Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 117 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Home , American Jobs Plan, Bidenomics

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 117 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 167 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 No. 85 House of Representatives The House met at noon and was struggling to keep staff. Despite the need to return to these solutions today called to order by the Speaker pro tem- progress that we are making in our to secure our success for tomorrow. pore (Mr. PERLMUTTER). fight against the COVID–19 virus, American workers are the key to our f Democrats are continuing their Big recovery. They are truly essential. For Government, socialist plans. This centuries, hard work has been the key DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO alarming workforce trend is rooted in to uplifting families and achieving the TEMPORE the Democrat’s scheme to keep paying American Dream. We cannot allow this The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- people to stay at home, and it must longstanding tradition to be lost. fore the House the following commu- end now. For the sake of our workforce and for nication from the Speaker: Thanks to American innovation and our communities, we must uphold the WASHINGTON, DC, the success of Operation Warp Speed, dignity of work. We must support the May 17, 2021. our Nation is winning the fight against workforce, and we must get our Nation I hereby appoint the Honorable ED the COVID–19 pandemic. Safe vaccines back on the road to recovery. PERLMUTTER to act as Speaker pro are the key to restoring our personal f tempore on this day. liberties, eradicating this virus, get- RECOGNIZING NORWEGIAN NANCY PELOSI, ting our kids back to school full time, INDEPENDENCE DAY Speaker of the House of Representatives. and, yes, getting the American people The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f back to work. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from MORNING-HOUR DEBATE Just like every previous challenge in California (Mrs. KIM) for 5 minutes. our history, I know that our Nation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, has the potential to recover from this ant to the order of the House of Janu- I rise today to recognize Norwegian ary 4, 2021, the Chair will now recog- pandemic and to recover stronger than Constitution Day. On May 17, 1814, Nor- nize Members from lists submitted by ever before. This truly is the American way’s Constitution was officially the majority and minority leaders for way. signed, declaring Norway as an inde- To succeed, we cannot allow Presi- morning-hour debate. pendent country. The Chair will alternate recognition dent Biden and the Democrats to sabo- Mr. Speaker, 207 years later, we re- between the parties, with time equally tage our forward momentum. From day member this important history and allocated between the parties and each one in office, the President has prom- join Norwegians around the globe in Member other than the majority and ised Big Government interference that celebrating its independence. minority leaders and the minority comes with higher taxes and more reg- I would like to extend our apprecia- whip limited to 5 minutes, but in no ulation for American businesses. tion to the Norwegian-American com- event shall debate continue beyond 1:50 Now, in the name of so-called infra- munity for all the tremendous con- p.m. structure reforms, the Biden adminis- tributions they make to make America tration is flaunting job-killing plans f great. that would crush America’s and Penn- I would also like to recognize my UPHOLD DIGNITY OF WORK sylvania’s robust manufacturing and amazing scheduler, Kristine Nichols. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The energy industries. She is a proud Norwegian-American Chair recognizes the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, job-killing schemes and who recently obtained her U.S. citizen- Pennsylvania (Mr. JOYCE) for 5 min- higher taxes are not the answer to the ship. I want Kristine to know that I ap- utes. problem that lies in front of us. The preciate all that she does to keep my Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Mr. dignity of work is a core tenet of our office running smoothly and, most im- Speaker, right now, our Nation is fac- national fabric. This belief has moti- portantly, to keep me sane every day. vated the generations of courageous ing a growing workforce crisis. f For anyone who is paying attention, Americans who built and forged our the most recent jobs report was incred- Nation. RECESS ibly disappointing, but it wasn’t a sur- Now it is once again time to get The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- prise. Nearly everywhere I go across America safely back to work. Along- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair my district in Pennsylvania, I see side President Trump, I worked hard to declares the House in recess until 2 ‘‘help wanted’’ signs. advance a pro-growth agenda to sup- p.m. today. Every day, I hear from small busi- port the workforce and create Amer- Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 5 min- nesses that are struggling to hire and ican jobs for American workers. We utes p.m.), the House stood in recess.

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.

H2359

® Pdnted on recycled papfil.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.000 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 b 1400 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Jake, your story of following your PRO TEMPORE dreams and overcoming adversity is an AFTER RECESS The SPEAKER pro tempore. The inspiration to all of us, and I couldn’t The recess having expired, the House Chair will entertain up to 15 requests be prouder to represent you in Con- was called to order by the Speaker pro for 1-minute speeches on each side of gress. tempore (Mr. MORELLE) at 2 p.m. the aisle. f f f ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRAYER MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PRO TEMPORE The Chaplain, the Reverend Margaret MONTH The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Grun Kibben, offered the following (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair prayer: asked and was given permission to ad- will postpone further proceedings God, You are our savior, our dress the House for 1 minute and to re- today on motions to suspend the rules strength, and our song. vise and extend his remarks.) on which the yeas and nays are or- Lord, even as we reflect on these Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. dered. words of the Psalmist, call to our Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The House will resume proceedings minds how often throughout history, May as Mental Health Awareness on postponed questions at a later time. and in our own lives, You have been Month. The focus of this campaign is f our salvation. to break down the stigma surrounding Help us to recall how You have inter- mental health. IMPROVING VA ACCOUNTABILITY vened time and again in the health and Each year, millions of Americans TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASS- welfare of our loved ones as well as our face the reality of living with a mental MENT AND DISCRIMINATION ACT own. illness. By breaking the stigma and OF 2021 May we recollect how often You have talking about depression, anxiety, and Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to set Your shield before us in the pres- other conditions, we can help those af- suspend the rules and pass the bill ence of our enemies, in moments of de- fected to seek the quality care that (H.R. 2704) to amend title 38, United spair, and in the face of harm. they deserve. States Code, to improve the equal em- Give us reason to remember the innu- After spending the past year locked ployment opportunity functions of De- merable times You have protected us down and secluded from society, it is partment of Veterans Affairs, and for from our own foolish actions and pride- more important than ever to check in other purposes. ful behavior. on your loved ones. If you are suffering The Clerk read the title of the bill. Inspire us by these memories of Your or feel alone, please reach out for help. The text of the bill is as follows: saving acts, large and small, that we It is important to remember that you H.R. 2704 would allow them to shape our present. are not alone. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Save us, we pray. We beseech You, O Mr. Speaker, by bringing attention resentatives of the United States of America in Lord, grant that all that we say today to mental health, we can elevate the Congress assembled, would reflect our gratitude for the suc- conversations surrounding mental SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. cess You have given us. May all that health. We are focusing on prioritizing This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Improving we do today be a prosperous celebra- mental health and acknowledging it is VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Har- tion of Your redemptive love to us and okay to not be okay. assment and Discrimination Act of 2021’’. to those around us. This month, reach out to your loved SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENTS TO EQUAL EMPLOYMENT Salvation belongs to You, O Lord. ones and check in. By starting the con- OPPORTUNITY FUNCTIONS OF DE- PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. May Your blessings remain upon Your versation, we are one step closer to (a) ALIGNMENT OF EEO DIRECTOR.— people. It is in Your merciful name we ending the stigma surrounding mental (1) REPORTING AND DUTIES.—Subsection (h) pray. health. of section 516 of title 38, United States Code, Amen. f is amended— (A) by striking ‘‘The provisions’’ and in- f RECOGNIZING JAKE WEGNER serting ‘‘(1) The provisions’’; and THE JOURNAL (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS asked and (B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- was given permission to address the ‘‘(2) Beginning not later than 90 days after ant to section 11(a) of House Resolu- House for 1 minute and to revise and the date of the enactment of this paragraph, tion 188, the Journal of the last day’s extend her remarks.) in carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary proceedings is approved. Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, shall ensure that the official of the Depart- I rise today to share an uplifting story ment who serves as the Equal Employment f about a young man from my congres- Opportunity Director of the Department— ‘‘(A) reports directly to the Deputy Sec- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE sional district. Jake Wegner, a senior at Central Col- retary with respect to the functions under The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the this section; and lege in Pella, Iowa, took his first at bat ‘‘(B) does not also serve in a position that gentleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) after beating cancer twice. has responsibility over personnel functions come forward and lead the House in the Jake’s first battle with cancer began of the Department or other functions that Pledge of Allegiance. when he was diagnosed with neuro- conflict with the functions under this sec- Mr. BOST led the Pledge of Alle- blastoma before the start of his high tion.’’. giance as follows: school senior baseball season. (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such sec- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the After recovering from surgery, Jake tion is further amended— United States of America, and to the Repub- enrolled at Central College, where he (A) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting ‘‘, in accordance with subsection (h)(2),’’ after ‘‘an lic for which it stands, one nation under God, finished his first semester, but upon re- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Assistant Secretary or a Deputy Assistant turning home for a checkup, he learned Secretary’’; and f that the cancer had relapsed. (B) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘the Jake kept his faith strong and family Assistant Secretary for Human Resources ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER close while he endured chemotherapy and Administration’’ and inserting ‘‘the Sec- PRO TEMPORE for the next 15 months, and in January retary’’. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under of 2018, he was ready to begin classes (b) ALIGNMENT OF EEO PROGRAM MAN- clause 5(d) of rule XX, the Chair an- again. AGERS.—Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new sub- nounces to the House that, in light of In yesterday’s game against Simpson section: the resignation of the gentleman from College, after 3 years of being cancer- ‘‘(i) In accordance with subsection (b), not Ohio (Mr. STIVERS), the whole number free, Jake took his first at bat for sen- later than December 31, 2021, the Secretary of the House is 430. ior night. of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that each

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.004 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2361 Equal Employment Opportunity program The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tions, and also the author of this im- manager of the Department at the facility objection to the request of the gen- portant piece of legislation. level reports to the head of the Office of Res- tleman from California? Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I want to olution Management, or such successor of- begin by thanking Chairman TAKANO fice established pursuant to subsection (a), There was no objection. with respect to the equal employment func- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield and Ranking Member BOST for their tions of the program manager.’’. myself such time as I may consume. work in putting together this com- (c) REPORTING HARASSMENT AND EMPLOY- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2704, sponsored by prehensive group of bills today to sup- MENT DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS.—Sub- Oversight and Investigations Sub- port our veterans, including this bill, section (a) of such section 516 is amended— committee Chair PAPPAS, takes impor- and I appreciate their support for it. (1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and insert- tant steps to address sexual harass- I rise in support of this legislation, ing ‘‘(1) The Secretary’’; and ment and discrimination at the VA. the Improving VA Accountability to (2) by adding at the end the following new Prevent Sexual Harassment and Dis- paragraph: This bipartisan legislation, the Im- ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall ensure that the proving VA Accountability to Prevent crimination Act, a bill that I intro- employment discrimination complaint reso- Sexual Harassment and Discrimination duced, along with Representative lution system established under paragraph Act, would prioritize VA’s tracking and HINSON. (1) requires that any manager of the Depart- responses to allegations. This bipartisan, bicameral bill will ment who receives a sexual or other harass- For example, it requires VA’s Equal take critical steps to combat sexual ment or employment discrimination com- Employment Opportunity Director to harassment by updating VA’s anti- plaint reports such complaint to the Office of quated policies and structure, in addi- Resolution Management, or such successor report directly to the Deputy Sec- office, immediately, or if such immediate re- retary. It also requires that any VA tion to creating stronger reporting reporting is impracticable, not later than two manager who receives a report of sex- quirements. business days after the date on which the ual or other harassment, or employ- We know that at least 1 in 4 women manager receives the complaint.’’. ment discrimination, report that com- and 1 in 10 men who have served in the (d) TRAINING.—Subsection (c) of such sec- military are survivors of sexual as- tion 516 is amended by adding at the end the plaint within 2 business days. Among other important actions, this sault, harassment, or abuse. following new sentence: ‘‘Beginning not later At the VA, we know that at least 1 in than September 30, 2021, the Secretary shall bill will also mandate additional train- provide to each employee of the Department ing to identify and address sexual, and 4 women veterans and 1 in 4 women em- mandatory annual training on identifying other types of harassment, and employ- ployees experience sexual harassment and addressing sexual and other harassment ment discrimination. in healthcare settings. and employment discrimination, including This legislation is based largely on It is simply unacceptable that some- with respect to processes under the Harass- one who has proudly served our Nation ment Prevention Program of the Depart- the work of the Government Account- ability Office, who testified in our com- is subjected to sexual harassment in ment, or such successor program. An em- the institution whose charge it is to ployee of the Department who is hired on or mittee during July of last year. after such date shall receive the first such I urge my colleagues to support the serve them. It is long past time for us to make mandatory annual training not later than 60 bill, and I reserve the balance of my systemic change at the VA that will days after being hired.’’. time. (e) HARASSMENT AND EMPLOYMENT DIS- honor the service of our veterans and Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- CRIMINATION POLICIES AND DIRECTIVES.—The healthcare providers and keep people self such time as I may consume. Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— safe. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support (1) by not later than September 30, 2021, This is commonsense legislation that of H.R. 2704, the Improving VA Ac- and on a regular basis thereafter, review the came out of an Oversight and Inves- policies relating to sexual and other harass- countability to Prevent Sexual Harass- tigation Subcommittee hearing that ment and employment discrimination of the ment and Discrimination Act of 2021. we held last July. We heard from the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure It is a terrible reality that, according GAO and the VA on this issue. While that such policies are complete and in ac- to a recent study, roughly 26 percent of important steps have been made by the cordance with the sexual and other harass- female employees and 14 percent of ment and employment discrimination poli- VA in the recent past, this is impor- male employees at VA have reported cies established by the Office of Resolution tant legislation that is going to con- experiencing sexual harassment over a Management of the Department, or such suc- tinue to improve this situation and 2-year period. cessor office; and make the kind of long-lasting change Sadly, an even higher percentage of (2) by not later than 180 days after the date that is long overdue. of the enactment of this Act, issue a final di- employees reported some type of dis- rective and a handbook for the Harassment I urge my colleagues to pass this crimination, such as reprisal or racial commonsense bill. Prevention Program of the Department. discrimination. (f) REPORTS.—Not later than 180 days after Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 the date of the enactment of this Act, and Though these problems are large, I minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa semiannually thereafter for one year, the applaud the work of the VA Office of (Mrs. HINSON), the cosponsor of the bill. Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Resolution Management, Diversity and Mrs. HINSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Inclusion and what they do. They are today in support of H.R. 2704, the Im- House of Representatives and the Senate a taking these issues on headfirst, but proving VA Accountability to Prevent report on the progress the Secretary has there is still a long way to go. made in carrying out this section and sec- Sexual Harassment and Discrimination That is why I am proud to support Act. tion 516 of title 38, United States Code, as H.R. 2704, which would eliminate the amended by this section, including with re- I was proud to introduce this legisla- spect to reporting sexual and other harass- potential conflict of interest in VA’s tion alongside Congressman CHRIS ment and employment discrimination com- chain of command; require stricter re- PAPPAS and Senator MAGGIE HASSAN, plaints pursuant to subsection (a)(2) of such porting of allegations of sexual harass- as well as my fellow Iowan, Senator section 516. ment and discrimination; and require JONI ERNST, who is a combat veteran The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- VA to finalize and deploy the Harass- and sexual assault survivor herself. ant to the rule, the gentleman from ment Prevention Program, along with Last year, a Government Account- California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- increasing training and reviews. ability Office report exposed disturbing tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each I am grateful to Chairman CHRIS failures at the U.S. Department of Vet- will control 20 minutes. PAPPAS and Congresswoman ASHLEY erans Affairs to handle sexual harass- The Chair recognizes the gentleman HINSON for introducing this bill and ment and discrimination at the agency from California. leading it. The bill has my full support. properly. The report also revealed that GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of between 18 and 27 percent of VA em- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask my time. ployees experienced some form of sex- unanimous consent that all Members Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ual harassment at work between 2014 may have 5 legislative days in which to minutes to the gentleman from New and 2016. revise and extend their remarks and to Hampshire (Mr. PAPPAS), my good This is completely unacceptable. insert extraneous material on H.R. friend, the chairman of the Sub- This bipartisan, bicameral bill will 2704. committee on Oversight and Investiga- improve the way sexual harassment is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.001 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 handled at the VA and will crack down SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CAP ON FULL-TIME EM- selors. With a workforce of around on instances of harassment and dis- PLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF 400,000, that is only one counselor for VETERANS AFFAIRS WHO PROVIDE crimination within the Department. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY every 10,000 employees. Nobody should feel unsafe at work. COUNSELING. This arbitrary cap has hamstrung The care VA employees provide for our (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 516 of title 38, VA, and we have heard from the De- veterans is absolutely critical, but United States Code, is amended— partment and stakeholders that the they cannot provide that best care, the (1) by striking subsection (g); and lack of counselors prevents VA from (2) by redesignating subsection (h) as sub- addressing complaints quickly. H.R. care our veterans deserve, if they are section (g). suffering in a hostile work environ- (b) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after 2788 would remove this cap and finally ment. the date of the enactment of this Act, the allow VA to rightsize its need for EEO Not only is this an accountability Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to counselors. and workplace safety issue, it is a dis- the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the I thank Congressman CONOR LAMB service to our veterans who rely on the Senate and House of Representatives a re- and Ranking Member TRACEY MANN for VA for high-quality care, and a dis- port regarding the effect of the amendment introducing and leading this common- under subsection (a). service to taxpayers who fund the De- sense legislation. I am pleased to sup- partment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- port it this afternoon. We can do better, and this legislation ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of will ensure that those who serve our California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- my time. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 veterans feel safe at work so they can tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each minutes to the gentleman from Penn- do their jobs effectively. will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman sylvania (Mr. LAMB), my good friend Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- from California. and the author of this bipartisan legis- leagues to support this important bi- GENERAL LEAVE lation, H.R. 2788; and a member of the partisan legislation. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no unanimous consent that all Members Mr. LAMB. Mr. Speaker, I think the further speakers, I am prepared to may have 5 legislative days in which to key term that Ranking Member BOST close, and I reserve the balance of my revise and extend their remarks and to used was ‘‘common sense.’’ That can time. insert extraneous material on H.R. sometimes be in short supply around here. b 1415 2788. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there When we found out that the VA has Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage objection to the request of the gen- roughly the same number of EEOC my colleagues to support this bill. tleman from California? counselors today—38—that it had in With that, I yield back the balance of There was no objection. 1997, you ask yourself the simple ques- my time. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield tion: Well, what else has happened at Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask all myself such time as I may consume. the VA since that time? my colleagues to join me in passing Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support Their workforce has nearly doubled. this important piece of legislation, Representative LAMB’s bipartisan legis- Since 1997, the VA has become one of H.R. 2704, and I yield back the balance lation, the VA Equal Employment Op- the largest Federal agencies, with a of my time. portunity Counselor Modernization workforce of over 400,000 people, which The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Act, which is cosponsored by Rep- means those same 38 EEOC counselors question is on the motion offered by resentative MANN. are handling roughly double the the gentleman from California (Mr. This bill would help the Department amount of complaints of unfair and il- TAKANO) that the House suspend the address diversity and equity issues legal discrimination today that they rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2704. within VA’s workforce. It removes a were in 1997. The question was taken. portion of a 1997 law that limits the See, the law placed an artificial cap The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the number of VA counselors who can ad- on the number of counselors, but it did opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being vise employees on equal employment not place a cap on the amount of un- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. opportunity issues, provides alter- just discrimination in our society. Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on native dispute resolution, and helps That has continued. If anything, the that I demand the yeas and nays. process formal complaints. last year has shown us how deep and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- VA’s workforce has roughly doubled intransigent racial discrimination, sex ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution in size since the 1997 law was enacted, discrimination, and other illegal forms 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. and VA requested for the limit to be re- of discrimination remain in our society Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- moved to allow the Department to hire and how we have to take active steps ther proceedings on this motion are additional counselors to support the to dismantle them wherever we find postponed. needs of a large and still growing work- them. force. Unfair and illegal discrimination ex- f Our Oversight and Investigations ists at the VA. It doesn’t make me Subcommittee recently held a hearing proud to say it as a veteran, as a law- VA EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPOR- to examine important steps to address maker, as a public servant, but it ex- TUNITY COUNSELOR MOD- workforce diversity and inclusion at ists there just like it exists everywhere ERNIZATION ACT VA. At this hearing, the subcommittee, else. These folks know how to deal Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to once again, learned how important with it. They know how to listen. They suspend the rules and pass the bill these counselors are. This bill builds know how to make the employees feel (H.R. 2788) to amend title 38, United off that oversight and will assist VA’s like they have a safe place to go and States Code, to eliminate the cap on efforts to support its workforce, which tell their side of the story. They know full-time employees of the Department serves veterans every single day. how to stick up for these employees of Veterans Affairs who provide equal Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues who are giving their careers to helping employment opportunity counseling. to join me in supporting this legisla- our veterans. The Clerk read the title of the bill. tion, and I reserve the balance of my All we need to do is lift the cap, and The text of the bill is as follows: time. the VA will hire EEOC counselors who H.R. 2788 Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- can do their job effectively and take Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- self such time as I may consume. care of those who are taking care of resentatives of the United States of America in Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support our veterans every day. Congress assembled, of H.R. 2788, the VA Equal Employment Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Opportunity Counselor Modernization my colleagues to support this bill, and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘VA Equal Act. I yield back the balance of my time. Employment Opportunity Counselor Mod- Current law prohibits VA from hav- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I, again, ernization Act’’. ing more than 40 full-time EEO coun- urge all of my colleagues to join me in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.008 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2363 passing this important piece of legisla- (1) a comparison of how the funds are being supplemental funds, the bill mandates tion, H.R. 2788. obligated and expended to how the funds the VA Office of Inspector General and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance were planned to be obligated and expended in the Government Accountability Office of my time. the plan under subsection (a)(1); to periodically report on VA’s spending (2) areas of waste, fraud, and abuse, if any; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and of these funds. question is on the motion offered by (3) any other matter the Inspector General Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2911 adds to the ex- the gentleman from California (Mr. determines relevant. isting oversight on VA’s spending and TAKANO) that the House suspend the (c) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEWS.— will enable greater transparency for rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2788. (1) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than Sep- Congress and the public to ensure that The question was taken. tember 30, 2022, the Comptroller General of these funds are spent efficiently and ef- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the the United States shall submit to the Com- fectively to support critical VA pro- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being mittees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of grams and services as we recover from in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Representatives and the Senate an interim report containing a review of obligations and the COVID–19 pandemic. Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on expenditures made using covered funds. The Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to that I demand the yeas and nays. report shall include— join me in supporting this legislation, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (A) a review of the process of the Depart- and I reserve the balance of my time. ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution ment of Veterans Affairs for preparing the Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. request for funds; self such time as I may consume. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- (B) an explanation of how the expenditure Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ther proceedings on this motion are of such funds met the goals of the Depart- of H.R. 2911, the VA Transparency & postponed. ment during the public health emergency for Trust Act of 2021. which the funds were made available; f (C) any recommendations to improve the In the American Rescue Plan, the VA requested and received $17.1 billion in VA TRANSPARENCY & TRUST ACT process of identifying needs and expending emergency funding. I demanded jus- OF 2021 funds during similar situations in the future; and tification from the VA to support that Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to (D) a review of the plans of the Department funding, and very little came. I asked suspend the rules and pass the bill to continue programs or investments that why the VA needed additional money (H.R. 2911) to direct the Secretary of were begun with such funds but will continue since roughly $10 billion in CARES Act Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress after such funds are expended. funding was still available, and no one (2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than Sep- a plan for obligating and expending answered. Coronavirus pandemic funding made tember 30, 2024, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ Ranking Member TRACEY MANN of- available to the Department of Vet- Affairs of the House of Representatives and fered an amendment to oversee the use erans Affairs, and for other purposes. the Senate a final report on the matters of those funds during the committee’s The Clerk read the title of the bill. specified under paragraph (1). markup of the American Rescue Plan. The text of the bill is as follows: (d) COVERED FUNDS DEFINED.—In this sec- It was voted down on party lines. H.R. 2911 tion, the term ‘‘covered funds’’ means funds What I feared at that time I can now Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- that are made available to the Department confirm. The American Rescue Plan of Veterans Affairs pursuant to— resentatives of the United States of America in has essentially become a blank check Congress assembled, (1) the Families First Coronavirus Re- sponse Act (Public Law 116–127); for the VA to the tune of $17.1 billion. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (2) the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- H.R. 2911 would establish strict over- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘VA Trans- nomic Security Act (Public Law 116–136); or sight and reporting requirements over parency & Trust Act of 2021’’. (3) the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 all remaining COVID supplemental SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF (Public Law 117–2). CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC FUNDING funds. It would also require the VA in- MADE AVAILABLE TO DEPARTMENT The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- spector general to conduct regular au- OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. ant to the rule, the gentleman from dits of these funds. (a) PLAN AND REPORTS BY SECRETARY.— California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- Lastly, it would require the GAO to (1) PLAN.—Not later than 30 days after the tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each conduct a complete review after all date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec- will control 20 minutes. funds have been spent. retary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to The Chair recognizes the gentleman I believe these requirements are ap- the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a from California. propriate given that we are talking detailed plan for obligating and expending GENERAL LEAVE about tens of billions in taxpayer dol- covered funds, including a detailed justifica- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask lars. We should all expect full trans- tion for each type of obligation of such unanimous consent that all Members parency on the use of these funds. funds. may have 5 legislative days in which to I thank Chairman PAPPAS and Rank- (2) BIWEEKLY REPORTS.—Every 14 days dur- revise and extend their remarks and to ing Member MANN for joining me in in- ing the period beginning on the date on insert extraneous material on H.R. troducing this bill. I encourage all my which the plan under paragraph (1) is sub- colleagues to support this bill. mitted and ending seven days after the date 2911. on which the Secretary has expended all cov- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of ered funds, the Secretary shall submit to the objection to the request of the gen- my time. Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the tleman from California? Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 House of Representatives and the Senate a There was no objection. minutes to the gentleman from New report detailing the obligation and expendi- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Hampshire (Mr. PAPPAS), my good ture of, and the planned uses for, such funds myself such time as I may consume. friend and the chairman of the Sub- during the period covered by the report, in- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support committee on Oversight and Investiga- cluding a written justification for any devi- Representative BOST’s bipartisan legis- tions. ation in such obligations, expenditures, or Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank planned uses from such plan. lation, the VA Transparency & Trust (b) INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDITS.—Not later Act, for which Representative PAPPAS, my colleague, Ranking Member BOST, than 120 days after the date of the enactment Representative MANN, and I are origi- for introducing this legislation. I was of this Act, and semiannually thereafter for nal cosponsors. proud to support it alongside my col- three years or until the Secretary has ex- This bill provides additional over- league, TRACEY MANN, from the Over- pended all covered funds, whichever occurs sight for the funds Congress made sight and Investigations Sub- first, the Inspector General of the Depart- available to the VA through the Fami- committee. It is the VA Transparency ment of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the lies First Coronavirus Response Act & Trust Act of 2021. Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Now, the COVID–19 pandemic and House of Representatives and the Senate a and the CARES Act in 2020, as well as report examining the obligations and ex- the American Rescue Plan, which we economic crisis turned our world up- penditures made using covered funds during passed earlier this year. side down, and it hit our veteran com- the period covered by the report. Each such In addition to requiring the VA to re- munity especially hard. The issues our report shall include— port biweekly on how it spends these veterans faced before the pandemic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.011 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 have only been exacerbated by COVID– SEC. 2. PRIORITY UNDER HOMELESS VETERANS veteran reintegration program to en- 19, and they contend with a new host of REINTEGRATION PROGRAMS FOR sure they get the resources they need HOMELESS VETERANS WITH DE- health and financial hardships. PENDENTS. to return to housing without the fear That is why I joined with many in (a) PRIORITY FOR HOMELESS VETERANS WITH of losing their children should they this Chamber to strongly urge for sup- DEPENDENT CHILDREN.—Subsection (a) of sec- seek help. port to our veterans in COVID–19 relief tion 2021 of title 38, United States Code, is I applaud Representative BROWNLEY packages, including the American Res- amended— for her work on this legislation, and I cue Plan. That plan provided a much- (1) by striking ‘‘Subject to’’ and inserting ask my colleagues to join me in sup- ‘‘(1) Subject to’’; needed investment in the VA, but we (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through porting the Homeless Veterans with must all work together to ensure that (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respec- Children Reintegration Act. this funding is used effectively to sup- tively; and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of port our veterans and to increase the (3) by adding at the end the following new my time. quality care that they receive. paragraph: Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- As chair of the Oversight and Inves- ‘‘(2) In conducting programs under this sec- self such time as I may consume. tion, the Secretary shall prioritize the provi- tigations Subcommittee, eliminating Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensuring sion of services to homeless veterans with dependents.’’. 240, the Homeless Veterans with Chil- veterans get the care they have earned (b) ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIRE- dren Reintegration Act. is a top priority. MENTS.—Subsection (d) of such section is This legislation would direct the Sec- This legislation would require the VA amended— retary of Labor to prioritize homeless to report to Congress on the emergency (1) by striking ‘‘the report an evaluation of veterans with dependents when admin- funding that it has already received. It services’’ and all that follows and inserting istering homeless reintegration pro- will provide the enhanced oversight ‘‘each such report—’’; and grams. that is warranted to ensure funds are (2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(1) an evaluation of services furnished to The Department of Housing and being used efficiently and in ways that veterans under this section and an analysis Urban Development recently released are truly meeting the needs of those of the information collected under sub- 2020’s Point-in-Time count for home- who have served us all. section (b); less veterans. This count showed that Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of ‘‘(2) an analysis of any gaps in access to on a single night in 2020, there were this legislation. shelter, safety, and services for homeless 37,252 veterans living on the street. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage veterans with dependent children; and This is a slight increase of 0.4 percent all of my colleagues to support this ‘‘(3) recommendations for improving any gaps identified under paragraph (2).’’. from 2019. bill, and I yield back the balance of my With COVID–19 impacting the econ- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- time. omy and increasing unemployment, we ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I also ask must do everything we can to help our California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- all my colleagues to join me in passing homeless veterans find work. tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each H.R. 2911, and I yield back the balance By passing this bill to prioritize job will control 20 minutes. of my time. training for homeless veterans with de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. pendents, we are ensuring this vulner- question is on the motion offered by able population is at the front of the GENERAL LEAVE the gentleman from California (Mr. line for help. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask TAKANO) that the House suspend the I thank Congresswoman BROWNLEY unanimous consent that all Members rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2911. for her hard work on drafting this bill, may have 5 legislative days in which to The question was taken. and I am proud to support it today. revise and extend their remarks and to The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of insert extraneous material on H.R. 240. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being my time. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gen- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- that I demand the yeas and nays. tleman from California? There was no objection. fornia (Ms. BROWNLEY), my good friend, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the chairwoman of the Subcommittee ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. on Health, and also the author of this 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. important piece of legislation. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on H.R. 240, the Homeless Veterans Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise ther proceedings on this motion are today in support of my bill, the Home- postponed. with Children Reintegration Act introduced by Congresswoman JULIA less Veterans with Children Reintegra- f BROWNLEY. tion Act. There is increasing concern that On any given day, there are more b 1430 shelters and homeless veteran housing than 550,000 people experiencing home- is not created to serve families, and lessness in our country. An estimated HOMELESS VETERANS WITH that homeless veterans with children 40,000 of them are veterans. This is cat- CHILDREN REINTEGRATION ACT may avoid seeking out services because egorically unacceptable. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to they are afraid of being separated from Although the Department of Housing suspend the rules and pass the bill their children. and Urban Development and VA have (H.R. 240) to amend title 38, United Representative BROWNLEY’s legisla- made progress toward eliminating vet- States Code, to direct the Secretary of tion seeks to start addressing the issue erans’ homelessness, there is still more Labor to prioritize the provision of by ensuring that veterans with families that must be done to ensure that every services to homeless veterans with de- are prioritized within the homeless vet- veteran has a home. pendents in carrying out homeless veterans reintegration program, or HVRP. We know it is 10 times cheaper to erans reintegration programs, and for HVRP seeks to address reintegrating provide resources to prevent homeless- other purposes. homeless veterans into the workforce ness in the first place than it is to The Clerk read the title of the bill. through grants to partner organiza- house someone once they have become The text of the bill is as follows: tions. homeless. H.R. 240 Mr. Speaker, in 2018, the Department We also know that so many of our Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- of Labor identified homeless female veterans suffer from PTSD related to resentatives of the United States of America in veterans and veterans with families as combat or, far too often, military sex- Congress assembled, one of the three priority populations ual trauma. These traumatic experi- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. for HVRP services. H.R. 240 would ences put veterans at increased risk of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Homeless prioritize homeless veterans with de- mental health conditions, substance Veterans with Children Reintegration Act’’. pendent children within the homeless use disorders, and homelessness.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.013 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2365 We owe it to our veterans to spare no mittee. I suspect that if this bill were (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment effort in providing the security and as- brought to a vote before the entire made by subsection (a) shall apply with resistance they need to transition to ci- body, it would pass with near-unani- spect to funds received by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enact- vilian life. One way to help our vet- mous support. ment of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of erans experiencing homelessness is to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 2016 (Public Law 114–226; 130 Stat. 927). help them gain new employment skills of my time. SEC. 3. MODIFICATION TO ENHANCED USE and get stable jobs. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LEASES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF The Department of Labor’s homeless question is on the motion offered by VETERANS AFFAIRS WEST LOS AN- veterans reintegration program focuses GELES CAMPUS. the gentleman from California (Mr. Paragraph (1) of section 2(b) of the West on securing employment opportunities TAKANO) that the House suspend the Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 (Public Law for homeless veterans. The program rules and pass the bill, H.R. 240. 114–226; 130 Stat. 927), is amended by adding provides grants to State and local The question was taken. at the end the following new sentence: ‘‘Not- agencies and nonprofit organizations The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the withstanding section 8162(b)(2) of such title, that teach veterans occupational opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being the term of such an enhanced-use lease at skills, provide on-the-job training, help in the affirmative, the ayes have it. the Campus may not exceed 99 years.’’. SEC. 4. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- them attain apprenticeships, and help Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on FECTS. with job searches and placement. that I demand the yeas and nays. The budgetary effects of this Act, for the Grantees also collaborate with public The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- purpose of complying with the Statutory and private partners at all levels—Fed- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- eral, State, and local—to provide sup- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. mined by reference to the latest statement portive services and access to housing. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- The program has been extremely suc- tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in ther proceedings on this motion are the Congressional Record by the Chairman of cessful, helping place thousands of postponed. the House Budget Committee, provided that homeless veterans in competitive em- f such statement has been submitted prior to ployment every year. the vote on passage. Over the last several years, the De- WEST LOS ANGELES VA CAMPUS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- partment of Labor has identified cer- IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021 ant to the rule, the gentleman from tain homeless veteran populations that Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- are in particular need of reintegration suspend the rules and pass the bill tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each services, including female veterans and (H.R. 711) to amend the West Los Ange- will control 20 minutes. veterans with families. My bill would les Leasing Act of 2016 to authorize the The Chair recognizes the gentleman direct the Department of Labor to use of certain funds received pursuant from California. prioritize homeless veterans with de- to leases entered into under such Act, GENERAL LEAVE pendent children participating in its and for other purposes, as amended. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask reintegration program. The Clerk read the title of the bill. unanimous consent that all Members This subpopulation of homeless vet- The text of the bill is as follows: may have 5 legislative days in which to erans is particularly vulnerable, and it H.R. 711 revise and extend their remarks and to is so important to ensure they have ac- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- insert extraneous material on H.R. 711, cess to the wraparound services nec- resentatives of the United States of America in as amended. essary to support a parent with chil- Congress assembled, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there dren. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. objection to the request of the gen- Research shows that families experi- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘West Los tleman from California? encing homelessness often have to con- Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of There was no objection. tend with intimate partner violence, 2021’’. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield child separation, and other extremely SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF LAND USE REVENUES myself such time as I may consume. challenging issues. That is why my bill UNDER WEST LOS ANGELES LEAS- Mr. Speaker, this bill, the West Los would also require the Department of ING ACT OF 2016. Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act, Labor to study access to shelter, safe- (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (d) of section would amend a 2016 law concerning the 2 of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 ty, and other relevant services for West Los Angeles VA campus. (Public Law 114– 226; 130 Stat. 927) is amend- H.R. 711, as amended, is sponsored by homeless veterans with dependent chil- ed to read as follows: Congressman TED LIEU, and is critical dren. This information will help us un- ‘‘(d) LAND USE REVENUES AT THE CAMPUS.— to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ derstand the problem and identify op- N GENERAL ‘‘(1) I .—Any land use revenues efforts, together with community part- portunities to resolve issues in pro- received by the Secretary shall be credited ners, to address veteran homelessness viding services to this vulnerable popu- to the applicable Department medical facilities accounts or minor construction ac- in the Los Angeles area. lation. In addition, this legislation helps VA The SPEAKER pro tempore. The counts and shall be available, without fiscal year limitation and without further appro- use already available funding streams time of the gentlewoman has expired. priation, exclusively for any of the following: to fund supportive housing for home- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield ‘‘(A) Supporting construction, mainte- less and at-risk veterans and their fam- the gentlewoman an additional 2 min- nance, and services at the Campus relating ilies; community operations that sup- utes. to temporary or permanent supportive hous- port emergency shelter and supportive Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Speaker, this ing for homeless or at-risk veterans and housing; and renovations and minor their families. legislation will also go a long way to- construction projects. ward supporting veterans who have ‘‘(B) Renovating and maintaining the land and facilities at the Campus. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- sacrificed so much for our country and leagues to support this legislation, and are now struggling to adjust to civilian ‘‘(C) Carrying out minor construction projects at the Campus. I reserve the balance of my time. life and to support families. ‘‘(D) Carrying out community operations Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- This bill has received broad bipar- at the Campus that support the development self such time as I may consume. tisan support in the past, and I ask of emergency shelter or supportive housing Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. that my colleagues, as my colleagues for homeless or at-risk veterans and their 711, as amended, the West Los Angeles have on the committee, join me in get- families. VA Campus Improvement Act. ting it across the finish line. We owe ‘‘(2) LAND USE REVENUE DEFINED.—In this In 2016, Congress gave the West Los our veterans nothing less. subsection, the term ‘land use revenue’ Angeles VA campus the authority to Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage means— carry out leases with third parties. my colleagues to support this bill, and ‘‘(A) any funds received by the Secretary under a lease described in subsection (b); and These leases have the potential to cre- I yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘(B) any funds received as proceeds from ate revenue for the VA. However, the Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask all any assets seized or forfeited, and any res- funds generated by these leases could of my colleagues to join me in passing titution paid, in connection with any third- only be used for renovation and main- H.R. 240 as we did unanimously in com- party land use at the Campus.’’. tenance. This bill would change that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.016 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 It would require that any land use Mr. Speaker, a year after I took office, Con- b 1445 revenues received by the VA from a gress passed my West Los Angeles Leasing third party be credited to the medical Act of 2016, a law intended to clean up the GI BILL NATIONAL EMERGENCY facility’s account. The funding in these campus and which directly led to the end of EXTENDED DEADLINE ACT accounts would be used to meet exist- most non-veteran related leases. The law has ing needs and new services for home- also helped spur the redevelopment of the Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I move to less veterans. property into a true home for veterans. The suspend the rules and pass the bill Revenues would now be available for VA is now implementing a plan to build at (H.R. 2167) to amend title 38, United the medical center to provide emer- least 1,200 new subsidized apartments, which States Code, to provide for extensions gency shelter and supportive housing is composed of 23 projects that range from of the time limitations for use of enti- services for homeless or at-risk vet- renovating existing structures to developing tlement under Department of Veterans erans and their families. These funds and building new units. Affairs educational assistance pro- would be available without fiscal year This progress is encouraging. But there is a grams by reason of school closures due limitations and further appropriations. serious problem that was brought to my atten- to emergency and other situations, and It makes sense that the medical cen- tion recently by veteran advocates. A drafting for other purposes, as amended. ter receives these funds and can use error in the 2016 legislation prevents the West The Clerk read the title of the bill. them to improve its campus and help LA VA from using funds from enhanced use The text of the bill is as follows: homeless veterans. leases (EULs) for the purposes of housing I thank Congresswoman BROWNLEY construction. The VA can only use such funds H.R. 2167 for her amendment at the markup for ‘‘renovation and maintenance’’ of the cam- which eliminated the mandatory score Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- pus which means money is lying stagnant that resentatives of the United States of America in for this bill. could be used to build housing but instead, Congress assembled, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support because of a technical error, cannot go toward H.R. 711, as amended. I thank the gen- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. helping the VA fight homelessness. This legis- tleman and his staff for the hard work lation fixes that error. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘GI Bill Na- they have done on this bill to get it tional Emergency Extended Deadline Act’’. Second, as a result of fraud on campus, the right. I appreciate it very much. SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF TIME LIMITATION FOR Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- VA was supposed to get several million dollars USE OF ENTITLEMENT UNDER DE- leagues to support this bill, and I yield in asset forfeiture funds. But instead, such PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS back the balance of my time. funds go back to the general fund at the EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PRO- Treasury Department to be dispersed around GRAMS BY REASON OF SCHOOL CLO- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I also SURES DUE TO EMERGENCY AND want to express my gratitude to my the country, for any purpose at all. Veterans at OTHER SITUATIONS. colleague, Ranking Member BOST, and the West LA VA are doubly harmed—first, by (a) MONTGOMERY GI BILL.—Section 3031 of the Republicans on the committee for the initial fraud, and second, by the theft of title 38, United States Code, is amended— working with the majority. I believe funds that are supposed to make them whole. (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘and sub- that the issues that we worked out My legislation fixes this problem by making it section (i)’’ after ‘‘through (g)’’; and were common sense, and upon further clear funds from settlement money and asset (2) by adding at the end the following new examination, I think taxpayers and forfeiture resulting from any past or future subsection: most independent, reasonable observers fraud on campus go to veterans at the facility ‘‘(i)(1) In the case of an individual eligible would say this is what Congress should that was harmed. It’s just common sense. for educational assistance under this chapter be doing on behalf of our veterans. I Finally, my bill increases the life of en- who is prevented from pursuing the individ- can’t imagine why there would be any hanced use leases on the campus from 75 to ual’s chosen program of education before the objection to this on the floor of the expiration of the 10-year period for the use of 99 years. Increasing the length of the leases entitlement under this chapter otherwise ap- House. would reduce the financing costs for new plicable under this section because of a cov- Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my col- housing, further helping the VA and its part- ered reason, as determined by the Secretary, leagues to join me in supporting H.R. ners tackle homelessness. such 10-year period— 711, as amended, and I yield back the Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues ‘‘(A) shall not run during the period the in- balance of my time. on the House Veterans Affairs Committee for dividual is so prevented from pursuing such Mr. LIEU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- program; and their support, including Chairman TAKANO, ‘‘(B) shall again begin running on a date port of my bill H.R. 711, the West Los Angeles who has been a tireless champion for our na- VA Campus Improvement Act of 2021. This determined by the Secretary that is— tion’s veterans and specifically veterans in Los ‘‘(i) not earlier than the first day after the legislation is critical to the Department of Vet- Angeles. I am grateful to Members on both individual is able to resume pursuit of a pro- erans Affairs (VA) efforts, together with com- sides of the aisle who passed this bill out of gram of education with educational assist- munity partners, to address veteran homeless- Committee on May 4th by voice vote, bringing ance under this chapter; and ness in the Los Angeles area. In addition, it us one step closer to ensuring the VA has the ‘‘(ii) not later than 90 days after that day. helps VA use already available funding legal authorities it needs help our veterans. ‘‘(2) In this subsection, a covered reason streams for certain homeless veteran pro- Let’s not let technical errors stand in the way is— grams, thus reducing the need for taxpayer of housing our nation’s heroes. ‘‘(A) the temporary or permanent closure funds. of an educational institution by reason of an I represent the West LA VA, a 388-acre The SPEAKER pro tempore. The emergency situation; or campus that serves thousands of veterans in question is on the motion offered by ‘‘(B) another reason that prevents the indi- Southern California and across the state, in- the gentleman from California (Mr. vidual from pursuing the individual’s chosen cluding offering temporary housing for home- TAKANO) that the House suspend the program of education, as determined by the Secretary.’’. less veterans, legal aide, training, and other rules and pass the bill, H.R. 711, as services. The land was deeded to the federal amended. (b) POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.— The question was taken. Section 3321(b)(1) of such title is amended— government in 1888 and for decades thou- (1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ before ‘‘Sub- sands of veterans lived there. Unfortunately, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the sections’’; following damage from a major earthquake in opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (2) by striking ‘‘and (d)’’ and inserting ‘‘(d), 1971, the VA began transitioning the land in the affirmative, the ayes have it. and (i)’’; and away from housing, costing Los Angeles (3) by adding at the end the following new Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on subparagraph: County a crucial node in the battle to fight vet- that I demand the yeas and nays. eran homelessness. On top of that, fraud and ‘‘(B) Subsection (i) of section 3031 of this general neglect of the campus before my ten- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- title shall apply with respect to the running of the 15-year period described in paragraphs ure led to some of the campus falling into a ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. (4)(A) and (5)(A) of this subsection in the state of disrepair. Finally, the VA settled in a same manner as such subsection (i) applies suit alleging that many enhanced use leases Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- under such section 3031 with respect to the on campus were not principally benefiting vet- ther proceedings on this motion are running of the 10-year period described in erans, but instead serving other purposes. postponed. subsection (a) of such section.’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.019 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2367 SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY technology service under subsection (a) has (a) for the modern information technology BY REASON OF SCHOOL CLOSURES the following capabilities: service. DUE TO EMERGENCY AND OTHER (1) As compared to legacy information (2) The term ‘‘modern information tech- SITUATIONS UNDER DEPARTMENT technology systems— nology service’’ means the information tech- OF VETERANS AFFAIRS TRAINING AND REHABILITATION PROGRAM (A) the ability to process claims faster and nology service implemented under sub- FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CON- in a more efficient manner by improving section (a) to process claims for educational NECTED DISABILITIES. processing integration and accuracy; assistance under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of Section 3103 of title 38, United States Code, (B) improved data exchange and reporting; title 38, United States Code. is amended— and SEC. 6. TIME PERIOD FOR ELIGIBILITY UNDER (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘or (g)’’ (C) improved customer integration and SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDU- and inserting ‘‘(g), or (h)’’; and simplification of the online experience. CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (2) by adding at the end the following new (2) Timely communication by employees of OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- FAIRS. subsection: the Department of Veterans Affairs to indi- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3512 of title 38, ‘‘(h)(1) In the case of a veteran who is eligi- viduals and educational institutions using an United States Code, is amended— ble for a vocational rehabilitation program online portal that can provide real-time in- (1) by redesignating subsection (h) as sub- under this chapter and who is prevented formation on claims for educational assist- section (f); and from participating in the vocational reha- ance. (2) by adding at the end the following new bilitation program within the period of eligi- (3) The ability to be customized to address subsection: bility prescribed in subsection (a) because of future capabilities required by law. ‘‘(g) Notwithstanding any other provision a covered reason, as determined by the Sec- (4) Fully automated to the extent prac- of this section, the following persons may be retary, such period of eligibility— ticable for all original and supplemental afforded educational assistance under this ‘‘(A) shall not run during the period the claims, including with respect to calculating chapter at any time after August 1, 2023, and veteran is so prevented from participating in accurate awards. without regard to the age of the person: such program; and (5) The ability for individuals entitled to ‘‘(1) A person who first becomes an eligible ‘‘(B) shall again begin running on a date educational assistance to electronically person on or after August 1, 2023. determined by the Secretary that is— apply for, withdraw from, and amend such ‘‘(2) A person who— ‘‘(i) not earlier than the first day after the entitlement, and to reallocate a transferred ‘‘(A) first becomes an eligible person before veteran is able to resume participation in a entitlement. August 1, 2023; and vocational rehabilitation program under this (6) The ability to electronically process ‘‘(B) becomes 18 years of age, or completes chapter; and changes made by educational institutions. secondary schooling, on or after August 1, ‘‘(ii) not later than 90 days after that day. (7) The ability to verify attendance at an 2023.’’. ‘‘(2) In this subsection, a covered reason educational institution. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such sec- (8) The ability to process validations made is— tion is further amended— by an educational institution. ‘‘(A) the temporary or permanent closure (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘The edu- of an educational institution by reason of an (c) INITIAL REPORT.—Not later than 120 cational’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided emergency situation; or days after the date of the enactment of this in subsection (g), the educational’’; ‘‘(B) another reason that prevents the vet- Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Com- (2) in subsection (b)— eran from participating in the vocational re- mittees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ‘‘sub- habilitation program, as determined by the Representatives and the Senate a report con- section (g) or’’ after ‘‘provided in’’; and Secretary.’’. taining information on the cost, schedule, (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Notwith- SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS and performance of the project for imple- standing’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES OF- menting such system, including, with rein subsection (g), notwithstanding’’; and FERED BY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF spect to such project, the following: HIGHER LEARNING THAT DO NOT (3) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘No per- (1) An estimate of acquisition, implemen- son’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided in CHARGE VETERANS THE IN-STATE tation, and life cycle costs (including all di- TUITION RATE FOR PURPOSES OF subsection (g), no person’’. rect and indirect costs to acquire, imple- SURVIVORS’ AND DEPENDENTS’ EDU- SEC. 7. PILOT PROGRAM ON SHORT-TERM FEL- CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. ment, operate, and maintain such system). LOWSHIP PROGRAMS. (2) An intended implementation schedule (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3679(c) of title 38, (a) AUTHORITY.—The Assistant Secretary United States Code, is amended— indicating significant milestones, initial op- of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or 33’’ and erating capability, and full operating capa- Training shall carry out a pilot program inserting ‘‘33, or 35’’; bility or completion. under which a State may use a grant or con- (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end (3) Key business, functional, or perform- tract under section 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, the following new subparagraph: ance objectives. United States Code, to carry out a short- ‘‘(D) An individual who is entitled to as- (4) With respect to both original claims term fellowship program. sistance under section 3510 of this title.’’; and supplemental claims processed on a (b) LOCATIONS; AGREEMENTS.—The Sec- and monthly basis, statistics regarding— retary shall select at least three, but not (3) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘and 33’’ (A) the number of such claims processed more than five, States to carry out a short- and inserting ‘‘33, and 35’’. using legacy information systems; term fellowship program pursuant to sub- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section (B) the number of such claims that were section (a). Each such State shall enter into 3679(e) of such title is amended— off-ramped and processed manually; and an agreement with a non-profit organization (1) in paragraph (1)— (C) the number of such claims estimated to to carry out such program. (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘or be processed using the modern information (c) SHORT-TERM FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.— 33’’ and inserting ‘‘, 33, or 35’’; and technology service. Each short-term fellowship program carried (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘or (5) The amount of savings that are esti- out by a State pursuant to subsection (a) 33’’ and inserting ‘‘33, or 35’’; and mated to be realized from using the modern shall— (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘or 33’’ and information technology service rather than (1) consist of veterans participating as fel- inserting ‘‘33, or 35’’. legacy information technology systems. lows with an employer for a period not ex- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments (6) The estimated accuracy of processing ceeding 20 weeks; made by this Act shall take effect on the claims. (2) provide to such veterans a monthly sti- date of the enactment of this Act and shall (7) The estimated timeliness for— pend during such period; and apply with respect to an academic period (A) processing original claims; and (3) provide to such veterans an opportunity that begins on or after August 1, 2022. (B) processing supplemental claims. to be employed on a long-term basis with the (8) A description of how the modern infor- SEC. 5. IMPROVEMENTS TO INFORMATION TECH- employer following such period. NOLOGY SERVICES USED TO PROC- mation technology service will— (d) AMOUNT OF STIPEND.—The amount of ESS CLAIMS FOR EDUCATIONAL AS- (A) automate the processing of original the stipend provided to a veteran pursuant SISTANCE. claims; and to subsection (c)(2) for a month shall be the (a) MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (B) automate the processing of supple- amount equal to the amount of the wages SERVICE.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs mental claims. earned by the veteran during that month for shall implement an information technology (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: participating in the fellowship. service to process claims for educational as- (1) The term ‘‘legacy information tech- (e) COMPTROLLER GENERAL REPORT.—Not sistance under chapters 30, 33, 35, and 36 of nology system’’ means an information tech- later than four years after the date on which title 38, United States Code, using one or nology system used by the Department of the pilot program commences under this sec- more commercial software systems. The Sec- Veterans Affairs to process claims for edu- tion, the Comptroller General of the United retary shall complete such implementation cational assistance under chapters 30, 33, 35, States shall submit to the Committees on not later than August 1, 2024. and 36 of title 38, United States Code, before Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- (b) REQUIRED CAPABILITIES.—The Secretary the date on which the Secretary of Veterans tives and the Senate a report on the pilot shall ensure that the modern information Affairs awards a contract under subsection program.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.006 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 (f) DEFINITION OF STATE.—In this section, tion technology (IT) service can proc- Finally, this bill also includes the the term ‘‘State’’ has the meaning given ess claims faster and more efficiently text of Congressman CAWTHORN’s bill, such term in section 4101(6) of title 38, through improved processing integra- H.R. 2391, the Veterans Fellowship Act. United States Code. tion and accuracy, data exchange and This bill would direct the Department (g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In addition to funds made available under sec- reporting, customer integration, and of Labor to carry out a pilot program tion 4102A(b)(5) of title 38, United States simplification of the online experience. to help veterans find meaningful em- Code, there is authorized to be appropriated The legislation would also expand in- ployment through short-term fellow- to the Assistant Secretary to carry out the State tuition rates at public univer- ships. The DOL would provide a stipend pilot program under this section $15,000,000 sities to participants in the Depend- for the veterans to participate in the for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025. ents’ Educational Assistance program. pilot program. SEC. 8. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- Guaranteeing in-State tuition for Madam Speaker, I thank all of these FECTS. those survivors using Dependents Edu- Members for their hard work drafting The budgetary effects of this Act, for the cation Assistance, otherwise known as these important pieces of legislation. I purpose of complying with the Statutory DEA, under Chapter 35, is a low-cost am pleased to support the bill, and I Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- lift that will drastically improve edu- mined by reference to the latest statement urge all of my colleagues to do the titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- cational options for surviving families same. tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in and reduce their need for student Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- the Congressional Record by the Chairman of loans. ance of my time. the House Budget Committee, provided that I, therefore, ask my colleagues to Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I such statement has been submitted prior to join me in supporting the GI Bill Na- have no further speakers, and I reserve the vote on passage. tional Emergency Extended Deadline, the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- or GI Bill NEED Act. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Ala- California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- my time. bama (Mr. MOORE). tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam will control 20 minutes. self such time as I may consume. Speaker, today I rise and I am proud The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. that two of my bills, the Colonel John from California. 2167, as amended, the GI Bill National McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Emergency Extended Deadlines—or Act, and the Overseeing the GI Act of GENERAL LEAVE NEED—Act. 2021, were included in the GI bill. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I ask This bill would extend time limita- Members of our military and their unanimous consent that all Members tions for the use of entitlement for VA families have sacrificed so much in may have 5 legislative days in which to education programs due to an emer- their service to our country. As a revise and extend their remarks and to gency. I am supportive of the under- grateful Nation, we have a responsi- insert extraneous material on H.R. lying bill. I also thank Chairman bility to take care of our heroes and 2167, as amended. TAKANO, Congresswoman SHERRILL, for their families. My bill, the Colonel The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there including several Republican provi- John McHugh Tuition Fairness for Sur- objection to the request of the gen- sions in this legislation. vivors Act, secures in-State tuition tleman from California? This bill includes the text of two of benefits for the survivors and depend- There was no objection. Congressman MOORE’s bill, H.R. 2420, ents for eligible veterans under the De- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield the Overseeing the GI Bill Act of 2021; pendent Educational Assistance pro- myself such time as I may consume. and H.R. 2457, the Colonel John gram. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors This bill is named after the U.S. on H.R. 2167, as amended, the GI Bill Act. Army Colonel John McHugh, who was National Emergency Extended Dead- H.R. 2420 would require VA to submit tragically killed in 2010 in Afghanistan line, or GI Bill NEED Act, introduced regular reports to Congress on the by a roadside bomb. His family cur- by Congresswoman SHERRILL. progress of the Digital GI Bill program. rently resides in my district. Like The COVID–19 pandemic didn’t only This is a system that the VA is pur- many Americans, Colonel McHugh impact veterans’ health, but it also put chasing to overhaul the antiquated sys- dreamed of building a bigger and better a serious strain on veterans’ access to tem that processes GI bill claims. The life for his family, and we owe it to educational benefits. The COVID–19 failed implementation of the Forever them, and the millions of families like pandemic exposed the limit on VA au- GI Bill in 2018 led to thousands of vet- the McHughs, to help them realize this thority to extend the time for use of its erans waiting weeks for their claims to dream. educational assistance program bene- be processed. This provision would pro- The second bill, the Overseeing the fits amid an emergency. vide the needed oversight to ensure GI Bill Act of 2021, provides much-need- Representative SHERRILL’s bill fixes that these mistakes are not repeated. ed oversight for the VA’s digital GI Bill these limits during times of emergency H.R. 2457 would require institutions project by requiring the VA to submit for Montgomery GI bill users and those of higher learning to provide an in- a series of base-level reports to ensure participating in the Veteran Readiness State tuition to participants in the the VA is on track. and Employment Program. Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education These reports will provide Congress Mr. Speaker, this bill authorizes VA Assistance Program. This would bring with the critical information needed to to pause the clock as needed when an the benefits in line with other GI Bill perform proper oversight over these IT institution must close temporarily, or programs that require that veterans be upgrades and ensure that they are permanently, due to an emergency, or provided in-State tuition. using taxpayer dollars efficiently and when a student is prevented from con- Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman effectively. These bipartisan develop- tinuing his or her program for other MOORE for his hard work on both of ments bring us closer to securing long reasons. This was an authority VA these bills. H.R. 2167, as amended, also overdue support for our veterans and lacked during COVID–19, and if not for includes texts from Congresswoman their families, and I appreciate my col- the quick action by Congress, thou- MACE’s bill, H.R. 2327. Congresswoman leagues on both sides of the aisle for sands of veterans would have seen their MACE’s provisions would ensure that lending their support to take care of benefits wasted. benefits through the Dependents’ Edu- our veterans and their families. Now it is time to take the lessons cation Assistance GI Bill program will Madam Speaker, I appreciate and from the pandemic and fix this problem never expire for eligible students. This thank Chairman TAKANO and Ranking once and for all. Not only that, but would bring this program in line with Member BOST for their leadership. H.R. 2167, as amended, includes addi- the way the post-9/11 GI bill benefits Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I re- tional improvements to VA education work for most other veterans. I com- serve the balance of my time. programs used by veterans and their mend Congresswoman MACE for her Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 families. This legislation would require hard work on this bill to expand bene- minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa that VA ensure the modern informa- fits to dependents and survivors. (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.006 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2369 Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask (c) CONSULTATION REQUIREMENT.—In devel- Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Rank- all my colleagues to join me in passing oping the pilot program under this section, ing Member BOST and Chair TAKANO, H.R. 2167, as amended, as sponsored by the Secretary, acting through the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program of the for their leadership, and I thank Rep- Congresswoman SHERRILL of New Jer- Department of Veterans Affairs and in co- resentative BOST for yielding me time. sey. ordination with the Office of Tribal Govern- Madam Speaker, I rise today to Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- ment Relations of the Department, shall speak in support of my bipartisan GI ance of my time. consult with Indian tribes, Tribal organiza- Bill National Emergency Extended The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. tions, and veterans service organizations re- Deadline Act, which I was proud to in- MCCOLLUM). The question is on the mo- garding each of the following: troduce with a fellow veteran, Con- tion offered by the gentleman from (1) The design of the pilot program. gresswoman SHERRILL. California (Mr. TAKANO) that the House (2) The selection of the three regional Na- Our legislation would protect vet- suspend the rules and pass the bill, tive VetSuccess service areas and partici- erans’ educational benefits from expir- pating Tribal colleges and universities, tak- H.R. 2167, as amended. ing into consideration— ing due to institutional closures or The question was taken. other factors caused by the COVID–19 (A) the number of eligible students en- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the rolled in the college or university and in the national emergency. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being This important legislation will allow regional service area; in the affirmative, the ayes have it. (B) the capacity of the colleges and univer- the Department of Veterans Affairs to Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, sities in the regional service area to accom- pause the time limit currently placed on that I demand the yeas and nays. modate a full-time VetSuccess on Campus on the use of GI bill benefits and to counselor and a full-time Vet Center out- permit them to restart the clock after The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution reach coordinator; it is safe for veterans to return to (C) the lack of information available at the school. 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. colleges and universities in the regional I am pleased to see that our legisla- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- service area about and lack of access to ben- tion was amended in the Committee on ther proceedings on this motion are efits and services under the laws adminis- Veterans’ Affairs, to include my Vet- postponed. tered by the Secretary; and erans Readiness and Employment Na- f (D) any other factor that the Secretary or tional Emergency Extended Deadline the Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and NATIVE VETSUCCESS AT TRIBAL veterans service organizations identify as Act, which I was also proud to intro- COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES relevant. duce with Congresswoman SHERRILL. PILOT PROGRAM ACT (3) The most effective way to provide cul- The VR&E NEED Act would ensure turally competent outreach and services to disabled veterans get the support they Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I eligible students at Tribal colleges and uni- need to enter the civilian workforce move to suspend the rules and pass the versities. through the VA’s VR&E program. Our bill (H.R. 2878) to direct the Secretary (d) OUTREACH TO COLLEGES AND UNIVER- legislation will allow the Secretary of of Veterans Affairs to carry out a Na- SITIES.—The Secretary shall provide notice Veterans Affairs to pause the 12-year tive VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and of the pilot program to all Tribal colleges time limit to use VR&E benefits during Universities Pilot Program, as amend- and universities and encourage all Tribal national emergencies and other crises ed. colleges and universities to coordinate with when eligible, disabled veterans are The Clerk read the title of the bill. each other to create regional service areas to prevented from leveraging those bene- The text of the bill is as follows: participate in the pilot program. (e) BRIEFINGS AND REPORTS.— fits through no fault of their own. H.R. 2878 The VR&E program is an excellent (1) IMPLEMENTATION BRIEFING.—Not later Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- than one year after the date of the enact- path for our veterans to receive the resentatives of the United States of America in ment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide education and training they need to re- Congress assembled, for the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and enter the workforce. By pausing the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the Committee on Natural Resources of the timer on their benefits when programs This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Native House of Representatives and the Committee are closed, we preserve the opportuni- VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Univer- on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on ties veterans have earned through their sities Pilot Program Act’’. Indian Affairs of the Senate a briefing on— service to our country. Our disabled SEC. 2. NATIVE VETSUCCESS AT TRIBAL COL- (A) the design, structure, and objectives of veterans sacrificed greatly in service LEGES AND UNIVERSITIES PILOT the pilot program; and to our country, so now it is our turn to PROGRAM. (B) the three regional Native Vet Success serve them. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 18 months service areas and the Tribal colleges and universities selected for participation in the It is critical these benefits are not re- after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry pilot program and the reason for the selec- duced due to no fault of the individual out a five-year pilot program, to be known as tion of such service areas and such colleges veteran. Over the past year, we have the ‘‘Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and universities. seen the COVID–19 public health emer- and Universities Pilot Program’’. Under such (2) REPORT.—Not later than four years gency force universities and colleges pilot program the Secretary shall— after the date on which the Secretary estab- across the country to temporarily close (1) identify three regional Native lishes the pilot program, the Secretary shall their doors. As a 24-year Army veteran, VetSuccess service areas consisting of at submit to such Committees a report on the I know how important being able to least two participating Tribal colleges or pilot program. Such report shall include use GI benefits is to ensure that our universities; each of the following: veterans can find meaningful employ- (2) assign to each regional Native (A) The number of eligible students provided services through the pilot program. ment. In fact, I used the GI bill benefit VetSuccess service area a VetSuccess on Campus counselor and a full-time Vet Center (B) The types of services that eligible stu- throughout medical school. outreach coordinator, both of whom shall be dents received through the pilot program. Madam Speaker, I thank Congress- based on one or more of the participating (C) The graduation rate of eligible students woman SHERRILL for her partnership Tribal colleges or universities in the service who received services through the pilot pro- on both of these commonsense bills to area; and gram. help our veterans to access the benefits (3) provide for eligible students at such (D) The rate of employment within one they have earned. participating colleges and universities with year of graduation for eligible students who Madam Speaker, I urge all my col- all services for which such students would be received services through the pilot program. leagues to support the bipartisan GI eligible under the VetSuccess on Campus (E) Feedback from each Tribal college or NEED Act. program of the Department of Veterans Af- university that participated in the pilot pro- Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I re- fairs. gram, including on the regional nature of the serve the balance of my time. (b) ELIGIBLE STUDENTS.—For purposes of program. Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I am pre- the pilot program, an eligible student is a (F) Analysis of the feasibility of expanding student who is a veteran, member of the a regionally based Native VetSuccess at pared to close, and I yield myself such Armed Forces, or dependent of a veteran or Tribal Colleges and Universities Program, time as I may consume. member of the Armed Forces who is eligible including an explanation of the challenges of Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- for any service or benefit under the such a model due to issues with distance, leagues to support this bill, and I yield VetSuccess on Campus program of the De- communication, and coordination, and to the back the balance of my time. partment. level of unmet services.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.023 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 (G) A detailed legislative proposal regard- gram of education and the enrollment in the Started in 2009, the VetSuccess On ing a long-term extension of the pilot pro- non-required course in addition to the re- Campus Program helps student vet- gram, including a budget, if the Secretary quired course or courses in which the veterans succeed and thrive through deliv- determines that such an extension is appro- eran or person is enrolled constitutes enroll- ery of on-campus benefits, assistance, priate. ment on more than a half-time basis.’’. (f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments and counseling. This outreach is in- (1) The term ‘‘Tribal college or university’’ made by subsection (a) shall take effect on tended to help veterans complete their has the meaning given such term under sec- August 1, 2021, and apply with respect to any education and prepare them for jobs. tion 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 semester, term, or academic period that be- Since its inception, the program has (20 U.S.C. 1059c). gins on or after that date. expanded multiple times, and currently (2) The term ‘‘tribal organization’’ has the SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN HOUSING LOAN supports 104 schools across the country meaning given that term in section 4 of the FEES. and is served by 87 VetSuccess coun- Indian Self-Determination and Education Section 3729(b)(2) of title 38, United States selors. Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b). Code, is amended by striking ‘‘October 1, (3) The term ‘‘culturally competent’’ 2030’’ each place it appears and inserting b 1500 means considerate of the unique values, cus- ‘‘December 9, 2030’’. However, Tribal colleges and univer- toms, traditions, cultures, and languages of SEC. 6. EXPANSION AND EXTENSION OF DEPART- sities are not currently served by the Native American veterans. MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AS- SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS SISTANCE FOR HOMELESS VET- VetSuccess program, creating a gap in FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY PILOT PRO- ERANS. access to the services and benefits our GRAM. (a) EXPANSION.—Subsection (a) of section Native American veterans have earned. Subsection (g) of section 116 of the Harry 2041 of title 38, United States Code, is amend- Madam Speaker, Native veterans W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance ed— serve in the Armed Forces at five times Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–48; 38 U.S.C. 3001 (1) in paragraph (1)— the national average, and have served note), as amended by section 4302 of the (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph with distinction in every major con- Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Vet- (A), by inserting ‘‘or permanent housing’’ erans Health Care and Benefits Improvement after ‘‘shelter’’; flict for over 200 years. Native Ameri- Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–315), is amended (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking cans have the highest per capita in- to read as follows: ‘‘named in, or approved by the Secretary volvement of any population in service ‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— under, section 5902 of this title’’ and insert- in the U.S. military, yet these same Funds shall be made available for carrying ing ‘‘that is the recipient of a grant under communities that serve disproportion- out the pilot program under this section section 2011, 2013, 2044, or 2061 of this title’’; from funds appropriated to, or otherwise ately in our military don’t see the and made available to, the Department for the same resources delivered back to their (C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘, payment of readjustment benefits, in the fol- communities. tribal entity,’’ after ‘‘State’’; and lowing amounts for a fiscal year in which the Congressman GALLEGO’s legislation (2) in paragraph (3)(B)— Secretary carries out the pilot program: (A) in clause (i), by inserting ‘‘or to sell or begins to close this gap by creating the ‘‘(1) For fiscal year 2019, $62,000,000. rent the property directly to homeless vet- Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges ‘‘(2) For fiscal year 2020, $63,000,000. erans or veterans at-risk of homelessness’’ and Universities Pilot Program Act at ‘‘(3) For fiscal year 2021, $90,000,000. after ‘‘families’’; and three sites around the Nation serving ‘‘(4) For fiscal year 2022, $90,000,000. (B) in each of clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), by ‘‘(5) For fiscal year 2023, $60,000,000. Tribal colleges. striking the comma and inserting a semi- ‘‘(6) For fiscal year 2024, $0.’’. But that is not all. This legislation colon. SEC. 4. PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL ASSIST- also includes additional improvements (b) EXTENSION.—Subsection (c) of such sec- ANCE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE that will deliver more benefits to all ‘‘ROUNDING OUT’’ UNDER EDU- tion is amended by striking ‘‘September 30, 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2025’’. veterans using their earned edu- CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS cational benefits. OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- SEC. 7. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- FAIRS. FECTS. Included in this legislation is ex- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3680(a) of title 38, The budgetary effects of this Act, for the panded housing benefits for veterans as United States Code, is amended— purpose of complying with the Statutory they seek to finish programs of edu- (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘paragraph Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- cation; additional funding for high- (2)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraphs (2) and (3)’’; mined by reference to the latest statement technology education courses to serve and titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- more veterans during our economic re- (2) by adding at the end the following new tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in paragraph: bound from the COVID–19 pandemic; the Congressional Record by the Chairman of and an extension of VA housing part- ‘‘(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in the the House Budget Committee, provided that case of an eligible veteran or eligible person such statement has been submitted prior to nerships with local communities to who is pursuing a program of education on the vote on passage. house more veterans who are experi- less than a half-time basis during a period The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- encing or at risk of homelessness. that is the last semester, term, or academic Madam Speaker, I applaud Congress- period the veteran or person will be enrolled ant to the rule, the gentleman from man GALLEGO, a veteran himself, for in the program of education because the vet- California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- bringing this package to us, and I ask eran or person will complete the program of tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each my colleagues to join me in supporting education at the end of that semester, term will control 20 minutes. or academic period, the Secretary may, pur- The Chair recognizes the gentleman the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Col- suant to such regulations as the Secretary from California. leges and Universities Pilot Program shall prescribe, provide to the veteran or per- Act. son educational assistance under chapter 30, GENERAL LEAVE Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- 32, 33, 34, or 35 of this title or under chapter Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask ance of my time. 1606 of title 10, including a monthly housing unanimous consent that all Members Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield stipend described in section 3313(c) of this may have 5 legislative days within myself such time as I may consume. title, on the basis of the total number of which to revise and extend their re- Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- credits or courses in which the veteran or marks and to insert extraneous mate- person is enrolled, if— port of H.R. 2878, as amended, the Na- ‘‘(A) the number of credits the veteran or rial on H.R. 2878, as amended. tive VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and person needs to complete the program of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Universities Pilot Program Act. education is less than the number of credits objection to the request of the gen- This bill would direct the VA to that would constitute enrollment on a more tleman from California? carry out pilot programs on at least than half-time basis for that last semester, There was no objection. two Tribal colleges or university cam- term, or academic period; and Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I puses. ‘‘(B) the veteran or person— yield myself such time as I may con- During the pilot, a VetSuccess coun- ‘‘(i) is enrolled in, or has completed, every sume. selor would be assigned to these cam- course offered by the program of education Madam Speaker, I am pleased to during the last semester, term, or academic puses to help eligible veterans navigate period in which the veteran or person is en- speak on H.R. 2878, as amended, the Na- VA programs and benefits. rolled in the program of education; and tive VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and I support the underlying bill. I am ‘‘(ii) enrolls in an additional course that is Universities Pilot Program Act, intro- also pleased that the bill, as amended, not required for the completion of such produced by Congressman GALLEGO. included many Republican provisions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.008 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2371 This bill includes the revised text of Indigenous peoples have a decorated tisan Native VetSuccess at Tribal Col- Congresswoman MILLER-MEEKS’ bill, history of service, yet Native veterans leges and Universities Pilot Program H.R. 2335, the VET TEC Enhancement have less access to benefits than other Act. Act of 2021. Her bill would increase groups of veterans. That must change. I am proud that this legislation was funding for the popular VET TEC pilot Today, we consider a bill that will amended by the Veterans’ Affairs Com- program to ensure that funding does give Native veterans attending Tribal mittee to include my bipartisan VET not run out before the end of the fiscal colleges and universities access to an TEC Enhancement Act. This legisla- year. The bill also provides additional already successful student veteran pro- tion, which I proudly introduced with a funding for those programs in fiscal gram, the VetSuccess on Campus Pro- fellow veteran, Congressman KAHELE, year 2022 and 2023. gram. would increase the amount authorized Madam Speaker, I am glad we au- The VetSuccess program helps stu- to be appropriated for the Veteran Em- thorized additional funds for this im- dent veterans graduate on time, suc- ployment Through Technical Edu- portant program that is putting vet- cessfully enter the workforce, and ac- cation Courses program. erans back to work with a 70 percent cess VA benefits at over 100 colleges VET TEC is a 5-year pilot program placement rate. I think we would be and universities. H.R. 2878 would ex- that allows eligible veterans to use GI hard-pressed to find another program tend this successful program to TCUs Bill-style benefits to attend innovative with such a high rate of success. in a regional model to reach as many job training programs to prepare them This bill also includes the text of Native veterans as possible. There is no for future employment in the tech- Congressman MANN’s bill, H.R. 2419, the time to waste in passing this impor- nology industry. Affordable Housing for Homeless Vet- tant legislation. My bill to support our veterans erans Act of 2021. Congressman MANN’s In addition to expanding the would increase current funding for the provision would authorize the VA to VetSuccess to Native veterans, H.R. VET TEC program from $45 million to sell, lease, rent or donate homes to 2878 includes emergency funds for vet- $90 million per year to allow the VA to homeless veterans providers. eran technology education courses, enroll more veterans in this popular These homes were acquired by the known as VET TEC. The VET TEC pro- program. This program ensures that VA due to veterans defaulting on their gram was created to allow veterans to our veterans have the tools they need VA-guaranteed home loans. This pursue vocational training for 21st cen- to gain meaningful employment. change would increase the stock of af- tury careers in high-tech fields like To date, over 1,800 veterans have fordable housing that is available to software development, programming, completed the VET TEC program and house homeless veterans. coding, media, and more. found well-paying jobs with an average Finally, this bill would provide au- During the pandemic, more veterans salary of $57,000 per year. I have spoken to veterans’ groups in thorization for the VA to continue the than ever are looking for training in my district and across the country, and practice of rounding out the semester high-skilled, high-tech careers, so there is overwhelming support for this for GI Bill students. This practice en- much so that the VET TEC program commonsense program. sures that the students who are fin- has run out of money for this year al- This is another highly successful ave- ishing their education early are able to ready. That is why H.R. 2878 includes nue to assist veterans reentering the take an additional class to receive an immediate influx of funds for VET civilian workforce, and I am proud to their full housing stipend. TEC so more veterans can receive this see the House taking action to support I am dismayed that, without this leg- critical funding. our veterans. islative fix, the Biden administration H.R. 2878 also includes a provision to In closing, I would like to thank Con- is poised to end the decades-long prac- fight veteran homelessness. The gressman KAHELE for his partnership tice on August 1. COVID–19 pandemic devastated our on this important issue, and Congress- Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman economy and healthcare system in gen- man GALLEGO for his support. LEVIN for working with us to ensure eral, disproportionately hurting vet- Madam Speaker, I urge all of my col- rounding out continues and students erans. We don’t know yet the full im- leagues to support the bipartisan Na- are not hurt by the VA’s decision. I pact of the pandemic on veteran home- tive VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and also thank Congresswoman MILLER- lessness, but we know veterans need Universities Pilot Program Act. MEEKS and Congressman MANN for our help immediately. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I their hard work on both of these bills. My bill will extend the authorization yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Madam Speaker, I am pleased to sup- allowing the VA to partner with non- New Hampshire (Mr. PAPPAS), my good port this bill, and I urge my colleagues profits, States, Tribes, and localities to friend and chair of the Subcommittee to do the same. help more veterans find both tem- on Oversight and Investigations. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- porary shelter and permanent housing. Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise ance of my time. This provision will save veterans’ lives, today on behalf of the veterans of our Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I period. military who, following their service, yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Finally, H.R. 2878 includes a provi- are housing insecure. Arizona (Mr. GALLEGO), my good friend sion to help student veterans keep Although we have made significant and an author of this legislation, H.R. their housing benefits in their final se- strides in combating veteran homeless- 2878, and a member of the House Vet- mester of education. Ensuring student ness, the fact remains that more than erans’ Affairs Committee. veterans can remain housed for the du- 37,000 veterans are homeless right now, Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I ration of their education is essential to and many more are worried about rise today in support of my bill, H.R. ensure that veterans graduate on time keeping a roof over their heads. 2878, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal and can successfully enter the work- That is why the Affordable Housing Colleges and Universities Pilot Pro- force. for Homeless Veterans Act is needed. I gram Act. Before I close, I want to especially introduced this bill with Sub- I thank Chair TAKANO for bringing thank Representatives MILLER-MEEKS, committee on Oversight and Investiga- this bill to the floor. I also thank my LEVIN, MANN, and PAPPAS for their tions Ranking Member MANN, and it is co-leads on this legislation: Represent- work with me on this bipartisan bill. included as part of H.R. 2878 today. ative DUSTY JOHNSON, Representative Madam Speaker, I urge all my col- This legislation will allow the VA to TOM O’HALLERAN, and Representative leagues to support this legislation. continue to acquire homes through TOM COLE. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 foreclosure, and then sell or lease these Native Americans have served our minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa homes to veterans in need of housing. country in every war since the Amer- (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS). This much we know: A veteran who ican Revolution. To this day, Native Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam has sworn to give everything for the Americans volunteer to serve at higher Speaker, I thank my colleague, Rep- United States, up to and including rates than any other demographic resentative BOST, for yielding to me. their life, should not be without a roof group. I, myself, served alongside Na- Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- over their head and a safe place to tive American Marines in Iraq. port of Congressman GALLEGO’s bipar- sleep when their service is over.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.026 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 As President Kennedy said of those he visited VA facilities in Kansas. I legislation, and I look forward to its who have served: ‘‘As we express our spoke to him about the Affordable passage and benefit to America’s serv- gratitude, we must never forget that Housing for Homeless Veterans Act, icemembers. Mahalo. the highest appreciation is not to utter and he was encouraged about the work Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I encour- words, but to live by them.’’ we were doing in the committee to help age my colleagues to support this bill, Let’s show our veterans our gratitude veterans. I look forward to my contin- and I yield back the balance of my by addressing housing insecurity and ued partnership with Secretary time. passing this legislation today, as well McDonough and the VA. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I as the underlying bill sponsored by I also want to quickly highlight an- have no further speakers. In closing, I Representative GALLEGO. other piece of legislation I introduced ask all my colleagues to join me in Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 along with Representative LAMB, the passing this important piece of legisla- minutes to gentleman from Kansas VA Equal Employment Counseling tion, H.R. 2878, as amended, and I yield (Mr. MANN), my good friend. Modernization Act. back the balance of my time. Mr. MANN. Madam Speaker, I rise b 1515 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The today to highlight veterans bills before question is on the motion offered by the House floor. This legislation removes burdensome the gentleman from California (Mr. I appreciate the opportunity to first regulations by simply removing the TAKANO) that the House suspend the highlight legislation that Representa- cap on the number of full-time employ- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2878, as tive PAPPAS and I introduced, aimed at ees at the Department of Veterans Af- amended. helping veteran homelessness. fairs who provide equal opportunity The question was taken. H.R. 2878 and the Affordable Housing employment counseling. It is a small, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the for Homeless Veterans Act of 2021 incremental change, but changes like opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being would increase the number of afford- this help the VA get our veterans into in the affirmative, the ayes have it. able housing options to help reduce the jobs quickly and ensure we are giving Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, recent uptick in veteran homelessness them the best care and guidance pos- on that I demand the yeas and nays. due to the ongoing pandemic. sible. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Our job on the House Veterans’ Af- I thank Chairman TAKANO and Rank- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution fairs Committee is to ensure that we ing Member BOST for allowing me to 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. are taking care of and doing right by speak on behalf of the Affordable Hous- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- our veterans. This legislation works to ing for Veterans Act. I look forward to ther proceedings on this motion are do just that. Curbing veterans’ home- passing these pieces of legislation and postponed. lessness and ensuring our Nation’s he- continuing to work with everyone to f roes are not without shelter for them- help veterans. selves and their families is a top pri- Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I DIRECTING SECRETARY OF VET- ority for me. There are over 37,000 vet- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from ERANS AFFAIRS TO SUBMIT A erans experiencing homelessness in the State of Hawaii (Mr. KAHELE). REPORT ON USE OF CAMERAS IN America. This is not acceptable for our Mr. KAHELE. Madam Speaker, I MEDICAL CENTERS OF DEPART- veterans, and we must be part of the thank the gentleman from California MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS solution. for yielding me time. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I I was pleased to see the Department Madam Speaker, today, I rise to move to suspend the rules and pass the of VA and the Department of Housing speak in favor of H.R. 2878, the bipar- bill (H.R. 1510) to direct the Secretary and Urban Development align efforts to tisan Native VetSuccess at Tribal Col- of Veterans Affairs to submit to Con- join forces to find ways to end veteran leges and Universities Pilot Program, gress a report on the use of cameras in homelessness. One of the priorities which includes a bill that I co-led with the medical centers of the Department mentioned by VA and HUD is increas- my esteemed colleague from Iowa’s of Veterans Affairs, as amended. ing the supply and access to affordable Second Congressional District, Con- The Clerk read the title of the bill. housing. gresswoman MILLER-MEEKS, the VET The text of the bill is as follows: TEC Enhancement Act. My legislation reauthorizes and H.R. 1510 amends the program that allows the In our Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma- rines, and Coast Guard, our veterans Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Secretary of VA to sell, lease, rent or resentatives of the United States of America in donate a home which was acquired by and their families have sacrificed so Congress assembled, VA because a veteran defaulted on much to protect our Nation and keep SECTION 1. REPORT ON USE OF CAMERAS IN their VA-guaranteed home loan to a our country whole. We owe them our MEDICAL FACILITIES OF THE DE- public housing authority, grant and per thanks, we owe them our respect, but PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. diem provider, or a Supportive Services most importantly, we owe them our (a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than one for Veterans Families service provider. support as they transition back into ci- year after the date of the enactment of this The public housing authority or pro- vilian life once their service is over. Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in The Veteran Employment Through collaboration with the Office of Operations, viders could then use these homes to Security, and Preparedness of the Depart- shelter other veterans and their fami- Technical Education Courses, or VET ment of Veterans Affairs, the Veterans lies who are homeless or at risk of be- TEC, is a 5-year pilot program that al- Health Administration, and the Office of coming homeless. lows eligible veterans to use GI Bill- Construction and Facilities Management of By reauthorizing this program and style benefits to attend innovative job the Department, shall submit to the Com- removing some burdensome regula- training programs and prepare them mittees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate tions from the old program, the num- for future employment in the tech- and the House of Representatives a report ber of affordable housing options in nology industry. Our bill would expand analyzing the policies, use, and maintenance funding of this program from $45 mil- of cameras deployed by the Department for higher cost areas will increase and pro- patient safety and law enforcement at med- vide relief to veterans who have lim- lion to $125 million a year, allowing ical facilities of the Department. ited affordable housing options. more of our men and women in uniform (b) ELEMENTS.—The report required by sub- I was pleased this legislation re- to enroll each year. section (a) shall include the following: ceived bipartisan support from my col- The VET TEC program is highly pop- (1) A comprehensive review of the policies leagues on the committee, as well as ular and has a 90 percent completion and procedures of the Department regarding many members not on the committee. rate, giving our veterans the tools they the use and maintenance of cameras with re- This broad support shows a willingness need to gain meaningful employment spect to the following: by this House of Representatives to im- in well-paying jobs. No servicemember (A) Patient safety, including— (i) an analysis of how cameras are used to plement these impactful changes for who has taken the oath to protect and monitor staff and patients; our veterans across the country. defend our country should be left be- (ii) an analysis of the specific units within I also had the opportunity to speak hind in today’s 21st century workforce. medical facilities in which the use of cam- with VA Secretary McDonough when I am proud to co-lead this important eras is prioritized to protect patient safety;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.027 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2373 (iii) an analysis of the procedures regard- minister, and she injected it into vet- year. We drafted it in response to a se- ing the positioning of cameras; erans who did not need it, killing all ries of incidents across the country (iv) an analysis of the extent to which eight of them. where missing or malfunctioning cam- cameras monitor locations where drugs are Following the sentencing last week, eras played a role in serious lapses. In stored to ensure that drugs are accounted the VA Office of the Inspector General for, and an assessment of whether this is a some of those incidents, veterans’ lives widely used practice; and issued a report identifying numerous were lost. Those tragedies have no (v) an analysis of the actions taken to pre- deficiencies in patient care and failures place in the VA healthcare system. The serve and protect patient privacy. in VA oversight at the facility where VCR Act will help make sure they will (B) Law enforcement of medical facilities these murders occurred. Among other never happen again. of the Department, including— things, the OIG found that there were Most importantly, it will help ensure (i) how exterior cameras are used; no cameras in the ward where these that veterans are safe seeking the care (ii) how interior cameras are used; and events occurred, nor in the medication that they have earned. The VCR Act is (iii) an analysis of locations, interior and room where the insulin was stored, and a bipartisan bill. It is supported by the exterior, in which camera use is prioritized. there were no locks or other mecha- (2) Recommendations of the Secretary to VA and the veterans service organiza- improve patient safety and law enforcement, nisms for monitoring access to medica- tions, including The VFW and the including— tion carts where insulin was also kept. Wounded Warrior Project. I am grate- (A) the placement and maintenance of There are no words to adequately ex- ful for that support. cameras; press the horror and sorrow we feel Madam Speaker, I encourage all of (B) the storage of data from such cameras; about the heinous crimes committed my colleagues to support this bill, and (C) the authority of supervisors at medical against these veterans. We cannot I yield back the balance of my time. facilities of the Department to review re- imagine the pain the families have en- cordings from cameras; Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I dured since evidence of these murders have no further speakers. In closing, I (D) the number of staff required to monitor came to light nearly 3 years ago. We live footage from cameras at each medical ask all my colleagues to join me in can only hope that last week’s sen- facility of the Department; passing H.R. 1510, which cleared the (E) the funding necessary to address short- tencing will help the victims’ families committee unanimously. I can see no falls with respect to cameras and the specific begin to heal and to find a sense of clo- reason why any Member would vote uses for such funding; sure. against this bill. (F) any additional actions required to pre- In Congress, we have a responsibility serve and protect patient privacy; and to help ensure that VA never allows Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- (G) such other matters the Secretary de- something like this to happen again. ance of my time. termines appropriate. Now, as an initial step, we need to bet- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (c) CAMERA DEFINED.—In this section, the ter understand how VA uses video cam- question is on the motion offered by term ‘‘camera’’ means any video camera the gentleman from California (Mr. used in a medical facility of the Department eras for monitoring patient safety and TAKANO) that the House suspend the of Veterans Affairs for purposes of patient physical security within its medical fa- safety or law enforcement, but does not in- cilities. To that end, H.R. 1510 will re- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1510, as clude cameras used solely by the Inspector quire VA to submit a report summa- amended. General of the Department of Veterans Af- rizing how cameras are used to monitor The question was taken. fairs to assist in criminal investigations con- staff and patients, the units within The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the ducted by the Inspector General. which cameras are prioritized, and how opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cameras are used to monitor drug stor- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ant to the rule, the gentleman from age. The report also must include rec- Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- ommendations on improving the use of on that I demand the yeas and nays. tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each cameras at VA, including whether the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- will control 20 minutes. Department needs additional resources The Chair recognizes the gentleman ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution to install cameras for patient safety from California. 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. and law enforcement purposes. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- GENERAL LEAVE This bill will require VA’s report to Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask ther proceedings on this motion are encompass all of its medical facilities unanimous consent that all Members postponed. nationwide. Drug diversion, assaults, may have 5 legislative days in which to harassment, suicides, and other patient revise and extend their remarks and in- f safety incidents can occur at any VA sert extraneous material on H.R. 1510, medical facility, not just hospitals. VA as amended. ESTABLISHING VETERANS ECO- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there operates more than 1,000 inpatient and NOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRAN- objection to the request of the gen- outpatient facilities across the coun- SITION ADMINISTRATION try. Congress needs a complete picture tleman from California? Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I There was no objection. of the extent to which cameras are Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I used across VA so that we can better move to suspend the rules and pass the yield myself such time as I may con- assist the Department in addressing bill (H.R. 2494) to amend title 38, sume. any shortfalls. United States Code, to establish in the Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Madam Speaker, I urge all Members Department the Veterans Economic H.R. 1510, the Veterans’ Camera Re- to join me in approving this important Opportunity and Transition Adminis- porting Act, introduced by Representa- bill. tration, and for other purposes. tive MCKINLEY of West Virginia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- The Clerk read the title of the bill. This bill, as amended by the House ance of my time. The text of the bill is as follows: Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, re- Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield H.R. 2494 quires VA to submit a report to Con- myself such time as I may consume. gress analyzing the Department’s use Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in and maintenance of video cameras for port of H.R. 1510, as amended, the Vet- Congress assembled, the purposes of patient safety and law erans’ Camera Reporting, or the VCR, SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS ECO- enforcement within all of its medical Act. The VCR Act would require VA to NOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSI- facilities. assess how cameras are used for pa- TION ADMINISTRATION. Last Tuesday, a nursing assistant tient safety and law enforcement pur- (a) VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND who was formerly employed at a VA poses in VA medical center facilities. TRANSITION ADMINISTRATION.— hospital in West Virginia was sen- It would also require VA to report to (1) IN GENERAL.—Part V of title 38, United tenced to seven consecutive life sen- Congress about how camera use could States Code, is amended by adding at the end tences plus 20 years after she pleaded be improved to make VA safer and the following new chapter: guilty to murdering seven veterans and more responsive to veterans’ needs. ‘‘CHAPTER 80—VETERANS ECONOMIC OP- assaulting an eighth veteran with in- I was proud to introduce this bill PORTUNITY AND TRANSITION ADMINIS- tent to commit murder. She took insu- with Congressman DAVID MCKINLEY of TRATION lin that she was not authorized to ad- West Virginia and others earlier this ‘‘Sec.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0655 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.009 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

‘‘8001. Organization of Administration. United States Code, as added by subsection (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of ‘‘8002. Functions of Administration. (a), shall apply in the same manner to such sections at the beginning of such chapter is ‘‘8003. Annual report to Congress. employee after such transfer. amended by inserting after the item relating ‘‘§ 8001. Organization of Administration SEC. 2. UNDER SECRETARY FOR VETERANS ECO- to section 306 the following new item: ‘‘(a) VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND NOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSI- TION. ‘‘306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Eco- TRANSITION ADMINISTRATION.—There is in the nomic Opportunity and Transi- (a) UNDER SECRETARY.— Department of Veterans Affairs a Veterans tion.’’. Economic Opportunity and Transition Ad- (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 3 of title 38, ministration. The primary function of the United States Code, is amended by inserting (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Title 38, Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transi- after section 306 the following new section: United States Code, is further amended— tion Administration is the administration of ‘‘§ 306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Eco- (1) in section 306(c)(2), by striking subpara- the programs of the Department that provide nomic Opportunity and Transition graphs (A) and (E) and redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F), as subpara- assistance related to economic opportunity ‘‘(a) UNDER SECRETARY.—There is in the to veterans and their dependents and sur- Department an Under Secretary for Veterans graphs (A) through (D), respectively; vivors. Economic Opportunity and Transition, who (2) in section 317(d)(2), by inserting after ‘‘(b) UNDER SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC OP- is appointed by the President, by and with ‘‘Under Secretary for Benefits,’’ the fol- PORTUNITY AND TRANSITION.—The Veterans the advice and consent of the Senate. The lowing: ‘‘the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Ad- Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Op- Economic Opportunity and Transition,’’; ministration is under the Under Secretary portunity and Transition shall be appointed (3) in section 318(d)(2), by inserting after for Veterans Economic Opportunity and without regard to political affiliation or ac- ‘‘Under Secretary for Benefits,’’ the fol- Transition, who is directly responsible to the tivity and solely on the basis of dem- lowing: ‘‘the Under Secretary for Veterans Secretary for the operations of the Adminis- onstrated ability in— Economic Opportunity and Transition,’’; tration. ‘‘(1) information technology; and (4) in section 516(e)(2)(C), by striking ‘‘§ 8002. Functions of Administration ‘‘(2) the administration of programs within ‘‘Health and the Under Secretary for Bene- fits’’ and inserting ‘‘Health, the Under Sec- ‘‘The Veterans Economic Opportunity and the Veterans Economic Opportunity and retary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary Transition Administration is responsible for Transition Administration or programs of for Veterans Economic Opportunity and the administration of the following programs similar content and scope. Transition’’; of the Department: ‘‘(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Under Sec- (5) in section 541(a)(2)(B), by striking ‘‘(1) Vocational rehabilitation and employ- retary for Veterans Economic Opportunity ‘‘Health and the Under Secretary for Bene- ment programs. and Transition is the head of, and is directly fits’’ and inserting ‘‘Health, the Under Sec- ‘‘(2) Educational assistance programs. responsible to the Secretary for the oper- retary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary ‘‘(3) Veterans’ housing loan and related ations of, the Veterans Economic Oppor- for Veterans Economic Opportunity and programs. tunity and Transition Administration. Transition’’; ‘‘(4) The verification of small businesses ‘‘(c) VACANCIES.—(1) Whenever a vacancy in (6) in section 542(a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking owned and controlled by veterans pursuant the position of Under Secretary for Veterans ‘‘Health and the Under Secretary for Bene- to subsection (f) of section 8127 of this title, Economic Opportunity and Transition occurs fits’’ and inserting ‘‘Health, the Under Sec- including the administration of the database or is anticipated, the Secretary shall estab- retary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary of veteran-owned businesses described in lish a commission to recommend individuals for Veterans Economic Opportunity and such subsection. to the President for appointment to the posi- Transition’’; ‘‘(5) The Transition Assistance Program tion. (7) in section 544(a)(2)(B)(vi), by striking under section 1144 of title 10. ‘‘(2) A commission established under this ‘‘Health and the Under Secretary for Bene- ‘‘(6) Any other program of the Department subsection shall be composed of the fol- fits’’ and inserting ‘‘Health, the Under Sec- that the Secretary determines appropriate. lowing members appointed by the Secretary: ‘‘(A) Three persons representing education retary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary ‘‘§ 8003. Annual report to Congress and training, vocational rehabilitation, em- for Veterans Economic Opportunity and ‘‘The Secretary shall include in the annual ployment, real estate, mortgage finance and Transition’’; report to the Congress required by section related industries, and survivor benefits ac- (8) in section 709(c)(2)(A), by inserting after 529 of this title a report on the programs ad- tivities affected by the Veterans Economic ‘‘Under Secretary for Benefits,’’ the fol- ministered by the Under Secretary for Vet- Opportunity and Transition Administration. lowing: ‘‘the Under Secretary for Veterans erans Economic Opportunity and Transition. ‘‘(B) Two persons representing veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,’’; Each such report shall include the following served by the Veterans Economic Oppor- (9) in section 7701(a), by inserting after with respect to each such program during tunity and Transition Administration. ‘‘assistance’’ the following: ‘‘, other than as- the fiscal year covered by that report: ‘‘(C) Two persons who have experience in sistance related to Economic Opportunity ‘‘(1) The number of claims received. the management of private sector benefits and Transition,’’; and ‘‘(2) The number of claims decided. programs of similar content and scope to the (10) in section 7703, by striking paragraphs ‘‘(3) The average processing time for a economic opportunity and transition pro- (2) and (3) and redesignating paragraphs (4) claim. grams of the Department. and (5) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respec- ‘‘(4) The number of successful outcomes (as ‘‘(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Af- tively. determined by the Secretary). fairs. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Section 306A of title ‘‘(5) The number of full-time equivalent ‘‘(E) The chairman of the Veterans’ Advi- 38, United States Code, as added by sub- employees. sory Committee on Education formed under section (a), and the amendments made by ‘‘(6) The amounts expended for information section 3692 of this title. this section, shall take effect on October 1, technology.’’. ‘‘(F) One person who has held the position 2022. (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.—The tables of of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic SEC. 3. TRANSFER OF SERVICES. chapters at the beginning of title 38, United Opportunity and Transition, if the Secretary States Code, and of part V of title 38, United determines that it is desirable for such per- (a) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than States Code, are each amended by inserting son to be a member of the commission. 180 days after the date of the enactment of after the item relating to chapter 79 the fol- ‘‘(3) A commission established under this this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs lowing new item: subsection shall recommend at least three shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ ‘‘80. Veterans Economic Opportunity individuals for appointment to the position Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep- and Transition Administration .... 8001’’. of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic resentatives a report on the progress toward (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Chapter 80 of title 38, Opportunity and Transition. The commission establishing the Veterans Economic Oppor- United States Code, as added by subsection shall submit all recommendations to the tunity and Transition Administration, as es- (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2022. Secretary. The Secretary shall forward the tablished under section 8001 of title 38, (c) AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROPRIATIONS recommendations to the President and the United States Code, as added by section 4, FOR VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRATIONS.— Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen- and the transition of the provision of serv- There is authorized to be appropriated for ate and House of Representatives with any ices to veterans by such Administration. fiscal year 2022 for the General Operating Ex- comments the Secretary considers appro- (b) CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary of Vet- penses account of the Veterans Benefits Ad- priate. Thereafter, the President may re- erans Affairs may not transfer the function ministration $3,207,000,000. quest the commission to recommend addi- of providing any services to veterans to the (d) LABOR RIGHTS.—Any labor rights, inclu- tional individuals for appointment. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transi- sion in the bargaining unit, and collective ‘‘(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy As- tion Administration, as established under bargaining agreement that affects an em- sistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs who section 8001 of title 38, United States Code, ployee of the Department of Veterans Affairs performs personnel management and labor as added by section 4 until the Secretary who is transferred to the Veterans Economic relations functions shall serve as the execu- submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Af- Opportunity and Transition Administration, tive secretary of a commission established fairs of the Senate and House of Representa- as established under chapter 80 of title 38, under this subsection.’’. tives certification that—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.013 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2375 (1) the transition of the provision of serv- aging compensation claims is impor- Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- ices to such Administration will not nega- tant, the responsibility of managing ther proceedings on this motion are tively affect the provision of such services to transition, education, and housing ben- postponed. veterans; efits often takes a backseat. To put it (2) such services are ready to be trans- f in perspective, the Veterans Benefits ferred. SGT. KETCHUM RURAL VETERANS Administration’s structure has not sig- (c) DEADLINE FOR CERTIFICATION.—The Sec- MENTAL HEALTH ACT OF 2021 retary shall submit to the Committees on nificantly changed since the Veterans Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Administration was established in 1930. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I Representatives the certification required by Madam Speaker, during the last 89 move to suspend the rules and pass the subsection (b)— years, the services needed by veterans bill (H.R. 2441) to direct the Secretary (1) no earlier than April 1, 2022; and has dramatically changed, which is of Veterans Affairs to expand the Rural (2) no later than September 1, 2022. why our committee has an Economic Access Network for Growth Enhance- (d) FAILURE TO CERTIFY.—If the Secretary ment Program of the Department of fails to submit the certification required by Opportunity Subcommittee. It is time subsection (b) by the date specified in sub- for the importance of economic oppor- Veterans Affairs, and to direct the section (c)(2), the Secretary shall submit to tunity to be elevated at VA as well. Comptroller General of the United the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the This bipartisan bill would create a States to conduct a study to assess cer- Senate and House of Representatives a re- new administration within the Depart- tain mental health care resources of port that includes— ment to manage educational assist- the Department of Veterans Affairs (1) the reason why the certification was ance, vocational rehabilitation, and available to veterans who live in rural not made by such date; and employment, education, career coun- areas. (2) the estimated date when the certifi- The Clerk read the title of the bill. cation will be made. seling programs, and broadly defined shared transition assistance programs. The text of the bill is as follows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- That means a dedicated Under Sec- H.R. 2441 ant to the rule, the gentleman from retary for Veterans Economic Oppor- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- tunity and Transition solely focused on resentatives of the United States of America in tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each fulfilling our promise to the veterans Congress assembled, will control 20 minutes. that they will get the education they SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. The Chair recognizes the gentleman This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Sgt. want, the housing they need, and the from California. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act careers they deserve. of 2021’’. GENERAL LEAVE Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF RURAL ACCESS NETWORK ance of my time. FOR GROWTH ENHANCEMENT PRO- unanimous consent that all Members Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield GRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF may have 5 legislative days in which to myself such time as I may consume. VETERANS AFFAIRS. revise and extend their remarks and in- Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- (a) EXPANSION.—The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish and maintain three sert extraneous material on H.R. 2494. port of H.R. 2494, which would direct The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there new centers of the RANGE Program. the VA to create a new fourth adminis- (b) LOCATIONS.—The centers established objection to the request of the gen- tration. This new administration would under subsection (a) shall be located in areas tleman from California? oversee programs that support eco- determined by the Secretary based on— There was no objection. nomic opportunity for our veterans. (1) the need for additional mental health Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I During my time in Congress, I have care for rural veterans in such areas; and yield myself such time as I may con- seen repeated instances of mismanage- (2) interest expressed by personnel at fa- sume. cilities of the Department in such areas. ment within the programs. I believe it (c) TIMELINE.—The Secretary shall estab- Madam Speaker, I am pleased to is time for this new administration to speak on H.R. 2494, introduced by Con- lish the centers under subsection (a) during be created so that more focus can be fiscal year 2022. gressman WENSTRUP, and which would placed on economic opportunities for (d) FUNDING.—There is authorized to be ap- establish a fourth administration at our veterans. This new focus is even propriated $1,200,000 for each of fiscal years the Department of Veterans Affairs fo- more important today as we are trying 2022 through 2024 to carry out this section. cused on economic opportunity and to help veterans get back on the right SEC. 3. GAO STUDY OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE transition. economic track following the COVID–19 FURNISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF When our servicemembers conclude VETERANS AFFAIRS TO RURAL VET- pandemic. ERANS. their time with the armed services, I want to thank Congressman (a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Comptroller they are tasked with returning to civil- WENSTRUP for his dedication and hard General of the United States shall conduct a ian life. This is the sacrifice they make work on this bill. study to assess whether the Department of for our security, and in exchange, we Madam Speaker, I want to thank my Veterans Affairs has sufficient resources to owe them more than a thank you and colleagues. I urge them to support this serve rural veterans who need covered men- well wishes. We owe them a commit- tal health care. Such study shall include as- bill, and I yield back the balance of my sessments of— ment that they will be supported in time. their transition to civilian life, and (1) whether the mental health care fur- b 1530 nished by the Secretary (through resources that they will have a VA that is re- including the RANGE Program, Enhanced sponsive to their needs. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask RANGE Program, mental health residential That is why we passed the first GI all of my colleagues to join me in pass- rehabilitation treatment programs, inpa- Bill nearly 75 years ago to the day and ing this important piece of legislation, tient mental health services, and PRR cen- why we continue today to make im- H.R. 2494, and I yield back the balance ters) is sufficient to meet the covered mental provements in providing our Nation’s of my time. health care needs of rural veterans; veterans with the benefits they have The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (2) how best to expand and to appropriately earned. locate resources described in paragraph (1); question is on the motion offered by (3) whether to require the establishment of Unfortunately, VA has struggled to the gentleman from California (Mr. a PRR center at a medical facility of the De- track the effectiveness of programs for TAKANO) that the House suspend the partment that serves 1,000 or more veterans education and employment, and Con- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2494. on the National Psychosis Registry; gress has struggled to determine the The question was taken. (4) the demand by rural veterans for men- Department’s resource needs in these The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tal health resources specified in paragraph areas. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (1); Madam Speaker, one of the main rea- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. (5) the average wait time for a rural vet- sons we have identified through hear- Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, eran for mental health resources specified in paragraph (1); and ings and discussion with our veterans on that I demand the yeas and nays. (6) how many rural veterans died by sui- service organizations is that the Vet- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cide or overdose— erans Benefits Administration is sim- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution (A) while on a wait list for mental health ply asked to do too much. While man- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. resources specified in paragraph (1); and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.013 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 (B) during the term of the study. and inpatient, really is for rural vet- when he was unable to get the mental (b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 18 erans. healthcare he needed. Sergeant months after the date of the enactment of We all know that even a well-de- Ketchum had served two tours in Iraq this Act, the Comptroller General shall sub- signed system may not reach every and another in Afghanistan. In his first mit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs veteran who needs it. With this legisla- of the Senate and House of Representatives a tour alone, he helped clear 92 roadside report containing the results of the study tion, our work to close the gaps will be bombs in 7 months, service that earned under this section. guided by data. I, therefore, ask my him the Combat Action Ribbon. SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. colleagues to join me in supporting the His heroic service wasn’t his only In this Act: Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental role, however. He was a loving father, (1) The term ‘‘covered mental health care’’ Health Act. son, brother, and friend. But like many means mental health care that is more in- Madam Speaker, I support this legis- veterans, Sergeant Ketchum struggled tensive than traditional outpatient therapy. lation, and I reserve the balance of my with depression, addiction, and PTSD (2) The term ‘‘PRR center’’ means a psy- time. related to his time in uniform. chosocial rehabilitation and recovery center Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield After his service, Brandon volun- of the Department of Veterans Affairs. myself such time as I may consume. (3) The term ‘‘RANGE Program’’ means teered and spoke publicly to students Madam Speaker, I rise today in sup- about his experience with PTSD. But the Rural Access Network for Growth En- port of H.R. 2441, the Sgt. Ketchum hancement Program of the Department of despite receiving therapy and addiction Veterans Affairs. Rural Veterans Mental Health Act. treatment after returning from his May is Mental Health Awareness (4) The term ‘‘rural veteran’’ means a vet- tours, Brandon had a hard time adjust- Month. I am pleased to commemorate eran who lives in a rural or highly rural area ing to civilian life. (including such an area in a Tribal or insular it today by passing this bill to expand When he sought inpatient hos- area), as determined through the use of the mental healthcare to veterans in rural pitalization in 2016 from an Iowa VA, Rural-Urban Commuting Areas coding sys- areas. the treatment rooms were full, and he tem of the Department of Agriculture. The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans was turned down for the care he need- Mental Health Act would expand VA’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ed. Hours later, Sergeant Ketchum RANGE program. The RANGE program ant to the rule, the gentleman from took his own life. California (Mr. TAKANO) and the gen- provides veterans who have serious We all know that veterans do not tleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) each mental illness or who are at risk of have enough mental health resources will control 20 minutes. homelessness with intense case man- across this country. Nearly 17 veterans The Chair recognizes the gentleman agement. die by suicide every day, and a recent Almost a quarter of our Nation’s vet- from California. HHS study found that only 50 percent erans reside in rural communities. I am GENERAL LEAVE of returning vets who need mental one of those veterans who does. While I Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask health treatment will receive it. And, wouldn’t have it any other way, I know unanimous consent that all Members in particular, these mental health serv- firsthand that living in a rural area have 5 legislative days in which to re- ices are even harder to find in our Na- can be a barrier to care. This bill will vise and extend their remarks and to tion’s rural areas, areas that I and my help remove that barrier for some of insert extraneous material on H.R. Iowa colleagues represent here in Con- our most vulnerable veterans. It will 2441. gress. help ensure that they do not fall The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The truth is sad, but it is pretty sim- through the cracks. It will help them objection to the request of the gen- ple. We are failing our veterans. Bran- heal. tleman from California? don asked us for help, but he was It will also require GAO to assess There was no objection. turned away because of a lack of re- whether VA has sufficient resources to Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I sources. So, we must make sure, in his support mental health in rural areas. yield myself such time as I may con- memory and for the sake of others still That will help identify any other bar- sume. serving, that when our soldiers return riers to care that may exist for these Madam Speaker, I am pleased to home, they can get the treatment that veterans so that we can break them speak on H.R. 2441, the Sgt. Ketchum they need. Rural Veterans Mental Health Act of down. This bill is supported by the entire My bill will increase mental health 2021, introduced by Congresswoman Iowa delegation, including by my facilities in rural areas by establishing AXNE. friend, fellow veteran, and fellow com- three new Rural Access Network for This bill has not only bipartisan sup- mittee member, Congresswoman Growth Enhancement programs, port, but also bicameral support with known by their acronym RANGE. MARIANNETTE MILLER-MEEKS. the recent introduction of a companion It is named after Brandon Ketchum, RANGE programs provide rural vet- bill from Senate Veterans’ Affairs an Iowa veteran who died by suicide in erans with more mental health re- Committee Chairman TESTER and 2016. My heartfelt condolences go out sources, including access to a team of Ranking Member MORAN. to his family and friends. I am honored experts who can provide intensive ad- This bill is named for an Iowa vet- to support this bill today in Brandon’s diction and mental health treatment, eran who died by suicide after failing memory. helping veterans reintegrate into their to receive intensive treatment for his Madam Speaker, I urge all of my col- communities. PTSD. It is designed to honor his mem- leagues to join me, and I reserve the My bill will also study how the VA is ory with action and to prevent a simi- balance of my time. currently meeting the needs of rural lar outcome for his fellow veterans. Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I veterans with mental health issues and Through this legislation, VA will yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman what resources may be needed to im- open three new RANGE programs in from Iowa (Mrs. AXNE), my good friend prove their care so that we can actu- rural locations, including territories and the author of H.R. 2441. ally address the root causes of mental and insular areas. VA RANGE pro- Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise health issues in our rural areas and grams offer intensive outpatient serv- today to honor an Iowan, a Marine, and with our veterans. ices and case management for rural a fallen hero, Brandon Ketchum. Not only is this an important cause, veterans with mental illness, housing I am also here to make a promise to but it is a bipartisan one, too. As men- and food insecurity, financial issues, his mother, Bev. When I introduced tioned, all four members of our Iowa and problems with daily living. They this legislation, I told Bev that Bran- delegation have joined together and can be absolutely lifesaving for vet- don’s story was one that would ensure signed on to this. I would like to thank erans who need this kind of wrap- that other veterans get the mental them all for doing that, my incredible around care and safety nets. health help that they need. Today, we cosponsors, and, of course, Chairman Additionally, this bill calls for a GAO are here to take that next step in keep- TAKANO and subcommittee Chair- study of how accessible VA’s con- ing that promise. woman BROWNLEY for their support of tinuum of superior mental healthcare Five years ago, retired Sergeant this bill, as well as their constant dedi- services, from outpatient to residential Brandon Ketchum took his own life cation to our veterans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.012 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2377 Veterans put their lives on the line this area. But there is far more that am honored to be part of this effort to and serve our Nation with honor. When needs to be done. expand mental health services to our they come home, they should be able to I reserve the balance of my time. veterans in rural areas. receive the care that they need regard- Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans’ less of ZIP Code. minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa Mental Health Act is named in honor We can’t simply accept that Bran- (Mrs. HINSON), from the First Congres- of Sergeant Brandon Ketchum, an don’s death is a tragedy, and that is sional District. Iowan and a Marine Corps veteran who just what it is. We have to use his story Mrs. HINSON. Madam Speaker, served in Iraq and Afghanistan. to make the changes that are long today, I rise in support of H.R. 2441, the After serving overseas, he suffered overdue and to ensure that no other Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental from a number of physical and mental veteran falls through the cracks. Health Act. conditions. Tragically, Sergeant We must take action to address the I want to start off by thanking my Ketchum took his own life after failing rural health shortages and the mental colleague, Congresswoman CINDY AXNE, to receive the mental healthcare he health needs of our Nation’s veterans. I for introducing this legislation and for needed from the VA. urge all of my colleagues to honor Ser- her leadership. I was proud to join the It is clear, mental healthcare short- geant Ketchum’s legacy with a ‘‘yes’’ gentlewoman and our entire Iowa dele- comings for our veterans need to be ad- vote on this bill. gation, as has already been mentioned, dressed, and that is what this bill does. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 to introduce this very important bipar- I thank my colleague from Iowa, minutes to the gentlewoman from Iowa tisan bill for our veterans. Congresswoman AXNE, for her work on (Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS), from the Second Sergeant Ketchum from Davenport this important bill. I also thank my Congressional District. served our country honorably overseas colleagues, Congresswoman MILLER- Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam in both Iraq and Afghanistan. But let’s MEEKS and Congresswoman HINSON, for Speaker, I thank my colleague from Il- be real: Not every war wound is visible. their work as well. linois for yielding me time. Many veterans struggle when they God bless all those who have fought Madam Speaker, I rise today to come home with serious mental health to protect our country. We owe them speak in support of the bipartisan Sgt. challenges. When Sergeant Ketchum our help. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental returned home from his tours, he bat- Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I re- Health Act, which I was proud to intro- tled again; this time with post-trau- serve the balance of my time. duce with the Iowa House delegation. matic stress disorder. Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield This legislation was named in honor Sergeant Ketchum sought help at the myself the balance of my time for the of the memory and service of Sergeant Iowa City VA hospital but was turned purpose of closing. Brandon Ketchum of Davenport, which away. Shortly after, he did take his Madam Speaker, I just encourage ev- is in my congressional district. Ser- own life. eryone to support this piece of legisla- geant Ketchum died by suicide in 2016 No veteran should be denied the help tion. There should be no one that after being denied access to much- and the care that they need after dedi- would vote against this. needed mental health services for cating their lives to serving our coun- Like all of the pieces of legislation PTSD at the VA facility in Iowa City. try. No veteran should ever be turned that we have worked on this afternoon, Our legislation would establish new away like Sergeant Ketchum was. Madam Speaker, I do want to thank Rural Access Network for Growth En- Unfortunately, veterans who live in the chairman and his staff for the job hancement, or RANGE, programs rural areas face increased challenges of working together. This is truly a throughout the VA and support addi- and additional barriers to accessing the case where this committee has done its tional research on rural veteran men- treatment that they need. bipartisan work the way it should. tal healthcare needs. Our legislation, named in honor of I also want to thank our staff for the The case of Sergeant Ketchum is Sergeant Ketchum, will improve access hard work that they have put in with tragic and shows us that we must do to mental health services for veterans each one of these bills, as well as each more to serve our veterans. Expanding in rural areas. Our veterans put their of the Members today who have pre- healthcare services in rural America lives on the line every day to protect sented these pieces of legislation. and among our veterans are two of my our freedoms, and we have a duty to Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- top priorities in Congress, so I am ensure that they can receive high-qual- ance of my time. proud to join the entire Iowa delega- ity treatment once they return home Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I tion in this effort. We simply have to from service. yield myself the balance of my time. do better for our veterans. There is no We have a duty to ensure that our Madam Speaker, I extend my thanks other option. veterans know they aren’t alone and to Ranking Member BOST and the Re- I would like to thank my colleagues that we have their backs, regardless of publicans on the committee and all in the Iowa delegation, Congresswoman where they live. staff from both sides of the aisle for AXNE, Congresswoman HINSON, and I am proud to work alongside my col- putting together this package of 10 Congressman FEENSTRA, for their part- leagues in Iowa to improve access to bills in advance of Memorial Day. It is nership in this simple legislation to mental health services for veterans in especially poignant to end today’s help veterans. I urge all of my col- rural areas and to help ensure that no package of bills with a bill named in leagues to support the bipartisan Sgt. veteran is denied the care that they de- memory of Sergeant Ketchum. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental serve. As we failed to reach Sergeant Health Act. I urge all of our colleagues to support Ketchum in a timely and effective way Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Men- in rural America, let’s not forget that have no further speakers, and I am pre- tal Health Act. Vote ‘‘yes’’ in honor of the VA’s mental healthcare has im- pared to close. Sergeant Ketchum and the thousands proved greatly over the past several But before I reserve the balance of of veterans like him who need and de- years. We need to make sure that qual- my time, let me say that I am very, serve our support. ity of healthcare gets out into the very pleased that we are addressing the rural areas. issue of mental healthcare in our rural b 1545 We are charged as a Veterans’ Affairs areas. As we wind down this pandemic, Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I re- Committee to deal with our veterans I think we are going to see not just serve the balance of my time. and their healthcare needs. Part of the veterans but Americans of all stripes Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 answer to serving our veterans is to who live in our rural areas dealing with minute to the gentleman from Iowa make sure that we have robust pro- the need for increased numbers of men- (Mr. FEENSTRA). viders, regardless of whether they serve tal healthcare practitioners. Mr. FEENSTRA. Madam Speaker, veterans or the general population. We I congratulate and I thank the work our veterans deserve the best care and need to look at how we are going to do of my colleague, Congresswoman AXNE, attention, including when it comes to that in rural America, including our in moving the VA a step forward in treating unseen wounds. That is why I territories and insular areas.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.037 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 I will use this moment on the floor to vise an interagency research, monitoring, (C) in paragraph (3), in the heading, by plug that cause with all of my col- and public outreach program on ocean acidi- striking ‘‘CHAIRMAN’’ and inserting ‘‘CHAIR’’; leagues who may be listening from fication and coastal acidification;’’; (3) in subsection (b)— their offices. We must, for the sake of (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘establish- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, includ- ment’’ and inserting ‘‘maintenance’’; ing the efforts of the National Oceanic and all the folks that have suffered so long (3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘and Atmospheric Administration to facilitate from this pandemic, look at how we are coastal acidification’’ after ‘‘ocean acidifica- such implementation’’ after ‘‘of the plan’’; going to provide a robust provider net- tion’’; and (B) in paragraph (2)— work for mental healthcare. (4) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘and (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘and As we head into the Memorial Day coastal acidification that take into account coastal acidification’’ after ‘‘ocean acidifica- weekend, I am so gratified and pleased other environmental and anthropogenic tion’’; and with the work we have done on a bipar- stressors’’ after ‘‘ocean acidification’’. (ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ‘‘and coastal acidification’’ after ‘‘ocean acidifica- tisan basis to produce this package of (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- MENT.—Section 12402 of the Federal Ocean tion’’; bills and that we have preserved the Acidification Research and Monitoring Act (C) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘; and’’ spirit of the committee. of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3701(a)) is amended by strik- and inserting a semicolon; Madam Speaker, I urge my col- ing ‘‘(a) PURPOSES.—’’. (D) in paragraph (5)— leagues to pass H.R. 2441, and I yield SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. (i) by striking ‘‘developed’’ and inserting back the balance of my time. Section 12403 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- ‘‘and coastal acidification developed’’; and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 (ii) by striking the period at the end and (33 U.S.C. 3702) is amended— inserting ‘‘and coastal acidification; and’’; question is on the motion offered by and the gentleman from California (Mr. (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘of the Earth’s oceans’’ and all that follows before (E) by adding at the end the following new TAKANO) that the House suspend the the period at the end and inserting ‘‘and paragraph: rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2441. changes in the water chemistry of the ‘‘(6) ensure that each of the Federal agen- The question was taken. Earth’s oceans, coastal estuaries, and water- cies represented on the interagency working The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the ways caused by carbon dioxide from the at- group— opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being mosphere and the breakdown of organic mat- ‘‘(A) participates in the Ocean Acidifica- tion Information Exchange established under in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ter’’; paragraph (5); and (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Joint Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, ‘‘(B) delivers data and information to sup- Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Tech- on that I demand the yeas and nays. port the data archive system established nology of the National Science and Tech- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- under section 12406(d).’’; nology Council’’ and inserting ‘‘National ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution (4) in subsection (c), in paragraph (2)— Science and Technology Council Sub- (A) by inserting ‘‘, and to the Office of 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. committee on Ocean Science and Tech- Management and Budget,’’ after ‘‘House of Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- nology’’; Representatives’’; and ther proceedings on this motion are (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and postponed. (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘the (3) as paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), respec- interagency research’’ and inserting ‘‘inter- f tively; agency strategic research’’; (4) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so COASTAL AND OCEAN ACIDIFICA- (5) by redesignating subsection (c) as sub- redesignated, the following new paragraph: section (d); and TION STRESSORS AND THREATS ‘‘(1) COASTAL ACIDIFICATION.—The term (6) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- RESEARCH ACT OF 2021 ‘coastal acidification’ means the combined lowing: Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I decrease in pH and changes in the water ‘‘(c) ADVISORY BOARD.— chemistry of coastal oceans, estuaries, and move to suspend the rules and pass the ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Chair of the other bodies of water from chemical inputs Subcommittee shall establish an Ocean bill (H.R. 1447) to amend the Federal (including carbon dioxide from the atmos- Acidification Advisory Board. Ocean Acidification Research and Mon- phere), freshwater inputs, and excess nutri- ‘‘(2) DUTIES.—The Advisory Board shall— itoring Act of 2009 to establish an ent run-off from land and coastal atmos- ‘‘(A) not later than 180 days before the Sub- Ocean Acidification Advisory Board, to pheric pollution that result in processes that committee submits the most recent report expand and improve the research on release carbon dioxide, acidic nitrogen, and under subsection (d)(2)— Ocean Acidification and Coastal Acidi- sulfur compounds as byproducts which end ‘‘(i) review such report; fication, to establish and maintain a up in coastal waters.’’; and ‘‘(ii) submit an analysis of such report to (5) by adding at the end the following new data archive system for Ocean Acidifi- the Subcommittee for consideration in the paragraph: final report submitted under subsection cation data and Coastal Acidification ‘‘(5) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means each (d)(2); and data, and for other purposes, as amend- State of the United States, the District of ‘‘(iii) concurrently with the Subcommit- ed. Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto tee’s final submission of the report under The Clerk read the title of the bill. Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Common- subsection (d)(2), the Advisory Board shall The text of the bill is as follows: wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the submit a copy of the analysis provided to the Virgin Islands of the United States, and any H.R. 1447 Subcommittee to the Committee on Com- other territory or possession of the United merce, Science, and Transportation of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- States.’’. Senate, the Committee on Science, Space, resentatives of the United States of America in SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP. and Technology of the House of Representa- Congress assembled, Section 12404 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- tives, and the Committee on Natural Re- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 sources of the House of Representatives; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Coastal and (33 U.S.C. 3703) is amended— ‘‘(B) not later than 180 days before the Sub- Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats (1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘SUB- committee submits the most recent stra- Research Act of 2021’’ or the ‘‘COAST Re- COMMITTEE’’ and inserting ‘‘WORKING GROUP’’; tegic research plan under subsection (d)(3) to search Act of 2021’’. (2) in subsection (a)— Congress— SEC. 2. PURPOSES. (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘Joint ‘‘(i) review such plan; (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 12402(a) of the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Tech- ‘‘(ii) submit an analysis of such plan and Federal Ocean Acidification Research and nology of the National Science and Tech- the implementation thereof to the Sub- Monitoring Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3701(a)) is nology Council shall coordinate Federal ac- committee for consideration in the final amended— tivities on ocean acidification and establish’’ strategic research plan submitted under sub- (1) in paragraph (1)— and insert ‘‘Subcommittee shall establish section (d)(3); and (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph and maintain’’; ‘‘(iii) concurrently with the Subcommit- (A), by striking ‘‘development and coordina- (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Wildlife tee’s final submission of the strategic re- tion’’ and inserting ‘‘coordination and imple- Service,’’ and inserting ‘‘Wildlife Service, search plan under subsection (d)(3), the Advi- mentation’’; the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, sory Board shall submit a copy of the anal- (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘acidi- the Environmental Protection Agency, the ysis provided to the Subcommittee to the fication on marine organisms’’ and inserting Department of Agriculture, the Department Committee on Commerce, Science, and ‘‘acidification and coastal acidification on of State, the Department of Energy, the De- Transportation of the Senate, the Com- marine organisms’’; and partment of the Navy, the National Park mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘es- Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the the House of Representatives, and the Com- tablish’’ and all that follows through the National Institute of Standards and Tech- mittee on Natural Resources of the House of semicolon and inserting ‘‘maintain and ad- nology, the Smithsonian Institution,’’; and Representatives;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.038 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2379

‘‘(C) provide ongoing advice to the Sub- ‘‘(4) APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS.—The Chair (II) by striking ‘‘; and’’ at the end and in- committee and the interagency working of the Subcommittee shall— serting a semicolon; group on matters related to Federal activi- ‘‘(A) appoint members to the Advisory (iii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read ties on ocean acidification and coastal acidi- Board (taking into account the geographical as follows: fication; interests of each individual to be appointed ‘‘(C) provide information for the— ‘‘(D) advise the Subcommittee and the as a member of the Advisory Board to ensure ‘‘(i) development of adaptation and mitiga- interagency working group on— that an appropriate balance of geographical tion strategies to address the socioeconomic ‘‘(i) efforts to coordinate research and interests are represented by the members of impacts of ocean acidification and coastal monitoring activities related to ocean acidi- the Advisory Board) who— acidification; fication and coastal acidification; and ‘‘(i) represent the interest group for which ‘‘(ii) conservation of marine organisms and ‘‘(ii) the best practices for the standards each seat is designated; ecosystems; developed for data archiving under section ‘‘(ii) demonstrate expertise on ocean acidi- ‘‘(iii) assessment of the effectiveness of 12406(e); fication or coastal acidification and its sci- such adaptation and mitigation strategies; ‘‘(E) publish in the Federal Register a entific, economic, industry, cultural, and and’’; and charter; community impacts; and (iv) by adding at the end the following new ‘‘(F) provide the Library of Congress ‘‘(iii) have a record of distinguished service subparagraph: with— with respect to ocean acidification or coastal ‘‘(D) improve research on— ‘‘(i) the charter described in subparagraph acidification, and such impacts; ‘‘(i) ocean acidification and coastal acidifi- ‘‘(B) give consideration to nominations and cation; (E); recommendations from the members of the ‘‘(ii) the interactions between and effects ‘‘(ii) any schedules and minutes for meet- interagency working group and the public of multiple combined stressors including ings of the Advisory Board; for such appointments; and changes in water chemistry, changes in sedi- ‘‘(iii) any documents that are approved by ‘‘(C) ensure that an appropriate balance of ment delivery, hypoxia, and harmful algal the Advisory Board; and scientific, industry, and geographical inter- blooms, on ocean acidification and coastal ‘‘(iv) any reports and analysis prepared by ests are represented by the members of the acidification; and the Advisory Board; and Advisory Board. ‘‘(iii) the effect of environmental stressors ‘‘(G) establish a publicly accessible web ‘‘(5) TERM OF MEMBERSHIP.—Each member on marine resources and ecosystems;’’; page on the website of the National Oceanic of the Advisory Board— (C) in paragraph (3)— and Atmospheric Administration, that con- ‘‘(A) shall be appointed for a 5-year term; (i) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘data- tains the information described in clauses (i) and base development’’ and inserting ‘‘data man- through (iv) of subparagraph (F). ‘‘(B) may be appointed to more than one agement’’; ‘‘(3) MEMBERSHIP.—The Advisory Board term. (ii) in subparagraph (H) by striking ‘‘and’’ shall consist of 24 members as follows: ‘‘(6) CHAIR.—The Chair of the Sub- at the end; and ‘‘(A) Two representatives of the shellfish committee shall appoint one member of the (iii) by adding at the end the following new and crab industry. Advisory Board to serve as the Chair of the subparagraphs: ‘‘(B) One representative of the finfish in- Advisory Board. ‘‘(J) assessment of adaptation and mitiga- dustry. ‘‘(7) MEETINGS.—Not less than once each tion strategies; and ‘‘(C) One representative of seafood proc- calendar year, the Advisory Board shall meet ‘‘(K) education and outreach activities;’’; essors. at such times and places as may be des- (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘set ‘‘(D) Three representatives from academia, ignated by the Chair of the Advisory Board, forth’’ and inserting ‘‘ensure an appropriate including both natural and social sciences. in consultation with the Chair of the Sub- balance of contribution in establishing’’; ‘‘(E) One representative of recreational committee and the Chair of the interagency (E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘reports’’ fishing. working group. and inserting ‘‘the best available peer-re- ‘‘(F) One representative of a relevant non- ‘‘(8) BRIEFING.—The Chair of the Advisory viewed scientific reports’’; governmental organization. Board shall brief the Subcommittee and the (F) in paragraph (6)— ‘‘(G) Six representatives from relevant interagency working group on the progress (i) by inserting ‘‘and coastal acidification’’ State, local, and Tribal governments. of the Advisory Board as necessary or at the after ‘‘ocean acidification’’; and ‘‘(H) One representative from the Alaska request of the Subcommittee. (ii) by striking ‘‘of the United States’’ and Ocean Acidification Network or a subsequent ‘‘(9) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.— inserting ‘‘within the United States’’; entity that represents the same geographical Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Com- (G) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘outline region and has a similar purpose. mittee Act shall not apply to the Advisory budget requirements’’ and inserting ‘‘esti- ‘‘(I) One representative from the California Board.’’. mate costs associated for full implementa- Current Acidification Network or a subse- SEC. 5. STRATEGIC RESEARCH PLAN. tion of each element of the plan by fiscal quent entity that represents the same geo- Section 12405 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- year’’; graphical region and has a similar purpose. cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 (H) in paragraph (8)— ‘‘(J) One representative from the Northeast (33 U.S.C. 3704) is amended— (i) by inserting ‘‘and coastal acidification’’ Coastal Acidification Network or a subse- (1) in subsection (a)— after ‘‘ocean acidification’’ each place it ap- quent entity that represents the same geo- (A) by striking ‘‘acidification’’ each place pears; graphical region and has a similar purpose. it appears and inserting ‘‘acidification and (ii) by striking ‘‘its’’ and inserting ‘‘their’’; ‘‘(K) One representative from the South- coastal acidification’’; and east Coastal Acidification Network or a sub- (B) in the first sentence— (iii) by striking ‘‘; and’’ at the end and in- sequent entity that represents the same geo- (i) by inserting ‘‘, and not later than every serting a semicolon; graphical region and has a similar purpose. 5 years thereafter’’ after ‘‘the date of enact- (I) in paragraph (9), by striking the period ‘‘(L) One representative from the Gulf of ment of this Act’’; at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and Mexico Coastal Acidification Network or a (ii) by inserting ‘‘address the socio- (J) by adding at the end the following new subsequent entity that represents the same economic impacts of ocean acidification and paragraph: geographical region and has a similar pur- coastal acidification and to’’ after ‘‘mitiga- ‘‘(11) describe monitoring needs necessary pose. tion strategies to’’; and to support potentially affected industry ‘‘(M) One representative from the Mid-At- (iii) by striking ‘‘marine ecosystems’’ each members, coastal stakeholders, fishery man- lantic Coastal Acidification Network or a place it appears and inserting ‘‘ecosystems’’; agement councils and commissions, non-Fed- subsequent entity that represents the same and eral resource managers, and scientific ex- geographical region and has a similar pur- (C) in the second sentence, by inserting perts on decision-making and adaptation re- pose. ‘‘and recommendations made by the Advi- lated to ocean acidification and coastal ‘‘(N) One representative from the Pacific sory Board in the review of the plan required acidification.’’; Islands Ocean Observing System or a subse- under section 12404(c)(2)(B)(i)’’ after ‘‘sub- (3) in subsection (c)— quent entity that represents the island terri- section (d)’’; (A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ‘‘sur- tories and possessions of the United States (2) in subsection (b)— face’’; in the Pacific Ocean, and the State of Hawaii (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and so- (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘and and has a similar purpose. cial sciences’’ after ‘‘among the ocean coastal acidification’’ after ‘‘ocean acidifica- ‘‘(O) One representative from the Carib- sciences’’; tion’’ each place it appears; bean Regional Association for Coastal Ocean (B) in paragraph (2)— (C) in paragraph (3)— Observing or a subsequent entity that rep- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘im- (i) by striking ‘‘input, and’’ and inserting resents Puerto Rico and the United States pacts’’ and inserting ‘‘impacts, including ‘‘inputs,’’; Virgin Islands and has a similar purpose. trends of changes in ocean chemistry,’’; (ii) by inserting ‘‘, marine food webs,’’ ‘‘(P) One representative from the National (ii) in subparagraph (B)— after ‘‘marine ecosystems’’; and Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (I) by striking ‘‘improve the ability to as- (iii) by inserting ‘‘, and modeling that sup- shall serve as an ex-officio member of the sess the’’ and inserting ‘‘assess the short- ports fisheries management’’ after ‘‘marine Advisory Board without a vote. term and long-term’’; and organisms’’;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.011 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

(D) in paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘and ‘‘(c) RELATIONSHIP TO INTERAGENCY WORK- lect data described under subsection (d) coastal acidification’’ after ‘‘ocean acidifica- ING GROUP.—The National Oceanic and At- shall— tion’’; and mospheric Administration shall serve as the ‘‘(1) collect such data in accordance with (E) by adding at the end the following new lead Federal agency responsible for coordi- the standards, protocols, or procedures es- paragraph: nating the Federal response to ocean acidifi- tablished pursuant to subsection (e); and ‘‘(8) Research to understand related and cation and coastal acidification, by— ‘‘(2) submit such data to the data archive cumulative stressors and other biogeo- ‘‘(1) leading the interagency working group system under subsection (d) after publica- chemical processes occurring in conjunction in implementing the strategic research plan tion, in accordance with any rules promul- with ocean acidification and coastal acidifi- under section 12405; gated by the Secretary.’’. cation.’’; and ‘‘(2) coordinating monitoring and research SEC. 7. NSF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES. (4) by striking subsection (e) and inserting efforts among Federal agencies in coopera- Section 12407 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- the following: tion with State, local, and Tribal govern- cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 ‘‘(e) ADVISORY BOARD EVALUATION.—Not ment and international partners; (33 U.S.C. 3706) is amended— later than 180 days before a plan is submitted ‘‘(3) maintaining an Ocean Acidification (1) by striking ‘‘ocean acidification’’ each to Congress, the Subcommittee shall provide Information Exchange described under sec- place it appears and inserting ‘‘ocean acidifi- the Advisory Board established under section tion 12404(b)(5) to allow for information to be cation and coastal acidification’’; 12404(c) a copy of the plan for purposes of re- electronically accessible, including informa- (2) in subsection (a)— view under paragraph (2)(B)(i) of such section— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), tion. ‘‘(A) on ocean acidification developed ‘‘(f) PUBLICATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT.— by striking ‘‘its impacts’’ and inserting through or used by the ocean acidification Not later than 90 days before the strategic ‘‘their respective impacts’’; program described under section 12406(a); or research plan, or any revision thereof, is sub- (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘and its ‘‘(B) that would be useful to State govern- mitted to Congress, the Subcommittee shall impacts’’ and inserting ‘‘and their respective ments, local governments, Tribal govern- publish the plan in the Federal Register and impacts’’; ments, resource managers, policymakers, re- provide an opportunity for submission of (C) in paragraph (4), by striking the period searchers, and other stakeholders in miti- public comments for a period of not less than at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and gating or adapting to the impacts of ocean 60 days.’’. (D) by adding at the end the following new acidification and coastal acidification; and SEC. 6. NOAA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES. paragraph: ‘‘(4) establishing and maintaining the data Section 12406 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- ‘‘(5) adaptation and mitigation strategies archive system under subsection (d). cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to address socioeconomic effects of ocean (33 U.S.C. 3705) is amended— ‘‘(d) DATA ARCHIVE SYSTEM.— acidification and coastal acidification.’’; and (1) in subsection (a)— ‘‘(1) MANAGEMENT.—The Secretary, in co- (3) by adding at the end the following: ordination with members of the interagency (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), ‘‘(d) REQUIREMENT.—Recipients of grants working group, shall provide for the long- by inserting ‘‘coordination,’’ after ‘‘research, from the National Science Foundation under term stewardship of, and access to, data re- monitoring,’’; this subtitle that collect data described lating to ocean acidification and coastal (B) in paragraph (1)— under section 12406(d) shall— acidification by establishing and maintain- (i) in subparagraph (B)— ‘‘(1) collect data in accordance with the ing a data archive system that the National (I) by inserting ‘‘including the Integrated standards, protocols, or procedures estab- Center for Environmental Information uses Ocean Observing System and the ocean ob- lished pursuant to section 12406(e); and to process, store, archive, provide access to, serving assets of other Federal, State, and ‘‘(2) submit such data to the Director and and incorporate to the extent possible, such Tribal agencies,’’ after ‘‘ocean observing as- the Secretary after publication, in accord- data collected— sets,’’; and ance with any rules promulgated by the Di- ‘‘(A) through relevant federally-funded re- (II) by inserting ‘‘and agency and depart- rector or the Secretary.’’. ment missions, prioritizing the location of search; and monitoring instruments, assets, and projects ‘‘(B) by a Federal agency, State agency, SEC. 8. NASA OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ACTIVITIES. to maximize the efficiency of resources and local agency, Tribe, academic scientist, cit- Section 12408 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- to optimize understanding of socioeconomic izen scientist, or industry organization. cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 impacts and ecosystem health’’ after ‘‘re- ‘‘(2) EXISTING GLOBAL OR NATIONAL DATA AS- (33 U.S.C. 3707) is amended— search program’’; SETS.—In establishing and maintaining the (1) by striking ‘‘ocean acidification’’ each (ii) in subparagraph (C)— data archive system under paragraph (1), the place it appears and inserting ‘‘ocean acidifi- (I) by striking ‘‘adaptation’’ and inserting Secretary shall ensure that existing global cation and coastal acidification’’; ‘‘adaptation and mitigation’’; and or national data assets (including the data (2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘its im- (II) by inserting ‘‘and supporting assets maintained by the National Centers pacts’’ and inserting ‘‘their respective im- socioeconomically vulnerable States, local for Environmental Information, the Inte- pacts’’; and governments, Tribes, communities, and in- grated Ocean Observing System, and other (3) by adding at the end the following new dustries through technical assistance and existing data systems within Federal agen- subsection: mitigation strategies’’ after ‘‘marine eco- cies) are incorporated to the greatest extent ‘‘(d) REQUIREMENT.—Researchers from the systems’’; possible. National Aeronautics and Space Administra- (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘its ‘‘(e) STANDARDS, PROTOCOLS, AND PROCE- tion under this subtitle that collect data de- impacts’’ and inserting ‘‘their respective im- DURES.—With respect to the data described scribed under section 12406(d) shall— pacts’’; in subsection (d), the Secretary, in coordina- ‘‘(1) collect such data in accordance with (iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘mon- tion with members of the interagency work- the standards, protocols, or procedures es- itoring and impacts research’’ and inserting ing group, shall establish and revise as nec- tablished pursuant to section 12406(e); and ‘‘research, monitoring, and adaptation and essary the standards, protocols, or proce- ‘‘(2) submit such data to the Administrator mitigation strategies’’; and dures for— and the Secretary, in accordance with any (v) by adding at the end the following new ‘‘(1) processing, storing, archiving, and pro- rules promulgated by the Administrator or subparagraph: viding access to such data; the Secretary.’’. ‘‘(G) research to improve understanding of ‘‘(2) the interoperability and intercalibra- SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. tion of such data; the effect of— Section 12409 of the Federal Ocean Acidifi- ‘‘(3) the collection of any metadata under- ‘‘(i) other environmental stressors on cation Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 lying such data; and ocean acidification and coastal acidification; (33 U.S.C. 3708) is amended— ‘‘(4) sharing such data with State, local, ‘‘(ii) multiple environmental stressors on (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘sub- and Tribal government programs, poten- living marine resources and coastal eco- title—’’ and all that follows through para- tially affected industry members, coastal systems; and graph (4) and inserting the following: ‘‘sub- stakeholders, fishery management councils ‘‘(iii) adaptation and mitigation strategies title— and commissions, non-Federal resource man- to address the socioeconomic impacts of ‘‘(1) $30,500,000 for fiscal year 2022; agers, and academia. ocean acidification and coastal acidifica- ‘‘(2) $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; ‘‘(f) DISSEMINATION OF OCEAN ACIDIFICATION tion.’’; ‘‘(3) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; DATA AND COASTAL ACIDIFICATION DATA.— (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘critical ‘‘(4) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and The Secretary, in coordination with mem- research projects that explore’’ and inserting ‘‘(5) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.’’; and bers of the interagency working group, shall ‘‘critical research, education, and outreach (2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘sub- disseminate the data described under sub- projects that explore and communicate’’; and title—’’ and all that follows through para- section (d) to the greatest extent practicable (D) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by striking graph (4) and inserting the following: ‘‘sub- by sharing such data on full and open access ‘‘acidification’’ each place it appears and in- title $20,000,000 for each of the fiscal years exchanges. serting ‘‘acidification and coastal acidifica- 2022 through 2026.’’. tion’’; and ‘‘(g) REQUIREMENT.—Recipients of grants (2) by adding at the end the following new from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- subsections: Administration under this subtitle that col- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.011 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2381 Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- with colleagues on the Select Com- the effects of coastal and ocean acidifi- tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) mittee on the Climate Crisis in releas- cation. each will control 20 minutes. ing a bold, comprehensive, and science- For example, at Oregon State Univer- The Chair recognizes the gentle- based Climate Action Plan to reach sity, Dr. Burke Hales developed the woman from Oregon. net-zero emissions no later than mid- ‘‘Burke-o-Lator,’’ a device the size of a GENERAL LEAVE century and net-negative thereafter. piece of carry-on luggage, that can Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I But there are also actions that we can analyze when shellfish growers across ask unanimous consent that all Mem- take immediately to improve condi- the Pacific Northwest should grow lar- bers may have 5 legislative days in tions, lessen exposure to ocean acidifi- vae based on the ocean acidity and the which to revise and extend their re- cation, and manage local pollution and effects on calcium carbonates needed marks and include extraneous material conditions that can exacerbate acidifi- for shell formation. Other research at on H.R. 1447, the bill now under consid- cation. Oregon State has demonstrated how eration. This bill, which I introduced with my growing particular seagrasses and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there fellow co-chair of the House Oceans kelps can help counteract ocean acidi- objection to the request of the gentle- Caucus, Representative YOUNG from fication. These examples help dem- woman from Oregon? Alaska, and with Representatives PIN- onstrate what is possible when we in- There was no objection. GREE and POSEY, would improve sci- vest in science and research to help Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I entific research on ocean and coastal coastal communities adapt to the cli- yield myself such time as I may con- acidification in the context of other mate crisis. sume. environmental stressors and direct The COAST Research Act directs I rise today in support of the Coastal Federal agencies to assess adaptation NOAA to maintain a system to process, and Ocean Acidification Stressors and and mitigation strategies. Funding has store, archive, and provide access to Threats, or COAST, Research Act, my lagged behind the needs of the sci- data on ocean and coastal acidification bipartisan bill to help coastal commu- entific community for years, and this from federally funded research, includ- nities adapt to the climate crisis by ex- bill would provide a modest, but impor- ing existing global or national panding scientific research, moni- tant, increase for the National Oceanic datasets, and research from State and toring, and adaptation of ocean and and Atmospheric Administration and local agencies, Tribes, academic sci- coastal acidification. the National Science Foundation to entists, citizen scientists, and industry I want to thank all of the staff on scale up research efforts. Importantly, organizations. These efforts will help both sides of the aisle, from the com- the bill also expands the definition of provide for the long-term stewardship mittee and my personal staff, espe- ocean acidification to include estuaries and standardization of ocean acidifica- cially Maxine Sugarman, for all their and recognize mechanisms that cause tion data and better help communities work on this bill. changes in coastal chemistry. adapt and mitigate the worst effects. Every person on this planet benefits NOAA is already leading inter- Madam Speaker, the health of our from a healthy ocean. The ocean covers disciplinary efforts to expand our un- ocean reflects the health of our planet. more than 70 percent of the planet’s derstanding of changing ocean condi- Today, we have the opportunity to help surface. It supplies much of the oxygen tions in its role as chair of the Inter- it become more resilient by passing the that we breathe and regulates our cli- agency Working Group on Ocean Acidi- bipartisan COAST Research Act. mate. It is linked to the water we fication. In fact, this year marks the I thank Chairwoman JOHNSON and drink, and it is home to more than half 10th anniversary of the NOAA Ocean Ranking Member LUCAS and my co- of all life on the planet. The power of Acidification Program, and I hope my sponsors for their leadership. I urge my its waves generates clean energy. The colleagues will join me in applauding colleagues to support the bill. ocean drives our economy, feeds, em- their work to truly advance regionally I reference letters from Earthjustice, ploys, and transports us. But despite coordinated scientific research. Ocean Conservancy, Wild Salmon Cen- our intrinsic connection, for too long A September 2015 Government Ac- ter, Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers As- the ocean has taken the heat for us. countability Office report suggested sociation, Integrated Ocean Observing According to the Fourth National that an independent national ocean System Association, Surfrider Founda- Climate Assessment, atmospheric car- acidification program could advance tion, Oregon Coordinating Council on bon dioxide concentrations are now our understanding of changing ocean Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia, Con- higher than at any time in the last 3 conditions. The COAST Research Act sortium for Ocean Leadership, Oregon million years. Approximately one-third designates NOAA as the lead Federal State University, Northwest Associa- of the carbon dioxide in the atmos- agency responsible for implementing tion of Networked Ocean Observing phere dissolves into our ocean and es- the Federal response to ocean and Systems, and Pacific States Marine tuaries, causing them to become more coastal acidification, further empow- Fisheries Commission, in support of acidic. ering the Ocean Acidification Program the COAST Research Act. Ocean and coastal acidification make to scale up its efforts with its first re- Madam Speaker, I include in the it difficult for shellfish, coral, and authorization in more than a decade. RECORD several of the above-referenced other marine organisms to build their Additionally, the COAST Research letters. shells and skeletal structures. Some Act increases our understanding of the OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY, finfish, including endangered salmon in socioeconomic effects of ocean and Corvallis, Oregon, 10 February 2021. the Pacific Northwest, lose their sense coastal acidification and, importantly, Re The Coastal and Ocean Acidification of smell necessary for identifying prey, it engages stakeholders. The bill cre- Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research reproducing, and navigating their habi- ates an advisory board of representa- Act. tats. Our understanding of the long- tives of the shellfish and crab industry, Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, term consequences of ocean acidifica- finfish industry, seafood processors, House of Representatives. tion is still limited, but we do know recreational fishing, academia, non- Washington, DC. governmental organizations, State, DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI: We write that the changes in ocean chemistry to offer Oregon State University’s support are already affecting the fishers and local, and Tribal governments, and re- for The Coastal and Ocean Acidification shellfish farmers who depend on the gional coastal acidification networks. Stressors and Threats (COAST) Research ocean’s resources to support them- The regionally balanced board will ad- Act. selves and their families and the Tribes vise NOAA and the Interagency Work- As marine habitats face new and daunting that have treaty rights and deep cul- ing Group on coastal and ocean acidifi- pressures threatening their sustainability, tural and historical connections to di- cation research and monitoring activi- the COAST Research Act identifies the grow- minishing species. ties. This collaborative process will ing need for strategic and robust investments in ocean acidification (OA) research, The most effective strategy for miti- help make sure that vulnerable and af- monitoring and stakeholder collaboration. gating ocean acidification is reducing fected communities, industries, and Oregon State University is committed to anthropogenic sources of carbon diox- coastal and ocean managers have the interdisciplinary approaches to address the ide pollution worldwide. I have joined tools they need to adapt and mitigate national and global challenges facing our

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.040 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 oceans and coast communities. OSU has a Our coastal members have seen the firsthand tices which allow them to continue farming deep history of global leadership in oceanog- impact of ocean acidification with early rein a productive and profitable manner. There raphy and engages in nationally ranked search showing a detrimental effect on shell much work ahead of us and much yet to oceanographic monitoring programs and formation in our crab and shellfish species. learn. COAST Research Act provides an es- world-leading OA research. Further, the uni- Over time, these chemical changes to shell sential pathway forward. versity recognizes that Oregon’s estuaries composition could be devastating to our val- We are excited by the intent of COAST Re- and coastal regions are home to some of the uable Dungeness crab fishery and inshore search Act, the opportunities it provides and world’s most productive ecosystems and eco- shellfish aquaculture operators. There is that it’s been included as part of the Climate nomically vital shellfish farms. much more that needs to be learned about Action Plan. We see how COAST will further The university is encouraged that the the effect of ocean acidification on these and investments in ocean and coastal acidifica- COAST Research Act expands the definition other marine species so that appropriate tion research and monitoring, assist shellfish of OA to include coastal and estuarine sys- public policy measures and solutions can be community with much needed adaptation tems, and identifies OA as being affected by pursued at both the Federal and state levels. strategies and coordinate work with stake- a combination of factors, including hypoxia. Ocean acidification is one side effect of holders. Simply put, COAST is a logical and The university believes that by expanding other changes in ocean temperatures and necessary follow-up to FOARAM and allows federal definitions of OA and by increasing conditions that have been harmful along the us to continue asking questions and seek in- funding opportunities, researchers and man- West Coast. Regional temperature oscilla- novative approaches to mitigate the impacts agers will be able to best utilize resources to tion during the El Nino/La Nina cycles has related to ocean acidification. find solutions to address OA. increased dramatically in recent years. Av- Thank you very much for your leadership The university also is encouraged that this erage sea surface temperatures have in- on this and for your commitment to ensur- legislation recognizes the need for federal creased by as much as 7 degrees in some ing the long-term health of our coastal and engagement to continue important invest- years resulting to many unfortunate effects marine areas upon which shellfish growers ments to understand and address ocean and to fisheries and marine mammals, including depend. coastal acidification. Doing so will enhance harmful algal blooms leading to Dungeness Respectfully, the integration of OA research, monitoring crab season closures; low salmon returns due MARGARET A. PILARO, and adaptation strategies across principal to reduced ocean survivability of juvenile Executive Director. federal research agencies, including the Na- fish; shifts in whale migration patterns caus- tional Science Foundation, National Oceano- ing greater entanglement in fishing gear and THE OREGON COORDINATING COUNCIL graphic and Atmospheric Administration, shipping vessel strikes; and sea lion strand- ON OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND HY- and the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- ing and die-offs from consumption of crab POXIA, ministration. and shellfish poisoned by domoic acid. February 12th, 2021. Oregon State University understands that Thank you for your leadership in reintro- Re Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors effective and collaborative partnerships and ducing the COAST Act. The Commission and Threats (COAST) Research Act. communication are essential for our state stands ready to assist and serve as a resource Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, and nation to find adaptive and mitigation for you and your staff as the bill moves Washington, DC. solutions to address OA. For example, the through the legislative process. As the Co-Chairs of the State legislatively proposal to establish an Ocean Acidification Sincerely, mandated, Oregon Coordinating Council on Advisory Board will be essential for facili- RANDY FISHER, Ocean Acidification and Hypoxia (or ‘‘Oregon tating the important work still to be done. Executive Director. The world’s ocean belongs to everyone, and OAH Council’’), we appreciate the oppor- ocean health is critical to our future. In the PCSGA, PACIFIC COAST SHELLFISH tunity to provide you with a letter of strong coming decades, it will be essential for the GROWERS ASSOCIATION, support for the Coastal and Ocean Acidifica- nation and its universities to work collabo- March 18, 2021. tion Stressors and Threats (COAST) Re- ratively to improve and sustain the health of Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, search Act. Addressing intensifying ocean our oceans. Doing so, we will assure human House of Representatives, acidification (OA) conditions here in Oregon, wellness, environmental health and eco- Washington, DC. as well as across the United States, is crit- nomic prosperity for future generations. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI: On behalf ical to our Nation’s understanding of larger In closing, Oregon State University be- of the members of Pacific Coast Shellfish impacts from CO2 emissions. lieves that the COAST Research Act pro- Growers Association (PCSGA), I am submit- Oregon is among the first places in the poses important new strategic tools to ex- ting this letter of support for the Coastal world to observe direct impacts of ocean pand understanding and address the prob- and Ocean Acidification Stressors and acidification and hypoxia (OAH), due to our lems facing our oceans and coastal commu- Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2019. Shell- unique geographic and oceanographic con- nities. fish growers were the first community to text, putting our fragile marine ecosystem Sincerely, call attention to the problems associated at risk. Our coastal economies rely on our EDWARD FESER, Ph.D., with ocean acidification when, in 2007, they vibrant marine ecosystem. Our nearshore Provost and Executive experienced severe oyster larvae mortality waters are home to sport and commercial Vice President. in two out of three major west coast shell- fisheries, all of the State’s mariculture oper- IREM TUMER, Ph.D., ASME fish hatcheries. Since then, PCSGA has en- ations, and contain critical nursery grounds Fellow, gaged in several local, state, and federal ef- for economically important species including Vice President for Re- forts and initiatives to ensure a future for rockfish, oysters, salmon, pink shrimp, and search. this historic industry. Dungeness crab. Oregon is not alone in expe- Shellfish farming on the west coast began riencing the impacts from OA or hypoxia. PACIFIC STATES MARINE in the late 1800’s, fueled the California Gold Through actions such as those in the COAST FISHERIES COMMISSION, Rush and was the reason for the development Research Act we must act together as Amer- Portland, OR, February 9, 2021. of many coastal towns. Today, PCSGA, icans to develop solutions for our coastal Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, proudly represents 120 shellfish farms in communities, economies, and ecosystems to Washington, DC. Alaska, Washington, Oregon, California and prepare for future conditions. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI: On behalf Hawaii which farm mussels, clams, oysters In the coming years, the Oregon OAH of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Com- and geoduck. Our members not only produce Council will continue to take a collabo- mission, I am writing in support of the sustainable, healthy, food, but also provide rative, science-based approach to developing Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors significant ecosystem services such aquatic recommendations to address OAH in our and Threats (COAST) Research Act. habitat and water filtration, and support state and beyond. Through further invest- The COAST Act would dedicate greater re- thousands of family-wage jobs within rural ments and initiatives, Oregon and the United sources and focus on the issue of ocean acidi- coastal communities. States will benefit from adaptation and miti- fication. The legislation increases Federal For nearly a decade, the shellfish industry gation measures and will model to the world research, planning, interagency coordina- has benefited from NOAA’s Ocean Acidifica- how to develop actionable solutions for OA tion, data collection, stakeholder input, and tion Program and the Integrated Ocean Ob- adaptation and mitigation. socioeconomic study into this growing and serving System (IOOS), both of which relate Oregon has identified three urgently need- vexing problem impacting our marine fish- to the Federal Ocean Acidification Research ed strategic actions, which directly align eries and wildlife. The Commission appre- and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act of 2009. with objectives within the COAST Research ciates the thoughtful and bipartisan ap- These programs and the directives within Act. proach you and Representatives Young, Pin- FOARAM have influenced the way shellfish (1) Monitoring of key oceanographic and gree and Posey have taken in developing the growers operate their farms among the un- biological indicators of impacts from OAH. bill. certainty of changing ocean conditions. His- At the same time that OA has been im- The Commission’s membership includes torically, growers only consulting their tide pacting our coasts, oxygen-depletion is on the State fisheries and wildlife agencies of charts. Now, growers rely upon a variety of the rise; Oregon and much of the West coast five West Coast states, including Alaska, real-time data and tools to understand the has seen several seasons in a row with ex- California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. ocean changes and adapt methods and prac- tended periods of hypoxia in our coastal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.014 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2383

waters. The Oregon OAH Council is encour- ment and coordination opportunities out- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, aged that the COAST Research Act identifies lined in this act are meaningful and will COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, the need to strengthen investments in OA re- make a difference in our understanding of Washington, DC, April 19, 2021. search and monitoring in the context of OAH science, impacts, and solutions. Hon. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, other environmental stressors. Ocean acidifi- Through passage of this Act and the subse- Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and cation and hypoxia are compounding quent investment in science, adaptation and Technology, House of Representatives, stressors for a wide range of marine animals, communications, the United States will Washington, DC. and as such must continue to be studied to- demonstrate meaningful action in fighting DEAR CHAIRWOMAN JOHNSON: In recognition gether. Through the COAST Research Acts OA and the global challenges of climate of the goal of expediting consideration of reauthorization of funding of NOAA, NSF, change, and preparing our citizens and H.R. 1447, the ‘‘Coastal and Ocean Acidifica- and NASA, much needed resources will be economies for the changes ahead. tion Stressors and Threats Research Act of made available to researchers across the 2021,’’ the Committee on Natural Resources Thank you for your consideration of these United States to continue to expand our agrees to waive formal consideration of the comments. knowledge of OAH. The Oregon OAH Council bill as to provisions that fall within the Rule Sincerely, also supports the initiative of the COAST X jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural JOHN BARTH, PHD, Research Act to create data processing, stor- Resources. Co-Chair, Oregon age, and archive facilities to provide for the The Committee on Natural Resources OAH Council, Exec- long-term stewardship and standardization takes this action with the mutual under- of data. By creating a central repository for utive Director, Ma- standing that, in doing so, we do not waive OAH data it provides governments, sci- rine Studies Initia- any jurisdiction over the subject matter con- entists, and industry better access to the in- tive, Oregon State tained in this or similar legislation, and that formation need to inform their mitigation University. the Committee will be appropriately con- and adaption planning. Only by maximizing CAREN BRABY, PHD, sulted and involved as the bill or similar leg- our current data and filling our knowledge Co-Chair, Oregon islation moves forward so that we may ad- gaps of OAH, can we as a Nation begin to be OAH Council, Ma- dress any remaining issues within our juris- able to piece together for solutions for our rine Resources Pro- diction. Our Committee also reserves the coastal communities. gram Manager, Or- right to seek appointment of conferees to (2) Projects or programs that promote egon Department of any House-Senate conference involving this coastal economic and ecosystem resilience Fish and Wildlife. or similar legislation. to OAH. Thank you for agreeing to include our ex- Fisheries and aquaculture are central to NORTHWEST ASSOCIATION OF change of letters in the Congressional Record. our history, are enjoyed by Americans across NETWORKED OCEAN OBSERVING I appreciate your cooperation regarding this the nation year-round, and remain key to SYSTEMS, legislation and look forward to continuing to many of Oregon’s coastal economies today. Seattle, WA, 14 May 2021. work with you as this measure moves Yet, the future sustainability of these ma- Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, through the legislative process. rine resources and communities’ ability to House of Representatives, Sincerely, ´ rely on them, are uncertain in the face of Washington DC. RAUL M. GRIJALVA, significant ocean changes, including OAH, Chair, DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BONAMICI: As the and uncertain in the face of our current House Natural Resources Committee. Director of the Northwest Association of state of preparation to adapt to those Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), I write changes over time. This is why the Oregon HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- in support of the Coastal and Ocean Acidifi- OAH Council supports activities and initia- MITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND cation Stressors and Threats (COAST) Re- tives that promote resilience to increased TECHNOLOGY, search Act. OAH conditions, for both human commu- Washington, DC, April 16, 2021. nities and ecosystems. The COAST Research NANOOS provides access to near-real time Chairman RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA, Act also stresses the importance of increas- observations, forecasts, and other tools that Committee on Natural Resources, ing our understanding of the socioeconomic can be used to observe water properties in House of Representatives, Washington, DC. effects of OA by expanding federal research the Salish Sea and the coastal waters off DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I am writing to to assess adaptation and mitigation strate- Washington and Oregon. NANOOS can only you concerning H.R. 1447, the ‘‘Coastal and gies. There will be costs of inaction relative serve our stakeholders via NOAA’s Inte- Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats Research Act of 2021,’’ which was referred to to CO2 mitigation and the United States has grated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), an obligation to relieve these costs wherever which links together Federal agencies with the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- possible for our citizens. our collective of local universities, govern- nology on March 1, 2021. (3) Tools and strategies to increase aware- ment agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and indus- I appreciate your willingness to work coop- ness of OAH science, impacts and solutions. try organizations who collect quality ocean- eratively on this bill. I recognize that the As the impacts of OA intensify, it is going ographic and meteorological data from bill contains provisions that fall within the to be vitally important for our Nation to moorings, buoys, and satellites from across jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Re- identify and advance opportunities to raise the Pacific Northwest region. But our resources. I acknowledge that your Committee awareness of and communicate OAH science, sources are limited and this COAST Re- will waive further consideration of H.R. 1447 impacts, and mitigation solutions. This is search Act would help to highlight the pay- and that this action is not a waiver of future why the Oregon OAH Council is encouraged off investments can make. jurisdictional claims by the Committee on by the fact that the COAST Research Act Natural Resources over this subject matter. In the Pacific Northwest, we know that I will make sure to include our exchange of recognizes the need to address the effects of ocean acidification is an issue already, as letters in the Congressional Record and will OA on estuaries and integrate research, mon- witnessed by the difference that monitoring support the appointment of the Committee itoring, and adaptation strategies. By inte- water chemistry has made to shellfish grow- on Natural Resources conferees during any grating OA causes and effects, it better dem- ers. We know that impacts from ocean acidi- House-Senate conference. Thank you for onstrates the complexity of this climate fication may affect shellfish harvesters, fish- your cooperation on this legislation. issue, and provides a clearer message to com- ermen, resource managers, and tribal and Sincerely, munities. The Oregon OAH Council also sup- other coastal communities. NANOOS’ work EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, ports the COAST Research Act establish- with IOOS and NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Chairwoman. ment of an Advisory Board to increase co- Program have been instrumental in aiding ordination among stakeholders, including adaptation. b 1600 members of industry, to work with State and Federal governments to improve coordina- The COAST Research Act will enhance Mr. LUCAS. Madam Speaker, I yield tion. Recognizing the importance of a broad these and other efforts to understand, mon- myself such time as I may consume. membership, our Oregon OAH Council in- itor, and manage the nation’s ability to re- Madam Speaker, I rise in support of cludes members from industry, academia and spond and adapt to ocean acidification. H.R. 1447, the COAST Research Act of state government agencies. For the benefit NANOOS will be better able to meet the 2021. This bipartisan legislation would of our marine ecosystem and the human needs of our stakeholders if this Act is reauthorize and modernize the Federal communities that rely on a healthy marine passed. Government’s ocean acidification re- ecosystem, the Nation’s adaptation and miti- My thanks for your leadership and in- search and monitoring programs. gation approaches to OA should include suc- sights. Ocean acidification is the result of a cessful communication of new science, moni- Sincerely, gradual decrease in pH in the ocean toring, and adaptation strategies. JAN NEWTON, chemistry. Even a small shift in pH can As Co-Chairs of the Oregon OAH Council, NANOOS Executive Director. we appreciate the opportunity to provide you have a serious effect on marine eco- with a letter of strong support for the Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I systems, including shellfish habitat, COAST Research Act. The strategic invest- reserve the balance of my time. coral reefs, and fisheries habitat.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.015 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

Congress recognized the need for a amount of greenhouse gases in our at- CO2 and making it into another fuel better understanding of the causes and mosphere, but this comes at a high which is cleaner, especially for mari- effects of ocean acidification and cost for oceans and dependent marine time fleets. I am a mariner, and that passed the Federal Ocean Acidification life. would be very, very important because Research and Monitoring Act in 2009. Coastal communities produce about they are one of the more pollutant fac- That legislation created a framework 40 percent of our Nation’s total jobs tors we have, yet they transport world for science agencies such as NOAA and and 45 percent of our gross domestic goods. So we have to address that. the National Science Foundation to product. Given those significant num- As we pass this legislation, let’s real- dedicate resources to studying the phe- bers, the financial implications will ly go forth and make sure not only nomenon. As a result, we made signifi- ripple across all American commu- NOAA has the authority, but make cant advancements in understanding nities if this problem continues to in- sure they do the job. That is oversight. ocean acidification over the last dec- tensify. That is your job, Madam Chairman. ade. We are already experiencing these That is what we have to do to make H.R. 1447 reauthorizes the funding for impacts in my home State of Maine. sure it is done and address the problem. NOAA and NSF efforts through the fis- The Gulf of Maine is warming faster You talk about your lobster. It is cal year 2026, which lapsed in fiscal than 99 percent of the world’s oceans, good, but not quite as good as our year 2012. It also modernizes their ac- and it is particularly susceptible to the salmon, but it is okay. We have to tivities by updating the strategic plan effects of ocean acidification. work on that to make sure that we governing the Federal Government’s As you know, Mr. Speaker, my State have a continued sustainable yield that research efforts and strengthening co- is renowned for its lobster and shell- we will be working with. operation among scientific agencies. fish, so you can imagine we take this Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Additionally, the COAST Research threat seriously. Bill Mook, an oyster self the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I again rise to support Act designates NOAA as the lead agen- farmer on Maine’s Damariscotta River, H.R. 1447, the COAST Research Act of cy for coordinating the Federal re- has explained to me how he has ad- 2021. It is necessary, bipartisan legisla- sponse to ocean and coastal acidifica- justed his operations to mitigate for tion with support from Members rep- tion. This is an important step to ocean acidification. Bill and so many resenting a diverse range of districts. growers are worried about how future streamline and organize efforts across As I previously mentioned, signifi- the government. oyster production will be affected when cant progress toward our under- Finally, this bill ensures that the the problem outpaces the adaptations standing the socioeconomic effects of voices of stakeholders and industry that can be made. ocean and coastal acidification has I support the COAST Research Act from multiple regions are heard been made in the last decade. But to because it would strengthen invest- through a newly established advisory continue that progress, we need to up- ments in ocean acidification research board. This input is critical to effec- date our priorities and our strategies. tively integrate the many research, and monitoring, increase our under- That is what this bill does. That is monitoring, and adaptation strategies standing of the socioeconomic effects what will keep our communities, our for coastal acidification. of ocean acidification, and more. businesses, and our entire economy at This bill is the result of years of Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to the forefront of managing and miti- work in building a consensus among join me in supporting H.R. 1447. It is gating the environmental challenges stakeholders, including ocean con- critical that we act to protect our we face. servation groups, sportsmen, and oceans and our coastal communities so Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to coastal communities about how best to they are here for future generations. support this bill, and I yield back the address this problem moving forward. Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield balance of my time. Coastal communities and businesses such time as he may consume to the Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield will greatly benefit from this legisla- gentleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG), myself the balance of my time. tion and how better knowledge of one of the most outstanding individ- The basic chemistry of our ocean is ocean acidification improves our abil- uals in this body; the dean of the House changing at an unprecedented rate. We ity to respond to its effects. Republican Conference; the dean of the know that even if carbon dioxide emis- I thank Ms. BONAMICI for introducing United States House; but, most impor- sions were halted today, many of the and leading this bill along with her tantly, and fortunately for his con- residual effects on our oceans will con- House Oceans Caucus vice chair, Con- stituents, the dean of the Alaska continue to occur over the course of the gressman DON YOUNG, along with the gressional delegation. next few decades. many bipartisan cosponsors. Mr. YOUNG. Mr. Speaker, I thank Without intervention, ocean acidifi- I urge my colleagues to support this my good friend Mr. LUCAS for his kind cation is projected to become more in- bill, and I reserve the balance of my compliments. It is the best I have tense and increasingly common, espe- time. heard all day. cially on the Pacific Coast. We must Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield I thank Ms. BONAMICI, the chair of support vulnerable communities, in- such time as she may consume to the this committee, for bringing this bill dustries, coastal and ocean managers gentlewoman from Maine (Ms. PIN- to the floor. by strengthening research on how they GREE), a cosponsor of the COAST Re- I am excited about it because the can best prepare for and, when possible, search Act. oceans and our waterways are impor- adapt to ocean and coastal acidifica- Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I thank tant to our lives. More than anybody tion. the chair and the ranking member, who recognizes, water is the next big issue. By passing the bipartisan COAST Re- have shown a true willingness to ad- Oceans do cover 76 percent of our globe. search Act, we are taking one impor- dress the impact climate change has In doing so, if they get acidified, then tant step forward in advancing ocean had on our oceans; and to Congress- we lose the oceans, not only what it climate action. woman BONAMICI and Congressman provides to us, but livelihoods to many I, again, thank Chairwoman JOHNSON; YOUNG for their leadership on ocean fishermen in my communities, which is Ranking Member LUCAS; and my co- and climate issues. very, very important. leads on this bill, Representative I rise today in support of the gentle- I am, very frankly, very excited YOUNG, PINGREE, and POSEY for their woman’s bill, H.R. 1447, the Coastal and about this legislation. We have to do support. Ocean Acidification Stressors and more than legislation, though, because I know Mr. YOUNG from Alaska Threats Research Act, a bipartisan bill the acidification of the ocean, what talked about his salmon. We would that would expand scientific research causes it, we have to address. Some say compete with salmon in the Pacific and monitoring to improve our under- it is climate change. Let’s do that. Northwest. We also have the prize dun- standing of ocean acidification. Let’s look at why. geness crab, and Ms. PINGREE has her Our oceans absorb enormous amounts I have just been reading a very seri- lobsters. It is so critical for these in- of carbon dioxide each year. That proc- ous set of articles on e-fuels, which I dustries that we pass this bill and ad- ess is critical for regulating the was unaware were created by capturing vance ocean climate action.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.043 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2385 I, once again, urge my colleagues on (1) Ocean acidification impacts human (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— both sides of the aisle to support this health, natural resources, and the environ- There are authorized to be appropriated to bipartisan bill. mental, economic, and recreational uses of carry out this section $1,000,000. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the coastline. (2) The current understanding of ocean The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- of my time. acidification impacts on estuarine eco- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to join systems is inadequate to fully prepare and Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- Congresswoman BONAMICI as an original co- manage for changing environmental condi- tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) sponsor. tions in nearshore locations. each will control 20 minutes. For those of us who live on the ‘‘coast,’’ the (3) While pH can be measured with high coast is that unique place where our lives, our precision and accuracy in open ocean envi- The Chair recognizes the gentle- environment, and our economy participate in a ronments, more understanding of the car- woman from Oregon. bonate system in estuarine ecosystems is special relationship with the ocean. GENERAL LEAVE In my own State of Florida, we know that needed for precise and accurate measure- ments and observations. Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask about 6 million people work in our coastal (4) The interaction of multiple stressors, unanimous consent that all Members counties. They earn nearly $280 billion dollars including salinity, pH, temperature, sea may have 5 legislative days to revise in wages and produce close to $700 billion in level rise, and nutrient input, within estua- and extend their remarks and to in- gross domestic product. rine ecosystems is inadequately understood clude extraneous material on H.R. 2533, Life on the coast is rich in rewards, but also for managing the health, economic, rec- uncertain and often perilous. reational, and environmental impacts driven the bill now under consideration. Those of us who live on the coast have by these interactions. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there known for a long time how important sustain- (5) A better understanding is needed of how objection to the request of the gentle- ability and resilience are for our coasts. We anthropogenic influences in coastal environ- woman from Oregon? ments affect estuarine ecosystems. have weathered the storms of the past and we (6) More integration and coordination is There was no objection. must do so in the future. needed among regional, national, and global Science and research are our best hope for Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield environmental observations in estuarine en- myself such time as I may consume. continuing to live in harmony with our coasts. vironments, supporting prior investments in Research can prepare us for assaults on related topics such as nutrient loading, hy- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support our coasts and help us defend our wildlife and poxia, ocean acidification, and harmful algae of Congressman POSEY’s National Estu- biodiversity from threats like acidification. bloom research and observational systems. aries and Acidification Research Act. I We must take care of our precious coasts SEC. 3. STUDY EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF am an original cosponsor of this bipar- so that we can continue to enjoy the lifestyle OCEAN ACIDIFICATION AND OTHER tisan bill, which would direct the Na- ENVIRONMENTAL STRESSORS ON and the economic well-being we cherish. ESTUARINE ENVIRONMENTS. tional Academies of Sciences, Engi- That is why I’ve joined Congresswoman SU- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days neering, and Medicine to conduct a ZANNE BONAMICI in directing NOAA to pick up after the date of enactment of this Act, the study that examines the science of the role of leading research for coastal acidifi- Secretary of Commerce shall make appro- ocean and coastal acidification in estu- cation. priate arrangements with the National Acad- aries and provide recommendations to I ask my colleagues to support the COAST emies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine improve future research and manage- Research Act. (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘National ment to inform mitigation decisions. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Academies’’) under which the National Acad- As co-chair of both the House Oceans CUELLAR). The question is on the mo- emies shall conduct a study that— Caucus and Congressional Estuary Cau- tion offered by the gentlewoman from (1) examines the existing science of ocean acidification in estuarine environments; cus, I know that acidification is not Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) that the House (2) examines the challenges to studying only affecting the open ocean, estu- suspend the rules and pass the bill, ocean acidification and ocean acidification’s aries and nearshore waters are also ab- H.R. 1447, as amended. interactions with other environment sorbing tremendous amounts of carbon The question was taken. stressors in estuarine environments; The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the (3) provides recommendations for improv- pollution and becoming more acidic. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ing future research with respect to ocean Our understanding of ocean acidifica- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. acidification in estuarine environments; and tion and its interactions with other en- Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on (4) identifies pathways for applying science vironmental stressors, such as hypoxia, that I demand the yeas and nays. in management and mitigation decisions re- harmful algal blooms, and warming The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lating to ocean acidification in estuarine en- waters, is rapidly evolving, but is still vironments. ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution limited in scope. (b) CONTENTS OF STUDY.—The study de- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. scribed under subsection (a) shall include— Ocean and coastal acidification are Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- (1) the behavior of the carbonate system often present in the context of other ther proceedings on this motion are within estuarine environments; coastal processes, like runoff, erosion, postponed. (2) the interactions of the carbonate sys- and upwelled water from the oceans, f tem with other biotic and abiotic character- making it difficult to measure its indi- istics of estuarine ecosystems; NATIONAL ESTUARIES AND ACIDI- (3) how environmental and anthropogenic vidual effects on estuaries. FICATION RESEARCH ACT OF 2021 changes or disturbances could affect abiotic Our estuaries and nearshore waters Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move and biotic processes within estuaries; are also experiencing the consequences to suspend the rules and pass the bill (4) how estuarine biotic and abiotic proc- of our inaction to address the climate esses will be affected under predicted envi- crisis, and research has not kept pace (H.R. 2533) to provide for a study by the ronmental changes; National Academies of Sciences, Engi- (5) the current state of data collection, in- with the needs of coastal communities. neering, and Medicine examining the terpretation, storage, and retrieval and ob- The NEAR Act will help address sig- impact of ocean acidification and other servational infrastructure of abiotic and bi- nificant research gaps and the urgent stressors in estuarine environments. otic parameters in estuarine ecosystems; need to improve our understanding of The Clerk read the title of the bill. (6) the gaps that exist in understanding the the ecological and socioeconomic ef- The text of the bill is as follows: socio-economic and health impacts of ocean fects of ocean and coastal acidification. acidification in estuaries; H.R. 2533 (7) future directions for scientific research; I thank Congressman POSEY for his Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and leadership on this bipartisan bill and resentatives of the United States of America in (8) pathways for applying science in man- his efforts to preserve our Nation’s es- Congress assembled, agement and mitigation decisions. tuaries. I also thank Chairwoman SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (c) REPORT.—In entering into an arrange- JOHNSON and Ranking Member LUCAS This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Es- ment under subsection (a), the Secretary for making this bill a priority. tuaries and Acidification Research Act of shall request that the National Academies 2021’’ or the ‘‘NEAR Act of 2021’’. transmit to Congress a report on the results Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to SEC. 2. FINDINGS. of the study not later than 24 months after support it, and I reserve the balance of Congress finds the following: the date of enactment of this Act. my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.044 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- examine the effects of ocean acidifica- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, this is MITTEE ON SCIENCE, SPACE, AND tion on estuary environments, and to a commonsense bill to address the ur- TECHNOLOGY, submit that report to Congress within 2 gent need for research on ocean and Washington, DC, April 16, 2021. years. coastal acidification in estuaries. Chairman RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA, Committee on Natural Resources, b 1615 I appreciate the partnership and leadership from Chairwoman JOHNSON, Washington, DC. Specifically, this study will be led by DEAR CHAIRMAN GRIJALVA: I am writing to Ranking Member LUCAS, and Congress- the Ocean Studies Board of the Na- you concerning H.R. 2533, the ‘‘National Es- man POSEY to protect the health of our tuaries and Acidification Research Act of tional Academies and provide Congress oceans and estuaries. 2021,’’ which was referred to the Committee a better understanding of the biologi- Mr. Speaker, I once again urge my on Science, Space, and Technology as lead cal and economic impacts of ocean colleagues on both sides of the aisle to committee and sequentially referred to the acidification on inland marine environ- support this bipartisan bill, and I yield Committee on Natural Resources on April 14, ments. back the balance of my time. 2021. Estuaries are economically impor- Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to I appreciate your willingness to work coop- tant water ecosystems that occur when rise in support of H.R. 2533, The National Es- eratively on this bill. I recognize that the inland rivers meet oceans. This mix of bill contains provisions that fall within the tuaries and Acidification Research (NEAR) jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Re- fresh and salt waters is a delicate balance of nature that possesses unique Act. sources. I acknowledge that your Committee I want to thank Congresswoman SUZANNE will waive further consideration of H.R. 2533 biological characteristics. To date, there have been few studies on the ef- BONAMICI and Congressman BRIAN MAST for and that this action is not a waiver of future working with me to advance this important leg- jurisdictional claims by the Committee on fects ocean acidification has on these Natural Resources over this subject matter. ecosystems. islation. I will make sure to include our exchange of We can’t manage and mitigate the ef- I also want to thank the National Academies letters in the Congressional Record and will fects of something we don’t fully un- of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for support the appointment of the Committee derstand. That is why H.R. 2533 is still their valuable input. on Natural Resources conferees during any needed today to bridge our knowledge The NEAR Act is a national proposal with a House-Senate conference. Thank you for very special personal connection. People in your cooperation on this legislation. gaps by utilizing the best expertise and resources to gain a better under- my district—the 8th district of Florida—under- Sincerely, stand in a very deep way, the economic and EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, standing of this important issue. Chairwoman. While Oklahoma is a landlocked environmental importance of the ocean and -- State without estuaries, I recognize our estuary—the Indian River Lagoon. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, the economic and environmental ef- This bill focuses on estuaries—those won- COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, fects acidification has on all of our Na- drous nurseries and homes for sea life. Washington, DC, April 20, 2021. tion’s waterways and other natural Unfortunately, the Indian River Lagoon, and Hon. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, treasures. The waters of Oklahoma’s other valuable estuaries throughout the coun- Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space, and rivers, streams, and tributaries feed try, are being threatened by ocean acidifica- Technology, Washington, DC. tion, along with other stressors. DEAR CHAIRWOMAN JOHNSON: In recognition into larger systems and eventually of the goal of expediting consideration of make it to the ocean. At the end of the Scientists tell us that when carbon dioxide is H.R. 2533, a bill to provide for a study by the day, being a conservationist doesn’t released into the atmosphere, about one third National Academies of Sciences, Engineer- stop at geographic barriers. It is a na- of that carbon dioxide is absorbed by sea- ing, and Medicine examining the impact of tionwide effort. water, creating carbonic acid. ocean acidification and other stressors in es- Mr. Speaker, this important word- Shellfish and other marine organisms don’t tuarine environments, the Committee on for-word bill passed the House last Con- do well in acidic waters. We know that. Natural Resources agrees to waive formal gress with the same bipartisan support We have over a decade of research on the consideration of the bill as to provisions that impacts of acidification in the open ocean. Un- fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the it has here today. Unfortunately, it Committee on Natural Resources. didn’t move further in the Senate. So, fortunately, we don’t have the same kind of The Committee on Natural Resources 1 year later, we still need to improve knowledge about acidification in estuaries and takes this action with the mutual under- our knowledge of coastal acidification waters near our shores. standing that, in doing so, we do not waive and estuaries. We need to deepen our investment in re- any jurisdiction over the subject matter con- I thank Mr. POSEY for leading this search in our estuaries so we can protect and tained in this or similar legislation, and that important legislation. I know his con- restore our estuaries and defend our environ- the Committee will be appropriately con- stituents and the Indian River Lagoon ment and coastal economy. sulted and involved as the bill or similar leg- The story of my district and the Indian River islation moves forward so that we may ad- community appreciate his efforts to dress any remaining issues within our juris- protect their surrounding environment. Lagoon plays out along our entire national diction. Our Committee also reserves the I also thank my Science Committee coastline. More than half of the U.S. popu- right to seek appointment of conferees to colleague across the aisle, Ms. lation lives in coastal areas. any House-Senate conference involving this BONAMICI, for leading the effort on the Five years ago, Congresswoman BONAMICI or similar legislation. majority side. and I cofounded the bipartisan Congressional Thank you for agreeing to include our ex- Mr. Speaker, as the saying goes, Estuary Caucus to preserve and restore our change of letters in the Congressional knowledge is power. This simple bipar- estuaries. Coastal watershed counties provide Record. I appreciate your cooperation re- an estimated 69 million U.S. jobs and con- garding this legislation and look forward to tisan bill advances our knowledge and continuing to work with you as this measure gives us the power to quantify the ef- tribute an estimated $7.9 trillion to the GDP moves through the legislative process. fects estuary communities face when annually. Sincerely, faced with coastal acidification. The National Academy study authorized by RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA, The National Academies are a tre- the NEAR Act is a great step toward filling in Chair, mendous resource. Their studies are the gaps in our knowledge of how acidification House Natural Resources Committee. thorough, informative, and world class. affects our estuaries—both environmentally Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- I look forward to seeing the final prod- and economically. self such time as I may consume. uct directed by this bill. Mr. Speaker, when we take care of our en- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. By preserving our Nation’s estuaries, vironment, we take care of ourselves, and 2533, the National Estuaries and Acidi- we are saving businesses from closing, therefore, I ask my colleagues to join me in fication Research Act of 2021, a bipar- ecosystems from dying, and people taking this important step toward under- tisan bill sponsored by Congressman from getting sick. I, again, thank Rep- standing how ocean acidification affects our BILL POSEY, my esteemed colleague on resentative BILL POSEY and the entire precious estuaries and support this bill today. the Science Committee. Congressional Estuary Caucus for lead- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The This legislation directs the Secretary ing on this important topic. question is on the motion offered by of Commerce to coordinate a study Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. with the National Academies of support this bill, and I yield back the BONAMICI) that the House suspend the Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to balance of my time. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2533.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.023 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2387 The question was taken. in the United States still lack access to ities for addressing broadband access and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the high-speed broadband. Rural areas are hard- adoption, including— opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being est hit, with over 26 percent of individuals in ‘‘(1) promising research areas; in the affirmative, the ayes have it. rural areas in the United States lacking ac- ‘‘(2) requirements for data collection and cess to high-speed broadband compared to 1.7 sharing; Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on percent of individuals in urban areas in the ‘‘(3) opportunities for better alignment and that I demand the yeas and nays. United States. coordination across Federal agencies and ex- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- SEC. 3. NIST ENGAGEMENT WITH RURAL COMMU- ternal stakeholders; and ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution NITIES. ‘‘(4) input on the development of new Fed- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. (a) MEP OUTREACH.—Section 25 of the Na- eral policies and programs to enhance data Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- tional Institute of Standards and Technology collection and research. Act (15 U.S.C. 278k) is amended— ‘‘(c) COORDINATION.—The working group ther proceedings on this motion are (1) in subsection (c)— postponed. shall coordinate, as appropriate, with the (A) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘commu- Rural Broadband Integration Working Group f nity colleges and area career and technical established under section 6214 of the Agri- education schools’’ and inserting the fol- culture Improvement Act of 2018 (Public Law RURAL STEM EDUCATION lowing: ‘‘secondary schools (as defined in RESEARCH ACT 115–334) and the National Institute of Food section 8101 of the Elementary and Sec- and Agriculture of the Department of Agri- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move ondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. culture. 7801)), community colleges, and area career to suspend the rules and pass the bill ‘‘(d) REPORT.—The working group shall re- and technical education schools, including (H.R. 210) to coordinate Federal report to Congress on their activities as part of those in underserved and rural commu- the annual report submitted under section search and development efforts focused nities,’’; and 101(a)(2)(D). on STEM education and workforce de- (B) in paragraph (7)— velopment in rural areas, including the (i) by striking ‘‘and local colleges’’ and in- ‘‘(e) SUNSET.—The authority to carry out development and application of new serting the following: ‘‘local high schools this section shall terminate on the date that technologies to support and improve and local colleges, including those in under- is 5 years after the date of enactment of the Rural STEM Education Act.’’. rural STEM education, and for other served and rural communities,’’; and (ii) by inserting ‘‘or other applied learning SEC. 5. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES EVAL- purposes, as amended. UATION. The Clerk read the title of the bill. opportunities’’ after ‘‘apprenticeships’’; and (2) in subsection (d)(3) by striking ‘‘, com- (a) STUDY.—Not later than 12 months after The text of the bill is as follows: munity colleges, and area career and tech- the date of enactment of this Act, the Direc- H.R. 210 nical education schools,’’ and inserting the tor shall enter into an agreement with the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- following: ‘‘and local high schools, commu- National Academy of Sciences under which resentatives of the United States of America in nity colleges, and area career and technical the National Academy agrees to conduct an Congress assembled, education schools, including those in under- evaluation and assessment that— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. served and rural communities,’’. (1) evaluates the quality and quantity of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Rural STEM (b) RURAL CONNECTIVITY PRIZE COMPETI- current Federal programming and research Education Research Act’’. TION.— directed at examining STEM education for (1) PRIZE COMPETITION.—Pursuant to sec- students in grades Pre-K through 12 and SEC. 2. FINDINGS. tion 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology workforce development in rural areas; Congress finds the following: Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719), the (2) assesses the impact of the scarcity of (1) The supply of STEM workers is not Secretary of Commerce, acting through the broadband connectivity in rural commu- keeping pace with the rapidly evolving needs Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards nities has on STEM and technical literacy of the public and private sector, resulting in and Technology (referred to in this sub- for students in grades Pre-K through 12 in a deficit often referred to as a STEM skills section as the ‘‘Secretary’’), shall, subject to rural areas; shortage. appropriations, carry out a program to (3) assesses the core research and data (2) According to the Bureau of Labor Sta- award prizes competitively to stimulate re- needed to understand the challenges rural tistics, the United States will need one mil- search and development of creative tech- areas are facing in providing quality STEM lion additional STEM professionals than it is nologies in order to deploy affordable and re- education and workforce development; and on track to produce in the coming decade. liable broadband connectivity to underserved (4) makes recommendations for action at (3) Many STEM occupations offer higher rural communities. the Federal, State, and local levels for im- wages, more opportunities for advancement, (2) PLAN FOR DEPLOYMENT IN RURAL COMMU- proving STEM education for students in and a higher degree of job security than non- NITIES.—Each proposal submitted pursuant grades Pre-K through 12 and workforce de- STEM jobs. to paragraph (1) shall include a plan for development in rural areas. (4) The 60,000,000 individuals in the United ployment of the technology that is the sub- (b) REPORT TO DIRECTOR.—The agreement States who live in rural settings are signifi- ject of such proposal in an underserved rural entered into under subsection (a) shall re- cantly under-represented in STEM. community. quire the National Academy of Sciences, not (5) According to the National Center for (3) PRIZE AMOUNT.—In carrying out the pro- later than 24 months after the date of enact- Education Statistics, nine million students gram under paragraph (1), the Secretary may ment of this Act, to submit to the Director in the United States—nearly 20 percent of award not more than a total of $5,000,000 to a report on the study conducted under such the total K–12 population—attend rural one or more winners of the prize competi- subsection, including the National Acad- schools, and for reasons ranging from teach- tion. emy’s findings and recommendations. er quality to shortages of resources, these (4) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after students often have fewer opportunities for (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— the date on which a prize is awarded under There are authorized to be appropriated to high-quality STEM learning than their peers the prize competition, the Secretary shall in the Nation’s urban and suburban schools. the Director to carry out this section submit to the relevant committees of Con- $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. (6) Rural areas represent one of the most gress a report that describes the winning SEC. 6. GAO REVIEW. promising, yet underutilized, opportunities proposal of the prize competition. for STEM education to impact workforce de- (5) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the pro- Not later than 3 years after the date of en- velopment and regional innovation, includ- gram under subsection (a), the Secretary actment of this Act, the Comptroller General ing agriculture. may consult with the heads of relevant de- of the United States shall conduct a study on (7) The study of agriculture, food, and nat- partments and agencies of the Federal Gov- the engagement of rural populations in Fed- ural resources involves biology, engineering, ernment. eral STEM programs and submit to Congress physics, chemistry, math, geology, computer SEC. 4. NITR-D BROADBAND WORKING GROUP. a report that includes— science, and other scientific fields. Title I of the High-Performance Computing (1) an assessment of how Federal STEM (8) Employment in computer and informa- Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is amended education programs are serving rural popu- tion technology occupations is projected to by adding at the end the following: lations; grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. To help ‘‘SEC. 103. BROADBAND RESEARCH AND DEVEL- (2) a description of initiatives carried out meet this demand, it is important rural stu- OPMENT WORKING GROUP. by Federal agencies that are targeted at sup- dents have the opportunity to acquire com- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall es- porting STEM education in rural areas; puting skills through exposure to computer tablish a broadband research and develop- (3) an assessment of what is known about science learning in grades Pre-K through 12 ment working group to address national re- the impact and effectiveness of Federal in- and in informal learning settings. search challenges and opportunities for im- vestments in STEM education programs that (9) More than 293,000,000 individuals in the proving broadband access and adoption are targeted to rural areas; and United States use high-speed broadband to across the United States. (4) an assessment of challenges that state work, learn, access healthcare, and operate ‘‘(b) ACTIVITIES.—The working group shall and Federal STEM education programs face their businesses, while 19,000,000 individuals identify and coordinate key research prior- in reaching rural population centers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.049 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

SEC. 7. CAPACITY BUILDING THROUGH EPSCOR. (A) IN GENERAL.—Grants awarded under (3) encourage applications which, for the Section 517(f)(2) of the America COM- this section shall be used for the research purpose of the activity or activities funded PETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 and development activities referred to in through the grant, include commitments U.S.C. 1862p–9(f)(2)) is amended— paragraph (1), which may include— from school principals and administrators to (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and’’ (i) developing partnerships with commu- making reforms and activities proposed by at the end; and nity colleges to offer advanced STEM course the applicant a priority. (2) by adding at the end the following: work, including computer science, to rural (e) EVALUATIONS.—All proposals for grants ‘‘(C) to increase the capacity of rural com- high school students; under subsections (a) and (b) shall include an munities to provide quality STEM education (ii) supporting research on effective STEM evaluation plan that includes the use of out- and STEM workforce development program- practices in rural settings; come oriented measures to assess the impact ming to students, and teachers; and’’. (iii) implementing a school-wide STEM ap- and efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a SEC. 8. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RURAL proach; grant under this section shall include results STEM RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. (iv) improving the National Science Foun- from these evaluative activities in annual (a) PREPARING RURAL STEM EDUCATORS.— dation’s Advanced Technology Education and final projects. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall provide program’s coordination and engagement (f) ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISSEMINATION.— grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive with rural communities; (1) EVALUATION REQUIRED.—The Director basis to institutions of higher education or (v) collaborating with existing community shall evaluate the portfolio of grants award- nonprofit organizations (or a consortium partners and networks, such as the coopera- ed under subsections (a) and (b). Such eval- thereof) for research and development to ad- tive research and extension services of the uation shall— vance innovative approaches to support and Department of Agriculture and youth serv- (A) use a common set of benchmarks and sustain high-quality STEM teaching in rural ing organizations like 4–H, after school tools to assess the results of research con- schools. STEM programs, and summer STEM pro- ducted under such grants and identify best (2) USE OF FUNDS.— grams, to leverage community resources and practices; and (A) IN GENERAL.—Grants awarded under develop place-based programming; (B) to the extent practicable, integrate the this section shall be used for the research (vi) connecting rural school districts and findings of research resulting from the activ- and development activities referred to in institutions of higher education, to improve ity or activities funded through such grants paragraph (1), which may include— precollegiate STEM education and engage- with the findings of other research on rural (i) engaging rural educators of students in ment; student’s pursuit of degrees or careers in grades Pre-K through 12 in professional (vii) supporting partnerships that offer STEM. learning opportunities to enhance STEM hands-on inquiry-based science activities, in- (2) REPORT ON EVALUATIONS.—Not later knowledge, including computer science, and cluding coding, and access to lab resources than 180 days after the completion of the develop best practices; for students studying STEM in grades Pre-K evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director (ii) supporting research on effective STEM shall submit to Congress and make widely teaching practices in rural settings, includ- through 12 in a rural area; (viii) evaluating the role of broadband available to the public a report that in- ing the use of rubrics and mastery-based cludes— grading practices to assess student perform- connectivity and its associated impact on the STEM and technology literacy of rural (A) the results of the evaluation; and ance when employing the transdisciplinary (B) any recommendations for administra- teaching approach for STEM disciplines; students; (ix) building capacity to support extra- tive and legislative action that could opti- (iii) designing and developing pre-service mize the effectiveness of the grants awarded and in-service training resources to assist curricular STEM programs in rural schools, including mentor-led engagement programs, under this section. such rural educators in adopting (g) REPORT BY COMMITTEE ON EQUAL OPPOR- STEM programs held during nonschool transdisciplinary teaching practices across TUNITIES IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING.— hours, STEM networks, makerspaces, coding STEM courses; (1) IN GENERAL.—As part of the first report activities, and competitions; and (iv) coordinating with local partners to required by section 36(e) of the Science and (x) any other activity the Director deter- adapt STEM teaching practices to leverage Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 mines will accomplish the goals of this sub- local natural and community assets in order U.S.C. 1885c(e)) transmitted to Congress after section. to support in-place learning in rural areas; the date of enactment of this Act, the Com- (v) providing hands-on training and re- (c) APPLICATION.—An applicant seeking a mittee on Equal Opportunities in Science search opportunities for rural educators de- grant under subsection (a) or (b) shall submit and Engineering shall include— scribed in clause (i) at Federal Laboratories, an application at such time, in such manner, (A) a description of past and present poli- institutions of higher education, or in indus- and containing such information as the Di- cies and activities of the Foundation to en- try; rector may require. The application may in- courage full participation of students in (vi) developing training and best practices clude the following: rural communities in science, mathematics, for educators who teach multiple grade lev- (1) A description of the target population engineering, and computer science fields; els within a STEM discipline; to be served by the research activity or ac- and (vii) designing and implementing profes- tivities for which such grant is sought. (B) an assessment of trends in participa- sional development courses and experiences, (2) A description of the process for recruit- tion of rural students in grades Pre-K including mentoring, for rural educators de- ment and selection of students, educators, or through 12 in Foundation activities, and an scribed in clause (i) that combine face-to- schools from rural areas to participate in assessment of the policies and activities of face and online experiences; and such activity or activities. the Foundation, along with proposals for (viii) any other activity the Director deter- (3) A description of how such activity or new strategies or the broadening of existing mines will accomplish the goals of this sub- activities may inform efforts to promote the successful strategies towards facilitating the section. engagement and achievement of rural stu- goals of this Act. dents in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM (B) RURAL STEM COLLABORATIVE.—The Di- (2) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.— studies. rector may establish a pilot program of re- (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 313 of the Amer- gional cohorts in rural areas that will pro- (4) In the case of a proposal consisting of a ican Innovation and Competitiveness Act vide peer support, mentoring, and hands-on partnership or partnerships with one or more (Public Law 114–329) is amended by striking research experiences for rural STEM edu- rural schools and one or more researchers, a ‘‘Section 204(e) of the National Science cators of students in grades Pre-K through plan for establishing a sustained partnership Foundation Authorization Act of 1988’’ and 12, in order to build an ecosystem of coopera- that is jointly developed and managed, draws inserting ‘‘Section 36(e) of the Science and tion among educators, researchers, aca- from the capacities of each partner, and is Engineering Equal Opportunities Act’’. mutually beneficial. demia, and local industry. (B) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made (b) BROADENING PARTICIPATION OF RURAL (d) PARTNERSHIPS.—In awarding grants by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if in- STUDENTS IN STEM.— under subsection (a) or (b), the Director cluded in the enactment of section 313 of the (1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall provide shall— American Innovation and Competitiveness grants on a merit-reviewed, competitive (1) encourage applicants which, for the pur- Act (Public Law 114–329). basis to institutions of higher education or pose of the activity or activities funded (h) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this nonprofit organizations (or a consortium through the grant, include or partner with a section, the Director shall, for purposes of thereof) for— nonprofit organization or an institution of enhancing program effectiveness and avoid- (A) research and development of program- higher education (or a consortium thereof) ing duplication of activities, consult, cooper- ming to identify the barriers rural students that has extensive experience and expertise ate, and coordinate with the programs and face in accessing high-quality STEM edu- in increasing the participation of rural stu- policies of other relevant Federal agencies. cation; and dents in grades Pre-K through 12 in STEM; (i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (B) development of innovative solutions to (2) encourage applicants which, for the pur- There are authorized to be appropriated to improve the participation and advancement pose of the activity or activities funded the Director— of rural students in grades Pre-K through 12 through the grant, include or partner with a (1) $8,000,000 to carry out the activities in STEM studies. consortium of rural schools or rural school under subsection (a) for each of fiscal years (2) USE OF FUNDS.— districts; and 2022 through 2026; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.020 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2389 (2) $12,000,000 to carry out the activities (3) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘‘Foundation’’ vide teachers with the resources they under subsection (b) for each of fiscal years means the National Science Foundation es- need to teach more effectively. 2022 through 2026. tablished under section 2 of the National The bill also directs NIST to develop SEC. 9. RESEARCHING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ON- Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. a prize competition to advance re- LINE EDUCATION. 1861). search and development in support of (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall, sub- (4) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The ject to appropriations, award competitive term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has expanded broadband access. grants to institutions of higher education or the meaning given such term in section This bill further provides for assess- nonprofit organizations (or a consortium 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 ments of Federal investments in rural thereof, which may include a private sector U.S.C. 1001(a)). STEM education to be conducted by partner) to conduct research on online STEM (5) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ has the the National Academies and the Gov- education courses for rural communities. meaning given the term in section 2 of the ernment Accountability Office. (b) RESEARCH AREAS.—The research areas America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of This bill is an important step toward eligible for funding under this subsection 2010 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). improving STEM education in rural shall include— (6) STEM EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘STEM (1) evaluating the learning and achieve- education’’ has the meaning given the term communities across America and will ment of rural students in grades Pre-K in section 2 of the STEM Education Act of help build a 21st century STEM work- through 12 in STEM subjects; 2015 (42 U.S.C. 6621 note). force that will help the U.S. remain a (2) understanding how computer-based and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- global leader in science and tech- online professional development courses and ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from nology. mentor experiences can be integrated to Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my col- meet the needs of educators of rural students leagues to support H.R. 210, and I rein grades Pre-K through 12; tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) each will control 20 minutes. serve the balance of my time. (3) combining computer-based and online Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- STEM education and training with appren- The Chair recognizes the gentle- ticeships, mentoring, or other applied learn- woman from Oregon. self such time as I may consume. ing arrangements; GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support (4) leveraging online programs to supple- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask of H.R. 210, the Rural STEM Education ment STEM studies for rural students that unanimous consent that all Members Research Act, a bill that passed this need physical and academic accommodation; may have 5 legislative days to revise House with resounding bipartisan sup- and port in the 116th Congress, and I hope (5) any other activity the Director deter- and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 210, it will do so again today. mines will accomplish the goals of this sub- I am pleased to be leading this impor- section. the bill now under consideration. tant bill, and I thank Chairwoman (c) EVALUATIONS.—All proposals for grants The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there under this section shall include an evalua- objection to the request of the gentle- JOHNSON for her support. tion plan that includes the use of outcome woman from Oregon? Now more than ever, America’s pros- oriented measures to assess the impact and There was no objection. perity and security depend on an effec- efficacy of the grant. Each recipient of a Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield tive and inclusive science, technology, grant under this section shall include results myself such time as I may consume. engineering, math, and computer from these evaluative activities in annual Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. science workforce, or STEM. and final projects. 210, the Rural STEM Education Re- Nationally, 80 percent of the fastest- (d) ACCOUNTABILITY AND DISSEMINATION.— growing occupations depend upon mas- (1) EVALUATION REQUIRED.—The Director search Act. I thank Ranking Member shall evaluate the portfolio of grants award- LUCAS for introducing this important tery of STEM skills, and the number of ed under this section. Such evaluation bill. STEM jobs is growing three times fast- shall— Every State in the country is filled er than non-STEM jobs. Over the next (A) use a common set of benchmarks and with students who have an incredible decade, the STEM shortage is antici- tools to assess the results of research con- curiosity for STEM and the potential pated to reach 1 million positions, ac- ducted under such grants and identify best to make important contributions in cording to the Bureau of Labor Statis- practices; and these fields. But too often, students are tics. (B) to the extent practicable, integrate To succeed in this job market, our findings from activities carried out pursuant left behind and are unable to fulfill to research conducted under this section, their vast potential simply because of students need to be equipped with solid with respect to the pursuit of careers and de- where they live. skills in science and engineering. Meet- grees in STEM, with those activities carried Students in rural areas have long ing this demand starts in the class- our pursuant to other research on serving faced obstacles to receiving a high- room. rural students and communities. quality STEM education. Lack of Over 9 million students in the United (2) REPORT ON EVALUATIONS.—Not later broadband access, for example, has States, nearly 20 percent of the total than 180 days after the completion of the long been a barrier. K–12 population, attend rural schools. evaluation under paragraph (1), the Director Schools in rural communities often In Oklahoma, that number is even shall submit to Congress and make widely available to the public a report that in- struggle to access the equipment and higher; one-third of our students at- cludes— facilities needed to provide students tend rural schools. (A) the results of the evaluation; and with hands-on STEM experiences. Re- These students face a number of bar- (B) any recommendations for administra- search shows that hands-on experiences riers to accessing high-quality STEM tive and legislative action that could opti- help inspire scientific curiosity and a learning, including a shortage of mize the effectiveness of the grants awarded love of STEM in students. trained science and math teachers, a under this section. Teachers are trying their best, but lack of access to advanced STEM (e) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this they have limited resources and sup- courses, and few local university and section, the Director shall, for purposes of industry partners. enhancing program effectiveness and avoid- port. To make matters worse, the ing duplication of activities, consult, cooper- COVID–19 pandemic and the transition Since the start of the coronavirus ate, and coordinate with the programs and to remote learning have further exacer- pandemic, we have seen further proof policies of other relevant Federal agencies. bated these inequalities. that rural students are at a disadvan- SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS. Students and teachers in rural com- tage, given the unreliability or non- In this Act: munities have worked hard to adapt, existent broadband access many strug- (1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means but they need help. We have an oppor- gle with while distance learning. the Director of the National Science Founda- tunity not just to recover from what The Rural STEM Education Research tion established under section 2 of the Na- was lost during the pandemic but to Act supports research and development tional Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 ensure a better STEM education future activities to improve our under- U.S.C. 1861). for rural students. standing of the challenges rural com- (2) FEDERAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘‘Fed- eral laboratory’’ has the meaning given such The Rural STEM Education Act pro- munities are facing, and it takes steps term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler vides for research and development to to address those challenges in pro- Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. increase access to STEM education op- viding and sustaining quality STEM 3703). portunities in rural schools and to pro- education programs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.020 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 H.R. 210 helps develop better prac- Ergonomics Society, Association of in receiving STEM education that is tices for accessing and using computer- American Universities, Microsoft, Girl both forward-thinking and long-lasting based and online STEM education Scouts of the USA, National FFA Orga- for our rural communities. This bill courses. It will help schools combine nization, and Association of Public and will also help us identify the techno- online STEM education with hands-on Land-grant Universities. logical and logistical challenges we training and apprenticeships to give I again thank Chairwoman JOHNSON still must overcome to provide students both theoretical and practical and her staff for working with me on broadband to every last acre of land. understanding of math and science this bill. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman skills. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage from Oklahoma, Ranking Member The bill will also take steps to ad- my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ to better LUCAS, for this outstanding bill and dress one of the key obstacles to rural STEM education for America’s rural important piece of legislation. STEM education, a lack of broadband students, and I reserve the balance of Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I access. Of the 21 million Americans my time. reserve the balance of my time. who lack access to broadband, the ma- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, as a Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I am pre- jority live in rural areas. With the in- member of the Science, Space, and pared to close, and I yield myself such crease in online learning, we need to Technology Committee and the Com- time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, thank prioritize connectivity for all students. mittee on Education and Labor, I want Chairwoman JOHNSON for her support This bill directs the National Insti- to thank Mr. LUCAS for mentioning not of this legislation. Whether you live in tute of Standards and Technology to only broadband but also place-based Dallas, Texas, or Cheyenne, Oklahoma, establish a prize competition to stimu- learning. I represent several rural every student should have the oppor- late innovations in technologies to de- school districts, and I appreciate this tunity to gain STEM skills and to com- ploy broadband connectivity to under- legislation. pete for the jobs of the future. served rural communities. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve The Rural STEM Education Research It also establishes a working group to the balance of my time. Act gives teachers better tools to teach set key research priorities for improv- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 science and math, leverages local re- ing broadband access so rural commu- minutes to the gentleman from Michi- sources to engage students in key sub- nities can enjoy the same connected- gan (Mr. MEIJER). jects, and addresses the lack of ness as the rest of the country. Mr. MEIJER. Mr. Speaker, I rise broadband access in rural commu- This bill includes a number of provi- today in support of H.R. 210, the Rural nities. This important legislation sions to help provide rural educators STEM Education Research Act. passed the House with strong bipar- with the tools they need to be success- More than 9 million students in the tisan support last Congress. I hope it ful, both in the classroom and online. U.S., nearly 20 percent of the K–12 pop- will do so again today. It supports opportunities for rural edu- ulation, attend rural schools. For rea- Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- cators to enhance their own STEM edu- sons ranging from teacher quality to leagues to support this bill today, and cation, such as training in computer shortages of resources, these students I yield back the balance of my time. science or research opportunities at often have fewer opportunities for Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I once Federal labs and universities. These ex- high-quality STEM learning than their again thank Ranking Member LUCAS periences will provide rural educators peers in urban and suburban schools. for his work on this legislation. I with high-quality STEM skills they Rural areas, including those in the thank Chairwoman JOHNSON for sup- can take back to the classrooms and Third District of Michigan, represent porting it, and I urge its adoption. pass on to their students. one of the greatest, yet underutilized, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Lastly, the major focus of this bill is chances for STEM education to impact of my time. broadening the participation of rural the workforce. It is especially impor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The students in STEM. One way we can do tant that we correct this in the wake question is on the motion offered by this is by emphasizing place-based of the coronavirus pandemic when we the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. learning, which gives students direct are facing serious research and devel- BONAMICI) that the House suspend the access to the STEM knowledge present opment labor market shortages. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 210, as in their communities and local envi- H.R. 210 would increase STEM edu- amended. ronment. cation opportunities for rural commu- The question was taken. Place-based learning connects stu- nities, ensuring the option to learn is The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the dents to the science that is right out- not dependent on your ZIP Code. I urge opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being side their doors, whether it is studying my colleagues to join me in supporting in the affirmative, the ayes have it. animal science with FFA, learning this bill. Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on about local ecosystems out on the prai- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I re- that I demand the yeas and nays. ries and in forests, or developing the serve the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution technological skills required to operate Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 increasingly complex and computerized minutes to the gentleman from Iowa 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- farm equipment. That direct experi- (Mr. FEENSTRA). ther proceedings on this motion are ence engages students and helps them Mr. FEENSTRA. Mr. Speaker, in this postponed. understand that STEM skills matter to era of scientific and technological in- everyone, not just scientists in a white novation, it has never been more im- f lab coat. portant to ensure our students have ac- SUPPORTING EARLY-CAREER Taken together, the measures in this cess to quality STEM education pro- RESEARCHERS ACT bill will make great strides to improve grams, especially in rural commu- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move rural STEM education. I believe rural nities. areas represent one of the greatest, yet to suspend the rules and pass the bill Implementing high-speed, reliable (H.R. 144) to forestall the loss of re- most underutilized, opportunities for broadband goes hand in hand with this talented students to enhance the search talent by establishing a tem- goal. porary early career research fellowship United States’ future STEM workforce. This is why I urge my colleagues to I am pleased that this bill has been program, as amended. support the Rural STEM Education Re- The Clerk read the title of the bill. endorsed by a number of stakeholder search Act. Both STEM education and The text of the bill is as follows: groups: STEM Education Coalition, quality broadband access are critical to H.R. 144 Afterschool Alliance, Battelle and the future success and revitalization of Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- STEM-X, National Science Teaching rural America. resentatives of the United States of America in Association, American Association of b 1630 Congress assembled, Colleges for Teacher Education, Amer- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ican Chemical Society, American Geo- I am hopeful that this legislation will This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Supporting physical Union, Human Factors and break down barriers rural Iowans face Early-Career Researchers Act’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.050 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2391 SEC. 2. FINDINGS. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. tinues its recovery, we must make the Congress finds the following: There is authorized to be appropriated to retention of early-career researchers a (1) The Nation’s universities and industrial the Director of the National Science Founda- priority. The Supporting Early-Career research labs are facing unprecedented budg- tion $250,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 Researchers Act directs the National et pressure as part of the COVID–19 health through 2022 to carry out the activities in crisis, resulting in considerably fewer open- this Act. Science Foundation to establish a new $250 million post-doctoral fellowship ings for research and teaching positions. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- program to support early-career re- (2) Emergency funding is needed to fore- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from stall the loss of research talent likely to searchers. Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- occur if early-career researchers are forced This program will help prevent a sig- to seek employment outside of research due tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) nificant loss of STEM talent. More to the sharp economic decline caused by the each will control 20 minutes. than 40 organizations have endorsed The Chair recognizes the gentle- COVID–19 health crisis. this legislation. I, again, thank Chair- (3) The future of America’s defense will woman from Oregon. woman JOHNSON and Ranking Member rely on advanced technologies to maintain GENERAL LEAVE LUCAS for their continued deliberation its military superiority over its rivals, in- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask cluding China. These technologies will re- on this important issue, and I look for- quire new levels of scientific and engineering unanimous consent that all Members ward to working with my colleagues on aptitude and understanding. Early career re- may have 5 legislative days to revise getting this bill signed into law. searchers will play a critical role in the de- and extend their remarks and to in- Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my col- velopment of these technologies, and the loss clude extraneous material on H.R. 144, leagues to support H.R. 144, and I re- of an entire generation of researchers due to the bill now under consideration. serve the balance of my time. the COVID–19 pandemic will be detrimental The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- to the United States national security. objection to the request of the gentle- self such time as I may consume. SEC. 3. EARLY-CAREER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP woman from Oregon? Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support PROGRAM. There was no objection. of H.R. 144, the Supporting Early-Ca- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Na- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield tional Science Foundation may establish a 2- reer Researchers Act, the first bipar- year pilot program to award grants to highly myself such time as I may consume. tisan bill Chairwoman JOHNSON and I qualified early-career investigators to carry Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. introduced in the 117th Congress. out an independent research program at the 144, the Supporting Early-Career Re- Over the past year, COVID–19 has qualified institution of higher education cho- searchers Act. I commend Committee caused substantial disruptions across sen by such investigator, to last for a period on Science, Space, and Technology this country, including in the U.S. re- not greater than 2 years. Chairwoman JOHNSON and Ranking search enterprise. Most research and (b) SELECTION PROCESS.—The Director of Member LUCAS for introducing this development work stopped or was dra- the National Science Foundation shall select bill, which I am pleased to cosponsor. grantees under subsection (a) from among matically limited to provide for safe citizens, nationals, and lawfully admitted The COVID–19 pandemic has affected social distancing, and it is estimated permanent resident aliens of the United all aspects of our lives, and the U.S. re- we lost between 20 and as much as 40 States. search enterprise has not been spared. percent of our research output. (c) OUTREACH.—The Director shall conduct As research labs and universities In addition to this loss of research, program outreach to recruit fellowship ap- around the country took action to we are facing the loss of our research- plicants— mitigate the spread of the virus in ers. Graduate students and post-docs (1) from all regions of the country; their labs and on their campuses, re- are particularly vulnerable to research (2) from historically underrepresented pop- search productivity decreased dramati- ulations in the fields of science, technology, disruptions. With their research on engineering, and mathematics; and cally. We still do not know the full fi- pause, these young scientists are find- (3) who graduate from or intend to carry nancial consequences incurred by these ing it difficult to complete their degree out research at a variety of types of institu- institutions or their full costs in terms requirements. Those who have finished tions of higher education, including— of lost science. their degrees are having trouble find- (A) Historically Black Colleges and Univer- Compounding these declines in re- ing work. sities; search productivity, women research- Much of academia has implemented (B) Hispanic-Serving Institutions; ers and researchers from groups his- hiring freezes, and it is estimated that (C) Tribal Colleges and Universities; and torically underrepresented in STEM (D) institutions of higher education that faculty openings in the sciences have are not among the top 50 institutions in an- have been particularly disadvantaged decreased by more than 70 percent nual Federal funding for research. during the crisis because of childcare compared to 2019. At the same time, (d) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.—The Director and other factors. the pace of innovation is accelerating shall give special consideration to an appli- Facing unprecedented financial dif- globally, and with it, the competition cation from an individual who graduated ficulties, many research universities for scientific and technical talent. from or is intending to carry out research at instituted hiring freezes, and faculty The Chinese Communist Party has an institution of the type listed in sub- job openings declined by nearly 70 per- repeatedly stated it is determined to section (c)(3). cent. This limited job market has a overtake the U.S. in critical tech- (e) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after greater effect on early-career research- the conclusion of the second year of the pilot nologies like AI, quantum computing, program, the Director shall submit a report ers who may have their career derailed and advanced manufacturing. These to Congress that includes— before it truly begins. Already, some technologies will require new levels of (1) statistical summary data on fellowship early-career researchers are having to scientific skills and understanding, and awardees disaggregated by race, ethnicity, choose between applying their training this new generation of scientists will gender, age, years since completion of doc- and talent to an academic career and play a critical role in how they are de- toral degree, and institution type; supporting their families. veloped. (2) an assessment, drawing on feedback Early-career researchers play a vital Now more than ever, the innovation from the research community and other role in the U.S. research ecosystem. sources of information, of the effectiveness capacity of the U.S. and our prosperity of the pilot program for mitigating the loss They are not only highly productive re- and security depend on an effective and of research talent due to the pandemic; and searchers, they also play a significant an innovative STEM workforce to com- (3) if determined effective, a plan for per- role in training the next generation of pete with our adversaries. manent implementation of the pilot pro- undergraduate and graduate STEM stu- If we do not provide the resources to gram. dents. Their departure from research support these young researchers, we (f) QUALIFIED INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDU- careers, if we do not stop it, will have will be limiting our ability to support CATION DEFINED.—The term ‘‘qualified insti- a profound and long-lasting con- new and innovative discoveries for tution of higher education’’ has the meaning sequence on U.S. innovation and com- years to come. Unfortunately, of the given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education of Act of 1965, except that such petitiveness in the 21st century. nearly $6 trillion in COVID research term does not include an institution de- Mr. Speaker, as increasing numbers spending that Congress has passed, scribed in subsection (a)(1)(C) of such sec- of Americans receive COVID–19 vac- only $600 million was allocated to help- tion. cines and the research enterprise con- ing the research industry recover.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.025 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 That is only 1 percent for a sector of The pandemic has created these chal- development funding are fully engag- our economy that drives as much as 85 lenges, and our research and developing their entire talent pool, and for percent of the long-term growth. We ment fields have felt them. We must other purposes, as amended. have relied on American science and make a serious effort to increase pro- The Clerk read the title of the bill. scientists to combat COVID and we are ductivity across STEM disciplines in The text of the bill is as follows: not giving them the funding they need order to remain globally competitive. H.R. 204 to resume the work that has been Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- stopped by the pandemic and keep our H.R. 144, and I encourage my col- resentatives of the United States of America in future innovators in the system. Our leagues to vote with me in support of Congress assembled, STEM pipeline and future competitors this bill. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; could be irreparably damaged if we Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I con- FINDINGS. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as don’t act quickly. tinue to reserve the balance of my Mr. Speaker, that is why I am so the ‘‘STEM Opportunities Act’’. time. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- proud to cosponsor this legislation. It Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I am pre- tents for this Act is as follows: will establish a pilot program at the pared to close, and I yield myself such Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; find- National Science Foundation to pro- time as I may consume. ings. vide 2-year fellowships to young re- Mr. Speaker, America’s scientific Sec. 2. Purposes. searchers whose career paths have been progress depends on a large pool of tal- Sec. 3. Federal science agency policies for disrupted by the pandemic. The bill ented STEM professionals. Our early- caregivers. will support 3,200 fellowships over 4 Sec. 4. Collection and reporting of data on career researchers are a critical link in Federal research grants. years. These fellowships will allow tal- the chain of developing the next gen- Sec. 5. Policies for review of Federal re- ented young scientists and engineers to eration of scientists. search grants. carry out independent research at an Unfortunately, in the STEM commu- Sec. 6. Collection of data on demographics institution of higher education of their nity, these young scientists have been of faculty. choosing. disproportionately affected by COVID- Sec. 7. Cultural and institutional barriers to This bill provides targeted and tem- related lab closures, reduced funding, expanding the academic and Federal STEM workforce. porary relief to support early-career and hiring freezes. We risk losing these scientists, keeping them in the STEM Sec. 8. Research and dissemination at the valuable scientists if we do nothing. National Science Foundation. pipeline while the research enterprise Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join Sec. 9. Research and related activities to ex- recovers. By supporting these young Chairwoman JOHNSON in championing pand STEM opportunities. researchers, we are investing in Amer- the Supporting Early-Career Research- Sec. 10. Tribal Colleges and Universities ica’s research and technology leader- ers Act to support this up-and-coming Program. ship. Sec. 11. Report to Congress. generation of scientists and preserve Sec. 12. Merit review. This legislation has been endorsed by America’s research and technological over 30 organizations, and has nearly Sec. 13. Determination of budgetary effects. leadership. Sec. 14. Definitions. as many cosponsors. It was favorably Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank (c) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds the fol- reported out of the Committee on Chairwoman JOHNSON and her staff for lowing: Science, Space, and Technology on a working in a bipartisan and collabo- (1) Many reports over the past decade have bipartisan basis, and I strongly urge rative way on this legislation. I en- found that it is critical to our Nation’s eco- my colleagues to vote in favor of this nomic leadership and global competitiveness courage my colleagues to support this that the United States educates and trains bill. bill, and I yield back the balance of my Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Chair- more scientists and engineers. time. woman JOHNSON and her staff for work- (2) Research shows that women and mi- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I urge ing with me on this important legisla- norities who are interested in STEM careers all of my colleagues to support the bi- are disproportionately lost at nearly every tion, and I reserve the balance of my partisan Supporting Early-Career Re- educational transition and at every career time. milestone. Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I con- searchers Act. I thank Mr. LUCAS and Chair JOHN- (3) The National Center for Science and tinue to reserve the balance of my Engineering Statistics at the National SON, and I yield back the balance of my time. Science Foundation collects, compiles, ana- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 time. lyzes, and publishes data on the demo- minutes to the gentleman from Michi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The graphics of STEM degrees and STEM jobs in gan (Mr. MEIJER). question is on the motion offered by the United States. Mr. MEIJER. Mr. Speaker, I rise the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. (4) Women now earn nearly 37 percent of today to express my strong support for BONAMICI) that the House suspend the all STEM bachelor’s degrees, but major vari- the bill on the floor this evening that rules and pass the bill, H.R. 144, as ations persist among fields. In 2017, women earned only 20 percent of all bachelor’s de- will make substantial improvements in amended. The question was taken. grees awarded in engineering and 19 percent American research and development of bachelor’s degrees awarded in computer during a time when it is so badly need- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the sciences. Based on Bureau of Labor Statis- ed. The COVID–19 pandemic has cre- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being tics data, jobs in computing occupations are ated unprecedented disruptions to our in the affirmative, the ayes have it. expected to account for nearly 60 percent of research enterprise and Congress must Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on the projected annual growth of newly cre- respond before our research community that I demand the yeas and nays. ated STEM job openings from 2016 to 2026. is irreparably harmed. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (5) In 2017, underrepresented minority H.R. 144, the Supporting Early-Career ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution groups comprised 39 percent of the college- Researchers Act, will address this cri- 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. age population of the United States, but only Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- 18 percent of students who earned bachelor’s sis by providing funding to enable re- degrees in STEM fields. The Higher Edu- searchers to stay on their chosen re- ther proceedings on this motion are cation Research Institute at the University search career track. This will help pre- postponed. of California, Los Angeles, found that, while vent further loss of critical talent from f freshmen from underrepresented minority the U.S. STEM workforce and groups express an interest in pursuing a STEM OPPORTUNITIES ACT strengthen our Nation as we compete STEM undergraduate degree at the same with China to invest in the future. Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move rate as all other freshmen, only 22.1 percent Within my district in West Michigan to suspend the rules and pass the bill of Latino students, 18.4 percent of African- and across the State are some of the (H.R. 204) to direct the Director of the American students, and 18.8 percent of Na- top-tier universities and research insti- Office of Science and Technology Pol- tive American students studying in STEM fields complete their degree within 5 years, tutions our world has to offer. This bill icy to carry out programs and activi- compared to approximately 33 percent of will play a vital role in helping to re- ties to ensure that Federal science White students and 42 percent of Asian stu- start any research they had to delay or agencies and institutions of higher edu- dents who complete their degree within 5 postpone during the pandemic. cation receiving Federal research and years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.054 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2393 (6) In some STEM fields, including the social integration that is necessary for suc- vance STEM faculty members from under- computer sciences, women persist at about cess in all disciplines, including STEM. represented minority groups and to imple- the same rate through doctorate degrees. In (12) One in five children in the United ment or expand reforms in undergraduate other STEM fields, women persist through States attend school in a rural community. STEM education in order to increase the doctorate degrees at a lower rate. In mathe- The data shows that rural students are at a number of students from underrepresented matics, women earn just 26 percent of doc- disadvantage with respect to STEM readi- minority groups receiving degrees in these torate degrees compared with 42 percent of ness. Among STEM-interested students, 17 fields. undergraduate degrees. Overall, women percent of students in rural high schools and SEC. 3. FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY POLICIES earned 38 percent of STEM doctorate degrees 18 percent of students in town-located high FOR CAREGIVERS. in 2016. The rate of minority students earn- schools meet the ACT STEM Benchmark, (a) OSTP GUIDANCE.—Not later than 6 ing STEM doctorate degrees in physics is 9 compared with 33 percent of students in sub- months after the date of enactment of this percent, compared with 15 percent for bach- urban high schools and 27 percent of students Act, the Director, in consultation with rel- elor’s degree. Students from underrep- in urban high schools. evant agencies, shall provide guidance to resented minority groups accounted for only (13) A substantial body of evidence estab- each Federal science agency to establish 11.5 percent of STEM doctorate degrees lishes that most people hold implicit biases. policies that— awarded in 2016. Decades of cognitive psychology research re- (1) apply to all— (7) The representation of women in STEM veal that most people carry prejudices of (A) research awards granted by such agen- drops significantly from the doctorate de- which they are unaware but that nonetheless cy; and gree level to the faculty level. Overall, play a large role in evaluations of people and (B) principal investigators of such research women hold only 26 percent of all tenured their work. Unintentional biases and out- and their trainees, including postdoctoral re- and tenure-track positions and 27 percent of moded institutional structures are hindering searchers and graduate students, who have full professor positions in STEM fields in our the access and advancement of women, mi- caregiving responsibilities, including care Nation’s universities and 4-year colleges. norities, and other groups historically under- for a newborn or newly adopted child and Black and Hispanic faculty together hold represented in STEM. care for an immediate family member who is about 6.8 percent of all tenured and tenure- (14) Workshops held to educate faculty sick or disabled; and track positions and 7.5 percent of full pro- about unintentional biases have dem- (2) provide— fessor positions. Many of the numbers in the onstrated success in raising awareness of (A) flexibility in timing for the initiation American Indian or Alaskan Native and Na- such biases. of approved research awards granted by such tive Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander cat- (15) In 2012, the Office of Diversity and agency; egories for different faculty ranks were too Equal Opportunity of the National Aero- (B) no-cost extensions of such research small for the National Science Foundation nautics and Space Administration (in this awards; to report publicly without potentially com- Act referred to as ‘‘NASA’’) completed a re- (C) grant supplements, as appropriate, to promising confidential information about port that— research awards for research technicians or the individuals being surveyed. (A) is specifically designed to help NASA equivalent positions to sustain research ac- (8) The representation of women is espe- grant recipients identify why the dearth of tivities conducted under such awards; and cially low at our Nation’s top research uni- women in STEM fields continues and to en- (D) any other appropriate accommodations versities. Even in the biological sciences, in sure that it is not due to discrimination; and at the discretion of the director of each such which women now earn more than 50 percent (B) provides guidance that is usable by all agency. of the doctorates and passed the 25 percent institutions of higher education receiving (b) UNIFORMITY OF GUIDANCE.—In providing level 37 years ago, women make up only 25 significant Federal research funding on how guidance under subsection (a), the Director percent of the full professors at the approxi- to conduct meaningful self-evaluations of shall encourage uniformity and consistency mately 100 most research-intensive univer- campus culture and policies. in the policies established pursuant to such sities in the United States. In the physical (16) The Federal Government provides 55 guidance across all Federal science agencies. sciences and mathematics, women make up (c) ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICIES.—Con- percent of research funding at institutions of only 11 percent of full professors, in com- sistent with the guidance under subsection higher education and, through its grant- puter sciences only 10 percent, and across en- (a), Federal science agencies shall— making policies, has had significant influ- gineering fields only 7 percent. The data sug- (1) maintain or develop and implement ence on institution of higher education poli- gest that approximately 6 percent of all ten- policies for individuals described in para- cies, including policies related to institu- ure-track STEM faculty members at the graph (1)(B) of such subsection; and tional culture and structure. most research-intensive universities are (2) broadly disseminate such policies to from underrepresented minority groups, but SEC. 2. PURPOSES. current and potential grantees. in some fields the numbers are too small to The purposes of this Act are as follows: (d) DATA ON USAGE.—Federal science agen- report publicly. (1) To ensure that Federal science agencies cies shall— (9) By 2050, underrepresented minorities and institutions of higher education receiv- (1) collect data on the usage of the policies will comprise 52 percent of the college-age ing Federal research and development fund- under subsection (c), by gender, at both in- population of the United States. If the per- ing are fully engaging the entire talent pool stitutions of higher education and Federal centage of female students and students of the United States. laboratories; and from underrepresented minority groups earn- (2) To promote research on, and increase (2) report such data on an annual basis to ing bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields does understanding of, the participation and tra- the Director in such form as required by the not significantly increase, the United States jectories of women, minorities, and other Director. will face an acute shortfall in the overall groups historically underrepresented in SEC. 4. COLLECTION AND REPORTING OF DATA number of students who earn degrees in STEM studies and careers, including persons ON FEDERAL RESEARCH GRANTS. STEM fields just as United States companies with disabilities, older learners, veterans, (a) COLLECTION OF DATA.— are increasingly seeking students with those and rural, poor, and tribal populations, at in- (1) IN GENERAL.—Each Federal science skills. With this impending shortfall, the stitutions of higher education and Federal agency shall collect, as practicable, with re- United States will almost certainly lose its science agencies, including Federal labora- spect to all applications for merit-reviewed competitive edge in the 21st century global tories. research and development grants to institu- economy. (3) To raise awareness within Federal tions of higher education and Federal labora- (10) According to a 2014 Association for science agencies, including Federal laboratories supported by that agency, the stand- Women in Science survey of over 4,000 sci- tories, and institutions of higher education ardized record-level annual information on entists across the globe, 70 percent of whom about cultural and institutional barriers demographics, primary field, award type, in- were men, STEM researchers face significant limiting the recruitment, retention, prostitution type, review rating, budget request, challenges in work-life integration. Re- motion, and other indicators of participation funding outcome, and awarded budget. searchers in the United States were among and achievement of women, minorities, and (2) UNIFORMITY AND STANDARDIZATION.—The the most likely to experience a conflict be- other groups historically underrepresented Director, in consultation with the Director tween work and their personal life at least in academic and Government STEM research of the National Science Foundation, shall es- weekly. One-third of researchers surveyed careers at all levels. tablish a policy to ensure uniformity and said that ensuring good work-life integration (4) To identify, disseminate, and imple- standardization of the data collection re- has negatively impacted their careers, and, ment best practices at Federal science agen- quired under paragraph (1). of researchers intending to leave their cur- cies, including Federal laboratories, and at (3) RECORD-LEVEL DATA.— rent job within the next year, 9 percent indi- institutions of higher education to remove or (A) REQUIREMENT.—Beginning not later cated it was because they were unable to bal- reduce cultural and institutional barriers than 2 years after the date of the enactment ance work and life demands. limiting the recruitment, retention, and suc- of this Act, and on an annual basis there- (11) Female students and students from cess of women, minorities, and other groups after, each Federal science agency shall sub- underrepresented minority groups at institu- historically underrepresented in academic mit to the Director of the National Science tions of higher education who see few others and Government STEM research careers. Foundation record-level data collected under ‘‘like themselves’’ among faculty and stu- (5) To provide grants to institutions of paragraph (1) in the form required by such dent populations often do not experience the higher education to recruit, retain, and ad- Director.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.032 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

(B) PREVIOUS DATA.—As part of the first (H) the number and percentage of faculty (b) WORKSHOPS TO ADDRESS CULTURAL BAR- submission under subparagraph (A), each in leadership positions. RIERS TO EXPANDING THE ACADEMIC AND FED- Federal science agency, to the extent prac- (b) EXISTING SURVEYS.—The Director of the ERAL STEM WORKFORCE.— ticable, shall also submit comparable record- National Science Foundation, may, in modi- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months level data for the 5 years preceding the date fying or expanding existing Federal surveys after the date of enactment of this Act, the of such submission. of higher education (as necessary)— Director, in consultation with the inter- (b) REPORTING OF DATA.—The Director of (1) take into account the considerations agency working group on inclusion in STEM, the National Science Foundation shall pub- under subsection (a)(2) by collaborating with shall recommend a uniform policy for Fed- lish statistical summary data, as prac- statistical centers at other Federal agencies; eral science agencies to carry out a program ticable, collected under this section, or of workshops that educate STEM depart- disaggregated and cross-tabulated by race, (2) award a grant or contract to an institu- ment chairs at institutions of higher edu- ethnicity, gender, and years since completion of higher education or other nonprofit cation, senior managers at Federal labora- tion of doctoral degree, including in conjunc- organization to take such considerations tories, and other federally funded research- tion with the National Science Foundation’s into account. ers about methods that minimize the effects report required by section 37 of the Science (c) REPORTING DATA.—The Director of the of implicit bias in the career advancement, and Technology Equal Opportunities Act (42 National Science Foundation shall publish including hiring, tenure, promotion, and se- statistical summary data collected under U.S.C. 1885d; Public Law 96–516). lection for any honor based in part on the re- this section, including as part of the Na- cipient’s research record, of academic and SEC. 5. POLICIES FOR REVIEW OF FEDERAL RE- tional Science Foundation’s report required SEARCH GRANTS. Federal STEM researchers. by section 37 of the Science and Technology (2) INTERAGENCY COORDINATION.—The Direc- (a) IN GENERAL.—Each Federal science Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885d; agency shall implement the policy rector shall, to the extent practicable, ensure Public Law 96–516). that workshops supported under this sub- ommendations with respect to reducing the (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— impact of implicit bias at Federal science section are coordinated across Federal There are authorized to be appropriated to science agencies and jointly supported as ap- agencies and grantee institutions as devel- the Director of the National Science Founda- propriate. oped by the Office of Science and Technology tion $3,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 (3) MINIMIZING COSTS.—To the extent prac- Policy in the 2016 report entitled ‘‘Reducing through 2024 to develop and carry out the ticable, workshops shall be held in conjunc- the Impact of Bias in the STEM Workforce’’ initial survey required under subsection (a). tion with national or regional STEM dis- and any subsequent updates. SEC. 7. CULTURAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BAR- ciplinary meetings to minimize costs associ- (b) PILOT ACTIVITY.—In consultation with RIERS TO EXPANDING THE ACA- ated with participant travel. the National Science Foundation and con- DEMIC AND FEDERAL STEM WORK- (4) PRIORITY FIELDS FOR ACADEMIC PARTICI- sistent with policy recommendations ref- FORCE. PANTS.—In considering the participation of erenced in subsection (a), each Federal (a) BEST PRACTICES AT INSTITUTIONS OF STEM department chairs and other aca- science agency shall implement a 2-year HIGHER EDUCATION AND FEDERAL LABORA- TORIES.— demic researchers, the Director shall pilot orientation activity for program offi- prioritize workshops for the broad fields of cers and members of standing review com- (1) DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDANCE.—Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment STEM in which the national rate of rep- mittees to educate reviewers on research re- resentation of women among tenured or ten- lated to, and minimize the effects of, im- of this Act, the Director, in consultation with the interagency working group on in- ure-track faculty or nonfaculty researchers plicit bias in the review of extramural and at doctorate-granting institutions of higher intramural Federal research grants. clusion in STEM, shall develop written guidance for institutions of higher education and education is less than 25 percent, according (c) ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICIES.—Drawing to the most recent data available from the upon lessons learned from the pilot activity Federal laboratories on the best practices for— National Center for Science and Engineering under subsection (b), each Federal science Statistics. agency shall maintain or develop and imple- (A) conducting periodic climate surveys of STEM departments and divisions, with a par- (5) ORGANIZATIONS ELIGIBLE TO CARRY OUT ment evidence-based policies and practices ticular focus on identifying any cultural or WORKSHOPS.—A Federal science agency may to minimize the effects of implicit bias in institutional barriers to the recruitment, re- carry out the program of workshops under the review of extramural and intramural tention, or advancement of women, racial this subsection by making grants to organi- Federal research grants. and ethnic minorities, and other groups his- zations made eligible by the Federal science (d) ASSESSMENT OF POLICIES.—Federal torically underrepresented in STEM studies agency and any of the following organiza- science agencies shall regularly assess, and and careers; and tions: amend as necessary, the policies and prac- (B) providing educational opportunities, (A) Nonprofit scientific and professional tices implemented pursuant to subsection (c) including workshops as described in sub- societies and organizations that represent to ensure effective measures are in place to section (b), for STEM faculty, research per- one or more STEM disciplines. minimize the effects of implicit bias in the sonnel, and administrators to learn about (B) Nonprofit organizations that have the review of extramural and intramural Federal current research on implicit bias in recruit- primary mission of advancing the participa- research grants. ment, evaluation, and promotion of under- tion of women, minorities, or other groups SEC. 6. COLLECTION OF DATA ON DEMO- graduate and graduate students and research historically underrepresented in STEM. GRAPHICS OF FACULTY. personnel. (6) CHARACTERISTICS OF WORKSHOPS.—The (a) COLLECTION OF DATA.— (2) EXISTING GUIDANCE.—In developing the workshops shall have the following charac- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years guidance under paragraph (1), the Director teristics: after the date of enactment of this Act, and shall utilize guidance already developed by (A) Invitees to workshops shall include at at least every 5 years thereafter, the Direc- Federal science agencies. least— tor of the National Science Foundation shall (3) DISSEMINATION OF GUIDANCE.—Federal (i) the chairs of departments in the rel- carry out a survey to collect data from science agencies shall broadly disseminate evant STEM discipline or disciplines from grantees on the demographics of STEM fac- the guidance developed under paragraph (1) doctoral degree granting institutions that ulty, by broad fields of STEM, at different to institutions of higher education that re- receive Federal research funding; and types of institutions of higher education. ceive Federal research funding and Federal (ii) in the case of Federal laboratories, in- (2) CONSIDERATIONS.—To the extent prac- laboratories. dividuals with personnel management re- ticable, the Director of the National Science (4) ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICIES.—Con- sponsibilities comparable to those of an in- Foundation shall consider, by gender, race, sistent with the guidance developed under stitution of higher education department ethnicity, citizenship status, and years since paragraph (1)— chair. completion of doctoral degree— (A) the Director of the National Science (B) Activities at the workshops shall in- (A) the number and percentage of faculty; Foundation shall develop a policy that— clude research presentations and interactive (B) the number and percentage of faculty (i) applies to, at a minimum, doctoral de- discussions or other activities that increase at each rank; gree granting institutions that receive Fed- the awareness of the existence of implicit (C) the number and percentage of faculty eral research funding; and bias in recruitment, hiring, tenure review, who are in nontenure-track positions, in- (ii) requires each such institution, not promotion, and other forms of formal rec- cluding teaching and research; later than 3 years after the date of enact- ognition of individual achievement for fac- (D) the number and percentage of faculty ment of this Act, to report to the Director of ulty and other federally funded STEM re- who are reviewed for promotion, including the National Science Foundation on activi- searchers and shall provide strategies to tenure, and the percentage of that number ties and policies developed and implemented overcome such bias. who are promoted, including being awarded based on the guidance developed under para- (C) Research presentations and other work- tenure; graph (1); and shop programs, as appropriate, shall include (E) faculty years in rank; (B) each Federal science agency with a a discussion of the unique challenges faced (F) the number and percentage of faculty Federal laboratory shall maintain or develop by different underrepresented groups, includ- to leave tenure-track positions; and implement practices and policies for the ing minority women, minority men, persons (G) the number and percentage of faculty purposes described in paragraph (1) for such from rural and underserved areas, persons hired, by rank; and laboratory. with disabilities, gender and sexual minority

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.032 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2395 individuals, and first generation graduates in SEC. 9. RESEARCH AND RELATED ACTIVITIES TO academic careers within the institution of research. EXPAND STEM OPPORTUNITIES. higher education submitting an application, (D) Workshop programs shall include infor- (a) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SUPPORT and how the proposed reform effort would ad- mation on best practices for mentoring un- FOR INCREASING DIVERSITY AMONG STEM FAC- dress such issues; dergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral ULTY AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDU- ‘‘(iii) how the institution of higher edu- women, minorities, and other students from CATION.—Section 305 of the American Innova- cation submitting an application plans to groups historically underrepresented in tion and Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. sustain the proposed reform effort beyond STEM. 1862s–5) is amended— the duration of the grant; and (1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) (7) DATA ON WORKSHOPS.—Any proposal for ‘‘(iv) how the success and effectiveness of funding by an organization seeking to carry as subsections (g) and (h), respectively; and the proposed reform effort will be evaluated out a workshop under this subsection shall (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol- and assessed in order to contribute to the na- include a description of how such organiza- lowing: tional knowledge base about models for cata- ‘‘(e) SUPPORT FOR INCREASING DIVERSITY tion will— lyzing institutional change. AMONG STEM FACULTY AT INSTITUTIONS OF (A) collect data on the rates of attendance ‘‘(B) REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS.—In selecting HIGHER EDUCATION.— by invitees in workshops, including informa- grant recipients under this subsection, the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Director of the Foundation shall consider, at tion on the home institution and department Foundation shall award grants to institu- of attendees, and the rank of faculty a minimum— tions of higher education (or consortia there- ‘‘(i) the likelihood of success in under- attendees; of) for the development and assessment of in- (B) conduct attitudinal surveys on work- taking the proposed reform effort at the innovative reform efforts designed to increase stitution of higher education submitting the shop attendees before and after the work- the recruitment, retention, and advancement shops; and application, including the extent to which of individuals from underrepresented minor- the administrators of the institution are (C) collect follow-up data on any relevant ity groups in academic STEM careers. institutional policy or practice changes re- committed to making the proposed reform ‘‘(2) MERIT REVIEW; COMPETITION.—Grants effort a priority; ported by attendees not later than 1 year shall be awarded under this subsection on a after attendance in such a workshop. ‘‘(ii) the degree to which the proposed re- merit-reviewed, competitive basis. form effort will contribute to change in in- (8) REPORT TO NSF.—Organizations receiv- ‘‘(3) USE OF FUNDS.—Activities supported ing funding to carry out workshops under stitutional culture and policy such that by grants under this subsection may in- greater value is placed on the recruitment, this subsection shall report the data required clude— in paragraph (7) to the Director of the Na- retention, and advancement of faculty mem- ‘‘(A) institutional assessment activities, bers from underrepresented minority groups; tional Science Foundation in such form as such as data analyses and policy review, in required by such Director. ‘‘(iii) the likelihood that the institution of order to identify and address specific issues higher education will sustain or expand the (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 4 in the recruitment, retention, and advance- proposed reform effort beyond the period of years after the date of enactment of this ment of faculty members from underrep- the grant; and Act, the Director of the National Science resented minority groups; ‘‘(iv) the degree to which evaluation and Foundation shall submit a report to Con- ‘‘(B) implementation of institution-wide assessment plans are included in the design gress that includes— improvements in workload distribution, such of the proposed reform effort. that faculty members from underrepresented (1) a summary and analysis of the types ‘‘(C) GRANT DISTRIBUTION.—The Director of and frequency of activities and policies de- minority groups are not disadvantaged in the Foundation shall ensure, to the extent veloped and carried out under subsection (a) the amount of time available to focus on re- practicable, that grants awarded under this based on the reports submitted under para- search, publishing papers, and engaging in section are made to a variety of types of in- graph (4) of such subsection; and other activities required to achieve tenure stitutions of higher education. status and run a productive research pro- (2) a description and evaluation of the sta- ‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— tus and effectiveness of the program of work- gram; There are authorized to be appropriated to shops required under subsection (b), includ- ‘‘(C) development and implementation of carry out this subsection $8,000,000 for each ing a summary of any data reported under training courses for administrators and of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.’’. paragraph (8) of such subsection. search committee members to ensure that (b) NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION SUPPORT candidates from underrepresented minority (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— FOR BROADENING PARTICIPATION IN UNDER- groups are not subject to implicit biases in GRADUATE STEM EDUCATION.—Section 305 of There are authorized to be appropriated to the search and hiring process; the Director of the National Science Founda- the American Innovation and Competitive- ‘‘(D) development and hosting of intra- or ness Act (42 U.S.C. 1862s–5), as amended by tion $1,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 inter-institutional workshops to propagate subsection (b), is further amended by insert- through 2026 to carry out this section. best practices in recruiting, retaining, and ing after subsection (e) the following: SEC. 8. RESEARCH AND DISSEMINATION AT THE advancing faculty members from underrep- ‘‘(f) SUPPORT FOR BROADENING PARTICIPA- NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION. resented minority groups; TION IN UNDERGRADUATE STEM EDUCATION.— ‘‘(E) professional development opportuni- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Na- ties for faculty members from underrep- Foundation shall award grants to institutional Science Foundation shall award re- resented minority groups; tions of higher education (or a consortium of search grants and carry out dissemination ‘‘(F) activities aimed at making under- such institutions) to implement or expand activities consistent with the purposes of graduate STEM students from underrep- research-based reforms in undergraduate this Act, including— resented minority groups aware of opportu- STEM education for the purpose of recruit- (1) research grants to analyze the record- nities for academic careers in STEM fields; ing and retaining students from minority level data collected under section 4 and sec- ‘‘(G) activities to identify and engage ex- groups who are underrepresented in STEM tion 6, consistent with policies to ensure the ceptional graduate students and postdoctoral fields. privacy of individuals identifiable by such researchers from underrepresented minority ‘‘(2) MERIT REVIEW; COMPETITION.—Grants data; groups at various stages of their studies and shall be awarded under this subsection on a (2) research grants to study best practices to encourage them to enter academic ca- merit-reviewed, competitive basis. for work-life accommodation; reers; and ‘‘(3) USE OF FUNDS.—Activities supported (3) research grants to study the impact of ‘‘(H) other activities consistent with para- by grants under this subsection may in- policies and practices that are implemented graph (1), as determined by the Director of clude— under this Act or that are otherwise con- the Foundation. ‘‘(A) implementation or expansion of inno- sistent with the purposes of this Act; ‘‘(4) SELECTION PROCESS.— vative, research-based approaches to broaden (4) collaboration with other Federal ‘‘(A) APPLICATION.—An institution of high- participation of underrepresented minority science agencies and professional associa- er education (or a consortium of such insti- groups in STEM fields; tions to exchange best practices, harmonize tutions) seeking funding under this sub- ‘‘(B) implementation or expansion of work-life accommodation policies and prac- section shall submit an application to the bridge, cohort, tutoring, or mentoring pro- tices, and overcome common barriers to Director of the Foundation at such time, in grams, including those involving community work-life accommodation; and such manner, and containing such informa- colleges and technical schools, designed to (5) collaboration with institutions of high- tion and assurances as such Director may re- enhance the recruitment and retention of er education in order to clarify and catalyze quire. The application shall include, at a students from underrepresented minority the adoption of a coherent and consistent set minimum, a description of— groups in STEM fields; of work-life accommodation policies and ‘‘(i) the reform effort that is being pro- ‘‘(C) implementation or expansion of out- practices. posed for implementation by the institution reach programs linking institutions of high- (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— of higher education; er education and K–12 school systems in There are authorized to be appropriated to ‘‘(ii) any available evidence of specific dif- order to heighten awareness among pre-col- the Director of the National Science Founda- ficulties in the recruitment, retention, and lege students from underrepresented minor- tion $5,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2022 advancement of faculty members from ity groups of opportunities in college-level through 2026 to carry out this section. underrepresented minority groups in STEM STEM fields and STEM careers;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.032 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 ‘‘(D) implementation or expansion of fac- mitting the application, including the extent gree programs for students attending tribal ulty development programs focused on im- to which the faculty, staff, and administra- colleges and universities; and proving retention of undergraduate STEM tors of the institution are committed to ‘‘(D) other activities consistent with the students from underrepresented minority making the proposed institutional reform a activities described in paragraphs (1) groups; priority of the participating academic unit through (4) of subsection (b), as determined ‘‘(E) implementation or expansion of mech- or units; by the Director. anisms designed to recognize and reward fac- ‘‘(ii) the degree to which the proposed re- ‘‘(3) PARTNERSHIPS.—A tribal college or ulty members who demonstrate a commit- form effort will contribute to change in in- university seeking a grant under this sub- ment to increasing the participation of stu- stitutional culture and policy such that section, or a consortia thereof, may partner dents from underrepresented minority greater value is placed on faculty engage- with an institution of higher education or groups in STEM fields; ment in the retention of students from nonprofit organization with demonstrated ‘‘(F) expansion of successful reforms aimed underrepresented minority groups; expertise in academic program development. at increasing the number of STEM students ‘‘(iii) the likelihood that the institution ‘‘(4) COORDINATION.—In carrying out this from underrepresented minority groups be- will sustain or expand the proposed reform subsection, the Director shall consult and yond a single course or group of courses to effort beyond the period of the grant; and cooperate with the programs and policies of achieve reform within an entire academic ‘‘(iv) the degree to which evaluation and other relevant Federal agencies to avoid du- unit, or expansion of successful reform ef- assessment plans are included in the design plication with and enhance the effectiveness forts beyond a single academic unit or field of the proposed reform effort. of the program under this subsection. to other STEM academic units or fields with- ‘‘(C) GRANT DISTRIBUTION.—The Director of ‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— in an institution of higher education; the Foundation shall ensure, to the extent There are authorized to be appropriated to ‘‘(G) expansion of opportunities for stu- practicable, that grants awarded under this the Director of the Foundation $2,000,000 in dents from underrepresented minority subsection are made to a variety of types of each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to carry groups to conduct STEM research in indus- institutions of higher education, including 2- out this subsection.’’. try, at Federal labs, and at international re- year and minority-serving institutions of (b) EVALUATION.— search institutions or research sites; higher education. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years ‘‘(H) provision of stipends for students ‘‘(5) EDUCATION RESEARCH.— after the date of enactment of this Act, the from underrepresented minority groups par- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—All grants made under Director of the National Science Foundation ticipating in research; this subsection shall include an education re- shall evaluate the grant program authorized ‘‘(I) development of research collabora- search component that will support the de- under section 525 of the America COMPETES tions between research-intensive universities sign and implementation of a system for Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p– and primarily undergraduate minority-serv- data collection and evaluation of proposed 13), as amended. ing institutions; reform efforts in order to build the knowl- (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In conducting the eval- ‘‘(J) support for graduate students and edge base on promising models for increasing uation under paragraph (1), the Director of postdoctoral fellows from underrepresented recruitment and retention of students from the National Science Foundation shall, as minority groups to participate in instruc- underrepresented minority groups in STEM practicable— tional or assessment activities at primarily education at the undergraduate level across (A) use a common set of benchmarks and undergraduate institutions, including pri- a diverse set of institutions. assessment tools to identify best practices marily undergraduate minority-serving in- ‘‘(B) DISSEMINATION.—The Director of the and materials developed or demonstrated by stitutions and 2-year institutions of higher Foundation shall coordinate with relevant the research conducted pursuant to grants education; and Federal agencies in disseminating the re- programs under section 525 of the America ‘‘(K) other activities consistent with para- sults of the research under this paragraph to COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 graph (1), as determined by the Director of ensure that best practices in broadening par- U.S.C. 1862p–13); the Foundation. ticipation in STEM education at the under- (B) include an assessment of the effective- ‘‘(4) SELECTION PROCESS.— graduate level are made readily available to ness of such grant programs in expanding ac- ‘‘(A) APPLICATION.—An institution of high- all institutions of higher education, other cess to high quality STEM education, reer education (or a consortia thereof) seeking Federal agencies that support STEM pro- search, and outreach at tribal colleges and a grant under this subsection shall submit grams, non-Federal funders of STEM edu- universities, as applicable; an application to the Director of the Founda- cation, and the general public. (C) assess the number of students who par- tion at such time, in such manner, and con- ‘‘(6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ticipated in such grant programs; and taining such information and assurances as There are authorized to be appropriated to (D) assess the percentage of students par- such Director may require. The application carry out this subsection $15,000,000 for each ticipating in such grant programs who suc- shall include, at a minimum— of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.’’. cessfully complete their education programs. (3) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after ‘‘(i) a description of the proposed reform SEC. 10. TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES effort; PROGRAM. the date on which the evaluation under para- ‘‘(ii) a description of the research findings (a) GRANTS TO BROADEN TRIBAL COLLEGE graph (1) is completed, the Director of the that will serve as the basis for the proposed AND UNIVERSITY STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN National Science Foundation shall submit to reform effort or, in the case of applications COMPUTER SCIENCE.—Section 525 of the Congress and make available to the public, a that propose an expansion of a previously America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of report on the results of the evaluation, in- implemented reform, a description of the 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p–13) is amended by insert- cluding any recommendations for legislative previously implemented reform effort, in- ing after subsection (c) the following: action that could optimize the effectiveness cluding data about the recruitment, reten- ‘‘(d) GRANTS TO BROADEN TRIBAL COLLEGE of the grant program authorized under section, and academic achievement of students AND UNIVERSITY STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN tion 525 of the America COMPETES Reau- from underrepresented minority groups; COMPUTER SCIENCE.— thorization Act of 2010, as amended by sub- ‘‘(iii) evidence of an institutional commit- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director, as part of section (a). ment to, and support for, the proposed re- the program authorized under this section, SEC. 11. REPORT TO CONGRESS. form effort, including a long-term commit- shall award grants on a competitive, merit- Not later than 4 years after the date of en- ment to implement successful strategies reviewed basis to eligible entities to increase actment of this Act, the Director shall sub- from the current reform beyond the aca- the participation of tribal populations in mit a report to Congress that includes— demic unit or units included in the grant computer science and computational think- (1) a description and evaluation of the sta- proposal; ing education programs to enable students to tus and usage of policies implemented pursu- ‘‘(iv) a description of existing or planned develop skills and competencies in coding, ant to section 3 at all Federal science agen- institutional policies and practices regarding problem-solving, critical thinking, cre- cies, including any recommendations for re- faculty hiring, promotion, tenure, and teach- ativity and collaboration. vising or expanding such policies; ing assignment that reward faculty contribu- ‘‘(2) PURPOSE.—Grants awarded under this (2) with respect to efforts to minimize the tions to improving the education of students subsection shall support— effects of implicit bias in the review of extra- from underrepresented minority groups in ‘‘(A) research and development needed to mural and intramural Federal research STEM; and bring computer science and computational grants under section 5— ‘‘(v) how the success and effectiveness of thinking courses and degrees to tribal col- (A) what steps all Federal science agencies the proposed reform effort will be evaluated leges and universities; have taken to implement policies and prac- and assessed in order to contribute to the na- ‘‘(B) research and development of instruc- tices to minimize such effects; tional knowledge base about models for cata- tional materials needed to integrate com- (B) a description of any significant updates lyzing institutional change. puter science and computational thinking to the policies for review of Federal research ‘‘(B) REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS.—In selecting into programs that are culturally relevant to grants required under such section; and grant recipients under this subsection, the students attending tribal colleges and uni- (C) any evidence of the impact of such poli- Director of the Foundation shall consider, at versities; cies on the review or awarding of Federal re- a minimum— ‘‘(C) research, development and evaluation search grants; and ‘‘(i) the likelihood of success of the proof distance education for computer science (3) a description and evaluation of the sta- posed reform effort at the institution sub- and computational thinking courses and de- tus of institution of higher education and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.032 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2397 Federal laboratory policies and practices re- research enterprise. Not only has this H.R. 204 continues the Science Com- quired under section 7(a), including any rec- been essential during the pandemic, it mittee’s long history of bipartisan sup- ommendations for revising or expanding will continue to be crucial to main- port for STEM education. The United such policies. taining U.S. global leadership in States is in a race to remain the SEC. 12. MERIT REVIEW. world’s leader in science and tech- Nothing in this Act shall be construed as science and technology. altering any intellectual or broader impacts Unfortunately, this position of global nology. The only way we will win is by criteria at Federal science agencies for eval- leadership is eroding. To maintain our utilizing America’s most valuable re- uating grant applications. leadership position and to lead the source: Our people. SEC. 13. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF- world in the development of tech- That means developing a diverse FECTS. nologies that may dramatically re- STEM-capable workforce at every edu- The budgetary effects of this Act, for the shape our lives, the U.S. needs a tal- cation level and from every back- purpose of complying with the Statutory ented STEM workforce that is fully ground. Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- The U.S. invests over $1 billion a mined by reference to the latest statement representative of our population. We have a lot of work to do on that year in Federal STEM education pro- titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla- grams. But we have not made enough tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in front. Women and people of color re- the Congressional Record by the Chairman of main severely underrepresented in progress in growing a STEM-capable the House Budget Committee, provided that STEM. As we have learned from nu- workforce. We need to address that. such statement has been submitted prior to merous studies, this underrepresenta- That is why one of the key provisions the vote on passage. tion results from numerous cultural of H.R. 204 is a requirement for more SEC. 14. DEFINITIONS. comprehensive data collection and and institutional barriers, as well as a In this Act: analysis on the students, researchers, lack of access to resources and ade- (1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means and faculty receiving Federal science quate support. It is not because of a the Director of the Office of Science and grants. Technology Policy. lack of talent or interest in STEM. We This data will help us identify and re- (2) FEDERAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘‘Fed- have made progress on increasing the duce the barriers that prevent under- eral laboratory’’ has the meaning given such diversity of the STEM fields in recent represented groups from entering and term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler years, but it is nowhere near enough. Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. advancing in STEM. It will also help us We must act now to address these in- measure the success of Federal STEM 3703). equities and begin building a more di- (3) FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY.—The term programs to better direct our invest- ‘‘Federal science agency’’ means any Federal verse STEM workforce for the 21st cen- ments. agency with an annual extramural research tury. The bill also includes a provision di- expenditure of over $100,000,000. The STEM Opportunities Act re- recting the NSF to support computer (4) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The quires comprehensive data collection science education through the existing term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has by Federal agencies so we can better Tribal Colleges and Universities Pro- the meaning given such term in section understand the challenge we are facing. gram. Access to computer science re- 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 It also requires the development of sources and developing computer skills U.S.C. 1001(a)). consistent Federal policies for recipi- is critical in today’s economy. (5) INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP ON INCLU- ents of Federal research awards who The STEM employment in the United SION IN STEM.—The term ‘‘interagency working group on inclusion in STEM’’ means the have caregiving responsibilities, an States continues to grow faster than interagency working group established by issue the pandemic has brought into any other job category. Employers in section 308 of the American Innovation and sharper focus. all sectors, including agriculture, en- Competitiveness Act (42 U.S.C. 6626). The bill requires OSTP to develop ergy, healthcare, and defense are des- (6) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ means consistent guidelines and best prac- perate for workers with STEM skills. science, technology, engineering, and mathe- tices for grant reviewers and program In order to meet this demand, we matics, including computer science. officers, as well as universities and must develop talent across all possible The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Federal laboratories. These guidelines groups. Our bill takes important steps ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from and best practices will assist in reduc- to ensure that we are fully engaging Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- ing the effects of implicit bias and America’s entire talent pool and main- tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) identifying barriers limiting the retaining our global leadership in science each will control 20 minutes. cruitment, retention, and advancement and technology. The Chair recognizes the gentle- of women and minorities in STEM. H.R. 204 overwhelmingly passed the woman from Oregon. The bill also authorizes the National House last Congress, and I look forward GENERAL LEAVE Science Foundation to expand research to getting the bill across the finish line Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask aimed at improving the recruitment, this year. unanimous consent that all Members retention, and advancement of women Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- may have 5 legislative days to revise and minorities in STEM. NSF is also leagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. and extend their remarks and to in- directed to award grants through the Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, a few clude extraneous material on H.R. 204, existing Tribal Colleges and Univer- years ago, I held an innovation round- the bill now under consideration. sities Program to support computer The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there table in northwest Oregon, and I re- science education. member clearly one very successful objection to the request of the gentle- We cannot leave anybody behind in tech entrepreneur answered the ques- woman from Oregon? the STEM fields, and H.R. 204 will help. There was no objection. tion: What is the best thing we can do Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield We give better decisions when we have for innovation? myself such time as I may consume. people from all backgrounds around He said: We need to diversify the Mr. Speaker, I thank Committee on the table. STEM workforce because people from Science, Space, and Technology Chair- Mr. Speaker, I look forward to work- different backgrounds and different ex- ing with my colleagues to ensure this woman JOHNSON and Ranking Member periences bring different perspectives important bill is signed into law. I LUCAS for introducing this bill, which I and help identify problems that others am also proud to cosponsor. strongly urge my colleagues to support may not. I thank all of the Members on both the bill, and I reserve the balance of This bill will help in that effort. sides of the aisle who have cosponsored my time. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the bill, the 25 organizations that have Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- my time. endorsed it, and the many more organi- self such time as I may consume. Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- zations and individuals who contrib- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support self such time as I may consume. uted to it. of H.R. 204, the STEM Opportunities Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like Act of 2021. As a co-sponsor of this leg- to thank Chairwoman JOHNSON and her b 1645 islation with Chairwoman JOHNSON, I staff for working in a bipartisan fash- The COVID–19 pandemic has shown am pleased the House is taking it up ion on this legislation and for incor- us all the importance of a robust U.S. for consideration today. porating our feedback and ideas. I look

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.032 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 forward to continuing to work with her (5) A stronger national commitment to in- structure among HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to advance STEM education efforts— creasing the diversity of the STEM work- and any associated impact on education and this Congress—that will support, enforce is needed to help address the STEM research endeavors; skills shortage. (2) effective practices at HBCUs, TCUs, and courage, and develop the next genera- (6) According to a 2019 National Academies MSIs and associated outcomes on student re- tion of STEM workers. of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recruitment, retention, and advancement in Maintaining our global leadership in port entitled ‘‘Minority Serving Institutions: STEM fields, including the ability for stu- science and technology is critical to America’s Underutilized Resource for dents to compete for fellowships, employ- our economic and national security. Strengthening the STEM Workforce’’, 2- and ment, and advancement in the workforce; We will not be able to lead without a 4-year minority serving institutions enroll (3) contributions made by HBCUs, TCUs, STEM-capable workforce for the 21st nearly 30 percent of all undergraduate stu- and MSIs to local, regional, and national century. dents—a percentage that is expected to grow workforces; Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to in the coming years—in the United States (4) the unique challenges and opportunities higher education system and play a critical for HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in attaining the support H.R. 204, and I yield back the role in providing important pathways to resources needed for integrating effective balance of my time. STEM-related education, training, and ca- practices in STEM education, including pro- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I, once reers for students of color. viding research experiences for underrep- again, urge adoption of the bipartisan (7) HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs are highly suc- resented minority students; STEM Opportunities Act, and I yield cessful at educating underrepresented minor- (5) the access of students at HBCUs, TCUs, back the balance of my time. ity students in STEM fields and can serve as and MSIs to STEM infrastructure and any The SPEAKER pro tempore. The best practice models for other colleges and associated outcomes for STEM competency; question is on the motion offered by universities to further expand participation (6) models of STEM curriculum, learning, of underrepresented minorities in the STEM the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. and teaching successful at HBCUs, TCUs, and workforce. MSIs for increasing participation, retention, BONAMICI) that the House suspend the (8) Increased investment in STEM infra- and success of underrepresented minority rules and pass the bill, H.R. 204, as structure at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs has the students; and amended. potential to increase these institutions’ abil- (7) successful or promising partnerships be- The question was taken. ity to educate even more students in the tween HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and other in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the STEM disciplines. stitutions of higher education, private sector opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being (9) With the demand for STEM skills ex- and non-profit organizations, Federal labora- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ceeding the supply of STEM graduates, suc- tories, and international research institu- Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on cess of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in educating tions. and training science and engineering leaders (c) CAPACITY BUILDING.—Activities de- that I demand the yeas and nays. is increasingly important for United States scribed in this subsection include the design, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- economic growth and competitiveness. development, implementation, expansion, ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution SEC. 3. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE and assessment of— 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. REVIEW. (1) metrics of success to best capture the Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- Not later than 3 years after the date of en- achievements of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and ther proceedings on this motion are actment of this Act, the Comptroller General students of such institutions to account for postponed. of the United States shall report to Con- institutional context and missions, faculty gress— investment, student populations, student f (1) an inventory of competitive funding needs, and institutional resource con- MSI STEM ACHIEVEMENT ACT programs and initiatives carried out by Fed- straints; eral science agencies that are targeted to (2) enhancements to undergraduate STEM Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs or partnerships with curriculum at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to in- to suspend the rules and pass the bill HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; crease the participation, retention, degree (H.R. 2027) to direct Federal science (2) an assessment of Federal science agen- completion, and success of underrepresented agencies and the Office of Science and cy outreach activities to increase the par- students; Technology Policy to undertake activi- ticipation and competitiveness of HBCUs, (3) professional development programs to ties to improve the quality of under- TCUs, and MSIs in the funding programs and increase the numbers and the high-quality graduate STEM education and enhance initiatives identified in paragraph (1); and preparation of STEM faculty at HBCUs, (3) recommendations of the Comptroller the research capacity at the Nation’s TCUs, and MSIs, including programs to en- General to increase the participation of and courage STEM doctoral students to teach at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, and for other the rate of success of HBCUs, TCUs, and HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and purposes. MSIs in competitive funding programs of- (4) mechanisms for institutions of higher The Clerk read the title of the bill. fered by Federal science agencies. education that are not HBCUs, TCUs, or The text of the bill is as follows: SEC. 4. RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING. MSIs to partner with HBCUs, TCUs, and H.R. 2027 (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Na- MSIs on STEM education, including the fa- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- tional Science Foundation shall award cilitation of student transfer, mentoring pro- resentatives of the United States of America in grants, on a competitive basis, to institu- grams for students and junior faculty, joint tions of higher education or nonprofit orga- Congress assembled, research projects, and student access to nizations (or consortia thereof) to— SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. graduate education. (1) conduct research described in sub- (d) RESEARCH EXPERIENCES.—Grants under This Act may be cited as the ‘‘MSI STEM section (b) with respect to HBCUs, TCUs, and this section may fund the development or ex- Achievement Act’’. MSIs; pansion of opportunities for the exchange of SEC. 2. FINDINGS. (2) conduct activities described in sub- students and faculty to conduct research, in- Congress makes the following findings: section (c) to build the capacity of HBCUs, cluding through partnerships with institu- (1) Evidence suggests that the supply of TCUs, and MSIs to graduate students who tions of higher education that are not STEM workers is not keeping pace with the are competitive in attaining and advancing HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs, private sector and rapidly evolving needs of the public and pri- in the STEM workforce; non-profit organizations, Federal labora- vate sector, resulting in a deficit often re- (3) build the research capacity and com- tories, and international research institu- ferred to as a STEM skills shortage. petitiveness of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in tions. (2) According to the Bureau of Labor Sta- STEM disciplines; and (e) PARTNERSHIPS.—In awarding grants tistics, the United States will need one mil- (4) identify and broadly disseminate effec- under this section, the Director of the Na- lion additional STEM professionals than it is tive models for programs and practices at tional Science Foundation shall— on track to produce in the coming decade. HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs that promote the (1) encourage HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and (3) STEM occupations offer higher wages, education and workforce preparation of mi- consortia thereof and partnerships with one more opportunities for advancement, and a nority students pursuing STEM studies and or more HBCU, TCU, or MSI, to submit pro- higher degree of job security than non-STEM careers in which such students are underrep- posals; occupations. resented. (2) require proposals submitted in partner- (4) The composition of the STEM work- (b) RESEARCH.—Research described in this ship with one or more HBCU, TCU, or MSI force does not reflect the current or pro- subsection is research on the contribution of include a plan for establishing a sustained jected diversity of the Nation, with His- HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to the education and partnership that is jointly developed and panics, African Americans, and other racial training of underrepresented minority stu- managed, draws from the capacities of each and ethnic minorities, significantly under- dents in STEM fields and to the meeting of institution, and is mutually beneficial; and represented in the STEM workforce com- national STEM workforce needs, including— (3) encourage proposals submitted in part- pared to their presence in the workforce (1) the diversity with respect to local con- nership with the private sector, non-profit more generally. text, cultural differences, and institutional organizations, Federal laboratories, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.058 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2399 international research institutions, as appro- (C) expand the professional networks of Native Serving Institutions and Native Ha- priate. students and faculty of HBCUs, TCUs, and waiian-Serving Institutions as defined in (f) MSI CENTERS OF INNOVATION.—Grants MSIs; section 317 of the Higher Education Act of under this section may fund the establish- (D) broaden STEM educational opportuni- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d); and Predominantly ment of no more than five MSI Centers of In- ties for students and faculty of HBCUs, Black Institutions, Asian American and Na- novation to leverage successes of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and tive American Pacific Islander-Serving Insti- TCUs, and MSIs in STEM education and re- (E) support the transition of students of tutions, and Native American-Serving Non- search training of underrepresented minority HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs into the STEM tribal Institutions as defined in section 371 of students as models for other institutions, in- workforce; and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. cluding both HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs and in- (7) to publish an annual report that pro- 1067q(c)). stitutions of higher education that are not vides an account of Federal science agency (7) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ has the HBCUs, TCUs, or MSIs. Such centers will be investments in HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, in- meaning given the term in the STEM Edu- located on campuses of selected institutions cluding data on the level of participation of cation Act of 2015 (42 U.S.C. 1861 et seq.). of higher education and serve as incubators HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs as prime recipients/ (8) TCU.—The term ‘‘TCU’’ has the mean- to allow institutions of higher education to contractors or subrecipients/subcontractors. ing given the term ‘‘Tribal College or Uni- experiment, pilot, evaluate, and scale up (c) STRATEGIC PLAN.— versity’’ in section 316 of the Higher Edu- promising practices. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c). (g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— the date of enactment of this Act, the Direc- There are authorized to be appropriated to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tor, in collaboration with the head of each the Director of the National Science Founda- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Federal science agency, shall submit to Con- tion $170,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, gress a report containing a strategic plan for Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- $175,000,000 for fiscal year 2023, $180,000,000 for each Federal science agency to increase the tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) fiscal year 2024, $185,000,000 for fiscal year capacity of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to com- each will control 20 minutes. 2025, and $190,000,000 fiscal year 2026 to carry pete effectively for grants, contracts, or co- out this section. The Chair recognizes the gentle- operative agreements and to encourage SEC. 5. AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES. woman from Oregon. HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to participate in (a) IN GENERAL.—In consultation with out- GENERAL LEAVE Federal programs. side stakeholders and the heads of the Fed- (2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing a stra- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask eral science agencies, the Director shall de- tegic plan under paragraph (1), the Director unanimous consent that all Members velop a uniform set of policy guidelines for and each head of each Federal science agen- have 5 legislative days in which to re- Federal science agencies to carry out a sus- cy shall consider— tained program of outreach activities to in- vise and extend their remarks and increase clarity, transparency, and account- (A) issuing new or expanding existing fund- clude extraneous material on H.R. 2027, ability for Federal science agency investing opportunities targeted to HBCUs, TCUs, the bill now under consideration. ments in STEM education and research ac- and MSIs; The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tivities at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. (B) modifying existing research and devel- objection to the request of the gentle- (b) OUTREACH ACTIVITIES.—In developing opment program solicitations to incentivize effective partnerships with HBCUs, TCUs, woman from Oregon? policy guidelines under subsection (a) the Di- There was no objection. rector shall include guidelines that require and MSIs; each Federal science agency— (C) offering planning grants for HBCUs, Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield (1) to designate a liaison for HBCUs, TCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to develop or equip grant of- myself such time as I may consume. and MSIs responsible for— fices with the requisite depth of knowledge Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. (A) enhancing direct communication with to submit competitive grant proposals and 2027, the MSI STEM Achievement Act. HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to increase the Fed- manage awarded grants; The COVID–19 pandemic has high- eral science agency’s understanding of the (D) offering additional training programs lighted how important scientists and capacity and needs of such institutions and and individualized and timely guidance to grant officers faculty and postdoctoral re- engineers are to helping us respond to to raise awareness of available Federal fund- crises and move toward a brighter fu- ing opportunities at such institutions; searchers at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to en- (B) coordinating programs, activities, and sure they understand the requirements for ture. initiatives while accounting for the capacity an effective grant proposal; and Whether it is a deadly pandemic or and needs of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; (E) other approaches for making current the climate crisis, we need all of our (C) tracking Federal science agency invest- competitive funding models more accessible Nation’s talent to help us understand ments in and engagement with HBCUs, for under-resourced HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs. the challenges and contribute to solu- TCUs, and MSIs; and (d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 2 tions. We also need all of our Nation’s (D) reporting progress toward increasing years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, the Direc- talent to fill the high-skilled jobs of participation of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs in the future. grant programs; tor shall report to Congress on the imple- (2) to publish annual forecasts of funding mentation by Federal science agencies of the Our Nation’s demographics are opportunities and proposal deadlines, includ- policy guidelines developed under this sec- changing, and we are not keeping up in ing for grants, contracts, subcontracts, and tion. diversifying our STEM workforce. His- cooperative agreements; SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS. panics represent 18 percent of the U.S. (3) to conduct on-site reviews of research In this Act: population, but only 9 percent of the facilities at HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs, as (1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and practicable, and make recommendations re- the Director of the Office of Science and physics. And for Black students, STEM garding strategies for becoming more com- Technology Policy. degree attainment has either stagnated petitive in research; (2) FEDERAL LABORATORY.—The term ‘‘Fed- (4) to hold geographically accessible or vir- eral laboratory’’ has the meaning given such or declined since 1996. tual workshops on research priorities of the term in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler The United States can rightly cele- Federal science agency and on how to write Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. brate our great research universities competitive grant proposals; 3703). and the STEM talent they cultivate in (5) to ensure opportunities for HBCUs, (3) FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY.—The term their laboratories. But these institu- TCUs, and MSIs to directly communicate ‘‘Federal science agency’’ means any Federal tions represent a small fraction of the with Federal science agency officials respon- agency with an annual extramural research hundreds of institutions across the Na- sible for managing competitive grant pro- expenditure of over $100,000,000. tion that graduate students with grams in order to receive feedback on re- (4) HBCU.—The term ‘‘HBCU’’ has the search ideas and proposals, including guid- meaning given the term ‘‘part B institution’’ STEM degrees, and an even smaller ance on the Federal science agency’s peer rein section 322 of the Higher Education Act of fraction in terms of the number of view process; 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061). Black and Hispanic students. (6) to foster mutually beneficial public-pri- (5) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The In 2018, the Academies released a re- vate collaboration among Federal science term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has port highlighting the outsized con- agencies, industry, Federal laboratories, aca- the meaning given such term in section 101 tributions made by minority-serving demia, and nonprofit organizations to— of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. institutions, or MSIs. These institu- (A) identify alternative sources of funding 1001). tions have a remarkable record of suc- for STEM education and research at HBCUs, (6) MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTION.—The TCUs, and MSIs; term ‘‘minority serving institution’’ or cess in recruiting, retaining, and grad- (B) provide access to high-quality, relevant ‘‘MSI’’ means Hispanic-Serving Institutions uating underrepresented minority stu- research experiences for students and faculty as defined in section 502 of the Higher Edu- dents in STEM. For example, HBCUs of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a); Alaska graduate 25 percent of all African-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.026 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 American graduates with STEM de- To meet this growing demand, talent critical role in bringing members of grees. Unfortunately, MSIs have rel- from all groups is essential. This bill underrepresented groups into STEM atively insufficient resources and in- we are considering today takes up this training and careers. By partnering frastructure. call to action by providing for in- with MSIs, the bill we are considering The MSI STEM Achievement Act creased transparency, accountability, today would help increase the capacity would make sure that education and and accessibility of Federal STEM edu- for minority students in STEM cur- research opportunities are more acces- cation and research funding. ricula and encourage partnerships with sible to STEM students at MSIs. The Without a diverse talent pool of industry and Federal laboratories. legislation would require more trans- Americans with strong STEM knowl- While the Chinese Communist Party parency and accountability in Federal edge and skills prepared for the jobs of is trying to leapfrog America in STEM, science agency support for MSIs. The the future, the U.S. will not be able to this bill will enhance our domestic legislation directs the National maintain the innovation that supports workforce to compete. If America Science Foundation to support re- key sectors of the economy, including wants to lead militarily, economically, search on effective practices at MSIs agriculture, energy, healthcare, and de- and globally, then we must lead in for recruiting and retaining minority fense. STEM. students in STEM, and offer strategies Mr. Speaker, I, again, thank Chair- Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss to not to build on and scale best practices. woman JOHNSON and Ranking Member mention the importance of women as WALTZ for their leadership. It further directs NSF to support re- well in STEM. As I have said countless Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- search and STEM education capacity times since I have been elected, and building at MSIs. The legislation also leagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. will continue to say, from my experi- directs OSTP to develop a strategic ence as a Green Beret around the globe, plan for increasing MSI participation Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. where women thrive in business, in and success in competitive Federal re- civil society, and in politics, the fact is search funding opportunities. b 1700 that extremism does not thrive. So for Supporting our country’s minority- Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield that reason, amongst others, diversity serving institutions through targeted such time as he may consume to the in STEM is a national security issue. investments and outreach is essential gentleman from Florida (Mr. WALTZ), In Volusia County, in my district, to building our STEM workforce for the ranking member on the Research just north of Cape Canaveral, Florida, the future. and Technology Subcommittee, and and the Kennedy Space Center, we are Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I strongly one of our great activists on this sub- seeing countless businesses participate urge my colleagues to support H.R. ject matter. in workforce programs like the Space 2027, and I reserve the balance of my Mr. WALTZ. Mr. Speaker, since 1904, Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Pro- time. Bethune-Cookman University, a his- gram. This program and others are Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- torically Black college, has contrib- making huge strides to advance STEM self such time as I may consume. uted to a rich, diverse history in my curriculum and workforce develop- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-spon- district in Florida. Four thousand stu- ment. sor this legislation led by Chairwoman dents proudly call this university As the Republican lead on the MSI JOHNSON and Research and Technology home. In Florida’s Sixth Congressional STEM Achievement Act, I want to Ranking Member MICHAEL WALTZ, District, we are proud of all of Be- thank Chairwoman JOHNSON, as well as which continues the Science Commit- thune-Cookman’s accomplishments, es- Ranking Member LUCAS, for working tee’s bipartisan work to support, en- pecially in the STEM fields. I person- with me to improve participation in courage, and develop the next genera- ally look forward to seeing the statue STEM at MSIs. For America’s contin- tion of America’s Science, Technology, of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune represent ued predominance in science and tech- Engineering, Mathematics, and Com- the great State of Florida in Statuary nology, I urge my colleagues to support puter Science workforce. Hall very soon. this important bill and for its passage. Minority-serving institutions, such Mr. Speaker, minorities make up 30 Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I con- as historically Black colleges and uni- percent of the United States popu- tinue to reserve the balance of my versities, Hispanic-serving institutions, lation, but nationwide we are seeing a time. and Tribal colleges and universities gap in minority representation in Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I have no have a long record of success in re- STEM fields. Believe it or not, minori- further speakers, and I yield myself the cruiting, retaining, and graduating ties account for only 11 percent of the balance of my time to close. underrepresented students in the STEM workforce, and that 11 percent STEM fields. comes after years of slow improvement Mr. Speaker, the United States is in In my own district, I have seen the and diversity inclusion, but does not a race to remain the world leader in unique value of minority-serving insti- factor in how the COVID pandemic has science and technology. The only way tutions. For more than 100 years, disproportionately affected women and we will win this is by utilizing Amer- Langston University, a historically underrepresented minorities in STEM. ica’s most valuable resource: Our peo- Black college and land-grant institu- There is fear that this limited progress ple. tion, has educated students of all back- may be undone by the COVID–19 crisis. That means developing a diverse grounds. They have influenced people’s Simultaneously, the demand for STEM-capable workforce at every edu- lives beyond the classroom in service STEM skills is at an all-time high. cation level and from every back- to the community in both rural and Over the next decade, the STEM short- ground. Creating opportunities for stu- urban Oklahoma. This legislation will age is anticipated to reach 1 million dents to not only develop STEM knowl- help schools like Langston prepare professionals. So we have a math prob- edge, but to also have hands-on experi- their students to fill the STEM jobs of lem. ence is essential. the 21st century. If we want to maintain America’s Research shows that students—espe- Since 1990, employment in STEM oc- edge over the Chinese Communist cially those from underrepresented mi- cupations has grown by nearly 80 per- Party and over our adversaries, then nority backgrounds—are more likely to cent. Over the next decade, with de- we need to make sure our workforce re- graduate from science and engineering mand continuing to grow and U.S. uni- flects our country’s diversity and that programs if they have opportunities to versities expecting to produce less than the numbers for that workforce are engage in STEM course content with one-third of the STEM graduates need- there. We must commit to increasing peers, participate in undergraduate reed, the STEM shortage is anticipated participation in the STEM enterprise search, and join science clubs and orga- to reach 1 million professionals. At the and supporting individuals and institu- nizations. same time, minorities are severely tions disproportionately impacted by This bill will support such STEM underrepresented in STEM fields, only the coronavirus pandemic. education and training activities in accounting for 11 percent of the STEM Minority-serving institutions like MSIs, providing these students with workforce. Bethune-Cookman University play a the skills necessary to compete and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.060 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2401 flourish in the 21st century. These includes verbal and nonverbal behaviors that (9) SEXUAL HARASSMENT.—The term ‘‘sex- vestments will help grow our work- convey insulting, hostile, and degrading atti- ual harassment’’ means conduct that encom- force, improve our economy, and pro- tudes about members of one gender; passes— tect our country. (C) 58 percent of individuals in the aca- (A) unwelcome sexual advances; demic workplace experience sexual harass- (B) unwanted physical contact that is sex- I, again, would like to thank Chair- ment, the second highest rate when com- ual in nature, including assault; woman JOHNSON and Ranking Member pared to the military, the private sector, and (C) unwanted sexual attention, including WALTZ for their leadership. Federal, State, and local government; sexual comments and propositions for sexual Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- (D) women who are members of racial or activity; leagues to support this bill, and I yield ethnic minority groups are more likely to (D) conditioning professional or edu- back the balance of my time. experience sexual harassment and to feel un- cational benefits on sexual activity; and Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, in clos- safe at work than White women, White men, (E) retaliation for rejecting unwanted sex- or men who are members of such groups; ing, I urge all of my colleagues to sup- ual attention. (E) the training for each individual who (10) STEM.—The term ‘‘STEM’’ means port the bipartisan MSI STEM has a doctor of philosophy in the science, science, technology, engineering, and mathe- Achievement Act, and I yield back the technology, engineering, and mathematics matics, including computer science. balance of my time. fields is estimated to cost approximately SEC. 4. RESEARCH GRANTS. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The $500,000; and (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall estab- question is on the motion offered by (F) attrition of an individual so trained re- lish a program to award grants, on a com- the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. sults in a loss of talent and money. petitive basis, to institutions of higher edu- (2) Sexual harassment undermines career BONAMICI) that the House suspend the cation or nonprofit organizations (or con- advancement for women. sortia of such institutions or organiza- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2027. (3) According to a 2017 University of Illi- The question was taken. tions)— nois study, among astronomers and plan- (1) to expand research efforts to better un- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the etary scientists, 18 percent of women who derstand the factors contributing to, and opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being are members of racial or ethnic minority consequences of, sexual harassment and gen- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. groups and 12 percent of White women der harassment affecting individuals in the Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on skipped professional events because they did STEM workforce, including students and not feel safe attending. trainees; and that I demand the yeas and nays. (4) Many women report leaving employ- (2) to examine interventions to reduce the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ment at institutions of higher education due incidence and negative consequences of such ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution to sexual harassment. harassment. 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. (5) Research shows the majority of individ- (b) USE OF FUNDS.—Activities funded by a Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- uals do not formally report experiences of grant under this section may include— sexual harassment due to a justified fear of ther proceedings on this motion are (1) research on the sexual harassment and retaliation or other negative professional or postponed. gender harassment experiences of individuals personal consequences. in underrepresented or vulnerable groups, in- f (6) Reporting procedures with respect to cluding racial and ethnic minority groups, such harassment are inconsistent among COMBATING SEXUAL HARASSMENT disabled individuals, foreign nationals, Federal science agencies and have varying IN SCIENCE ACT sexual- and gender-minority individuals, and degrees of accessibility. others; Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I move (7) There is not adequate communication (2) development and assessment of policies, among Federal science agencies and between to suspend the rules and pass the bill procedures, trainings, and interventions, such agencies and grantees regarding reports (H.R. 2695) to provide for research to with respect to sexual harassment and gen- better understand the causes and con- of sexual harassment, which has resulted in harassers receiving Federal funding after der harassment, conflict management, and sequences of sexual harassment affect- moving to a different institution. ways to foster respectful and inclusive cli- mates; ing individuals in the scientific, tech- SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. (3) research on approaches for remediating nical, engineering, and mathematics In this Act: the negative impacts and outcomes of such workforce and to examine policies to (1) ACADEMIES.—The term ‘‘Academies’’ reduce the prevalence and negative im- means the National Academies of Sciences, harassment on individuals experiencing such Engineering, and Medicine. harassment; pact of such harassment, and for other (4) support for institutions of higher edu- (2) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means purposes. cation to develop, adapt, and assess the im- The Clerk read the title of the bill. the Director of the National Science Founda- tion. pact of innovative, evidence-based strate- The text of the bill is as follows: (3) FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY.—The term gies, policies, and approaches to policy im- H.R. 2695 ‘‘Federal science agency’’ means any Federal plementation to prevent and address sexual harassment and gender harassment; Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- agency with an annual extramural research (5) research on alternatives to the hier- resentatives of the United States of America in expenditure of over $100,000,000. archical and dependent relationships, includ- Congress assembled, (4) FINDING OR DETERMINATION.—The term ing but not limited to the mentor-mentee re- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. ‘‘finding or determination’’ means the final disposition of a matter involving a violation lationship, in academia that have been (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as of organizational policies and processes, to shown to create higher levels of risk for sex- the ‘‘Combating Sexual Harassment in include the exhaustion of permissible ap- ual harassment and gender harassment; and Science Act’’. peals, or a conviction of a sexual offense in (6) establishing a center for the ongoing (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- a criminal court of law. compilation, management, and analysis of tents for this Act is as follows: (5) GENDER HARASSMENT.—The term ‘‘gen- campus climate survey data. Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. der harassment’’ means verbal and nonverbal SEC. 5. DATA COLLECTION. Sec. 2. Findings. behaviors that convey hostility, Not later than 180 days after the date of Sec. 3. Definitions. objectification, exclusion, or second-class enactment of this Act, the Director shall Sec. 4. Research grants. status about one’s gender, gender identity, convene a working group composed of rep- Sec. 5. Data collection. gender presentation, sexual orientation, or resentatives of Federal statistical agencies— Sec. 6. Responsible conduct guide. pregnancy status. (1) to develop questions on sexual harass- Sec. 7. Interagency working group. (6) GRANTEE.—The term ‘‘grantee’’ means ment and gender harassment in STEM de- Sec. 8. National academies assessment. the legal entity to which a grant is awarded partments to gather national data on the Sec. 9. Authorization of appropriations. and that is accountable to the Federal Gov- prevalence, nature, and implications of sex- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. ernment for the use of the funds provided. ual harassment and gender harassment in in- Congress makes the following findings: (7) GRANT PERSONNEL.—The term ‘‘grant stitutions of higher education; and (1) According to the report issued by the personnel’’ means principal investigators, (2) to include such questions as appro- National Academies of Sciences, Engineer- co-principal investigators, postdoctoral re- priate, with sufficient protections of the pri- ing, and Medicine in 2018 entitled ‘‘Sexual searchers and other employees supported by vacy of respondents, in relevant surveys con- Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture, and a grant award, cooperative agreement, or ducted by the National Center for Science Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engi- contract under Federal law. and Engineering Statistics and other rel- neering, and Medicine’’— (8) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The evant entities. (A) sexual harassment is pervasive in insti- term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ has SEC. 6. RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT GUIDE. tutions of higher education; the meaning given such term in section 101 (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days (B) the most common type of sexual har- of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. after the date of enactment of this Act, the assment is gender harassment, which in- 1001). Director shall enter into an agreement with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.061 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2402 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 the Academies to update the report entitled (3) encourage and monitor efforts of Fed- enced sexual harassment and gender harass- ‘‘On Being a Scientist: A Guide to Respon- eral science agencies to develop or maintain ment; and sible Conduct in Research’’ issued by the and implement policies based on the guide- (8) grantees to work to create a climate in- Academies. The report, as so updated, shall lines developed under paragraph (2), includ- tolerant of sexual harassment and gender include— ing the extent to which Federal science harassment. (1) updated professional standards of con- agency policies depart from the uniform pol- (f) FEDERAL SCIENCE AGENCY IMPLEMENTA- duct in research; icy guidelines; TION.—Each Federal science agency shall— (2) standards of treatment individuals can (4) not later than 1 year after the date on (1) develop or maintain and implement expect to receive under such updated stand- which the inventory under paragraph (1) is policies with respect to sexual harassment ards of conduct; submitted, and every 5 years thereafter, the and gender harassment that are consistent (3) evidence-based practices for fostering a Director of the Office of Science and Tech- with policy guidelines under subsection (c)(2) climate intolerant of sexual harassment and nology Policy shall report to Congress on the and that protect the privacy of all parties in- gender harassment; implementation by Federal science agencies volved in any report and investigation of (4) methods, including bystander interven- of the policy guidelines developed under sexual harassment and gender harassment, tion, for identifying and addressing incidents paragraph (2); and except to the extent necessary to carry out of sexual harassment and gender harass- (5) update such policy guidelines as needed. an investigation; and ment; and (d) REQUIREMENTS.—In developing policy (2) broadly disseminate such policies to (5) professional standards for mentorship guidelines under subsection (c)(2), the Direc- current and potential recipients of research and teaching with an emphasis on preventing tor of the Office of Science and Technology grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts sexual harassment and gender harassment. Policy shall include guidelines that require— awarded by such agency. (b) RECOMMENDATIONS.—In updating the re- (1) grantees to submit to the Federal (g) FERPA.—The Director of the Office of port under subsection (a), the Academies science agency or agencies from which the Science and Technology Policy shall ensure shall take into account recommendations that such guidelines and requirements are made in the report issued by the Academies grantees receive funding reports relating to— consistent with the requirements of section in 2018 entitled ‘‘Sexual Harassment of 444 of the General Education Provisions Act Women: Climate, Culture, and Consequences (A) administrative action, related to an allegation against grant personnel of any sex- (20 U.S.C. 1232g) (commonly referred to as in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Med- the ‘‘Family Educational Rights and Privacy icine’’ and other relevant studies and evi- ual harassment or gender harassment, as set forth in organizational policies or codes of Act of 1974’’). dence. (h) SUNSET.—The interagency working (c) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months conduct, statutes, regulations, or executive orders, that affects the ability of grant per- group established under subsection (a) shall after the effective date of the contract under terminate on the date that is 7 years after subsection (a), the Academies, as part of sonnel or their trainees to carry out the ac- the date of the enactment of this Act. such agreement, shall submit to the Director tivities of the grant; and and the Committee on Science, Space, and (B) findings or determinations against SEC. 8. NATIONAL ACADEMIES ASSESSMENT. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years Technology of the House of Representatives grant personnel of sexual harassment or gen- and the Committee on Commerce, Science, der harassment, as set forth in organiza- after the date of enactment of this Act, the and Transportation of the Senate the report tional policies or codes of conduct, statutes, Director shall enter into an agreement with referred to in such subsection, as updated regulations, or executive orders, including the Academies to undertake a study of the pursuant to such subsection. any findings or determinations related to re- influence of sexual harassment and gender harassment in institutions of higher edu- SEC. 7. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP. ports submitted under subparagraph (A) and cation on the career advancement of individ- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Office any disciplinary action that was taken; of Science and Technology Policy, acting (2) the sharing, updating, and archiving of uals in the STEM workforce. The study shall through the National Science and Tech- reports of sexual harassment and gender har- assess— nology Council, shall establish an inter- assment from grantees submitted under (1) the state of research on sexual harass- agency working group for the purpose of co- paragraph (1)(B) with relevant Federal ment and gender harassment in such work- ordinating Federal science agency efforts to science agencies on a quarterly basis; and force; reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment (3) to the extent practicable, ensure con- (2) whether research demonstrates a and gender harassment involving grant per- sistency among Federal agencies with re- change in the prevalence of sexual harass- sonnel. The working group shall be chaired gards to the policies and procedures for re- ment and gender harassment in such work- by the Director of the Office of Science and ceiving reports submitted pursuant to para- force; Technology Policy (or the Director’s des- graph (1), which may include the designation (3) the progress made with respect to im- ignee) and shall include a representative of a single agency to field reports so sub- plementing recommendations promulgated from each Federal science agency with an- mitted. in the Academies consensus study report en- nual extramural research expenditures total- titled ‘‘Sexual Harassment of Women: Cli- (e) CONSIDERATIONS.—In developing policy ing over $1,000,000,000, a representative from mate, Culture, and Consequences in Aca- guidelines under subsection (c)(2), the Direc- the Department of Education, and a rep- demic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’’; tor of the Office of Science and Technology resentative from the U.S. Equal Employment and Policy shall consider guidelines that require Opportunity Commission. (4) where to focus future efforts with re- or incentivize— (b) RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKING GROUP.— spect to decreasing sexual harassment and (1) grantees to periodically assess their or- The interagency working group established gender harassment in such institutions. under subsection (a) shall coordinate Federal ganizational climate, which may include the use of climate surveys, focus groups, or exit SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. science agency efforts to implement the pol- There is authorized to be appropriated to interviews; icy guidelines developed under subsection the Director to carry out this Act, (2) grantees to publish on a publicly avail- (c)(2). $17,500,000. (c) RESPONSIBILITIES OF OSTP.—The Direc- able internet website the results of assess- tor of the Office of Science and Technology ments conducted pursuant to paragraph (1), The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Policy shall— disaggregated by gender and, if possible, ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from (1) not later than 90 days after the date of race, ethnicity, disability status, and sexual Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI) and the gen- the enactment of this Act, submit to the orientation; tleman from Oklahoma (Mr. LUCAS) Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- (3) grantees to make public on an annual each will control 20 minutes. nology of the House of Representatives and basis the number of reports of sexual harass- The Chair recognizes the gentle- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ment and gender harassment at each such in- woman from Oregon. Transportation of the Senate an inventory of stitution; policies, procedures, and resources dedicated (4) grantees to regularly assess and im- GENERAL LEAVE to preventing and responding to reports of prove policies, procedures, and interventions Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask sexual harassment and gender harassment at to reduce the prevalence of sexual harass- unanimous consent that all Members Federal agencies that provide legal defini- ment and gender harassment; may have 5 legislative days to revise tions to which institutions of higher edu- (5) each grantee to demonstrate in its pro- and extend their remarks and to in- cation must comply; and posal for a grant award, cooperative agree- clude extraneous material on H.R. 2695, (2) not later than 6 months after the date ment, or contract that a code of conduct is the bill now under consideration. on which the inventory is submitted under in place for maintaining a healthy and wel- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there paragraph (1)— coming workplace for grant personnel and (A) in consultation with outside stake- their trainees; objection to the request of the gentle- holders and Federal science agencies, de- (6) the diffusion of the hierarchical and de- woman from Oregon? velop a uniform set of policy guidelines for pendent relationships between grant per- There was no objection. Federal science agencies; and sonnel and their trainees; Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield (B) submit a report to the committees re- (7) each grantee and Federal science agen- myself such time as I may consume. ferred to in paragraph (1) containing such cy to have in place mechanisms for the re-in- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support guidelines; tegration of individuals who have experi- of H.R. 2695, the Combating Sexual

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.029 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2403 Harassment in Science Act, which I am I am proud to say that this bill has a are in STEM studies and careers that pleased to cosponsor. foundation of years of investigation, we support them. In 2017, the Me Too movement analysis, and recommendations to the This bill passed the House last Con- sparked a national reckoning with the Science, Space, and Technology Com- gress, and I look forward to working pervasiveness of sexual harassment. mittee. Curbing sexual misconduct in with our colleagues in the Senate and The academic workplace has not been science is a priority that Chairwoman stakeholders to advance this legisla- spared. One study found that 58 percent JOHNSON and I share. tion into law this year. of faculty and staff at universities have Engaging more women in STEM I again want to thank Chairwoman experienced sexual harassment. studies and careers is essential to JOHNSON and her staff for working in a Sexual harassment is detrimental to American competitiveness. Women bipartisan and collaborative way on individuals, often impeding career ad- make up over half the workforce, but this legislation. vancement and leading some to leave account for less than 25 percent of Mr. Speaker, I encourage my col- academia entirely. Sexual harassment America’s STEM workforce. Unfortu- leagues to support this bill, and I yield also has significant consequences on nately, too many women have been back the balance of my time. the entire scientific enterprise, depriv- driven out of STEM careers due to a Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, in closing our most critical STEM fields of culture of harassment and abuse. ing, I, once again, urge my colleagues skilled researchers, particularly from H.R. 2695 takes the first steps to ad- on both sides of the aisle to support groups already underrepresented in dress this problem. The bill directs this important and bipartisan legisla- STEM. NSF to expand research efforts to bet- tion, the Combating Sexual Harass- In 2018, the National Academies of ter understand the causes and con- ment in Science Act. Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sequences of sexual harassment affect- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance released a report examining the con- ing individuals in the scientific, tech- of my time. tributing factors to sexual harassment nical, engineering, and mathematical The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in academia and the effects on women workforces. question is on the motion offered by in science, technology, and medicine. Additionally, it directs NSF to exam- the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. The Combating Sexual Harassment in ine policies to reduce the prevalence BONAMICI) that the House suspend the Science Act includes key recommenda- and negative impact of such harass- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2695. tions from the Academies’ report and ment. The question was taken. takes further steps to combat sexual The bill also supports the adoption of The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the harassment in STEM. uniform guidance across the Federal opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being The National Science Foundation science agencies to combat sexual har- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. and other agencies have already taken assment involving grant personnel. Mr. ROSENDALE. Mr. Speaker, on significant steps to address the scourge There is an established legal process that I demand the yeas and nays. of sexual harassment in STEM. Unfor- in place within higher education and in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tunately, not all agencies have taken the workforce for handling claims of ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution this issue as seriously, and the patch- sexual harassment. I cannot stress this 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. work of policies and approaches causes enough: this bill does not alter that Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, fur- confusion and increases administrative process. ther proceedings on this motion are burden on grantees. This legislation What this bill does do is create a uni- postponed. helps make sure that we have con- form policy requiring universities and sistent, governmentwide policies. f research institutions to report to Fed- H.R. 2695 requires a coordinated ap- RECESS eral science agencies when an adminis- proach to address sexual harassment at The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- grant-receiving institutions and across trative action is taken that impacts the ability of a researcher to carry out ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair our Federal agencies, including by re- declares the House in recess until ap- quiring OSTP to issue uniform policy a grant. Pervasive sexual harassment in the proximately 6:30 p.m. today. guidance for sexual harassment report- scientific community discourages Accordingly (at 5 o’clock and 13 min- ing at Federal science agencies. utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. The bill also authorizes NSF research women from critical work and good- on the contributing factors to STEM paying jobs and hurts American com- f workplace harassment. petitiveness. It is unacceptable for tax- b 1830 payer dollars to fund researchers who Finally, the bill would require an im- AFTER RECESS portant follow-up study by the Na- are guilty of harassing students or col- tional Academies. leagues. The recess having expired, the House The Combating Sexual Harassment I want to thank the stakeholders, es- was called to order by the Speaker pro in Science Act was developed following pecially the university community, for tempore (Mr. MALINOWSKI) at 6 o’clock extensive consultation with experts on working with committee staff to im- and 30 minutes p.m. sexual harassment and key stake- prove this legislation. I believe the re- f holders, including universities. At vised bill strikes the right balance between protecting due process and pri- VA TRANSPARENCY & TRUST ACT present, 24 organizations have endorsed OF 2021 this bill, representing a wide spectrum vacy, while also making sure that Fed- of scientific disciplines, student eral science agencies can act if a Fed- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- groups, and professions. eral research grant or the personnel ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- I want to thank Chairwoman JOHN- supporting that grant is impacted. ished business is the vote on the mo- SON and Ranking Member LUCAS for in- Mr. Speaker, in closing, H.R. 2695 tion to suspend the rules and pass the troducing this important bill. I also takes the first steps towards address- bill (H.R. 2911) to direct the Secretary want to thank all of the cosponsors of ing sexual harassment in STEM fields, of Veterans Affairs to submit to Con- this bipartisan effort. I urge everyone which is driving women out of STEM gress a plan for obligating and expend- here to help us take action toward careers and damaging U.S. competi- ing Coronavirus pandemic funding eliminating sexual harassment in the tiveness. made available to the Department of sciences. While some progress has been made Veterans Affairs, and for other pur- Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my col- since the Science, Space, and Tech- poses, on which the yeas and nays were leagues to support H.R. 2695, and I re- nology Committee first started inves- ordered. serve the balance of my time. tigating the issue almost 4 years ago, The Clerk read the title of the bill. Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- there is still much more work to be The SPEAKER pro tempore. The self such time as I may consume. done. This legislation sends a strong question is on the motion offered by Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. message to the scientific community the gentleman from California (Mr. 2695, the Combating Sexual Harass- that misconduct will not be tolerated, TAKANO) that the House suspend the ment in Science Act. and it sends a message to women who rules and pass the bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.063 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2404 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 The vote was taken by electronic de- Murphy (FL) Rouzer Takano Letlow Meng (Clark Sewell (DelBene) vice, and there were—yeas 411, nays 4, Murphy (NC) Roy Taylor (Cammack) (MA)) Slotkin (Axne) Nadler Roybal-Allard Tenney Levin (MI) Napolitano Stevens (Axne) not voting 14, as follows: Napolitano Ruiz Thompson (CA) (Raskin) (Correa) Tlaib (Garcıá Neal Ruppersberger Lieu (Beyer) Ocasio-Cortez [Roll No. 144] Thompson (MS) (IL)) Neguse Rush Thompson (PA) Lowenthal (Bush) Waters YEAS—411 Nehls Rutherford Tiffany (Beyer) Payne (Pallone) (Barraga´ n) Newhouse Ryan Timmons Maloney, Rice (NY) Wilson (SC) Adams DeLauro Johnson (GA) Newman Salazar Carolyn B. (Peters) Titus (Timmons) Aderholt DelBene Johnson (LA) Norcross Sa´ nchez (Jeffries) Ruppersberger Tlaib Wilson (FL) Aguilar Delgado Johnson (OH) Norman Sarbanes McEachin (Raskin) Tonko (Hayes) Allen Demings Johnson (SD) Nunes Scalise (Wexton) Rush Allred DeSaulnier Johnson (TX) Torres (CA) O’Halleran Scanlon Torres (NY) McHenry (Banks) (Underwood) Amodei DesJarlais Jones Obernolte Schakowsky Armstrong Deutch Jordan Trahan f Ocasio-Cortez Schiff Trone Arrington Diaz-Balart Joyce (OH) Omar Schneider Turner Auchincloss Dingell Joyce (PA) Owens Schrader COMMUNICATION FROM THE Underwood Axne Doggett Kahele Pallone Schrier SERGEANT AT ARMS Upton Babin Donalds Kaptur Palmer Schweikert Valadao Bacon Doyle, Michael Katko Panetta Scott (VA) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Van Drew Baird F. Keating Pappas Scott, Austin STRICKLAND) laid before the House the Balderson Duncan Keller Pascrell Scott, David Van Duyne following communication from the Ser- Banks Dunn Kelly (IL) Vargas Payne Sessions geant at Arms of the House of Rep- Barr Emmer Kelly (MS) Pence Sewell Veasey Barraga´ n Eshoo Kelly (PA) Perlmutter Sherman Vela resentatives: Bass Espaillat Khanna Vela´ zquez Perry Sherrill OFFICE OF THE SERGEANT AT ARMS, Beatty Estes Kildee Peters Simpson Wagner Bentz Evans Kilmer Walberg HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Pfluger Slotkin Washington, DC, May 14, 2021. Bera Fallon Kim (CA) Phillips Smith (MO) Walorski Bergman Feenstra Kim (NJ) Pingree Smith (NE) Waltz Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Beyer Ferguson Kind Pocan Smith (NJ) Wasserman Speaker, House of Representatives, Bice (OK) Fischbach Kirkpatrick Porter Smith (WA) Schultz Washington, DC. Biggs Fitzgerald Krishnamoorthi Posey Smucker Waters DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to section Bilirakis Fitzpatrick Kuster Pressley Soto Watson Coleman 3(s) of House Resolution 8, following con- Bishop (GA) Fleischmann Kustoff Price (NC) Spanberger Weber (TX) sultation with the Office of Attending Physi- Bishop (NC) Fletcher LaHood Welch Quigley Spartz cian, I write to provide you further notifica- Blumenauer Fortenberry Lamb Raskin Speier Wenstrup Blunt Rochester Foster Lamborn Reed Stanton Westerman tion that the public health emergency due to Boebert Foxx Langevin Reschenthaler Stauber Wexton the novel coronavirus SARS–CoV–2 remains Bonamici Frankel, Lois Larsen (WA) Rice (NY) Steel Wild in effect. Bost Franklin, C. Larson (CT) Rice (SC) Stefanik Williams (GA) Sincerely, Bourdeaux Scott Latta Rodgers (WA) Steil Williams (TX) WILLIAM J. WALKER, Bowman Fulcher LaTurner Rogers (AL) Steube Wilson (FL) Sergeant at Arms. Brady Gaetz Lawrence Rogers (KY) Stevens Wilson (SC) Brooks Gallagher Lawson (FL) Rose Stewart Womack f Brown Gallego Lee (CA) Rosendale Strickland Young Brownley Garamendi Lee (NV) Ross Swalwell Zeldin ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Buchanan Garbarino Leger Fernandez Buck Garcia (CA) Lesko NAYS—4 PRO TEMPORE ´ Bucshon Garcıa (IL) Letlow Boyle, Brendan Casten Garcia (TX) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Budd Gibbs Levin (CA) F. Escobar Burchett Gimenez Levin (MI) Chair announces the extension, pursu- Burgess Gohmert Lieu NOT VOTING—14 ant to section 3 of House Resolution 8, Bush Gomez Lofgren Butterfield Jackson Lee Suozzi and effective May 20, 2021, of the ‘‘cov- Bustos Gonzales, Tony Long Ca´ rdenas Kinzinger ered period’’ designated on January 4, Calvert Gonzalez (OH) Loudermilk Webster (FL) Castro (TX) LaMalfa Cammack Gonzalez, Lowenthal Wittman 2021. Golden Palazzo Carbajal Vicente Lucas Yarmuth Himes Sires f Carl Good (VA) Luetkemeyer Carson Gooden (TX) Luria APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO Carter (GA) Gosar Lynch b 1901 Carter (LA) Gottheimer Mace BOARD OF VISITORS TO THE Carter (TX) Granger Malinowski Ms. ESCOBAR changed her vote from UNITED STATES COAST GUARD Cartwright Graves (LA) Malliotakis ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ ACADEMY Case Graves (MO) Maloney, So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Castor (FL) Green (TN) Carolyn B. tive) the rules were suspended and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cawthorn Green, Al (TX) Maloney, Sean bill was passed. Chair announces the Speaker’s ap- Chabot Greene (GA) Mann pointment, pursuant to 14 U.S.C. Cheney Griffith Manning The result of the vote was announced Chu Grijalva Massie as above recorded. 1903(b), and the order of the House of Cicilline Grothman Mast A motion to reconsider was laid on January 4, 2021, of the following Mem- Clark (MA) Guest Matsui bers on the part of the House to the Clarke (NY) Guthrie McBath the table. Cleaver Hagedorn McCarthy Stated for: Board of Visitors to the United States Coast Guard Academy: Cline Harder (CA) McCaul Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably Cloud Harris McClain Mr. COURTNEY, Connecticut missed the vote on rollcall No. 144. Had I Clyburn Harshbarger McClintock Ms. BARRAGA´ N, California Clyde Hartzler McCollum been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on Mr. RUTHERFORD, Florida Cohen Hayes McEachin rollcall No. 144. Cole Hern McGovern Mrs. MCCLAIN, Michigan Comer Herrell McHenry Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, earlier Connolly Herrera Beutler McKinley today, I was unavoidably detained in my con- f Cooper Hice (GA) McNerney gressional district and was not present for Roll COMMUNICATION FROM THE Correa Higgins (LA) Meeks Call Vote 144. Had I been present, I would Costa Higgins (NY) Meijer CLERK OF THE HOUSE Courtney Hill Meng have voted as follows: On Roll Call 144, I Craig Hinson Meuser would have voted aye. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Crawford Hollingsworth Mfume MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE fore the House the following commu- Crenshaw Horsford Miller (IL) nication from the Clerk of the House of Crist Houlahan Miller (WV) RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS Crow Hoyer Miller-Meeks Allred (Wexton) Dingell (Kuster) Horsford Representatives: Cuellar Hudson Moolenaar Beatty (Kelly Fallon (Nehls) (Jeffries) OFFICE OF THE CLERK, Curtis Huffman Mooney (IL)) Garbarino (Joyce Keating (Clark HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Davids (KS) Huizenga Moore (AL) Buchanan (Dunn) (OH)) (MA)) Washington, DC, May 17, 2021. Davidson Issa Moore (UT) Carter (TX) Gomez (Garcıá Kind (Connolly) Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Davis, Danny K. Jackson Moore (WI) (Calvert) (IL)) Kirkpatrick Davis, Rodney Jacobs (CA) Morelle Crenshaw Green (TX) The Speaker, House of Representatives, (Stanton) Washington, DC. Dean Jacobs (NY) Moulton (Pfluger) (Perlmutter) Lawson (FL) DeFazio Jayapal Mrvan DesJarlais Grijalva (Garcıá DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the (Evans) DeGette Jeffries Mullin (Fleischmann) (IL)) permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.066 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2405 of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- First, Democrats jammed through sending natural gas to other nations, tives, the Clerk received the following mes- $1.9 trillion of the so-called rescue plan to waking up to no gas in the gas lines sage from the Secretary of the Senate on that continued to give taxpayer-funded in America—not because Congress May 17, 2021, at 5:35 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. 593. handouts to people to stay home and passed a bill but because the President With best wishes, I am, do nothing. signed an executive order? Sincerely, When he signed this spending pack- Madam Speaker, I remember wanting CHERYL L. JOHNSON, age into law in March, President Biden to see my grandmother one day. It was Clerk. promised America that help was on the back during the Jimmy Carter years, f way. But for business owners across the and my father told me no. I asked why we couldn’t drive to see grandma, and SUPPORTING ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO country, help wasn’t on the way; ‘‘help it was because our license plate ended DEFEND ITSELF wanted’’ signs were. Describing his struggle to hire em- in an even number, not an odd. That is (Ms. GARCIA of Texas asked and was ployees, Rod Harl, the CEO of Alene the only other time that you can com- given permission to address the House Candles, told his local paper last week: pare what is happening in America for 1 minute and to revise and extend ‘‘We have had more than 100 positions today. her remarks.) open since the start of the year, and Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speak- b 1915 just recently, we increased sign-on bo- er, I rise today to express my strong 17,000 gas stations nationwide were nuses to $1,200 for hourly positions, in support for Israel’s right to defend completely emptied out. The average part because we were competing with itself against rocket attacks from price of gasoline remains above $3. This an entity that can print its own Hamas and other terrorist groups in is the highest gasoline has been since money—the Federal Government—and Gaza. the last time Biden was in office. In These attacks against Israel must be its $300 extra per week additional un- California, the average was $4.12. In condemned. I applaud President Biden employment benefit.’’ Virginia, prices were as high as nearly Sadly, this isn’t unique just to Mr. for actively engaging across the region $7 a gallon. Harl. It is the same story I hear from to help bring about peace through di- It didn’t have to be this way. He businesses nationwide. plomacy. Further conflict will cer- didn’t have to attack the hardworking In a matter of months, we went from tainly claim the lives of Israeli and Americans in the energy industry. His the highest job openings on record in Palestinian civilians, including chil- own Secretary of Energy said pipelines March, 8.1 million—remember, that is dren, and that is unacceptable. were good, even though he ended the As a Latina and a Catholic, it is my the same month that President Biden Keystone XL pipeline and went after sincere prayer that Jerusalem will be a signed his bill, that he thought help the ability for Americans to even drill city of peace for all faiths, all nation- was on the way—to the biggest jobs re- on Federal land. alities, and all backgrounds. This last- port miss in more than two decades. So now, Russia is sending gasoline to ing peace will only be possible if every- Unemployment actually increased, de- America? Does that make any sense, to one, Palestinians and Israelis alike, spite the record number of openings. make our enemies stronger, while Rus- For a brief moment during the pan- have the opportunity for freedom and sia builds up thousands of troops along demic, it made sense to encourage peo- security promised by a two-state solu- the border of Ukraine or enters into ne- ple to stay home, but now in May 2021, tion. gotiations with Iran, who supplies mis- Those who plan for peace will have it defies logic. We should not tax the siles to shoot at our allies? joy. Let it be so. people who are working to continue to Instead of priming the pump, pay people who choose not to. f Bidenomics has emptied the tank. Another concern I hear from busi- From inflation to gas lines, the Amer- MARKING TAX DAY nesses and workers is rising inflation. ican economy today looks more like it (Mr. MCCARTHY asked and was Consumer prices in April saw their did in 1979 than in 2019, when wages given permission to address the House largest increase in a single month since were rising, businesses were growing, for 1 minute and to revise and extend 1981, soaring by more than 1 percent. and unemployment was at record lows. his remarks.) Inflation taxes every single American None of this is an accident, you see, Mr. MCCARTHY. Madam Speaker, 35 and especially affects those with the Madam Speaker. It is a direct result of years ago, I fulfilled my American least income. bad Federal policies that have dis- Dream to own a business when I opened But remember what President Biden torted incentives and prices. a small deli. I was only 20 years old. promised, that he wouldn’t raise taxes Yet President Biden, Speaker PELOSI, As a former small business owner, I on families making less than $400,000. and other Democrats still want to tax understand how tough things can be, By causing inflation to rise, President and spend more. Even the most liberal even in the good times. Running a Biden has broken that pledge, and we economists tell you that is wrong, small business taught me two impor- are less than 5 months into this admin- which very seldom happens. They de- tant lessons: first, you are the first to istration. cided to propose another $5.2 trillion in work, last to leave, and the last to be Madam Speaker, any economics class new spending, as if there is a bottom- paid; second, your margins are tight, would tell you that the worst thing to less cash pit for politicians to draw on. and high taxes too often make it im- do is exactly what Bidenomics has done They also decided to propose the possible for Main Street to beat the to this country. He inherited one of the largest tax increase in American his- odds. strongest economies, a GDP growing, tory, including making the corporate These lessons, which inspired me to and he actually did the opposite. He tax rate the highest in the world; high- enter public service, come to mind as paid people to stay home. He put more er than France; higher than Venezuela, we mark tax day. We should be on money into the economy from govern- a socialist country; and higher than track for an incredible comeback. ment, which only drives up inflation. Communist China. From jobs to vaccines, President Biden We have not seen something like this Madam Speaker, why would the inherited an economy that was moving since Jimmy Carter took this country Democrats and Speaker PELOSI want to in the right direction because of Oper- into stagnation. give China a benefit over America? I ation Warp Speed and the Tax Cuts and Now, Americans are paying more at don’t understand why we wouldn’t look Jobs Act, which created the best econ- supermarkets, hardware stores, and gas after American workers first. omy in more than a generation. stations, and it has only been 5 These proposals reflect a funda- But the policies of the current ad- months. In fact, we have a serious gas mental difference between Republicans ministration have squandered all that shortage in a nation that was recently and these new socialist Democrats. Re- progress. Bidenomics has made a mess energy independent. publicans believe that there is dignity of the economy, transforming what Could you imagine, Madam Speaker, and value in hard work and risk-tak- should have been a strong comeback becoming President of the United ing. Democrats believe that progress into a serious crisis in less than 6 States and having a country that is en- comes by forcing people to be depend- months. ergy independent, that is actually ent on their government. That is not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.034 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2406 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 progress, to force somebody to be de- ing, America would be stronger. But he town in his red, white, and blue Yugo, pendent on government. took the wrong actions, led by the so- and handing out Juicy Fruit gum, They want to control the decisions cialist Democrats of this floor, Madam Economy made an impression when- you make: when you can work, when Speaker. Now America is hurting. ever he went. you can drive, whether you should The only thing I ask: study history, In 2008, he said one of his proudest wear a mask. It doesn’t matter what listen to those who are creating jobs, moments was having marble flower the science or the CDC says. If Speaker take the incentive away where govern- vases added to the Star City’s war me- PELOSI has the power, she will enforce ment is everything, and unshackle morial after years of lobbying, urging it on you. what holds us back. Let Americans folks to: ‘‘Never forget those vet- They want to control what you can have the freedom they deserve and de- erans.’’ read on the internet and what you can sire. Prove that the next century will His daughter said his work was never teach your children. But look at his- be ours once again. about him, but rather, it was always tory. I don’t see a single country where The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- about the veterans who served and Democrat socialist ideas worked be- bers are reminded to address their re- gave their lives. fore. They have all been failures. marks to the Chair. With traffic stopped, a police officer My greatest fear is the direction you f standing at attention, and members of are sending America. In 5 months, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Asso- REPEAL THE STATE AND LOCAL America goes from energy independ- ciation serving as pallbearers, Econ- TAX SALT CAP ence to having gasoline stations with- omy was laid to rest with the respect out gas; from an economy where you (Ms. SHERRILL asked and was given he deserved. have done nothing but grow back, to permission to address the House for 1 Fair winds and following seas, Suttie. creating inflation we haven’t seen in minute.) f Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I decades; to empowering our enemies, STANDING FOR ISRAEL who only harm our allies. You have rise on tax day. Teachers, cops, single more help wanted signs in America—8 moms, seniors, veterans, middle-class (Ms. SALAZAR asked and was given million—and you missed the jobs re- Americans—I am here to speak for all permission to address the House for 1 port, the worst we have seen in dec- of them today, to be their voice in the minute and to revise and extend her re- ades, by the action taken on this floor. fight against a tax provision that pun- marks.) The hard part about it, Madam ishes States like New Jersey for invest- Ms. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I Speaker, is we warned you. We told you ing in its residents. rise today to declare my community’s what would happen. We told you you In States like mine, our State taxes unshakable support for the State of were going to create inflation. We told go toward paying for top-tier public Israel. Israel has been under constant fire you you were going to kill American schools, investing in infrastructure and for over a week by Hamas, which is a jobs. You are going to reward people open spaces, and supporting a pre- terrorist organization supported by not to work. I have never been a be- vailing wage for our unions. That is Iran. Over 3,100 rockets have been fired, liever in participation trophies. They why people move here. That is why 10 Israelis have been killed, and mil- don’t work. They don’t help. Certainly, families stay for generations. But without the ability to deduct lions more would be at risk if not for those small businesses that have strug- State and local taxes, calling New Jer- the Iron Dome missile defense system gled to survive, you are crushing them. Every indication, every number sey home is becoming less and less via- protecting its citizens. Make no mistake, Hamas is not in- shows it. To sit here on the floor and ble for our middle-class residents. Seniors are rethinking retiring in terested in peace. Their goal is to de- say you will not raise their taxes, you New Jersey; married couples are re- stroy the Jewish State of Israel. are doing it right now. You are hurting thinking starting a family in New Jer- Hamas uses children as human the most vulnerable. Gas prices are sey; young people are rethinking mov- shields and pays the terrorists’ families higher. The bread, the lumber to even ing back to New Jersey after college. for life. build the house, you are pricing them The bottom line is, you don’t have to Hamas launches the attacks but tries out. be a millionaire to be impacted by the to paint Israel as the aggressor. At the The recent surge of bad economic SALT cap, and New Jersey families are same time, cynics or opportunists are news, in what should be a robust recov- getting taxed twice. taking advantage of this violent wave ery, is a warning sign that your ideas The time is now to bring relief to ev- of terrorism to peddle anti-Semitic are not working now. The last time in- eryday middle-class New Jersey resi- hate. flation was this high, Joe Biden was dents who are getting crushed by this I am proud to stand for Israel, the Vice President. The last time gas cap. only democratic country in the Middle prices were this high, Joe Biden was East and its right to defend itself. Vice President. We found the common f f denominator: President Biden’s bad HONORING THE LIFE OF SUTTIE policies. Unfortunately, instead of ECONOMY ISRAEL IS AMERICA’S STRONGEST learning from history, President Biden (Mr. CLINE asked and was given per- ALLY and Democrats are choosing to repeat mission to address the House for 1 (Mr. COMER asked and was given it. minute and to revise and extend his re- permission to address the House for 1 That was one of the low points in marks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- America, when inflation was high, in- Mr. CLINE. Madam Speaker, I rise marks.) terest rates were there, and the rest of today to recognize the life and legacy Mr. COMER. Madam Speaker, I rise the world questioned whether America of Roanoke native and World War II today to stand with the people of Israel was what they used to be. We proved Navy veteran Suttie Economy, who and their right to defend themselves what policies could matter: incentive passed away earlier this month at the against the Iranian-funded terrorist to work, letting people keep more of age of 95. groups, Hamas and Hezbollah. what they earned; making America en- While Economy was proud of his Last week, these terrorists began fir- ergy independent. service and the time he spent on the ing missiles into Israel and killing What is so amazing to me, when USS English in the South Pacific, he Israeli citizens. Since these unjustified President Biden was elected, he had never forgot his fellow veterans who attacks started, we have seen Members Operation Warp Speed, he got a vac- didn’t make it home. Economy made it of Congress and the media rush to de- cine, and he was vaccinated before he his life’s mission to honor soldiers, clare a moral equivalence between was even sworn in. He had millions of sailors, airmen, and Marines who gave Israel and its attackers. doses of the vaccine being produced. He their lives for the cause of American Let me be very clear: There is no had an economy rising, coming out of freedom. moral equivalence between the State of the COVID pandemic. He had more help Known for his efforts to maintain the Israel and terrorists who shield them- wanted signs. If he literally did noth- Roanoke War Memorial, driving around selves with children, target civilian

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.071 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2407 centers for missile attacks, and openly every aspect of our lives, yet another In the immediate aftermath of the desire to destroy the Jewish people. tax heaped upon the people. Civil War, there were newly emanci- Israel is a sovereign, democratic Na- There are already proposals around pated African Americans who set out tion and is entitled to defend itself. here to raise taxes on fuel or maybe to build a better life for themselves and The indiscriminate violence against every mile you travel in your auto- their family, only to be held back by Israeli citizens must end. Time and mobile. We have seen this in California racial terror and violence that ulti- time again, Israel has proven itself to already. I have watched what a carbon mately came to be codified in the form be America’s strongest ally, and we tax has done. It becomes a slush fund of Jim Crow. must have Israel’s back in their time of for government to spend to use on We, as the CBC, are not only here to need. I urge my fellow Members of Con- whatever it is they want to do, such as recite the facts of the Tulsa Race Mas- gress and the Biden administration to boondoggles like the high-speed rail in sacre, but we are also here to reflect on stand firm with Israel against those California, which is already triple over the deeper meaning. The massacre in who seek its destruction. its original budget concept. Tulsa tells a larger story about false So why do we want to heap more and accusation as an incitement to vio- f more on the backs of families, of small lence. It tells a larger story about the b 1930 businesses, of a country whose econ- failure of Reconstruction and the rise omy is trying to recover by hitting REMEMBERING GORDON SAUSSY of Jim Crow. It tells a larger story them once again with one more bad VARNEDOE about domestic terrorism and white su- idea of a carbon tax when, by the way, premacist extremism as a form of do- (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and carbon dioxide is 0.04 percent of our at- mestic terror. It tells a larger story was given permission to address the mosphere? about the systematic denial and de- House for 1 minute and to revise and A lot of hype is being made out of struction of Black wealth. And, finally, extend his remarks.) this. No, the science is not settled by a it tells a larger story about the legacy Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Madam long stretch, certainly by what human of discrimination and the need for res- Speaker, I rise today with a heavy needs are compared to what human titution. heart to remember and honor Gordon cause is. It is worth noting that here in the Saussy Varnedoe, who passed away on f United States Congress there is no April 24 at the age of 82. greater champion of reparations than THE TRAGEDY OF THE TULSA Gordon was born in Savannah, Geor- the chair of the Special Order hour, GREENWOOD MASSACRE gia, and was a proud graduate of the Congressmember JACKSON LEE. University of Georgia. Returning to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- Savannah, he became the director of the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- tlewoman from California (Ms. LEE). the Waterfront Association; and a uary 4, 2021, the gentleman from New Ms. LEE of California. Madam fundraiser for Armstrong State Col- York (Mr. TORRES) is recognized for 60 Speaker, first, let me thank the gen- lege, the Alzheimer’s Association, and minutes as the designee of the major- tleman from New York for organizing the Savannah Jazz Association. ity leader. this very important Special Order and Gordon’s accomplishments as an ath- GENERAL LEAVE for his tremendous leadership on so lete and contributor to Savannah’s Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam many issues on behalf of his district, sports community earned him an in- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Congressional Black Caucus, and duction to the Greater Savannah Ath- all Members have 5 legislative days to on behalf of all Americans. letic Hall of Fame as the first recipient revise and extend their remarks and in- Let me first send my deepest condo- of the M.A. Spellman Special Award. clude any extraneous material on the lences to Chairwoman JOYCE BEATTY Gordon’s remarkable athletic accom- subject of this Special Order. and her family on the loss of her be- plishments and contributions span The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there loved husband, Otto Beatty, Jr., a de- multiple sports and decades. He walked objection to the request of the gen- voted partner, beloved father, grand- on to the University of Georgia’s foot- tleman from New York? father, and community leader. Our There was no objection. ball team as a fullback, founded the hearts are broken this evening as we Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam think about Congresswoman BEATTY Savannah College of Art and Design Speaker, I am honored to share today’s rugby team, and the Savannah Scot- and her family, and just know we are Special Order hour on Black Wall praying for her and her community and tish games. Street on behalf of the Congressional her family. Madam Speaker, two months before Black Caucus, which is chaired by our This is a Special Order tonight that I he died, I got a postcard from ‘‘Bat- great leader, Congressmember JOYCE want to thank again Congressman man.’’ It said: ‘‘You have been getting BEATTY. RITCHIE TORRES and the Congressional some heat recently. Just so you know, I want to extend my condolences to Black Caucus for organizing this to I love you and always will.’’ Congressmember Beatty and her family mark 100 years since the horrific trag- I love you, too, Batman. We are going for the loss of her husband. edy of the Tulsa Greenwood massacre. to miss you. On May 30, 1921, a single scream in an In one of the worst acts of racist vio- f elevator became the spark that ignited lence in United States history, a White a powder keg of racial terror that set A CARBON TAX IS A BAD IDEA mob ransacked a prosperous African- on fire Black Wall Street. A young American neighborhood in Tulsa, Okla- (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given Black man enters an elevator, and an homa. From May 31 to June 1, 1921, an permission to address the House for 1 elevator operator, a young White estimated 300 Black men, women, and minute and to revise and extend his re- woman, screams, giving the impression children were murdered. The mob de- marks.) that she had been assaulted. stroyed 35 square blocks of Greenwood Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, I A local newspaper, the Tulsa Trib- and burned down over 1,000 Black- rise tonight to speak about the pro- une, accuses the young Black man of owned businesses, churches, and posal for yet another idea for a carbon raping the young White woman. The homes. tax. headline of the article was an incite- During a time when lynching African This will just drive inflation, which ment to racial violence: ‘‘Nab the Americans was commonplace, the al- is already a significant problem for Negro Who Attacked the Girl in the El- leged—mind you, alleged—assault of a Americans, for fuel, for running their evator.’’ White woman by a Black man was small businesses, for taking their kids As a result of the incitement, a enough to incite a massacre of un- to school, for just doing the things White lynch mob descended on Black imaginable proportions. A thriving they do, maybe even going on a vaca- Wall Street and set on fire the wealthi- Black community became the target of tion. est Black community in the United animosity and racial hatred by its Costs will go up if we have to tax en- States, reducing it to ashes. The ashes neighbors. ergy more and more and more for doing of Black Wall Street are a metaphor Now, a grand jury placed the blame business, for buying groceries, for for the failure of Reconstruction. for the massacre entirely on the Black

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.073 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2408 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 community. No White person was ever for anchoring this very important Spe- The events of January 6, when Con- held accountable for these crimes. This cial Order hour today. federate flags flew inside and out of the is an example, mind you, of the horrors I also want to extend my deepest con- Capitol, and where a hangman’s noose and the experience of living as a Black dolences to the chair of the Congres- was draped over a functional gallows person in America then and now. sional Black Caucus and my friend, the constructed on the Capitol Grounds to In 1997, the Oklahoma Legislature es- Honorable JOYCE BEATTY, who lost her intimidate and terrorize, that proves tablished a commission to study the dear husband a few days ago. He passed that not much has changed. Tulsa race riots of 1921. It was charged away. He was a fine public servant and And I stand here today to tell you with the responsibility of developing a fine civil rights champion, and he that we have had enough. It is time to an historical record of the massacre will be missed. We are there in prayer fix America and rid racism from its through identifying witnesses and and in spirit with our dear sister. soil. We must fix our country, and that gathering testimony and records. The It has been said that sunlight is the starts with examining our past and commission not only corrected the best disinfectant, yet the terrible looking at how we can heal together as record, but also recommended repara- atrocity that took place in Tulsa, a Nation, and, yes, reparation. Justice tions for the survivors and their de- Oklahoma, 100 years ago, on May 31 delayed is justice denied, and Black scendants. To date, they have not re- and June 1 of 1921, has lived in the Americans in this country have been ceived any—mind you, any—direct shadows for far too long. It is time that denied justice for far too long. Enough compensation. the truth be told. We must know our is enough. Up until recently, the silence in past or we are bound to repeat it. At this time, I would like to read Tulsa, in Oklahoma, and in the United In 1921, the Black community in from the Tulsa Historical Society and States about this massacre was an in- Tulsa, Oklahoma, was prospering, de- Museum website. It is at tentional effort to whitewash our Na- spite a racist system designed to TulsaHistory.org. I want to read the tion’s racialized past. But we must re- marginalize and exclude it and its resi- following information that it pub- member these stories. We must tell the dents from the fruits of those citizens’ lishes, which comes from the 2001 Tulsa truth about our past. labor. It was a community known as Race Riot Commission report. I introduced H. Con. Res. 19 to estab- Greenwood, and it was also known as ‘‘On the morning of May 30, 1921, a lish a National Truth, Racial Healing, the Black Wall Street. young Black man named Dick Rowland and Transformation Commission to It was a thriving community. There riding in the elevator at the Drexel usher in this moment of truth to begin were restaurants, grocery stores, ho- Building at Third and Main with a to examine and lift up to the public as tels, theaters, banks, insurance compa- White woman named Sarah Page. The the historical record of the history and nies, all owned by Black people. This details of what followed vary from per- legacy of slavery and how it is mani- community was self-sufficient. It was son to person. Accounts of an incident fested today in systemic racism as it prospering, despite the fact that seg- circulated among the city’s White com- relates to African Americans. regation was the norm and the lynch- munity during the day and became But telling the truth is not enough. ing of Black men was as common as more exaggerated with each telling. We must pass H.R. 40, sponsored by the white hoods of the KKK. ‘‘Tulsa police arrested Rowland the Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON LEE. The simple fact is this: The Black following day and began an investiga- And I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 40, community was succeeding in Tulsa, so tion. An inflammatory report in the which is the Commission to Study and White people burned it down. White su- May 31 edition of the Tulsa Tribune Develop Reparation Proposals for Afri- premacy and Jim Crow were the sparks spurred a confrontation between Black can Americans to address and repair that lit the fire. The massacre occurred and White armed mobs around the the material harm done by instances over a 24-hour period, from May 30 to courthouse where the sheriff and his like the Tulsa Greenwood massacre. June 1 of 1921. And it all began like so I am pleased to say that my home men had barricaded the top floor to many other racially motivated events: protect Rowland. Shots were fired, and State of California is leading the Na- A false allegation against a Black man. tion in this effort, being the first State the outnumbered African Americans In response, a White mob of thou- began retreating to the Greenwood dis- to pass a law to establish a task force sands shot, beat, and murdered Black to study and develop reparation pro- trict. residents, and they did it with impu- ‘‘In the early morning hours of June posals. nity. Black Tulsans have still not recov- 1, 1921, Greenwood was looted and ered from the impact of the Tulsa b 1945 burned by White rioters,’’ as they are Greenwood massacre. Decades of dis- They looted Black homes and busi- called. ‘‘Governor Robertson declared crimination following the massacre nesses and set fires in their wake, this martial law, and National Guard troops prevented the community from re- White mob. They were aided and abet- arrived in Tulsa. Guardsmen assisted building their economic vitality. Black ted by the National Guard and also firemen in putting out fires, took Afri- Tulsans are still over two times more deputized killers, looters, and can Americans out of the hands of vigi- likely to be unemployed than their arsonists. lantes and imprisoned,’’ locked them White counterparts, and their commu- Twenty-four hours after the violence up, ‘‘all Black Tulsans not already in- nities are the least likely to attract began, 35 city blocks lay in ruins. Not terned. Over 6,000 people were held at businesses and large employers. Poli- a single dwelling or business or build- the convention hall and the fair- cies like redlining and local ordinances ing was left standing. grounds, some for as long as 8 days. have prevented growth. Within months of the Greenwood ‘‘Twenty-four hours after the vio- The legacy of the massacre continues massacre, the KKK’s Tulsa chapter be- lence erupted, it ceased. In the wake of to impact Black Tulsans today. We came one of the Nation’s largest, be- the violence, 35 city blocks laid in cannot forget and we cannot let the cause what better recruiting tool than charred ruins, more than 800 people Nation forget about the Tulsa Green- plundering and killing Blacks with im- were treated for injuries, and contem- wood massacre. punity? porary reports of deaths began at 36. H.R. 40 is a bill that we need to move No person has ever been held ac- Historians now believe as many as 300 forward to begin to repair the damage countable on the State, local, or Fed- people may have died. of the historical facts of the legacy of eral level, in the criminal courts, or in ‘‘In order to understand the Tulsa enslaved Africans brought to this coun- the civil courts for the atrocities com- Race Massacre, it is important to un- try, who, quite frankly, in spite of our mitted against the Black community derstand the complexities of the times. progress, still have not achieved lib- and the Black people of Greenwood in Dick Rowland, Sarah Page, and an un- erty and justice for all. Tulsa, Oklahoma. known gunman were the sparks that Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam And here we are today, 100 years ignited a long-smoldering fire. Jim Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from later, still challenged by state-sanc- Crow, jealousy, white supremacy, and Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON). tioned violence against Black people. land lust all played roles in leading up Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Some things have changed, but some to the destruction and loss of life on Speaker, I thank Congressman TORRES things remain the same. May 31 and June 1, 1921. . . .

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.075 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2409 ‘‘Black Tulsans had every reason to atic destruction was left to the victims Then, after the internment camps, believe that Dick Rowland would be of that destruction. While Tulsa offi- Black professionals, Black business lynched after his arrest. His charges cials turned away some offers of out- owners who lost everything, were were later dismissed and highly suspect side aid, a number of individual White forced to live in tents and shacks. It from the start. They had cause to be- Tulsans provided assistance to the was the worst act of racial terrorism lieve that his personal safety, like the city’s now virtually homeless Black and one of the worst acts of domestic defense of themselves and their com- population. . . . terrorism in the history of the United munity, depended on them alone. As ‘‘In recent years, there has been on- States. going discussion about what to call the hostile groups gathered and their con- b 2000 frontation worsened, municipal and event that happened in 1921. Histori- county authorities failed to take ac- cally, it has been called the Tulsa Race Now, I see a parallel between the tions to calm or contain the situation. Riot. Some say it was given that name Tulsa Race Massacre and January 6. ‘‘At the eruption of violence, civil of- at the time for insurance purposes. The insurrection against the United ficials selected many men, all of them Designating it a riot prevented insur- States Congress on January 6 was not White and some of them participants in ance companies from having to pay simply an attack on a physical struc- that violence, and made those men benefits to the people of Greenwood ture, it was an expression of racial rage their agents as deputies. In that capac- whose homes and businesses were de- and resentment against multiracial de- ity, deputies did not stem the violence stroyed.’’ mocracy. And the same is true of the but added to it, often through overt Now, this is not me talking. I am Tulsa Race Massacre. acts that were themselves illegal. Pub- still reading from that report. We have to recognize that the domes- lic officials provided firearms and am- ‘‘It also was common at the time for tic terrorism that we saw unfold on munition to individuals, again, all of any large-scale clash between different January 6 did not happen in a vacuum. them White. Units of the Oklahoma racial or ethnic groups to be cat- It has a history, and that history in- National Guard participated in the egorized a race riot. cludes the KKK; it includes Jim Crow, ‘‘What do you think?’’ the report mass arrests of all or nearly all of and, yes, it includes the Tulsa Race asks. Massacre. And it is a scandal in Amer- Greenwood’s residents. ‘‘Definition of ‘riot’: a tumultuous ‘‘They removed them to other parts ica that most Americans have never disturbance of the public peace by of the city and detained them in hold- heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre. three or more persons assembled to- ing centers. Entering the Greenwood Madam Speaker, as Congressman gether and acting with common intent. district, people stole, damaged, or de- JOHNSON noted earlier, it has been re- ‘‘Definition of ‘massacre’: the act or ferred to as a race riot, which is an at- stroyed personal property left behind an instance of killing a number of usu- tempt to whitewash the white su- in homes and businesses. People, some ally helpless or unresisting human premacist, domestic terrorism at the of them agents of government, also de- beings under circumstances of atrocity heart of the massacre. And so we are liberately burned or otherwise de- or cruelty.’’ here to tell the truth about the Tulsa stroyed homes credibly estimated to So, that is why I personally refer to Greenwood Massacre because we see a have numbered 1,256, along with vir- it as the Tulsa Greenwood massacre, as proper revision of history away from tually every other structure—including opposed to a race riot. churches, schools, businesses, even a Mr. TORRES of New York. Mr. whitewashing as part of our national hospital and library—in the Greenwood Speaker, I thank Mr. JOHNSON for his reckoning with race in America. district. Despite duties to preserve deep insight and kind words earlier. It is worth noting that in 2021, Black order and to protect property, no gov- Some background on Tulsa, Okla- homeownership is at historic lows. The ernment at any level offered adequate homa: The district of Greenwood in its rate of Black homeownership is lower resistance, if any at all, to what time was famously described by Booker today than it was before the Fair Hous- amounted to the destruction of the T. Washington as ‘‘Black Wall Street.’’ ing Act in the 1960s. The gap between Greenwood neighborhood. Although the It was so named because it was the Black and White homeownership has exact total can never be determined, most vibrant and affluent African- never been greater. According to the credible evidence makes it probable American community in the United Federal Reserve, White households on that many people, likely numbering States. It was an oasis of opportunity average have eight times more wealth between 100 to 300, were killed during in a desert of du jour discrimination. than Black households. And part of the the massacre.’’ For many African Americans in reason is the Tulsa massacre, and the I am reading to you from the report search of a better life, it was a prom- systemic racism that it represents. of the Tulsa commission that was set ised land amid the broken promise of There is a racial income gap between up by the city of Tulsa to report on the Reconstruction. It was home to 10,000 White households and Black house- events that happened in Greenwood 100 residents. There were 30 vibrant res- holds, but there is an even greater years ago. taurants, 45 vibrant grocers and meat wealth gap. And the wealth gap is not ‘‘Not one of these criminal acts was markets. There was a 54-room hotel. an accident, it is a product of public then or ever has been prosecuted or There was a theater and a hospital. policy. It is a consequence of systemic punished by government at any level: Black Wall Street was a self-con- racism. municipal, county, State, or Federal. tained, self-sufficient community of During the post-war era, we saw Even after the restoration of order, it Black wealth, a community of Black Black Americans systematically ex- was official policy to release a Black entrepreneurship and Black ownership. cluded from programs providing home- detainee only upon the application of a And Black Wall Street, at the hands ownership and higher education, which White person, and then only if that of racial terrorism, at the hands of ra- are the pillars of wealth-building. And White person agreed to accept responsi- cial violence, the wealthiest Black if you have no home to own, then you bility for that detainee’s subsequent community in the United States be- have no home equity to build. And if behavior. As private citizens, many came a scene of mass murder, looting, you have no home equity to build, then Whites in Tulsa and neighboring com- and arson. It became a scene of death, you have no wealth to pass down from munities did extend invaluable assist- destruction, and displacement. Nothing one generation to the next. ance to the massacre’s victims,’’ to was spared in the Tulsa Race Massacre. And so, instead of realizing the their credit. Churches, schools, and hospitals were dream of intergenerational wealth, too ‘‘Despite being numerically at a dis- burned down. Twelve thousand homes many Black Americans were con- advantage, Black Tulsans fought val- were burned down. Thirty-five blocks demned by public policy, condemned by iantly to protect their homes, their burned down. The Tulsa burning had a systemic racism to the nightmare of businesses, and their community. But death toll of 300 and a displacement intergenerational poverty. The Tulsa in the end, the city’s African-American toll of 10,000. Ten thousand people lost Race Massacre should be understood as population was simply outnumbered by their homes, their businesses, and their a microcosm of what white supremacy the White invaders. In the end, the res- livelihoods. And 6,000 of those people has done to Black people and Black toration of Greenwood after its system- were relegated to internment camps. property, to Black business and Black

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.077 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2410 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 community. And the ghosts of Jim ceeded to whitewash the history of the Cross Bronx Expressway, which is both Crow, the ghosts of the Tulsa and Tulsa massacre, claiming that it was a literally and metaphorically a struc- Greenwood massacre hunts us till this race riot rather than the act of domes- ture of racism. The South Bronx has a day. tic terrorism that it was and should al- childhood asthma hospitalization rate I represent a neighborhood named ways be seen as. No White person was that is double to three times the na- Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, and many held to account, and no Black person tional average. of the businesses on Arthur Avenue was made whole. So like the South Bronx, the neigh- have been owned by the same family Despite the acute challenges of rac- borhood of Greenwood has its own rac- for more than 100 years, but those busi- ism in the late 19th and early 20th cen- ist highway. And one of the most excit- nesses—all of them are white. tury, Black residents have been able to ing features of the American Jobs Plan And I thought to myself, what if create thriving community in the is a proposed $20 billion fund that Black Wall Street had been left alone, Greenwood District of Tulsa, Okla- would rebuild neighborhoods that have had been left to survive and thrive. It homa. However, this community was been divided and devastated by the may very well be the case that some of literally burned to the ground in one of structural racism of highways. And I those businesses would have endured the worst incidents of racial violence hope neighborhoods like Greenwood until 2021. We could have had busi- in American history. And to this day, and the South Bronx will benefit from nesses owned by Black families for no one has been truly held responsible. our national reckoning with race. more than a century had it not been And it is worth noting, even though The impact of the massacre and the for the racial terrorism that took hold Greenwood has rebuilt itself, Green- ongoing systemic discrimination is in 1921. And we know that when it wood does have among the highest clear when you compare North Tulsa, comes to business, longevity is often rates of poverty and unemployment in where many Black residents of Tulsa the basis for resilience. Established the city of Tulsa, which demonstrates now live, to other areas. North Tulsan businesses which tend to be wealthier the legacy of systemic racism, how residents are significantly poorer than and whiter had greater resilience in the hard it can be to overcome that legacy. residents in other parts of the city. face of COVID–19; whereas, newer busi- The Tulsa Massacre resulted in prop- There are fewer businesses and large- nesses, which tend to be Black and erty damage valued anywhere from $25 scale employers in North Tulsa than in Brown, were too fragile to survive the million to $100 million when adjusted other cities. cataclysm of COVID–19. in today’s dollars. As the descendants According to a 2018 city study, North In the first two months of the out- of the white mob that looted Tulsa Tulsa had the fewest jobs of any region break, 44 percent of Black businesses businesses have had the opportunity to of Tulsa. The unemployment rate is were wiped out, which raises the ques- benefit from the wealth of their ances- 2.37 percent times higher for Black tion, what if Black Wall Street were tors, many Black survivors of the Tulsans than for White Tulsans. The left to thrive, and what if we could Tulsa Massacre and their descendants lowest life expectancy in Tulsa occurs have had businesses that would have have not been able to recoup the in the poorest regions with the great- endured for more than a century and wealth that had been lost or destroyed est concentration of Black residents. could have had the resilience, the lon- during the massacre. The United States has a responsi- gevity, to overcome even a cataclysmic Despite the Oklahoma Commission to bility to both acknowledge the harm event like COVID–19. study the race massacre of 1921 stating, caused by the Tulsa Massacre and to Madam Speaker, I want to provide ‘‘Reparations to the historic Green- enact legal remedies and policy pro- some more historic background, on wood community in real and tangible posals to compensate survivors and May 31–June 1, 1921, a White mob at- form would be good public policy and their descendants. And as many of you tacked America’s Black Wall Street, do much to repair the emotional and know, there is no greater champion of the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Okla- physical scars of this terrible incident making the victims of systemic racism homa, and what is known as the Tulsa- in our shared past.’’ Despite that find- whole, no greater champion of repara- Greenwood Race Massacre. The White ing, neither the State of Oklahoma nor tions than the chair of our Special mob of thousands of people shot and the city of Tulsa has provided direct Order hour, Congress Member JACKSON murdered Black residents, looted their compensation to survivors or their de- LEE. homes and businesses, and burned more scendants. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- than 1,000 homes, churches, schools, Discrimination against Black tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON and businesses. Not only did local au- Tulsans did not end following the mas- LEE). thorities and law enforcement fail to sacre. Over the local decades, local or- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, maintain civil order and protect Tul- dinances to prevent rebuilding, red- I thank the gentleman from New York sa’s Black residents, some government lining, urban renewal, and slum clear- from illustrating, elaborating on, de- agents aided the White mob in carrying ance, gentrification, highway construc- tailing, and bringing to the 21st cen- out the massacre. tion, tearing apart communities. tury the horrors of the Tulsa race Many of the residents who fled the I will offer a note of personal reflec- riots, calling it what it is and not being massacre were detained in internment tion. I represent the South Bronx, fearful of acknowledging the riotist camps immediately following the mas- which has been ravaged by a racist and violent impact of the Tulsa race sacre. And local officials later made, highway known as the Cross Bronx Ex- riots. and ultimately failed, an attempt to pressway. It was built by Robert Moses Madam Speaker, it is my honor to block the ability of the Black commu- and largely funded by Federal dollars. now continue the discussion on behalf nity to rebuild the Greenwood commer- And the Cross Bronx Expressway has of the Congressional Black Caucus and cial district by enacting a restrictive left behind decades of displacement and my cochair of the Special Order hour, building ordinance. environmental degradation. the Honorable Congressman TORRES of Less than a month after the mas- There are children who are born in New York. sacre, a grand jury placed the blame the Bronx who live near the Cross Let me, first of all, thank our chair, entirely on the Black community and Bronx Expressway, who breathe in pol- Chairwoman BEATTY, for matching her indicted 85 people—mostly African- lutants every day that cause res- members with this process of ensuring Americans—with massacre-related of- piratory disease and cardiovascular that the history, the unbiased history fenses. No White person was ever held disease. And we saw those diseases be- of a people in all of our variations is individually accountable for crimes come lethal during COVID–19. told truthfully. committed during the massacre, and As a son of the Bronx, I was often in the vast majority of survivors and three places. I was at home, I was at b 2015 their descendants were never directly school, and I was in the emergency We, too, are Americans. The Tulsan compensated for these harms. room, because I was repeatedly hos- residents of that time were Americans So not only did a White lynch mob pitalized for asthma. And the asthma as well. set the most vibrant, Black community epidemic in the Bronx, again, is not an I am reminded of the early stages of on fire, but then the United States pro- accident. It is a consequence of the my education. When Congressman

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.079 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2411 TORRES’ history was the Nina, the would see in our neighborhoods today what they feared was an upcoming Pinta, and the Santa Maria, I could al- or in our high schools today, dancers, Black uprising. most repeat that in my sleep, the three they had a full holistic community. Same as January 6, where there are ships that came with Christopher Co- There is some cars on the street. people who had the audacity to say it lumbus. He was the founder of Amer- Can you imagine 1921? looked like tourists on any normal ica—over and over again. Oh, I wish I could just take a trip day, when we were laying flat on the I’m not sure during the period of our back, just stand on the sidewalk, and floor in this building while banging and early childhood and those of recent just look with pride of history I did not screams and guns drawn on this side of vintage learned anything of Native know. I never imagined there were cit- that door. We didn’t know whether we American history, Korean-American ies like Tulsa, Oklahoma, as I was would live. And a lifesaving shot for history, Japanese-American, Chinese- growing up as a child. I never imagined that person who did not know what was American, African-American, slavery. I we had anything, we were worth any- happening, attempting to save lives. don’t know if our children in periods of thing, except for what my mother and Sadly, someone lost their life. the 20th century and now in the 21st father and grandparents poured into Members in near panic—rightly so— century knew there was more history. me. leaving these Chambers and walking I do know that the past President My big mother, which was my great- down and seeing AK–47s in the hands of wanted the Smithsonian, the African- grandmother, owned property obvi- individuals laying flat on the ground, American culture, to stop teaching ously destroyed by the highways and that our brave officers had under their about African history. I know that freeways that came in and took it watch. there was a challenge to the U.S. De- away in St. Petersburg, Florida. I just Yes, rioters. But in Greenwood, I partment of Education by Minority thought that was our way of life. Just want this picture to be embedded in Leader MCCONNELL, to stop teaching like I thought riding in the back of a your DNA, because you will see eco- the 1619 Project. It baffles me because train going south to visit her, sitting nomic prosperity, self-sufficiency. Yes, I believe that, if a country or a people by my lonely with a bag of fried chick- it was known as the Black Wall Street. know its history, we will not be en—that is right, I am not embar- They viewed, however, black males as doomed to repeat the past. rassed—to carry me through to visit fearsome, physical threats to their per- When I say ‘‘a people,’’ America is my grandmother in St. Petersburg, sonal safety, and the rivals of White represented by many people. If we Florida. Thank God, I got there safely. women. I don’t know what happened in knew each other’s history, if we under- I was just about 8 or 9 or 10, and I was an elevator, allegedly. The story, you stood each other’s history, could we sitting in the colored car, and I wasn’t know, it is always a mystery, but some not—even if not those who are already supposed to move except for necessary claim of some insult that occurred. past understanding, but could our chil- purposes. And all of a sudden the word went dren grow up with empathy and under- I didn’t know—I didn’t know I could out enraging leaders of the White com- standing? come here and see this. And our chil- munity, fine citizens, probably in some That is why we are here on the floor dren don’t know it. That is why we are church over the weekend. When I say of the House. We are not here to casti- on the floor today. We are on the floor in their church in that time, because gate and to throw untruthful hits. We today because we have to begin to em- they were always using the Bible are here to tell the truth. brace each other’s story. wrongly and incorrectly. And I will say Madam Speaker, tears come to my So I am very delighted that I am that because I believe in a merciful re- eyes as a series—and I only get to look leading on H. Res. 398, embraced by the demptive Jesus, as a Christian. There at television late in the night, after all Congressional Black Caucus. This will are many other faiths, Torah and the day’s work is done, and there is a be on the floor of the House this com- Koran and others. series called ‘‘The Underground Rail- ing Wednesday. And my counterpart in But I know in the redemptive faith of road.’’ You cannot look at that without the United States Senate is a very dear Christianity, we believe in redemption. shaking in your boots, shaking in the friend, Senator ELIZABETH WARREN, We don’t go out because we know that chair you are sitting in, tears coming who believes in this resolution, that is we have had one to sacrifice for us on to your eyes. the recognizing of the forthcoming cen- the cross so that we might be re- That is the empathy that America tennial, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. deemed. We sing that song in our com- can understand for all the journeys And it doesn’t say ‘‘riot.’’ It says ‘‘mas- munity, ‘‘Let the Redeemed Say So.’’ that so many of us have taken. We sacre.’’ It was a massacre. But apparently they didn’t have that have taken it, and we are here in this I Thank the House leadership. I memory. place. The greatest experiment that thank them for their understanding 100,000 Black people lived in that the world watches. the value and importance of this as we area, sold luxury items. Twenty-one Can they make it? lead into June and begin to move on restaurants, 30 grocery stores, a hos- They were watching it from Abraham H.R. 40, the Commission to Study and pital, savings and loan, a post office, Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Develop Reparation Proposals. It is three hotels, jewelry and clothing, two 1863, and then General Granger in 1865. nothing harmful. There is nothing that movie theaters, a library, pool halls, They watched us through the 1800s. will undermine anyone. It is to accept bus and cab service, a nationally recog- We failed. Reconstruction did not what happened. nized school system. A nationally rec- work. Even with all the Governors and So I am so grateful we have almost ognized school system, when all of us Congress people that had been elected 100 cosponsors, and maybe more to are fighting for our children to be edu- are freed slaves. That ugly head of rac- come into the next 24 hours, for a story cated. ism, white supremacy, lynching, the that was never told. Today, I left Houston. And guess tearing asunder of Black communities, Oh, yes, as a little Black girl, I could what? We have a new resident of Texas: the still tearing apart of families, the tell you about Columbus, tell you Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent. lynching of men and women who went about Abraham Lincoln, tell you about We were standing together because off to the grocery store—when I say George Washington. And most of them he was producing with Mayor Turner that, the local store, whatever it was today in the 21st century, they are not and Al Kashani and the School Super- down the road—and never came back. hearing about the wide diversity of our intendent Grenita Lathan, and all In 1921—boy, I am just so proud of history, Madam Speaker—yours and elected officials to announce an entre- this picture—this is bustling Tulsa, mine and the many people that are on preneurial program. Oklahoma. This is the example of the this side of the aisle or that side of the Can you imagine, to be able to build excitement. I am reading where it says aisle. up our children? the McGowan Variety Store. There are So let me just recount very briefly They had two Black newspapers, six some McGowans in Houston. They again. A century ago, White rioters, private planes. And I want to say it might be related. These are the pranc- local law enforcement, and self-ap- again, a recognized school system. ing people with their cowboy hats on. pointed vigilantes claim to be acting On May 31 of that year, 35 city blocks It looks as if students, just like we reasonably and in self-defense against went up in flames and 300 persons were

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.081 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2412 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 murdered and, to my knowledge, buried to Study and Develop Reparation Pro- for Not-For-Profit Law, just one of 81 anti- in an unmarked grave; 800 were injured posals, because we can see it in real protest bills introduced in 34 states during and 9,000 were left homeless. life. the 2021 legislative session alone—most of Yes, one cannot ignore this history, them framed as a response to last summer’s b 2030 Black Lives Matter protests. But instead of but it has been ignored, it has been So this is part of the Tulsa that tackling the root causes of these nationwide snuffed out, it has been put under. protests against police brutality, racism and I never knew about it until people never got acknowledged. anti-Blackness, many lawmakers are at- like Dr. Crutcher, from this great city, Madam Speaker, let me show you ad- tempting to intimidate, malign and crim- and various leaders that have brought ditional fires so you can see the build- inalize peaceful protesters. to our attention even more. But over ings going up in smoke. We are not Laws like this one will undoubtedly have the years, obviously, in my study of making it up. All of these buildings— painful and long-lasting consequences in Oklahoma and the rest of the nation. Black, reparations, I have seen the insults brick buildings—were burned to the ground. brown and Indigenous people will surely be that have happened when no one both- locked up, ripped apart from their families, ered to respond. Can you imagine someone who sur- and may lose their jobs for exercising their Brutality that we are now trying to vived the post-traumatic stress, the First Amendment right to peacefully assem- correct by acknowledging in H. Res. horrors of their life, the willingness ble in a protest. They will surely receive 398, and I hope my colleagues will come not to live anymore, and the giving up harsher punishments for protesting police to the floor of the House to be able to of hope? brutality and racial injustice than, for in- address it. People wonder, oh, those lazy Ne- stance, White protesters demonstrating for groes and colored people who worked gun rights or for their desire to control a Let me show you what that massacre woman’s body. generated, and you will understand. for over 250 years in bondage. This isn’t the only bill introduced in Okla- Madam Speaker, how much time is Finally, I am going to put the picture homa this session that’s followed the Tulsa remaining? of the slaves, the individuals. So this is Race Massacre’s sinister legacy of suppres- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the story we tell tonight. We don’t sion and erasure of Black Oklahomans. Half tlewoman has 7 minutes remaining. even tell it with a sense of vengeance. a dozen bills have already been introduced to Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, We tell it with a sense of dignity, re- restrict absentee voting and require identi- you saw the bustling town. You saw spect, and honor. The courage of those fication to vote, echoing the growing trend of voting restrictions around the country. the bustling town. This is a charred people, and the genius of those people— they weren’t even freed slaves for 100 Historically in our state as elsewhere, these Negro who suffered in the Tulsa riots. tactics have been used to disenfranchise Yes, I am like Emmett Till’s mother, years and look what they created. Black and brown, poor and older commu- Let the world see it. This is what hap- There is a story on CNN: ‘‘My great- nities and people with disabilities, with the pened to an innocent Black person. grandmother survived the 1921 Tulsa precedent being set in one state and spread- By the way, the dead included chil- massacre. We are not heeding her his- ing like wildfire to the rest of the country. dren. Tulsa Historical Society. This is tory.’’ For what was once the wealthi- On May 7, Governor Stitt signed HB 1775 America. And this is a story that we est Black neighborhood in America be- into law, which will prohibit Oklahoma came charred ash in a matter of hours. schools from teaching critical race theory— failed to tell. This is what happened. or in other words important lessons about We have more stories to tell. We be- But we have not come to a conclusion systemic racism and diversity. The measure lieve that a picture is worth a thou- to end this kind of White supremacy is meant to essentially stifle important dis- sands words. We can never, never over- and racism. cussions about, among other things, the 1921 come that burned, charred body. Madam Speaker, I include this in the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Trail of Tears and I showed you what Tulsa looked like, RECORD. the Osage murders in classrooms and beyond. the Black Wall Street, and the burned- [From CNN, May 14, 2021] Erasing our history, yet again, will have devastating consequences. And Oklahoma isn’t out ruins of Greenwood. Tulsa, Okla- OPINION: MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER SURVIVED alone—bills banning or restricting the teach- homa library—they even got it in the THE 1921 TULSA MASSACRE. WE’RE NOT ing of critical race theory have been drafted HEEDING HER HISTORY library. I don’t know how many people in Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, New Hamp- have seen it. It is a wasteland, a literal A century ago, my Black brothers and sis- shire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and West wasteland. Smoke is coming up. Peo- ters were decimated by one of the worst oc- Virginia and already passed in Utah, Arkan- ple’s homes are gone. Wealth is gone. currences of racial violence in our nation’s sas, Idaho and Tennessee. People were never to be presented with history. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, White Bills like HB 1775 attempt to obscure the any relief. None. I don’t even think gangs flooded into the thriving Greenwood fact that heinous instances of racial vio- neighborhood and murdered up to 300 Black they got a thank-you—not even a lence, from slavery to Jim Crow laws to the men, women and children. According to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, are not blemishes thank-you. Tulsa Historical Society, 1,500 Black homes on our history but consequences of discrimi- So our resolution condemns violence were burned, along with over 600 businesses, natory systems that continue to harm Black and destruction perpetrated against and places of worship, healing, learning and people today. the African-American community of gathering. Such laws are designed to prevent a full Greenwood. Our resolution has a rejec- My great-grandmother, Rebecca Brown and honest accounting of how systemic rac- tion and active opposition to the false Crutcher—a woman who was the picture of ism works. The bill says it will prohibit the ideology of white supremacy and con- Black excellence—lived and worked in the teaching that ‘‘an individual, by virtue of his Greenwood community. But in 1921, she fled or her race or sex, bears responsibility for demnation of all groups. Our resolution in fear of her life as White Tulsans burned actions committed in the past by other believes in promoting tolerance and her neighborhood to the ground. members of the same race or sex,’’ thereby unity, and taking action to ensure gov- What was once the wealthiest Black neigh- upholding White supremacy and helping ab- ernmental policies and action to pro- borhood in America became charred ash in a solve the city of Tulsa and the state of the mote tolerance and unity. matter of hours. 10,000 Black residents were moral obligation of paying reparations to Our resolution is calling for all left homeless—and an entire generation of the survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Americans to celebrate the ethnic, ra- Black Tulsans were robbed of their wealth Race Massacre. HB 1775 also flies in the face cial, and religious diversity that has and prosperity they had built. To this day, of reality—as if the wealth and security not one person has ever been held account- stripped from Black Tulsans a century ago made the United States great. Our res- able and not a single cent of reparations has doesn’t have a direct relationship to the wid- olution encourages all persons of the been paid to the survivors or the victims’ de- ening gaps in home ownership, education, United States to reflect upon the his- scendants. life expectancy and arrest rates today. tory of the United States as an imper- Without this necessary reckoning with the Each of us should learn the hard lessons of fect but committed journey to estab- past, we’re already repeating it. As Okla- the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the contin- lish a more perfect union. Our resolu- homa and many around the world are pre- ued harm shouldered by the survivors, the tion is recognized as a commitment of paring to mark the centennial of the 1921 descendants and the neighborhood of Green- Congress to acknowledge and learn Tulsa Race Massacre, last month, Oklahoma wood. We should learn that race, racism and Governor Kevin Stitt signed a law criminal- discrimination have very real, concrete ef- from the history of racism and racial izing peaceful protesters and giving immu- fects on our history, our culture, our politics violence in the United States. nity to drivers who ‘‘unintentionally’’ kill or and our current lives. But we can’t learn the Our resolution lays the groundwork injure protesters. This law is, according to truth or grow from it if it’s hidden from us— for moving to H.R. 40, the Commission the count kept by the International Center and that’s precisely what HB 1775 attempts

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.082 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2413 to do. In so doing, this measure continues Monday night to discuss the signing of HB also during this period that thousands of Af- the harm of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, 1775 into law. rican Americans accused of crimes against because a century later, Stitt and our elect- Phil Armstrong, the project director of the White people—but particularly Black men ed officials are still trying to bury the les- 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Com- accused of sexual assaulting White women— sons that our ancestors would want us to mission, said HB 1775 ‘‘chills the ability of were summarily executed by White lynch carry forward. educators to teach students, of any age, and mobs. Local authorities at the time often As a descendant of a Tulsa Race Massacre will only serve to intimidate educators who condoned or even participated in these survivor, it’s painful to see Oklahoma’s gov- seek to reveal and process our hidden his- extrajudicial killings or otherwise did little ernor refuse to learn from our history and tory. You know that. We delivered this mes- to nothing to stop them. acknowledge its continuing impact today. sage to you before you signed the measure. Yet despite this national atmosphere, Tul- Instead, he’s chosen to saddle our teachers We were joined by educators, school boards, sa’s Greenwood district thrived. Black work- and educators with even more baggage, and universities, faith, and community leaders, ers were mostly shut out of the booming oil potentially penalize them for doing what’s all of whom vigorously objected to HB 1775. industry driving Tulsa’s meteoric turn-of- right. You seemingly disregarded and dismissed the-century growth, so many working-class My hope is that our teachers will look this this chorus of voices aligned against HB residents had to find work doing menial or evil in the eye and refuse to give in or back 1775.’’ domestic labor. Greenwood’s vibrant econ- down. I hope they will continue teaching the The governor responded by saying, in part, omy instead was driven mainly by residents’ truth about topics like the 1921 Tulsa Race ‘‘it is disappointing that some commission entrepreneurial skills previously developed Massacre—including that it was borne from members feel that a common-sense law pre- in the many all-Black towns that dotted the White supremacy, a mortal threat to our de- venting students from being taught that one Oklahoma landscape. The range of Black- mocracy that remains with us today. Our race or sex is superior to another is contrary owned businesses located in Greenwood in- students deserve the unbridled truth, not a to the mission of reconciliation and restora- cluded grand hotels, restaurants, theaters, polished facade that makes us feel good tion.’’ pharmacies, diners, barbershops, and small about ourselves. C.J. Webber-Neal, president of the Green- mom-and-pop shops. Greenwood was also Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, wood Arts & Cultural Society, INC., also home to hundreds of professionals, including doctors, lawyers, and real estate agents. I include the KJRH article in the called for the governor’s resignation as a commission member. In a statement, Many residents lived under conditions typ- RECORD. Webber-Neal said he was satisfied with hav- ical of the working-class in that era and [From KJRH] ing Stitt removed from the commission. subsisted without running water or elec- GOV. STITT RESPONDS TO LETTER FROM TULSA ‘‘The Greenwood Arts & Cultural Society, tricity. The district’s more prosperous resi- RACE MASSACRE COMMISSION INC. is very pleased that the 1921 Tulsa Race dents lived in modern houses befitting their TULSA, OK, May 14, 2021.—Gov. Kevin Stitt Massacre Centennial Commission has with middle and upper-class economic status. has officially been removed from the 1921 one concise voice taken action to remove Simply put, by the time of the Massacre, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commis- Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma, from it residents of Greenwood had created a thriv- sion. body. ing, and, in many ways economically self- This comes after Stitt signed a bill lim- Based upon the stated mission of this body, sufficient, Black enclave. iting race and gender curriculums in Okla- we stand in solidarity with their action re- No African American had been lynched in homa schools earlier in May. House Bill 1775 garding Governor Stitt’s role as a member of Tulsa at the time of the Massacre. The prohibits state public schools, colleges, and this Commission, based upon his signing of threat of racially motivated violence, how- universities from incorporating certain mes- HB 1775 into law. The truth of the horrific ever, cast an everpresent shadow over the sages about sex and race into any course in- story of 1921’s Race Massacre (as well as Greenwood district. Incidents of lynching oc- struction. other history of the experiences of minori- curring across the country were heavily re- This also comes on the 100th anniversary ties in America) must be taught honestly ported in the local Black press. Editorials in of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, where a and unequivocally, so that future genera- local Black-owned newspapers in Tulsa pub- white mob attacked Black residents and tions will learn of the demons of our past so lished the year or so leading up to the Mas- businesses in the Greenwood District of we as a society will not be doomed to repeat sacre decried instances of ‘‘mob law’’ and Tulsa, also known as Black Wall Street. this evil act. prominent Greenwood residents advocated The governor’s office released the fol- At this time, we also encourage this body for armed African Americans to protect lowing statement Friday afternoon: to add in the Governor’s place survivors and Black prisoners from White lynch mobs. ‘‘Governor Stitt’s role as a member of the descendants of the massacre, so that rep- Most saliently, the lynching of a White man 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Com- resentation of this painful period in our his- in Tulsa and of a young African American mission has been purely ceremonial and he tory can be reflected thru the experiences of man in Oklahoma City within the same week had not been invited to attend a meeting those who were directly impacted by this in the year proceeding the Massacre con- until this week. It is disappointing to see an tragic event. vinced many Black Tulsans that local au- organization of such importance spend so Furthermore, we encourage any available thorities could not be counted on to protect much effort to sow division based on false- monetary relief be given by this organization a Black person accused of a serious crime hoods and political rhetoric two weeks be- to the three survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race against a White person. Notably—but unsurprisingly in segregated fore the centennial and a month before the Massacre. This should be done as both a sign Tulsa—none of these Black viewpoints on commission is scheduled to sunset. The gov- of reconciliation and the rising of the eternal lynching were reflected in the local White ernor and first lady will continue to support spirit of Greenwood. This we believe is long press, and likely few, if any White Tulsans the revitalization of the Greenwood District, overdue.’’ honest conversations about racial reconcili- regularly read Black-owned newspapers. In- ation and pathways of hope in Oklahoma.’’ Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, stead, the White-owned press focused at that The commission sent 2 News the following I include a detailed account of the time on crime and allegations of local cor- statement: Tulsa Race Massacre in the CONGRES- ruption. An oil boomtown at the beginning ‘‘The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial SIONAL RECORD. of the Prohibition Era, Tulsa’s crime rate in Commissioners met Tuesday and agreed the early 1920’s appeared to residents to be DETAILED ACCOUNT OF TULSA RACE MASSACRE through consensus to part ways with Gov- increasing. In particular, the city had gained OF 1921 ernor Stitt. No elected officials, nor rep- a seedy reputation for illegal liquor and resentatives of elected officials, were in- ACCOUNT BASED ON FACTS AND DOCUMENTS RE- prostitution. volved in this decision. While the Commis- PORTED IN ‘‘FINAL REPORT OF THE OKLAHOMA For the most part during the period lead- sion is disheartened to part ways with Gov- COMMISSSION TO STUDY THE TULSA RACE RIOT ing up to the Massacre, White-owned papers ernor Stitt, we are thankful for the things OF 1921’’ had not blamed African Americans for the accomplished together. The Commission re- Starting late on the evening on May 31 and apparent rise in crime, and crimes in Green- mains focused on lifting up the story of continuing into the day of June 1, 1921, a wood did not receive a disproportionate Black Wall Street and commemorating the White mob attacked the Greenwood district amount of coverage. But only 10 days prior Centennial. With just weeks before the Cen- of Tulsa, Oklahoma, razing it to the ground. to the Massacre, a story focused White tennial of one of the worst Race massacres in The attackers looted and intentionally Tulsans’ attention on the then-racially in- the history of the U.S., Commissioners stand burned an estimated 1,256 homes in Green- flammatory subject of relations between united in focusing time, energy and efforts wood—known as America’s ‘‘Black Wall Black men and White women. On May 21, on descendants, survivors, education, eco- Street’’—along with nearly all the district’s 1921, a local story regarding a police inves- nomic development and progress this year churches, schools, and businesses. tigation into the city’s prostitution quoted a and beyond. We hope to see many of you in The number of persons killed in the riot former local judge blaming the problem on person or virtually at some of our events may never be known, but a 2001 report by Af- the hotels and ‘‘Negro pimps,’’ and recounted that we hope will drive change for years to rican Americans during this era lived under the testimony of a local clergyman that led come.’’ the ever-present threat of mass racial vio- a group of White men undercover who The commission previously issued Stitt a lence—which often took the form of White claimed that African American porters rou- letter after he did not join a special meeting mobs invading Black communities. It was tinely offered them the services of White

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.042 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2414 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 prostitutes, and to have witnessed carousing The Black Tulsans returned fire. While the to one account, a recent young Mexican im- between Black men and White women at a initial shooting at the courthouse lasted migrant named Maria Morales Gutierrez roadhouse just outside the city limits. only a few seconds, several street battles saved two Black children from being strafed To be clear, as this contemporary news- erupted among groups of Black and White by an airplane. She then later refused White paper story implies, the racism and preju- Tulsans. The Black Tulsans—significantly rioters’ demands to hand the children over to dices of many White Tulsans tainted their outnumbered by the mob and fighting now them. She and the children survived. perceptions of the Black community and the for their own lives—engaged in a fighting re- The assault and destruction of Greenwood later events that set off the Massacre. De- treated, exchanging gunfire with their White lasted roughly until midday June 1, 1921, spite the fact that racial segregation laws pursuers as they sought to return to the rel- when martial law was declared. Around 9:00 were gaining ground statewide in Oklahoma, ative safety of the Greenwood district. a.m., a National Guard unit based in Okla- many White Tulsans appeared to fear that In the immediate aftermath of the homa City—which was entirely White—fi- the color line was blurring and grew angry at events at the courthouse, some Whites nally arrived by train after having been re- instances where Black Tulsans challenged or began making brief armed forays into quested hours earlier by local authorities. ignored segregationist laws and practices. Greenwood by car or committing indis- By the time these ‘‘State Troops’’—as both Further contributing to some White Tulsans’ Blacks and Whites later referred to them to racial grievances was resentment of Green- criminate acts of looting, murder, and differentiate them from the local ‘‘Home wood’s most prosperous residents, a feeling mayhem. Around 1:00 a.m. on June 1 Guard’’ unit discussed further below—arrived that appears to have been exacerbated by a there began the first reports of fires in Tulsa, the violence had been occurring for drop in oil prices and subsequent oil field being set. When the fire brigade an- nearly 11 hours. Many Blacks and Whites layoffs that preceded the Massacre. In a swered the call, armed Whites pre- were dead, and while some looting continued, deeply segregated city where Black residents vented them from putting out the fires. the Greenwood district was mostly in fiery could not work, live near, or socialize with By 4:00 a.m. more than two dozen ruin. Most of the city’s Black residents had their fellow residents as equals, many White Black-owned businesses had been de- either fled or had been interned against their Tulsans filled the vacuum created by the will at several locations, including at the lack of racial equality and understanding stroyed by flames. The worst destruc- Convention Hall, a fairground, and a baseball with racism and prejudice. tion, however, had yet to come. park. This local newspaper story, and another on As many of these events were occurring si- Local authorities later claimed that this a breakout at the jail printed a few days multaneous and across a relative wide area was for the protection of Black lives, but later (though containing no racial overtones) of the city, confusion reigned as the night of without a doubt they were also motivated by appeared to provide White Tulsans fed up May 31 became the early morning hours of lingering fear of a supposed ‘‘Negro upris- with crime—and inflamed by racial preju- June 1, 1921. Some Black residents resolved ing.’’ dice—a convenient racial scapegoat for their to defend their homes and businesses, taking A number of these ‘‘Special Deputies’’— frustrations, and contributed to long- up armed positions to defend Greenwood. identified by ribbons and other ‘‘badges of of- standing local conditions that had turned Skirmishes broke out between armed Blacks fice’’ supplied to them—were witnessed en- Tulsa into a powder keg waiting for a spark and Whites at various points in the district gaging in arson, likely engaged in other acts to ignite. in the early overnight hours. Other Black of violence and mayhem during the Massacre The night of May 31, 1921, the spark was residents, rightly fearing the worst had yet and aided in rounding up Black residents for struck as Black Tulsans’ fear of a lynching to occur, began to leave the city—many es- internment. appeared on the cusp of realization. That day caped but some were killed. Immediately following the shooting near police took into custody nineteen-year-old Still other Black residents thought the the courthouse, Whites had begun breaking Dick Rowland, a Black man accused of sexu- worst had already happened; that as far as into sporting good stores, pawnshops, and ally assaulting Sarah Page, a seventeen- they knew Dick Rowland had not been hardware stores to steal firearms with which year-old White elevator operator. After word lynched, and—with the most intense skir- to arm themselves—some later claiming that of the allegations spread through Tulsa’s mishing having abated by 2:00 a.m. according they were ‘‘borrowing’’ the weapons. newspapers. One White-owned Tulsa paper to one Black eyewitness—some of Green- One business owner—whose sporting goods ran an article entitled ‘‘Nab Negro for At- wood’s defenders even concluded that they store was literally across the street from po- tacking Girl in Elevator’’ and a number of had successfully fended off the attackers. lice headquarters—later testified that a po- eyewitnesses recall seeing a newspaper edi- Whites engaged in the attack also com- lice officer helped distribute the guns that torial entitled ‘‘To Lynch Negro—that mitted numerous other atrocities. According were taken from his store. evening a large White crowd began to gather to one Black eyewitness, White looters mur- The local guard unit also worked with the around the courthouse jail where Rowland dered a Black elderly disabled man who, de- Tulsa Police Department to round up, dis- was being held. At the same time, several spite having expressed a willingness to do so, arm, and take into custody Black residents, groups of Black Tulsans—many of whom could not comply with their order to leave with guardsmen offering the promise that if were World War I veterans—resolved to pro- his home. According to one White eye- they came peacefully their homes and busi- tect the Black prisoner threatened by the witness, prominent Black surgeon Dr. A.C. nesses would be protected. mob. Jackson was gunned down on his front lawn This action, however, effectively left Black As the mob jeered the handful of deputy with his hands up after attempting to com- lives and property defenseless to a White sheriffs guarding the courthouse, a group of ply with the White rioters. Another Black Mob aided by local police officers and their 25 Black Tulsans approached the beleaguered eyewitness recounted how he and 30 or 40 ‘‘Special Deputies’’, leading to further de- officers to offer their assistance. The local other men who had surrendered to the riot- struction of property and helping contribute authorities quickly declined their offer, but ers were lined up and forced to run with to the near total internment of the Black the sight of armed Black men insistent on hands over their heads to an interment cen- population in the days immediately fol- protecting Rowland from ‘‘mob law’’ proved ter located at Convention Hall, all while lowing the riot. too much for the thousand-strong White some of their White captors shot at their In the eyes of the grand jury, a group of crowd. As the Black Tulsans returned to heels with guns. A group of White men even armed Black residents standing up for equal Greenwood assured of Rowland’s safety for ran a car into the group, knocking over two rights understandably provoked the White the moment, some members of the White or three of their number. In another horri- crowd, and therefore, the entire Black com- crowd left to obtain firearms from their fying display of brutality, a Black disabled munity in Greenwood essentially deserved homes. homeless man was tied by his leg to a car what happened. Adding to this injustice, the The Massacre began after a second group of and dragged by ‘‘white thugs’’ through the grand jury indicted 85 people—the majority around 75 armed Black Tulsans returned to streets of the downtown business district of whom were African Americans—with Mas- the courthouse later that evening following where he panhandled. sacre-related offenses. reports that the White mob continued to Many Black residents—including women While most of these charges were ulti- grow even larger (later estimated at 2,000 in- with children or elderly family members in mately dismissed or not pursued no Whites dividuals) and more agitated. They again of- tow—were shot at in the streets as they at- were ever sent to prison for any of the mur- fered their assistance to local authorities tempted to flee. Despite the ferocity of the ders or arson committed on May 31 and June guarding Rowland and were again rebuffed. attackers, many Black residents continued 1, 1921. This time, however, as they departed, ele- their armed resistance. Eventually, however, Due to their decades-long efforts, the story ments of the White crowd accosted a Black these defenders were overwhelmed by the of the Massacre slowly resurfaced in the na- World War I veteran with a racial slur and a sheer force of numbers and firepower of the tional consciousness, leading to greater de- demand for his weapon. When the veteran re- White invaders. mands for the justice long denied to aging fused, a scuffle broke out over the gun and Of course, not all Tulsans shared the rac- survivors and their next of kin. shots were fired. ism of the White rioters. There are several At the state and local level, in 1997 the While these shots could have been uninten- accounts of Whites hiding Black Tulsans Oklahoma State Legislature created the tional, members of the White mob—and pos- fleeing the violence at farms or homes out- Oklahoma Commission to Study the Race sibly some members of law enforcement side the city or standing up to White rioters Riot of 1921. In 2001, the commission issued a present at the courthouse—immediately who threatened them for sheltering Black final report and recommendations. In a let- opened fire on all the Black men present. acquaintances at their workplace. According ter to officials for the State of Oklahoma

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.035 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2415 and the City of Tulsa accompanying the re- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Then I want to Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, on port, the commission noted that in February salute those who will be honoring 100 behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I 2000, the commission had already declared: years in the next couple of weeks. I that reparations to the historic Greenwood rise to anchor this most important Special community in real and tangible form would want to very quickly say that remem- Order remembering one of the darkest mo- be good public policy and do much to repair ber what I said, I knew the history of ments in American history, the Tulsa-Green- the emotional and physical scars of this ter- Christopher Columbus. I didn’t know wood Race Massacre, that occurred in the Af- rible incident in our shared past. We listed the history of my Native American rican American Greenwood community of several recommended courses of action in- brothers. I didn’t know the history of Tulsa, Oklahoma, on May 31–June 1, 1921. cluding direct payments to riot survivors my own self, slavery. I know Big Moth- I am pleased to be joined by Congressman and descendants; a scholarship fund avail- er, which is what we called her. She TORRES of New York, who will co-anchor this able to students affected by the riot; establishment of an economic development enter- owned land, and then I knew it dis- Special Order and my several members of the prise zone in the historic Greenwood district; appeared. I knew I rode in the back of Congressional Black Caucus, which under the a memorial for the riot victims. a train to visit her as a little girl. leadership of our Chair, Congresswoman The commission reiterated its support for Guess what, Madam Speaker? BEATTY of Ohio, was unified and determined reparations and emphasized that these rec- Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma that the reign of racial terror, carried out under ommendations were a starting point and not was on the commission on the Tulsa color of law, that was visited on the black citi- exhaustive. Twenty years later, however, race massacre, but he signed the bill zens of Greenwood not be forgotten and that neither the State of Oklahoma nor the City of Tulsa has provided direct compensation to limiting race and gender curriculums the injuries they suffered be redressed. survivors and their descendants. in Oklahoma schools earlier in May. Madam Speaker, earlier this year, I intro- In recent years, the City of Tulsa has made Madam Speaker, can you believe it? duced a resolution (H. Res. 215 later modified some token gestures to acknowledge the It was House bill 1775. As well, he as H. Res. 398), joined by 84 cosponsors, rec- Massacre. In 2010, the City of Tulsa dedicated goes on to not stand for what this com- ognizing the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park mission is all about: truth. Race Massacre. to commemorate the Massacre’s victims. In So tonight we come to the floor. Re- As the great southern writer William Faulk- 2018, the City of Tulsa finally announced member what I said: I am not in any that it would reexamine the potential mass ner reminded us: ‘‘The past is never dead. It’s graves noted in the 2001 commission report. way throwing darts or stones at any- not even past.’’ In October 2020, archeologists discovered a one. I am here to raise up the dignity Madam Speaker, as I and other Members mass grave at Oaklawn Cemetery, one of the of this man, this person, this body, will elucidate this evening, the hatreds, preju- possible mass grave sites identified in the burned because he was Black, pros- dices, resentments, and white supremacy that 2001 report, and the City plans to exhume the perous, and ready to serve America. Black Americans witnessed and suffered in bodies for further identification in June 2021. No one can tell me how many in that Greenwood a century ago are not dead; they While the City of Tulsa has, in effect, cap- 1921 massacre had been in World War I, are not even past. italized on its public campaign to acknowl- had worn the uniform and come home A century ago, White rioters, local law en- edge the Massacre, pointedly, it appears to and made a new life. have made no plan to use the resources gen- forcement, and self-appointed vigilantes erated to directly compensate survivors and How many can tell us out of those claimed to be acting reasonably and in self- their descendants nor address the racial and who would have lived, would have been defense against what they feared was an up- economic disparities that can be traced back ready to go serve in World War II and coming Black uprising. to the Massacre. In May 2020, Human Rights then on, and their progeny continue to They resented the economic prosperity and Watch issued a report recommending several build this wonderful economic engine? self-sufficiency of the Greenwood community, actions to be taken at the federal, state, and Today those who remain are three which was known nationally as ‘‘Black Wall local level to address the Massacre, includ- living descendants of those who were Street.’’ ing providing compensation directly to sur- there. They tell me as I will go to vivors and their descendants, and repara- They viewed Black males as fearsome tions to the Black community in Tulsa for Tulsa, there is one door left. physical threats to their personal safety and as racial discrimination exacerbated by the It is a crying shame. So I lift this rivals to white women. Massacre. According to the report, Green- story up, and I let you know, Madam These baseless, irrational concerns are not wood had begun to thrive again by the 1940s. Speaker, that the Congressional Black a relic of the past, they are with us today and Yet rather than preserve what it once al- Caucus, yes, the conscience of this Na- are what resulted in the deaths of George lowed to be destroyed, the State of Okla- tion, has a vital purpose to be able to Floyd, Tamir Rice, Deonte Wright, Stephon homa and the City of Tulsa took several sub- tell the story. Someone I hope is listen- Clark, Amidou Diallo, and hundreds of others sequent actions that disproportionately bur- ing. Someone I hope is listening. Some- too numerous to list. dened Black residents—including the build- one I hope heard Brother Torres. I hope ing of several highways through Greenwood In 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood Dis- starting in the 1960s and through the 1970s— they heard HANK JOHNSON and BARBARA trict, known as ‘‘Black Wall Street,’’ was one of that ultimately led to Greenwood’s long LEE. I hope they have heard all of us. the most documented prosperous African term decline. Because if we do not know our history, American communities in the United States. These actions also forced the majority of we are doomed to repeat it. We must The Greenwood community with a popu- residents to move out of historic Greenwood take the reins, lift up the dignity, lation of over 100,000 Black people had stores into North Tulsa, which to this day is sig- honor these courageous saints, and we that sold luxury items, 21 restaurants, 30 gro- nificantly poorer compared to other areas of must fight on. the city. cery stores, a hospital, a savings and loan Additionally, survivors and their descend- Pass this resolution on the centen- bank, a post office, three hotels, jewelry and ants have filed legal claims against the City nial. Pass H.R. 40 to establish a com- clothing stores, two movie theaters, a library, of Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma seeking mission to study reparations. Pass the pool halls, a bus and cab service, a nationally compensation for Massacre-related harms. American Jobs Plan, pass the Amer- recognized school system, six private air- Unfortunately, time and distance from the ican Rescue Plan, and lift all boats. planes, and two black newspapers. events have in the past worked to thwart For as we do so, God will be the witness On May 31st of that year, the 35 city blocks these claims. In 2004, the Tenth Circuit, up- for what we have done and the journey of Greenwood went up in flames, at least 300 holding the lower court’s decision to grant the State and City’s motion for summary we have made. Black persons were murdered and more than judgment, held that the plaintiffs’ claims Madam Speaker, I am honored to 800 were injured; it is estimated that not less were barred by the applicable statute of lim- have been here today. I am honored to than 9,000 were left homeless and destitute. itations, and that no equitable tolling to the be part of the Congressional Black Cau- These rioters reenacted the brutality of the statute of limitations period applied. The cus. I am honored to be part of this mob from a hundred years ago in the hal- Supreme Court denied the plaintiff’s petition House of Representatives. I am honored lowed halls of the Citadel of Democracy. for writ of certiorari in 2005. Despite these to be an American, and I will not have It should not be overlooked that the source adverse legal rulings, a lawsuit for Massacre- my history denied or my children fail- of their irrational anger, hatred, and violent re- related claims was filed in state court last ing to know that history. That is why year alleging that the Massacre is an ongo- action was that Black Americans voted in ing injustice to the residents of Greenwood we are here today. Let us march on overwhelming numbers in Atlanta, Philadel- because contemporary racial and economic until victory is won. phia, Milwaukee, and Detroit to oust the most disparities existing in Tulsa can be traced Madam Speaker, I thank the gen- negative, divisive, racially hostile, and incom- back to the attack. tleman for yielding. petent president’s history, the 45th President,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.038 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 who presided over the deaths of more than and civil and law enforcement officials depu- grieve over the loss of so many loved ones 500,000 Americans, disproportionately Black tized many White men who were participants and of faith in the American system of justice. and Brown. in the violence as their agents, directly contrib- Mr. TORRES of New York. Madam The legacy of white mob violence inflicted uting to the violence through overt and often Speaker, I yield back the balance of upon the Black community of Greenwood has illegal acts. my time. scarred the descendants of the victims of this Over a period of 24 hours, the White mob’s Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, American pogrom. violence led to the death of an estimated 300 the Tulsa-Greenwood Massacre was a mass Madam Speaker, the events of January 6th Black residents, as well as over 800 reports of killing targeting Black Americans in one of the have given us insight into what the people of injuries. prosperous Black communities in the country. Greenwood, Oklahoma, faced when they were The White mob looted, damaged, burned, or As we approach its 100th anniversary, we attacked by a similar murderous mob. otherwise destroyed approximately 40 square must reflect on the events and beliefs that led H.R. 398 is a reminder to the nation of the blocks of the Greenwood district, including an to those fateful days in late May of 1921, its ultimate cruelty inflicted upon a people for estimated 1,256 homes of Black residents, as place in our nation’s history, and its lasting im- dare believing that the promise of America well as virtually every other structure, including pacts on the Black community. was attainable by them and their achieve- churches, schools, businesses, a hospital, and Founded and built by former slaves, freed ments would be respected and protected by a library, leaving nearly 9,000 Black residents by the ratification of the 13th amendment, the law. of the Greenwood community homeless and Greenwood District was a true testament to But it does more than that, it puts the House effectively wiping out tens of millions of dollars the American Dream. The district was defined of Representatives on record that the United in Black prosperity and wealth. by its entrepreneurial spirit and success and States can achieve a more perfect union: In the wake of the Tulsa Race Massacre, offered newly-freed men and women the 1. by condemning the violence and destruc- the Governor of Oklahoma declared martial chance to make a name for themselves and tion perpetrated against the African-American law, and units of the Oklahoma National their families. community of Greenwood, in Tulsa, Okla- Guard participated in the mass arrests of all or But their success was being followed closely homa, the scene of the then-largest single in- nearly all of Greenwood’s surviving residents, by those who wished otherwise—those who were looking for any opportunity to materialize stance of domestic terror against American removing them from Greenwood to other parts their resent. And in the face of baseless alle- citizens; of Tulsa and unlawfully detaining them in hold- gations of a crime committed by a Black man, 2. through the rejection and active opposi- ing centers. tion to the false ideology of White supremacy Oklahoma local and state governments dis- that hatred resulted in what is now known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. The massacre re- and condemnation of all groups and organiza- missed claims arising from the 1921 Tulsa sulted in the deaths of over 300 Black men, tions that ascribe to this false system of belief Race Massacre for decades, and the event women, and children and left around 9,000 and seek to perpetuate their views through vi- was effectively erased from collective memory more without homes or a source of income— olence and unlawful conduct; and history until, in 1997, the Oklahoma State not to mention the immeasurable impact left 3. by promoting tolerance and unity and tak- Legislature finally created a commission to ing actions to ensure that governmental poli- on generations of Black Americans. study the event. As Members of Congress, we stand here in cies and actions do not foster division, dishar- On February 28, 2001, the commission the Capitol of the United States, itself built by mony, or intolerance; issued a report that detailed, for the first time, slaves who are largely forgotten, with a unique 4. by calling upon all Americans to celebrate the extent of the Massacre and decades-long opportunity to take action. That is why I am the ethnic, racial, and religious diversity that efforts to suppress its recollection. proud to be a cosponsor of Congresswoman has made the United States the leader of the None of the law enforcement officials nor JACKSON LEE and Senator WARREN’s resolu- community of nations and the beacon of hope any of the hundreds of other White mob mem- tion to recognize the forthcoming centennial of and inspiration to oppressed persons every- bers who participated in the violence were the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and con- where; ever prosecuted or held accountable for the demning past and present efforts to downplay 5. encouraging all persons in the United hundreds of lives lost and tens of millions of its significance. It is critical that Congress take States to reflect upon the history of the United dollars of Black wealth destroyed, despite the this step not only to honor the lives and leg- States as an imperfect but committed journey Tulsa Race Massacre Commission confirming acies of those lost but also to encourage edu- to establish a more perfect union and to cher- their roles in the Massacre, nor was any com- cation about the massacre and the role white ish and exercise the rights, privileges, and re- pensation ever provided to the Massacre’s vic- sponsibilities guaranteed by the Constitution; supremacy played in its inception. tims or their descendants. Madam Speaker, today we recommit our- and Government and city officials not only abdi- selves to fight the ever-present racism and un- 6. recognizing the commitment of Congress cated their responsibility to rebuild and repair just violence against Black Americans. We do to acknowledge and learn from the history of the Greenwood community in the wake of the so on the shoulders of those that came, racism and racial violence in the United violence, but actively blocked efforts to do so, fought, and suffered before us in the hope that States, including the Tulsa Race Massacre, to contributing to continued racial disparities in one day the American Dream is accessible to reverse the legacy of White supremacy and Tulsa akin to those that Black people still face all—regardless of race. fight for racial justice. today across the United States. Madam Speaker, I will now briefly recount Madam Speaker, the pattern of violence f the horrific events cited in H. Res. 398 that against Black people in the United States, PERSONAL EXPLANATION were experienced by the law-abiding Black often at the hands of law enforcement, shows Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, community of Greenwood on those terrible that the fight to end State-sanctioned violence I was unavoidably detained in my con- days. against Black people continues. gressional district due to COVID re- In 1921, White supremacy and racist vio- As the American Historical Association stat- sponsibilities, and I was not present for lence were common throughout the United ed, ‘‘What happened in Tulsa was extreme, rollcall vote 144. States and went largely unchecked by the jus- but not unusual. It is part of our nation’s herit- I ask the RECORD to reflect that had tice system. age. We must acknowledge that heritage, I been present, I would have voted In Tulsa, Oklahoma, reports of an alleged learn from it, and do whatever each of us can ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall 144, the motion to and disputed incident on the morning of May do to ensure that it is just that—heritage, rath- suspend the rules and pass H.R. 2911, 30, 1921, between two teenagers, a Black er than a continuing practice.’’ VA Transparency and Trust Act of 2021. man and a White woman, caused the White Madam Speaker, I will include in the f community of Tulsa, including the Tulsa Trib- RECORD a more detailed account of the 1921 une, to call for a lynching amidst a climate of Tulsa Race Massacre that is based on the ADJOURNMENT White racial hostility and White resentment ‘‘Final Report of the Oklahoma Commission to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- over Black economic success. Study The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921,’’ issued ant to section 11(b) of House Resolu- On May 31, 1921, a mob of armed White February 28, 2001. tion 188, the House stands adjourned men descended upon Tulsa’s Greenwood Dis- Madam Speaker, I also ask the House to until 10 a.m. tomorrow for morning- trict and launched what is now known as the observe a moment of silence in memory of the hour debate and noon for legislative ‘‘Tulsa Race Massacre.’’ victims and survivors of the Tulsa Race Mas- business. Tulsa municipal and county authorities failed sacre, and their descendants to carry the ter- Thereupon (at 8 o’clock and 35 min- to take actions to calm or contain the violence, rible memories of that horrific day and still utes p.m.), under its previous order, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.041 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2417 House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- day, May 18, 2021, at 10 a.m. for morn- hing-hour debate. BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF PAYGO LEGISLATION Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 204, the STEM Opportunities Act, as amended, would have no significant effect on the deficit, and therefore, the budgetary effects of such bill are estimated as zero.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 711, the West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act of 2021, as amended, would have no significant effect on the deficit, and therefore, the budgetary effects of such bill are estimated as zero.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, that H.R. 2167, the GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act of 2021, as amended, would have no significant effect on the deficit, and therefore, the budgetary effects of such bill are estimated as zero.

Pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO), Mr. YARMUTH hereby submits, prior to the vote on passage, the attached estimate of the costs of H.R. 2878, the Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act, as amended, for printing in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

ESTIMATE OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO EFFECTS FOR H.R. 2878

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2021– 2021– 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2026 2031

Statutory-Pay-As-You-Go Impact ...... 150 45 15 ¥45 0 0 0 0 0 0 ¥170 167 ¥1 Components may not sum to totals because of rounding. h

EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pur- EC–1148. A letter from the Management ETC. suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive on Transportation and Infrastructure. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- communications were taken from the EC–1144. A letter from the Management tives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Speaker’s table and referred as follows: and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, EC–1140. A letter from the Management Transportation, transmitting the Depart- S.A.) Turboshaft Engines [Docket No.: FAA- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 2020-1118; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00516- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- E; Amendment 39-21451; AD 2021-05-08] (RIN: ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 2020-0974; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00273- 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- R; Amendment 39-21392; AD 2021-02-09] (RIN: 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 2020-1107; Project Identifier 2019-SW-049-AD; 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Amendment 39-21444; AD 2021-05-01] (RIN: 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Transportation and Infrastructure. 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on EC–1149. A letter from the Management 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Transportation and Infrastructure. and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of EC–1145. A letter from the Management 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting the Depart- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- EC–1141. A letter from the Management tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 2020-0847; Product Identifier 2018-SW-087-AD; tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Amendment 39-21434; AD 2021-04-13] (RIN: 2020-1018; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01383- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to R; Amendment 39-21391; AD 2021-02-08] (RIN: tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 2020-1132; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01386- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. R; Amendment 39-21452; AD 2021-05-09] (RIN: Transportation and Infrastructure. 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on EC–1150. A letter from the Management 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Transportation and Infrastructure. and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on EC–1146. A letter from the Management Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation and Infrastructure. and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of EC–1142. A letter from the Management Transportation, transmitting the Depart- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- tives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH 2021-0096; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00040- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0967; R; Amendment 39-21440; AD 2021-04-18] (RIN: tives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Product Identifier 2018-SW-013-AD; Amend- 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to (Type Certificate Previously Held by ment 39-21394; AD 2021-02-11] (RIN: 2120-AA64) 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on [Docket No.: FAA-2015-4497; Project Identi- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Transportation and Infrastructure. fier 2016-SW-011-AD; Amendment 39-21450; AD Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- EC–1151. A letter from the Management 2021-05-07] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 7, tation and Infrastructure. and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public EC–1147. A letter from the Management Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Committee on Transportation and Infra- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: structure. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- FAA-2020-0673; Product Identifier 2020-NM- EC–1143. A letter from the Management tives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters [Docket 076-AD; Amendment 39-21395; AD 2021-02-12] and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of No.: FAA-2021-0025; Project Identifier MCAI- (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursu- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 2020-01248-R; Amendment 39-21422; AD 2021-04- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 01] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pur- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee tives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters [Docket suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- on Transportation and Infrastructure. No.: FAA-2020-1139; Product Identifier 2018- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee EC–1152. A letter from the Management SW-056-AD; Amendment 39-21447; AD 2021-05- on Transportation and Infrastructure. and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17MY7.088 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2418 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Committee on Transportation and Infra- Committee on Transportation and Infra- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- structure. structure. tives; Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Heli- EC–1160. A letter from the Management EC–1168. A letter from the Managment and copters [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0791; Project and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Identifier AD-2020-00676-R; Amendment 39- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 21438; AD 2021-04-16] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class D ment’s final rule — Amendment of VOR Fed- May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); and Class E Airspace and Revocation of Class eral Airways V-12, V-74, and V-516 in the Vi- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to E Airspace; Muskegon, MI [Docket No.: FAA- cinity of Anthony, KS [Docket No.: FAA- the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 2020-0871; Airspace Docket No.: 20-AGL-32] 2020-0003; Airspace Docket No.: 19-ACE-11] structure. (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursu- (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursu- EC–1153. A letter from the Management ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Transportation, transmitting the Depart- on Transportation and Infrastructure. on Transportation and Infrastructure. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- EC–1161. A letter from the Management EC–1169. A letter from the Management tives; Bell Textron Inc. (Type Certificate and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Inc.) Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0270; ment’s final rule — Amendment, Establish- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Product Identifier 2019-SW-018-AD; Amend- ment, and Revocation of Multiple Air Traffic tives; Safran Helicopter Engines, S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Turbomeca, ment 39-21441; AD 2021-04-19] (RIN: 2120-AA64) Service (ATS) Routes in the Vicinity of Hen- S.A.), Turboshaft Engines [Docket No.: FAA- received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. derson, WV [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0923; Air- 2021-0132; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00947- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 space Docket No.: 20-AEA-18] (RIN: 2120- E; Amendment 39-21466; AD 2021-05-22] (RIN: Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. tation and Infrastructure. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. EC–1154. A letter from the Management 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Transportation and Infrastructure. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- EC–1162. A letter from the Management EC–1170. A letter from the Management ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 2021-0095; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01658- ment’s final rule — Establishment of Class E ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- R; Amendment 39-21439; AD 2021-04-17] (RIN: Airspace; Calais, ME [Docket No.: FAA-2020- tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- 2120-AA64) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 0935; Airspace Docket No.: 20-ANE-4] (RIN: et No.: FAA-2021-0319; Project Identifier AD- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 2120-AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 2021-00443-T; Amendment 39-21521; AD 2021-09- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 08] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, Transportation and Infrastructure. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law EC–1155. A letter from the Management Transportation and Infrastructure. 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of EC–1163. A letter from the Management mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ture. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- EC–1171. A letter from the Management tives; Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Engines [Docket No.: FAA-2021-0136; Project proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Identifier AD-2021-00188-E; Amendment 39- and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 21470; AD 2021-05-51] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31358; tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Amdt. No.: 3946] received May 7, 2021, pursu- FAA-2021-0345; Project Identifier MCAI-2021- Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 00479-T; Amendment 39-21537; AD 2021-10-04] the Committee on Transportation and Infra- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursu- structure. on Transportation and Infrastructure. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- EC–1156. A letter from the Management EC–1164. A letter from the Management 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of on Transportation and Infrastructure. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- EC–1172. A letter from the Management ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class D ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Class E Airspace; Farmington, NM proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Transportation, transmitting the Depart- [Docket No.: FAA-2020-1014; Airspace Docket and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- No.: 20-ASW-7] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31357; tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub- Amdt. No.: 3945] received May 7, 2021, pursu- 2020-1182; Product Identifier 2018-SW-036-AD; lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Amendment 39-21518; AD 2021-09-05] (RIN: Committee on Transportation and Infra- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursuant to structure. on Transportation and Infrastructure. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. EC–1157. A letter from the Management EC–1165. A letter from the Management 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- EC–1173. A letter from the Management ment’s final rule — Establishment of Class E ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Depart- airspace; Leoti, KS [Docket No.: FAA-2020- proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 1072; Airspace Docket No.: 20-ACE-23] (RIN: and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- tives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership 2120-AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31356; (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Se- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Amdt. No.: 3944] received May 7, 2021, pursu- ries Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes [Docket No.: Transportation and Infrastructure. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee FAA-2021-0313; Project Identifier MCAI-2021- EC–1158. A letter from the Management on Transportation and Infrastructure. 00348-T; Amendment 39-21516; AD 2021-09-03] and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of EC–1166. A letter from the Management (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursu- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation, transmitting the Depart- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- ment’s final rule — Deletion of VOR Federal Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Airways V-346 and V-400 in the Vicinity of ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- on Transportation and Infrastructure. Beauce, Canada [Docket No.: FAA-2020-0992; proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums EC–1174. A letter from the Management Airspace Docket No.: 20-ANE-3] (RIN: 2120- and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of AA66) received May 7, 2021, pursuant to 5 cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31355; Transportation, transmitting the Depart- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Amdt. No.: 3943] received May 7, 2021, pursu- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA- Transportation and Infrastructure. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee 2021-0300; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01077- EC–1159. A letter from the Management on Transportation and Infrastructure. R; Amendment 39-21511; AD 2021-08-17] (RIN: and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of EC–1167. A letter from the Management 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting the Depart- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. ment’s final rule — Amendment and Can- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on cellation of VOR Federal Airways V-49 and ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class D Transportation and Infrastructure. V-541 in the Vicinity of Decatur, AL [Docket and Class E Airspace; Palmdale, CA [Docket EC–1175. A letter from the Management No.: FAA-2020-0941; Airspace Docket No.: 20- No.: FAA-2020-0942; Airspace Docket No.: 20- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ASO-24] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 7, AWP-12] (RIN: 2120-AA66) received May 7, Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the tives; Airbus Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L17MY7.000 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2419 2020-1165; Project Identifier 2019-SW-027-AD; ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- By Mr. BARR (for himself, Mr. Amendment 39-21499; AD 2021-08-05] (RIN: tives; Austro Engine GmbH Engines [Docket LAMALFA, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. NORMAN, 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursuant to No.: FAA-2021-0311; Project Identifier MCAI- Mr. RUTHERFORD, Mr. CLINE, and Mr. 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 2021-00244-E; Amendment 39-21517; AD 2021-09- MEUSER): 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on 04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, H.R. 3265. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Transportation and Infrastructure. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law enue Code of 1986 to apply current income EC–1176. A letter from the Management 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- tax bracket breakpoints to capital gains and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- brackets; to the Committee on Ways and Transportation, transmitting the Depart- ture. Means. By Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina (for ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- f tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: himself, Mr. ARRINGTON, Ms. FAA-2020-0851; Product Identifier 2020-NM- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON HERRELL, Mr. PERRY, Mr. ROUZER, 081-AD; Amendment 39-21507; AD 2021-08-13] PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. WILLIAMS of Texas, Mr. (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursu- CAWTHORN, Mr. HICE of Georgia, Mr. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- STEUBE, Mr. GOODEN of Texas, Mr. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee committees were delivered to the Clerk ROY, Mr. GOOD of Virginia, and Mr. on Transportation and Infrastructure. for printing and reference to the proper MANN): EC–1177. A letter from the Management calendar, as follows: H.R. 3266. A bill to amend subtitle A of and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of [Filed May 14, 2021] title II of division A of the CARES Act to re- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- quire confirmation of employment status for Mr. TAKANO: Committee on Veterans’ Af- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- long-term unemployed individuals, and for fairs. H.R. 2167. A bill to amend title 38, tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: other purposes; to the Committee on Ways United States Code, to provide for extensions FAA-2020-0845; Product Identifier 2020-NM- and Means. of the time limitations for use of entitle- 102-AD; Amendment 39-21514; AD 2021-09-01] By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- ment under Department of Veterans Affairs (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, pursu- sylvania (for himself, Mr. KILDEE, educational assistance programs by reason of ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut, Mr. school closures due to emergency and other 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee CASTEN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. KHANNA, situations, and for other purposes; with an on Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. MOULTON, Ms. amendment (Rept. 117–34). Referred to the EC–1178. A letter from the Management SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. COHEN, and Mr. Committee of the Whole House on the state and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of PALLONE): Transportation, transmitting the Depart- of the Union. H.R. 3267. A bill to amend the Safe Drink- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Mr. TAKANO: Committee on Veterans’ Af- ing Water Act to require the Administrator tives; PZL Swidnik S.A. Helicopters [Docket fairs. H.R. 2788. A bill to amend title 38, of the Environmental Protection Agency to No.: FAA-2021-0299; Project Identifier MCAI- United States Code, to eliminate the cap on publish a maximum contaminant level goal 2020-00253-R; Amendment 39-21510; AD 2021-08- full-time employees of the Department of and promulgate a national primary drinking 16] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received May 12, 2021, Veterans Affairs who provide equal employ- water regulation for total per- and pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law ment opportunity counseling (Rept. 117–35). polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Referred to the Committee of the Whole purposes; to the Committee on Energy and mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- House on the state of the Union. Commerce. Mr. TAKANO: Committee on Veterans’ Af- ture. By Mr. BRADY (for himself, Mr. REED, EC–1179. A letter from the Management fairs. H.R. 2704. A bill to amend title 38, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. KELLY of Penn- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of United States Code, to improve the equal sylvania, Mr. RICE of South Carolina, Transportation, transmitting the Depart- employment opportunity functions of De- Mr. SMUCKER, Mrs. MILLER of West ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- partment of Veterans Affairs, and for other Virginia, Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums purposes (Rept. 117–36). Referred to the Com- SCHWEIKERT, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. FER- and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- mittee of the Whole Housed on the state of GUSON, Mrs. STEEL, Mr. NUNES, Mr. cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31367; the Union. HERN, Mr. ESTES, Mr. SMITH of Ne- Ms. SCANLON: Committee on Rules. House Amdt. No.: 3954] received May 12, 2021, pursu- braska, and Mr. MCCARTHY): ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Resolution 403. Resolution providing for con- H.R. 3268. A bill to prevent fraud in COVID 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee sideration of the bill (H.R. 1629) to amend the unemployment programs, recover fraudu- on Transportation and Infrastructure. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with lently paid benefits, provide relief for tax- EC–1180. A letter from the Management respect to limitations on exclusive approval payers and victims of unemployment fraud, and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of or licensure of orphan drugs, and for other and for other purposes; to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting the Depart- purposes; providing for consideration of the Ways and Means. ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- resolution (H. Res. 275) condemning the hor- By Mr. BUCHANAN (for himself and proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums rific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March Mr. PAPPAS): and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- 16, 2021, and reaffirming the House of Rep- H.R. 3269. A bill to amend the Controlled cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31366; resentative’s commitment to combating Substances Act to list fentanyl-related sub- Amdt. No.: 3953] received May 12, 2021, pursu- hate, bigotry, and violence against the stances as schedule I controlled substances, ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Asian-American and Pacific Islander com- and for other purposes; to the Committee on 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee munity; and for other purposes (Rept. 117–37). Energy and Commerce, and in addition to on Transportation and Infrastructure. Referred to the House Calendar. the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period EC–1181. A letter from the Management f to be subsequently determined by the Speak- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of er, in each case for consideration of such pro- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ment’s final rule — Establishment and Rev- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public committee concerned. ocation of Class E Airspace; North Dakota, bills and resolutions of the following By Mr. BURCHETT: ND [Docket No.: FAA-2021-0035; Airspace titles were introduced and severally re- H.R. 3270. A bill to reform the process by Docket No.: 21-AGL-11] (RIN: 2120-AA66) re- which Federal agencies analyze and formu- ceived May 12, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ferred, as follows: late new regulations and guidance docu- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS (for herself, ments, to clarify the nature of judicial re- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- Mr. VAN DREW, and Mr. GIMENEZ): view of agency interpretations, to ensure tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 3263. A bill to amend the Homeland complete analysis of potential impacts on EC–1182. A letter from the Management Security Act of 2002 to establish in the De- small entities of rules, and for other pur- and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of partment of Homeland Security a medical poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- countermeasures program, and for other pur- By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Ms. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- poses; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- MATSUI, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. SCHNEI- tives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH rity. DER, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. BLU- Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2021-0317; By Mr. KATKO (for himself and Mr. MENAUER, Mr. JONES, Mr. BOWMAN, Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00175-R; Amend- THOMPSON of Mississippi): Ms. NORTON, Ms. PINGREE, Ms. ment 39-21520; AD 2021-09-07] (RIN: 2021-AA64) H.R. 3264. A bill to amend the Homeland BARRAGA´ N, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. received May 12, 2021, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Security Act of 2002 to require research and KHANNA, Mr. TONKO, Mr. GRIJALVA, 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 development to identify and evaluate the ex- Ms. MENG, Mr. CASTEN, Ms. JACKSON Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- tent to which critical domain risks within LEE, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. COHEN, Ms. tation and Infrastructure. the United States supply chain pose a sub- STRICKLAND, and Ms. MOORE of Wis- EC–1183. A letter from the Management stantial threat to homeland security, and for consin): and Program Analyst, FAA, Department of other purposes; to the Committee on Home- H.R. 3271. A bill to direct the Secretary of Transportation, transmitting the Depart- land Security. Health and Human Services to develop and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L17MY7.000 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2420 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021 implement a national strategic action plan housing assisted under section 8 of the tribution systems to be flushed under certain and program to assist health professionals United States Housing Act of 1937, and for circumstances, and for other purposes; to the and systems in preparing for and responding other purposes; to the Committee on Finan- Committee on Energy and Commerce. to the public health effects of climate cial Services. By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. change, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. LIEU: NEWHOUSE, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. mittee on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3280. A bill to prohibit entities from CARBAJAL, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. GARCIÁ By Mr. COSTA (for himself and Mr. requiring individuals to submit to arbitra- of Illinois, Ms. LEE of California, Ms. VALADAO): tion for disputes arising from a security NORTON, Ms. PRESSLEY, Mr. SAN H.R. 3272. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- breach, and for other purposes; to the Com- NICOLAS, Ms. SCANLON, Ms. SCHA- enue Code of 1986 to extend biodiesel and re- mittee on Energy and Commerce. KOWSKY, Mr. TAKANO, Ms. TLAIB, Ms. newable diesel incentives, and for other pur- By Mr. MCHENRY (for himself, Mr. PORTER, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- poses; to the Committee on Ways and Means. RUIZ, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. PENCE, Mr. sissippi, Mr. LAMALFA, and Mr. GRI- By Mr. EMMER (for himself and Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, Mr. BUDD, Mr. JALVA): SOTO): JORDAN, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. DUN- H.R. 3287. A bill to amend title 18, United H.R. 3273. A bill to provide for the tax CAN, Mr. LAHOOD, Mr. MOORE of Utah, States Code, and title 39, United States Code, treatment of forked convertible virtual cur- Mr. PERRY, Mr. ROUZER, Mr. ROGERS to provide the United States Postal Service rency; to the Committee on Ways and Means. of Alabama, Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- the authority to mail alcoholic beverages, By Mr. FOSTER (for himself and Mr. vania, Mr. PALMER, Mrs. TORRES of and for other purposes; to the Committee on YOUNG): California, Mr. MASSIE, Mr. VALADAO, Oversight and Reform, and in addition to the H.R. 3274. A bill to establish the National Mr. POSEY, Mr. MULLIN, Mr. BURGESS, Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to Fab Lab Network, a nonprofit organization Ms. STEVENS, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. be subsequently determined by the Speaker, consisting of a national network of local dig- LAMALFA, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. COOPER, in each case for consideration of such provi- ital fabrication facilities providing universal Mr. CALVERT, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the access to advanced manufacturing tools for Mr. CAWTHORN, Ms. BOURDEAUX, Mr. committee concerned. workforce development, STEM education, SCHRADER, Ms. BROWNLEY, Mrs. By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN (for her- developing inventions, creating businesses, LESKO, Mrs. GREENE of Georgia, Mr. self, Mr. SUOZZI, Ms. NORTON, Ms. producing personalized products, mitigating O’HALLERAN, Mr. GROTHMAN, Mr. PRESSLEY, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. JOHNSON risks, and for other purposes; to the Com- PETERS, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. ADER- of Georgia, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- HOLT, Mr. PANETTA, Mrs. BOEBERT, sissippi, and Ms. LEE of California): dition to the Committee on Science, Space, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 3288. A bill to amend the National and Technology, for a period to be subse- THOMPSON of California, Mr. BRENDAN Voter Registration Act of 1993 to treat cer- quently determined by the Speaker, in each F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. KEL- tain tax return preparers as voter registra- case for consideration of such provisions as LER, Mr. STAUBER, and Mr. CUELLAR): tion agencies under such Act for purposes of fall within the jurisdiction of the committee H.R. 3281. A bill to amend the Clean Air distributing voter registration application concerned. Act to provide an exemption from certain forms, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Ms. HERRELL (for herself, Mr. antitampering provisions for certain actions mittee on House Administration, and in ad- STEUBE, Mrs. HARSHBARGER, Mr. for modifying a motor vehicle that is not dition to the Committee on Ways and Means, GOSAR, Mr. LATURNER, and Mr. legal for operation on a street or highway for a period to be subsequently determined and is to be used solely for competition, and OWENS): by the Speaker, in each case for consider- H.R. 3275. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- for other purposes; to the Committee on En- ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- enue Code of 1986 to suspend the tax on gaso- ergy and Commerce. risdiction of the committee concerned. line other than aviation gasoline; to the By Mr. MCKINLEY (for himself and By Ms. WILSON of Florida (for herself, Committee on Ways and Means. Mrs. RODGERS of Washington): Ms. TLAIB, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. H.R. 3282. A bill to reauthorize funding for By Mr. HUIZENGA: BOURDEAUX, Ms. BROWNLEY, Mr. drinking water programs under the Safe H.R. 3276. A bill to amend the Dodd-Frank CA´ RDENAS, Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. COHEN, Drinking Water Act and America’s Water In- Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protec- Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. frastructure Act of 2018, and for other pur- tion Act to repeal certain disclosure require- GARCIÁ of Illinois, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- ments, and for other purposes; to the Com- JACKSON LEE, Ms. LEE of California, merce, and in addition to the Committee on mittee on Financial Services. Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. Transportation and Infrastructure, for a pe- By Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI (for him- MORELLE, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. PRESSLEY, riod to be subsequently determined by the self, Mr. LIEU, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. Speaker, in each case for consideration of Ms. ROSS, Mr. TAKANO, and Mrs. WAT- LOWENTHAL, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- SON COLEMAN): ´ H.R. 3289. A bill to re-establish an advisory BARRAGAN, Ms. BROWNLEY, Ms. ROY- tion of the committee concerned. committee to provide independent advice BAL-ALLARD, Ms. ESHOO, Mrs. HAYES, By Mr. MEIJER (for himself, Ms. Ms. NORTON, Mr. LAWSON of Florida, and recommendations to the Secretary of SPANBERGER, Mr. GALLAGHER, Mr. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mrs. AXNE, Transportation regarding comprehensive, GOLDEN, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. Ms. PRESSLEY, Mr. MORELLE, Mr. interdisciplinary issues related to transpor- UPTON, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. COLE, Ms. JA- JONES, Mr. NADLER, Mr. BLU- tation from a variety of stakeholders in COBS of California, Mrs. KIM of Cali- MENAUER, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. COHEN, transportation planning, design, research, fornia, Mr. MALINOWSKI, Mr. LIEU, Mr. COOPER, Mr. SMITH of Wash- policy, and advocacy, and for other purposes; Ms. LEE of California, Mr. KIM of New ington, Ms. DELBENE, Mr. KIM of New to the Committee on Transportation and In- Jersey, Mr. STEUBE, and Mr. SMITH of frastructure. Jersey, Mr. POCAN, Ms. WASSERMAN Washington): SCHULTZ, Mr. SUOZZI, Mrs. NAPOLI- H.R. 3283. A bill to repeal the joint resolu- By Mr. SCALISE (for himself and Mr. TANO, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. MALINOWSKI, tion entitled ‘‘A joint resolution to promote MCKINLEY): Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. peace and stability in the Middle East’’; to H. Con. Res. 34. Concurrent resolution ex- GARCIÁ of Illinois, Mr. LYNCH, Mr. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. pressing the sense of Congress that a carbon MCGOVERN, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. By Mr. OBERNOLTE (for himself and tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; to the Committee on Ways KILMER, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. LUCAS): Ms. STEVENS, Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. H.R. 3284. A bill to provide for fundamental and Means. TLAIB, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Ms. SCANLON, research programs in advanced scientific By Mrs. DINGELL (for herself, Mr. Mr. SIRES, Ms. SHERRILL, Mr. CON- computing at the Department of Energy, and JOYCE of Ohio, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. NOLLY, Mr. CORREA, Mr. YARMUTH, for other purposes; to the Committee on CLEAVER, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. BLU- and Ms. JACOBS of California): Science, Space, and Technology. MENAUER, Mr. COHEN, Ms. WILLIAMS H.R. 3277. A bill to amend the Animal Wel- By Mr. POCAN (for himself, Mr. of Georgia, Mr. LEVIN of Michigan, fare Act to increase protections for animals, DEUTCH, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. DEAN, Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. PINGREE, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. Mr. LAMALFA, Ms. SALAZAR, Mr. CON- Agriculture. KHANNA, Mr. LEVIN of Michigan, Mr. NOLLY, Mr. VELA, Mr. RUTHERFORD, By Mr. LAHOOD (for himself and Ms. LOWENTHAL, Ms. NORTON, Mr. Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. LAMB, Mr. RUSH, DELBENE): PAPPAS, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. SCHA- Mr. LONG, and Mr. WALTZ): H.R. 3278. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- KOWSKY, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. TAYLOR, and H. Res. 404. A resolution expressing support enue Code of 1986 to apply the mailbox rule Mr. WELCH): for the designation of the 17th day in May as to certain payments made through the Elec- H.R. 3285. A bill to amend gendered terms ‘‘DIPG Awareness Day’’ to raise awareness tronic Federal Tax Payment System; to the in Federal law relating to the President and and encourage research into cures for diffuse Committee on Ways and Means. the President’s spouse; to the Committee on intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pedi- By Mr. LAWSON of Florida (for him- the Judiciary. atric cancers in general; to the Committee self, Ms. ADAMS, and Mrs. DEMINGS): By Mr. RUIZ: on Energy and Commerce. H.R. 3279. A bill to provide physical stand- H.R. 3286. A bill to amend the Safe Drink- By Ms. LEE of California (for herself, ards and reform the inspection process for ing Water Act to require drinking water dis- Ms. TITUS, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. SIRES, Ms.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:01 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L17MY7.100 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2421

DEAN, Mr. KHANNA, Mrs. CAROLYN B. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for MALONEY of New York, Ms. DELBENE, By Mr. BARR: carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. PANETTA, Ms. H.R. 3265. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- GARCIA of Texas, Ms. BLUNT ROCH- Congress has the power to enact this legis- stitution in the Government of the United ESTER, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. MCEACHIN, lation pursuant to the following: States, or any Department or Officer there- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. POCAN, Mr. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Con- of’’. KILMER, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. LEVIN of stitution of the United States. By Mr. LAWSON of Florida: Michigan, Ms. NORTON, Mr. By Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina: H.R. 3279. LOWENTHAL, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, Mr. H.R. 3266. Congress has the power to enact this legis- TAKANO, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. PINGREE, Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Ms. PRESSLEY, Ms. JACOBS of Cali- lation pursuant to the following: ‘‘Article 1, Section 8: To make all Laws fornia, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 which shall be necessary and proper for car- BROWNLEY, Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, Florida, Mr. MOULTON, Ms. TLAIB, Mr. sylvania: and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- QUIGLEY, Mr. TORRES of New York, H.R. 3267. tion in the Government of the United States, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. TONKO, Ms. or in any Department or Officer thereof’’ lation pursuant to the following: CRAIG, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. CONNOLLY, By Mr. LIEU: Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- Mr. PAPPAS, Ms. SCANLON, Mr. HIG- H.R. 3280. tion under the General Welfare Clause. GINS of New York, Mr. AUCHINCLOSS, Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BRADY: Mrs. LAWRENCE, Ms. WILLIAMS of lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3268. Article I Section VIII Georgia, Mr. TRONE, Mrs. WATSON Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. MCHENRY: COLEMAN, Mrs. HAYES, Mr. SEAN PAT- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3281. RICK MALONEY of New York, Mr. GRI- United States Constitution Article I Sec- Congress has the power to enact this legis- JALVA, and Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas): tion 8 H. Res. 405. A resolution supporting the lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BUCHANAN: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: ‘‘To regulate goals and ideals of the International Day H.R. 3269. Commerce with foreign nations, and among Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Congress has the power to enact this legis- Biphobia; to the Committee on Foreign Af- the several states, and with the Indian lation pursuant to the following: fairs, and in addition to the Committees on Tribes.’’ Because the federal government has Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 extended Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 be- Energy and Commerce, and Education and By Mr. BURCHETT: Labor, for a period to be subsequently deter- yond its intended boundaries, it follows that H.R. 3270. efforts to rein in excessive federal govern- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- sideration of such provisions as fall within ment encroachment in this area can be justi- lation pursuant to the following: fied by Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Article I, Section 8 By Mr. LIEU (for himself, Mr. WELCH, By Mr. MCKINLEY: By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: H.R. 3282. Mr. RUSH, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Ms. H.R. 3271. Congress has the power to enact this legis- JAYAPAL, Mr. CARSON, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: SWALWELL, Mr. CONNOLLY, Ms. SCHA- lation pursuant to the following: Section 8—Powers of Congress. To make KOWSKY, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. NEGUSE, Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (relating to all Laws which shall be necessary and proper Ms. DEAN, Mr. CICILLINE, Mrs. the power of Congress to regulate Commerce for carrying into Execution the foregoing DEMINGS, and Mr. RASKIN): with foreign Nations, and among the several Powers, and all other Powers vested by this H. Res. 406. A resolution amending the States, and with the Indian Tribes.) Rules of the House of Representatives with Constitution in the Government of the By Mr. COSTA: United States, or in any Department or Offi- respect to the enforcement of committee H.R. 3272. subpoenas to executive branch officials, and cer thereof. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. MEIJER: for other purposes; to the Committee on lation pursuant to the following: Rules. H.R. 3283. The constitutional authority under which Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. LYNCH (for himself and Mr. this bill rests is the power of Congress to lation pursuant to the following: ASKIN): R make rules for the government and regula- Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United H. Res. 407. A resolution expressing support tion of the land and naval forces, as enumer- States Constitution. for the designation of September 2021 as ‘‘Na- ated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the tional Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month’’; By Mr. OBERNOLTE: United States Constitution. H.R. 3284. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. EMMER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. SIRES (for himself, Mr. H.R. 3273. lation pursuant to the following: MCCAUL, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. GREEN of Congress has the power to enact this legis- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Tennessee, Mrs. TORRES of California, lation pursuant to the following: Clause 18: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Con- ‘‘The Congress shall have Power . . . To Mr. VARGAS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. GAR- stitution make all Laws which shall be necessary and CIA of Texas, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. By Mr. FOSTER: proper for carrying into Execution the fore- KELLY of Illinois, Mr. TRONE, Mr. H.R. 3274. going Powers, and all other Powers vested by SOTO, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- this Constitution in the Government of the VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: United States, or in any Department or Offi- PFLUGER, and Mr. ESPAILLAT): This bill is enacted pursuant to the power cer thereof.’’ H. Res. 408. A resolution urging the Gov- granted to Congress under Article I, Section By Mr. POCAN: ernment of El Salvador to respect the coun- 8 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 3285. try’s democratic institutions; to the Com- By Ms. HERRELL: Congress has the power to enact this legis- mittee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 3275. lation pursuant to the following: f Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. RUIZ: CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United H.R. 3286. STATEMENT States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of By Mr. HUIZENGA: lation pursuant to the following: the Rules of the House of Representa- H.R. 3276. Article I, section 8, Clauses 1 and 18 of the tives, the following statements are sub- Congress has the power to enact this legis- United States Constitution, to provide for lation pursuant to the following: the general welfare and make all laws nec- mitted regarding the specific powers Article I, Section 8 essary and proper to carry out the powers of granted to Congress in the Constitu- By Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI: Congress. tion to enact the accompanying bill or H.R. 3277. By Ms. SPEIER: joint resolution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3287. By Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3263. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LAHOOD: granted to Congress under Article 1, Section U.S. Constitution, Article 1 Section 8 H.R. 3278. 8 of the United States Constitution. By Mr. KATKO: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN: H.R. 3264. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3288. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: tion, Congress has the power ‘‘to make all lation pursuant to the following:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:22 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L17MY7.100 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H2422 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 17, 2021

Article I, Section 8, Clause 18: To make all H.R. 1730: Mr. FITZPATRICK. H.R. 2850: Mr. POCAN. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 1735: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. H.R. 2872: Mr. HUFFMAN and Mr. PANETTA. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- PALAZZO, Mr. COURTNEY, and Ms. TITUS. H.R. 2886: Ms. DELAURO. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 1783: Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 2901: Mr. O’HALLERAN. stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 1800: Mr. DESAULNIER. H.R. 2911: Mr. CROW. States, or in any Department or Officer H.R. 1819: Mr. RYAN. H.R. 2928: Mr. BURGESS. thereof. H.R. 1905: Ms. KUSTER. H.R. 2959: Mr. TAYLOR. By Ms. WILSON of Florida: H.R. 1931: Mr. MOORE of Utah. H.R. 2967: Mrs. KIM of California and Mr. H.R. 3289. H.R. 1945: Mr. SUOZZI, Ms. NEWMAN, Mr. SABLAN. Congress has the power to enact this legis- FITZPATRICK, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. GREEN of H.R. 2968: Mr. SIRES. lation pursuant to the following: Tennessee, and Mr. KATKO. H.R. 2969: Mr. PHILLIPS and Mr. CICILLINE. Article 1, Section 8 H.R. 1956: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 3013: Mr. GARCIÁ of Illinois. f H.R. 1957: Mr. TRONE. H.R. 3078: Mrs. TRAHAN, Mr. BILIRAKIS, and H.R. 1972: Ms. LOIS FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. BURGESS. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 1978: Mr. MCKINLEY. H.R. 3079: Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. MCKINLEY, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 1986: Mr. BLUMENAUER and Mr. COHEN. Mr. GARCIA of California, Mr. DUNCAN, Mr. H.R. 2011: Mr. SIRES, Ms. GARCIA of Texas, HARRIS, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. were added to public bills and resolu- Ms. KUSTER, and Mr. CASE. MCCAUL, and Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. tions, as follows: H.R. 2012: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 3098: Mr. RUTHERFORD. H.R. 19: Mr. COMER and Mrs. STEEL. H.R. 2021: Ms. PRESSLEY and Mr. PANETTA. H.R. 3101: Mrs. BICE of Oklahoma and Mr. H.R. 24: Mrs. CAMMACK. H.R. 2027: Mr. LUCAS, Mr. BOWMAN, Mrs. BANKS. H.R. 38: Mr. FITZGERALD. KIM of California, Mr. FOSTER, and Ms. WIL- H.R. 3104: Mr. TIMMONS. H.R. 95: Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. LIAMS of Georgia. H.R. 3119: Mr. BURGESS. H.R. 204: Mr. BOWMAN, Mr. FOSTER, and Ms. H.R. 2035: Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. H.R. 3125: Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. RYAN, and Miss WILLIAMS of Georgia. LOWENTHAL, and Ms. DEAN. GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N. H.R. 210: Mr. MCKINLEY, Mrs. HAYES, Mrs. H.R. 2079: Mr. MCKINLEY. H.R. 3134: Mr. BANKS, Ms. TENNEY, and Mr. KIM of California, and Mr. GOTTHEIMER. H.R. 2082: Mr. CROW. JORDAN. H.R. 240: Mr. TAYLOR. H.R. 2096: Mr. SARBANES. H.R. 3137: Mr. GROTHMAN. H.R. 261: Ms. SALAZAR, Ms. LETLOW, and H.R. 2119: Ms. KUSTER. H.R. 3139: Mr. KHANNA and Ms. OCASIO-COR- Mr. ROSE. H.R. 2120: Ms. NEWMAN. TEZ. H.R. 288: Mr. HERN and Mr. PFLUGER. H.R. 2125: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD and Mrs. H.R. 3157: Mr. GROTHMAN. H.R. 304: Mr. KATKO. NAPOLITANO. H.R. 3165: Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. KELLY of Illi- H.R. 345: Mr. CASE. H.R. 2127: Mrs. BUSTOS. nois, Ms. MCCOLLUM, and Ms. WATERS. H.R. 421: Mr. POCAN and Mr. SIRES. H.R. 2168: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. H.R. 3173: Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. DAVIDS of H.R. 508: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 2187: Mr. EMMER. Kansas, Mr. POCAN, Mr. GUEST, and Mr. H.R. 512: Mr. KAHELE. H.R. 2192: Mrs. BUSTOS, Mr. VELA, Ms. PERRY. H.R. 516: Mr. SOTO. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. OMAR, and Mr. LUETKE- H.R. 3179: Ms. TENNEY and Mr. JORDAN. H.R. 550: Mr. MCKINLEY. MEYER. H.R. 3185: Mrs. STEEL and Mrs. FISCHBACH. H.R. 564: Mr. KHANNA. H.R. 2198: Ms. DELBENE, Mr. LAWSON of H.R. 3217: Mr. STEUBE. H.R. 695: Mrs. KIM of California and Mr. Florida, Mr. LYNCH, and Ms. STEVENS. H.R. 3235: Ms. HERRELL and Mr. WILSON of SIMPSON. H.R. 2234: Mr. SARBANES and Mr. KIM of South Carolina. H.R. 707: Mr. FEENSTRA. New Jersey. H.R. 3240: Mrs. RODGERS of Washington, H.R. 797: Mr. HUFFMAN. H.R. 2237: Mr. EVANS. Mr. BIGGS, Mr. NEWHOUSE, and Mr. STEWART. H.R. 825: Mr. LEVIN of Michigan and Mr. H.R. 2238: Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. VARGAS, Mr. H.R. 3243: Mr. VAN DREW. BLUMENAUER. GARCIÁ of Illinois, and Mr. DOGGETT. H.R. 3247: Mr. POCAN. H.R. 890: Mr. HARRIS, Mr. KINZINGER, Mr. H.R. 2295: Mr. SOTO. H.R. 3256: Mrs. GREENE of Georgia. PETERS, Mr. MOULTON, Ms. CRAIG, and Mr. H.R. 2339: Mrs. BUSTOS, Mrs. DEMINGS, Mr. H.J. Res. 11: Mr. HARRIS, Mr. SIMPSON, and KEATING. NORMAN, and Ms. NORTON. Mr. WALBERG. H.R. 921: Mr. YARMUTH. H.R. 2349: Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. H. Con. Res. 7: Mr. DONALDS. H.R. 922: Mr. KEATING. H.R. 2372: Mr. KATKO and Mrs. LAWRENCE. H. Res. 114: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 928: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H.R. 2394: Mr. GARCIÁ of Illinois and Mr. H. Res. 174: Ms. DELBENE. H.R. 959: Mr. KIM of New Jersey. SOTO. H. Res. 279: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 962: Mr. MCKINLEY and Mr. BARR. H.R. 2396: Mr. SOTO, Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHA- H. Res. 386: Mr. FERGUSON, Mr. CROW, and ´ H.R. 1062: Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. KOWSKY, Ms. NEWMAN, Ms. BARRAGAN, and Mr. POSEY. H.R. 1115: Mr. RUTHERFORD, Mr. KIND, Mr. Ms. TLAIB. H. Res. 387: Mr. CHABOT. CARTWRIGHT, and Mr. BERA. H.R. 2418: Mr. NADLER. H. Res. 388: Mr. CLINE. H.R. 1145: Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. H.R. 2441: Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mrs. H. Res. 394: Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. EGUSE H.R. 1182: Mr. N . BUSTOS, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. LARSON H. Res. 396: Mr. NORMAN and Mr. STAUBER. H.R. 1200: Ms. NEWMAN and Ms. NORTON. of Connecticut, and Mr. DAVIDSON. H. Res. 397: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. H.R. 1283: Mr. BACON, Mr. BURGESS, Mr. H.R. 2486: Mr. LONG. H. Res. 398: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. TORRES of BOST, Mr. PERLMUTTER, and Mr. HORSFORD. H.R. 2494: Mr. CROW. New York, Ms. BUSH, Mr. MORELLE, Mr. H.R. 1291: Mr. BOST. H.R. 2533: Ms. ROSS. COSTA, Mr. GRIJALVA, Ms. NORTON, Mrs. H.R. 1321: Mr. CRIST, Ms. CASTOR of Flor- H.R. 2590: Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. HAYES, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. MENG, Ms. ROSS, ida, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, and Mrs. MURPHY of H.R. 2607: Mr. KILMER. Ms. JAYAPAL, and Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Florida. H.R. 2637: Mr. OWENS. H. Res. 401: Ms. WILSON of Florida. H.R. 1344: Ms. ROSS and Mr. HIMES. ´ H.R. 2642: Mr. GARCIA of Illinois, Mr. H. Res. 402: Mr. KHANNA, Mr. WALTZ, Ms. H.R. 1346: Mr. CARTER of Georgia and Mr. KINZINGER, and Mr. LAHOOD. TITUS, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Mr. CLINE. UCHINCLOSS IM H.R. 2646: Mr. A , Mrs. K of KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Ms. JA- H.R. 1361: Mr. LOWENTHAL and Ms. C LAIN California, and Mrs. M C . COBS of California, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, SHERRILL. H.R. 2648: Mr. CARBAJAL. Ms. ROSS, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. MENG, H.R. 1366: Mr. MOULTON. H.R. 2655: Mr. GREEN of Texas and Mr. TAY- Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Mr. RUSH, Ms. H.R. 1381: Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky and Mr. LOR. BOURDEAUX, Mr. SUOZZI, and Ms. WILD. NEWHOUSE. H.R. 2682: Mr. TAKANO. H.R. 1394: Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. H.R. 2695: Mr. BOWMAN and Mr. FOSTER. f H.R. 1437: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 2704: Mr. TAYLOR. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- H.R. 1438: Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. H.R. 2718: Mr. DUNN, Mr. ROSE, and Ms. ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- H.R. 1510: Mrs. LEE of Nevada. LETLOW. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 1551: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H.R. 2729: Mr. COMER, Ms. NORTON, and Mr. H.R. 1568: Mr. STEIL. KELLY of Mississippi. Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or H.R. 1627: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. H.R. 2773: Mr. COLE, Ms. CRAIG, Mrs. MUR- statements on congressional earmarks, H.R. 1655: Mr. JONES. PHY of Florida, and Mr. O’HALLERAN. limited tax benefits, or limited tariff H.R. 1670: Mr. MCEACHIN, Mr. PETERS, Ms. H.R. 2780: Mr. MCEACHIN. benefits were submitted as follows: CRAIG, and Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H.R. 2790: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 1693: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 2795: Mr. KATKO. OFFERED BY MR. PALLONE sylvania. H.R. 2811: Mrs. STEEL and Ms. CLARK of The provisions that warranted a referral to H.R. 1711: Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Massachusetts. the Committee on Energy and Commerce in H.R. 1729: Mr. GRIFFITH, Mr. WILSON of H.R. 2840: Mr. WELCH, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, H.R. 1629 do not contain any congressional South Carolina, and Mr. ALLEN. Mr. PAPPAS, and Mr. KIND. earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:08 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.047 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2423 tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 of rule limited tax benefits, or limited tariff bene- limited tax benefits, or limited tariff bene- XXI. fits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI. fits as defined in clause 9 of rule XXI. OFFERED BY MR. YARMUTH OFFERED BY MR. YARMUTH The provisions that warranted a referral to The provisions that warranted a referral to the Committee on the Budget in H.R. 1629 do the Committee on the Budget in H.R. 3237 do not contain any congressional earmarks, not contain any congressional earmarks,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:08 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY7.053 H17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 117 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 167 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 No. 85 Senate The Senate met at 3 p.m. and was RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY ing another open and bipartisan called to order by the President pro LEADER amendment process, just as we did on tempore (Mr. LEAHY). THE PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- the Asian hate crimes bill and the bi- f jority leader is recognized. partisan water infrastructure bill. There is no reason—no reason—the PRAYER f Senate can’t finish our work on this The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA important legislation by the end of the fered the following prayer: Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, month. f the Senate will consider three impor- Members on both sides of the aisle PRAYER tant measures this week. Senators will know that decades of Federal under- investment in science and technology Let us pray. vote on whether to repeal a Trump-era Loving God, keep us far from the rule that made it harder for victims of have imperiled America’s global eco- paths of evil. Remind us that You have discrimination in the workplace to pur- nomic leadership. When we invest in no desire to rain on our parade. In- sue justice. It is another example of science, it inevitably produces millions stead, You want for us all to experience the sheer malice, the nastiness of the of good-paying jobs. a rich and satisfying life. Give our law- Trump administration. It actively So this comprehensive bill will boost makers wisdom to avoid the traps that sought to make it harder—harder—for funding for basic scientific research, cause them to deviate from Your plan workers to win employment discrimi- tech development, and manufacturing. for their lives. nation claims. The Senate should re- It will strengthen our alliances and Lord, keep them from setting an am- verse the Trump-era rule this week. partnerships abroad. It will fortify bush for themselves. May they instead Second, the Senate will also vote on weak spots in our economy, like semi- listen to Your counsel and walk se- whether to discharge the nomination of conductors, and will ensure that we curely, protected by Your loving and Ms. Kristen Clarke from the Judiciary hold the Chinese Communist Party ac- prevailing providence. Provide them Committee. Ms. Clarke would be the countable for its predatory economic with a passion to choose reverence for first Black woman ever to serve as the practices. It is a forward-looking, com- You and obedience to Your commands Assistant Attorney General for the prehensive plan to preserve America’s so that You can use them as peace- Civil Rights Division. She is im- competitive edge. makers for our Nation and world. mensely qualified, and I look forward The benefits will be manifold. When We pray in Your sovereign Name. to putting her nomination on the floor we invest in scientific research, the ef- Amen. after the Senate takes action this fect is diffusive. It helps our univer- f week. sities, our laboratories, and our businesses. And, again, it creates new, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE But first, throughout the week—this is the third thing, very important as good-paying jobs—millions of them— The President pro tempore led the well—the Senate will debate a very im- millions of them. So if you are looking Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: portant piece of legislation. This for the future and our people want to I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the evening, the Senate will vote on wheth- have a brighter future and want to be United States of America, and to the Repub- er to take up the Endless Frontier Act assured that their children will have lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. on the Senate floor, a once-in-a-genera- better paying jobs than they have, this tion investment in American science is an answer—one of the most impor- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The tant answers we can come up with. Senator from Illinois. and American technology. Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I Last week, the Senate Commerce An American workforce will help suggest the absence of a quorum. Committee voted on an overwhelm- bring American inventions to the glob- The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The ingly bipartisan basis, 24 to 4, to ad- al market, and the way we have been clerk will call the roll. vance the bill. The Endless Frontier No. 1 in the economy for the last cen- The legislative clerk proceeded to Act will form the core of what will be tury will continue on into this one. So call the roll. a comprehensive bill to boost Amer- I am excited about this legislation. Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I ica’s ability to compete, innovate, and Holding the Chinese Communist ask unanimous consent that the order win the technologies of the 21st cen- Party accountable for its years of rapa- for the quorum call be rescinded. tury. cious economic policies and theft of The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. Over the course of the next week or American ingenuity will help create a DUCKWORTH). Without objection, it is two, the Senate will debate and amend level playing field that American so ordered. the legislation. I look forward to hav- workers have lacked for decades.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

S2533

® Pdnted on recycled papfil.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:47 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.000 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 Investing in scientific research also work and union proposals conflict—no tives, destroy the terrorist group’s un- hardens our national security. We can more because we are taking each oth- derground networks of weapons storage either have a world where the Chinese er’s needs into account. This bill has and command and control. Communist Party determines the rules already earned the support of the Si- Last week, Hamas’s rocket attacks of the road for 5G, AI, and quantum erra Club, the Natural Resources De- took the life of a 5-year-old Israeli boy. computing or we can make sure the fense Council, the League of Conserva- And because Hamas, in stark violation United States gets there first—few tion Voters, the UAW, and the Inter- of the laws of war, intentionally co-lo- things that should bring this Chamber national Brotherhood of Electrical cates its terrorist facilities in civilian together faster than securing another Workers, and car manufacturers like buildings in neighborhoods, Israeli century of American leadership than Ford and General Motors are sup- strikes have regrettably led to civilian this. portive as well. casualties in Gaza. I am proud to have worked with my So you have the whole span. Some- No one is glad to see the fighting, but colleagues Senator YOUNG, Chair- thing like this should pass with a lot of we are already seeing some push the woman CANTWELL, Ranking Member votes, I hope. And I was very proud to false narrative that this conflict is a WICKER, and others to get this bill to see President Biden put my Clean Cars tragic dispute between two legitimate the floor of the Senate. And I greatly for America proposal at the heart of combatants where both sides share look forward to working with all of my his American jobs plan. blame that is roughly equal—what non- colleagues during these next few weeks In recent weeks, the virtue of such a sense. This yields calls for blanket on amending, broadening, and passing plan has been made apparent to mil- cease-fires and people wagging their this legislation before the month is lions of drivers and not just for cli- fingers at both sides. This camp appar- out. mate-saving reasons. The gasoline ently includes some of our own Senate f shortages along the eastern seaboard, colleagues. though temporary, revealed, once To say that ‘‘both sides’’ need to de- BIDEN ADMINISTRATION escalate downplays the responsibility again, that electric vehicles can be Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, the terrorists have for initiating the more reliable. For EVs, the price and one final matter. Tomorrow, President conflict in the first place and suggests availability of fuel does not depend on Biden will visit an electric manufac- Israelis are not entitled to defend the ebb and flow of fossil fuel dis- turing facility in Michigan, where a themselves against ongoing rocket bar- covery, the volatility of international major American auto company is set to rages. I completely reject this obscene markets, or panics, like the one we just unveil its new electric—electric—pick- moral equivalence. saw. up truck. Now, the second false narrative is the Tomorrow’s announcement is a sig- On every front—on jobs, American view on the increasingly vocal far left nificant breakthrough. Because it is economic leadership, protecting the that Israel is, to quote one far-left one of the bestselling cars in America, planet—transitioning to a clean car fu- Member of the House, an ‘‘apartheid the success of an electric pickup could ture provides benefits. In the 20th cen- state.’’ Another says Israel has per- hasten our Nation’s transition to a tury, America led the way in auto petrated ‘‘an act of terrorism.’’ cleaner, brighter, and stronger trans- manufacturing. If we fall behind on Look, this is not a conflict between portation future. electric cars, we will no longer lead the Israel and the Palestinian people. And personally, I am very happy to way. But this legislation has us staying Hamas has sought to hijack recent ten- see the Biden administration put a No. 1 and producing lots of good-paying sions to advance its own narrow, vio- spotlight on zero-emission vehicles. jobs—hallelujah. lent objectives. In that sense, it is a This is an issue I have been working on So as the President prepares to go to conflict between Israel and a terrorist for a very long time, and something I Michigan for this important announce- rump state in Gaza that uses its civil- am passionate about. No matter how ment, we should also be talking about ian population as human shields and you look at the data, there is no way making a larger scale, ambitious effort exploits their suffering for political that America can meet our targets for to speed our country’s transition to gain. These terrorists set up shop in reducing greenhouse gas emissions zero-emission vehicles. Clean Cars for apartment buildings and under press without looking at how we drive. America is the way to do it. offices. They direct rocket attacks Transportation accounts for nearly I yield the floor. from the cover of schools and markets. one-third of America’s carbon outlook. I suggest the absence of a quorum. In the past, when their operatives have And while the transition to electric ve- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The been killed, they passed them off to the hicles is already underway, it is pro- clerk will call the roll. international community as civilian gressing too slowly. The legislative clerk proceeded to victims of Israel. That is why almost 2 years ago I de- call the roll. Few countries in history spend as veloped and introduced an ambitious Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, much effort to avoid civilian casualties new proposal to rapidly phase out gas- I ask unanimous consent that the order during war as Israel and the United powered vehicles and replace them for the quorum call be rescinded. States. We hold our militaries to the with clean cars. All told, the object of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without highest standard. Our Israeli friends the plan—called Clean Cars for Amer- objection, it is so ordered. take pain to defend themselves in ways ica—is that by 2040, all vehicles on the f that are responsible and spare the very road should be clean. I am delighted civilians Hamas is willing to sacrifice RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY that President Biden has put this pro- for its propaganda. Israel invests heav- LEADER posal in his build back America infra- ily in precision munitions. They spend structure plan. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- precious time after attacks confirming Through a mixture of credits and in- publican leader is recognized. target identification. And listen to vestments, it would make electric ve- f this: They even provide advance warn- hicles affordable for all Americans, ISRAEL ing to civilians in Gaza before specific provide incentives to trade in older gas buildings are targeted, even when vehicles, build the necessary charging Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, doing so means the terrorists may also infrastructure, and, very importantly, yesterday was the deadliest day yet in evacuate. create tens of thousands of good-paying the continued fighting between the ter- It is all well and good for President union jobs in automaking, construc- rorist forces attacking Israel and Biden to speak with the President of tion, and battery manufacturing. Israel’s measured, precise, and defen- the Palestinian Authority, but he holds What distinguishes this proposal is sive response. little sway in Gaza. And twice he has its ability to unite the environmental Hamas unleashed another round of rejected generous offers from different movement, the labor movement, and rocket barrages, intentionally tar- Israeli Governments aimed at estab- the large automakers. geting civilian areas all across Israel. lishing an enduring peace. Isn’t that a great thing? We used to Israel intensified its campaign to, But if the so-called international have the environmental proposals and among other specific military objec- community wants to actually make a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.002 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2535 difference—really make a difference— Well, we all knew what would hap- ISRAEL they can impose real costs on those pen, but Democrats insisted on con- Mr. COTTON. Madam President, just who fund the terror weapons of Hamas tinuing to pay people more not to 4 short months ago, hopes were running and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. work. high in the Middle East. ISIS was We know where their return address In April, as the President’s policies wiped off the map, the Iranian regime is. It is over in Tehran. took effect, we only added 266,000 jobs. and its terrorist proxies were in re- I have been proud to stand with That is nearly 800,000 under estimates, treat, and Israel was forging historic Israel for years, and I am proud to just as jobs openings soared to more peace deals with its neighbors. All stand with Israel today. The United than 8 million, the biggest number ever along the way, the United States was States needs to stand foursquare be- recorded. We are literally taxing the instrumental in this progress. hind our ally. President Biden must re- American workers who are back on the But in just a few months, the Biden main strong against the growing voices job for the sake of slowing down our administration has dashed those hopes within his own party that create false economic recovery. with its policy of weakness and ap- equivalence between terrorist aggres- Instead of an agenda to reopen Amer- peasement. The forces of terror are sors and a responsible state defending ica, Democrats muscled through poli- again on the march. Pillars of smoke itself. cies that would actually prolong parts and fire are rising from Tel Aviv and Israel deserves an opportunity to re- of this crisis. And, of course, that is the holy city of Jerusalem. The assault store deterrence and to impose costs on what happened. A record number of on Israel by terrorist groups like terrorists the international community small businesses say they have open Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic has been unwilling or unable to impose. jobs they cannot fill. Jihad is the latest and most concrete There is a saying that has been around Governors across America are having evidence yet that the Middle East is for quite a while: If Hamas laid down to take matters into their own hands spiraling toward chaos. its weapons tomorrow, there would be and turn off these extra-generous bene- But instead of standing firm with no more fighting; if Israel laid down fits. In States like Arizona, Georgia, Israel, the Biden administration’s pol- their weapons, there would be no more Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia, we icy of endless accommodation is fan- Israel. have Governors having to clean up this ning the flames of conflict. The Presi- So let’s leave no doubt where Amer- mess, which at least one of their own dent should show strength. Instead, he ica stands. Senators actually voted for. is broadcasting indecision and weak- f The policies that we needed in March ness. Our greatest ally in the Middle CORONAVIRUS of 2020 are not the policies we need in East is under attack. Yet the Demo- May of 2021. That has been obvious to cratic Party refuses to say: We stand Mr. MCCONNELL. On an entirely dif- Republicans, to economists, and to the with Israel. The night sky over the ferent matter, when the 117th Congress American people. Jewish State blazes with the starbursts and President Biden were sworn in The sooner that my Democratic of intercepted rockets, and the Biden back in January, our Nation had al- friends here in Washington can catch administration only offers muted calls ready turned the corner in our battle up, the better. for restraint. with the coronavirus. New cases and f Where are the righteous denuncia- deaths had already peaked and actually tions of the terrorists responsible for started to plummet. The vaccines, RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME these repeated, premeditated, and made available in record time thanks The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. unprovoked attacks? Where are the to Operation Warp Speed, had already HIRONO). Under the previous order, the statements of solidarity with Israel? started to roll out nationwide at a rate leadership time is reserved. Please. From this administration and which the Biden administration inher- f from this Democratic Party, we can’t ited and sustained until April. The five even get the President’s spokeswoman CONCLUSION OF MORNING bipartisan COVID packages that Con- to say that the United States would BUSINESS gress passed in 2020 had the American help resupply munitions for Iron Dome, economy packed with dry powder and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning Israel’s lifesaving missile defense sys- primed for an epic comeback. business is closed. tem. Economists across the spectrum f So this afternoon, let me provide a agreed. One of President Obama’s CEA little clarity that the President and his chairmen said: ‘‘We have no historic ENDLESS FRONTIER ACT—MOTION TO PROCEED—Resumed party appear incapable or unwilling to parallel with anything like this level of articulate. The fault for the death and excess saving.’’ Larry Summers, an- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under destruction in the streets of Tel Aviv, other top Obama adviser and President the previous order, the Senate will re- Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank Clinton’s Treasury Secretary before sume consideration of the motion to lies not with the Israeli Government, that, said the bipartisan December proceed to S. 1260, which the clerk will much less with the Israeli people. The package was already enough to elevate report. belligerents in this conflict aren’t mor- a measure of household income to ‘‘ab- The legislative clerk read as follows: ally equivalent, the way it is often pre- normally high levels, unheard of during Motion to proceed to Calendar No. 58, S. sented in supposedly enlightened cir- an economic downturn.’’ We were al- 1260, a bill to establish a new Directorate for cles. Put simply, there are good guys, ready adding back jobs. Technology and Innovation in the National and there are bad guys. Israel seeks But instead of tailoring another bill Science Foundation, to establish a regional technology hub program, to require a strat- peace. Terror groups seek death and de- to build on this momentum, they struction. Hamas and the Palestinian pushed ahead with the $2 trillion par- egy and report on economic security, science, research, innovation, manufac- Islamic Jihad are not legitimate state tisan plan that the far left wanted. Re- turing, and job creation, to establish a crit- actors. They don’t speak for the Pales- publicans predicted it would hurt our ical supply chain resiliency program, and for tinian people and don’t truly care recovery if Washington kept taxing other purposes. about them. working people so the government Mr. MCCONNELL. I suggest the ab- These groups are terrorist organiza- could pay others a bonus to stay home. sence of a quorum. tions run by evil men who commit evil I stood here in February and quoted an The PRESIDING OFFICER. The acts in pursuit of the evil dreams of an expert who said: clerk will call the roll. evil ideology. They purposely fire In an expanding economy that is putting The legislative clerk proceeded to waves of unguided rockets at civilian the virus behind it, paying people more in call the roll. targets, while they protect themselves unemployment than they could receive from Mr. COTTON. Madam President, I from reprisal using babies, hospitals, working is an act of substantial economic self-harm. It would keep workers on the side- ask unanimous consent that the order schools, and dupes in the media as lines, stop the unemployment rate from fall- for the quorum call be rescinded. shields—what cowards, attacking inno- ing as rapidly as it otherwise would, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cent civilians while they hide behind slow the overhaul recovery. objection, it is so ordered. women.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.005 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 Of course, Hamas and the Islamic Jews, they are widely condemned we can be absolutely sure that not a Jihad don’t act alone. The Palestinian around the world and on the left in dime of taxpayer money is being used Authority supports, encourages, and America. to buy and build rockets or pay pen- funds terrorism in the form of so-called If you cut through the hysterics and sions for murderous terrorists. martyr payments—pensions paid to the hyperbole, you can see the truth And, finally, the Biden administra- terrorists who attack Jews. The PA clearly: One side seeks to maximize tion ought to immediately end its mis- perpetuates cycles of violence by refus- carnage and the other seeks to mini- guided flirtation with the theocrats in ing to acknowledge the existence of mize civilian casualties. Iran by recalling its chief negotiator Israel, teaching anti-Semitism in its Besides, I must observe, why is the and appeaser, Rob Malley, from nego- schools and leaving its people to wal- Associated Press sharing a building tiations in Vienna. If the Biden admin- low in poverty as wards of the inter- with Hamas? Surely, these intrepid re- istration reenters the failed Iran nu- national community. porters knew who their neighbors were. clear agreement and grants sanctions And we all know who funds and arms Did they knowingly allow themselves relief to the regime in Tehran, in very Palestinian terrorist organizations, the to be used as human shields by a U.S.- short order that appeasement payoff world’s foremost supporter of ter- designated terrorist organization? Did will be converted into rockets aimed at rorism, the Islamic Republic of Iran. AP pull its punches and decline to re- Israel, as well as at American troops For decades, Iran’s theocrats have port for years on Hamas’s misdeeds? throughout the region. staged demonstrations where their fa- I submit that the AP has some un- While Israel is under attack, we have natical supporters scream: ‘‘Death to comfortable questions to answer. Yet heard plenty of talk and mealy- America’’ and ‘‘Death to Israel.’’ The the AP and its fellow journalists are in mouthed statements from politicians. assault on Israel today shows that high dudgeon about Israel’s wholly ap- But in this moment of crisis, Israel those chants are not idle threats. propriate airstrike. Leave it to whiny needs more than words. Israel needs Iran’s ayatollahs are deadly serious reporters to make themselves the story and deserves our full support to defend about wiping the Jewish State off the and the victim when terrorists are itself and its people and to achieve a map. That is why Iran arms Pales- shooting missiles at innocent civilians. just and lasting peace. tinian terrorists with some of its most In any event, the moral standing of I yield the floor. lethal weapons. Hamas’s arsenal of the competing forces in this conflict is I suggest the absence of a quorum. 10,000 rockets might as well have simple and clear. Our greatest ally and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ‘‘Made in Iran’’ stamped on the side. the only democracy in the region clerk will call the roll. Those are the villains of this conflict, against an Islamist theocracy and its The bill clerk proceeded to call the but let’s not forget the heroes. Stand- terrorist partners—most Americans roll. ing courageously against this orga- know which side they are on. I speak Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam Presi- nized onslaught is the State of Israel, for them when I say that we stand with dent, I ask unanimous consent that the our closest ally in the region. Over the Israel. order for the quorum call be rescinded. past week, terrorists have fired ap- Unfortunately, too many elected The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without proximately 3,000 missiles and rockets Democrats have taken a different objection, it is so ordered. into Israel. In response, Israel has de- stand. Members of the so-called CHINA fended itself with technological mir- ‘‘Squad’’ in the House of Representa- Mr. TUBERVILLE. Madam Presi- acles like Iron Dome. It has carried out tives have called Israel an apartheid dent, I spoke recently about how the precision airstrikes against military state and accused it of war crimes. Re- President’s ‘‘skinny’’ budget is dis- targets, and, as always, Israel has gone member, these aren’t obscure back- appointing, dangerous, and a disservice to extraordinary lengths to minimize benchers. Many Democrats herald to our men and women in uniform. civilian casualties, despite the terror- these Representatives as the future of China actively seeks to outpace the ists’ best efforts to maximize and then their party. U.S. military, and in some cases, they publicize any carnage. Meanwhile, 27 Democratic Senators are succeeding. This isn’t a 5- or 10- While Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have called for an immediate cease-fire year problem; the threat is right now, fire indiscriminately from Palestinian to the conflict. Even the Democratic today. schools, office buildings, and apart- floor leader, who has long styled him- Unfortunately, the military is not ments, Israel responds by hitting those self as Israel’s great defender, has the only area facing active challenges launch sites, but only after—only joined this moral equivalence, calling by China. Today, I am going to discuss after—they warn civilians, allowing for immediate cease-fire. a few at-risk areas that are critical to them to evacuate first. Regrettably, Hear me clearly. The handwringing the stability of our Nation. these warnings also allow terrorists to calls for a cease-fire are tantamount to It is no secret that the Chinese Com- escape, but Israel bears that cost be- Hamas propaganda. Both sides are not munist Party, or CCP, wants to replace cause it values innocent life, unlike its the same in this conflict, no matter the United States as the world’s top terrorist enemies. what the Democrats naively imply. If power. The American people need to be You may have heard of one recent ex- Hamas puts down its weapons, there aware of how the Chinese Communist ample. Last week, Israel carried out an would be peace. If Israel puts down its Party is coming after us, not just with airstrike against a building used by weapons, there would be no Israel. missiles and military might but with Hamas intelligence personnel, a build- Thankfully, Israel’s leadership is res- plans to subdue the American spirit. ing that also housed the Associated olute, united, and committed to vic- The repressive CCP uses economic es- Press. An hour before the airstrike, the tory. The United States should respond pionage to advance its agenda to weak- Israeli military called the AP and to this terrorist onslaught with equal en our arsenal of democracy. A signifi- other civilians in that complex and resolve. That means we should give cant part of what has made the United warned them to depart. This pre- Israel the time, space, and resources to States a global powerhouse is the caution, once again, allowed Hamas destroy Hamas’s war machine and pro- strength and resilience of our private terrorists to escape but also allowed re- tect its own people. We should also en- sector companies. Whether it is in the porters and other civilians to vacate sure that Israel has the military hard- technology, healthcare, or energy sec- the premises before the airstrike oc- ware to weather this crisis. Hamas may tor, American innovation is unrivaled. curred. As a result, no civilians died, have as many as 10,000 missiles, rock- It is what has made us the greatest and Hamas lost a terrorist haven. ets, and mortars in reserve. Meanwhile, economy in the history of the world. Now, in any other country and with Hezbollah lurks to the north with China’s leaders know this, but rather any other military—except America’s, many times that arsenal. We should, than go head-to-head in honest com- I have to add—one would hear praise therefore, endeavor to ensure that petition, they have settled for stealing for that military’s restraint and com- Israel has more interceptors for Iron our intellectual property. Chinese busi- mitment to the laws of order. But be- Dome than Hamas has rockets to kill nesses, at the instruction of their gov- cause this military is the IDF and the Israelis. Moreover, we ought to cut off ernment, lure American companies in. country is Israel and the people are the aid to the Palestinian Authority until They offer cheap labor. They promise

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.007 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2537 an ‘‘exchange of ideas,’’ but they really would finally embrace democracy, tinian terrorist organization Hamas want to steal our valuable intellectual human rights, and free market values. has launched more than 3,000 rockets property. It is past time we recognize that de- at civilian targets in Israel. Violent As President Trump’s Director of Na- spite all its good intentions, this strat- mobs have taken over the streets of Je- tional Intelligence, John Ratcliffe, egy has failed and miserably. rusalem, and even seasoned veterans of said, China’s strategy is to ‘‘rob, rep- The Chinese Communist Party has the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have licate and replace.’’ China robs Amer- continually spied on its citizens, vio- expressed shock at the intensity of the ican companies of their intellectual lently suppressed dissent, and system- violence. property, they replicate our tech- atically persecuted religious and eth- This isn’t normal. This isn’t the Mid- nology, and then China replaces U.S. nic minorities to the point of genocide. dle East version of the Resistance. This firms in the global marketplace. President Trump stood up to China. is terrorism. Still, pro-Hamas activists This theft isn’t exclusive to just one He was the first U.S. President to do so have flooded the media with industry. They will go after whatever in decades. And he made great strides, Instagram-friendly content con- they can to get their hands on it—wind but he didn’t have enough time in of- demning Israel for defending itself and turbines, airplane designs, underwater fice to finish the job. I sincerely hope questioning the legitimacy of Israel’s drones, chemicals, or artificial intel- President Biden will continue to build very existence, which is an argument ligence technology. According to the on the Trump administration’s momen- that in any other context would bring Department of Justice, between 2011 tum in pushing back against China’s all hell down on the person foolish and 2018, more than 90 percent of the aggressive rise. enough to say it out loud. Department’s foreign economic espio- The United States must address the The level of denial and misinforma- nage cases involved China. challenges posed by China. I have tion about what is happening in Israel By stealing this critical knowledge, shared a lot of concerns today, but I and why it is happening is appalling. the Chinese have given themselves a am not one to offer criticism without a Nearly every single member of the leg up on other nations. They are using commonsense solution. Here is one United Nations Security Council em- it to expand their military and eco- commonsense step Congress can take barrassed themselves this weekend by nomic power. Their goal is to surpass immediately. embracing a generic draft statement the U.S. economy and gain monopoly The TSP, or Thrift Savings Plan, is condemning the violence but refusing control over every major industry. We the 401(k)-style investment plan that to acknowledge the hundreds of Hamas cannot allow that to succeed. over 6 million Federal and government rockets that started it. Even more alarming is what China is employees, both military and civilian, The U.N. has a shameful history of doing from within our own univer- use for their retirement plan. The plan ignoring threats and violence against sities. The American people may not be manages more than $700 billion in as- Israel, but rarely in recent memory has familiar with Confucius Institutes, but sets. the Security Council so blatantly re- they should be. Confucius Institutes Back in 2017, the Board that governs gurgitated anti-Israel propaganda currently operate at 55 American col- the TSP decided to invest billions in while Israeli civilians cower in fear leges and universities. While they companies with direct ties to the Chi- under persistent rocket fire. claim to harmlessly promote Chinese nese Communist Party. They wanted Thankfully, the U.S. mission blocked language and culture, they actually to send government employee dollars— the statement’s release, but I think it serve as a beachhead for the Chinese the retirement savings of our military is important—important—to inject a Government within America’s research and civilian public servants—to Chi- little reality into the ongoing discus- institutions. Often, just the presence of nese companies, including mine and sion. a Confucius Institute on campus will everybody’s here in Congress. These First, we must acknowledge that enable Chinese officials to stifle any companies are tied to a government Israel has the absolute right to defend criticism of the Chinese Government at that openly committed genocide itself, no matter the state of their rela- that university. The institutes also against its own people. Well, with me, tions with the Palestinian Authority. allow the Chinese Government to har- that dog doesn’t hunt. There is a world of difference between vest valuable data from research being Thankfully, President Trump put a a state-sponsored terrorist attack on a conducted at our country’s world-class stop to that plan before it was imple- civilian population and action taken to institutions. Who knows what else they mented, but now with President Biden stop that attack. We have a responsi- could be up to. in the White House, the Board could bility to counter the dangerous argu- I was very proud to cosponsor Sen- decide to push through this decision. ment that because Hamas currently ator BLACKBURN’s Transparency for We need congressional action to make lacks the weapons capability to win Confucius Institutes Act, which would President Trump’s decision with the this battle, Israel must stand by and provide needed transparency to these thrift savings plan permanent. I bet if allow terrorists to slaughter civilians. dangerous organizations. I was also you ask the folks who work in these Second, I would encourage all of my glad to see Alabama A&M, a public buildings or who served the United colleagues to join me in making it land-grant and historically Black uni- States overseas if they want their re- clear that the United States is and will versity, make the decision to close tirement savings going to Chinese com- remain Israel’s closest friend and ally. their Confucius Institute just last panies, you would hear a loud no. We will continue to assist with the de- month. I will be offering a solution on this velopment and production of advanced Congress has made clear that Amer- tomorrow to protect our national secu- missile defense systems like the Iron ican institutions of higher education rity and safeguard the retirements of Dome. We will not step away from that that host Confucius Institutes could those who have served our country obligation simply because celebrity lose their Federal funding. with honor and distinction. influencers would rather witness a I hope any remaining colleges and I suggest the absence of a quorum. slaughter than a proportionate re- universities with these CCP satellite The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. sponse to mass terror. organizations follow Alabama A&M’s DUCKWORTH). The clerk will call the Last, it is important to acknowledge leadership. roll. that this violence is a symptom of a The United States and the entire The senior assistant legislative clerk much more serious disease. Hamas ter- Western World have given China valu- proceeded to call the roll. rorists may be the ones launching able concessions for decades. We gave Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Presi- rockets at civilians, but it is Iran, the China a seat at the table thinking they dent, I ask unanimous consent that the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, would change, but they have played order for the quorum call be rescinded. that is paying for it. That is right, their hand ruthlessly. The hope was The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Madam President—it is Iran, the that by facilitating economic growth objection, it is so ordered. world’s leading state sponsor of ter- through open markets and giving them ISRAEL rorism, that is footing the bill for these leadership roles in the international in- Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Presi- attacks. When we provide assistance stitutions, China’s Communist regime dent, over the past week, the Pales- and support to Israel, we are not just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:47 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.009 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 protecting an ally; we are containing 40 bridge. The river traffic that flows My Democratic colleagues need to the destructive influence of our most beneath the bridge is just as impor- understand that a government subsidy belligerent adversary in the Middle tant. When the Coast Guard reopened cannot save a family from that kind of East. that stretch of the Mississippi, they hit to their monthly budget, affecting This month, the Biden administra- had to juggle 60 vessels hauling more everything from the moment their feet tion traveled to Vienna to negotiate than 1,000 barges. Yes. We had a little hit the floor in the morning to the sanctions relief with Iranian officials. traffic jam in the Mississippi River. time they brush their teeth and go to Since then, President Biden has also It is amazing to me how quickly a bed in the evening. spoken to Prime Minister Netanyahu problem like this does turn into a bot- The Biden administration is creating and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend tleneck. Tennessee and Arkansas a perfect storm of income insecurity, itself from these attacks. transportation officials are still work- shortages, and the uneasiness that However, I would take this oppor- ing out a timeline for repairs, but as of comes when Americans see more tunity to remind my Democratic col- now, the trucking industry is preparing month at the end of their money than leagues that the United States des- for a downward spiral. money at the end of the month. ignated Hamas as a terrorist organiza- According to the Arkansas Trucking They know how to manage their tion more than 20 years ago. That is Association, this could cost operators budget, and they know what they have right. For the past two decades, we and their customers more than $2 mil- to do when prices creep up 25 cents, $1 have recognized Hamas as a terrorist lion a day, which is an amount that the or $2 at a time. Their instinct isn’t to organization. As a rule, we do not pro- industry actually cannot absorb. This reach out to the Federal Government vide them assistance of any kind. They means that the delay could end up for help; their instinct and their action are a terrorist organization. But by costing consumers an additional $2 mil- is to cut back on the extras and to pre- opening the door to sanctions relief for lion a day. And depending on what they pare for harder times ahead. Iran, we cannot help but enrich a re- are buying, they could also see empty The only way to avoid this even now gime that will not stop until it de- shelves due to a supply chain interrup- is to make prudent, targeted invest- stroys Israel. That is their goal. We tion. ments in economic recovery, supply know it because they have told us that Meanwhile, the Biden administration chain security, cyber security, and, is their goal. We must not provide is putting all their energy and focus yes, actual real infrastructure projects. sanctions relief to Iran or give quarter into checking items off of a decades-old The American people cannot afford to any regime that allies itself with wish list of social programs. They put all the extras that are on the Demo- this evil. forward an infrastructure package cratic Party’s wish list. Their income It is my hope that all Americans will worth more than $2 trillion that wastes can’t keep up with the inflation that is take some time this week to just about two-thirds of this total pricetag hitting their pocketbook every single unplug and think about this and reflect on projects that have nothing to do day of the week. And they really are and then pray—pray that reason and with infrastructure, nothing to do with concerned with what will happen when wisdom will prevail as we seek an end making sure that major bridges and those trend lines cross and inflation to this outbreak of violence and the de- thoroughfares are safe and open or ex- heads north every single day. feat of this terrorist group that wants panding broadband access or making I would, again, ask my Democratic to destroy the nation of Israel. sure that parents in rural Tennessee colleagues to step back from the TENNESSEE can get their kids to school without money printer and recognize the effect Madam President, this weekend, we worrying that a rainstorm will flood all this spending is having on American had a positive development in the sta- the road on the way to town. This is families. tus of the I–40 bridge that connects making the American people feel so in- I yield the floor. West Memphis, AR, and Memphis, TN. credibly unsettled and very frustrated, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Just as a reminder, last week, inspec- and Tennesseans are pretty nervous clerk will call the roll. about the future. tors discovered a crack in one of the The senior assistant legislative clerk If I could give the President one steel beams supporting the bridge. The proceeded to call the roll. piece of advice, it would be this: If you crossing was immediately closed to all Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I want to waste time peddling Green vehicle and barge traffic. On Friday ask unanimous consent that the order New Deal policies or expanding social morning, the Coast Guard reopened the for the quorum call be rescinded. stretch of Mississippi River that runs safety nets, admit it—just admit it. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without under the bridge, but the bridge itself Call it what it is. Don’t call it infra- objection, it is so ordered. remains closed indefinitely. structure and then turn around and Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I Now, a lot of armchair experts have throw pocket change at actual infra- further ask unanimous consent that decided to sound off with the argument structure problems that need to be ad- the mandatory quorum call with re- that this closure won’t affect local dressed right now. That mislabeling spect to the cloture motion for the mo- economies, but with all due respect, makes it look like you are trying to tion to proceed to Calendar No. 58, S. those making this argument really pull a fast one over the American peo- 1260, be waived. should spend a little bit more time out ple, and it makes the American people The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without in the real world. This part of Middle believe that you really don’t care. And objection, it is so ordered. America that we are talking about is that is a dangerous message to send in Mr. MURPHY. Finally, I ask unani- an incredibly important part of our Na- the middle of a traumatic pandemic re- mous consent that I be allowed to fin- tion’s domestic supply chain. We have covery, especially considering that ish my remarks prior to the upcoming a 15-mile stretch along the Mississippi prices are already on the rise. We see it vote. River, and that houses 68 waterfronted in utilities. We see it at the gas pump. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without facilities. Thirty-seven of those facili- We see it in the packaged snacks we objection, it is so ordered. ties are terminal facilities moving purchase for the children’s Sunday ISRAEL products such as petroleum, tar, as- school class. Even basics in the produce Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I phalt, cement, steel, coal, salt, fer- section at the grocery store are begin- come to the floor this afternoon to talk tilizers, rock and gravel, and grains. ning to get out of reach. It is affecting about two issues of vital importance to Shipping companies and cross-coun- basic nutrition. the United States and the world. try trucking companies depend on the This is the Biden surcharge. We are First, I want to say a few words I–40 crossing, and so do the local gro- paying a premium just to live from the about the current violence paralyzing cery stores, industrial facilities, res- moment our feet hit the floor in the Israel and the Palestinian territories, taurants, retail outlets that purchase morning to the time we brush our but then I want to spend the bulk of the cargo, and, of course, our Nation’s teeth and get into bed at night. The my remarks on the future of nuclear farmers. barebones cost of living is going up proliferation in the Middle East. Commercial trucking constitutes 25 thanks to these reckless spending pri- First, here in America, our hearts are percent of all traffic that crosses the I– orities. breaking for Israelis and Palestinians.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.011 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2539 The images are just bone-chilling— in 2006, when Hamas, an internation- tionate military power. That is why, rockets and interceptors streaking ally recognized terrorist organization, during the 2014 invasion of Gaza, 2,000 across the night sky, parents huddled beat Fatah in parliamentary elections Palestinians died compared with fewer with their children as air raid sirens there that year. than 100 Israelis. But when children die ring out, tragic images of innocent Hamas refuses to recognize the right in Gaza, it does nothing to secure Israeli and Palestinian civilians, in- of Israel to exist and advocates for the Israel. In fact, it does the opposite. It cluding children, injured or killed in armed rebellion of Palestinians against just provides further fuel to this fur- the blasts. Israel. Fatah, under pressure from nace of grievances. For many Americans who are turning Hamas to take more extreme positions, So I am glad that the administration on the news this week, it might appear spent most of the last decade refusing is sending Deputy Assistant Secretary that the events of the last few days any and all chance to negotiate with Amr to the region, that he is there. It erupted almost overnight. While ten- the Israelis, preferring to sit on the is critical that we also get a formal sions are now reaching a fevered and sidelines and nurture grievances. They U.S. Ambassador to Israel in place as deadly pitch, this cataclysm has been were unable to deliver any real eco- quickly as possible. But the United long in the making and no party, in- nomic benefit to the people under their States needs to be pressing for a cease- cluding the United States of America, charge in the West Bank, and the re- fire. The United States can’t afford to has completely clean hands. sulting desperation of Palestinians fed simply allow for this escalation to con- Zero-sum politics have driven both this grievance culture even more. tinue. That is not in Israel’s best inter- the decision making of the Netanyahu In response to those events I men- est, and that is not in America’s best government and Palestinian leader- tioned at Al Aqsa, Hamas and its allies interest. My hope is, in the conversa- ship, to the extent that there is such a in Gaza started firing rockets into tions that are happening today be- thing as Palestinian leadership. Those southern and central Israel. Since that tween the Biden administration and decisions have led us to this crisis. day, thousands of rockets have landed the Netanyahu government, that they Over and over, Prime Minister inside Israel. These rocket attacks are talking about the terms to bring Netanyahu has pushed Israeli settle- were then responded to by an Israeli this violence to an end. ments further into territory histori- Government that has begun its own as- Now, as to the second topic, I re- cally considered reserved for a future sault inside Gaza, and as we sit here cently spent 5 days in the Middle East Palestinian State. The Israeli Govern- today, hundreds of Palestinians inside last week. I came back just before this ment, increasingly reliant on right- Gaza, including children, have been recent spate of violence began in Gaza wing, zero-sum political constituencies killed. Although there have not been as and Israel. During the 5 days I was in the Middle East, I crossed paths with a for its survival, also stepped up cam- many casualties in Israel because of bunch of Biden officials who were mak- paigns to remove Palestinians from the defense-security relationship with ing stops throughout the region, and I areas in East Jerusalem as a means to the United States, Israelis have been can report that, in setting aside the undermine the Palestinian claim to killed as well. conflict in Israel—something that is that section of the ancient city as the The Israelis were wrong to pursue pretty hard to do right now—there is capital of a future state. settlements and evictions as a delib- some real positive news to bring back The spark that lit the match of the erate means to undermine a future Pal- from the Gulf. existing conflagration was the Israeli estinian state. These policies might The 4-year-long rift between Qatar have helped hold together Netanyahu’s effort to remove Palestinian families and its Gulf neighbors is healing. There from their homes in the East Jeru- political coalition, but they helped to is now a new diplomatic energy behind salem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah feed a sense of hopelessness amongst cease-fire talks in Yemen, and the and replace them with Israeli settlers. Palestinians and their future. Saudis and the Iranians are in direct In February, the Israeli court ordered The Palestinian leadership was talks for the first time in years. All of wrong to perpetuate an anti-Israeli, Palestinian families in that neighbor- this—I was repeatedly told by leaders anti-Semitic narrative as a foundation hood to vacate their homes by May 2 or in the Middle East—is happening be- of their hold on power. They were they would be forcibly removed. Pro- cause President Biden has made clear tests began, spread to other cities in wrong to choose grievance over diplo- that deescalation is going to be re- Israel with large Arab populations, macy. warded and supported by the United But the United States, over the last 4 while the Palestinian families awaited States—a stark departure from the years, played a role too. President a final ruling from the Israeli Supreme Trump administration. Court. Trump rejected America’s historic role Now, this is good news, but the bad As these protests spread and grew in as a broker for peace and reconcili- news quickly follows, and it is this: If size, Israeli police adopted some tactics ation between Israelis and Palestin- the United States does not reenter the that we have seen on display here in ians. He chose a side unconditionally, Iran nuclear agreement, all of this nas- the United States—an overly and his alliance with Netanyahu and cent progress is going to be at risk. securitized approach that only esca- his rejection of a Palestinian state Joe Biden ran on a promise to reen- lated rather than defused the tension. drove the two parties further apart and ter the Iran nuclear agreement. He Those crackdowns led to more protests turned the temperature up. Trump pur- made this commitment because he and more clashes and a cycle that con- sued a path to intentionally create di- knew that this agreement was critical tinued and continued. vision rather than healing. Those 4 to American security. With Iran’s nu- Then Israeli security forces stormed years of America’s absence from its clear program curtailed and inspectors Islam’s third holiest site in Jerusalem traditional post of mediator is also a allowed to comb every inch of the during Ramadan prayers. Now, the big reason we are here today. country to look for signs of a secret en- Israelis contend that they were re- There is going to be time to talk richment program, the world could sponding to a rock thrown from Pal- about the big picture—to talk about breathe a sigh of relief in knowing estinians inside. The Palestinians what went wrong and how American that, for all of Iran’s other malevolent argue it was the other way around. But policy needs to change toward Israel behaviors and policies, at least we whatever happened, at the end of that and the West Bank and Gaza—but right knew that they were not developing a night, more than 330 Palestinians and now, our focus needs to be laser-like on nuclear weapon. 22 Israelis had been injured. deescalation, on a cease-fire. Hamas The achievement of the deal also The story of the Palestinians’ con- must stop its rocket attacks. They are brought together a set of really un- duct over the last decade is just as im- war crimes. They are indiscriminate. likely bedfellows—the United States portant in understanding the roots of They do nothing to help the Palestin- and Europe but also Russia and China. the existing crisis. Fatah, the main po- ians in East Jerusalem or anywhere On Iran policy, with this coalition of litical party representing Palestinians, else. Israel needs to stand down its regular adversaries, it was intact at has failed the people it represents. Ripe military campaign as well. They have the end of the Obama administration. with internal conflict and corruption, to take off the table a ground invasion It was ready to be picked up by Presi- Fatah lost its mandate to govern Gaza of Gaza. Israel possesses a dispropor- dent Trump to confront Iran’s ballistic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.013 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 missile program or their support for re- soup-to-nuts deal is a neoconservative fications of failure are so dire, then gional proxy forces like Hezbollah, but fantasy. It doesn’t exist in real life. what has to happen to guarantee a Trump went in a different direction. In real life, the achievable result is a good outcome? And I will end here. Instead of building on the Iran deal, he restart of the nuclear agreement. The First, the structure of the talks is decided to put to test the theory of its good news is that this result in 2021 deeply problematic, and that is the Ira- opponents. That theory is this: that if might have an even greater peace divi- nians’ fault. They are insisting on this the United States imposed unilateral, dend than when it was executed the shuttle diplomacy when we should be crippling sanctions on Iran, leaders in first time in 2015. talking directly to them. Tehran would limp to the negotiating This brings me back to my trip to Second, countries in Iran’s neighbor- table, cowed and willing to put all of the region. I heard this story, while I hood that were hostile or neutral to the issues—nuclear enrichment, mis- was there, of how quickly talks on the talks in 2015 suddenly have their siles, human rights, proxy support—up healing the Gulf Cooperation Council eyes wide open to the benefits of get- for discussion. That is what Obama’s rift matured as soon as Biden won the ting back into the deal, so we should critics said he should have done, and election. Countries that were at one make sure that our partners in the those critics cheered when Trump took another’s throats throughout the Middle East who have the ear of the their advice. Trump administration were suddenly Iranian Government or the Supreme What happened, of course, was a pol- coming to terms with one another. Leader are applying the appropriate icy cataclysm. Trump imposed the While conflict and bullying and score- pressure and letting Iran know that sanctions, and our partners, instead of settling—Trump’s calling cards—were their relationships in the region are at following America’s lead, effectively rewarded during his term, countries risk if Iran fails to get back into the took the Iranian side, even helping quickly realized that diplomacy and deal. Iran work around our sanctions. Mak- deescalation would most quickly win On our side of the ledger, we need to ing matters worse, when Trump sent favor with President Biden. be willing to be creative. Now, of word to the Iranians of our 12 demands, In Oman, I heard how the Saudis course, any restart of the nuclear they refused to talk. Instead, they did were suddenly much more willing to agreement is going to require the the opposite. They ratcheted up their make additional concessions in Yemen United States to drop the sanctions bad behavior. They sent more support and how the Houthis were now more Trump applied to Iran’s economy—that to the Houthis in Yemen. They re- likely to trust the United States as an had the same impact as the Obama-era started dormant parts of their nuclear interlocutor. In Jordan, the King nuclear sanctions. Yet here is the point I want to make: program, reducing their breakout time talked to us about how an Iraqi Gov- What about the other sanctions that to a weapon from just over a year to ernment was now more welcoming than Trump layered on top of the economic just under 3 months, and they resumed ever of help from places other than sanctions? For example, it should be attacks on American forces in the re- Iran, and he spoke of Jordan’s new expected that the Iranians would want gion, both directly and through prox- overtures to a Baghdad Government in us to lift Trump’s designation of its ies. its looking for a more diverse set of al- Here is a pretty simple way to take a lies. And everyone in the region, at primary military force, the IRGC, as a terrorist organization. This wasn’t look at the success of the maximum every stop, buzzed about these talks, strictly a nuclear sanction, but it was pressure campaign. One element of the these dialogues, between the Saudis certainly a key part of Trump’s max- Iran nuclear deal was a commitment and the Iranians. Reports suggest that imum pressure campaign, and it was by Iran to reduce their enriched ura- these two countries wanted to talk specifically designed to try to bring nium stockpile. You can see, in the during the Trump administration but Iran back to the negotiating table on a years leading up to the deal, there is a were discouraged from doing so. This momentum toward peace is en- nuclear program. dramatic escalation in the amount of In evaluating the wisdom of peeling couraging, but it is so fragile, and one enriched uranium the Iranians are back these noneconomic sanctions, it major setback, one major, unexpected holding. Then immediately upon the is important to remember that they diplomatic hiccup, could turn all of deal’s being reached, it plummets. Yet were all completely feckless. These here is the bad news: As soon as the this progress around. I worry that this sanctions had no impact. In fact, their maximum pressure campaign is un- hiccup could be the failure of America only impact was to worsen Iran’s be- veiled by President Trump, those num- and Iran to get back into the nuclear havior, so lifting them would have no bers start to creep back up again. agreement. If the talks fail and the practical negative impact. One chart explains to you the effect Biden administration is forced to im- Just as importantly, lifting this par- of Trump’s maximum pressure cam- plement Trump’s Iran policy for the ticular designation, the one example I paign. It was a spectacular failure and next 4 years, complete with these uni- am posing to you today, is a rather definitive proof that the alternative lateral crippling sanctions, it is easy to technical exercise under the U.S. stat- approach, cheered by the Iran deal’s see how all of this progress in the Gulf ute, and it actually doesn’t prevent us opponents—keep the sanctions in place could disintegrate. The so-called Ira- from sanctioning the truly bad actors until Iran totally capitulates—was a nian moderates would head back to in the Iranian military. For example, fantasy. Instead, the situation has em- Tehran with no deal and be defeated in our sanctions on some of their most powered the more hardline wing of an the upcoming national elections. A brutal interrogators—the IRGC’s inter- already hardline regime who is pre- harder line government, much less rogators—would all stay in place even pared to perpetually operate a resist- prone to diplomacy, would choose to if we lifted that blanket IRGC designa- ance economy and blame the United scuttle peace talks in Yemen, end the tion. States for the nation’s suffering. outreach to the Saudis, and work like This is just one example of a Trump- Yet now those same critics of the nu- mad to make sure that their proxies in era sanction whose erasure would have clear agreement are back, and incred- Iraq take power in the upcoming par- little to no practical impact. There are ibly, despite the writing inked on the liamentary elections. This could con- many more, but I use this example to wall during the past 4 years, their ar- vince the Saudis to double down mili- show how weighing the equities, the gument hasn’t changed a bit. Just keep tarily in Yemen and open up new fis- benefits, of getting into the deal are doing what Trump did, and this time it sures in the Gulf. going to be far greater than the imagi- will work, they say. They suggest that Listen, maybe I am wrong. Maybe nary benefits of keeping many of getting back into the nuclear deal, as this is an overly apocalyptic vision of Trump’s noneconomic sanctions. Biden pledged during the campaign, what would occur if the nuclear nego- Now, let me be clear. If the sanctions isn’t enough. They want a new deal tiations go south, but I fear that it is like this are removed, opponents of the that includes a resolution to all of more accurate than fantastical that deal are going to cry bloody murder in Iran’s bad acts, but unless we are pre- the stakes might be that high, which that they are going to accuse Biden of pared to invade Iran and demand un- brings me, finally, to our negotiations giving more than Obama gave, but this conditional surrender—news flash: We in Vienna. If the consequences of suc- is the exact trap that Trump was try- are not—then that comprehensive, cess are so promising and if the rami- ing to set for his successor. He applied

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.014 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2541 sanctions on Iran in connection with The question is, Is it the sense of the EL SALVADOR the pullout of the nuclear deal, but he Senate that debate on the motion to Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to called them nonnuclear sanctions, hop- proceed to S. 1260, a bill to establish a call attention to recent events in El ing the next President would be caught new Directorate for Technology and In- Salvador which have caused inter- in this sticky web. President Biden novation in the National Science Foun- national concern, including in the U.S. shouldn’t be bound by Trump’s tor- dation, to establish a regional tech- Congress. tured sanctions logic. nology hub program, to require a strat- I was a Senator in the 1980s, when so- But, just as importantly, let me as- egy and report on economic security, cial injustices and authoritarian re- sure you that no matter the particulars science, research, innovation, manufac- gimes in El Salvador led to a brutal or the details of the agreement to re- turing, and job creation, to establish a civil war that lasted 12 years. I trav- start the nuclear deal, the deal critics critical supply chain resiliency pro- eled there during that period when the are going to oppose it, no matter what. gram, and for other purposes, shall be United States was supporting the Sal- They opposed it in 2015. They are going brought to a close? vador Armed Forces, despite their his- to oppose it again. The yeas and nays are mandatory tory of corruption and collusion with What we should really be worried under the rule. death squads that carried out political about is Trump’s Iran policy becoming, The clerk will call the roll. assassinations with impunity. by accident, permanent, and this is The legislative clerk called the roll. Finally, in 1992, after tens of thou- what is likely to occur if the Vienna Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the sands of lives lost and atrocities in- talks fail. Iran will continue to speed Senator from Minnesota (Ms. KLO- cluding the assassination of Arch- up its nuclear research program, the BUCHAR) is necessarily absent. bishop Oscar Romero and six Jesuit maximum pressure will continue, and a priests and their housekeeper and her chill will be delivered to the deescala- Mr. THUNE. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator daughter by the Salvadoran Army, the tion momentum in the region. two sides signed the Peace Accords But on the other hand, reentering the from Pennsylvania (Mr. TOOMEY) and the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. that ended the war. Those Accords deal, while effectively already priced failed to solve the country’s historical into a Biden electoral victory, will be WICKER). The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 86, problems, and the leaders of the Arena seen as a diplomatic victory, at a per- and FMLN parties failed to put imple- nays 11, as follows: fect time to score a win for diplomacy, mentation of the Accords above their and the Middle East countries who [Rollcall Vote No. 192 Leg.] own corrupt, political ambitions, for have found new affection for a U.S.- YEAS—86 which they ultimately lost the support Iran agreement will exhale. Baldwin Graham Padilla of the Salvadoran people. But the Ac- Now, I am not naive. I understand Bennet Grassley Peters cords did establish the foundation for Blackburn Hagerty the Middle East has still dozens of in- Portman democracy, including a clear separa- tractable crises, and the events of the Blumenthal Hassan Reed Blunt Hawley tion of powers with checks and bal- last few days in Israel and Gaza are a Romney Booker Heinrich Rosen ances as well as a limited constitu- reminder of the grave challenges that Boozman Hickenlooper Rounds tional role for the armed forces and the Braun Hirono are still there. But the overall mood of Rubio newly formed civilian police to avoid deescalation in and around the Gulf is Brown Hoeven Sanders Burr Hyde-Smith Sasse ever again being used for political pur- real, and it is much better than the old Cantwell Inhofe Schatz poses or repression. incentive structure for escalation. Capito Kaine Schumer I mention this history and the price Cardin Kelly So I see these roots of positive Scott (SC) Carper Kennedy in human suffering that was paid for change slowly, quietly growing, and, Shaheen Casey King the chance to build a peaceful, demo- right now, the best way for the United Sinema Cassidy Lankford cratic society in El Salvador, at a time States to nurture those grass shoots is Smith Collins Leahy when key elements of the Peace Ac- to restart the Iran nuclear agreement. Coons Luja´ n Stabenow I yield the floor. Cornyn Manchin Sullivan cords are under assault from within the Cortez Masto Markey Tester government itself and President Nayib f Cramer Marshall Thune Bukele. Tillis Cruz McConnell In February 2020, in a show of force CLOTURE MOTION Daines Menendez Van Hollen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Duckworth Merkley Warner designed to intimidate the Salvadoran to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Durbin Moran Warnock Congress, which at that time his party Ernst Murkowski Warren did not control, President Bukele, ac- Senate the pending cloture motion, Feinstein Murphy Whitehouse which the clerk will state. Fischer Murray Wyden companied by heavily armed soldiers, The legislative clerk read as follows: Gillibrand Ossoff Young occupied the legislative chamber to demand passage of a law to pay for new CLOTURE MOTION NAYS—11 We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- equipment. Fifteen months later, after Barrasso Lee Scott (FL) winning a supermajority in the Con- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Cotton Lummis Shelby Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Crapo Paul Tuberville gress, he turned his attention to the ju- move to bring to a close debate on the mo- Johnson Risch dicial branch. tion to proceed to Calendar No. 58, S. 1260, a NOT VOTING—3 Under the Peace Accords, the Office bill to establish a new Directorate for Tech- of the Attorney General, formerly an nology and Innovation in the National Klobuchar Toomey Wicker appendage of the Executive that was Science Foundation, to establish a regional The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. technology hub program, to require a strat- used for repression and persecution of egy and report on economic security, HEINRICH). On this vote, the yeas are political opponents, became an inde- science, research, innovation, manufac- 86, the nays are 11. pendent institution, acting as a fourth turing, and job creation, to establish a crit- Three-fifths of Senators duly chosen branch of government and appointed by ical supply chain resiliency program, and for and sworn having voted in the affirma- a majority of Congress to a 3-year other purposes. tive, the motion is agreed to. term. Since the Congress is also elect- Charles E. Schumer, Maria Cantwell, The Senator from Rhode Island. ed for 3-year terms, every Congress Margaret Wood Hassan, Tina Smith, gets to appoint an Attorney General. Jeanne Shaheen, John Hickenlooper, f Michael F. Bennet, Patty Murray, The President has no say in the matter. Tammy Baldwin, Raphael G. Warnock, MORNING BUSINESS Christopher Murphy, Robert P. Casey, The Attorney General can be re- Jr., Jacky Rosen, Ben Ray Luja´ n, Rich- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I moved by a majority of Congress for ard J. Durbin, Tim Kaine, Jeff ask unanimous consent that the Sen- just cause and in accordance with due Merkley, Gary C. Peters, Catherine ate be in a period of morning business, process. Attorney General Raul Cortez Masto. with Senators permitted to speak Melara’s term was to end on January 6, The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- therein for up to 10 minutes each. 2022, just 7 months from now, and the imous consent, the mandatory quorum The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without newly elected Congress could have se- call has been waived. objection, it is so ordered. lected someone to replace him after

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:47 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.015 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 that date. However, on May 1, Presi- tices were targeted for removal. The been one-way and characterized by dent Bukele’s supermajority in Con- chamber often rebuked the Executive dumping practices that have destroyed gress summarily removed Mr. Melara for overreaching in its actions, includ- local industries in El Salvador. There without cause and appointed a political ing the Bukele-ordered military occu- are no major exports from El Salvador loyalist as Melara’s replacement, con- pation of the Congress in February to China except occasional shipments trary to the requirements of the Con- 2020. Thus, by removing the Attorney of coffee and sugar. Chinese infrastruc- stitution and raising serious doubts General and the Supreme Court jus- ture projects do nothing to help unem- about the continued independence of tices, the Congress gave President ployed Salvadorians, when China sends the office. Bukele control of all branches of gov- the steel, concrete, and even the Chi- It is notable that prior to his dis- ernment, creating a situation in which nese workers to build them. missal, the ousted Attorney General, corruption can flourish with impunity. The Salvadoran private sector knows with U.S. support, was investigating a I have recounted these events be- that China isn’t the answer. They know number of cases of corruption against cause they have created a crisis that the country cannot prosper without top government officials, including a could have profound consequences for democratic institutions and the rule of multibillion-dollar money laundering El Salvador, and for U.S.-Salvadoran law. case. Then last week, in what can only relations. My concern is not only what El Salvador is a sovereign country, be interpreted as a flagrant attempt to it means for democracy in that country and President Bukele was democrat- shield themselves from accountability, but what it could also mean for its ically elected. He makes his own deci- the Congress passed a law to provide economy and the livelihoods of its peo- sions. But the choices he and his allies retroactive immunity to all govern- ple. The stifling of democracy ulti- in the Salvadoran Congress make, that ment officials implicated in corruption mately deprives already desperate peo- are eviscerating El Salvador’s demo- involving spending linked to the ple—suffering from the COVID pan- cratic civilian institutions and empow- COVID–19 pandemic. Also last week, demic, two hurricanes in 2020, and gang ering the armed forces, have con- the Assistant Attorney General in violence—of any hope their lives will sequences for U.S.-Salvadoran rela- charge of the anti-corruption unit sud- get better, and this desperation is a tions. They have consequences for our denly resigned, for reasons that have major driver of migration to the U.S. aid programs and for our support for fi- not been explained, and was also re- border. nancing for El Salvador from the IMF, placed by a Bukele loyalist. The United States has always been El the Inter-American Development Those actions were just the begin- Salvador’s largest trading partner and Bank, and the World Bank and for our ning. El Salvador’s Supreme Court has its largest donor. CAFTA—the Central trade relations, and for visas. This isn’t about national sovereignty 15 justices elected for 9-year terms and America Free Trade Agreement—estab- and foreign interference, as President distributed among different chambers. lished not only trade preferences but Bukele has falsely suggested. His ac- Every 3 years, Congress can appoint 5 labor, health, and environmental tions directly affect the United States, justices from a list of 30 candidates standards. The results have been sig- U.S. companies, our commercial rela- submitted by the National Council of nificant. tions, and the welfare of millions of the Judiciary. The President has no Forty-five percent of El Salvador’s Salvadorans in the United States, as say in the matter. exports go to the United States under Justices can be assigned to and well as the Salvadoran population. CAFTA, which amounts to $2.6 billion I join others here and in El Salvador transferred from any chamber, except a year. in urging President Bukele and the justices in the Constitutional Chamber Thirty-five percent of its imports Salvadoran Congress to reconsider who are appointed by the Congress come from the United States, totaling their unconstitutional actions and to strictly for that chamber and cannot $3.5 billion a year. restore the separation of powers and There are nearly 3 million Salva- be transferred. The chief justice of the the rule of law. Don’t destroy the dorans living in the United States, of Supreme Court is also selected by Con- Peace Accords’ greatest achievement. gress from among the five members of whom 200,000 have temporary protected End the attacks on the rule of law, re- the Constitutional Chamber. status. Collectively, they send $6 bil- spect the tenure of other justices and The newly elected Congress would lion each year in remittances to their the Human Rights Procurator, and ap- have elected five justices from dif- relatives in El Salvador, which point justices to the Constitutional ferent chambers of the Supreme Court amounts to 25 percent of the country’s Chamber and an Attorney General fol- in June from the already submitted list GDP. lowing the established procedures and of candidates. However, on May 1, the On top of that, the United States has ensuring that they are people with the Congress removed all five justices from provided El Salvador with more than necessary professional qualifications, the Constitutional Chamber and their $700 million in aid through USAID, the integrity, and independence. substitutes, without cause or due proc- Millennium Challenge Corporation, and ess, arguing that their rulings were bi- other agencies in the last 5 years alone. f ased and contrary to the government’s Much of the progress made with those TRIBUTE TO BRIAN RIENDEAU policies. Out of those justices only one funds is now at risk of being washed Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, would have completed his term in away. throughout a year full of new and dif- June. The other four from the Con- The largest exporters in El Salvador ficult challenges, the greater Louis- stitutional Chamber were serving are U.S. corporations, which are also ville region has been fortunate to have terms until 2029. Apparently, the role the largest employers in El Salvador. my friend Brian Riendeau helping lead of the judiciary as a separate branch of President Bukele knows that his dic- the response. As the executive director government that serves as an inde- tatorial actions are a direct challenge of Dare to Care food bank, Brian has pendent check on Executive power in a to the United States and to the Biden been instrumental in delivering tens of democracy is unacceptable to Presi- administration’s emphasis on democ- millions of quality and nutritious dent Bukele and his congressional al- racy, human rights, and combating meals each year around this commu- lies. corruption in the region. Faced with nity. His vision and talent support The Congress appointed new justices criticism from the White House and the families when they need it most, and but not from a list of candidates sub- U.S. Congress, he may point to China we owe him a major debt of gratitude. mitted by the National Council of the as an alternative to the United States, This summer, Brian will bring to a Judiciary. So not only was the sudden as if a knight in shining armor from close his 12 years of remarkable leader- removal of justices unconstitutional; Beijing can gallop in and solve El Sal- ship at Dare to Care. I would like to so was the appointment of new jus- vador’s problems. take a moment today to recognize his tices. But the people of El Salvador have no accomplishments and thank him for The Constitutional Chamber had connection with China, and they are his vast contributions to Kentucky. played an essential, historical role as a not about to cast aside their long- This last year wasn’t the first time check on the Executive’s abuse of au- standing relationship with the United I’ve watched Brian deliver for Ken- thority, which is plainly why its jus- States. Trade with China has always tucky. Before we worked together in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.002 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2543 his current role, I had the privilege of in inspiring and bettering our State. the Hockessin Colored School have having Brian on my Senate staff. For 5 Throughout his extensive career in the played an important role in this mis- years, he was an important adviser on collections solutions industry, Bill was sion and the growth and inclusivity of legislation and Kentucky-focused pri- often the first or most senior African our State. orities. While I was sorry to see him American in his organizations. Bill In both business and community in- leave my office, I was pleased to know consistently reached new levels and set volvement, all of Bill’s accomplish- he was headed to the Bluegrass. He important precedents, led change, and ments led to his induction into the spent more than a decade in corporate inspired young African Americans. The Delaware Business Leaders Hall of leadership at one of Louisville’s big- knowledge and experience Bill gained Fame in 2020 as one of the first Afri- gest employers before dedicating him- throughout his career in the collec- can-American inductees. This honor self full-time to combating food insecu- tions solutions industry led him to was awarded to him by the Leadership rity. start his own company, ALW Sourcing Council of Junior Achievement of Dela- In 2009, Brian joined Dare to Care LLC, a collections and customer con- ware, which recognized his influence as with a plan. He wanted to expand the tact solutions business that he leads a business role model to the students food bank’s physical footprint and its with a wealth of knowledge, entrepre- whom the organization serves. I believe reach. Founded in Louisville more than neurship, and industry experience. that this is a fitting testament to the 50 years ago to address a troubling rise In 2000, Bill and his wife, Dr. Kim great work Bill has done for our State. of malnutrition, Dare to Care partners Allen, founded A Friend of the Family, Mr. President, Bill has made invalu- with nearly 300 local organizations to Inc., AFOF, a Delaware-based incu- able contributions to Delawareans. He promote healthy and active lifestyles bator for alternative learning pro- has used his knowledge and experience across the community. Brian grew the grams. AFOF provides students with to invest in a wide array of commu- staff to 60-strong and developed a strat- learning differences and behavioral nities and inspire hundreds of citizens. egy to further invest in Louisville and challenges the tools and lessons nec- He is well respected for such contribu- the surrounding region. In the last few essary to overcome personal, environ- tions and this recognition is well de- years, he completed a $7 million-plus mental, and socioeconomic challenges. served. capital campaign to build a new com- Under their leadership, the organiza- Bill Allen, on behalf of all you have munity kitchen to serve even more tion strengthens and empowers our supported and inspired throughout Kentuckians. community. The success of AFOF led your career, please accept our sincere I had the opportunity to see Brian’s Bill to be featured in Business Week, gratitude. Thank you for your unwav- operation firsthand last July. In the the Baltimore Business Journal, and ering commitment to the Delaware first months of the pandemic, demand JET Magazine. community and for your dedication to for Dare to Care’s help jumped around He and Dr. Allen also teamed up to your work that has brought about 35 percent. Brian and his team over- coauthor a book, ‘‘It Flows Through change, set important firsts, and in- came supply-chain disruptions, imple- Us,’’ which describes how working hard spired others. Thank you.∑ mented social distancing and other and giving back can generate success f medical precautions, and continued and happiness. When writing the book, MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE serving those in need. In fact, once Bill focused on making it accessible to Brian’s team stocked its shelves, Dare all people so that it could be used in At 3:08 p.m., a message from the to Care was even able to help other the minority- and women-owned busi- House of Representatives, delivered by food banks in Kentucky fill their own. ness enterprise revolution. He also par- Mrs. Alli, one of its reading clerks, an- Brian’s forward-thinking and commit- ticipates in this revolution through the nounced that the House has passed the ment to service helped countless Ken- multiple seminars he conducts yearly following bills, in which it requests the tucky families during the hardest days to increase individuals’ understanding concurrence of the Senate: of this pandemic. I am so grateful to of business, diversity, leadership, moti- H.R. 1065. An act to eliminate discrimina- him and his team for working around vation, and success. Bill’s knowledge tion and promote women’s health and eco- the clock to feed Kentucky. initiatives empower and inspire people nomic security by ensuring reasonable work- Dare to Care is well-positioned to to make positive changes that will im- place accommodations for workers whose prove lives across communities. ability to perform the functions of a job are continue fulfilling its mission for years limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a re- to come, and Brian’s outstanding lead- Bill served as the board chair of the African American Empowerment Fund, lated medical condition. ership helped get it there. Whatever H.R. 2547. An act to expand and enhance comes next for Brian and his wife Judy, AAEFD, at Delaware Community consumer, student, servicemember, and I know I speak for his many admirers Foundation and as a board member for small business protections with respect to in wishing him all the best. I would the nonprofit charity Friends of debt collection practices, and for other pur- like to express my personal gratitude Hockessin Colored School #107, FOHCS. poses. for his years of dedication to Ken- During his time as chair, he led the H.R. 2877. An act to amend the Public fund to provide $100,000 to the Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of tucky, and I encourage my Senate col- Health and Human Services to develop best leagues to join me in congratulating Hockessin Colored School #107, a historic school that played a role in a practices for the establishment and use of Brian for his many successes. behavioral intervention teams at schools, groundbreaking court case that became f and for other purposes. part of the landmark Supreme Court ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS decision, Brown v. Board of Education. f MEASURES REFERRED --- A student at the school was a plaintiff in the 1952 Delaware Court of Chancery The following bills were read the first TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ‘‘BILL’’ case Belton (Bulah) v. Gebhart, which ALLEN, JR. and the second times by unanimous was appealed to the U.S. Supreme consent, and referred as indicated: ∑ Mr. COONS. Mr. President, today it Court jointly with Brown v. Board. H.R. 1065. An act to eliminate discrimina- is my pleasure to honor William ‘‘Bill’’ Thanks to the funding that Bill helped tion and promote women’s health and eco- Allen, Jr., local business leader, com- secure, the historic school is now being nomic security by ensuring reasonable work- munity activist, author, and friend, for transformed into a center for diversity place accommodations for workers whose his tremendous contributions to Dela- training, inclusion, and social equity. ability to perform the functions of a job are ware and the growth and success of our Its legacy will continue and its purpose limited by pregnancy, childbirth, or a re- communities. has been reignited. lated medical condition; to the Committee If you have ever met Bill Allen, you In my remarks at the reintroduction on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. will know he has a wonderful smile ceremony for this school, I stated that H.R. 2547. An act to expand and enhance consumer, student, servicemember, and that will grab your attention when you in order to change our future, we must small business protections with respect to walk in the room and will get you smil- confront our past. It is my firm belief debt collection practices, and for other pur- ing as well. Bill is also serious about that Mr. Allen’s commitments to our poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- continuing to make important strides community and the revitalization of ing, and Urban Affairs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.004 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021

H.R. 2877. An act to amend the Public sisting of a national network of local digital S. 657 Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of fabrication facilities providing universal ac- At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the Health and Human Services to develop best cess to advanced manufacturing tools for name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. practices for the establishment and use of workforce development, STEM education, ROSEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. behavioral intervention teams at schools, developing inventions, creating businesses, 657, a bill to modify the presumption of and for other purposes; to the Committee on producing personalized products, mitigating Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. risks, and for other purposes; to the Com- service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents while f mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- tation. serving in the Armed Forces in Thai- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND By Mr. LUJA´ N (for himself and Mr. land during the Vietnam era, and for JOINT RESOLUTIONS ROMNEY): other purposes. S. 1662. A bill to increase funding for the S. 828 The following bills and joint resolu- Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the tions were introduced, read the first Drug Administration and for the Foundation and second times by unanimous con- for the National Institutes of Health; to the names of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. sent, and referred as indicated: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and MURKOWSKI) and the Senator from By Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself, Mr. Pensions. Delaware (Mr. CARPER) were added as BROWN, Mr. DURBIN, Ms. WARREN, Mr. By Mr. MERKLEY: cosponsors of S. 828, a bill to amend MARKEY, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mrs. FEIN- S. 1663. A bill to amend title 18, United title XVIII of the Social Security Act STEIN, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. REED, Mr. States Code, and title 39, United States Code, to provide for the coverage of marriage VAN HOLLEN, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. BOOKER, to provide the United States Postal Service and family therapist services and men- Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. the authority to mail alcoholic beverages, tal health counselor services under GILLIBRAND, Mr. MERKLEY, and Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- part B of the Medicare program, and SANDERS): for other purposes. S. 1652. A bill to ensure high-income earn- fairs. S. 878 ers pay a fair share of Federal taxes; to the f Committee on Finance. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the By Mr. SHELBY: SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND name of the Senator from Rhode Island S. 1653. A bill to repeal the current Inter- SENATE RESOLUTIONS (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of nal Revenue Code and replace it with a flat The following concurrent resolutions S. 878, a bill to increase public safety tax, thereby guaranteeing economic growth and Senate resolutions were read, and by punishing and deterring firearms and fairness for all Americans; to the Com- trafficking. mittee on Finance. referred (or acted upon), as indicated: By Mr. CRAMER: By Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. S. 921 S. 1654. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- CARDIN, Mr. CARPER, and Mrs. CAP- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the enue Code of 1986 to include certain over-the- ITO): name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. counter dietary supplement products as S. Res. 217. A resolution designating the CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- qualified medical expenses; to the Com- week of May 16 through May 22, 2021, as ‘‘Na- sor of S. 921, a bill to amend title 18, mittee on Finance. tional Public Works Week’’ ; considered and United States Code, to further protect By Mr. TILLIS: agreed to. officers and employees of the United By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. S. 1655. A bill to prohibit States from regu- States, and for other purposes. lating certain commercial motor vehicle STABENOW, Mr. KAINE, Mr. VAN HOL- service contracts, and for other purposes; to LEN, Mr. WARNOCK, Ms. ERNST, Ms. S. 927 the Committee on Commerce, Science, and ROSEN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. WYDEN, Mrs. At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the Transportation. CAPITO, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. CASEY, name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. By Mr. CORNYN: Mr. BROWN, Mr. SCOTT of South Caro- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1656. A bill to provide a taxpayer bill of lina, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. BLUNT, Mrs. 927, a bill to improve the provision of rights for small businesses; to the Com- BLACKBURN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. health care and other benefits from the COONS, and Mr. YOUNG): mittee on Finance. Department of Veterans Affairs for vet- By Mr. RUBIO (for himself and Mr. S. Res. 218. A resolution recognizing Na- erans who were exposed to toxic sub- CARDIN): tional Foster Care Month as an opportunity S. 1657. A bill to impose sanctions with re- to raise awareness about the challenges of stances, and for other purposes. spect to the People’s Republic of China in re- children in the foster care system, and en- S. 949 lation to activities in the South China Sea couraging Congress to implement policies to At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the and the East China Sea, and for other pur- improve the lives of children in the foster name of the Senator from Mississippi poses; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- care system; considered and agreed to. (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH) was added as a co- tions. f sponsor of S. 949, a bill to amend the By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself, Ms. Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to MURKOWSKI, Mr. BOOKER, Mr. CASEY, ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS and Ms. DUCKWORTH): foster efficient markets and increase S. 96 S. 1658. A bill to amend the Fair Labor competition and transparency among Standards Act of 1938 to expand access to At the request of Mr. REED, the name packers that purchase livestock from breastfeeding accommodations in the work- of the Senator from Wisconsin (Ms. producers. place, and for other purposes; to the Com- BALDWIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. 1125 mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and S. 96, a bill to provide for the long-term At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the Pensions . improvement of public school facili- name of the Senator from North Da- By Ms. LUMMIS (for herself and Mr. ties, and for other purposes. KELLY): kota (Mr. CRAMER) was added as a co- S. 1659. A bill to require the Secretary of S. 127 sponsor of S. 1125, a bill to recommend Transportation to carry out a highway cost At the request of Mr. REED, the name that the Center for Medicare and Med- allocation study, and for other purposes; to of the Senator from California (Mrs. icaid Innovation test the effect of a de- the Committee on Environment and Public FEINSTEIN) was added as a cosponsor of mentia care management model, and Works. S. 127, a bill to support library infra- for other purposes. By Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. MAR- structure. S. 1169 KEY, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. MERKLEY, S. 437 Mrs. MURRAY, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. SAND- At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the ERS, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, and Ms. WAR- At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. REN): names of the Senator from Missouri YOUNG) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1660. A bill to expand access to health (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator from Illinois 1169, a bill to address issues involving care services for immigrants by removing (Mr. DURBIN) and the Senator from the People’s Republic of China. legal and policy barriers to health insurance Louisiana (Mr. CASSIDY) were added as S. 1255 coverage, and for other purposes; to the cosponsors of S. 437, a bill to amend At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the Committee on Finance. By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself and title 38, United States Code, to concede name of the Senator from Wisconsin Ms. MURKOWSKI): exposure to airborne hazards and tox- (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- S. 1661. A bill to establish the National Fab ins from burn pits under certain cir- sor of S. 1255, a bill to require the Mi- Lab Network, a nonprofit organization con- cumstances, and for other purposes. nority Business Development Agency

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.006 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2545 of the Department of Commerce to pro- Code, to ensure that all firearms are ty, contributing to economic vitality, and mote and administer programs in the traceable, and for other purposes. enhancing the quality of life of every community of the United States is in the inter- public and private sectors to assist the S. 1599 development of minority business en- est of the people of the United States: Now, At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the therefore, be it terprises, to ensure that such Agency names of the Senator from Tennessee Resolved, That the Senate— has the necessary supporting resources, (Mr. HAGERTY), the Senator from South (1) designates the week of May 16 through particularly during economic Carolina (Mr. SCOTT) and the Senator May 22, 2021, as ‘‘National Public Works downturns, and for other purposes. from Idaho (Mr. CRAPO) were added as Week’’; (2) recognizes and celebrates the important S. 1325 cosponsors of S. 1599, a bill to protect contributions that public works profes- At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, law enforcement officers, and for other sionals make every day to improve— the name of the Senator from Ken- purposes. (A) the public infrastructure of the United tucky (Mr. PAUL) was added as a co- S. CON. RES. 9 States; and sponsor of S. 1325, a bill to ensure that At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the (B) the communities that public works pro- women seeking an abortion are in- name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. fessionals serve; and (3) urges individuals and communities formed of the medical risks associated SULLIVAN) was added as a cosponsor of throughout the United States to join with with the abortion procedure and the S. Con. Res. 9, a concurrent resolution major developmental characteristics of representatives of the Federal Government supporting the Local Radio Freedom and the American Public Works Association the unborn child, before giving their Act. in activities and ceremonies that are de- informed consent to receive an abor- S. RES. 188 signed— tion. At the request of Mr. MARSHALL, the (A) to pay tribute to the public works pro- S. 1378 name of the Senator from South Caro- fessionals of the United States; and (B) to recognize the substantial contribu- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the lina (Mr. SCOTT) was added as a cospon- names of the Senator from Delaware tions that public works professionals make sor of S. Res. 188, a resolution express- to the United States. (Mr. CARPER) and the Senator from Illi- ing appreciation and recognition for f nois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) were added as the Trump Administration for the cre- cosponsors of S. 1378, a bill to amend ation of Operation Warp Speed and the SENATE RESOLUTION 218—RECOG- the Animal Welfare Act to allow for historic development of a COVID–19 NIZING NATIONAL FOSTER CARE the retirement of certain animals used vaccine. MONTH AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO in Federal research, and for other pur- S. RES. 207 RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE poses. CHALLENGES OF CHILDREN IN At the request of Mr. LEE, the name THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, AND S. 1446 of the Senator from Oklahoma (Mr. ENCOURAGING CONGRESS TO IM- At the request of Mr. MORAN, the INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor of S. PLEMENT POLICIES TO IMPROVE name of the Senator from Arkansas Res. 207, a resolution designating the THE LIVES OF CHILDREN IN THE (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- week beginning November 8, 2021, as FOSTER CARE SYSTEM sor of S. 1446, a bill to require the Sec- ‘‘National Pregnancy Center Week’’ to retary of Veterans Affairs to submit to recognize the vital role that commu- Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. Congress a plan for obligating and ex- nity-supported pregnancy centers play STABENOW, Mr. KAINE, Mr. VAN HOL- pending Coronavirus pandemic funding in saving lives and serving women and LEN, Mr. WARNOCK, Ms. ERNST, Ms. made available to the Department of men faced with difficult pregnancy de- ROSEN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. WYDEN, Mrs. Veterans Affairs, and for other pur- cisions. CAPITO, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. CASEY, poses. Mr. BROWN, Mr. SCOTT of South Caro- f S. 1482 lina, Mr. MARSHALL, Mr. BLUNT, Mrs. At the request of Mr. BRAUN, the SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS BLACKBURN, Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. COONS, and Mr. YOUNG) submitted the fol- name of the Senator from Wyoming --- (Ms. LUMMIS) was added as a cosponsor lowing resolution; which was consid- of S. 1482, a bill to increase Govern- SENATE RESOLUTION 217—DESIG- ered and agreed to: ment accountability for administrative NATING THE WEEK OF MAY 16 S. RES. 218 actions by reinvigorating administra- THROUGH MAY 22, 2021, AS ‘‘NA- Whereas National Foster Care Month was tive Pay-As-You-Go. TIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK’’ established more than 30 years ago— (1) to bring foster care issues to the fore- S. 1511 Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. front of the national focus; At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the CARDIN, Mr. CARPER, and Mrs. CAPITO) (2) to highlight the importance of perma- name of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. submitted the following resolution; nency for every child; and (3) to recognize the essential role that fos- CORTEZ MASTO) was added as a cospon- which was considered and agreed to: ter parents, social workers, and advocates sor of S. 1511, a bill to amend the Omni- S. RES. 217 have in the lives of children in foster care bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act Whereas public works infrastructure, fa- throughout the United States; of 1968 with respect to payments to cer- cilities, and services are of vital importance Whereas all children deserve a safe, loving, tain public safety officers who have be- to the health, safety, and well-being of the and permanent home; come permanently and totally disabled people of the United States; Whereas the primary goal of the foster as a result of personal injuries sustain Whereas public works infrastructure, fa- care system is to ensure the safety and well- in the line of duty, and for other pur- cilities, and services could not be provided being of children while working to provide a without the dedicated efforts of public works poses. safe, loving, and permanent home for each professionals, including engineers and ad- child; S. 1555 ministrators, who represent State and local Whereas there are approximately 424,000 At the request of Mr. MARSHALL, the governments throughout the United States; children living in foster care; name of the Senator from Oklahoma Whereas public works professionals design, Whereas there were approximately 251,000 (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- build, operate, and maintain the transpor- youth that entered the foster care system in sor of S. 1555, a bill to shorten the ex- tation systems, water infrastructure, sewage 2019, while more than 122,000 youth were and refuse disposal systems, public buildings, tension, and the amount, of Federal awaiting adoption at the end of 2019; sanitation and waste management systems, Whereas more than 86,000 children entered Pandemic Unemployment Compensa- and other structures and facilities that are foster care in 2019 due to parental drug tion in order to get Americans back to vital to the people and communities of the abuse; work. United States; Whereas children of color are more likely S. 1558 Whereas public works professionals have to stay in the foster care system for longer played, and will continue to play, a key role At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, periods of time and are less likely to be rein helping the United States recover from the name of the Senator from Min- united with their biological families; the COVID–19 pandemic; and Whereas foster parents— nesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a Whereas understanding the role that public (1) are the front-line caregivers for chil- cosponsor of S. 1558, a bill to amend infrastructure plays in protecting the envi- dren who cannot safely remain with their bi- chapter 44 of title 18, United States ronment, improving public health and safe- ological parents;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.009 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 (2) provide physical care, emotional sup- Safe Families Act of 1997 (Public Law 105–89; ical supply chain resiliency program, and for port, and education advocacy; and 111 Stat. 2115), the Fostering Connections to other purposes; which was ordered to lie on (3) are the largest single source of families Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 the table. providing permanent homes for children (Public Law 110–351; 122 Stat. 3949), the Child SA 1494. Mr. SASSE submitted an amend- leaving foster care to adoption; and Family Services Improvement and Inno- ment intended to be proposed by him to the Whereas, compared to children in foster vation Act (Public Law 112–34; 125 Stat. 369), bill S. 1260, supra; which was ordered to lie care who are placed with nonrelatives, chil- and the Preventing Sex Trafficking and on the table. dren in foster care who are placed with rel- Strengthening Families Act (Public Law 113– SA 1495. Mr. WYDEN submitted an amend- atives have more stability, including fewer 183; 128 Stat. 1919), provided new investments ment intended to be proposed by him to the changes in placements, have more positive and services to improve the outcomes of bill S. 1260, supra; which was ordered to lie perceptions of their placements, are more children in the foster care system; on the table. likely to be placed with their siblings, and Whereas May 2021 is an appropriate month SA 1496. Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for Mr. LEE) demonstrate fewer behavioral problems; to designate as National Foster Care Month proposed an amendment to the resolution S. Whereas some relative caregivers receive to provide an opportunity to acknowledge Res. 117, expressing support for the full im- less financial assistance and fewer support the accomplishments of the child welfare plementation of the Good Friday Agreement, services than do foster caregivers; workforce, foster parents, the advocacy com- or the Belfast Agreement, and subsequent Whereas an increased emphasis on preven- munity, and mentors for their dedication agreements and arrangements for implemen- tion and reunification services is necessary and accomplishments and the positive im- tation to support peace on the island of Ire- to reduce the number of children that enter pact they have on the lives of children; and land. or re-enter the foster care system; Whereas much remains to be done to en- SA 1497. Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for Mr. LEE) Whereas the coronavirus disease 2019 sure that all children have a safe, loving, proposed an amendment to the resolution S. (COVID–19) pandemic has created additional nurturing, and permanent family, regardless Res. 117, supra. challenges for youth and families in the of age or special needs: Now, therefore, be it f child welfare system, including delays in Resolved, That the Senate— permanency, economic hardship, and disrup- (1) supports the designation of May 2021 as TEXT OF AMENDMENTS tions in education; National Foster Care Month; SA 1493. Mr. LEAHY submitted an (2) recognizes National Foster Care Month Whereas over 20,000 youth ‘‘aged out’’ of amendment intended to be proposed by foster care in 2019 without a legal permanent as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that children face in the fos- him to the bill S. 1260, to establish a connection to an adult or family; new Directorate for Technology and In- Whereas children who age out of foster ter care system; care lack the security or support of a bio- (3) encourages Congress to implement poli- novation in the National Science Foun- logical or adoptive family and frequently cies to improve the lives of children in the dation, to establish a regional tech- struggle to secure affordable housing, obtain foster care system; nology hub program, to require a strat- health insurance, pursue higher education, (4) acknowledges the unique needs of chil- egy and report on economic security, and acquire adequate employment; dren in the foster care system; science, research, innovation, manufac- (5) recognizes foster youth throughout the Whereas foster care is intended to be a turing, and job creation, to establish a temporary placement, but children remain United States for their ongoing tenacity, courage, and resilience while facing life chal- critical supply chain resiliency pro- in the foster care system for an average of 19 gram, and for other purposes; which months; lenges; Whereas, according to the Annie E. Casey (6) acknowledges the exceptional alumni of was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- Foundation, 35 percent of children in foster the foster care system who serve as advo- lows: care experience more than 2 placements cates and role models for youth who remain Strike section 3250 and insert the fol- while in foster care, which often leads to dis- in foster care; lowing: (7) honors the commitment and dedication ruption of routines and the need to change SEC. 3250. ADDRESSING CHINA’S SOVEREIGN schools and move away from siblings, ex- of the individuals who work tirelessly to pro- LENDING PRACTICES IN LATIN tended families, and familiar surroundings; vide assistance and services to children in AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN. Whereas youth in foster care are much the foster care system; (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of more likely to face educational instability, (8) supports the designation of May 31, 2021, Congress that— with 1 study showing that 75 percent of fos- as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day; (1) since 2005, the Government of the Peo- ter youth experienced an unscheduled school (9) recognizes National Foster Parent Ap- ple’s Republic of China has expanded sov- change during a school year, compared to 21 preciation Day as an opportunity— ereign lending to governments in Latin percent of youth not in foster care; (A) to recognize the efforts of foster par- America and the Caribbean, including gov- Whereas children entering foster care often ents to provide safe and loving care for chil- ernments with a history of corruption and confront the widespread misperception that dren in need; and mismanagement, with loans that are repaid children in foster care are disruptive, unruly, (B) to raise awareness about the increasing or collateralized with natural resources or and dangerous, even though placement in need for foster parents to serve in their com- commodities; foster care is based on the actions of a par- munities; and (2) several countries in Latin American ent or guardian, not the child; (10) reaffirms the need to continue working and the Caribbean that have received a sig- Whereas 30 percent of children in foster to improve the outcomes of all children in nificant amount of sovereign lending from care are taking at least 1 anti-psychotic the foster care system through parts B and E the Government of the People’s Republic of medication, and 34 percent of those children of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 China face challenges in repaying such loans; are not receiving adequate treatment plan- U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and other programs de- (3) the Government of the People’s Repub- ning or medication monitoring; signed— lic of China’s predatory economic practices Whereas, according to a 2018 study, due to (A) to support vulnerable families; and sovereign lending practices in Latin heavy caseloads and limited resources, the (B) to invest in prevention and reunifica- America and the Caribbean negatively influ- average annual turnover rate for child wel- tion services; ence United States national interests in the fare workers is between 14 percent and 22 (C) to promote adoption in cases where re- Western Hemisphere; percent; unification is not in the best interests of the (4) the Inter-American Development Bank, Whereas States, localities, and commu- child; the premier multilateral development bank nities should be encouraged to invest re- (D) to adequately serve children brought dedicated to the Western Hemisphere, can sources in preventative and reunification into the foster care system; and play a significant role supporting the coun- services and postpermanency programs to (E) to facilitate the successful transition tries of Latin America and the Caribbean in ensure that more children in foster care are into adulthood for children that ‘‘age out’’ of achieving sustainable and serviceable debt provided with safe, loving, and permanent the foster care system. structures; and placements; f (5) a tenth general capital increase for the Whereas, in 2018, Congress passed the Fam- AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND Inter-American Development Bank could en- ily First Prevention Services Act (Public hance the Bank’s ability to help the coun- Law 115–123; 132 Stat. 232), which provided PROPOSED tries of Latin America and the Caribbean new investments in prevention and family SA 1493. Mr. LEAHY submitted an amend- achieve sustainable and serviceable debt reunification services to help more families ment intended to be proposed by him to the structures. stay together and ensure that more children bill S. 1260, to establish a new Directorate (b) SUPPORT FOR A GENERAL CAPITAL IN- are in safe, loving, and permanent homes; for Technology and Innovation in the Na- CREASE.—The President should consider sup- Whereas Federal legislation over the 3 dec- tional Science Foundation, to establish a reporting a tenth general capital increase for ades preceding the date of adoption of this gional technology hub program, to require a the Inter-American Development Bank if resolution, including the Adoption Assist- strategy and report on economic security, countries holding a majority of the shares in ance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Public science, research, innovation, manufac- the Bank publicly endorse such a capital in- Law 96–272; 94 Stat. 500), the Adoption and turing, and job creation, to establish a crit- crease.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.018 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2547

(c) ADDRESSING CHINA’S SOVEREIGN LEND- At the end of subtitle B of title II of divi- the national security of the United States; ING IN THE AMERICAS.—The Secretary of the sion E, add the following: or Treasury and the United States Executive SEC. 5214. REQUIREMENT TO CONTROL THE EX- ‘‘(ii) chilling speech protected by the First Director to the Inter-American Development PORT OF CERTAIN PERSONAL DATA Amendment to the Constitution of the Bank shall use the voice and vote of the OF UNITED STATES NATIONALS AND United States. United States— INDIVIDUALS IN THE UNITED ‘‘(4) DETERMINATION OF PERIOD FOR PROTEC- (1) to advance efforts by the Bank to help STATES. TION.—The interagency process established countries restructure debt resulting from (a) IN GENERAL.—Part I of the Export Con- under paragraph (1) shall determine, for each sovereign lending by the Government of the trol Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4811 et seq.) category of personal data identified under People’s Republic of China in order to is amended by inserting after section 1758 that paragraph, the period of time for which achieve sustainable and serviceable debt the following: encryption technology described in sub- structures; and ‘‘SEC. 1758A. REQUIREMENT TO CONTROL THE section (b)(4)(C) is required to be able to pro- (2) to establish appropriate safeguards and EXPORT OF CERTAIN PERSONAL tect that category of data from decryption transparency and conditionality measures to DATA OF UNITED STATES NATION- to prevent the exploitation of the data by a ALS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE foreign government from harming the na- protect debt-vulnerable member countries of UNITED STATES. tional security of the United States. the Inter-American Development Bank that ‘‘(a) IDENTIFICATION OF CATEGORIES OF PER- ‘‘(5) PROCESS.—The interagency process es- borrow from the Bank for the purposes of re- SONAL DATA.— tablished under paragraph (1) shall— structuring Chinese bilateral debt held by ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall es- ‘‘(A) be informed by multiple sources of in- such countries and preventing such countries tablish and, in coordination with the Sec- formation, including— from incurring subsequent Chinese bilateral retary and the heads of the appropriate Fed- ‘‘(i) publicly available information; debt. eral agencies, lead a regular, ongoing inter- ‘‘(ii) classified information, including rel- agency process to identify categories of per- Mr. SASSE submitted an evant information provided by the Director SA 1494. sonal data of covered individuals that of National Intelligence; amendment intended to be proposed by could— ‘‘(iii) information relating to reviews and him to the bill S. 1260, to establish a ‘‘(A) be exploited by foreign governments; new Directorate for Technology and In- investigations of transactions by the Com- and mittee on Foreign Investment in the United novation in the National Science Foun- ‘‘(B) if exported in a quantity that exceeds States under section 721 of the Defense Pro- dation, to establish a regional tech- the threshold established under paragraph duction Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565); nology hub program, to require a strat- (3), harm the national security of the United ‘‘(iv) the categories of sensitive personal egy and report on economic security, States. data described in paragraphs (1)(ii) and (2) of science, research, innovation, manufac- ‘‘(2) LIST REQUIRED.—The interagency proc- section 800.241(a) of title 31, Code of Federal ess established under paragraph (1)— turing, and job creation, to establish a Regulations, as in effect on the day before ‘‘(A) shall identify an initial list of cat- the date of the enactment of the Protecting critical supply chain resiliency pro- egories of personal data under paragraph (1) gram, and for other purposes; which Americans’ Data From Foreign Surveillance not later than one year after the date of the Act of 2021, and any categories of sensitive was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- enactment of the Protecting Americans’ personal data added to such section after lows: Data From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2021; such date of enactment; At the appropriate place, insert the fol- and ‘‘(v) information provided by the advisory lowing: ‘‘(B) may, as appropriate thereafter, add committee established pursuant to para- SEC. lll. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA- categories to, remove categories from, or graph (7); and TIONS FOR THE DEFENSE AD- modify categories on, that list. ‘‘(vi) the recommendations (which the VANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS ‘‘(3) ESTABLISHMENT OF THRESHOLD.— President shall request) of— AGENCY. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ‘‘(I) privacy experts identified by the Na- Notwithstanding any other provision of after the date of the enactment of the Pro- tional Academy of Sciences; and law, there is authorized to be appropriated tecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Sur- ‘‘(II) experts on the First Amendment to for the Defense Advanced Research Projects veillance Act of 2021, the interagency process the Constitution of the United States identi- Agency $7,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. established under paragraph (1) shall estab- fied by the American Bar Association; and lish a threshold for the quantity of personal SA 1497. Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for Mr. ‘‘(B) take into account the significant data of covered individuals the export, reex- quantity of personal data of covered individ- LEE) proposed an amendment to the port, or in-country transfer (in the aggre- uals that has already been stolen or acquired resolution S. Res. 117, expressing sup- gate) of which by one person to or in a re- by foreign governments, the harm to United port for the full implementation of the stricted country could harm the national se- States national security caused by the theft Good Friday Agreement, or the Belfast curity of the United States. of that personal data, and the potential for Agreement, and subsequent agreements ‘‘(B) PARAMETERS.—The threshold estab- further harm to United States national secu- and arrangements for implementation lished under subparagraph (A) shall be the rity if that personal data were combined to support peace on the island of Ire- export, reexport, or in-country transfer (in with additional sources of personal data. land; as follows: the aggregate) by one person to or in a re- ‘‘(6) NOTICE AND COMMENT PERIOD.—The stricted country during a calendar year of President shall provide for a public notice Beginning in the ninth whereas clause of the personal data of not less than 10,000 cov- and comment period after the publication in the preamble, strike the ‘‘and’’ at the end ered individuals and not more than 1,000,000 the Federal Register of a proposed rule, and and all that follows through ‘‘Northern Ire- covered individuals. before the publication of a final rule— land’’ in the tenth whereas clause of the pre- ‘‘(C) CATEGORY THRESHOLDS.—The inter- ‘‘(A) identifying the initial list of cat- amble, and insert the following: agency process may establish a threshold egories of personal data under subparagraph Whereas the United States Congress stands under subparagraph (A) for each category of (A) of paragraph (2); steadfastly committed to supporting the personal data identified under paragraph (1). ‘‘(B) adding categories to, removing cat- peaceful resolution of any and all political ‘‘(D) TREATMENT OF ENTITIES UNDER COM- egories from, or modifying categories on, challenges in Northern Ireland; and MON OWNERSHIP AS ONE ENTITY.—For purposes that list under subparagraph (B) of that Whereas the United States has a Special of determining whether a threshold estab- paragraph; Relationship with the United Kingdom, in- lished under subparagraph (A) has been ‘‘(C) establishing the threshold under para- cluding partnership on trade and economic met— graph (3); or issues. ‘‘(i) personal data shall be considered to be ‘‘(D) setting forth the period of time for SA 1495. Mr. WYDEN submitted an exported, reexported, or in-country trans- which encryption technology described in ferred by one person if the personal data is subsection (b)(4)(C) is required under para- amendment intended to be proposed by exported, reexported, or in-country trans- graph (4) to be able to protect such a cat- him to the bill S. 1260, to establish a ferred by entities under common ownership egory of data from decryption. new Directorate for Technology and In- or control; and ‘‘(7) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.— novation in the National Science Foun- ‘‘(ii) the parent entity of such entities ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall es- dation, to establish a regional tech- shall be liable for export, reexport, or in- tablish an advisory committee to advise the nology hub program, to require a strat- country transfer in violation of this section. Secretary with respect to privacy and sen- egy and report on economic security, ‘‘(E) CONSIDERATIONS.—In establishing a sitive personal data. science, research, innovation, manufac- threshold under subparagraph (A), the inter- ‘‘(B) APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY turing, and job creation, to establish a agency process shall seek to balance the COMMITTEE ACT.—Subsections (a)(1), (a)(3), need to protect personal data from exploi- and (b) of section 10 and sections 11, 13, and critical supply chain resiliency pro- tation by foreign governments against the 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 gram, and for other purposes; which likelihood of— U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the advisory was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- ‘‘(i) impacting legitimate business activi- committee established pursuant to subpara- lows: ties and other activities that do not harm graph (A).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:47 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.013 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021

‘‘(8) TREATMENT OF ANONYMIZED PERSONAL pel, coerce, or pay a person in or national of enacted into law, before that date, a joint DATA.— that country to disclose the covered personal resolution of disapproval pursuant to sub- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The interagency process data; and clause (II). established under paragraph (1) may not ‘‘(iii) whether that government has con- ‘‘(II) JOINT RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL.— treat anonymized personal data differently ducted hostile foreign intelligence oper- ‘‘(aa) JOINT RESOLUTION OF DISAPPROVAL than identifiable personal data if the individ- ations, including information operations, DEFINED.—In this clause, the term ‘joint res- uals to which the anonymized personal data against the United States. olution of disapproval’ means a joint resolu- relates could reasonably be identified using ‘‘(C) LICENSE REQUIREMENT AND PRESUMP- tion the matter after the resolving clause of other sources of data. TION OF DENIAL FOR CERTAIN COUNTRIES.— which is as follows: ‘That Congress does not ‘‘(B) GUIDANCE.—The Under Secretary of ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall— approve of the proposal of the Secretary with Commerce for Standards and Technology ‘‘(I) require a license or other authoriza- respect to the list required by section shall issue guidance to the public with re- tion for the export or reexport to, or in-coun- 1758A(b)(2)(D)(ii) submitted to Congress on spect to methods for anonymizing data and try transfer in, a country on the list required lll.’, with the blank space being filled how to determine if individuals to which the by clause (ii) of covered personal data in a with the appropriate date. anonymized personal data relates can be rea- quantity that exceeds the threshold estab- ‘‘(bb) PROCEDURES.—The procedures set sonably identified using other sources of lished under subsection (a)(3); and forth in paragraphs (4)(C), (5), (6), and (7) of data. ‘‘(II) deny an application for such a license section 2523(d) of title 18, United States ‘‘(b) COMMERCE CONTROLS.— or other authorization unless the person Code, apply with respect to a joint resolution ‘‘(1) CONTROLS REQUIRED.— seeking the license or authorization dem- of disapproval under this clause to the same ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Beginning 18 months onstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary extent and in the same manner as such pro- after the date of the enactment of the Pro- that the export, reexport, or in-country cedures apply to a joint resolution of dis- tecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Sur- transfer will not harm the national security approval under such section 2523(d), except veillance Act of 2021, the Secretary shall im- of the United States. that paragraph (6) of such section shall be pose appropriate controls under the Export ‘‘(ii) LIST REQUIRED.— applied and administered by substituting Administration Regulations on the export or ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ‘the Committee on Banking, Housing, and reexport to, or in-country transfer in, all after the date of the enactment of the Pro- countries (other than countries on the list tecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Sur- Urban Affairs’ for ‘the Committee on the Ju- required by paragraph (2)(D)) of covered per- veillance Act of 2021, the Secretary shall, in diciary’ each place it appears. sonal data to in a quantity that exceeds the consultation with the heads of the appro- ‘‘(III) RULES OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES applicable threshold established under sub- priate Federal agencies and based on the AND SENATE.—This clause is enacted by Con- section (a)(3), including through interim con- considerations described in subparagraph gress— trols (such as by informing a person that a (B), establish a list of each country with re- ‘‘(aa) as an exercise of the rulemaking license is required for export), as appro- spect to which the Secretary determines power of the Senate and the House of Rep- priate, or by publishing additional regula- that the export or reexport to, or in-country resentatives, respectively, and as such is tions. transfer in, the country of covered personal deemed a part of the rules of each House, re- ‘‘(2) LEVELS OF CONTROL.— data in a quantity that exceeds the applica- spectively, and supersedes other rules only ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in ble threshold established under subsection to the extent that it is inconsistent with subparagraph (C) or (D), the Secretary (a)(3) will be likely to harm the national se- such rules; and shall— curity of the United States. ‘‘(bb) with full recognition of the constitu- ‘‘(i) require a license or other authoriza- ‘‘(II) MODIFICATIONS TO LIST.—The Sec- tional right of either House to change the tion for the export, reexport, or in-country retary, in consultation with the heads of the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of transfer of covered personal data in a quan- appropriate Federal agencies— that House) at any time, in the same man- tity that exceeds the applicable threshold es- ‘‘(aa) may add a country to or remove a ner, and to the same extent as in the case of tablished under subsection (a)(3); country from the list required by subclause any other rule of that House. ‘‘(ii) determine whether that export, reex- (I) at any time; and ‘‘(3) REVIEW OF LICENSE APPLICATIONS.— port, or in-country transfer is likely to harm ‘‘(bb) shall review that list not less fre- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall es- the national security of the United States— quently than every 5 years. tablish— ‘‘(I) after consideration of the matters de- ‘‘(D) NO LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN ‘‘(i) an interagency process, in which the scribed in subparagraph (B); and COUNTRIES.— appropriate Federal agencies participate, to ‘‘(II) in coordination with the heads of the ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not conduct review of applications for a license appropriate Federal agencies; and require a license or other authorization for or other authorization for the export or reex- ‘‘(iii) if the Secretary determines under the export or reexport to, or in-country port to, or in-country transfer in, a re- clause (ii) that the export, reexport, or in- transfer in, a country on the list required by stricted country of covered personal data in country transfer is likely to harm the na- clause (ii) of covered personal data, without a quantity that exceeds the applicable tional security of the United States, deny regard to the applicable threshold estab- threshold established under subsection (a)(3); the application for the license or other au- lished under subsection (a)(3). and thorization for the export, reexport, or in- ‘‘(ii) LIST REQUIRED.— ‘‘(ii) procedures for conducting the review country transfer. ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year of such applications. ‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In determining after the date of the enactment of the Pro- ‘‘(B) DISCLOSURES RELATING TO COLLABO- under clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) whether tecting Americans’ Data From Foreign Sur- RATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.—In the case of an ap- an export, reexport, or in-country transfer of veillance Act of 2021, the Secretary shall, in plication for a license or other authorization covered personal data described in clause (i) consultation with the heads of the appro- for an export, reexport, or in-country trans- of that subparagraph is likely to harm the priate Federal agencies and based on the fer described in subparagraph (A)(i) sub- national security of the United States, the considerations described in subparagraph (B) mitted by or on behalf of a joint venture, Secretary, in coordination with the heads of and subject to clause (iii), establish a list of joint development agreement, or similar col- the appropriate Federal agencies, shall take each country with respect to which the Sec- laborative arrangement, the Secretary may into account— retary determines that the export or reex- require the applicant to identify, in addition ‘‘(i) the adequacy and enforcement of data port to, or in-country transfer in, the coun- to any foreign person participating in the ar- protection, surveillance, and export control try of covered personal data (without regard rangement, any foreign person with signifi- laws in the foreign country to which the cov- to any threshold established under sub- cant ownership interest in a foreign person ered personal data would be exported or reex- section (a)(3)) will not harm the national se- participating in the arrangement. ported, or in which the covered personal data curity of the United States. ‘‘(4) EXCEPTIONS.—The Secretary shall not would be transferred, in order to determine ‘‘(II) MODIFICATIONS TO LIST.—The Sec- impose under paragraph (1) a requirement for whether such laws, and the enforcement of retary, in consultation with the heads of the a license or other authorization with respect such laws, are sufficient to— appropriate Federal agencies— to the export, reexport, or in-country trans- ‘‘(I) protect the covered personal data from ‘‘(aa) may add a country to or remove a fer of covered personal data pursuant to any accidental loss, theft, and unauthorized or country from the list required by subclause of the following transactions: unlawful processing; (I) at any time; and ‘‘(A) The export, reexport, or in-country ‘‘(II) ensure that the covered personal data ‘‘(bb) shall review that list not less fre- transfer by an individual of the individual’s is not exploited for intelligence purposes by quently than every 5 years. own personal data. foreign governments to the detriment of the ‘‘(iii) CONGRESSIONAL REVIEW.— ‘‘(B) The export, reexport, or in-country national security of the United States; and ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—The list required by transfer of the personal data of one or more ‘‘(III) prevent the reexport of the covered clause (ii) and any updates to that list add- individuals by a person performing a service personal data to a third country for which a ing or removing countries shall take effect, for those individuals if the export, reexport, license would be required for such data to be for purposes of clause (i), on the date that is or in-country transfer of the personal data is exported directly from the United States; 180 days after the Secretary submits to the strictly necessary (as defined by the Sec- ‘‘(ii) the circumstances under which the appropriate congressional committees a pro- retary in regulations) to perform that serv- government of the foreign country can com- posal for the list or update unless there is ice.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.011 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2549

‘‘(C) The export, reexport, or in-country ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—An individual may bring mittee on Ways and Means, and the Perma- transfer of personal data that is encrypted a civil action in an appropriate district court nent Select Committee on Intelligence of the if— of the United States if, as a result of an ex- House of Representatives. ‘‘(i) the encryption key or other informa- port, reexport, or in-country transfer of cov- ‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE FEDERAL AGENCIES.—The tion necessary to decrypt the data is not ex- ered personal data in violation of this sec- term ‘appropriate Federal agencies’ means ported, reexported, or transferred; and tion, the individual is— the following: ‘‘(ii) the encryption technology used to ‘‘(i) physically harmed; or ‘‘(A) The Department of Defense. protect the data against decryption is cer- ‘‘(ii) detained or imprisoned in a foreign ‘‘(B) The Department of State. tified by the National Institute of Standards country. ‘‘(C) The Department of Justice. and Technology as capable of protecting data ‘‘(B) RELIEF.—A court may award a pre- ‘‘(D) The Department of the Treasury. for the period of time determined under sub- vailing plaintiff in a civil action under sub- ‘‘(E) The Office of the Director of National section (a)(4) to be sufficient to prevent the paragraph (A) appropriate relief, including Intelligence. exploitation of the data by a foreign govern- actual damages, punitive damages, or attor- ‘‘(F) The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure ment from harming the national security of ney’s fees. Security Agency. the United States. ‘‘(e) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— ‘‘(G) The Consumer Financial Protection ‘‘(D) The export, reexport, or in-country ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less frequently than Bureau. transfer of personal data that is ordered by annually, the Secretary, in coordination ‘‘(H) The Federal Trade Commission. an appropriate court of the United States. with the heads of the appropriate Federal ‘‘(I) The Federal Communications Commis- agencies, shall submit to the appropriate ‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR IDENTIFICATION OF sion. congressional committees a report on the re- CATEGORIES AND DETERMINATION OF APPRO- ‘‘(J) The Department of Health and Human sults of actions taken pursuant to this sec- Services. PRIATE CONTROLS.—In identifying categories tion. of personal data under subsection (a)(1) and ‘‘(K) Such other Federal agencies as the ‘‘(2) INCLUSIONS.—Each report required by imposing appropriate controls under sub- President or the Secretary considers appro- paragraph (1) shall include a description of section (b), the interagency process estab- priate. the determinations made under subsection lished under subsection (a)(1) or the Sec- ‘‘(3) COVERED INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘cov- (b)(2)(A)(ii) during the preceding year. ered individual’, with respect to personal retary, as appropriate— ‘‘(3) FORM.—Each report required by para- data, means an individual who, at the time ‘‘(1) may not regulate or restrict the publi- graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified the data is acquired— cation or sharing of— form but may include a classified annex. ‘‘(A) is located in the United States; or ‘‘(A) personal data that is a matter of pub- ‘‘(f) DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN LICENSE INFOR- ‘‘(B) is— lic record, such as a court record or other MATION.—Not less frequently than every 90 ‘‘(i) located outside the United States or government record that is generally avail- days, the Secretary shall publish on a pub- whose location cannot be determined; and able to the public, including information licly accessible website of the Department of ‘‘(ii) a citizen of the United States or a about an individual made public by that in- Commerce, including in a machine-readable noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent dividual or by the news media; format, the following information, with re- residence. ‘‘(B) information about a matter of public spect to each application for a license for the ‘‘(4) COVERED PERSONAL DATA.—The term interest; or export or reexport to, or in-country transfer ‘covered personal data’ means the categories ‘‘(C) consistent with the goal of protecting in, a restricted country of covered personal of personal data of covered individuals iden- the national security of the United States, data in a quantity that exceeds the applica- tified pursuant to the interagency process any other information the publication of ble threshold established under subsection under subsection (a). which is protected by the First Amendment (a)(3): ‘‘(5) EXPORT.— to the Constitution of the United States; and ‘‘(1) The name of the applicant. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘export’, with ‘‘(2) shall consult with the appropriate con- ‘‘(2) The date of the application. respect to covered personal data, includes— gressional committees. ‘‘(3) The name of the foreign party to ‘‘(i) subject to subparagraph (D), the ship- ‘‘(d) PENALTIES.— which the applicant sought to export, reex- ment or transmission of the data out of the ‘‘(1) LIABLE PERSONS.— port, or transfer the data. United States, including the sending or tak- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In addition to any per- ‘‘(4) The categories of covered personal ing of the data out of the United States, in son that commits an unlawful act described data the applicant sought to export, reex- any manner, if the shipment or transmission in subsection (a) of section 1760, an officer or port, or transfer. is intentional, without regard to whether the employee of an organization has committed ‘‘(5) The number of covered individuals shipment or transmission was intended to go an unlawful act subject to penalties under whose information the applicant sought to out of the United States; or that section if the officer or employee knew export, reexport, or transfer. ‘‘(ii) the release or transfer of the data to or should have known that another employee ‘‘(6) Whether the application was approved any noncitizen (other than a noncitizen de- of the organization who reports, directly or or denied. scribed in subparagraph (C)), if the release or indirectly, to the officer or employee was di- ‘‘(g) NEWS MEDIA PROTECTIONS.—A person transfer is intentional, without regard to rected to export, reexport, or in-country that is engaged in journalism is not subject whether the release or transfer was intended transfer covered personal data in violation of to restrictions imposed under this section to to be to a noncitizen. this section. the extent that those restrictions directly ‘‘(B) EXCEPTIONS.—The term ‘export’ does ‘‘(B) EXCEPTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS.— infringe on the journalism practices of that not include— ‘‘(i) INTERMEDIARIES NOT LIABLE.—An inter- person. ‘‘(i) the publication of covered personal mediate consignee (as defined in section 772.1 ‘‘(h) CITIZENSHIP DETERMINATIONS BY ENTI- data on the internet in a manner that makes of the Export Administration Regulations TIES PROVIDING SERVICES TO END-USERS NOT the data accessible to any member of the REQUIRED.—This section does not require a (or any successor regulation)) or other inter- general public; or person that provides products or services to mediary is not liable for the export, reex- ‘‘(ii) any activity protected by the speech an individual to determine the citizenship or port, or in-country transfer of covered per- or debate clause of the Constitution of the immigration status of the individual, but sonal data in violation of this section when United States. once the person becomes aware that the indi- acting as an intermediate consignee or other vidual is a covered individual, the person ‘‘(C) NONCITIZENS DESCRIBED.—A noncitizen intermediary for another person. shall treat covered personal data of that in- described in this subparagraph is a noncit- ‘‘(ii) SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN APPLICA- dividual as is required by this section. izen— TIONS.—In a case in which an application in- ‘‘(i) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(i) who is lawfully admitted for perma- stalled on an electronic device transmits or There are authorized to be appropriated to nent residence; causes the transmission of covered personal the Secretary and to the head of each agency ‘‘(ii) to whom the Secretary of Homeland data without the knowledge of the owner or participating in the interagency process es- Security has issued an employment author- user of the device who installed the applica- tablished under subsection (a) such sums as ization document (Form I–766); tion, the developer of the application, and may be necessary to carry out this section, ‘‘(iii) who has been granted deferred action not the owner or user of the device, is liable including to hire additional employees with pursuant to the memorandum of the Depart- for any violation of this section. expertise in privacy. ment of Homeland Security entitled ‘Exer- ‘‘(2) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.—In determining ‘‘(j) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: cising Prosecutorial Discretion with Respect an appropriate term of imprisonment under ‘‘(1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- to Individuals Who Came to the United section 1760(b)(2) for a violation of this sec- TEES.—The term ‘appropriate congressional States as Children’ issued on June 15, 2012; or tion, the court shall consider— committees’ means— ‘‘(iv) who is present in the United States ‘‘(A) how many covered individuals had ‘‘(A) the Committee on Banking, Housing, pursuant to a valid, unexpired E–3, H–1B, H– their covered personal data exported, reex- and Urban Affairs, the Committee on For- 1B1, H–1B2, J–1, L–1, O–1A, or TN–1 visa. ported, or in-country transferred in violation eign Relations, the Committee on Finance, ‘‘(D) UNINTENTIONAL TRANSMISSIONS.— of this section; and and the Select Committee on Intelligence of ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—On and after the date ‘‘(B) any harm that resulted from the vio- the Senate; and that is 5 years after the date of the enact- lation. ‘‘(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the ment of the Protecting Americans’ Data ‘‘(3) PRIVATE RIGHT OF ACTION.— Committee on Financial Services, the Com- From Foreign Surveillance Act of 2021, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.011 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 except as provided in clause (iii), the term (9) greatly values the close relationships EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE ‘export’ includes the transmission of data the United States shares with both the FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE through a restricted country, without regard United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland; GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT, OR to whether the person originating the trans- and THE BELFAST AGREEMENT, AND mission had knowledge of or control over the (10) will take into account, as relevant, path of the transmission. conditions requiring that obligations under SUBSEQUENT AGREEMENTS AND ‘‘(ii) EXCEPTIONS.—Clause (i) does not apply the Good Friday Agreement be met as the ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLE- with respect to a transmission of data United States seeks to negotiate a mutually MENTATION TO SUPPORT PEACE through a restricted country if— advantageous and comprehensive trade ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND ‘‘(I) the data is encrypted as described in agreement between the United States and Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I subsection (b)(4)(C); or the United Kingdom. ‘‘(II) the person that originated the trans- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- mission received a representation from the f ate proceed to the immediate consider- party delivering the data for the person stat- ation of Calendar No. 20, S. Res. 117. ing that the data will not transit through a AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO The PRESIDING OFFICER. The restricted country. MEET clerk will report the resolution by ‘‘(iii) FALSE REPRESENTATIONS.—If a party title. delivering covered personal data as described Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I The senior assistant legislative clerk in clause (ii)(II) transmits the data through have a request for one committee to read as follows: a restricted country despite making the rep- meet during today’s session of the Sen- resentation described in clause (ii)(II), that A resolution (S. Res. 117) expressing sup- ate. It has the approval of the Majority port for the full implementation of the Good party shall be liable for violating this sec- and Minority leaders. tion. Friday Agreement, or the Belfast Agree- ‘‘(6) LAWFULLY ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph ment, and subsequent agreements and ar- RESIDENCE; NATIONAL.—The terms ‘lawfully 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- rangements for implementation to support admitted for permanent residence’ and ‘na- ate, the following committee is author- peace on the island of Ireland. tional’ have the meanings given those terms ized to meet during today’s session of There being no objection, the Senate in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Na- the Senate: proceeded to consider the resolution, tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)). COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS which had been reported from the Com- ‘‘(7) NONCITIZEN.—The term ‘noncitizen’ The Committee on Foreign Relations mittee on Foreign Relations with an means an individual who is not a citizen or amendment to strike all after the re- national of the United States. is authorized to meet during the ses- ‘‘(8) RESTRICTED COUNTRY.—The term ‘re- sion of the Senate on Monday, May 17, solving clause and insert the part stricted country’ means a country for which 2021, at 6 p.m., to conduct a closed printed in italic, and with an amend- a license or other authorization is required hearing. ment to strike the preamble and insert under subsection (b) for the export or reex- the part printed in italic, as follows: port to, or in-country transfer in, that coun- f Whereas, on April 10, 1998, the Government of try of covered personal data in a quantity Ireland and the Government of the United King- that exceeds the applicable threshold estab- TIMELY REAUTHORIZATION OF dom signed the Good Friday Agreement, also lished under subsection (a)(3).’’. known as the ‘‘Belfast Agreement’’; (b) STATEMENT OF POLICY.—Section 1752 of NECESSARY STEM-CELL PRO- GRAMS LENDS ACCESS TO NEED- Whereas the goals of the Good Friday Agree- the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 ment were to bring a new era of devolved gov- U.S.C. 4811) is amended— ED THERAPIES ACT OF 2021 ernment and democracy to Northern Ireland, (1) in paragraph (1)— Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I end violence, and ensure peace for the people of (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘; ask unanimous consent that the Com- the island of Ireland; and’’ and inserting a semicolon; Whereas the successful negotiation of the (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the pe- mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from fur- Good Friday Agreement stands as a historic and riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and groundbreaking success that has proven critical (C) by adding at the end the following: ther consideration of H.R. 941 and the to the decades of relative peace that have fol- ‘‘(C) to restrict the export of personal data Senate proceed to its immediate con- lowed; of United States citizens and other covered sideration. Whereas the return to power sharing in 2020 individuals (as defined in section 1758A(e)) in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The after the collapse of power-sharing institutions a quantity and a manner that could harm clerk will report the bill by title. in 2017 creates new opportunities for strength- the national security of the United States.’’; The senior assistant legislative clerk ening peace and reconciliation in Northern Ire- and read as follows: land; (2) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end Whereas the agreement between the United the following: A bill (H.R. 941) to reauthorize the Stem Kingdom and the European Union on the with- ‘‘(H) To prevent the exploitation of per- Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, drawal of the United Kingdom from the Euro- sonal data of United States citizens and and for other purposes. pean Union, and the protocol to that agreement other covered individuals (as defined in sec- There being no objection, the com- on Northern Ireland preserving an open border tion 1758A(e)) in a quantity and a manner mittee was discharged, and the Senate on the island of Ireland (in this preamble re- that could harm the national security of the proceeded to consider the bill. ferred to as the ‘‘Northern Ireland Protocol’’), United States.’’. are intended to protect the peace forged under (c) OTHER AMENDMENTS TO EXPORT CON- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read the Good Friday Agreement; TROL REFORM ACT OF 2018.—The Export Con- Whereas, despite the historic progress of the trol Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.) for a third time. Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agree- is amended— The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ments, including the Stormont House Agreement (1) in section 1742(13)(A) (50 U.S.C. objection, it is so ordered. agreed to in December 2014, important issues re- 4801(13)(A)), in the matter preceding clause The bill was ordered to a third read- main unresolved in Northern Ireland, including (i), by inserting ‘‘(except section 1758A)’’ ing and was read the third time. the passage of a Bill of Rights, securing justice after ‘‘part I’’; and Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I know of no fur- for all victims of violence, including violence by (2) in section 1754(b) (50 U.S.C. 4813(b)), by state and non-state actors, and reducing sec- inserting ‘‘(other than section 1758A)’’ after ther debate on the bill. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tarian divisions and promoting reconciliation; ‘‘this part’’. Whereas section 6 of the Good Friday Agree- --- further debate? ment (‘‘Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Op- SA 1496. Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for Mr. The bill having been read the third portunity’’) recognizes ‘‘the importance of re- LEE) proposed an amendment to the time, the question is, Shall the bill spect, understanding and tolerance in relation resolution S. Res. 117, expressing sup- pass? to linguistic diversity’’ as part of ‘‘the cultural port for the full implementation of the The bill (H.R. 941) was passed. wealth of the island of Ireland’’ and declares Good Friday Agreement, or the Belfast Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous the Government of the United Kingdom will seek Agreement, and subsequent agreements consent that the motion to reconsider ways to encourage the use of and education in and arrangements for implementation be considered made and laid upon the the Irish language and provide opportunities for Irish language arts; to support peace on the island of Ire- table with no intervening action or de- Whereas the reintroduction of barriers, check- land; as follows: bate. points, or personnel on the island of Ireland, On page 8, strike lines 19 through 25 and in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without also known as a ‘‘hard border’’, including sert the following: objection, it is so ordered. through the invocation of Article 16 of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.011 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2551 Northern Ireland Protocol, would threaten the (Purpose: To improve the resolution) ity of Opportunity’’) recognizes ‘‘the impor- successes of the Good Friday Agreement; On page 8, strike lines 19 through 25 and in- tance of respect, understanding and toler- Whereas the United States Congress played a sert the following: ance in relation to linguistic diversity’’ as prominent role in support of negotiations of the (9) greatly values the close relationships part of ‘‘the cultural wealth of the island of Good Friday Agreement and has taken a lead- the United States shares with both the Ireland’’ and declares the Government of the ing role in promoting peace on the island of Ire- United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland; United Kingdom will seek ways to encourage land more broadly; and and the use of and education in the Irish lan- Whereas Congress greatly values the close re- (10) will take into account, as relevant, guage and provide opportunities for Irish lationships the United States shares with both conditions requiring that obligations under language arts; the United Kingdom and Ireland and stands the Good Friday Agreement be met as the Whereas the reintroduction of barriers, steadfastly committed to supporting the peaceful United States seeks to negotiate a mutually checkpoints, or personnel on the island of resolution of any and all political challenges in advantageous and comprehensive trade Ireland, also known as a ‘‘hard border’’, in- Northern Ireland: Now, therefore, be it agreement between the United States and cluding through the invocation of Article 16 Resolved, the United Kingdom. of the Northern Ireland Protocol, would That the Senate— The committee-reported amendment threaten the successes of the Good Friday (1) urges the United Kingdom and the Euro- in the nature of a substitute, as amend- Agreement; pean Union to support peace on the island of Whereas the United States Congress played Ireland and the principles, objectives, and com- ed, was agreed to. a prominent role in support of negotiations mitments of the Good Friday Agreement, also The resolution (S. Res. 117), as of the Good Friday Agreement and has taken known as the ‘‘Belfast Agreement’’; amended, was agreed to. a leading role in promoting peace on the is- (2) expresses support for the full implementa- The amendment (No. 1497) was agreed land of Ireland more broadly; tion of the Good Friday Agreement and subse- to, as follows: Whereas the United States Congress stands quent agreements, including the Stormont House (Purpose: To amend the preamble) steadfastly committed to supporting the Agreement agreed to in December 2014, as well peaceful resolution of any and all political as the protocol on Northern Ireland to the Beginning in the ninth whereas clause of the preamble, strike the ‘‘and’’ at the end challenges in Northern Ireland; and agreement on the withdrawal of the United Whereas the United States has a Special Kingdom from the European Union (in this reso- and all that follows through ‘‘Northern Ire- land’’ in the tenth whereas clause of the pre- Relationship with the United Kingdom, in- lution referred to as the ‘‘Northern Ireland Pro- cluding partnership on trade and economic tocol’’); amble, and insert the following: Whereas the United States Congress stands issues: Now, therefore, be it (3) congratulates all parties in Northern Ire- steadfastly committed to supporting the That the Senate— land for the return in January 2020 to a power- Resolved, peaceful resolution of any and all political sharing agreement; (1) urges the United Kingdom and the Eu- challenges in Northern Ireland; and ropean Union to support peace on the island (4) urges all parties in Northern Ireland to Whereas the United States has a Special of Ireland and the principles, objectives, and work collectively to ensure the implementation Relationship with the United Kingdom, in- of all commitments of the Good Friday Agree- commitments of the Good Friday Agree- cluding partnership on trade and economic ment and subsequent agreements so that all of ment, also known as the ‘‘Belfast Agree- issues the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement ment’’; can operate successfully and sustainably and The committee-reported amendment (2) expresses support for the full implemen- that ongoing political challenges can be over- to the preamble in the nature of a sub- tation of the Good Friday Agreement and come; stitute, as amended, was agreed to. subsequent agreements, including the Stormont House Agreement agreed to in De- (5) calls for continuing attention and action The preamble, as amended, was cember 2014, as well as the protocol on to resolve the injustices of past violence, includ- agreed to. ing violence by state and non-state actors; Northern Ireland to the agreement on the The resolution, as amended, with its withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the (6) supports the passage of a Bill of Rights for preamble, as amended, reads as follows: Northern Ireland and the right of all the people European Union (in this resolution referred on the island of Ireland to self-determine their S. RES. 117 to as the ‘‘Northern Ireland Protocol’’); future as provided for in the Good Friday Whereas, on April 10, 1998, the Government (3) congratulates all parties in Northern Agreement; of Ireland and the Government of the United Ireland for the return in January 2020 to a (7) encourages renewed attention to edu- Kingdom signed the Good Friday Agreement, power-sharing agreement; cational and cultural efforts that will ensure also known as the ‘‘Belfast Agreement’’; (4) urges all parties in Northern Ireland to the rich language, literature, and arts of North- Whereas the goals of the Good Friday work collectively to ensure the implementa- ern Ireland endure and are not diminished; Agreement were to bring a new era of de- tion of all commitments of the Good Friday (8) expresses support for the Northern Ireland volved government and democracy to North- Agreement and subsequent agreements so Protocol and its full implementation, which en- ern Ireland, end violence, and ensure peace that all of the institutions of the Good Fri- sures through international agreement that no for the people of the island of Ireland; day Agreement can operate successfully and ‘‘hard border’’ will be reintroduced on the is- Whereas the successful negotiation of the sustainably and that ongoing political chal- land of Ireland; and Good Friday Agreement stands as a historic lenges can be overcome; (9) will insist that any new or amended trade and groundbreaking success that has proven (5) calls for continuing attention and ac- agreements and other bilateral agreements be- critical to the decades of relative peace that tion to resolve the injustices of past vio- tween the Government of the United States and have followed; lence, including violence by state and non- the Government of the United Kingdom take Whereas the return to power sharing in state actors; into account, as relevant, conditions requiring 2020 after the collapse of power-sharing insti- (6) supports the passage of a Bill of Rights that obligations under the Good Friday Agree- tutions in 2017 creates new opportunities for for Northern Ireland and the right of all the ment be met. strengthening peace and reconciliation in people on the island of Ireland to self-deter- Northern Ireland; mine their future as provided for in the Good Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I further ask that Whereas the agreement between the United Friday Agreement; the Lee amendment to the committee- Kingdom and the European Union on the (7) encourages renewed attention to edu- reported amendment to the resolution withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the cational and cultural efforts that will ensure be considered and agreed to; the com- European Union, and the protocol to that the rich language, literature, and arts of mittee-reported amendment, as amend- agreement on Northern Ireland preserving an Northern Ireland endure and are not dimin- ed, be agreed to; the resolution, as open border on the island of Ireland (in this ished; amended, be agreed to; that the Lee preamble referred to as the ‘‘Northern Ire- (8) expresses support for the Northern Ire- amendment to the committee-reported land Protocol’’), are intended to protect the land Protocol and its full implementation, peace forged under the Good Friday Agree- which ensures through international agree- amendment to the preamble be agreed ment; ment that no ‘‘hard border’’ will be reintro- to; the committee-reported amend- Whereas, despite the historic progress of duced on the island of Ireland; and ment, as amended, be agreed to; that the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent (9) greatly values the close relationships the preamble, as amended, be agreed agreements, including the Stormont House the United States shares with both the to; and that the motions to reconsider Agreement agreed to in December 2014, im- United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland; be considered made and laid upon the portant issues remain unresolved in North- and table with no intervening action or de- ern Ireland, including the passage of a Bill of (10) will take into account, as relevant, bate. Rights, securing justice for all victims of vi- conditions requiring that obligations under olence, including violence by state and non- the Good Friday Agreement be met as the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without state actors, and reducing sectarian divi- United States seeks to negotiate a mutually objection, it is so ordered. sions and promoting reconciliation; advantageous and comprehensive trade The amendment (No. 1496) was agreed Whereas section 6 of the Good Friday agreement between the United States and to, as follows: Agreement (‘‘Rights, Safeguards and Equal- the United Kingdom.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY6.017 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE S2552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 17, 2021 NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FOSTER ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 18, CARE MONTH AS AN OPPOR- 2021 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I TUNITY TO RAISE AWARENESS ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF ask unanimous consent that when the ate proceed to the consideration of S. CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE Senate completes its business today, it Res. 217, submitted earlier today. SYSTEM adjourn until 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 18; The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I that following the prayer and pledge, clerk will report the resolution by ask unanimous consent that the Sen- the morning hour be deemed expired, title. ate proceed to the consideration of S. the Journal of proceedings be approved Res. 218, submitted earlier today. The senior assistant legislative clerk to date, the time for the two leaders be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The reserved for their use later in the day, read as follows: clerk will report the resolution by and morning business be closed; further A resolution (S. Res. 217) designating the title. that upon the conclusion of morning week of May 16 through May 22, 2021, as ‘‘Na- The senior assistant legislative clerk business, the Senate resume consider- tional Public Works Week’’. read as follows: ation of the motion to proceed to Cal- A resolution (S. Res. 218) recognizing Na- endar No. 58, S. 1260, postcloture; fur- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tional Foster Care Month as an opportunity ther that all time during recess, ad- objection, it is so ordered. to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and en- journment, and morning business There being no objection, the Senate couraging Congress to implement policies to count postcloture on the motion to proceeded to consider the resolution. improve the lives of children in the foster proceed; and finally that the Senate re- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous care system. cess from 12:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. to consent that the resolution be agreed There being no objection, the Senate allow for the weekly caucus meetings. proceeded to consider the resolution. to, the preamble be agreed to, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I ask unanimous objection, it is so ordered. motions to reconsider be considered consent that the resolution be agreed made and laid upon the table with no to, the preamble be agreed to, and that f intervening action or debate. the motions to reconsider be consid- ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10 A.M. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ered made and laid upon the table with TOMORROW objection, it is so ordered. no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, if The resolution (S. Res. 217) was objection, it is so ordered. there is no further business to come be- agreed to. The resolution (S. Res. 218) was fore the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that it stand adjourned under the The preamble was agreed to. agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. previous order. (The resolution, with its preamble, is (The resolution, with its preamble, is There being no objection, the Senate, printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- at 6:27 p.m., adjourned until Tuesday, mitted Resolutions.’’) mitted Resolutions.’’) May 18, 2021, at 10 a.m.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:19 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G17MY6.024 S17MYPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with SENATE May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E529 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

EXTENDING WIFIA LOAN TERMS he could open his own real estate business. IN RECOGNITION OF THE 6TH As the owner of the Robert Kane Management UNITED NATIONS GLOBAL ROAD HON. JOHN GARAMENDI Company and part-owner of Greater Gulfport SAFETY WEEK OF CALIFORNIA Properties, Incorporated, I believe he has suc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ceeded. HON. RICHARD HUDSON OF NORTH CAROLINA Monday, May 17, 2021 Not only is Robert an astute business IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES owner, he is also known for his tireless public Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, recently Monday, May 17, 2021 I introduced a necessary amendment to the service. In fact, in 2017, the Hancock County Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Port and Harbor Commission found it only fit- Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today Act of 2014 (WIFIA). This provision was in- ting to dedicate their new 8,000 square foot as co-chair of the Global Road Safety Caucus cluded in my ‘‘WIFIA Improvement Act of administrative building in honor of his 23 years to mark the 6th United Nations Global Road 2020’’ (H.R. 8217) from last Congress. I thank of leadership as President of the Commission. Safety Week, which begins today. In September 2020, the United Nations my colleague Congressman NEWHOUSE (R– For decades, Robert has volunteered with WA) for his support as the original cosponsor passed a resolution declaring the years 2021 multiple civic, business, and social organiza- this year. through 2030 a new Decade of Action for Our bipartisan bill would allow local commu- tions. He is a lifelong member of the Hancock Road Safety. Additionally, the United Nations nities seeking to build water infrastructure County Republican Executive Committee and Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 includes a projects to secure federally guaranteed financ- for the past twenty years, produced one of the call to address the personal, medical, and fi- ing under the U.S. Environmental Protection best barbeque fundraisers in Hancock County. nancial burdens associated with road traffic Agency’s WIFIA loan program with a 55-year deaths and injuries. Today, we recognize Mr. Robert Kane for The number of deaths on the world’s roads repayment schedule rather than the current his outstanding service to the Republican remains unacceptably high, with an estimated 35-year loan term. This change would unlock Party, the State of Mississippi, and to Hancock 1.35 million people dying each year. But this low-interest WIFIA financing for projects with County. is not just an issue in other countries. The Na- longer lifecycles like the off-stream Sites Res- tional Safety Council (NSC) says deaths from ervoir Project in my Congressional district and f motor vehicles rose 8 percent last year in the similar water storage projects. United States, with as many as 42,060 Ameri- For fiscal year 2021, Congress made more RECOGNIZING THE VA NORTHERN cans dying in vehicle crashes. Also according than $11.5 billion in federal WIFIA loans avail- INDIANA WOMEN’S VETERAN to the State Department, road crash deaths able. By making WIFIA loan terms more work- HEALTH CLINIC are the single greatest cause of death for able for projects with longer lifecycles, at no Americans traveling abroad. risk to the taxpayer, this bill will allow Cali- As the Congress and the Biden administra- fornia and other western states to modernize HON. JIM BANKS tion consider investing in infrastructure, we water infrastructure and better meet future must ensure these investments promote safety water supply needs. OF INDIANA practices through a safe-systems approach Madam Speaker, I urge all members to co- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and improve our roads and other infrastructure sponsor this bipartisan bill to unlock the fed- in ways that protect people and families. And eral financing necessary to construct the water Monday, May 17, 2021 as Americans begin traveling domestically and infrastructure of the future. I plan to make this internationally again as we emerge from the bipartisan bill a major priority in my work as a Mr. BANKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Covid–19 pandemic, we should be cognizant member of the House Committee on Trans- recognize the VA Northern Indiana Women’s of the many risk factors, including increased portation and Infrastructure, including in any Veteran Health Clinic for their service to speed, that significantly increase the prob- WIFIA reauthorization. The current Congres- women veterans in our community. ability of death or injury. sional authorization for the WIFIA program ex- The VA Northern Indiana Health Care Sys- By recognizing Global Road Safety Week pires at the end of fiscal year 2021. tem is committed to providing high-quality and the 2nd Decade of Action for Road Safe- f services in a sensitive and safe environment. ty, together we can make a difference in stem- HONORING MR. ROBERT KANE In the clinic, each woman veteran is assigned ming the tide of the road crash epidemic in the a Women’s Health Primary Care Provider; United States and around the world. Ulti- HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO each provider is trained to deliver comprehen- mately, we should do everything in our power sive primary care in any number of programs. to protect the lives of all road users, and I OF MISSISSIPPI hope to work with my colleagues on both IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES With 3,383 women veterans currently en- sides of the aisle to do that. Monday, May 17, 2021 rolled in the VA Northern Indiana Health Care f System, the clinic provides maternity care pro- Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today grams, general health and wellness programs, HONORING BRENT STARK to honor the outstanding work of Mr. Robert baby shower preparation, sexual trauma serv- Kane. HON. SAM GRAVES Robert was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, ices and more. OF MISSOURI and currently resides in Bay St. Louis, Mis- As a veteran myself and member of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sissippi. He is the proud father to two sons, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee in Con- John Regan and Sanders Burke. Along with gress, I am honored to have served in uniform Monday, May 17, 2021 his two daughters in law, he has been blessed and to serve the people of northeast Indiana Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, with four beautiful grandchildren Anne Pierson, in Congress. One of my top priorities has I proudly pause to recognize Brent Stark. Waring, Kate, and Grace. been, and always will be, ensuring those who Brent is a very special young man who has Robert graduated from Louisiana State Uni- served the United States receive the honor, exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship versity in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in Po- and leadership by taking an active part in the opportunity and care they deserve. litical Science. Following his graduation in Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earn- 1974, he obtained his real estate license in This is a testament to the honor and sac- ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. the State of Mississippi. Robert began his ca- rifice of those heroes who have served our Brent has been very active with his troop, reer in real estate in the hopes that, one day, country, and to those who serve them. participating in many scout activities. Over the

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.001 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS E530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 17, 2021 many years Brent has been involved with He has shared his personal testimony of over- IN HONOR OF THE 67TH ANNIVER- scouting, he has not only earned 29 merit coming addiction and constantly works to sup- SARY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF badges, but also the respect of his family, port others in that same journey. On behalf of EDUCATION peers, and community. Most notably, Brent New York’s 21st District, I would like to thank has shown his leadership skills by maintaining Michael for his contributions to the Plattsburgh HON. TERRI A. SEWELL the role of Patrol Leader, Den Chief and Troop community and congratulate him on his inno- OF ALABAMA Guide. Brent also holds the rank of Tom Tom vative solution turning the unused dormitories IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and is an Or- into a thriving community gathering space. Monday, May 17, 2021 deal member of the Order of the Arrow. Brent has also contributed to his community through f Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, on the 67th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. his Eagle Scout project where he and his fel- HONORING MRS. NELL FRISBIE low Scouts and Scouters poured a concrete Board of Education ruling, I rise to pay tribute sidewalk to extend it to provide wheelchair ac- to the three living students who desegregated cess to the play area, firepit and picnic table. HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO universities within Alabama’s 7th Congres- Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join OF MISSISSIPPI sional District, as well as Attorney Fred Gray me in commending Brent Stark for his accom- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES who assisted and led the litigation for each of plishments with the Boy Scouts of America these students. Monday, May 17, 2021 Over 60 years ago today, the United States and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Supreme Court declared that the doctrine es- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work and dedication tablished by Plessy v. Ferguson of ‘‘separate f of Mrs. Nell Frisbie. but equal’’ no longer reflected this country’s HONORING MICHAEL CARPENTER Mrs. Janet Gynell (‘‘Nell’’) Frisbie was born moral and legal principles. Officially declaring FOR THE DISTINGUISHED REC- and raised in Meridian, Mississippi. She grad- racial segregation in schools as unconstitu- OGNITION AS CLINTON COMMU- uated from Meridian High School and attended tional, this case established and upheld the NITY COLLEGE’S FIRST EDU- the University of Southern Mississippi where American principles of racial equality and jus- CATION CHAMPION she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority tice for all. While Brown v. Board of Education and a Varsity cheerleader. was a landmark decision towards a more just After attending Southern Miss, Nell moved and equal America, Dr. King said, ‘‘the arc of HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK the moral universe is long.’’ While this case OF NEW YORK to New Orleans where she was employed as a secretary for Continental Casualty Company. blazed trails for the progression of our society, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES There she met and married the late William the legacy of Jim Crow has deep roots, mak- Monday, May 17, 2021 (‘‘Bill’’) Frisbie, an attorney, on June 10, 1961. ing it our responsibility to continue to fight Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise In October 1962, Nell and Bill were blessed against injustice. today to honor Mr. Michael Carpenter, named with a daughter, Joellyn. This year, as we honor the living, breathing as the inaugural Education Champion by Clin- Nell is a longtime Republican activist at the legacy of the Brown decision, it is critically im- ton Community College. local, state, and national levels. She has re- portant that we pay tribute to the sacrifices Michael has been the president and CEO of cruited and campaigned for hundreds of Re- made by the three living students who took on The Northeast Group since 2008. Throughout publican candidates at all levels of govern- the charge of desegregating institutions of higher education in Alabama: Autherine Lucy his time with the company, his leadership and ment, including supporting her husband, Bill, (age 91), Wendall Gunn (age 79), and Harold foresight have expanded The Northeast Group in his candidacy for City Council and Justice Court Judge. Franklin (age 88). from a small print shop to four regional facili- On September 4, 1952, Autherine Lucy sub- Nell’s passion for good government started ties providing an array of printing, publishing, mitted her application to the then segregated at a young age. As a preschooler, she at- and logistics services. However, Michael’s in- University of Alabama. Despite being accepted tended political rallies with her father. By the fluence and impact extends far beyond his to the university, once the administration real- business prowess. While Michael has had time she was a teenager, Nell was actively in- ized that Autherine was African American, her great success in the business world, he has volved in local campaigns. acceptance was withdrawn. Autherine was al- also been an extremely impactful community Nell has gone on to serve the Republican lowed to attend the university after receiving leader. He currently serves on the Substance Party in almost too many ways to name. She support from the community, two civil rights at- Abuse Prevention and Recovery of Clinton was Chairman of the Hancock County Execu- torneys, and the Brown decision. As the first County Steering Committee, the Plattsburgh tive Committee for two terms and served two institution of higher education to be tested by Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, terms as President of the Hancock County Re- the Brown decision, many believed that and the Clinton County Community Service publican Women’s Club. She has attended Autherine’s sacrifices set the precedent for in- Board. He has also previously served on the seven Republican National Conventions as a tegrating institutions of higher education, yet Workforce Investment Board, Strand Center delegate and was on the Rules Committee at many minority students after her continued to for the Arts Board, the Literacy Volunteers, the 2016 Convention. fight against institutionalized segregation. and Vision2Action Task Force as Chairman. Nell was appointed to the Mississippi Re- In July 1963, 7 years after Autherine was For more than 30 years, Michael has relent- publican Party Executive Committee and admitted to the University of Alabama, Wen- lessly dedicated himself to helping individuals served as State President and 4th District Di- dell Gunn attempted to enroll in Florence Col- recover from addiction, ensuring they have rector for the Mississippi Federation of Repub- lege, now known as the University of North sound and necessary support systems in lican Women. She has been invited to speak Alabama. After being sent to the university place. In conjunction with Clinton Community at Republican Women events in many states president’s office, Wendell was told that he College, Michael launched the MHAB Life ranging from Georgia to California. Nell has could not be admitted without a federal court Skills Campus, a revolutionary program to had the honor of meeting former Presidents: order. Once again, attorney Fred Gray took on offer transitional housing and a community Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George the case upholding his simple declaration to space for those in recovery. In an effort sup- W. Bush, and former Vice President Mike ‘‘destroy everything segregated.’’ ported by local nonprofit agencies, this pro- Pence. She has worked to elect four Mis- In January of the following year, Harold gram converted vacant dormitories into a cam- sissippi governors as well as many U.S. Sen- Franklin walked onto the campus of Auburn pus where individuals can live, complete job ators and Congressmen and several state and University as the school’s first African Amer- training, literacy, and budgeting classes, and local officials. ican student. Similarly, Harold’s enrollment to receive counseling services and drug treat- She has a gift for grassroots activism and the university was met with strong opposition ment. Michael’s work on this program has had organization, using her network and leadership from those dedicated to preserving segrega- an immeasurably positive impact on his com- skills to organize campaign headquarters and tion within public schools despite the Brown munity. He was also integral in bringing Club orchestrate volunteer activities. If you want to decision. As a result, after ‘‘completing’’ every 12 to Plattsburgh, offering a welcoming space hear a funny story, ask Nell about ‘‘delivering requirement to obtain his master’s degree, he to host and encourage those working towards a message to Congress’’. Today we recognize was not able to defend his master’s thesis and recovery through a 12-step program. Mrs. Nell Frisbie for her outstanding service to graduate until February of 2020. Michael has been an incredible advocate for the Republican Party, the State of Mississippi As a proud product of Selma High School the recovery community in the North Country. and Hancock County. and its first Black valedictorian, I stand on the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.005 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E531 shoulders of so many who were denied ac- Allen, and 1st Sergeant Crawford, and all the Jacque’s dedication to the children in her cess to great public schools in the name of in- Cadets of Ozark High School for their historic community is not only vital to the development stitutionalized segregation. Understanding this, achievements this past year and wish them of the children but also empowers families to we know that 67 years later the fight to ensure well in their future competitions. reengage in their local economy as they are that all people are afforded access to a quality f able to get back to work and rest easy know- education continues throughout this Nation. ing their kids are in good care. Because of Today as we reflect on the Brown v. Board of HONORING JACQUE HOWELL AS that, it is my honor to recognize Jacque How- Education decision, may we be renewed by IOWAN OF THE WEEK ell as our Iowan of the Week. the tenacity and bravery of Autherine Lucy, Wendall Gunn, and Harold Franklin and the HON. CYNTHIA AXNE f perseverance of Attorney Fred Gray. OF IOWA IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 1447—COAST On behalf of Alabama’s 7th Congressional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RESEARCH ACT OF 2021 AND H.R. District, I ask my colleagues to join me in pay- Monday, May 17, 2021 2533—NEAR ACT OF 2021 ing tribute to these three students and Attor- ney Gray for their contributions to reshaping Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, in honor of education in Alabama and across our Nation. Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, I would HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON like to recognize Jacque Howell, director of f OF TEXAS Red Oak Child Development Center. Jacque IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONGRATULATING THE OZARK has led the way in expanding childcare op- Monday, May 17, 2021 HIGH SCHOOL ARMY JROTC PRO- tions in her rural community of Red Oak, Iowa. GRAM Childcare is an especially scarce resource Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, in Iowa. In 2018, 41 percent of our cities had I rise in support of H.R. 1447, the Coastal and HON. BILLY LONG children but no known childcare and 48 per- Ocean Acidification Stressors and Threats, or OF MISSOURI cent have some childcare but fewer slots than COAST, Research Act of 2021. I also rise in support of H.R. 2533, the National Estuaries IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES there are children. As you might imagine, this has a significant impact on our workforce and and Acidification Resarch, or NEAR, Act of Monday, May 17, 2021 economy as many families struggle to balance 2021. Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to parenthood and employment. In Montgomery These two bipartisan bills supporting ocean congratulate the Ozark High School Army Jun- County where Jacque and her family live, acidification research passed the House under ior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AJROTC), there were 1,183 children under the age of 9 suspension last Congress. The oceans have for receiving National Championships in four but only 435 available spaces in existing li- absorbed excess carbon dioxide in the atmos- separate disciplines, Raider Competition, Air censed childcare facilities. phere from the burning of fossil fuels. The re- Rifle Three Position Competition, Armed Drill In 2019, Jacque attended a meeting with sulting rise in ocean acidity levels has been Competition, and Unarmed Drill Competition. the Iowa Women’s Foundation and was faced shown to cause harm to marine life. Orga- This is the first time in the history of AJROTC with many of these same statistics and was nisms like oysters, clams, and corals have dif- that one school has accomplished such a feat. blown away by the lack of available quality ficulty building their shells and skeletons in First created in 1916, AJROTC programs care in Iowa. That’s when she sprang into ac- more acidic environments. Higher acidity also have expanded to over 1,700 schools nation- tion and gathered others to start the Red Oak alters the behavior of some fish. Ocean acidifi- wide. The goal of these programs is to de- Child Development Center. Jacque was hired cation threatens the vitality of our coastal velop Cadets into young men and women of as director of the center in January 2020 and economies. We need to get ahead of the impeccable character. A major part of the pro- raised an impressive $1.2 million in funds to problem of ocean acidification before it causes gram is the development of leadership skills. bring this dream to reality. even greater economic harm. As the Cadets progress, they are given the Red Oak Child Development Center is a Congresswoman BONAMICI’s COAST Re- opportunity to lead younger Cadets. The special organization as they partner with their search Act reauthorizes and updates the Fed- teaching of the skills molds these men and local school district to make the care more ac- eral Ocean Acidification Research and Moni- women into the leaders of tomorrow. cessible. They have also opted to offer infant toring Act. The bill supports the ocean acidifi- The AJROTC program would not succeed care, a service that isn’t provided by other cation program at the National Oceanic and without the hard work of dedicated instructors. care facilities in their community. The center is Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. The bill There are currently nearly 4,000 instructors currently working on expanding its location to has several updates to improve the text from nationwide. They come from a variety of back- house two additional infant care rooms. Cur- last Congress, with bipartisan agreement. grounds and are all retired from either active rently, they have 100 children enrolled in their This year marks 10 years of ocean acidifica- duty, reserve duty, or the National Guard. care and they see an average of 70 to 75 of tion research at NOAA. This next decade will Among these dedicated individuals are 3 in- those children daily. They were baffled by how be crucial for further understanding the im- structors from Ozark High School. Major quickly they were able to fill their spots and pacts of ocean acidification on marine eco- Danny Cazier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jason continue to receive enrollment applications systems and coastal communities. We must Allen, and 1st Sergeant William Crawford have daily. Red Oak Child Development Center pass this crucial legislation to help support more than 60 years of Army and Training ex- aims to provide quality, affordable childcare to federal efforts to inform mitigation and adapta- perience. They have worked tirelessly to instill their community. They accept childcare assist- tion strategies. in their Cadets the values of citizenship, com- ance with just over a quarter of their children Congressman POSEY’s NEAR Act would re- munity and national service, personal respon- receiving that support. It’s clear that they are quire a study by the National Academies of sibility, and a sense of accomplishment. It is filling a significant need as some families drive Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This thanks to their hard work that Ozark High up to 30 minutes one-way just to take their study would examine the impact of ocean School AJROTC accomplished so much this children to care. acidification and other stressors in estuarine year. Jacque says that educating the next genera- environments. The Cadets of Ozark High School AJROTC tion of lowan’s is something that has been a I thank Congresswoman BONAMICI for her are incredibly hard-working individuals. They lifelong passion of hers. She understands that leadership on this issue and Congressman begin their practices at 5:00 am, and they fre- children are truly our future and she endeav- POSEY for his bill. I thank Ranking Member quently sacrifice their Saturdays to the com- ors to provide children with support, love, and LUCAS and our staffs for working together to petitions. Their Drill Team also provides Cere- encouragement. As the director of the Red prepare these bills for Floor passage. Finally, monial Color Guard for a variety of community Oak Child Development Center, she’s been I thank the numerous experts who helped in- events. All of this is in addition to their school- able to help build an organization that believes form the development of both bills. work. in quality over quantity, supports the social, I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass these Madam Speaker, it is clear that our nation emotional, and cognitive development of all two bipartisan bills through the House. I look needs more young men and women who dem- children. Jacque also recognizes the impor- forward to working with the Senate to pass onstrate a strong devotion to their community tance of her amazing staff members and their strong ocean acidification legislation into law. and country. The cadets of Ozark High School ever-supportive community as they work to- I also want to include in the RECORD several AJROTC live these values every day. I com- gether to continue to build what is already an letters of support we have received for H.R. mend Major Cazier, Chief Warrant Officer 3 incredible child development center. 1447 from outside groups.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.008 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS E532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 17, 2021

OCEAN CONSERVANCY, fication. The COAST Research Act will help EARTHJUSTICE, Washington, DC, May 17, 2021. our nation and coastal communities better May 17, 2021. Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, prepare for the effects from ocean and coast- Re Earthjustice supports the H.R. 1447, the House of Representatives, al acidification, strengthen investments in Coastal and Ocean Acidification Washington, DC. research and monitoring, increase our under- Stressors and Threats Research Act of DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI: On behalf 2021. of Ocean Conservancy, I am writing to ex- standing of the impacts acidification has on our communities and bring together ocean Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, press our strong support for H.R. 1447, the House of Representatives, stakeholders to guide research and moni- Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors Washington, DC. toring. Thank you for your leadership on and Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2021, DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BONAMICI: Thank and to urge your colleagues to vote to pass this issue, and we look forward to working you for your leadership in addressing one of the legislation when it is considered on the with you to craft solutions for our changing the greatest threats facing our oceans. House Floor. Americans depend on a healthy ocean environment. Earthjustice strongly supports the Coastal ocean, and ocean acidification threatens mil- Sincerely, and Ocean Acidification Stressors and lions of jobs and livelihoods, cultures, and REGGIE PAROS, Threats (COAST) Act of 2021 (H.R. 1447). ways of life, from the Pacific Northwest’s Director, Government Relations, Ocean acidification is a growing global phe- shellfish industry to Florida’s coral reef Ocean Conservancy. nomenon harming our coastal communities, tourism. The COAST Research Act will ecosystems, and economies, and this pro- strengthen our nation’s investments in posed legislation would strengthen our abil- ocean and coastal acidification, and we en- CONSORTIUM FOR OCEAN LEADERSHIP, ity to combat this threat with the urgency courage Members of Congress to stand with Washington, DC, May 17, 2021. and resources needed. coastal communities, businesses, and our Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, Ocean acidification erodes the very founda- marine environment by passing this impor- Washington, DC. tions of our ocean ecosystems, as acidic tant legislation. DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BONAMICI: On behalf From coast to coast, ocean acidification is waters imperil everything from cod larvae of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership having a broad range of impacts on the and lobsters to plankton and corals. The health of our ocean and coastal commu- (COL), which represents our nation’s leading ocean absorbs 30% of the carbon dioxide that nities. Economically and ecologically impor- ocean science, research, and technology or- we release into the atmosphere, and acidifi- tant regional species are suffering. Ocean ganizations from academia, industry, and cation from excess carbon sets of a destruc- acidification has attributed to dissolving the the larger nonprofit sector (to include aquar- tive chain reaction whereby the loss of tiny shells of young Dungeness crab, an economi- iums, philanthropy, and associations), I am snails imperils species of all sizes that prey on them, such as killer whales. We have also cally valuable fishery in the Pacific North- writing to express support for the Coastal seen the damage that acidification can west, with additional research suggesting and Ocean Acidification Stressors and that acidification also impacts the crab’s wreak on coastal economies, such as our Pa- Threats (COAST) Research Act of 2021 (H.R. cific Northwest shellfish farms, We need im- ability to navigate their environment. Cor- 1447). COL applauds the COAST Research Act als, such as the corals off the coast of Flor- mediate action to halt plunging pH levels in its mission to strengthen existing ocean ida, grow more slowly under acidification and promote resilience in the face of chang- and are less likely to recover from breakage acidification initiatives and to introduce ing temperatures. The COAST Research Act jumpstarts or loss. However, ocean acidification is not new strategies to better understand and ocean recovery by updating the Federal the only stressor facing our ocean, and the manage this environmental stressor. Ocean Acidification Research and Moni- combination of impacts can be more detri- Ocean acidification, which occurs as the toring Act (FOARAM) to address the full mental to our marine environment. Ocean ocean absorbs higher concentrations of at- scope of acidification’s effects. Increasing acidification, when combined with increased mospheric carbon dioxide, threatens the funding for FOARAM and expanding the defi- ocean temperatures for example, have shown health of the entire ocean. As corals, shell- nition of ocean acidification ensures our ef- the ability to impact the reproductive suc- forts are informed by the best available cess of Pacific herring, more than either fish, and many types of plankton struggle to science we have. Incorporating data on the change alone. create and maintain their shells or Since the first detrimental impacts of exoskeletons in more acidic waters, ocean socioeconomic and regional impacts of acidi- ocean acidification in the Pacific Northwest food webs are disrupted. This, in turn, fication ensures that our response to the problem is both comprehensive and prac- in the mid-2000s, when acidification caused threatens the crucial balance in many eco- tical. Establishing an advisory board that widespread larval shellfish death in the re- systems, as well as our own security and gion, researchers and coastal industries have represents and coordinates the diverse stake- prosperity, jeopardizing the stability of holders impacted by acidification ensures faced the reality of an increasingly acidic those whose livelihoods depend on a healthy ocean head-on. Oregon State University re- that interests at every level—industry, ocean. Like many environmental challenges searchers studying Netarts Bay, the initial recreation, and conservation—are considered hotspot for documented ocean acidification of our time, vulnerable communities who in federal actions against ocean acidifica- impacts on the Pacific oyster, have uncov- rely on shellfish and healthy coastal eco- tion. ered the complex interactions among local systems for food, employment, and com- Bipartisan support for the COAST Re- circulation and biological activity, which is merce with few alternatives will feel the search Act speaks to the seriousness of the now informing local shellfish farmers of negative impacts of ocean acidification most problem and the efficiency of this bill’s proposed solutions. Neither Democrats nor Re- when to begin particular activities. From acutely. Combatting the causes and miti- publicans are willing to watch our blue econ- the Atlantic to the Pacific, ocean and coast- gating the effects of ocean acidification real acidification has had extensive biological omy dissolve in increasingly acidic waters. quires sustained congressional support and Both parties support action to stabilize and and socioeconomic impacts and research is interagency collaboration, as well as engage- accelerating to find ways to offset those strengthen our ocean ecosystems. This bill ment by stakeholders in the private sector, harms. provides the funding and the strategy to do In 2009, Congress recognized the urgent academia, philanthropy, and beyond. I just that. need for federal investments in ocean acidifi- strongly commend the COAST Research We greatly appreciate your leadership on cation research and monitoring, and subse- Act’s commitment to advancing ocean acidi- this important issue and implore Congress to quently passed the Federal Ocean Acidifica- fication research and monitoring efforts, as timely pass it. tion Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) well as promoting cooperation among stake- Sincerely, DANNY FOLDS, Act of 2009. FOARAM established the federal holder groups. government’s work on ocean acidification by Associate Legislative Counsel, Earthjustice. creating the NOAA Ocean Acidification Pro- I offer my sincere thanks to you, Congress- gram and an interagency working group on woman Bonamici, for your efforts to help us WILD SALMON CENTER, ocean acidification. Much of our knowledge better understand this urgent threat and to February 22, 2021. and understanding of ocean acidification improve overall ocean health by strength- Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, that has emerged in the last decade can be ening federal investments in the research House of Representatives, credited to the federal funding authorized by and increasing monitoring of changing ocean Washington, DC. FOARAM. The law’s authorization, however, conditions. Our lives and our future may DEAR REPRESENTATIVE BONAMICI: From expired in 2012, and there are changes that well depend on it. coast to coast, ocean acidification is having can be made to further improve our ability Respectfully, a broad range of impacts on the health of our ocean and coastal communities. Coastal in- to understand acidification in the open ocean JONATHAN W. WHITE, as well as in the coastal zone. dustries are continuing to face the reality of RADM (RET.), USN, As the ocean continues to absorb carbon an increasingly acidic ocean. In 2017, re- President and CEO, dioxide and the ocean continues to acidify, searchers at Oregon State University re- we must take action to protect our commu- Consortium for corded some of the highest levels of ocean nities and wildlife from the impacts of acidi- Ocean Leadership. acidification in the world off the coast of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.011 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E533 Pacific Northwest. Additionally, 63% of test HONORING COLONEL ALBEN N. trice Morris in Anniston, Alabama. He studied sites on the west coast experienced levels of HOPKINS, JR., AIR NATIONAL at Jacksonville State University, Selma Univer- acidification known to cause commercial GUARD sity, and Alabama State University. He contin- oyster production failures. ued his education at the National Baptist Con- Our Pacific Northwest economies, our rec- HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO gress of Christian Education and Samford Uni- reational and commercial fishing, and shell- versity Extension Division. Later, Pastor Morris fish industry as well as our great northwest OF MISSISSIPPI returned to the National Baptist Congress of tourism economy—all depend on a healthy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Christian Education and the State Congress to ocean. And because we are already seeing the Monday, May 17, 2021 effects of ocean acidification, we support serve as both an instructor and lecturer. your efforts and we support H.R. 1237, the Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, I rise today Pastor Morris was called to ministry Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors to honor the outstanding work of Colonel on’August 20, 1972. As a faithful public serv- and Threats (COAST) Research Act. Alben N. Hopkins, Jr., Staff Judge Advocate of ant to his community, Pastor Morris served as Much of our knowledge and understanding the Mississippi Air National Guard. Chaplain for Montgomery Police Department of ocean acidification that has emerged in Colonel Hopkins hails from Gulfport, Mis- for over 20 years and as a mentor for Mont- the last decade can be credited to the federal sissippi where he attended St. John High gomery police officers and their families. As funding authorized by Federal Ocean Acidifi- School. His wife Jodie and 12-year-old son, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in cation Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Montgomery, Alabama for almost 50 years, Act of 2009. FOARAM established the federal Carter, proudly call Gulfport home. government’s work on ocean acidification by Colonel Hopkins has served in several posi- Pastor Morris worked tirelessly to uphold the creating the NOAA Ocean Acidification Pro- tions, but none more fulfilling than serving his legacy of this historic church by promoting so- gram and an interagency working group on country. His military career began in 1990 cial justice and equity. Pastor Morris held nu- ocean acidification. FOARAM’s authoriza- when he became a legal specialist for the Mis- merous leadership positions within religious tion expired in 2012. The COAST Research sissippi Army National Guard. Colonel Hopkins and community organizations. He is the past Act amends FOARAM to further improve our has strong family military ties including his fa- moderator of the Montgomery-Antioch of ability to understand acidification in the ther, retired Major General Alben Norris Hop- Christian Education, lecturer of the State Con- open ocean as well as in the coastal zone. kins, Sr. gress of Christian Education, missionary for We support the COAST Research Act and Colonel Hopkins’s extensive educational the Alabama Baptist Southeast District State believe it will help our coastal communities background includes a bachelor’s degree in Convention, and lecturer of the Alabama better prepare for the effects from ocean and Southeast District State Convention Women’s coastal acidification. Thank you for your Arts and History from the University of Mis- leadership to strengthen the nation’s focus sissippi, where he was a member of the Department. and investment in oceans and coastal acidifi- Sigma Chi Fraternity. He received his Juris Known as an active community leader, Pas- cation. Doctorate from the Mississippi College School tor Morris dedicated his life to the police offi- Sincerely, of Law and a Master of Strategic Studies from cers of Montgomery and to their families. He SARA LABORDE, the prestigious Air War College. offered mentorship and support to police offi- Executive Vice President, Wild Salmon Center. During his service, Colonel Hopkins was cers and emergency first-responders through- awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air out his career. He served on various boards in IOOS ASSOCIATION, Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Montgomery and the surrounding community May 17, 2021. Medal, Army Reserve Component Achieve- including the Montgomery Area Mental Health Hon. SUZANNE BONAMICI, ment Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Authority. Pastor Morris was also a member of House of Representatives, the Fraternal Order and Masonic, Phi Beta Washington, DC. Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, along with several other awards and decorations. Kappa, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN BONAMICI: On behalf the Inspector General 33° United Supreme of the Integrated Ocean Observing System He is also a member of the Mississippi Bar, (IOOS) Association and its national network where he practices as a civilian lawyer with Council A.A.S.R. of Freemasonry, S.J., Inc. of eleven coastal observing systems, I write his private law firm of Hopkins, Barvie, & Hop- Prince Hall. to support the Coastal and Ocean Acidifica- kins, P.L.L.C. He has a general civil practice Pastor Morris is survived by his loving and tion Stressors and Threats (COAST) Re- specializing in litigation. faithful wife, Rebie Morris, four children, twelve search Act. Colonel Hopkins retired this month with over grandchildren, one great-grandniece, three NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing Sys- three decades of dedication to the state of nephews, one godson, and a host of other rel- tem (IOOS) links together Federal agencies Mississippi and our great nation. I thank Colo- atives and friends including his First Baptist and eleven Regional Associations (RAs) to nel Hopkins, and his family, for their service Church Family, Ministerial Circle, Sigma Broth- design and to operate regional observing sys- and sacrifice and on behalf of the 4th Con- ers, Zeta Sisters, and Masonic Family. tems to provide timely and reliable data and gressional District, we wish him the best. On a personal note, I am eternally grateful information on our oceans, coasts, and Great for the tremendous community contributions f Lakes. Coastal acidification is becoming an made by Pastor Morris and the dedicated con- even more pressing concern for many of our stakeholders and users, such as shellfish IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND EX- gregation of First Baptist Church. Under the growers, shellfish harvesters, fishermen, re- EMPLARY SERVICE OF PASTOR leadership of Pastor Morris, First Baptist source managers, and coastal communities. E. BAXTER MORRIS Church opens its doors to thousands of trav- The impacts of coastal acidification vary, elers from across the world who want to learn and each system must be tailored to the HON. TERRI A. SEWELL more about the role this church played during unique situation of the region. The IOOS OF ALABAMA the Civil Rights Movement. Pastor Morris re- RAs work closely with NOAA’s Ocean Acidi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mained committed to preserving and furthering fication Program to understand the regional the legacy of activism at First Baptist Church context, to deploy and operate sensors, sup- Monday, May 17, 2021 fostered by his predecessor Rev. Ralph Aber- port the data that can detect and monitor Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today nathy. I am especially appreciative of the acidification to support and improve warnings and alerts and to provide for the sharing to honor the life and exemplary service of warm and generous hospitality shown by Pas- and integration of data. Pastor Edgar Baxter Morris, the beloved sen- tor Morris and the entire congregation of the The COAST Research Act will enhance ior pastor of the historic First Baptist Church First Baptist Church. They have served as the these and other efforts to understand, moni- on North Ripley Street in Montgomery, Ala- hosts for Members of Congress during the an- toring and manage the nation’s ability to re- bama who passed away on Sunday, May 2, nual Faith and Politics Civil Rights Pilgrimage spond and adapt to ocean acidification. The 2021 surrounded by family. Pastor E. Baxter since 1998. Year after year, the highlight of Act does this be expanding the Advisory Morris was a devoted community leader and the pilgrimage for many of my colleagues was Board to include representatives of the vari- former Montgomery Police Department chap- the ‘‘five-star’’ Saturday Brunch hosted by ety of industries and stakeholder impacted lain. He served for 50 years as the pastor of Pastor Morris and his congregation. We will by ocean acidification, expanding the stra- the iconic First Baptist Church, which was surely miss his warm smile, congenial person- tegic plan for research and monitoring, and expanding the role of the Federal agencies once pastored by Rev. Ralph Abernathy, a ality, infinite wisdom, compassionate heart, for addressing ocean acidification. key strategist and architect of the Civil Rights and generous spirit. May we be comforted in Sincerely, Movement and Montgomery Bus Boycott. knowing that the legacy of service and unwav- ELLA (JOSIE) QUINTRELL, Pastor Morris was born the second of two ering faith of Pastor Morris will live on in the Director. children to Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Ella Bea- hearts and actions of those he impacted.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.013 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS E534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 17, 2021 On behalf of Alabama’s 7th Congressional mittee—of the time, place and purpose rowing the tax gap and improving tax- District, I ask my colleagues to join me in rec- of the meetings, when scheduled and payer services. ognizing the life and legacy of Pastor Edgar any cancellations or changes in the SD–138 meetings as they occur. 2:30 p.m. Baxter Morris and his contributions to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Montgomery community. As an additional procedure along Urban Affairs f with the computerization of this infor- Business meeting to consider the nomi- mation, the Office of the Senate Daily nations of Adrianne Todman, of the HONORING RUSSELL EUGENE Digest will prepare this information for Virgin Islands, to be Deputy Secretary GWALTNEY printing in the Extensions of Remarks of Housing and Urban Development, --- section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD and Nuria I. Fernandez, of California, HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH on Monday and Wednesday of each to be Federal Transit Administrator, Department of Transportation. OF VIRGINIA week. SD–106 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Meetings scheduled for Tuesday, May Committee on Homeland Security and Monday, May 17, 2021 18, 2021 may be found in the Daily Di- Governmental Affairs gest of today’s RECORD. To hold hearings to examine COVID–19, Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in focusing on evaluating the medical honor of Russell Eugene Gwaltney, who died supply chain and pandemic response on March 12, 2021 at the age of 81. Russ was MEETINGS SCHEDULED gaps. a local legend in his youth who later served MAY 19 SD–342/VTC his hometown as a career law enforcement of- 9:45 a.m. Committee on the Judiciary ficer who honorably fulfilled his professional Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Competition Policy, duties. Business meeting to consider the nomi- Antitrust, and Consumer Rights nations of Bonnie D. Jenkins, of New To hold hearings to examine antitrust Russ was born in Roanoke, Virginia on Au- applied, focusing on hospital consolida- gust 21, 1939, to Charles Wesley Gwaltney York, to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Se- tion concerns and solutions. and Florence Gay Gwaltney Boggess. His fa- curity, Jose W. Fernandez, of New SD–226 ther passed away before he was born, and his York, to be an Under Secretary of Committee on Small Business and Entre- mother, a cashier, raised him in Salem. State (Economic Growth, Energy, and preneurship His first calling in life was as a marbles the Environment), to be United States To hold hearings to examine realizing champion. The game was popular in his Alternate Governor of the European the vision of Parren Mitchell, focusing neighborhood, and his older brother Charlie Bank for Reconstruction and Develop- on untapping the potential of minority ment, to be United States Alternate and women contracting. taught him to play at the age of four or five. SR–301 He grew in skill, amassing a collection of mar- Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and 3 p.m. bles he won from other players. Russ lost to to be United States Alternate Governor Committee on Appropriations Charlie in the semifinals of a 1948 tournament of the Inter-American Development Subcommittee on Military Construction sponsored by the Salem Recreation Depart- Bank, routine lists in the Foreign and Veterans Affairs, and Related ment. As he recalled to the Roanoke Times in Service, and other pending nomina- Agencies 1993, ‘‘When he beat me, he made me want tions; to be immediately followed by a To hold hearings to examine military in- to get better.’’ Russ did, winning the town hearing to examine the nominations of frastructure and climate resilience. Brian A. Nichols, of Rhode Island, to be SD–192 championship in 1949 and then the 1952 Na- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs tional Championship held in Asbury Park, New an Assistant Secretary (Western Hemi- sphere Affairs), and Michele Jeanne To hold hearings to examine the nomina- Jersey. Salem showered its national marbles Sison, of Maryland, to be an Assistant tions of Donald Michael Remy, of Lou- champion with laurels upon his return. Al- Secretary (International Organization isiana, to be Deputy Secretary, Mat- though interest in marbles declined, he stayed Affairs), both of the Department of thew T. Quinn, of Montana, to be Under involved in the game as an adult and helped State, and other pending nominations. Secretary for Memorial Affairs, with the national tournament. SD–106 Maryanne T. Donaghy, of Pennsyl- In the following years, Russ graduated from 10 a.m. vania, to be an Assistant Secretary (Of- Committee on Appropriations fice of Accountability and Whistle- Andrew Lewis High School and served in the blower Protection), and Patricia L. United States Navy. After starting his policing Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Ross, of Ohio, to be an Assistant Sec- career in Newport News, he moved back to Related Agencies retary (Congressional and Legislative Salem and began his 34 years with the Salem To hold hearings to examine proposed Affairs), all of the Department of Vet- Police Department, which he served as a uni- budget estimates and justification for erans Affairs. formed officer, detective, and member of the fiscal year 2022 for the Centers for Dis- SD–G50 SWAT Team, rising to the rank of captain. He ease Control and Prevention. 4:30 p.m. concluded his career as chief of police in Dub- SD–138 Committee on Armed Services Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Strategic Forces lin, Virginia. To hold hearings to examine the Depart- Russ is survived by his wife, Rita Woodyard Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related ment of Energy’s atomic defense ac- Gwaltney; son and daughter-in-law, Rusty and Agencies tivities and programs in review of the Katy Gwaltney; daughter and grandson, To hold hearings to examine rethinking Defense Authorization Request for fis- Renee’ Moore and Phoenix Moore; and broth- disaster recovery and resiliency, focus- cal year 2022 and future years defense ers Charles Thomas Gwaltney and Douglas ing on protecting communities and ac- program. MacArthur Hawkins. I offer them my condo- celerating assistance. SR–232A lences on the loss of this good man, who SD–192 MAY 20 earned a unique fame in Salem as a boy and Committee on Environment and Public then returned it with a career of faithful service Works 9:30 a.m. To hold hearings to examine biodiversity Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and in law enforcement. loss, focusing on drivers, impacts, and Forestry f potential solutions. To hold hearings to examine Federal, SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS SD–G50 state, and private forestlands, focusing Committee on Finance on opportunities for addressing climate Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, To hold hearings to examine COVID–19 change. agreed to by the Senate of February 4, health care flexibilities, focusing on SR–301 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- perspectives, experiences, and lessons Special Committee on Aging tem for a computerized schedule of all learned. To hold hearings to examine taking aim meetings and hearings of Senate com- WEBEX at Alzheimer’s, focusing on frontline mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- 2 p.m. perspectives and caregiver challenges. Committee on Appropriations VTC tees, and committees of conference. Subcommittee on Financial Services and 10 a.m. This title requires all such committees General Government Committee on Armed Services to notify the Office of the Senate Daily To hold hearings to examine the Internal To hold hearings to examine the transi- Digest—designated by the Rules Com- Revenue Service, focusing on nar- tion of all United States and Coalition

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A17MY8.015 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E535 forces from Afghanistan and its impli- cial review for the Elderly Home De- Committee on Energy and Natural Re- cations; to be immediately followed by tention Pilot Program, provide for sources a closed session in SVC–217. compassionate release based on Subcommittee on National Parks SD–G50 COVID–19 vulnerability, shorten the To hold hearings to examine the current Committee on Banking, Housing, and waiting period for judicial review dur- state of the National Park System, fo- Urban Affairs ing the COVID–19 pandemic, and make cusing on the impacts of COVID–19 on To hold hearings to examine 21st century other technical corrections, S. 601, to National Park Service operations, communities, focusing on expanding amend section 3661 of title 18, United staff, visitation and facilities. opportunity through infrastructure in- States Code, to prohibit the consider- SD–366 vestments. ation of acquitted conduct at sen- 2 p.m. WEBEX tencing, S. 1014, to reform sentencing Committee on Appropriations Committee on Commerce, Science, and laws and correctional institutions, and Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Transportation the nominations of Ketanji Brown Business meeting to consider the nomi- Jackson, to be United States Circuit Science, and Related Agencies nation of Eric S. Lander, of Massachu- Judge for the District of Columbia Cir- To hold hearings to examine proposed setts, to be Director of the Office of cuit, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, of Il- budget estimates and justification for Science and Technology Policy; to be linois, to be United States Circuit fiscal year 2022 for the Department of immediately followed by a hearing to Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Julien Commerce. examine the nominations of Pamela A. Xavier Neals, and Zahid N. Quraishi, SD–124 Melroy, of New York, to be Deputy Ad- both to be a United States District 2:30 p.m. ministrator of the National Aero- Judge for the District of New Jersey, Committee on Appropriations nautics and Space Administration, Car- and Regina M. Rodriguez, to be United Subcommittee on State, Foreign Oper- los Alberto Monje, Jr., of Louisiana, to States District Judge for the District ations, and Related Programs be Under Secretary of Transportation of Colorado. To hold hearings to examine proposed for Policy, and Richard W. Spinrad, of SD–106 budget estimates and justification for Oregon, to be Under Secretary of Com- fiscal year 2022 for the United States merce for Oceans and Atmosphere. MAY 25 SH–216 Agency for International Development. Committee on Energy and Natural Re- 10 a.m. SD–192 sources Committee on Appropriations To hold hearings to examine the role of To hold hearings to examine proposed JUNE 17 reforestation, active forest manage- budget estimates and justification for 10 a.m. fiscal year 2022 for the Department of ment, and carbon storage in fostering Committee on Appropriations State. resiliency. To hold hearings to examine proposed SD–106 SD–366 budget estimates and justification for Committee on Health, Education, Labor, MAY 26 fiscal year 2022 for the Department of and Pensions Defense. 10 a.m. Subcommittee on Primary Health and Re- SD–106 tirement Security Committee on Appropriations To hold hearings to examine solving the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, crisis in the health care workforce and Related Agencies SD–430 To hold hearings to examine budgeting Committee on the Judiciary for the future of forest management, Business meeting to consider S. 312, to focusing on rethinking resiliency. expand eligibility for and provide judi- SD–138

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:26 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M17MY8.000 E17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with REMARKS Monday, May 17, 2021 Daily Digest Senate vation, manufacturing, and job creation, to establish Chamber Action a critical supply chain resiliency program. Routine Proceedings, pages S2533–S2552 Pages S2535–41 Measures Introduced: Twelve bills and two resolu- During consideration of this measure today, Senate tions were introduced, as follows: S. 1652–1663, and also took the following action: S. Res. 217–218. Page S2544 By 86 yeas to 11 nays (Vote No. 192), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, having Measures Passed: voted in the affirmative, Senate agreed to the motion TRANSPLANT Act: Committee on Health, Edu- to close further debate on the motion to proceed to cation, Labor, and Pensions was discharged from fur- consideration of the bill. Page S2541 ther consideration of H.R. 941, to reauthorize the A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, viding for further consideration of the motion to and the bill was then passed. Page S2550 proceed to consideration of the bill, post-cloture, at Good Friday Agreement: Senate agreed to S. Res. approximately 10 a.m., on Tuesday, May 18, 2021; 117, expressing support for the full implementation that all time during recess, adjournment, and morn- of the Good Friday Agreement, or the Belfast Agree- ing business count post-cloture on the motion to ment, and subsequent agreements and arrangements proceed. Page S2552 for implementation to support peace on the island of Messages from the House: Page S2543 Ireland, after agreeing to the committee amendment Measures Referred: Pages S2543–44 in the nature of a substitute, and the following Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2544–45 amendments proposed thereto: Pages S2550–51 Whitehouse (for Lee) Amendment No. 1496, of a Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: perfecting nature. Page S2551 Pages S2545–46 Whitehouse (for Lee) Amendment No. 1497, to Additional Statements: Page S2543 amend the preamble. Page S2551 Amendments Submitted: Pages S2546–50 National Public Works Week: Senate agreed to S. Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2550 Res. 217, designating the week of May 16 through May 22, 2021, as ‘‘National Public Works Week’’. Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. Page S2552 (Total—192) Page S2541 National Foster Care Month: Senate agreed to S. Adjournment: Senate convened at 3 p.m. and ad- Res. 218, recognizing National Foster Care Month as journed at 6:27 p.m., until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May an opportunity to raise awareness about the chal- 18, 2021. (For Senate’s program, see the remarks of lenges of children in the foster care system, and en- the Acting Majority Leader in today’s Record on couraging Congress to implement policies to im- page S2552.) prove the lives of children in the foster care system. Page S2552 Committee Meetings Measures Considered: (Committees not listed did not meet) Endless Frontier Act—Agreement: Senate resumed consideration of the motion to proceed to HORN OF AFRICA consideration of S. 1260, to establish a new Direc- Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee received a torate for Technology and Innovation in the Na- closed briefing on the challenges and opportunities tional Science Foundation, to establish a regional for the United States in the Horn of Africa from technology hub program, to require a strategy and Robert F. Godec, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau report on economic security, science, research, inno- of African Affairs, and Jeffrey Feltman, U.S. Special D524

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D525 Envoy for the Horn of Africa, both of the Depart- for Africa, Office of the Director of National Intel- ment of State; and the National Intelligence Officer ligence. h House of Representatives yea-and-nay vote of 411 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. Chamber Action 144. Pages H2363–64, H2403–04 Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 27 pub- Recess: The House recessed at 5:13 p.m. and recon- lic bills, H.R. 3263–3289; and 5 resolutions, H. vened at 6:30 p.m. Page H2403 Con. Res. 34; and H. Res. 404–407 were introduced. Pages H2419–21 Communication from the Sergeant at Arms: The House received a communication from William J. Additional Cosponsors: Page H2422 Walker, Sergeant at Arms. Pursuant to section 3(s) Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: of House Resolution 8, following consultation with H.R. 2788, to amend title 38, United States the Office of Attending Physician, Mr. Walker noti- Code, to eliminate the cap on full-time employees of fied the House that the public health emergency due the Department of Veterans Affairs who provide to the novel coronavirus SARS–CoV–2 remains in ef- equal employment opportunity counseling (H. Rept. fect. Page H2404 117–35); H.R. 2704, to amend title 38, United States Announcement by the Chair: The Chair an- Code, to improve the equal employment opportunity nounced the extension, pursuant to section 3 of functions of Department of Veterans Affairs, and for House Resolution 8, and effective May 20, 2021, of other purposes (H. Rept. 117–36); and the covered period designated on January 4, 2021. H. Res. 403, providing for consideration of the Page H2404 bill (H.R. 1629) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, Board of Visitors to the United States Coast and Cosmetic Act with respect to limitations on ex- Guard Academy—Appointment: The Chair an- clusive approval or licensure of orphan drugs, and for nounces the Speaker’s appointment of the following other purposes; providing for consideration of the Members on the part of the House to the Board of resolution (H. Res. 275) condemning the horrific Visitors to the United States Coast Guard Academy: shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, 2021, Representatives Courtney, Barragan, Rutherford, and and reaffirming the House of Representative’s com- McClain. Page H2404 mitment to combating hate, bigotry, and violence Suspensions—Proceedings Postponed: The House against the Asian-American and Pacific Islander debated the following measures under suspension of community; and for other purposes (H. Rept. the rules. Further proceedings were postponed. 117–37). Page H2419 Improving VA Accountability To Prevent Sexual Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Harassment and Discrimination Act of 2021: H.R. appointed Representative Perlmutter to act as Speak- 2704, to amend title 38, United States Code, to im- er pro tempore for today. Page H2359 prove the equal employment opportunity functions Recess: The House recessed at 12:05 p.m. and re- of Department of Veterans Affairs; Pages H2360–62 convened at 2 p.m. Page H2359 VA Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor Whole Number of the House: The Chair an- Modernization Act: H.R. 2788, to amend title 38, nounced to the House that, in light of the resigna- United States Code, to eliminate the cap on full- tion of the gentleman from Ohio, Mr. Stivers, the time employees of the Department of Veterans Af- whole number of the House is 430. Page H2360 fairs who provide equal employment opportunity Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules counseling; Pages H2362–63 and pass the following measure: Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration VA Transparency Trust & Act of 2021: H.R. Act: H.R. 240, to amend title 38, United States 2911, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Code, to direct the Secretary of Labor to prioritize submit to Congress a plan for obligating and ex- the provision of services to homeless veterans with pending Coronavirus pandemic funding made avail- dependents in carrying out homeless veterans re- able to the Department of Veterans Affairs, by a 2⁄3 integration programs; Pages H2364–65

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST D526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 17, 2021 West Los Angeles VA Campus Improvement Act and Medicine examining the impact of ocean acidifi- of 2021: H.R. 711, amended, to amend the West cation and other stressors in estuarine environments; Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016 to authorize the Pages H2385–87 use of certain funds received pursuant to leases en- Rural STEM Education Research Act: H.R. 210, tered into under such Act; Pages H2365–66 amended, to coordinate Federal research and develop- GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline ment efforts focused on STEM education and work- Act: H.R. 2167, amended, to amend title 38, force development in rural areas, including the de- United States Code, to provide for extensions of the velopment and application of new technologies to time limitations for use of entitlement under De- support and improve rural STEM education; partment of Veterans Affairs educational assistance Pages H2387–90 programs by reason of school closures due to emer- Supporting Early-Career Researchers Act: H.R. gency and other situations; Pages H2366–69 144, amended, to forestall the loss of research talent Directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to by establishing a temporary early career research fel- carry out a Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges lowship program; Pages H2390–92 and Universities Pilot Program: H.R. 2878, amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs STEM Opportunities Act: H.R. 204, amended, to to carry out a Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges direct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to carry out programs and activi- and Universities Pilot Program; Pages H2369–72 ties to ensure that Federal science agencies and insti- Directing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to tutions of higher education receiving Federal research submit to Congress a report on the use of cameras and development funding are fully engaging their in medical centers of the Department of Veterans entire talent pool; Pages H2392–98 Affairs: H.R. 1510, amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a report MSI STEM Achievement Act: H.R. 2027, to di- on the use of cameras in medical centers of the De- rect Federal science agencies and the Office of partment of Veterans Affairs; Pages H2372–73 Science and Technology Policy to undertake activities to improve the quality of undergraduate STEM Amending title 38, United States Code, to estab- education and enhance the research capacity at the lish in the Department the Veterans Economic Op- Nation’s HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs; and portunity and Transition Administration: H.R. 2494, to amend title 38, United States Code, to es- Pages H2398–H2401 tablish in the Department the Veterans Economic Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act: Opportunity and Transition Administration; H.R. 2695, to provide for research to better under- Pages H2373–75 stand the causes and consequences of sexual harass- Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health ment affecting individuals in the scientific, technical, Act of 2021: H.R. 2441, to direct the Secretary of engineering, and mathematics workforce and to ex- Veterans Affairs to expand the Rural Access Net- amine policies to reduce the prevalence and negative work for Growth Enhancement Program of the De- impact of such harassment. Pages H2401–03 partment of Veterans Affairs, and to direct the Senate Referral: S. 593 was held at the desk. Comptroller General of the United States to conduct Page H2405 a study to assess certain mental health care resources Senate Message: Message received from the Senate of the Department of Veterans Affairs available to by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the veterans who live in rural areas; Pages H2375–78 House today appears on pages H2404–05. Coastal and Ocean Acidification Stressors and Quorum Calls—Votes: One yea-and-nay vote de- Threats Research Act of 2021: H.R. 1447, amend- veloped during the proceedings of today and appears ed, to amend the Federal Ocean Acidification Re- on page H2404. search and Monitoring Act of 2009 to establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board, to expand and Adjournment: The House met at 12 noon and ad- improve the research on Ocean Acidification and journed at 8:35 p.m. Coastal Acidification, to establish and maintain a data archive system for Ocean Acidification data and Coastal Acidification data; Pages H2378–85 National Estuaries and Acidification Research Act of 2021: H.R. 2533, to provide for a study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D527

any time through the legislative day of Thursday, Committee Meetings May 20, 2021, the Speaker may entertain motions FAIRNESS IN ORPHAN DRUG offered by the Majority Leader or a designee that the EXCLUSIVITY ACT; CONDEMNING THE House suspend the rules with respect to multiple HORRIFIC SHOOTINGS IN ATLANTA, measures that were the object of motions to suspend GEORGIA, ON MARCH 16, 2021, AND the rules on the legislative days of May 17 or 18, REAFFIRMING THE HOUSE OF 2021, and on which the yeas and nays were ordered REPRESENTATIVE’S COMMITMENT TO and further proceedings postponed. The Chair shall COMBATING HATE, BIGOTRY, AND put the question on any such motion without debate VIOLENCE AGAINST THE ASIAN- or intervening motion, and the ordering of the yeas AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER and nays on postponed motions to suspend the rules COMMUNITY with respect to such measures is vacated. Testimony Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on was heard from Chairman Pallone, and Representa- H.R. 1629, the ‘‘Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclu- tives Latta, DeSaulnier, and Fallon. sivity Act’’; and H. Res. 275, condemning the horrific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, Joint Meetings 2021, and reaffirming the House of Representative’s commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and vio- No joint committee meetings were held. lence against the Asian-American and Pacific Is- f lander community. The Committee granted, by record vote of 9–4, a rule providing for consideration COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR TUESDAY, of H.R. 1629, the ‘‘Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclu- MAY 18, 2021 sivity Act’’, and H. Res. 275, Condemning the hor- (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) rific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 16, Senate 2021, and reaffirming the House of Representative’s commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and vio- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, lence against the Asian-American and Pacific Is- to hold hearings to examine the National Guard and Re- lander community. The rule provides for consider- serve, 10 a.m., SH–216. Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine ation of H.R. 1629, the ‘‘Fairness in Orphan Drug the nomination of General Paul J. LaCamera, USA, for Exclusivity Act’’, under a closed rule. The rule pro- reappointment to the grade of general and to be Com- vides one hour of debate equally divided and con- mander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces trolled by the chair and ranking minority member Command/United States Forces Korea, Department of of the Committee on Energy and Commerce or their Defense, 9:30 a.m., SD–G50. designees. The rule waives all points of order against Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, to hold hearings to consideration of the bill. The rule provides that the examine the cybersecurity of the defense industrial base, bill shall be considered as read. The rule waives all 2:30 p.m., SR–222. points of order against provisions in the bill. The Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to rule provides one motion to recommit. The rule pro- hold hearings to examine reauthorization of the National vides for consideration of H. Res. 275, Condemning Flood Insurance Program, 10 a.m., WEBEX. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- the horrific shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, on March committee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and 16, 2021, and reaffirming the House of Representa- Data Security, to hold hearings to examine protecting tive’s commitment to combating hate, bigotry, and kids online, focusing on internet privacy and manipula- violence against the Asian-American and Pacific Is- tive marketing, 10 a.m., SR–253. lander community, under a closed rule. The rule Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Pro- provides one hour of debate equally divided and con- motion, to hold hearings to examine reviving inter- trolled by the chair and ranking minority member national travel and tourism to create and restore jobs, 3 of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. The p.m., SR–253. rule waives all points of order against consideration Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- of the resolution. The rule provides that the resolu- ings to examine the nominations of Robert T. Anderson, tion shall be considered as read. The rule provides of Washington, to be Solicitor, Shannon Aneal Estenoz, of Florida, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife, that House Resolution 398 is hereby adopted. The and Tanya Marie Trujillo, of New Mexico, to be an As- rule provides that House Resolution 188, agreed to sistant Secretary, all of the Department of the Interior, 10 March 8, 2021 (as amended by H. Res. 330, agreed a.m., SD–366. to April 20, 2021) is amended by striking ‘‘May 20, Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine fund- 2021’’ each place it appears and inserting (in each ing and financing options to bolster American infrastruc- instance) ‘‘July 1, 2021’’. The rule provides that at ture, 10 a.m., WEBEX.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST D528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 17, 2021

Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to Cyber Exercise Act’’; legislation on Pipeline Security Act; hold hearings to examine paid leave for working families, legislation on DHS Medical Countermeasures Act; and focusing on examining access, options, and impacts, 10 legislation on Domains Critical to Homeland Security a.m., SD–106. Act, 4 p.m., Webex. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee on the Judiciary, Full Committee, markup on to hold hearings to examine the role of the Department H.R. 2922, the ‘‘Elder Abuse Protection Act of 2021’’; of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Anal- H.R. 2694, the ‘‘Criminal Judicial Administration Act of ysis, 10 a.m., SD–342/VTC. 2021’’; H.R. 2746, to amend title 28, United States Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold hearings to exam- Code, to redefine the eastern and middle judicial districts ine the nominations of Christopher Charles Fonzone, of of North Carolina; H.R. 3239, to make improvements in Pennsylvania, to be General Counsel of the Office of the the enactment of title 41, United States Code, into a Director of National Intelligence, and Brett M. positive law title and to improve the Code; and H.R. Holmgren, of Minnesota, to be an Assistant Secretary of 3241, to make improvements in the enactment of title State (Intelligence and Research), 2:30 p.m., SH–216. 54, United States Code, into a positive law title and to improve the Code, 10:30 a.m., 2141 Rayburn and Zoom. House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Full Committee, Committee on Agriculture, Full Committee, hearing enti- hearing entitled ‘‘Unsustainable Drug Prices (Part III): tled ‘‘Member Day’’, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth and Testimony from AbbVie CEO Richard Gonzalez’’, 10 Zoom. a.m., 2154 Rayburn and Zoom. Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agri- Committee on Rules, Full Committee, hearing on legisla- culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administra- tion on the Emergency Security Supplemental to Respond tion, and Related Agencies, hearing entitled ‘‘Member to January 6th Appropriations Act, 2021; and H.R. Day’’, 10 a.m., Webex. 3233, the ‘‘National Commission to Investigate the Janu- Subcommittee on Defense, hearing entitled ‘‘National ary 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex Act’’, Security Agency and Cyber Command FY 2022 Posture’’, 9:30 a.m., Webex. 10 a.m., HVC–304. This hearing is closed. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- on Space and Aeronautics, hearing entitled ‘‘NASA’s ernment, hearing entitled ‘‘The Need for Universal Earth Science and Climate Change Activities: Current Broadband: Lessons from the COVID–19 Pandemic’’, Roles and Future Opportunities’’, 11 a.m., Zoom. 10:30 a.m., Webex. Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Economic Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Af- Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, hearing entitled ‘‘Ex- fairs, and Related Agencies, hearing entitled ‘‘Air Force amining the role of Community Development Financial Quality of Life and Installations Update’’, 10 a.m., Institutions and Minority Depository Institutions in Webex. Small Business Lending’’, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn and Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Zoom. Education, and Related Agencies, hearing entitled ‘‘Mem- f ber Day’’, 12:30 p.m., Webex. Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittees on Readi- CONGRESSIONAL PROGRAM AHEAD ness; and Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, joint hearing entitled ‘‘Posture and Readiness of Week of May 18 through May 21, 2021 the Mobility Enterprise’’, 4 p.m., 2118 Rayburn and Webex. Senate Chamber Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, hearing entitled On Tuesday, Senate will continue consideration of ‘‘Promises and Perils: The Potential of Automobile Tech- the motion to proceed to consideration of S. 1260, nologies’’, 10:30 a.m., Webex. Endless Frontier Act, post-cloture. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Na- During the balance of the week, Senate may con- tional Security, International Development, and Monetary sider any cleared legislative and executive business. Policy, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Belt and Road: The Lending Practices of the People’s Republic of China and Senate Committees Impact on the International Debt Architecture’’, 10 a.m., Webex. (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on Foreign Affairs, Full Committee, hearing Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: May 20, entitled ‘‘The U.S.-Afghanistan Relationship Following to hold hearings to examine Federal, state, and private the Military Withdrawal’’, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn and forestlands, focusing on opportunities for addressing cli- Webex. mate change, 9:30 a.m., SR–301. Committee on Homeland Security, Full Committee, mark- Committee on Appropriations: May 18, Subcommittee on up on H.R. 2795, the ‘‘DHS Blue Campaign Enhance- Defense, to hold hearings to examine the National Guard ment Act’’; H.R. 2980, the ‘‘Cybersecurity Vulnerability and Reserve, 10 a.m., SH–216. Remediation Act’’; H.R. 3138, the ‘‘State and Local Cy- May 19, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human bersecurity Improvement Act’’; H.R. 3223, the ‘‘CISA Services, and Education, and Related Agencies, to hold

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D529

hearings to examine proposed budget estimates and jus- nominations of Pamela A. Melroy, of New York, to be tification for fiscal year 2022 for the Centers for Disease Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Control and Prevention, 10 a.m., SD–138. Space Administration, Carlos Alberto Monje, Jr., of Lou- May 19, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing isiana, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, to hold and Richard W. Spinrad, of Oregon, to be Under Sec- hearings to examine rethinking disaster recovery and re- retary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, 10 a.m., siliency, focusing on protecting communities and accel- SH–216. erating assistance, 10 a.m., SD–192. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: May 18, to May 19, Subcommittee on Financial Services and Gen- hold hearings to examine the nominations of Robert T. eral Government, to hold hearings to examine the Inter- Anderson, of Washington, to be Solicitor, Shannon Aneal nal Revenue Service, focusing on narrowing the tax gap Estenoz, of Florida, to be Assistant Secretary for Fish and and improving taxpayer services, 2 p.m., SD–138. Wildlife, and Tanya Marie Trujillo, of New Mexico, to May 19, Subcommittee on Military Construction and be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of the Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, to hold hearings Interior, 10 a.m., SD–366. to examine military infrastructure and climate resilience, May 20, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine 3 p.m., SD–192. the role of reforestation, active forest management, and Committee on Armed Services: May 18, to hold hearings carbon storage in fostering resiliency, 10 a.m., SD–366. to examine the nomination of General Paul J. LaCamera, Committee on Environment and Public Works: May 19, to USA, for reappointment to the grade of general and to hold hearings to examine biodiversity loss, focusing on be Commander, United Nations Command/Combined drivers, impacts, and potential solutions, 10 a.m., Forces Command/United States Forces Korea, Department SD–G50. of Defense, 9:30 a.m., SD–G50. Committee on Finance: May 18, to hold hearings to ex- May 18, Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, to hold hear- amine funding and financing options to bolster American ings to examine the cybersecurity of the defense industrial infrastructure, 10 a.m., WEBEX. base, 2:30 p.m., SR–222. May 19, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine May 19, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, to hold COVID–19 health care flexibilities, focusing on perspec- hearings to examine the Department of Energy’s atomic tives, experiences, and lessons learned, 10 a.m., WEBEX. defense activities and programs in review of the Defense Committee on Foreign Relations: May 19, business meet- Authorization Request for fiscal year 2022 and future ing to consider the nominations of Bonnie D. Jenkins, of years defense program, 4:30 p.m., SR–232A. New York, to be Under Secretary of State for Arms Con- May 20, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine trol and International Security, Jose W. Fernandez, of the transition of all United States and Coalition forces New York, to be an Under Secretary of State (Economic from Afghanistan and its implications; to be immediately Growth, Energy, and the Environment), to be United followed by a closed session in SVC–217, 10 a.m., States Alternate Governor of the European Bank for Re- SD–G50. construction and Development, to be United States Alter- Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: May nate Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruc- 18, to hold hearings to examine reauthorization of the tion and Development, and to be United States Alternate National Flood Insurance Program, 10 a.m., WEBEX. Governor of the Inter-American Development Bank, rou- May 19, Full Committee, business meeting to consider tine lists in the Foreign Service, and other pending nomi- the nominations of Adrianne Todman, of the Virgin Is- nations; to be immediately followed by a hearing to ex- lands, to be Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban De- amine the nominations of Brian A. Nichols, of Rhode Is- velopment, and Nuria I. Fernandez, of California, to be land, to be an Assistant Secretary (Western Hemisphere Federal Transit Administrator, Department of Transpor- Affairs), and Michele Jeanne Sison, of Maryland, to be an tation, 2:30 p.m., SD–106. Assistant Secretary (International Organization Affairs), May 20, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine both of the Department of State, and other pending 21st century communities, focusing on expanding oppor- nominations, 9:45 a.m., SD–106. tunity through infrastructure investments, 10 a.m., Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: May WEBEX. 18, to hold hearings to examine paid leave for working Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: May families, focusing on examining access, options, and im- 18, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safe- pacts, 10 a.m., SD–106. ty, and Data Security, to hold hearings to examine pro- May 20, Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retire- tecting kids online, focusing on internet privacy and ma- ment Security, to hold hearings to examine solving the nipulative marketing, 10 a.m., SR–253. crisis in the health care workforce, 10 a.m., SD–430. May 18, Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Promotion, to hold hearings to examine reviving inter- May 18, to hold hearings to examine the role of the De- national travel and tourism to create and restore jobs, 3 partment of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence p.m., SR–253. and Analysis, 10 a.m., SD–342/VTC. May 20, Full Committee, business meeting to consider May 19, Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the nomination of Eric S. Lander, of Massachusetts, to be COVID–19, focusing on evaluating the medical supply Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; chain and pandemic response gaps, 2:30 p.m., SD–342/ to be immediately followed by a hearing to examine the VTC.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST D530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 17, 2021

Committee on Judiciary: May 19, Subcommittee on Com- May 19, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, petition Policy, Antitrust, and Consumer Rights, to hold and Related Programs, hearing entitled ‘‘Global Climate hearings to examine antitrust applied, focusing on hos- Finance’’, 10 a.m., Webex. pital consolidation concerns and solutions, 2:30 p.m., May 19, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, SD–226. and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the National May 20, Full Committee, business meeting to consider Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2 p.m., Webex. S. 312, to expand eligibility for and provide judicial re- May 20, Subcommittee on Defense, hearing entitled view for the Elderly Home Detention Pilot Program, pro- ‘‘Worldwide Threat and FY 2022 National Intelligence vide for compassionate release based on COVID–19 vul- Program/Military Intelligence Program Posture with the nerability, shorten the waiting period for judicial review Director of National Intelligence and Under Secretary of during the COVID–19 pandemic, and make other tech- Defense for Intelligence and Security’’, 10 a.m., Webex. nical corrections, S. 601, to amend section 3661 of title This hearing is closed. 18, United States Code, to prohibit the consideration of May 20, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, hearing acquitted conduct at sentencing, S. 1014, to reform sen- entitled ‘‘Member Day’’, 10 a.m., Webex. tencing laws and correctional institutions, and the nomi- May 20, Subcommittee on Military Construction, Vet- nations of Ketanji Brown Jackson, to be United States erans Affairs, and Related Agencies, hearing entitled Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, ‘‘Member Day’’, 9:15 a.m., Webex. Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, of Illinois, to be United Committee on Armed Services, May 19, Full Committee, States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Julien Xa- hearing entitled ‘‘Recommendations of the National vier Neals, and Zahid N. Quraishi, both to be a United Commission on Military, National, and Public Service’’, States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, and 11 a.m., 2118 Rayburn and Webex. Regina M. Rodriguez, to be United States District Judge May 20, Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Tech- for the District of Colorado, 10 a.m., SD–106. nologies, and Information Systems, hearing entitled ‘‘Re- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: May 19, viewing Department of Defense Science and Technology to hold hearings to examine realizing the vision of Parren Strategy, Policy, and Programs for Fiscal Year 2022: Fos- Mitchell, focusing on untapping the potential of minority tering a Robust Ecosystem for Our Technological Edge’’, and women contracting, 2:30 p.m., SR–301. 11 a.m., 2118 Rayburn and Webex. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: May 19, to hold hearings Committee on Education And Labor, May 19, Sub- to examine the nominations of Donald Michael Remy, of committee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Sec- Louisiana, to be Deputy Secretary, Matthew T. Quinn, of ondary Education, hearing entitled ‘‘Picking up the Montana, to be Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, Pieces: Strengthening Connections with Students Experi- Maryanne T. Donaghy, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assist- encing Homelessness and Children in Foster Care’’, 10:15 ant Secretary (Office of Accountability and Whistleblower a.m., Zoom. Protection), and Patricia L. Ross, of Ohio, to be an As- Committee on Energy and Commerce, May 19, Sub- sistant Secretary (Congressional and Legislative Affairs), committee on Energy, hearing entitled ‘‘The Fiscal Year all of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 3 p.m., 2022 DOE Budget’’, 10:30 a.m., Webex. SD–G50. Committee on Financial Services, May 19, Full Com- mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of Prudential Regu- Select Committee on Intelligence: May 18, to hold hearings lators: Ensuring the Safety, Soundness, Diversity, and Ac- to examine the nominations of Christopher Charles countability of Depository Institutions’’, 10 a.m., Webex. Fonzone, of Pennsylvania, to be General Counsel of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, May 19, Full Committee, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Brett markup on H.R. 922, the ‘‘Crimea Annexation Non-Rec- M. Holmgren, of Minnesota, to be an Assistant Secretary ognition Act’’; H.R. 2785, the ‘‘Energy Resource Govern- of State (Intelligence and Research), 2:30 p.m., SH–216. ance Initiative Act of 2021’’; H.R. 3261, to repeal the Special Committee on Aging: May 20, to hold hearings to 1991 Authorization for the Use of Military Force against examine taking aim at Alzheimer’s, focusing on frontline Iraq Resolution; legislation to repeal the 1957 Middle perspectives and caregiver challenges, 9:30 a.m., VTC. East Use of Force Authorization; legislation urging the House Committees Government of El Salvador to respect the country’s democratic institutions; H.R. 1096, the ‘‘Represent America Committee on Appropriations, May 19, Subcommittee on Abroad Act of 2021’’; H.R. 1135, the ‘‘LITE Act’’; H. Defense, hearing entitled ‘‘Central Intelligence Agency Res. 402, recognizing the devastating impact of FY 2022 Posture’’, 10 a.m., HVC–304. This hearing is COVID–19 in India and expressing the sense of the closed. House of Representatives with respect to COVID assist- May 19, Subcommittee on Homeland Security, hearing ance to India; and H. Res. 348, expressing the sense of entitled ‘‘U.S. Customs and Border Protection Resource the House of Representatives that the United Nations Se- Management and Operational Priorities’’, 10 a.m., curity Council should immediately impose an arms em- Webex. bargo against the military of Burma, 10 a.m., 2172 Ray- May 19, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human burn and Webex. Services, Education, and Related Agencies, hearing enti- Committee on House Administration, May 19, Full Com- tled ‘‘Public Witnesses’’, 10 a.m., Webex. mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Reforming the Capitol Police

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST May 17, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D531

and Improving Accountability for the Capitol Police Public Health and Public Funds’’, 10:30 a.m., 2154 Ray- Board’’, 3 p.m., Webex. burn and Zoom. Committee on the Judiciary, May 19, Subcommittee on May 20, Subcommittee on National Security, hearing the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, hear- entitled ‘‘Examining Next Steps for U.S. Engagement in ing entitled ‘‘Continuing Injustice: The Centennial of the Afghanistan’’, 9 a.m., 2154 Rayburn and Zoom. Tulsa-Greenwood Race Massacre’’, 9:30 a.m., CVC–200 Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, May 19, Sub- and Zoom. committee on Energy, hearing entitled ‘‘Accelerating Dis- May 20, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and covery: The Future of Scientific Computing at the De- Homeland Security, hearing entitled ‘‘An Unending Cri- partment of Energy’’, 11 a.m., Zoom. sis: Essential Steps to Reducing Gun Violence and Mass Committee on Small Business, May 19, Subcommittee on Shootings’’, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn and Zoom. Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Develop- Committee on Natural Resources, May 19, Subcommittee ment, hearing entitled ‘‘The Small Business Administra- on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Misuse tion’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: An Update and Next of Taxpayer Dollars and Corporate Welfare in the Oil and Steps with SBA’s Resource Partners’’, 10:15 a.m., 2360 Gas Industry’’, 1 p.m., Webex. May 20, Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the Rayburn and Zoom. United States, hearing on H.R. 2930, the ‘‘STOP Act of Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, May 19, Subcommittee 2021’’; H.R. 438, to amend the Alyce Spotted Bear and on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Pro- Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act to tecting Whistleblowers and Promoting Accountability: Is extend the deadline for a report by the Alyce Spotted VA Making Progress?’’, 10 a.m., Zoom. Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Chil- May 20, Subcommittee on Technology Modernization, dren, and for other purposes; and legislation to prescribe hearing entitled ‘‘Cybersecurity and Risk Management at procedures for effective consultation and coordination by VA: Addressing Ongoing Challenges and Moving For- Federal agencies with federally recognized Indian Tribes ward’’, 12 p.m., Zoom. regarding Federal Government actions that impact Tribal Committee on Ways and Means, May 19, Full Committee, lands and interests to ensure that meaningful Tribal input hearing entitled ‘‘Leveraging the Tax Code for Infrastruc- is an integral part of the Federal decision-making process, ture Investment’’, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth and Webex. 12 p.m., Webex. Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, May 20, Full Com- Committee on Oversight and Reform, May 19, Select Sub- mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Powering Up Clean Energy: In- committee on the Coronavirus Crisis, hearing entitled vestments to Modernize and Expand the Electric Grid’’, ‘‘Examining Emergent BioSolutions’ Failure to Protect 9:30 a.m., Zoom.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST D532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 17, 2021

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 18 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 18

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Tuesday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Tuesday: Consideration of measures under ation of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. suspension of the Rules. 1260, Endless Frontier Act, post-cloture. (Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. until 2:15 p.m. for their respective party conferences.)

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Graves, Sam, Mo., E529 Palazzo, Steven M., Miss., E529, E530, E533 Griffith, H. Morgan, Va., E534 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E530, E533 Axne, Cynthia, Iowa, E531 Hudson, Richard, N.C., E529 Stefanik, Elise M., N.Y., E530 Banks, Jim, Ind., E529 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E531 Garamendi, John, Calif., E529 Long, Billy, Mo., E531

E PL UR UM IB N U U S The Congressional Record (USPS 087–390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House Congressional Record of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. ¶ Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through the U.S. Government Publishing Office, at www.govinfo.gov, free of charge to the user. The information is updated online each day the Congressional Record is published. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Phone 202–512–1800, or 866–512–1800 (toll-free). E-Mail, [email protected]. ¶ To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197–9000, or phone orders to 866–512–1800 (toll-free), 202–512–1800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202–512–2104. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. ¶ Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. ¶ With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 May 18, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0664 Sfmt 0664 E:\CR\FM\D17MY1.REC D17MYPT1 ctelli on DSK11ZRN23PROD with DIGEST