E1222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 14, 2017 the services of the Senators and Representa- The Equal Employment for All Act would However, this did not stop the residents of tives, shall take effect, until an election of right this wrong by amending the Fair Credit the central coast from achieving their long- Representatives shall have intervened.’’ Reporting Act to prohibit the use of consumer held dream. In 1988, Congress voted to re-au- A decade prior to the irregular ratification of credit checks by employers as part of the hir- thorize the Sanctuaries Act, and the Monterey the 27th Amendment, one of my constituents, ing or firing process unless the job involves Bay was included in the bill as a proposed Gregory Watson, was a 19-year-old student at national security, Federal Deposit Insurance sanctuary. It was an important step, but much the University of Texas at Austin tasked with Corporation clearance, or significant financial work remained to make certain that the Sanc- writing a term paper for a course in American responsibility. tuary would be large enough to ensure the Government. Through his research, Watson With the passage of the Equal Employment protection of the coastline from offshore oil stumbled upon a still-pending proposed con- for All Act, some of our most vulnerable, drilling, and other practices that would harm stitutional amendment that the First Congress ‘‘credit challenge’’ citizens including students, the delicate ecosystem within the Monterey had offered in 1789, pursuant to Article V, to recent college graduates, low-income families, Bay. Finally, on September 18, 1992, Con- the State legislatures for ratification pertaining senior citizens, and minorities, would be given gress authorized the designation of the Mon- to the compensation of Members of Congress. the opportunity to begin rebuilding their credit terey Bay National Marine Sanctuary through Despite the intriguing nature and depth of re- by obtaining a job. legislation proposed by Congressman Leon search of his paper, Watson earned a grade I also want to thank Senator WARREN for her Panetta. My father has referred to this many of ‘‘C’’ on it, and in the class overall. That leadership and partnership on this important times as one of his proudest moments, and it grade stood for 35 years until May 2017 when piece of legislation. certainly stands as one of his greatest accom- the overall course grade was officially raised I urge my colleagues to help pass this bill. plishments. to an ‘‘A’’ by UT–Austin upon formal petition of f Of course, the thanks for the establishment Watson’s former professor. IN HONOR OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH of the Sanctuary should not go to just one Unfazed at the time by the original low ANNIVERSARY OF THE MON- man. Rather, it was the culmination of dec- grade on his paper, Watson began in the TEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE ades of tireless work by hundreds of citizens Spring of 1982 reaching out to seek sponsor- SANCTUARY and public servants. Their determination pre- ship of the proposed constitutional amendment served a living postcard to pass on to the fu- in state capitols across the . In HON. JIMMY PANETTA ture generations. The endless hours dedicated 1983, the Maine Legislature became Watson’s to this monumental achievement stand as an first success story. After that, in 1984, Colo- OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enduring testament to what is possible when rado’s lawmakers gave their approval at Wat- citizens take an active role in our democracy. Thursday, September 14, 2017 son’s urging. And from that point forward— When Americans put their minds to some- with Watson pressing every step of the way— Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thing, anything is possible. the proposal’s momentum strengthened until it recognize an important milestone in my district Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me officially became the 27th Amendment to the on the central coast of California. This week- in taking a moment to recognize the value of Constitution on May 5, 1992, when the Ala- end will mark twenty-five years since the es- conserving areas like the Monterey Bay. Pre- bama Legislature approved it, just over 10 tablishment of the Monterey Bay National Ma- serving our nation’s natural beauty has a long years after Watson first learned of it. Later that rine Sanctuary. Referred to by many as the and storied tradition spanning over a century, month, both Houses of the 102nd Congress Serengeti of the Sea, the National Oceanic with champions from both political parties. Let voted to accept the 27th Amendment’s unor- and Atmospheric Administration designated us now, then, commit ourselves to the contin- thodox path to final ratification. the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary ued preservation of our nation’s public lands, In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would say that the in 1992. Twenty-five years later, thanks in now and forever. story of a determined student should serve as large part to this designation, the central coast f a reminder of how much influence average of California has become a vibrant inter- citizens can have if they will step up and get national tourist destination. Millions of people CONGRATULATING THE ALLIANCE involved in the political process. from all over the world now travel to my dis- TO SAVE ENERGY ON ITS 40TH f trict to enjoy the pristine natural beauty of this ANNIVERSARY EQUAL EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL Sanctuary, creating not only cherished memo- ACT ries for visitors, but also thousands of jobs for HON. local residents Among these destinations is OF ILLINOIS the Monterey Bay Aquarium, a world-re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. nowned aquarium where thousands of visitors OF TENNESSEE every year learn about the rare and diverse Thursday, September 14, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ecosystems that thrive within the giant kelp Mr. KINZINGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Thursday, September 14, 2017 forests of the Sanctuary. to recognize the achievements of the Alliance Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in While several generations on the central to Save Energy on its 40th Anniversary. support of a bill I introduced earlier today: the coast of California have always known the Founded in 1977 following the oil embargo, Equal Employment for All Act. A companion Monterey Bay to be a place of protected nat- the Alliance has been dedicated to improving bill was introduced in the Senate today by ural beauty, a sanctuary designation was a the energy efficiency of the United States. It Senator ELIZABETH WARREN. long-delayed dream for many. While a Marine was established by Senators Charles Percy, a According to a recent report, an increasing Sanctuaries Study Bill was first proposed in Republican from Illinois, and Hubert Hum- number of employers have been using credit 1967, it was not until the Marine Protection, phrey, a Democrat from Minnesota, reflecting reports, specifically consumer reports bearing Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 that the organization’s deep bipartisan roots and on the consumer’s creditworthiness, credit the Environmental Protection Agency was au- commitment to practical approaches to policy; standing or credit capacity, as part of their hir- thorized by Congress to regulate commercial a philosophy that guides the Alliance’s work ing process. However, unless the job position activities in offshore areas. Thus, Congress today. involves significant financial responsibility, the delegated power to the Executive Branch to The benefits of energy efficiency are broad. use of a credit check for employment raises create federally protected marine sanctuaries. Not only does using less energy save money the obvious issue that a person’s credit history Unfortunately, despite tireless local efforts to for American families and businesses on their has little to do with his or her qualifications for achieve this designation for the Monterey Bay, utility bills, it allows our nation’s valuable re- a job. the Reagan administration dropped the area sources to last longer and produce more for Far too often, employers turn down ‘‘credit for consideration as a sanctuary in 1983. The our economy. When we can power our nation challenged’’ applicants because they have er- Congressman at the time recalled recently that with domestic resources, we don’t have to rely roneously linked credit scores to potential job when he approached then- Interior Secretary on foreign sources and the risks that accom- performance. Even worse, the ‘‘credit chal- James Watt to lobby for the designation, he pany them. For this reason, energy efficiency lenged’’ have fallen victim to deceptive mar- pointed out a picture on the wall of the room and energy security are just as intricately keting practices by credit report companies or of a beautiful coastline, using it as an example linked as they were in 1977. credit counseling services that charge out- of the kinds of areas worthy of conservation. Improving energy efficiency in federal build- landish fees that supposedly rehabilitate credit Secretary Watt allegedly replied, ‘‘Looks like a ings remains one of my top priorities, particu- scores to help with employment. good place for an oil rig.’’ larly when it can be done through common-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:08 Sep 15, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14SE8.004 E14SEPT1 September 14, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1223 sense, public-private partnerships and per- THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY AND 97-year sentence back in Florida for his role in formance contracts that save taxpayer funds. GOVERNANCE IN LIBERIA human rights violations carried out by the Each and every time the energy efficiency of ATU. a federal building is improved, the taxpayer HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH President Sirleaf was unable under the con- wins. When the private sector is engaged and OF NEW JERSEY stitution to run for a third term but unlike other deploys its resources to make those improve- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES African leaders, she did not push to change ments, the taxpayer wins many times over. the constitution to allow a third term. We don’t Thursday, September 14, 2017 For this reason, I am proud of my work to sup- yet know whether her successors can or will port Energy Savings Performance Contracts Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I continue an upward trend. Most candidates for (ESPCs) and Utility Energy Service Contracts held a hearing on the future of democracy and President have highlighted corruption, but (UESCs), including legislation I introduced governance in Liberia. Of the more than 50 these candidates have platforms that are light along with my friend of Vermont nations of Africa, the United States has the on policy specifics. Consequently, my sub- that would lead to more investments, better le- closest connection with the Republic of Libe- committee’s hearing this week was intended to verage of public funds, and greater savings. ria. This is not only because Liberia was examine the prospects for democracy and The Alliance endorses my bipartisan legisla- founded in 1847 by freedmen and former governance in Liberia following the October tion and I am thankful for their support. slaves from this country, but also because of elections. Again, congratulations to the Alliance on the estimated 500,000 Liberians and Liberian The United States is a key provider of tech- reaching its 40th Anniversary. It is truly an descendants who live here. Many Liberians nical assistance to Liberia’s National Election honor to serve on this organization’s Honorary consider the United States the ‘‘mother coun- Commission, including an International Foun- try’’ even though it was never a U.S. colony. Board, along with my colleagues PETER dation for Electoral Systems program, funded Liberian cities such as Monrovia and WELCH of Vermont, MICHAEL BURGESS of by USAID, and the U.N. Development Pro- Buchanan were named for American presi- Texas, DAVID MCKINLEY of West Virginia, gram, backed by nearly $12 million in mostly dents. DAVE REICHERT of Washington, and PAUL European Union funding under a multifaceted However, most Americans are largely un- TONKO of New York, as well as several Senate project from 2015 to 2018. The Election Com- aware of the long link between the United colleagues. As a group, I believe we truly rep- mission also receives broader institutional ca- States and Liberia and likely see Liberia as resent the diversity of opinions on energy pacity building support under a second $4 mil- just another African country. Most Americans issues in Congress, but we also represent the lion USAID-funded program, the Liberian Ad- are unaware that Liberia has been a major Alliance’s strong commitment to bipartisan- ministrative and System Strengthening. U.S. ally since World War II and into the Cold ship. We’ve come a long way on federal en- Our government has a significant invest- War, hosting U.S. communications facilities in ergy efficiency policy, and I look forward to ment in Liberia on several fronts. The future the 1960s and 1970s and receiving extensive what can be accomplished over the next 40 direction of this country is important to the U.S. development assistance, including post- years. United States. Therefore, we have a stake in war aid and post-Ebola aid to Liberia. The the next Liberian government building on ad- United States also helped Liberia build its f vances made in democracy and governance criminal justice sector and supported transi- under the current government and must con- TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM J. ‘‘BILL’’ tional justice efforts. tinue to provide assistance to that end and in- HOWELL The United States has funded just over a sist on no backsliding as we see in far too quarter of the cost of the United Nations Mis- many countries in Africa today. sion in Liberia (UNMIL), at a cost of $106 mil- Most of all, there must be much more done HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN lion annually as of FY 2016. Liberia is also im- to minimize the impact of corruption in Liberia, OF VIRGINIA plementing a $256.7 million, five-year MCC which not only robs the people of the benefits IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES compact, signed in 2015, designed to increase of their country’s resources and labor, but also access to reliable, affordable electricity and discourages foreign investment that could pro- Thursday, September 14, 2017 enhance the country’s poor road infrastructure. vide a needed boost to development. Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Bilateral State Department and U.S. Agency October’s election will tell a lot about where recognize William J. ‘‘Bill’’ Howell for 30 years for International Development (USAID) assist- Liberia is going, and we need to keep a close of distinguished public service to the Com- ance totaled $91 million in FY2016. watch on developments in this important Afri- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has made monwealth of Virginia. can ally. some advancement in democracy and govern- f Mr. Howell served in the Virginia General ance during her two terms, following the des- Assembly since 1988, and presided over the potic rule of Charles Taylor. During his term of HONORING TOM DRAPER chamber as Speaker of the House of Dele- office, Taylor was accused of war crimes and gates since 2003. During his tenure, Speaker crimes against humanity as a result of his in- HON. Howell championed the issues important to his volvement in the Sierra Leone civil war from constituents of Stafford and Fredericksburg OF DELAWARE 1991 to 2002, but he also was responsible for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and on behalf of all Virginians. As the second serious human rights violations in Liberia. Tay- longest serving Speaker in the House of Dele- lor was formally indicted by the Special Court Thursday, September 14, 2017 gates, Mr. Howell embodied the characteristics for Sierra Leone in 2003. He resigned and Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, of a true Virginia Statesmen. went into exile in Nigeria. In 2006, then-newly today I rise to commemorate the remarkable Among other issues, Mr. Howell will be re- elected President Sirleaf formally requested life of Delaware icon, Thomas H. Draper. Tom membered for reforming the Virginia Retire- his extradition. He was detained by UN au- grew up in Milton, Delaware and spent his ment System and leading the first transpor- thorities in Sierra Leone and then at the Peni- summers at the Delaware beaches. Tom went tation funding overhaul in 27 years. Speaker tentiary Institution Haaglanden in The Hague, on to college at Brown University where he Howell recognized the importance of the awaiting trial by the Special Court. He was excelled, not only by earning his spot as cap- Chesapeake Bay and was a strong advocate found guilty in April 2012 of all eleven charges tain of the 1964 Brown Bears lacrosse team, for historical preservation and conservation ef- levied by the Special Court, including terror, but also by being named an All-American be- forts. Under Speaker Howell, Virginia’s Rainy murder and rape, and in May 2012, Taylor fore eventually earning admission to the Day Fund is on track to exceed $1 billion by was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Brown University Athletic Hall of Fame. the end of the next budget cycle. In 2013, The United States occasionally arrested al- Tom returned to his home state of Delaware Speaker Howell was named ‘‘Legislator of the leged perpetrators of civil war human rights after college, moving back to Sussex County. Year’’ by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, abuses, often using immigration perjury He quickly purchased radio station WTHD and and one of Governing Magazine’s 2013 Public charges as a vehicle for prosecution. One of began his career in broadcasting. Tom would Officials of the Year. them was Charles McArther Emmanuel, also go on to purchase WBOC–TV in 1980 and Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in known as Chuckie Taylor, the son of Charles helped build it into a broadcasting mainstay in commending Speaker Bill Howell on his dedi- Taylor. Raised in Florida, Emmanuel became ‘‘The First State.’’ cation to serving the Commonwealth of Vir- the commander of the infamously violent Anti- To know Tom, however, was to know that ginia and wishing him best wishes in his future Terrorist Unit, commonly known in Liberia as he was so much more than his career, impres- endeavors. the ‘‘Demon Forces.’’ He is currently serving a sive as it was. Tom loved being outdoors and

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