not only my own people, but to Today, there are fewer than 500 God, and those who are still with us, those across the United States, the re- Christians remaining in Iraq, down that the United States House of Rep- ligious leaders of all faiths that have from as many as 1.5 million in 2003. resentatives is calling this out for what spoken out. Now, the United Nations has written, it is. This tonight, the evening of March come up with a definition some time It matters when the United States 14, 2016, will live on and historians will ago of what genocide actually is: speaks. Our voices collectively, this record that we indeed did the right Any of the following acts committed with evening, are going to echo around the thing. an intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a world; and the stability, as Congress- So I thank you all. national, ethnical, racial or religious group, man FORTENBERRY spoke to, of these b 1945 as such: killing members of the group; caus- minority communities, have really ing serious bodily or mental harm to mem- been the glue that have held these an- Historians will record that we indeed bers of the group; deliberately inflicting on cient communities together for so long. did the right thing. So I thank you all. the group conditions of life calculated to I, too, share the hope and pray for Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank the bring about its physical destruction, in the day that there will be peace in the gentlewoman for your impactful, im- whole or in part; imposing measures in- portant, heartfelt, and beautiful words tended to prevent births within the group; region and that they will be recognized and forcibly transferring children of the and honored in their communities, on of sympathy and compassion, but also group to another group. the lands, these ancient lands, with for your action. This is genocide, and this is what is their ancient faiths. I think that is the What you said, particularly regard- actually taking place today. Despite collective hope of all of us. The sta- ing not only respecting the ancient the persecution of these hundreds of bility and, I think, the cultural iden- faith traditions, but honoring them in thousands of religious minorities, the tity of the Middle East depends on this. their native lands, ought to be what we United States has not spoken out; but The United States has always cham- are all striving for. So I thank you for tonight the United States House of pioned human rights, basic human your beautiful statements. Representatives has. And this is a sem- rights, and civil and religious liberties, Now I would like to turn to my friend inal moment for the House to have both at home and abroad. Whenever we and colleague, Congressman TRENT taken this on and to express unani- go abroad, those are the issues that we FRANKS, a Congressman from Arizona mously that this is genocide. raise with whomever we are meeting who, again, has been a stalwart leader There are many things that we have with. I think that these are our most on all types of assaults to human dig- worked on together, as members of, cherished values and, I think, Amer- nity as they manifest themselves in so and other members as well, of the ica’s greatest export. many difficult ways across the spec- House Religious Minority Caucus; hu- During his trip to South America in trum of life. So I am grateful for your manitarian aid, protection, faster ref- July of 2015, Pope Francis called for an friendship and for your leadership as ugee processing for these vulnerable end to this genocide of Christians in well. communities, and an official statement the Middle East, saying, ‘‘In this third Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- by the Congress. Tonight that hap- world war which we are now experi- er, I thank the gentleman. I thank pened. We have labeled these atrocities encing, a form of genocide is taking Congressman FORTENBERRY especially for what they are, genocide. place, and it must end.’’ for his leadership and courage on this I think that Congressman FORTEN- I think his voice spoke, obviously, for issue. I thank Congresswoman ESHOO BERRY has stated in a most eloquent the voiceless. not only for her personal courage, but way why this is important. Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, the just for the perspective that she brings First of all, this is one of the great Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox to this House given her ancestors and values of our country, one of the great, Church of Chicago, recently wrote in the family history that she has with great values of our country, where we the Wall Street Journal the following: some of the challenges that are so par- recognize religions of people of all reli- ‘‘It may seem like we in the United allel to what we are talking about to- gious backgrounds. States have little ability to change night. Our Constitution, in just a few words, conditions in the Middle East and else- Mr. Speaker, I believe the United in just a few words, I believe, has pre- where. But that outlook has too often States of America has been the great- vented bloodshed, whereas in other led to inaction and great regret after est national force for good the world places, it takes place. crimes against humanity have been al- has ever known. Our Nation has made It is as deeply meaningful to me as a lowed to unfold without intervention. sacrifices to the extreme to extinguish first-generation American, the only The United States and other members some of the worst evils that have Member of the entire Congress that is of the U.N. made a solemn vow in 2005 plagued humanity across the decades. I of Assyrian and Armenian descent. with the passage of the Responsibility am honored to stand here with my col- This is a repeat of history of my fam- to Protect, a response to crimes leagues who have led this fight to call ily. It is why I am a first-generation against humanity. With genocide oc- the Islamic States’ insidious campaign

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.063 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1331 of terror against Christians, Yazidis, would be one of the more disgraceful demn ISIS’ acts of raping, kidnapping, and other religious communities what chapters in the Obama administra- torturing, and killing of Christians, it is: genocide. tion’s shameful and abhorrent response Yazidis, Shias, Turkmens, and other For months, noble organizations like to the insidious evil of the Islamic religious minorities. the Knights of Columbus and countless State. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, valiant individuals have worked tire- The conspicuous silence of this ad- the European Parliament, the lessly to document evidence of geno- ministration and its failure to act deci- Kurdistan Regional Government, and cide against ancient faith communities sively not only has the gravest of im- His Holiness, Pope Francis have called in Iraq and Syria. Hundreds of pages plications for thousands of innocent these actions by their proper name: containing accounts of massacres, un- fellow human beings, but it also sends genocide—genocide. imaginable brutality, and uncovered a message to the world that the United I would like to echo the words of mass graves have been delivered to States of America, which has long Pope Francis, who eloquently stated: world leaders, including the Obama ad- served as an impetus for freedom and ‘‘Our brothers are being persecuted, ministration, in an effort to condemn justice, has either lost the moral con- chased away, they are forced to leave ISIS violence as the genocide that it viction to defend the lives of the inno- their homes without being able to take most certainly is. cent or the political will to crush the anything with them. I assure these Recognition of genocide with the pas- evil that desecrates them. families that I am close to them and in sage of H. Con. Res. 75 is due in large Not to speak is to speak, Mr. Speak- constant prayer. I know how much you part to the conviction and commit- er. Not to act is to act, Mr. Speaker. are suffering; I know that you are ment of these organizations and indi- And the world is watching what we being stripped of everything.’’ viduals—and for that humanity owes will—or, shamefully, will not—say or It has almost been 2 years since the them great and profound gratitude. Yet do. fall of Mosul, when ISIS warned reli- today, despite all of the overwhelming Mr. Speaker, I would adjure the gious minorities living under its juris- evidence, this administration remains President of the United States and Sec- diction to either convert to Islam, pay stunningly silent. retary Kerry not to callously continue a cumbersome religious tax, or be exe- Mr. Speaker, I am reminded of the to stand by in silence and let this evil cuted. I won’t go through all the atro- words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Ger- relentlessly proceed. cious acts that they have committed. I man Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi dis- With that, I thank the gentleman. think that they were spoken of already sident, who said: ‘‘Silence in the face of Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank my here in a very dramatic way. Again, evil is evil itself: God will not hold us friend, Congressman FRANKS of Ari- they did what they said they were guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not zona, for his powerful statement. Not going to do; and that is ISIS said that, to act is to act.’’ to speak is to speak. Of all people in if you didn’t leave, if you didn’t con- Mr. Speaker, we are now witness to the body, I think that is a marked trib- vert, you would be executed. That is, in some of the most glaring and brutal at- ute to the Congressman who has fact, what they have done in the most tacks against the universal human worked tirelessly and spoken out on horrific way. right of religious freedom in history. behalf of the protection of innocent We have to act. It is time for us to ISIS has been the very face of evil. We persons. act. I believe that this mass exodus have seen hundreds of thousands of ci- Now I want to turn to my good represents the largest forced displace- vilians flee the land of their spiritual friend, Congressman JUAN VARGAS ment in the Middle East since the Ar- heritage. We have seen mass executions from California, who as well has helped menian genocide in Turkey 100 years and beheadings. We have seen the de- in an extraordinary way to further not ago. struction of ancient places of worship only this cause, but, again, trying to A genocide, known as the crime of and sacred sites. We have seen women elevate the nobility of the ideal that crimes, has both legal and moral impli- and children assaulted and sold as com- we should all be united in mind, heart, cations under both Federal and inter- modities in a modern-day slave mar- and spirit if we are going to be persons national law. This means that if a ket—sometimes little girls for as little who respect the rules of law, the stand- genocide is declared, it will demand as 50 cents. ards for international order, or, more American leadership and resources to We have seen the Islamic State dese- basically, our need for one another. prevent and punish the ongoing assault crate, violate, humiliate, and strip in- I am so grateful for your willingness of Christians, Yazidis, and other reli- nocent men, women, and children of to speak out on a whole host of issues, gious minorities that are targeted for their God-given human dignity. And and thank you for coming tonight, extinction. why? Because there is no place for Congressman VARGAS. While I applaud the various actions Christians, Yazidis, and other religious Mr. VARGAS. Thank you, very and commitments the Obama adminis- communities in the Islamic State’s much, Congressman FORTENBERRY, and tration has made to alleviate the suf- self-proclaimed caliphate. The message also ANNA ESHOO for your courage to fering of thousands of victims of ISIS, of this metastasizing cancer is clear: come forward and for your words today I strongly and firmly believe we can, those who do not conform to their ab- and for your powerful words that you we should, and we must do more. horrent ideology will be destroyed. gave a moment ago to call genocide History is full of examples of leaders Mr. Speaker, this administration has what it is: genocide, what we are seeing who opposed these mass atrocities in been fully aware that Christians, with Christians in particular, Yazidis, abstraction but similarly opposed any Yazidis, and other religious commu- and others. So, again, thank you very action in the moment. I call on Presi- nities have been subjected to the most much for allowing me to speak today. dent Obama and Secretary Kerry to extreme kind of brutality and barbaric I would also like to congratulate take the first step in firmly calling attacks. The Islamic State has publicly both of you on the passage of H. Con. this egregious situation a genocide. It declared their intent to annihilate Res. 75, which expresses the sense of is past time to speak the truth to those who do not submit to their ca- Congress that the atrocities per- power and not to mince any words, and liphate, stating, ‘‘it will continue to petrated by ISIS against religious and we shouldn’t mince any words. wage war against the apostates until ethnic minorities are indeed, as I said, Lastly, I would say this. This has they repent from apostasy. It will con- genocide, crimes against humanity. I been a bipartisan effort. I did have the tinue to wage war against the pagans sincerely hope that the Obama admin- opportunity to travel to Erbil with until they accept Islam.’’ Mr. Speaker, istration will see the bipartisan show Congress Members DARRELL ISSA and justice demands that this be con- of support for this timely resolution as JOHN MICA. We were able to talk to vic- demned as genocide. an impetus to clearly and forthrightly tims there of this horrific genocide, Today, the cries of the innocent declare these acts genocide, because and we were able to talk to the Kurds should compel us to act. Refusal to ac- that is what they are. So I am hoping who were, in fact, helping dramati- knowledge and specifically name Chris- that they take action. cally, many of them losing their own tians, Yazidis, and other religious com- Around the world, political and reli- lives because they wanted to protect munities in a designation of genocide gious leaders have spoken out to con- Christians and Yazidis.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.067 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 We have to do more. Unfortunately, their numbers have declined to less When there are atrocities in the we probably won’t get much informa- than 1 million. Last summer, ISIS kid- world, we stand up and lend a voice to tion. Maybe if I went over and punched napped nearly 300 Christians in a Syr- those who are being persecuted, those my good friend JEFF—out of love, of ian village and then later ransomed who are downtrodden. course, brother—maybe we could get them back to their families for an av- I am disappointed that the President some attention to this matter. But we erage of $100,000 per person. has been unwilling to join this House have to shout out, and we have to get When ISIS invaded Mosul, Iraq, in and call the atrocities in Syria and the attention of the administration. 2013, as Mr. FORTENBERRY mentioned, Iraq a genocide. The first step to mak- We have to do something. We have to they tagged Christian homes with an N ing sure this ends is that we speak the do something because this is genocide, for Nazarene, and then they gave the truth about what is actually hap- and we just can’t sit idly by. occupants a choice: you can convert, pening. Mr. FORTENBERRY. I want to you can flee, or you would face death. Hopefully, if the President is watch- thank my good friend, Congressman In July of 2014, ISIS announced that ing tonight, he will see that we have VARGAS, for your impactful words. If it the city, no doubt, was Christian-free— both Republicans and Democrats who does take your coming over here to no surprise. agree on this very important issue. punch me, come on, let’s go, because In 2014, August, a woman from Hopefully, he will join us and take that that is worth it. Bartella, Iraq, recounted the night that first step to shedding light on what is I want to also reiterate something I ISIS came into her village and then happening in Iraq and Syria. mentioned earlier. It was your resolu- into her home and accused her of put- Mr. FORTENBERRY, I commend you tion that called for an international ting gold coins in her 11-month-old for your good efforts on this very im- humanitarian intervention that I feel baby’s diaper. So they took her baby, portant issue. I am proud to stand with created the environment, the condi- threw her baby on the couch, beat her you and the rest of this Chamber to tion, which was empowering to the baby, and threw her up against the make sure those who might not know Obama administration to intervene on wall. Eventually, they let her leave, that people care about them as they behalf of the Yazidis trapped on Mount but they kept her husband and made are going through pain and anguish— Sinjar. That is an overlooked fact and him convert. we hear about the sex slaves, young lit- consideration around here. But I am In February of 2015, ISIS slaughtered tle girls who are held captive, little glad to say it, and I want to thank you 21 Coptic Christians on a Libyan beach, Christian and Yazidi girls—that they for calling as well, urging the adminis- pointing them towards Rome, and pro- know that people hear them, people tration to act in this regard. You have claimed this message: ‘‘Signed with care about them, and people are doing the moral authority to do so. blood to the nation of the cross.’’ here in America all we can to help I know Secretary Kerry has sym- In March of 2016, this month, four them out of this crisis. Thank you for pathies in this regard, but just like the nuns, members of the Missionaries of your work. Charity, founded by the late Mother Yazidis when they were trapped on the Mr. FORTENBERRY. Thank you for Teresa of Calcutta, were executed by mountain, to wait in the face of clear your powerful words, Congressman facts is to potentially not only lose gunmen in Yemen. DUFFY. The report that you mentioned time, but to lose lives and lose the op- b 2000 is right here. Again, it is a 280-page re- tion for, again, setting the pre- port submitted to the State Depart- conditions for reintegration of these Their crime? They were caring for ment just recently. ancient faith traditions back into their the elderly and the disabled. Pope The cover shows that moment where ancestral homelands. So I thank you Francis called them today’s martyrs. these Coptic Christians from Egypt, for your good words. Just yesterday gunmen stormed Now I want to turn to my good friend three hotels on the Ivory Coast. Among who are guilty only of the crime of going to Libya to try to work and earn Congressman SEAN DUFFY from Wis- the 18 people who were killed was a 5- consin, an outspoken man of the House year-old boy—a 5-year-old boy—who enough money to sustain their fami- who has not been afraid to confront, as was shot in the head. But eyewitnesses lies, were captured by ISIS and then well, the various problems facing hu- report that the friend who was with beheaded. manity and the assaults on human dig- him was spared his life because he was This report lays out the facts. It is nity as they have manifested them- able to recite a Muslim prayer. not the opinion of the House of Rep- selves and fractured our society and so Mr. Speaker, these are hardly iso- resentatives. It is not my opinion or many others in so many ways. So I lated incidents. As we have talked yours. The fact is that this is a geno- thank you, Congressman DUFFY. about tonight, this is genocide. The cide. Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I appre- Knights of Columbus submitted a 280- I am grateful not only to the Knights ciate the gentleman’s yielding, and I page report chronicling the persecution of Columbus and the organization am grateful for all of your work, Con- of Christians by the Islamic State to called In Defense of Christians for pro- gressman FORTENBERRY, Congressman the State Department this week. ducing this, but it basically is a thor- VARGAS, and Congresswoman ESHOO. The leader of ISIS recently released a ough documentation of what has hap- Sometimes people look at this House video that made very clear their intent pened that adds further credibility to and think that all we do is fight and to destroy Christians throughout what- what we already know and so many disagree. I am not going to talk about ever means possible. He said: people around the world have called you two punching each other to get a The co-existence of Christians and Jews is genocide. little more press, but it is a remark- impossible, according to the Koran. Thank you very much. able night when we all come together I don’t think we have to scratch our Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- and stand together on such an impor- heads and ask ourselves what is hap- woman from Tennessee (Mrs. BLACK), tant issue as this, where we all lend our pening in Iraq and Syria. Pope Francis my good friend. voices to an incredibly important recently condemned the wholesale Thank you for being here tonight. cause. slaughter of Christians by ISIS, saying Mrs. BLACK. I thank you, Mr. FOR- We spent a lot of time tonight talk- that entire Christian families and vil- TENBERRY, for bringing us together to ing about the atrocities, and I am lages are being completely extermi- talk about a most serious topic, one going to join in because we can’t say nated. that goes to our heart and makes us so enough all that has happened. I look at this House tonight and I am sad for what is happening to these re- Two million Christians called Iraq proud that we have so many men and markable people who stand up for their home prior to 2013. Fewer than 300,000 women who are willing to stand up and faith. reside there today. Many were victims lend their voice to this great cause. Mr. Speaker, just today the Associ- of killing or kidnappings, others forced We have a reputation in America as ated Press reported that President to leave their homes by radicals, al being a beacon of light, men and Obama would likely miss the March 17 Qaeda or ISIS. women who stand up for freedom, bet- deadline established by Congress for In Syria, Christians accounted for 10 ter known as freedom fighters, freedom his administration to determine wheth- percent of the population, but today of life, freedom of religion. er or not ISIS has committed genocide.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.068 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1333 This is unfathomable. How long does many Americans may never have met ful words, and thank you for reminding it take for this President to call a someone from the Middle East, we are us that this is about the essence of spade a spade and declare what Ameri- all part of the same human family. what it means to be human, to stand in cans already know to be true? Christians in America may be set apart solidarity with people far, far away This isn’t hard. ISIS is evil. They from our brothers and sisters in the who we may never know, but whose have engaged in systematic persecu- Middle East geographically, but we fate and our fate should be intertwined tion and mass killing of Christians and worship the same God and are con- because of our mutual concern not only other religious and ethnic minorities nected in our humanity. for one another from the heart, but throughout the Middle East. We owe these suffering men, women, also for the structures that give rise to The United States has a moral re- and children the greatest reverence and essential principles, such as religious sponsibility to lead in the fight against gratitude for their fortitude as they en- liberty. Thank you for your good ISIS, but we can’t defeat a threat that dure killings, displacement from their words. we refuse to acknowledge exists. homes, forced migration, sexual exploi- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- I am proud to participate in tonight’s tation, destruction of their property, woman from Virginia (Mrs. COMSTOCK), Special Order and to support Congress- and endure bodily and mental harm. my good friend. man FORTENBERRY’s resolution because We must not remain silent as we live Thank you for your tireless efforts as we need to go on RECORD and declare in the comfort of a Nation where our well on this resolution. Behind the the belief of crisis that ISIS has with- liberties are protected by the law and scenes you have worked very aggres- out a doubt committed genocide and our culture, to a much greater degree, sively in this regard. must be dealt with accordingly. permits us to peacefully live out our While it has been stated clearly that Mr. Speaker, we in the United States faith. ANNA ESHOO and I led this, nonetheless, cannot turn a blind eye when our I recall the words from 2001 of Pope your work in compelling Members to brothers and sisters around the world John Paul II, Bishop of Rome, and His be involved in this question and raising are murdered, tortured, and kidnapped Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Pa- consciousness has been invaluable. for their faith. triarch of all Armenians, as they com- Thank you so much. It is long past time to dispense with Mrs. COMSTOCK. I thank the gen- memorated the sacrifices of the Arme- this hyper-political correctness and to tleman for yielding, and I thank him nian Christians who were also brutal- call these heinous acts by their true for his very important work on this ized by genocide for their faith: name. These are crimes against hu- vital issue of religious freedom. manity. Stopping the violence starts Endowed with great faith, they chose to I know how closely you worked with with acknowledging this truth. bear witness to the truth and accept death my predecessor, Congressman Frank when necessary in order to share eternal life. I thank Congressman FORTENBERRY The most valuable treasure that one gen- Wolf, who continues this fight for reli- for his leadership on this much-needed eration could bequeath to the next was fidel- gious freedom now in his retirement resolution. ity to the gospel so that the young would be- from Congress, but his very active Mr. FORTENBERRY. Thank you, come as resolute to their ancestors in bear- work that continues on this important Congresswoman BLACK, for your lead- ing witness to the truth. issue. ership not only on this issue, but so The extermination of a million and a half I rise to recognize the ongoing strug- many others. Armenian Christians in what is generally re- gle for human and religious rights in We often are in very important eco- ferred to as the first genocide of the 20th the Middle East and call on the admin- nomic debates, debates about finances century and the subsequent annihilation of istration to make a genocide designa- and debates about roads. Not often thousands under the former totalitarian re- tion for the war crimes committed by gime are tragedies that still live in the mem- enough, perhaps, do we go to the core ory of the present-day generation. ISIS against the Christians and other of the reason for which exists a coun- religious and ethnic groups. Fifteen years later their words still try and its laws, namely, to protect We had the resolution that we passed ring true as entire communities of human dignity. I want to thank you for tonight, and I thank all of my col- Christians and other religious minori- your leadership in this regard. Thank leagues for that unanimous vote that ties are ravaged by genocide and reli- you so much. really should speak to the entire coun- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman gious persecution in the Middle East. try, but also to the entire world, to ev- This persecution at the hands of ISIS from Pennsylvania (Mr. ROTHFUS), my erybody who is asking: When is there good friend, for his good words. is so horrific that, as Pope Francis and going to be help? When are people Let me again thank you for your Patriarch Kirill said last month in a going to hear our cries of anguish? leadership. Your consistency and the joint statement: This resolution had over 200 cospon- continuity in which you apply your Whole families, villages, and cities of our sors, which I was proud to join the gen- principles is very noble and uplifting to brothers and sisters in Christ are being com- tleman and so many of my colleagues me. pletely exterminated. here tonight and express the sense of Mr. ROTHFUS. I want to thank my It is intolerable to remain silent and Congress that those who commit or friend, Congressman FORTENBERRY, for turn a blind eye. Silence and the fail- support atrocities against Christians, the steadfast witness that you have ure to accurately identify not some, Yazidis, Kurds, and other religious mi- given to this cause and other causes of but all, of the victims of this genocide norities in the region and those who human dignity and to call us together condemns these innocent people to a target them specifically for ethnic or again after this historic House vote future of continued brutality, destruc- religious reasons are committing war today where the House stands in soli- tion, isolation, and genocide. crimes, crimes against humanity and darity with the suffering victims of the All religious minorities in the Middle genocide. Middle East. East deserve religious freedom and the ISIS has beheaded young children, Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn in no ability to live peacefully within their raped young girls, and systematically uncertain terms the slaughter of Mid- communities, as they have done for slaughtered people just because of the dle Eastern Christians and other reli- centuries. We will continue to stand in religion they practice. gious minorities in Iraq, Syria, and the solidarity with them and to denounce This is 2016. I remember as a young region held by ISIS. the war crimes and genocide being girl in Catholic school when we would These are crimes against humanity committed against the law. study the martyrs and you would think and acts of genocide. Everyone should I want to end with two words, Mr. about those ancient times and how the denounce this senseless brutality. The Speaker, two words: moral clarity. first Christians had to suffer and be United States and the United Nations This is the time, Mr. Speaker, for martyred like that. should officially recognize the mass moral clarity. Today this House spoke. And then we see four nuns, Sisters of murder of Christians and other reli- The whole world now watches. We need Charity, just trying to help the aged, gious minorities in the Middle East as the administration to speak. the infirm, and they are slaughtered in acts of genocide. I thank my friend. the name of their faith. We do not hear about this massacre Mr. FORTENBERRY. Thank you, We need to have more people hearing often enough from the media. While Congressman ROTHFUS, for your power- about this and focusing on this. At this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.070 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 time when we have so many side shows A REPORT SUBMITTED TO SECRETARY OF Genocide is a crime defined by federal stat- that we see the press covering every STATE JOHN KERRY BY THE KNIGHTS OF CO- ute and international law. We are asking single day, this is something that they LUMBUS AND IN DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANS that Christians be included in finding of need to be dedicating their time and EXECUTIVE SUMMARY genocide and that a recommendation be ISIS is committing genocide—the ‘‘crime made for investigation and, in proper cases, their resources to and to be using this for indictment of those responsible. This is mass media that we have in so many of crimes’’—against Christians and other re- ligious groups in Syria, Iraq and Libya. It is required when there is probable cause to be- different mediums to get this word out time for the United States to join the rest of lieve an offense has been committed by the and understand these atrocities that the world by naming it and by taking action accused parties. Probable cause is a low are going on. against it as required by law. standard. When there is probable cause, the I commend Time magazine for fea- ISIS’ activities are well known. Killings, duties of the President and the Secretary of rapes, torture, kidnappings, bombings and State under 22 U.S.C. § 8213 and the Genocide turing a young Yazidi woman. I believe Convention Implementation Act of 1987, 18 it was last December. She was named the destruction of religious property and monuments are, in some instances, a matter U.S.C. §§ 1091–93 require the collection of in- Nadia. Her firsthand account was of public record. The European Parliament, formation ‘‘regarding incidents that may chilling, a 21-year-old girl. She testi- the United States Commission on Inter- constitute . . . genocide,’’ 22 U.S.C. § 8213, fied what these monsters had done to national Religious Freedom, and the Iraqi and then the President ‘‘shall consider what her and her family. and Kurdish governments have labeled ISIS’ actions can be taken to ensure that [those] actions genocide. Political leaders, including who are responsible for . . . genocide . . . are When she tried to escape and was re- brought to account for such crimes in an ap- captured, she recounted her story by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and the propriately constituted tribunal.’’ 28 U.S.C. saying: ‘‘That night, he beat me up’’— Office of the United Nations High Commis- § 8213(b). this was the person who was keeping sioner for Human Rights—have done like- As in any indictment, a finding of probable her in slavery—‘‘forced me to undress wise. cause would allow the State Department to and put me in a room with six mili- Indeed, Secretary of State John Kerry in report to Congress that it believes genocide has occurred and to recommend that this be tants. They continued to commit August 2014 stated: ‘‘ISIL’s campaign of ter- ror against the innocent, including Yezidi proven conclusively through a court process. crimes to my body until I became un- It should also be noted that a finding of (sic) and Christian minorities, and its gro- conscious.’’ genocide does not require the killing of an tesque and targeted acts of violence bear all entire group. The words of the U.N. Conven- the warning signs and hallmarks of geno- tion on Genocide and the U.S. statute based b 2015 cide.’’ Pope Francis and Cyril, Patriarch of on it are clear that what is required are acts Moscow and All Russia, have decried the aimed at destroying a group ‘‘in whole or in She spoke of her niece, who had also genocide in these countries against Chris- part.’’ Both the drafting history of the U.N. been kidnapped, who had witnessed a tians and other religious groups. Most mov- Convention and its application by courts woman who was cutting her own ingly, archbishops and patriarchs of ancient around the world have rightly shown that de- wrists, trying to kill herself. They Christian communities in Syria and Iraq struction ‘‘in part’’ is sufficient to a finding heard stories of women who jumped have spoken out clearly against this crime of genocide. from bridges. In one house in Mosul, and cried over the blood of their people and Similarly, there is ample precedent for where Nadia was kept, an upstairs ISIS’ efforts to rid their homelands forever finding that forced deportation—often in of the Christian faithful. concert with killing, rape and other forms of room was smeared with evidence of suf- None of these declarations of genocide ex- fering. ‘‘’There was blood, and there violence—qualifies as genocide. cluded Christians, who, with the other reli- As to the issue of intent, it should be noted were fingerprints of hands with the gious minorities in the region, have endured that individual accounts, the collective evi- blood on the walls,’ she says. Two targeted attacks at the hands of this radical dence and ISIS’ own public statements make women had killed themselves there’’ so group and its affiliates because of their reli- clear that it targets Christians and seeks to they wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. gious beliefs. destroy Christianity in the lands they con- On February 4, the Knights of Columbus trol and beyond. ‘‘Nadia never considered ending her co-authored a letter to Secretary Kerry re- own life, but she said she wished the ISIS’ magazine is called Dabiq, named questing a meeting to brief him on evidence after the place where ISIS believes it will militants would do it for her. ‘I did not that established that the situation con- win a battle against the army of Rome. It want to kill myself’ ’’—of course, her fronting Christians and other religious mi- routinely refers to Dabiq as the location faith wouldn’t allow it—‘‘ ‘but I wanted norities constitutes genocide. While there where it will destroy the ‘‘Crusader army,’’ them to kill me’ ’’ so she wouldn’t end has never been an official response to that an unmistakable Christian reference. The up suffering. letter, we were contacted by senior State De- magazine last year published a picture of partment officials who requested our assist- Now she is out there telling the Pope Francis, captioning him as ‘‘the cru- ance in making the case that Christians are sader pope.’’ Dabiq proclaims ISIS’ intention world about this, and we need to listen. victims of genocide at the hands of ISIS. to destroy Christians: The European Parliament, the U.S. Given the specificity of the information re- We will conquer your Rome, break your Commission on International Religious quested, our focus in this report is on the sit- crosses, and enslave your women, by the per- Freedom, the U.N. High Commissioner uation confronting Christians in areas that mission of Allah, the Exalted. This is His for Human Rights, and the Iraqi and are or have been under ISIS control, pri- promise to us; He is glorified and He does not Kurdish Governments all have labeled marily in Iraq, Syria and Libya. fail in His promise. If we do not reach that ISIS has also targeted Yazidis and other time, then our children and grandchildren these actions as genocide. Now we in religious minority groups in a manner con- will reach it, and they will sell your sons as the House are on record also. sistent with genocide. Thus, our contention slaves at the slave market. These terrorist organizations are not is not that Christians should be designated Finally, this certainty is the one that only persecuting Christians, but Jews, as the sole group facing genocide, but rather, should pulse in the heart of every mujihid Yazidis, and so many others, as so that given the overwhelming evidence and from the Islamic State and every supporter many of my colleagues have discussed the international consensus on this issue, outside until he fights the Roman crusaders near Da¯ biq. tonight, they also have killed thou- that the United States government should not exclude Christians from such a finding. It has also stated: sands upon thousands of Muslims who Doing so would be contrary to fact. The evi- And nothing changes for the Islamic State, refuse to pledge allegiance to their tor- dence we are presenting to the State Depart- as it will continue to pronounce takfir [aban- mentors’ extremist views. ment has three major components: donment of Islam] upon the Jews, the Chris- Last week, the organization of the 1. An executive summary tians, the pagans, and the apostates from the Ra¯ fidah, the Nusayriyyah, the Sahwah, and Knights of Columbus in Defense of 2. A legal brief detailing the case for geno- cide against Christians the tawa¯ ghı¯t [disbelievers]. It will continue Christians released a detailed, 278-page 3. Substantial addenda, including original to wage war against the apostates until they report, as Mr. FORTENBERRY, my col- source material, reports, from NGOs docu- repent from apostasy. It will continue to league, has outlined. menting the situation, evidence provided to wage war against the pagans until they ac- Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD the European Parliament during their con- cept Islam. It will continue to wage war the executive summary from the report sideration of this issue, lists of atrocities, against the Jewish state until the Jews hide that details the actions that constitute and similar data behind their gharqad trees. And it will con- A genocide determination requires two spe- tinue to wage war against the Christians genocide. I certainly would rec- cific aspects: intent on the part of those until the truce decreed sometime before the ommend, like the gentleman did, that committing genocide and genocidal acts. Malhamah. Thereafter, the slave markets people look at this detailed report, and Both are addressed at length in the attached will commence in Rome by Allah’s power and I would ask that the press cover this. brief. might.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.072 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1335 Elsewhere, Da¯ biq states ISIS’ desire to tar- Christians kidnapped and/or killed in his and families. We have provided funding for get Christians under any number of ruses. In city as in the hundreds, with as many as general relief in Aleppo; education for refu- addition, a video released just last month by ‘‘thousands’’ killed throughout Syria. gees now living in Jordan; and food, cloth- ISIS in Libya states that its adherents In Nineveh, many more were taken hostage ing, shelter, education and medical care in should ‘‘ ‘Fight and kill them from their seemingly at random, or demanded as hos- Kurdistan. One of the clinics we fund in Great Priest (Tawadros II) to the most pa- tages in exchange for their families to leave. Dohuk has been visited by several Yazidi thetic one.’ ’’ A second speaker calls for Many of these have not been heard from women who recently escaped ISIS sexual Egyptians to ‘‘ ‘terrorize the Jews and burn thereafter. slavery, and it has referred them for psycho- the slaves of the Cross.’ ’’ Shockingly, some see what is happening at logical or specialist medical treatment. To ISIS statements related to the beheading the hands of ISIS as not genocidal to Chris- date the K of C has raised more than $8 mil- of the Coptic Christians brand Christians as tians. At the root of this argument seems to lion for this cause. ‘‘polytheists’’ for their belief in the Trinity, be the idea that Christians have not been Long before our involvement on behalf of making Christians the same as ‘‘pagans’’ in targeted in the same way as others. This is Christians in the Middle East, the Knights of their view. not true. First, Christians have been at- Columbus stood with persecuted Christians The plain meaning of these statements, es- tacked throughout the region, not simply in around the world. In the 1920s, we raised pecially in context, is clear: The so-called the Nineveh area or only during the summer awareness and lobbied the American govern- Caliphate has slated Christianity for de- of 2014. Christians have been attacked and ment to help stop the persecution of Catho- struction—now and in an apocalyptic battle killed by ISIS and its affiliates in Syria, lics in Mexico under the government of to come. Libya, Yemen and surrounding areas. Even Plutarco Calles. In the 1930s the K of C suc- Consistent with its threats have been ISIS’ before ISIS was constituted, Christians cessfully fought against Mussolini’s at- actions. Our fact-finding mission to Iraq ear- found themselves victims of its predecessors: tempted closure of our charitable work in lier this month found stories of rape, kidnap- the Islamic State in Iraq, Al Qaeda and other Italy, and throughout the Cold War we stood ping, forced conversions and murder, in addi- radical groups. in solidarity with, lobbied for and supported tion to property confiscation and forced ex- Some argue that Christians should be ex- those who were not permitted to practice pulsion. Almost everything we discovered cluded from a genocide declaration because their faith in the Communist bloc. has not been previously reported. ISIS supposedly allows Christians to pay Today, the threat is the global persecution What is publicly known and what our in- jizya—a tax historically made available in of Christians, which the Pew Forum and The vestigation uncovered is substantial, but it Islam to Christians in Muslim lands—while New York Times have described as occurring has become clear that this still represents denying this option to groups like the at an unparalleled level. What is happening only the tip of the iceberg. We are now being Yazidis, who are considered ‘‘pagans’’ by in the Middle East is a microcosm of this, sent new stories and new evidence daily. So Islam. and perhaps its clearest example. It is for what is known about ISIS’ genocidal atroc- The premise is false, because what ISIS this reason that we have partnered with In ities will only increase, and the known scale calls jizya is not comparable to the histor- Defense of Christians in producing this re- of the horrors that have occurred can only ical understanding of that term. Rather, port and sponsoring the national television expand with time. jizya—like so many theological concepts advertising campaign in support of the peti- The victims we met or learned of were that ISIS holds—can mean something con- tion located at www.StopTheChristian many. Their stories were of traumatic expe- trary to historic Islamic practice, or it can Genocide.com. riences they and others had endured. There mean nothing at all. As used by ISIS, it is al- It is our hope that our efforts in this re- were also the stories of those who could no most always a term for extortion and a prel- gard will be helpful in highlighting and longer tell them—the killed and the missing. ude or postscript to ISIS violence against bettering the plight faced at the hands of IS Some of those we learned about had been Christians. by religious minorities—including Chris- wounded physically or emotionally, or both. In Nineveh, demands for so-called jizya tians. And it is our belief that a declaration The story of the mother whose child was payments were a prelude to killings, of genocide is a key component in that proc- taken from her arms by ISIS has been re- kidnappings, rapes and the dispossession of ess. ported in the media. We found that her expe- the Christian population. Not surprisingly, Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, the rience was not isolated. Similar reports of the Christian negotiator Father Emmanuael law states that the President shall con- family members, adults and children alike, Adelkello and the other Christians saw this sider what actions can be taken to en- were common. as a ‘‘a ploy from which ISIS could keep the Those we interviewed showed great Christians there to further take advantage of sure that those who are responsible for strength. And some showed great heroism as them and abuse them.’’ genocide are brought to account for well, despite the dangers to themselves. In Raqqa, the offer was made after ISIS such crimes in an appropriate con- There was Khalia, a woman in her fifties, had already closed the churches, burned bi- stituted tribunal. who was captured and held hostage along bles and kidnapped the town’s priests. Further, the President is required to with 47 others. During her 15 days in cap- It is little wonder that Alberto develop a clear strategy to stop these tivity, she rebuffed demands to convert, de- Fernandez—Middle East scholar and, until organizations based on the most recent spite a gun being put to her head and a sword recently, a coordinator of U.S. government to her neck. She literally fought off ISIS ideological counterterrorism messaging— iteration of the National Defense Au- militants as they tried to rape the girls, and found ISIS jizya to be ‘‘more a Satan Caliph- thorization Act that was passed in No- again later when they tried to take a 9–year- ate publicity stunt than a careful recreation vember. old as a bride. Because of the abuse, 14 men of jizya as practiced by the early Caliphs.’’ As I mentioned earlier, since his re- gave in to ISIS’ demands and said they He added that this shows that ISIS is not tirement from Congress, my prede- would convert to Islam. Khalia would not. similar ‘‘to the sprawling pluralistic caliph- cessor, Congressman Wolf, has worked Ultimately, the hostages were left in the ates of history.’’ tirelessly on these issues. I am so desert to walk to Erbil. Others in Kurdistan Furthermore, self-styled ISIS Caliph Abu pleased, and I know he will be so Omar al-Baghdadi has admitted for nearly a affirmed without prompting that ‘‘she had pleased, to see so many of his former saved many people.’’ decade that Christians no longer qualify for Like the Yazidis, Christian women face the historical protection offered by Islamic colleagues and all of us who were able sexual slavery, a main tool the ‘‘Caliphate’’ law. And under his leadership, during the Is- to pass this unanimously this evening. uses to recruit young men and to extermi- lamic State’s attack on Our Lady of Salva- I thank him for his strong voice and for nate religious groups. A now infamous ISIS tion Church in Baghdad in 2010, ‘‘the gunmen all of the strong voices who were here slave menu lists the prices by age for ‘‘Chris- made at least four claims [justifications] for tonight so that we can, once again, be tian or Yazidi’’ women on sale in their slave the killings, two general and two specific: all standing throughout this country and markets. of the Christians were infidels; it is per- throughout the world as that beacon of Murder of Christians is commonplace. mitted to kill them; the killing was in retal- Many have been killed in front of their own iation for the burning of a Koran by an light which so many of my colleagues families. The Syriac Catholic Patriarch of American pastor, and was also in retaliation have talked about. Antioch, many of whose flock lived on the for the alleged imprisonment of two sup- I thank the gentleman for having Nineveh plain or in Syria, reports that 500 posed Muslim women converts in Egypt.’’ this Special Order today. I just close in people were killed by ISIS during its take- The Knights of Columbus became involved asking for prayer for all of those who over of Mosul and the surrounding region. In in supporting Christians and other religious are suffering around the world and for Syria, where the organization Aid to the minorities in this region because of our long- all of those souls who have been tor- Church in Need has reported on mass graves standing humanitarian activity and support mented, tortured, and killed. of Christians, Patriarch Younan estimates for religious freedom at home and around the Mr. FORTENBERRY. I thank Con- the number of Christians ‘‘targeted and world. killed by Islamic terrorist bands’’ at more Beginning in 2014, our organization began gresswoman COMSTOCK for her powerful than 1,000. raising money for refugee relief in the Mid- words and her faithful leadership. The Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Cle´ment dle East. These funds have helped Christian, gentlewoman had big shoes to fill after Jeanbart of Aleppo estimates the number of as well as Yazidi and Muslim, individuals Frank Wolf’s retirement, and I am sure

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.040 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 tonight, if he is watching, he would be Mr. Speaker, we are here to discuss among the greatest leaders of social re- very proud of her efforts in this regard the current state of voting rights in form, and they are fighting, literally and in so many others, leading the America, which, unfortunately, are fighting, for their political rights. fight to try to stop the assaults on under assault. The freedom to vote is This past Saturday I had the oppor- human dignity. one of America’s most fundamentally, tunity to be with the mothers of the Mr. Speaker, when I was a much constitutionally guaranteed rights. It movement. We know who they are. younger man, I entered the Sinai was 51 years ago this month, Mr. They are the mothers of Trayvon Mar- Desert in Egypt. The year was 1979. I Speaker, that over 600 peaceful, orderly tin, Eric Garner, Dontre Hamilton, was a college student. At the site of protesters set off to march from Selma, Jordan Davis, Sandra Bland, and the fighting that had taken place be- Alabama, to the State capitol in Mont- Hadiya Pendleton; and we have all tween Israel and Egypt in the 1973 war, gomery to demonstrate the need for heard what happened to their children. there was an all-too-familiar scene of a voting rights in the State. As a member of the Congressional concrete pile of rubble. Scrawled on Last week, our Congressional Black Black Caucus, we are calling for action the side of the concrete pile, both in Caucus chair, Chairman BUTTERFIELD, on gun control. We need to do more Arabic and in English, were the words: stated at the first in a series of CBC than just stand up on this floor for a ‘‘Here was the war, and here is the hearings about the current state of moment of silence. We need to make peace.’’ voting rights in America and that the sure that we are passing gun control Mr. Speaker, maybe, just maybe, on Voting Rights Act of 1965 is probably legislation, commonsense legislation, this, the remnants of this Christian one of the most significant pieces of that keeps the guns out of the hands of church where this cross was planted by legislation that was ever passed in the the most dangerous individuals. It is this Yazidi man who returned to his United States Congress. time for us to protect our children. hometown of Sinjar just recently in Certainly, Mr. Speaker, as we know, Mr. Speaker, I am going to give you January, one day will see those same in 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court struck some examples of what we should in- words that here was the war, but now down this crucial provision of the Vot- clude in our call for action. here is the peace. ing Rights Act in the Shelby County v. I go first to my good friend and col- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Holder decision. Our work continues league and classmate who brought it to of my time. because by invalidating section 4 of the my attention that we stand up for a f Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court moment, and then we sit down. Then opened the doors for ways to reduce the we come back to this floor, and it is GENERAL LEAVE voting power of minority communities business as usual. We talk about want- Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I and it put in place new voting restric- ing to keep our families safe, and we ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tions in an effort to make it harder for talk about the mental health issues. bers may have 5 legislative days in millions of Americans to vote. That is all we do, Mr. Speaker. We talk which to revise and extend their re- Our democracy has far too many about it. marks and to include extraneous mate- missing voices, particularly those who Congresswoman ROBIN KELLY of Illi- rial on S. 2426. are already at a disadvantage due to nois’ Second District has legislation, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. deep-rooted racial and class barriers in H.R. 224, which would require the Sur- BRAT). Is there objection to the request our society. By exercising our right, we geon General of Public Health Services of the gentleman from Nebraska? can do great things. We can hold this to submit to Congress an annual report There was no objection. country accountable. We can advocate on the effects of gun violence on public f for legislation that supports social and health. This bill has 140 Democrat co- economic progress, equality and fair- CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS— sponsors. I am asking my colleagues on ness for all Americans. We can cham- THE WORK CONTINUES: WHY the other side of the aisle to step up pion policies that create and sustain VOTING MATTERS IN THE AFRI- and do more than just stand up for 30 jobs and that protect against cuts to CAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY seconds. social and economic programs that are I am calling on Congress to act on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under vital to our most at-risk populations. Congressman JAMES CLYBURN of the the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- We can move forward on efforts to ad- Sixth District of South Carolina’s leg- uary 6, 2015, the gentlewoman from dress the school-to-prison pipeline and islation, H.R. 3051, the Background Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY) is recognized for 60 criminal justice reform. We know that Check Completion Act, which would minutes as the designee of the minor- the inequalities in access to quality guarantee that no gun is sold by a li- ity leader. health care still exist between races censed dealer until a background check GENERAL LEAVE and that more and more Black children is completed. Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask are victims of failing schools. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to say unanimous consent that all Members Mr. Speaker, I am calling on all citi- that I am a cosponsor of both of these be given 5 legislative days to revise and zens, including on our community and bills. extend their remarks and to add any national leaders, to join the Congres- I will go on and tell you about Chair- extraneous materials relevant to the sional Black Caucus to work to elimi- man BUTTERFIELD, the chair of our subject matter of this discussion. nate voter suppression and to restore Congressional Black Caucus. He under- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there what so many people fought for, stands that our work continues, be- objection to the request of the gentle- marched, and died for—yes, the Voting cause he has focused his efforts on pro- woman from Ohio? Rights Act. It is up to all of us to pro- moting anti-poverty programs and on There was no objection. tect the most at-risk among us and to expanding economic development and Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise expand opportunity for all people. That job creation. There are a number of this evening for tonight’s Congres- begins with passing a voting rights act. things that have happened in his State. sional Black Caucus Special Order Our work still continues, Mr. Speaker. For example, the Moral Mondays are Hour: The Work Continues—Why Vot- This week, we are celebrating Wom- protests in North Carolina that are led ing Matters in the African American en’s History Month, and I must note by religious progressives. These pro- Community. the powerful impact that African tests are in response to several actions I am so proud to join my classmate, American women are having at the by the government of North Carolina, Congressman HAKEEM JEFFRIES from polls. In the past two Presidential elec- which was elected into office in 2013. the Eighth District of New York. He is tions, Black women led all demo- These events, which spread throughout a member of the House Judiciary Com- graphic groups in voter turnout. That the South, helped bring attention to mittee. He continues to be a tireless is why voting matters to African voting rights, criminal justice reform, advocate for social justice, working to American communities. Black women and workers’ rights. I think it is very reform our criminal justice system and make up the most dynamic segment of important for us to note that. to eliminate the overcriminalization of the rising American voters. A great Mr. Speaker, tonight my coanchor the African American community. civil rights leader said that women are and I will talk about a number of

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Both of them petuated. of this great America that we are here had to overcome in their lives incred- And as Webster says above us in the to protect and to serve. ible obstacles. Both of them, after their great quote here: experience in 1965 and beyond, came Let us all, in our time here, in our service b 2030 back to serve their country, to con- to the country, do something worthy of It is not just members of the Con- tinue to organize, to continue, in the being remembered. gressional Black Caucus who value and case of SAM JOHNSON, to be a flight Let us take to heart the example of understand the importance of us com- commander. JOHN LEWIS and SAM JOHNSON and note ing together, the importance of us cele- JOHN LEWIS, as we all know, is the especially tomorrow that we shall brating our rich history, all tied to the conscience of the House of Representa- overcome. Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Voting Rights Act, all tied to the tives. SAM JOHNSON is the most ad- movements that we have had of the mired Republican on the floor. They Congressman JOHN LARSON. As I was listening to him reflect on past. are both iconic and American heroes, the wonderful program that we are all Let me give you a great example be- and tomorrow evening at the Library cause I am so proud that I am going to going to be able to participate in at the of Congress they will be recognized. Library of Congress—as I listened to have the privilege to yield time to my The Bipartisan Policy Center has his words, 51 years ago the President of good friend, Congressman JOHN LARSON been helped by the Library of Congress, these United States could recognize from the First District of Connecticut. the fortress of knowledge, an institu- He is here, Mr. Speaker, tonight to what the Nation needed. tion started by the United States Con- It disappoints me, as I stand here on join with us as we talk about our rich gress, and houses our great history. history. He is going to share with us in- this House floor and I think about vot- Tomorrow on display will be the doc- ing rights and I think about the condi- formation about the 51st anniversary uments of the civil rights movement of President Johnson’s ‘‘We Shall Over- tion of this Nation today and where we and the direct participation of JOHN come’’ speech, which was given on are when we talk about casting our LEWIS and the documents about the votes and who we are going to cast our March 15, 1965. Vietnam war and the captivity and im- I yield to the gentleman from Con- votes for. I say thank you for Congress- prisonment of SAM JOHNSON. man JOHN LEWIS and Congressman SAM necticut. Speaking tomorrow evening on be- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. JOHNSON. half of SAM JOHNSON will be JOHN Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman As I was listening to the gentleman, MCCAIN. Who better to speak about from Ohio and the gentleman from New I thought about so many of the things being imprisoned in the Hanoi Hilton? York for this opportunity to join with that Congressman JOHN LEWIS has said Who better to speak about the sacrifice them this evening. to us not only on this floor, not only in I am especially proud to associate that SAM JOHNSON made, that his fam- private moments, but in our Congres- myself with the gentlewoman’s re- ily made, for people who put their sional Black Caucus meetings. marks and all that the Congressional country first? He represents that sense of history of Black Caucus has stood for as I would We will be honored tomorrow to have why we come to continue our work, generally acknowledge that I think a former Member of this body, an am- why we come to continue to stand up for the voting rights. most of Americans stand for as well. bassador of the United States, and the Because he has said to us on numer- I thank them as well for pointing out mayor of Atlanta in Andrew Young ous occasions, Mr. Speaker, that the a historic event that is happening and, being here tomorrow evening. vote is the most powerful and most in fact, will happen tomorrow evening Who better to talk about all the nonviolent tool that we have in a at the Library of Congress. issues that the gentlewoman from Ohio democratic society. We must not allow Tomorrow is March 15. As the gentle- and the gentleman from New York are the power of the vote to be neutralized. woman mentioned, it was 51 years ago bringing to the forefront today than We must never go back. that President Lyndon Baines Johnson the person who was there by Martin Luther King’s side, a colleague of JOHN So I thank Congressman LARSON for gave his now famous ‘‘We Shall Over- taking us forward, for taking us on come’’ speech. LEWIS? JOHN LEWIS holds the seat that Andrew Young occupied in this body. March 15 on a journey that we will re- It was President Johnson that recog- member for a lifetime, because, you nized 8 days after Bloody Sunday what Andrew Young continues to be an ad- vocate for voting rights and is in the see, we stand on the shoulders of those the Nation needed to do. He did this at individuals who came before us. great political risk, but he did it be- forefront of that continued and epic battle that goes on in this country. It Now our voters stand on our shoul- cause of the sacrifice that so many had ders. Our voters, Mr. Speaker, are will be an outstanding evening. made. wanting us, are thirsty for us, to stand But the point of it all is to under- Tomorrow evening at the Library of up for them so that their vote counts. Congress we will celebrate two Amer- stand that, as Members here in the Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my ican heroes with the idea that it is far United States Congress, in the House of coanchor to share some thoughts with more important to come together as a Representatives, we must come to- us on why our work continues, why it Nation and understand that these gether and, as President Johnson said is so important in the African Amer- issues that we face and struggle with 51 years ago tomorrow evening, to ican community for us to stand up for aren’t Democrat or Republican, but at overcome, to overcome not only racial not only African Americans, but for their very core are American. prejudices, but to overcome disease, our citizens who are discriminated I want to commend the Bipartisan poverty, and ignorance, which is the against, those who, when we talk about Policy Center for establishing what real plague on this Nation that keeps social and economic programs, we see will be the first Congressional Patriot us confined. the disparities in what happens to Award that will be presented tomorrow How fitting that this event takes them in education, in health care, in evening to JOHN LEWIS from Georgia place tomorrow evening and because of housing, the juvenile justice system, and SAM JOHNSON from Texas. the benevolence of an outstanding per- the criminal justice system. This honor will be perpetuated for- son like David Rubenstein. Who better I could not think of any better co- ever. Not only will it be a medal in rec- to interview JOHN LEWIS and SAM anchor or colleague, someone who is ognition of their patriotic service to JOHNSON about their experience than such a great orator, someone who, the country, but of their service here David Rubenstein? when he stands up, we listen. in the United States Congress. I thank my colleagues from the bot- Please, Congressman HAKEEM One person was nearly beaten to tom of my heart for allowing me the JEFFRIES, share with us some of your death by the Alabama police, the other opportunity here to echo the senti- thoughts.

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Abraham Lin- can Americans, Latinos, immigrant the distinguished gentlewoman, Rep- coln, of course, famously uttered those families, and others—from being able resentative BEATTY, from the great words in his Gettysburg Address. to participate in what basically makes State of Ohio for her leadership and for If we are going to have that type of America great, what makes us unique: moving us forward throughout the past government, then everybody needs the the ability to elect our representatives several weeks as it relates to the Con- opportunity to be able to participate in and for there to be peaceful transitions gressional Black Caucus’ Special choosing their representatives in gov- of power regardless of ideology, regard- Order, this hour of power. ernment without obstacle or obstruc- less of your region, regardless of what It is 60 minutes where we have the tion. State a President may come from in opportunity to speak to the American We understand this is a great coun- order to keep the Republic going. people about issues of importance to try, but it is also a country that has When you look at the history of the our country, to our economy, to the in- had a stain on its history as it relates Voting Rights Act, as I indicated, it tegrity of our democracy as we are to denying some the opportunity to has largely been, until recently, a bi- doing tonight. It is an honor to share participate fully in American democ- partisan endeavor. In fact, every time with you today. racy. That is the reason, after all, that, the Voting Rights Act was reauthor- b 2045 in the aftermath of the Civil War that ized—and it has happened four times— threatened to tear this country apart, not only did it pass with bipartisan I also want to acknowledge and we had a Reconstruction amendment majorities in the Congress, but it was thank our colleague, JOHN LARSON from the great State of Connecticut, related to slavery and then a Recon- signed into law each and every time by for his continuing leadership and for struction amendment related to the a Republican President. In 1970, Richard Nixon signed into taking to the House floor today to equal protection under the law and due law the reauthorization of the Voting highlight both the historic significance process for all Americans; and lastly, Rights Act. In 1975, Gerald Ford signed of the speech that President Johnson of course, with the 15th Amendment into law the reauthorization of the gave from this very Chamber 51 years designed to make sure that, in the Con- Voting Rights Act. In 1982, President ago, on March 15, 1965, about voting in stitution, racial discrimination, as it Ronald Reagan signed into law the re- America and ensuring that every single relates to the exercise of the franchise, person, regardless of their race or their would be prohibited. authorization of the Voting Rights color or their background had an op- But, unfortunately, notwithstanding Act. Then in 2006, President George W. portunity to exercise their franchise, the 15th Amendment being ratified and Bush signed into law the reauthoriza- and to point out to the American peo- put into our Constitution, more than tion of the Voting Rights Act. This sig- ple that the Congress will pause tomor- 100 years would pass by until this coun- nificant piece of civil rights legislation row to honor two true American leg- try really confronted the denial of the was enacted into law and then reen- right to vote in a meaningful way, par- acted on every single occasion with the ends, Representative LEWIS and Rep- resentative JOHNSON, who served the ticularly in the Deep South, and it hap- signature of a Republican President, American people before they arrived in pened because of the efforts and sac- indicating that voting, participation in the people’s House and through their rifice of a great many people: Dr. Mar- the franchise, having the American service here in the House of Represent- tin Luther King, JOHN LEWIS, Andrew people in their full, gorgeous mosaic atives. Young, the Southern Christian Leader- elect their representatives is an Amer- It is with great humility that I stand ship Conference, the Student Non- ican thing. But all of a sudden, it has today to address a topic that I think is violent Coordinating Committee, the become controversial. of particular significance at this mo- NAACP, and those foot soldiers who Now, I don’t know if the timing of ment in time that we face in America were on the Edmund Pettus Bridge on the election of our current President in terms of the turmoil that many may March 7, 1965, and almost lost their has anything to do with that. Histo- be feeling, watching, undergoing: the lives when they were attacked without rians will make that analysis as they economic changes that have been expe- provocation by Alabama State troopers move forward. It is above my pay rienced over the last few decades. as they endeavored to cross that bridge grade. I just find it interesting that We know that the middle class, in on the way from Selma to Mont- this notion of voter fraud, which was many ways, has been left behind. gomery. That, of course, then prompt- always a fiction put forth by the de- Wages have remained stagnant, not- ed President Johnson to deliver that fenders of the race-based Southern hi- withstanding the increased produc- address, where he so famously uttered erarchy to deny African Americans the tivity of the American people over the the words upon his conclusion that ‘‘we right to vote—and was not an issue last 40-plus years. When the economy shall overcome.’’ when Richard Nixon was elected; it collapsed, many high-income earners The 1965 Voting Rights Act continues wasn’t an issue when Reagan was elect- were able to rebound in no small part to be the most significant piece of civil ed; it wasn’t an issue when George Her- as a result of the bailout that occurred. rights legislation ever passed by this bert Walker Bush was elected; it wasn’t There are a lot of Americans who are Congress, but unfortunately we know an issue when George W. Bush was still hoping, looking out for their op- that it is currently under attack. It is elected, notwithstanding the fact that portunity to be brought back into the under attack because the Supreme I am still not convinced he won the economic mainstream by the people Court effectively, in the Shelby v. State of Florida—all of a sudden, in the they have sent to Congress to represent Holder case, eviscerated its impact by aftermath of the election of President them. striking down section 4, so-called cov- Barack Obama, apparently there has Notwithstanding all of the challenges erage clause, which effectively elimi- been an outbreak of this fever that we that we have to confront, whether that nated the Department of Justice’s abil- have got to deal with so-called voter is our broken criminal justice system ity to require States with a history of fraud. or the economy that has still not com- voting rights discrimination to have to No evidence of the fraud, not a scin- pletely recovered, we have made sub- preclear any changes that it makes. tilla of evidence has been produced by stantial progress under the leadership Now, what I have been struggling to a single proponent of this argument, of Barack Obama. But of course there figure out during my brief time here in but when people were elected in 2010, in is more that needs to be done, and we the Congress is why voting rights has the immediate aftermath of that elec- could welcome some cooperation from become such a controversial thing tion during President Barack Obama’s folks on the other side of the aisle be- when, it seems to me, it is so central to first term, more than 180 different cause all of our constituents were hit the integrity of our democracy. For pieces of legislation in 41 States were hard in 2008, yet President Obama has decades, in the aftermath of the pas- introduced, all, in the opinion of many largely been left to his own devices. sage of the Voting Rights Act, it was objective observers, designed to sup- Notwithstanding all of these issues, actually pretty bipartisan, this notion press the right to vote. And at the central to how our government works that in order for our democracy to same time, this challenge was working

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What exactly is going on? The tant for us, as African Americans, to 5–4 decision, in a case brought by the American people are wondering. make sure we protect those who are folks from Shelby County, apparently We see a lot of frustration right now most at risk. thinking that they were victims be- out there in America directed at Wash- Mr. Speaker, we have a huge job to cause of the oppressive nature of the ington. That is because oftentimes do. We are 46 members strong. While preclearance provision, the Supreme there are so many critical issues that we focus on the lives of African Ameri- Court, at least for the time being, we simply fail to deal with. cans and the African American commu- bought that argument. So I am just hopeful today that, as nity, we stand here and fight for all So we find ourselves now in a situa- we mark this occasion tomorrow of children of all races, all ethnicities, be- tion here in the Congress where the these two American heroes being hon- cause that is what we do because we Court has said to us: Fix it; update the ored—Representative JOHNSON and care. coverage formula. So bipartisan legis- Representative LEWIS—we can get back But as I stand here today and reflect lation has been introduced, cham- to doing the business of the American on Congressman JEFFRIES’ outline of pioned by folks like JIM SENSEN- people in the spirit of service that they history, outline of the number of lives BRENNER, the author of the 2006 reau- themselves have displayed through that have been lost, outline of the legal thorization and a very distinguished their life’s work and deal with some- process and what we have gone and respected former Republican chair- thing so central to our democracy such through, it made me recall, Mr. Speak- man of the House Committee on the as the right to vote in an unfettered er, that a week ago I decided to write Judiciary, and, of course, JOHN CON- fashion. an editorial to my local newspaper, and YERS, JOHN LEWIS, JOYCE BEATTY, and Mrs. BEATTY. Congressman it was published. Mr. Speaker, that edi- many others on the Democratic side of JEFFRIES, you have given us a lot to re- torial was titled: ‘‘Work to improve the aisle. Yet we can’t get a single flect on tonight. You have given us the voting rights.’’ hearing before the Committee on the roll call of how President after Presi- [From The Columbus Dispatch, Feb. 29, 2016] Judiciary on something seemingly so dent has reauthorized the Voting WORK TO IMPROVE VOTING RIGHTS fundamental to the integrity of our de- Rights Act. (By Rep. Joyce Beatty) As I was listening to you, it appears mocracy. As Black History Month closes, I am re- We are not asking you to turn into that there is an uncommon denomi- minded of Martin Luther King Jr., who fa- progressive Democrats. Just act like nator that we now have in this great mously said, ‘‘We are now faced with the fact Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald America: a Black man as President of that tomorrow is today. We are confronted Reagan, whom you hold up as someone these United States. with the fierce urgency of now.’’ who is the classic embodiment of con- I want to stand here and say, Mr. We have come a long way since the era of servative politics. Just act like Ronald Speaker, that I am very suspect when I Jim Crow. Indeed, our nation has laws on the Reagan did in 1982 or George W. Bush. listen to how eloquently my colleague books protecting people from discrimination walked us through the history and based on sex, age, race, religion, national or- Let’s fix the Voting Rights Act in ad- igin and ethnicity. Moreover, each February, vance of the American people having to shared with us how 51 years ago our we collectively reflect on the important con- determine what comes next as it re- colleague, JOHN LEWIS, was putting his tributions and accomplishments African- lates to both this Congress and the life at risk with other great leaders as Americans etched into the cornerstone of Presidency—not because it is a good a very young Black man, that it was America. thing for Republicans or because it is a because he understood what was at Yet, the more things change, the more good thing for Democrats; it is a good stake. they stay the same. What do I mean? thing for the country: full and robust He was probably ahead of his time. Every year, without fail, we celebrate But when you think about that, every- Black History Month and honor the many participation. leaders, heroes and ‘‘sheroes’’ of the black I just want to add, as I close, that it one in this Chamber should want to community. However, we rarely discuss the seems to me that this would be a par- have that experience. systemic and pervasive bathers still pre- ticularly significant time to deal with I can remember a year ago, almost to venting African-Americans from achieving the Voting Rights Act and to make the date, that I took that journey to the American Dream. sure that everybody can participate Selma, Alabama. I took that journey Our nation is still plagued by the vestiges fully in our democracy at a moment with Congressman JOHN LEWIS and of segregation and unequal laws and policies. when many of my colleagues on the some of my colleagues on the other Today, it is more difficult to exercise one’s side of the aisle, who stood there and constitutional right to vote, not easier. In- other side of the aisle and the Senate equalities in access to quality health care have said: We want the American peo- locked and latched hands and talked still exist between races, and more and more ple to decide who fills the Supreme about how we should overcome. black children are victim to failing schools. Court vacancy. For a moment, Congressman As opposed to getting bogged down in the JEFFRIES, it gave me that hope that I numbers and reciting a long list of statistics b 2100 came here for, that hope that one per- and historical grievances, I am calling on all Now, I am a little skeptical about son can make a difference and change people, including our community and na- that, but let’s assume that that is real- the lives of others. tional leaders, to join me in working to ly your view of the world. If, in fact, It wasn’t 48 hours later that we came eliminate voter suppression I and to restore you don’t want to do your constitu- back to this institution, to this House what so many people fought, marched and died for: the Voting Rights Act. tional job right now—once the Presi- floor, and all of that was washed away. It is up to all of us to protect the most at- dent sends up a Supreme Court nomi- It was back to business as usual. risk among us, to defend the foundation of nee and gives that person an oppor- There were no hearings, whether it is our democracy and to expand opportunity tunity to be heard before the Senate a budget hearing for funds to fund for all people. It begins with the Voting and the American people—because you things from our infrastructure, things Rights Act. claim you want the American people to to educate and take care of our infants In Congress, I am working tirelessly to re- decide who that nominee is through and children, mental health that we build the very foundation of the Voting the vehicle of a Presidential election— have all come to an agreement on with Rights Act undone by the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision. As an then let’s make sure that all of Amer- all the things that have happened dur- original cosponsor of the Voting Rights Em- ica can participate in that process. ing the time you and I have been here, powerment Act of 2015 (H.R. 12), I believe we That means let’s remove any obstacles Congressman JEFFRIES, with the num- must ensure every American has equal say to voting in every community. ber of lives that have been lost. and the opportunity to vote. This legislation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.079 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 would do just that by expanding access and has lost the right to vote, some perma- our history. It is our fortitude to have putting in place common sense protections nently, some temporarily with an op- the courage to always continue to fight for our nation’s electorate, no matter the portunity to perhaps recover it. More and never give up, because we actually color of one’s skin. It takes a village. So, let’s work together than a million people are currently in- have members of the Congressional in our neighborhood, at work or with family carcerated from the African American Black Caucus who were there during and friends to make this change possible and community. So our system is broken. that time. to help guarantee every American has fair Our democracy is in need of adjust- When you think about Members like and equal access to the ballot box. ment. Congressman JOHN LEWIS, when you Black History Month should be about the If there is not an understanding that think about Members like JOHN CON- progress that has been made and the journey the absence of refraining from partici- YERS, JOHN CONYERS, a Black man, will that awaits us. Remember, the past is our pating in that democracy through exer- go down in history as the longest-serv- experience, the present is our accountability ing man in this Congress. Just think and the future is our responsibility. cising the franchise yields con- sequences that public policymakers about it. A man that shared an office Mrs. BEATTY. It is 2016. I am writing will choose either intentionally or for almost 2 decades with Rosa Parks, an article that sounds like I was sit- through benign neglect to allow things the modern civil rights leader who de- ting in 1955. That gives me great con- like mass incarceration to overwhelm cided that she was going to sit down cern. a community, then we are going to that day because she realized one per- So when I think about our topic to- son could make a difference. night, our work continues. What mat- continue to see things happen that are not in the best interest of America. So, Mr. Speaker, we have gone ters in the African American commu- through our whole history of the Vot- nity I think we have answered tonight. Certainly, electoral participation mat- ters to the African American commu- ing Rights Act, we have gone through Whether it was from Congressman the sections of the Constitution, we JOHN LARSON, who is not a member of nity. The other thing that we have got to have gone through what the Supreme the Congressional Black Caucus, Court has done, and yet we can’t get whether it is from Congressman SAM look at in the context of the right to vote—and there is some bipartisan sup- the reauthorization of our Voting JOHNSON or Congressman JOHN LEWIS, Rights Act. port because Senator RAND PAUL on Mr. Speaker, I say to you that we stand Mr. Speaker, I say this to you to- the other side of the Capitol has been here as members of the Congressional night. The Congressional Black Caucus very visionary in this regard—is that Black Caucus because we are the con- will not give up. We are holding field disenfranchising people who have been science of the Congress. hearings, as I speak, so we can collect incarcerated in America, paid their Mr. Chairman, how much time do I the information to come back here and debt to society, have moved on with have remaining? tell you that the vehicle for American their life—but to permanently restrict The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- people, that vehicle is the ballot box. tlewoman has 13 minutes remaining. them, even in some cases when the con- Mr. Speaker, as I stand here today, Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. JEFFRIES, as I lis- viction is for a misdemeanor offense, is we have resolved. Members of the Con- ten to you talk about the rich history un-American. gressional Black Caucus don’t come and what we are dealing with today, I But some have used this type of dis- just to complain and put issues out think about you serving on the Judici- enfranchisement related to the prison there. We are scholars. We like hearing ary Committee. industrial complex to overwhelm many that we are the conscience of the Con- I think about how, as Members of communities because of mass incarcer- gress, but we are the scholars. We are Congress and members of the Congres- ation to, again, set up obstacles to full Howard, and Morehouse, and Spelman, sional Black Caucus, we often talk participation in American democracy. and Harvard, and Princeton, and Yale. about our broken prison system. So we have got to put everything on We are the whole spectrum of this We often talk about what happens to the table in terms of our effort to fix America that you and I serve. young children who go to college and our broken criminal justice system, So I ask you today, Mr. Speaker, to then find themselves in that pipeline of which I am pleased, to date, at least in consider that when we stand up the education to prison. the House on the Judiciary Committee, next time on this House floor, why I would like to ask you how you has been bipartisan in nature. Members are sitting down. We are sit- think the decrease in Black voters will But we have to take an expansive ap- ting down because I think you and Con- affect that broken system. proach to repairing the damage that gressman JEFFRIES and all the rest of Mr. JEFFRIES. Well, it is a great has been done over more than 40 years my colleagues in this Chamber, we question. I look at it in two ways. of a failed war on drugs, with millions have an obligation to do more. First, when you think about mass in- upon millions upon millions of people Innocent lives are being taken, and carceration as a phenomenon, one that, stamped with a criminal record, I be- there is something we can do about it. hopefully, in this Congress we will be lieve in excess of 65 million people dur- We could start with something that able to do something about, in recogni- ing that time period, disproportion- has been bipartisan. Congressman tion of the fact that America imprisons ately African Americans and Latinos. JEFFRIES mentioned it a number of more people than any other country in It is one of many issues that is on the times, and that is something as simple the world, increasingly, we have be- table that, hopefully, will result in as passing a Voting Rights Act. That come a country that over-incarcerates folks understanding that the stakes are would make a difference. and under-educates. As a result, we high as it relates to who represents I guess my question is: What are we have lost generations of young people, you. And the vehicle is just to partici- afraid of? disproportionately, African Americans pate. Are we afraid if we increase the num- and Latinos. That is the great majesty of our de- ber of those who have been disenfran- In 1971, President Richard Nixon de- mocracy as it was conceived by the chised, those who have been discrimi- clared publicly that drug abuse was Founders and those who came after: nated against, that they will actually public enemy number one. At the time, Government of the people, by the peo- vote, they will actually have a voice to there were less than 350,000 people in- ple, and for the people, through elec- make a difference in the way they live carcerated in America. That was the toral participation. in this wonderful America? starting point of the war on drugs. I am asking you to go to your Repub- More than 40 years later we have now b 2115 lican colleagues and ask them to stand got 2.3 million people incarcerated in Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. JEFFRIES, I with us that we can leave a great leg- America. A significant number of those paused for a moment as I was listening acy in history, because history will be folks—approximately 50 percent at the to you, and you are so absolutely right; written. When the first Black Presi- Federal level and similar numbers at the vehicle, the power of casting that dent leaves these United States, we the State level—are there for non- vote, the power of making a difference. will read of all the wonderful things violent drug offenses. Mr. Speaker, I think one of the that President Barack Obama did. Yet, every single one of those people things that is so significant about the But we will also have those who will who have been incarcerated in America Congressional Black Caucus, that is write part of that history of us failing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:47 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14MR7.026 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1341 to do our job. And I will reflect back on DECLARATION OF GENOCIDE Mr. Speaker, it is pleasing to report this day when Congressman JEFFRIES COMMITTED BY ISIS that H. Con. Res. 75, expressing the and I stood at this Congressional Black The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under sense of Congress that the atrocities Caucus Special Order Hour and we said, the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- perpetrated by ISIL—that is, the Is- the work continues, and why it matters uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the lamic State; and it has used different in African American communities that gentleman from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) names, ISIS, ISIL—against religious we vote. for 30 minutes. and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, it is al- include war crimes, crimes against hu- of my time. ways an honor to be able to speak on manity and genocide, that passed by this hallowed floor. 393 yeas and zero nays. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. A report was made earlier today enti- It is deeply troubling that although Mr. Speaker, nearly 51 years ago the Voting tled, ‘‘House Poised to Declare ISIS this House, in a bipartisan way, could Rights Act (VRA) was signed into law to pro- Committing Genocide Against Chris- vote 393 for this resolution and zero hibit racial discrimination in voting. It was a tians, Other Minorities.’’ And, in fact, against, that Secretary of State John defining moment in our nation’s history that this report says: ‘‘The House is poised Kerry and President Barack Obama are would send a clear message that all voters Monday to approve a resolution that having trouble deciding what they should have free and fair access to the polls declares the Islamic State is commit- should do. in the United States. The Voting Rights Act ting genocide against Christians and Gee, is it possible they might just no- became a powerful tool of our democracy that other religious minorities in the Mid- tice that in the House of Representa- protected voter participation of individuals from dle East—putting even more pressure tives we came together unanimously all backgrounds. It has given a voice to pre- on the Obama administration to do the and said what ISIS has been doing is viously disenfranchised voters, particularly that same ahead of a deadline later this genocide? of minorities who would otherwise be left out week. For heaven’s sake, for the sake of the of the political process. ‘‘The resolution passed the House Christians, the Yazidis, the Jews in the Foreign Affairs Committee with unani- area, is it too much to ask that this Since the passage of the VRA, various mous support and is expected to pass United States administration take no- groups and individuals have endeavored to re- the House with bipartisan backing. tice that there is a genocide going on? verse those protections. In 2013 the U.S., Su- ‘‘The resolution comes to a vote And though the administration is not preme Court ultimately struck down a key en- Monday evening, just days after the re- doing much of anything about it, is it forcement component of the VRA as unconsti- lease of a graphic new report by the too much to ask that this administra- tutional. This decision has enabled a number Knights of Columbus and In Defense of tion at least call it what it is; that this of states across the country to move forward Christians on ISIS atrocities. The re- House, on both sides of the aisle, with discriminatory voter laws, the effects of port made the case that the terror unanimously said the same thing? which have not yet been fully realized. campaign against Christians and other Is it too much to ask, even if you are Texas is one of 21 states that have imple- minorities in Syria, Iraq, and other not going to fight the genocide, at mented new restrictions on voting since the parts of the Middle East is, in fact, least call it what it is, then that will 2010 midterm election. Texas first passed two genocide. embolden others with courage to stand harsh voter mandates in 2012, which were ul- ‘‘ ‘When ISIS systematically targets up and fight more fearlessly? Is that timately blocked under Section 5 of the VRA. Christians, Yazidis, and other ethnic too much to ask? and religious minorities for extermi- Texas re-implemented these laws requiring I hope and pray not, Mr. Speaker. nation, this is not only a grave injus- valid photo identification at the polls following In the meantime, what we find here tice—it is a threat to civilization the Supreme Court ruling—the first time a at home, while we are still having the itself,’ Representative Jeff Forten- photo ID was required to vote in a federal administration struggle over whether berry, Republican, Nebraska, said in a to call genocide genocide, we have a re- election in 2014. The consequences in Texas statement. ‘We must call the violence alone have been dire and disproportionately port from ICE, the Immigration and by its proper name: genocide.’ Customs Enforcement, ICE, it is re- impact minority voters. The U.S. Department ‘‘The resolution will be voted on vealed that 124 illegal immigrant of Justice originally estimated that the Texas ahead of the congressionally mandated criminals released from jail by the law could prevent as many as 600,000 voters March 17 deadline for the Secretary of Obama administration since 2010 have from casting their votes at the polls. State John Kerry and the White House been subsequently charged with mur- to make a decision on whether to make The African American community has faced der. such a declaration. The measure is an many barriers to voting throughout our history. The Center for Immigration Studies effort to force the administration’s During the height of the Civil Rights Move- report on the data from ICE to the Sen- hand on the issue, as the administra- ment, thousands of protesters marched across ate Judiciary Committee added that tion has so far declined to take an offi- the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to the committee is not releasing the Montgomery, Alabama in order to protest the cial position. ‘‘ ‘Christians, Yazidis, and other be- names of these masses of murder sus- racial injustices in voting. The will of the peo- pects. ple ultimately prevailed, resulting in the signing leaguered minority groups can find new hope in this transpartisan, ecumenical ‘‘ ‘The criminal aliens released by of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 just five short ICE in these years—who had already months after the final march. It was an impor- alliance against ISIS’ barbaric on- slaught,’ Fortenberry, who is co-chair- been convicted of thousands of tant struggle that still serves as a lesson for us crimes—are responsible for a signifi- today. man of the Religious Minorities of the Middle East Caucus and represents cant crime spree in American commu- Voter disenfranchisement poses an incred- America’s largest Yazidi community, nities, including 124 new homicides ible threat to the electoral process. The nation- said in the statement.’’ after the thousands of crimes they wide efforts to create barriers to voting have So the measure received the backing have already committed before ICE re- highlighted the importance of the protections of the House Republican leadership, leased them. Inexplicably, ICE is afforded under the VRA. Voting is the principle PAUL RYAN, calling on the Obama ad- choosing to release some criminal means through which Americans can have a ministration to take action like recent aliens multiple times,’ said the report voice in the political process. It allows us to attacks against Christians. written by CIS’ respected Director of elect candidates who share a common vision The article goes on, from Policy Studies, Jessica M. Vaughan. for bettering our nation and advancing our so- foxnews.com, indicating: ‘‘It is rare for ‘‘She added that 75 percent were re- cial and economic progress. These efforts to Congress to make a genocide deter- leased due to court orders or because disenfranchise voters stand contrary to our mination. their countries wouldn’t take them democratic principles as a nation and it is im- ‘‘In addition to the genocide resolu- back. perative that we fight to reinstate voter protec- tion, the House is expected to vote on ‘‘What’s more, her report said that in tions for all, which have only served to a measure to create an international 2014, ICE released 30,558 criminal strengthen our democracy and engage voters tribunal to try ISIS members accused aliens’’—that is illegal immigrants in in the political process. of atrocities.’’ the United States who committed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.082 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 criminal atrocities—‘‘who had been This article from cis.org also says: In Afghanistan, one of my Muslim convicted already when they were re- ‘‘Only a tiny percentage of the released friends who is a great leader there in leased of 92,347 crimes.’’ criminals have been removed—most re- Afghanistan pointed out a few years Wow. As the world suffers, as this ad- ceive the most generous forms of due ago when he was talking about the le- ministration cannot determine wheth- process available and are allowed to re- verage that the United States has and er or not to call the genocide of Chris- main at large, without supervision, should use to get Afghanistan to do the tians and other minority groups geno- while they await drawn-out immigra- right thing by its people and by the cide; at the same time, it has been hard tion hearings. They are permitted to United States, I said: Well, why do you at work, out of those thousands, tens of take advantage of this inefficient proc- think—this was in a visit in Afghani- thousands of aliens who have com- essing even though they are more like- stan. I said: Why do you think we have mitted over 92,000 criminal acts against ly to re-offend than they are to be much leverage? This is a few years ago. Americans here in this country, the ad- granted legal status.’’ He said: Do you know what our annual ministration has been hard at work Further down it says: ‘‘Some aliens budget is for the government in Af- and deported 3 percent of the tens of had multiple ZIP Codes associated with ghanistan? No. I didn’t know. He said: thousands of aliens illegally here who them in ICE’s system, so the records Around 12 billion American dollars. Do have committed over 92,000 crimes, and include more ZIP Codes than the 121 in- you know how much of that the United this administration has deported 3 per- dividual criminal aliens charged’’— States provides? He said: We provide cent. with murder—‘‘through 2014. Three about 11⁄2 billion of our 12. You provide most of the rest of it. He said: Yes, you b 2130 more were charged in 2015; ICE did not provide their ZIP Codes...ICE reported have got plenty of leverage. So much for protecting Americans there are 156 criminal aliens who were But, apparently, this administration, against all enemies foreign and domes- released at least twice by ICE since maybe again they are so flustered in tic. 2013.’’ trying to decide if ISIS, who has ex- This article from Paul Bedard says: That, of course, was in the other arti- pressly indicated they want to wipe out ‘‘Her analysis is the latest shocking re- cle. all Christians and they want to wipe view of Obama’s open-border immigra- It goes on to say: ‘‘ICE has previously Israel off the map, they are trying to tion policy. And despite the high num- disclosed that 75 percent of the homi- decide if that means that is really a ber of illegal immigrants charged with cidal criminal aliens were released due genocide, so they haven’t had time to murder, the list doesn’t include those to court orders.’’ notice that we have massive leverage released by over 300 so-called ’sanc- Most of those would be immigration over the Afghan Government to get tuary cities’ and those ICE declined to judges who sit at the discretion of the them to do the right thing and take even take into custody. Attorney General of the United States. back their criminal aliens that are in ‘‘She said that 124 criminal aliens re- So perhaps people can let our Attorney this country illegally and send them leased by ICE between 2010 and 2015 General know that they would like our back and take them; otherwise, the 10, were charged with murder during that Attorney General to pick some immi- 12 of your budget that we provide may period and ’associated with 250 dif- gration judges who might actually en- not get provided anymore. ferent communities in the United force our law instead of forgo the law But again, I know this administra- States, with the most clustered in Cali- so criminal aliens can commit more tion doesn’t want to offend people that fornia, New York, and Texas.’’’ crimes against Americans. are killing American citizens. I get I would assert parenthetically, Mr. I know, I understand there is so much that. It is special being that sensitive. Speaker, for those that are not Cali- going on, it is difficult to deal with all Algeria, China, India, Iran, Mr. fornia, New York, and Texas, you can- these issues at the same time, and that Speaker, I just can’t help but wonder not think for a minute that this is not is why the administration is struggling if, before the President authorized $100 already in your State. If you haven’t so whether or not to officially say that billion to $150 billion going to Iran, if heard about, it is coming. the genocide going on in the Middle maybe it occurred in someone’s mind: This says: ‘‘In a memo about the sub- East of Christians and other minorities Do you know what? I am going to save sequent crimes of released illegals to is actually genocide. It is just taking some American lives by forcing Iran to Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen- so much brain power. Even though in take back the criminal aliens from ator CHUCK GRASSLEY, ICE said, ’The here it was 393–0, the administration Iran that are not lawfully here in the aliens were charged with a total of 135 right down on Pennsylvania Avenue United States. homicide-related crimes subse- here just can’t decide if it really might I wonder if anybody in this adminis- quent’’’—for my liberal friends, that be genocide or not. tration maybe thought about that. Did means after—‘‘’to release from ICE cus- ‘‘In a separate communication, ICE they think about it and send the Presi- tody. As of July 25, 2015, a total of 39 provided a list of the countries that dent the message and it just didn’t get convictions have resulted from these currently are uncooperative in accept- to the President? Or it didn’t get to homicide-related charges. Of the 121 ing their deported citizens: Afghani- John Kerry, and they didn’t think total aliens, 2 had homicide-related stan, Algeria, Burundi, Cape Verde, about it on their own: Gee, do you convictions prior to release from ICE China, Cuba, Eritrea, Gambia, Ghana, know what? We know Iran has already custody.’’’ Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, said they are going to spend some of ICE released them knowing that they Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mo- that $100 billion, $150 billion on weap- already had homicide-related convic- rocco, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South ons systems on more terror groups like tions, and they were released to kill Sudan, and Zimbabwe.’’ Hamas and Hezbollah. Yeah, they have again upon the American public. Gee, Cuba? said that we are going to spend more Though they violated our laws to get It is a real shame that as this admin- money on all these things. We knew here and they violate our laws to stay istration negotiated all the things that that. Did it occur that that is bad here, this administration has seen to it was going to give to and do for Cuba enough that you are giving money that their release upon the American public that they didn’t apparently bring this is going to be used to kill Americans, further. issue up: Oh, by the way, the criminal Christians, Jews, Yazidis, it is going to ‘‘Vaughan added that ’ICE reported aliens that you have had come into our be used to terrorize the world? Maybe that there are 156 criminal aliens who country are coming back to your coun- you could have helped American citi- were released at least twice by ICE try because they are your citizens ille- zens out by saying: And, by the way, since 2013. Between them, these crimi- gally in our country. They are coming before we release it, you are going—and nals had 1,776 convictions’’’—that kind back to you, like it or not. never mind that they violated the of sounds patriotic. Since 2013, ICE has Apparently, I guess maybe with all agreement over and over—but you, released 1,776 criminals with 1,776 con- the concentration on whether genocide Iran, are going to need to accept back victions before they are released in is genocide, they weren’t able to re- the criminal aliens from your country 2013, including burglary, larceny, you member to bring that up to Cuba or to that are killing and terrorizing Ameri- know, those things that hurt America. China. cans in our country illegally.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.083 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE March 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1343 Did nobody think of that? It is in- ed as refugees, and there is an implicit Insurance Corporation, transmitting the credible, just incredible. Americans are assumption that their displacement is Corporation’s joint interim final rules — Ex- suffering. somehow our fault. In the weirdly nar- panded Examination Cycle for Certain Small Then we get this report from cis.org cissistic tradition of the Left, the West Insured Depository Institutions, and U.S. that 61 million immigrants and their Branches and Agencies of Foreign Banks is simultaneously blamed for having (RIN: 3064-AE42) received March 9, 2016, pur- children, young children, now live in intervened in Libya and for not having suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub- the United States. Now, most of those, intervened in Syria. But the lads I was lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the I think 43 million or so, are here le- working with in Italy were from coun- Committee on Financial Services. gally. But it is worth noting that the tries that we never bombed—except 4634. A letter from the Director, Office of number of immigrants and their chil- with aid money.’’ Congressional Affairs, Nuclear Reactor Reg- dren grew six times faster than our Na- Mr. Speaker, it is time we look seri- ulation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, tion’s population between 1970 and 2015. transmitting the Commission’s final evalua- ously at the oath every Member of Con- tion of vendor submittal — Summary of From 1970 to 2015, our United States gress, the Senate, the President, the population has grown by 59 percent. BWRVIP-18 Review in Support of GAO-001 re- Vice President, everybody in elected ceived March 9, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. That is a good, healthy growth. In the Federal office takes. We are supposed 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, meantime, the percentage of immigra- to defend this Constitution. That Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on tion growth, or the number of immi- means we are to provide for the com- Energy and Commerce. grants in the United States—first gen- mon defense against all enemies, for- 4635. A letter from the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Department of eration, that is. Most all, everybody eign and domestic. It is high time we here, even Native Americans weren’t Defense, transmitting a notice of the Air took that more seriously. Force’s Proposed Issuance of Letter of Offer native probably at one time. They have I yield back the balance of my time. come across somewhere. But first-gen- and Acceptance to the Government of Indo- f nesia, Transmittal No. 15-81, pursuant to 2 eration immigrants who actually im- U.S.C. 2776(b)(1); Public Law 90-629, Sec. 36(b) migrated in with children, that number ENROLLED BILL SIGNED (as amended by Public Law 106- 113, Sec. has grown by 353 percent over that Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, 1000(a)(7)); (113 Stat. 536); to the Committee same period. on Foreign Affairs. In many States, the increase in the reported and found truly enrolled a bill 4636. A letter from the Director, Presi- number of immigrants and their minor of the House of the following title, dential Appointments, Department of State, children from 1970 to 2015 has been which was thereupon signed by the transmitting notifications of nine federal va- nothing short of astonishing. In Geor- Speaker: cancies, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Public gia, the population grew 3,058 percent; H.R. 1755. An act to amend title 36, United Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681-614); to the States Code, to make certain improvements Committee on Oversight and Government whereas, before that, it grew from Reform. 55,000 immigrants to 1.75 million immi- in the congressional charter of the Disabled American Veterans. 4637. A letter from the Director, Office of grants. That is just in Georgia. So the Regulatory Affairs and Collaborative Action, immigrant level grew 20 times faster, f Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, transmitting the Department’s 25 times faster, than the overall State SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED population. final rule — Rights-of-Way on Indian Land So thank God for immigration. The Speaker announced his signature [156A2100DD/AAKC001030/A0A501010.999900 Thank God for legal immigration, that to enrolled bills of the Senate of the 253G] (RIN: 1076-AF20) received March 10, is. But when we abandon the rule of following titles: 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. law and don’t give ourselves time to S. 1172. An act to improve the process of 868); to the Committee on Natural Resources. welcome legal immigrants into this presidential transition. 4638. A letter from the Secretary, Judicial country and educate them—there is a S. 1580. An act to allow additional appoint- Conference of the United States, transmit- reason that they have to be educated ing authorities to select individuals from ting the Report of the Proceedings of the Ju- and are supposed to learn our language competitive service certificates. dicial Conference of the United States for S. 1826. An act to designate the facility of and supposed to learn some history, be- the September 17, 2015, session and Sep- the United States Postal Service located at tember 9, 2015, special session, pursuant to 28 cause there is a tremendous amount of 99 West 2nd Street in Fond du Lac, Wis- responsibility that comes with the U.S.C. 331; to the Committee on the Judici- consin, as the Lieutenant Colonel James ary. right to vote. You need to understand ‘‘Maggie’’ Megellas Post Office. 4639. A letter from the Director, Office of how you say what Ben Franklin said f Regulation Policy and Management, Office was ‘‘a republic, Madam, if you can of the General Counsel (02REG), National keep it.’’ You cannot keep a republic if ADJOURNMENT Cemetery Administration, Department of you don’t educate people that are com- Veterans Affairs, transmitting the Depart- Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move ment’s final rule — Applicants for VA Memo- ing in and who are foreign to the idea that the House do now adjourn. of the responsibilities of maintaining a rialization Benefits (RIN: 2900-AO95) received The motion was agreed to; accord- March 10, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. republic. You don’t keep it. You can’t ingly (at 9 o’clock and 47 minutes 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, keep it. p.m.), under its previous order, the Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on On the wave of that came this edi- House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- Veterans’ Affairs. torial from Dan Hannan, a member of day, March 15, 2016, at 10 a.m. for morn- 4640. A letter from the Director, Office of the European Parliament, dated today. ing-hour debate. Regulation Policy and Management, Office Apparently, he spent part of last sum- of the General Counsel (02REG), Veterans mer volunteering in a hostel for under- f Health Administration, Department of Vet- age migrants in the south of Italy. He erans Affairs, transmitting the Department’s EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, final rule — Vet Centers (RIN: 2900-AP21) re- talks about the migrants that came in. ETC. ceived March 10, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. He says: ‘‘I have seen refugee col- 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, umns before, and they tend to be made Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); ; to the Committee up disproportionately of women and on Veterans’ Affairs. children. Of the boat people landed by Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 4641. A letter from the Chief Impact Ana- the coast guard while I was in Italy, 4632. A letter from the Acting Director, lyst, Office of Regulation Policy, Office of more than 80 percent were young men. Legislative Affairs, Natural Resources Con- the General Counsel (02REG), Veterans Young men who, I noticed, took out servation Service, Department of Agri- Health Administration, Department of Vet- culture, transmitting the Department’s erans Affairs, transmitting the Department’s smartphones when they disembarked Major final rule — Conservation Stewardship final rule — Veterans Transportation Service and looked for Wi-Fi so as to tell their Program [Docket No.: NRCS-2014-0008] (RIN: (RIN: 2900-AO92) received March 10, 2016, pur- relatives’’ how good it was. 0578-AA63) received March 10, 2016, pursuant suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Pub- b 2145 to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. He says: mittee on Agriculture. 4642. A letter from the Federal Register Li- ‘‘Official policy in Europe is based on 4633. A letter from the Director, Office of aison Officer, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and a misdiagnosis. The migrants are treat- Legislative Affairs, Legal, Federal Deposit Trade Bureau, Department of the Treasury,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:38 Mar 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14MR7.085 H14MRPT1 smartinez on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H1344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 14, 2016 transmitting the Department’s final rule — Federal Power Act to provide that any inac- erty from other Federal agencies and to dis- Expansion of the Willamette Valley tion by the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- pose of certain property in its possession; to Viticultural Area [Docket No.: TTB-2015- mission that allows a rate change to go into the Committee on House Administration. 0008; T.D. TTB-134; Ref: Notice No.: 152] (RIN: effect shall be treated as an order by the By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: 1513-AC21) received March 10, 2016, pursuant Commission for purposes of rehearing and H.R. 4734. A bill to amend the Federal Elec- to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law court review (Rept. 114–452). Referred to the tion Campaign Act of 1971 to permit can- 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Committee of the Whole House on the state didates for election for Federal office to des- mittee on Ways and Means. of the Union. ignate an individual who will be authorized 4643. A letter from the Chief, Publications Mr. STIVERS: Committee on Rules. House to disburse funds of the authorized campaign and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Resolution 640. Resolution providing for con- committees of the candidate in the event of Service, transmitting the Service’s final reg- sideration of the bill (H.R. 4596) to ensure the death of the candidate; to the Committee ulations — Regulations under IRC Section that small business providers of broadband on House Administration. 7430 Relating to Awards of Administrative Internet access service can devote resources By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: Costs and Attorneys’ Fees [TD 9756] (RIN: to broadband deployment rather than com- H.R. 4735. A bill to establish a working cap- 1545-AX46) received March 9, 2016, pursuant pliance with cumbersome regulatory require- ital fund for the Architect of the Capitol, to to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law ments, and providing for consideration of the permit the Architect of the Capitol to use 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- bill (H.R. 3797) to establish the bases by certain funds to operate a shuttle service for mittee on Ways and Means. which the Administrator of the Environ- Members and employees of Congress to trav- 4644. A letter from the Chief, Publications mental Protection Agency shall issue, imple- el to and from the House Office Buildings, and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue ment, and enforce certain emission limita- and for other purposes; to the Committee on Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only tions and allocations for existing electric House Administration, and in addition to the rule — Modification of Rev. Rul. 2005-3 (Rev. utility steam generating units that convert Committees on Transportation and Infra- Rul. 2016-8) received March 9, 2016, pursuant coal refuse into energy (Rept. 114–453). Re- structure, and Appropriations, for a period to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law ferred to the House Calendar. to be subsequently determined by the Speak- er, in each case for consideration of such pro- 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- f mittee on Ways and Means. visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 4645. A letter from the Chief, Publications PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS committee concerned. and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue Under clause 2 of rule XII, public By Mr. MACARTHUR: H.R. 4736. A bill to remove from the John Service, transmitting the Service’s tem- bills and resolutions of the following porary regulations — Consistent Basis Re- H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System porting Between Estate and Person Acquir- titles were introduced and severally re- certain properties in New Jersey; to the ing Property From Decedent [TD 9757] (RIN: ferred, as follows: Committee on Natural Resources. 1545-BM98) received March 9, 2016, pursuant By Mr. CONNOLLY (for himself and By Mr. MULVANEY: to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law Mr. FITZPATRICK): H.R. 4737. A bill to protect State and Tribal 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- H.R. 4729. A bill to provide for the more ac- sovereignty from unwarranted infringement mittee on Ways and Means. curate computation of retirement benefits by an independent agency of the Federal gov- 4646. A letter from the Chief, Publications for certain firefighters employed by the Fed- ernment by requiring the Bureau of Con- and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue eral Government; to the Committee on Over- sumer Financial Protection to justify cer- Service, transmitting the Service’s IRB only sight and Government Reform. tain proposals to preempt State and Tribal rule — Determination of Housing Cost By Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS (for law, and for other purposes; to the Com- Amounts Eligible for Exclusion or Deduction herself, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, Mr. mittee on Financial Services. for 2016 [Notice 2016-21] received March 9, BRAT, Mr. BUCK, Mr. BYRNE, Mr. By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER (for himself 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Added CRAMER, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illi- and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska): by Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. nois, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. H.R. 4738. A bill to require the Secretary of 868); to the Committee on Ways and Means. HUDSON, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. Commerce, acting through the Adminis- 4647. A letter from the Chief, Publications MESSER, Mr. MULLIN, Mr. OLSON, Mr. trator of the National Oceanic and Atmos- and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue PALMER, Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia, pheric Administration, to establish a con- Service, transmitting the Service’s final and Mr. RIBBLE, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. WALK- stituent-driven program to provide a digital temporary regulations — Utility Allowances ER, Mr. WESTERMAN, and Mr. information platform capable of efficiently Submetering [TD 9755] (RIN: 1545-BI91) re- FARENTHOLD): integrating coastal data with decision-sup- ceived March 9, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. H.R. 4730. A bill to provide for a congres- port tools, training, and best practices and 801(a)(1)(A); Added by Public Law 104-121, sional reauthorizing schedule for unauthor- to support collection of priority coastal Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on ized Federal programs, and for other pur- geospatial data to inform and improve local, Ways and Means. poses; to the Committee on Oversight and State, regional, and Federal capacities to manage the coastal region, and for other f Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Rules, Appropriations, and purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON the Budget, for a period to be subsequently sources. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS determined by the Speaker, in each case for By Mr. TAKAI (for himself, Mr. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of consideration of such provisions as fall with- GRAVES of Missouri, and Ms. GABBARD): committees were delivered to the Clerk in the jurisdiction of the committee con- cerned. H. Con. Res. 124. Concurrent resolution rec- for printing and reference to the proper By Mr. LABRADOR (for himself, Mr. ognizing the 75th anniversary of the attack calendar, as follows: GOODLATTE, Mr. GOWDY, Mr. SMITH of on Pearl Harbor and the lasting significance Mr. GOODLATTE: Committee on the Judi- Texas, and Mr. COLLINS of Georgia): of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day; ciary. H.R. 2745. A bill to amend the Clayton H.R. 4731. A bill to provide for an annual to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act adjustment of the number of admissible refu- addition to the Committee on Armed Serv- to provide that the Federal Trade Commis- gees, and for other purposes; to the Com- ices, for a period to be subsequently deter- sion shall exercise authority with respect to mittee on the Judiciary. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- mergers only under the Clayton Act and only By Mr. RIBBLE (for himself, Mr. KIND, sideration of such provisions as fall within in the same procedural manner as the Attor- Mr. DUFFY, Mr. GROTHMAN, Ms. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. ney General exercises such authority (Rept. MOORE, Mr. POCAN, Mr. SENSEN- By Mr. CUMMINGS (for himself, Ms. 114–449). Referred to the Committee of the BRENNER, Mr. ROSS, and Mr. AMODEI): WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. Whole House on the state of the Union. H.R. 4732. A bill to amend title XVIII of the BUTTERFIELD, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Social Security Act to establish rules for Illinois, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. HASTINGS, ural Resources. H.R. 2273. A bill to amend payment for graduate medical education Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. BROWN of Flor- the Colorado River Storage Project Act to (GME) costs for hospitals that establish a ida, Ms. NORTON, Mr. CLAY, Mr. VAN authorize the use of the active capacity of new medical residency training program HOLLEN, Mrs. BEATTY, Mrs. DINGELL, the Fontenelle Reservoir; with amendments after hosting resident rotators for short du- Mr. DELANEY, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, (Rept. 114–450). Referred to the Committee of rations; to the Committee on Ways and Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Mr. CLEAVER, the Whole House on the state of the Union. Means, and in addition to the Committee on Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. UPTON: Committee on Energy and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Commerce. H.R. 4427. A bill to amend section subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Mr. COHEN, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, 203 of the Federal Power Act; with an amend- each case for consideration of such provi- Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, ment (Rept. 114–451). Referred to the Com- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Ms. PLASKETT, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. mittee of the Whole House on the state of committee concerned. SCOTT of Virginia, and Ms. SLAUGH- the Union. By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: TER): Mr. UPTON: Committee on Energy and H.R. 4733. A bill to permit the United H. Res. 638. A resolution recognizing the Commerce. H.R. 2984. A bill to amend the States Capitol Police to accept certain prop- life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks in honor

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of Women’s History Month; to the Com- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1516: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- mittee on Energy and Commerce. lation pursuant to the following: fornia. By Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin: Article I. H.R. 1545: Mr. NEWHOUSE. H. Res. 639. A resolution authorizing the By Mr. MACARTHUR: H.R. 1550: Mr. DUFFY and Mr. THOMPSON of Speaker to appear as amicus curiae on behalf H.R. 4736. California. of the House of Representatives in the mat- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1586: Mr. KILMER. ter of United States, et al. v. Texas, et al., lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1625: Mr. BERA. No. 15-674; to the Committee on Rules. Article 1, Clause 8, Section 1 H.R. 1628: Mr. GRIJALVA. By Mr. FOSTER (for himself, Mrs. By Mr. MULVANEY: H.R. 1643: Mr. MARINO. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. JOHNSON of H.R. 4737. H.R. 1650: Mr. CRAMER. Georgia, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1655: Ms. STEFANIK and Mr. DONOVAN. RANGEL, and Mrs. LAWRENCE): lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1706: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H. Res. 641. A resolution expressing support Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. ‘‘The Con- H.R. 1728: Mr. COHEN. for designation of March 14, 2016, as ‘‘Na- gress shall have Power To lay and collect H.R. 1814: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER and Ms. tional Pi Day’’; to the Committee on Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay BROWN of Florida. Science, Space, and Technology. the Debts and provide for the common H.R. 1854: Mr. LUETKEMEYER. By Mr. SESSIONS (for himself, Mr. Defence and general Welfare of the United H.R. 1859: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. STIVERS, Mr. MEEHAN, Mr. DONOVAN, States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises H.R. 1887: Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. DENT, Mr. SIMPSON, and Mr. shall be uniform throughout the United Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. LANGEVIN. BUCK): States.’’ H.R. 1894: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. H. Res. 642. A resolution recognizing magic Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. ‘‘To regulate H.R. 1948: Mr. DESAULNIER and Mr. BEN as a rare and valuable art form and national commerce with foreign nations, and among RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico. treasure; to the Committee on Oversight and the several states, and with the Indian H.R. 2009: Mr. GOSAR. Government Reform. tribes.’’ H.R. 2096: Mr. MARINO. H.R. 2170: Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. TAKAI, and f Article I, Section 8, Clause 18. ‘‘To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper Mr. NEAL. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY for carrying into Execution the foregoing H.R. 2216: Mr. FOSTER. STATEMENT Powers, and all other Powers vested by this H.R. 2257: Mr. JONES. H.R. 2404: Mr. RICHMOND and Mr. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Offi- BUCHANAN. the Rules of the House of Representa- cer thereof.’’ H.R. 2407: Ms. STEFANIK. tives, the following statements are sub- By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER: H.R. 2450: Mr. KEATING and Ms. MOORE. mitted regarding the specific powers H.R. 4738. H.R. 2460: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama and Mrs. granted to Congress in the Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- LOWEY. tion to enact the accompanying bill or lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2461: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. joint resolution. Commerce Clause H.R. 2500: Mr. GRAVES of Missouri, Mr. TED LIEU of California, and Ms. STEFANIK. By Mr. CONNOLLY: f H.R. 2589: Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 4729. CRAMER, and Mr. LANCE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 2622: Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. lation pursuant to the following: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 2698: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan and Mr. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 were added to public bills and resolu- STEWART. By Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS: tions, as follows: H.R. 2716: Mr. LAMBORN. H.R. 4730. H.R. 2739: Mr. MILLER of Florida and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 27: Mr. ROSKAM. DEFAZIO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 183: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. H.R. 2799: Mr. ASHFORD, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. Article I, Section 7, Clause 1: ‘‘All Bills for H.R. 184: Mr. PITTENGER. CRAMER, Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. LARSON of raising Revenue shall originate in the House H.R. 228: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Connecticut, and Mrs. BLACK. of Representatives; but the Senate may pro- H.R. 244: Mr. JOYCE and Mr. BOUSTANY. H.R. 2876: Mr. JONES. pose or concur with amendments as on other H.R. 288: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 2896: Mr. COLLINS of New York, Mr. Bills.’’ fornia. TURNER, and Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Article I, Section 9, Clause 7: ‘‘No Money H.R. 292: Mr. ASHFORD and Mr. REICHERT. H.R. 2901: Mr. ASHFORD. shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in H.R. 347: Mr. POSEY. H.R. 2903: Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; H.R. 430: Mrs. LAWRENCE. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania, and Mr. and a regular Statement and Account of the H.R. 540: Mr. NADLER and Mr. GRAYSON. COHEN. Receipts and Expenditures of all public H.R. 563: Mr. LOBIONDO. H.R. 2972: Mr. HINOJOSA, and Mr. FOSTER. Money shall be published from time to H.R. 581: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 2980: Mr. KIND, Ms. ESHOO, and Mr. time.’’ sylvania. COLLINS of New York. By Mr. LABRADOR: H.R. 605: Mr. CRAMER and Mr. HINOJOSA. H.R. 2998: Mr. BLUM. H.R. 4731. H.R. 619: Mr. FATTAH. H.R. 3011: Mr. MCKINLEY. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 624: Mr. WELCH and Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 3048: Mr. GUINTA, Mr. TIPTON, Ms. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 664: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. GRANGER, and Mr. ROSS. Clause 4 of Section 8 of Article I of the H.R. 793: Mr. BOUSTANY. H.R. 3051: Ms. ADAMS and Mr. CARNEY. Constitution—The Congress shall have H.R. 799: Mr. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 3096: Mr. MOULTON, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Power to establish a uniform Rule of Natu- H.R. 800: Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. RUSH, Ms. NORTON, and Ms. TITUS. ralization, and uniform Laws on the subject H.R. 816: Mr. BARR. H.R. 3119: Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. STIVERS, Ms. of Bankruptcies throughout the United H.R. 822: Mr. POMPEO and Mrs. ELLMERS of WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. POCAN, Mr. DOLD, States. North Carolina. Mr. KIND, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. DENT. By Mr. RIBBLE: H.R. 842: Mr. QUIGLEY. H.R. 3164: Ms. WILSON of Florida. H.R. 4732. H.R. 846: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 3209: Mr. BLUMENAUER. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 923: Mr. JORDAN and Mr. LATTA. H.R. 3222: Mr. BURGESS, Mr. LAMBORN, and lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 953: Ms. PINGREE. Mr. FLEMING. Article I of the Constitution grants Con- H.R. 986: Mr. SHUSTER. H.R. 3225: Mr. MARINO and Mr. VELA. gress the authority to regulate interstate H.R. 1112: Mr. WELCH and Mr. STEWART. H.R. 3229: Ms. BONAMICI. commerce. H.R. 1117: Mr. ASHFORD. H.R. 3235: Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Ms. NORTON, By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: H.R. 1196: Mr. CRAMER. Mr. ASHFORD, Ms. MATSUI, and Mrs. DAVIS of H.R. 4733. H.R. 1197: Mr. ZINKE. California. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1198: Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 3323: Mr. NUNES. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1220: Mr. CROWLEY and Mrs. WALORSKI. H.R. 3326: Mr. PERRY and Ms. SLAUGHTER. Article I. H.R. 1221: Mr. ASHFORD. H.R. 3526: Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: H.R. 1336: Mrs. BLACK and Mr. KILMER. H.R. 3535: Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Penn- H.R. 4734. H.R. 1356: Mr. PETERSON, Mr. BEN RAY sylvania. Congress has the power to enact this legis- LUJA´ N of New Mexico, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of H.R. 3559: Mr. GRIJALVA. lation pursuant to the following: Georgia, and Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. H.R. 3673: Mr. WESTERMAN. Article I, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 1422: Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 3684: Ms. STEFANIK. tion. H.R. 1427: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia and Mr. H.R. 3706: Mr. TROTT. By Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania: NADLER. H.R. 3712: Mr. SERRANO. H.R. 4735. H.R. 1453: Mr. SMITH of Washington. H.R. 3713: Mr. HONDA.

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H.R. 3779: Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. WALZ, Ms. SEWELL of Alabama, Mr. YAR- H. Res. 600: Ms. GABBARD and Mr. RICH- H.R. 3799: Mr. SHUSTER. MUTH, Mr. KIND, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. MOND. H.R. 3880: Mr. TIPTON. MCNERNEY, Ms. MENG, Ms. LEE, Ms. BROWN H. Res. 605: Mr. TAKANO and Mr. CHAFFETZ. H.R. 3886: Mr. RANGEL. of Florida, Ms. NORTON, Mr. GUTHRIE, Ms. H. Res. 610: Mr. JONES. H.R. 3892: Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. KELLY of JACKSON LEE, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. ESHOO, H. Res. 617: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona and Mr. Pennsylvania, Mr. HUNTER, Mrs. MILLER of Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. WHITFIELD, and Mr. COOK. Michigan, and Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. GRIJALVA. H. Res. 625: Mr. VARGAS. H.R. 3913: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H.R. 4595: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H. Res. 630: Miss RICE of New York. H.R. 3926: Mr. LYNCH. H.R. 4599: Mr. FOSTER. H.R. 3948: Mr. NOLAN. H.R. 4611: Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. f H.R. 4055: Mr. GRAYSON. RANGEL, Ms. NORTON, Ms. MAXINE WATERS of H.R. 4062: Ms. MCSALLY. California, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. H.R. 4075: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of CLAY, Mr. TAKANO, and Mr. YARMUTH. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- Texas. H.R. 4612: Mr. ROUZER, Mr. HENSARLING, ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- and Mr. BABIN. H.R. 4087: Mr. FORBES. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 4118: Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 4615: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. H.R. 4165: Mr. LIPINSKI. H.R. 4623: Mr. COHEN. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or H.R. 4625: Miss RICE of New York, Ms. H.R. 4172: Ms. NORTON. statements on congressional earmarks, DEGETTE, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of H.R. 4336: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Ms. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff New York, and Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- BONAMICI, Mr. AMODEI, and Mr. TURNER. benefits were submitted as follows: H.R. 4342: Mr. REED. fornia. H.R. 4626: Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. H.R. 4365: Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. POCAN, OFFERED BY MR. SHUSTER DENHAM, and Mr. HIGGINS. and Mr. SENSENBRENNER. H.R. 4721 does not contain any congres- H.R. 4633: Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. LOWENTHAL, H.R. 4371: Mr. ROSKAM and Mr. AUSTIN sional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or lim- Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, and Mr. RICHMOND. SCOTT of Georgia. ited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of H.R. 4640: Mr. COFFMAN and Mrs. KIRK- H.R. 4396: Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mr. rule XXI. PATRICK. The amendment to be offered by Rep- DESAULNIER, Ms. DEGETTE, Mr. BLU- H.R. 4642: Ms. HAHN. MENAUER, Mr. WELCH, Mr. KILMER, and Ms. H.R. 4653: Mr. DESAULNIER, Ms. CASTOR of resentative PALLONE, or a designee, to H.R. PINGREE. Florida, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. 3797, the SENSE Act, does not contain any H.R. 4422: Mr. CONYERS. ESHOO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Mr. HUFFMAN. congressional earmarks, limited tax bene- H.R. 4462: Mr. HUFFMAN. H.R. 4665: Ms. NORTON and Mr. SIMPSON. fits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in H.R. 4474: Mr. BYRNE. H.R. 4681: Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. MOORE, clause 9 of rule XXI. H.R. 4479: Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. Ms. LEE, Mr. CLAY, Ms. NORTON, Ms. BROWN PAYNE, Ms. MOORE, Mr. POCAN, and Mr. GRI- of Florida, Mr. GRIJALVA, and Mr. VELA. f JALVA. H.R. 4683: Mr. GIBSON and Mr. ISRAEL. H.R. 4488: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. H.R. 4694: Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Ms. WIL- H.R. 4705: Mr. ROONEY of Florida. PETITIONS, ETC. SON of Florida, Mr. KILMER, and Ms. ADAMS. H.R. 4715: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, Under clause 3 of rule XII, petitions H.R. 4497: Mr. COSTA. and papers were laid on the Clerk’s H.R. 4499: Mr. KNIGHT and Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. GRIFFITH, Mrs. MIMI H.R. 4513: Mr. COLLINS of New York. WALTERS of California, and Mr. LOUDERMILK. desk and referred as follows: UCHANAN ENACCI H.R. 4514: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. H.R. 4722: Mr. B and Mr. R . 50. The SPEAKER presented a petition of H. Con. Res. 19: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. QUIGLEY, and Miss the Union County Board of Chosen H. Con. Res. 40: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. CLAY, RICE of New York. Freeholders, NJ, relative to Resolution: 2016– Mr. LEWIS, Ms. NORTON, Ms. KAPTUR, Mrs. H.R. 4529: Ms. ADAMS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. 183, supporting the President of the United LAWRENCE, Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. SCOTT VARGAS, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. HASTINGS, and Mr. States of America’s current position and ex- of Virginia, Ms. MOORE, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. GRIJALVA. ecutive actions in regard to the Deferred Ac- GALLEGO, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. H.R. 4540: Mr. SCHWEIKERT. tion for Childhood Arrivals and Deferred Ac- LANGEVIN, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. H.R. 4543: Mrs. BEATTY and Ms. JUDY CHU tion for Parents of Americans and Lawful DUCKWORTH, Ms. JACKSON LEE, and Mr. TED of California. Permanent Residents orders; to the Com- LIEU of California. H.R. 4567: Mr. KILMER. mittee on the Judiciary. H. Con. Res. 75: Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. ZELDIN, H.R. 4570: Mr. FATTAH, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. 51. Also, a petition of Mr. Gregory D. Wat- Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. HUIZENGA of DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. MOORE, Mr. son of Austin, TX, relative to urging Con- Michigan, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. CONYERS, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Mr. CROWLEY, gress to enact legislation which would re- NORCROSS, Mr. KNIGHT, Mr. ROUZER, and Mrs. Ms. JUDY CHU of California, and Ms. CLARKE quire that an autopsy be conducted, and the NOEM. of New York. H. Con. Res. 88: Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of Cali- results thereof be made public, whenever a H.R. 4585: Mr. COHEN, Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. fornia. still-serving President, Vice President, Mem- KILMER, and Mr. LEWIS. H. Con. Res. 96: Mr. RICHMOND. ber of Congress, Chief Justice or Associate H.R. 4592: Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. MICHAEL F. H. Res. 540 : Mr. TONKO. Justice of the Supreme Court, or any Judge DOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. H. Res. 586: Mrs. COMSTOCK. of any Federal Court dies; jointly to the HIMES, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. KIL- H. Res. 591: Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. JOYCE, Mr. Committees on House Administration, Over- DEE, Ms. KUSTER, Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of SIMPSON, Mr. GUINTA, Mr. THORNBERRY, and sight and Government Reform, and the Judi- California, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. HUFFMAN. ciary.

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