Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

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

Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016 No. 93 House of Representatives The House met at noon and was Our Nation is again tragically im- attacks on U.S. by men set free, about called to order by the Speaker pro tem- pacted by a mass shooting. May our 12 from Guantanamo Bay. pore (Mr. MEADOWS). leaders, and we all, be mindful of the The article revealed: f sacredness of lives lost in violence, and ‘‘The Obama administration believes not so define the event as to further that about 12 detainees released from DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO traumatize those who suffer intimately the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, TEMPORE from it. have launched attacks against U.S. or The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- We ask Your special blessing upon allied forces in Afghanistan, killing fore the House the following commu- the Members of this people’s House. In about a half-dozen Americans . . . In nication from the Speaker: these days, give them wisdom that March, a senior Pentagon official made WASHINGTON, DC, they might execute their responsibil- a startling admission to lawmakers June 13, 2016. ities to the benefit of all Americans. when he acknowledged that former I hereby appoint the Honorable MARK Bless them, O God, and be with them Guantanamo inmates were responsible MEADOWS to act as Speaker pro tempore on and with us all this day and every day for the deaths of Americans overseas. this day. to come. May all that is done be for ‘‘But The Washington Post has PAUL D. RYAN, Your greater honor and glory. learned additional details . . . while Speaker of the House of Representatives. Amen. most of the incidents were directed at f f military personnel, the dead also included one American civilian: a female MORNING-HOUR DEBATE THE JOURNAL aid worker.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It is clear the President’s dangerous ant to the order of the House of Janu- Chair has examined the Journal of the release of Guantanamo detainees puts ary 5, 2016, the Chair would now recog- last day’s proceedings and announces American families at risk of murder. nize Members from lists submitted by to the House his approval thereof. An extraordinary deterrent to Islamic the majority and minority leaders for Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- terrorists is the ability to incarcerate morning-hour debate. nal stands approved. them for the duration of the war they f f have declared against American families. RECESS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE In conclusion, God bless our troops, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the and may the President, by his actions, ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. never forget September the 11th in the declares the House in recess until 2 WILSON) come forward and lead the global war on terrorism. p.m. today. House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our sympathy to this week’s victims Accordingly (at 12 o’clock and 1 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina led of terrorism in Baghdad, Tel Aviv, and minute p.m.), the House stood in re- the Pledge of Allegiance as follows: Orlando. cess. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the f f United States of America, and to the Repub- ORLANDO TRAGEDY lic for which it stands, one nation under God, b 1400 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 AFTER RECESS f minute and to revise and extend his re- The recess having expired, the House GUANTANAMO DETAINEES WHO marks.) was called to order by the Speaker pro HAVE BEEN RELEASED KILL Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, no words tempore (Mr. WOMACK) at 2 p.m. AMERICANS can express the pain and sadness I feel f (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina for all those affected by the horrific at- asked and was given permission to ad- tack on a gay nightclub in Orlando. PRAYER dress the House for 1 minute and to re- On too many occasions, the LGBT The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick vise and extend his remarks.) community and our country have been J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. forced to overcome moments of pro- Dear God, we give You thanks for Speaker, the front page of The Wash- found loss, but on each of these occa- giving us another day. ington Post last week, June 9, reported sions, we have emerged stronger and

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.

H3707

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.000 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 more resilient. Once again, we will sage from the Secretary of the Senate on that was declared in Executive Order choose love over hate and compassion June 10, 2016 at 2:44 p.m.: 13405 of June 16, 2006, is to continue in over intolerance. These are the themes That the Senate passed without amend- effect beyond June 16, 2016. of the LGBT Pride Month, and they ment H.R. 2137. The actions and policies of certain That the Senate passed without amend- cannot be lost in this overwhelming ment H.R. 2212. members of the Government of Belarus tragedy. That the Senate passed without amend- and other persons to undermine This attack forces us to confront two ment H.R. 812. Belarus’s democratic processes or insti- unpleasant facts about our country: That the Senate passed without amend- tutions, to commit human rights fact one, hateful rhetoric toward the ment H.R. 1762. abuses related to political repression, LGBT people and other minority With best wishes, I am, and to engage in public corruption con- groups is still far too common; fact Sincerely, tinue to pose an unusual and extraor- KAREN L. HAAS. two, it is far too easy for dangerous dinary threat to the national security people to access assault weapons. f and foreign policy of the United States. I hope we have the courage to con- COMMUNICATION FROM THE For this reason, I have determined that front these facts and build a safer and CLERK OF THE HOUSE it is necessary to continue the national stronger America. This is what the vic- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- emergency declared in Executive Order tims and their families deserve. fore the House the following commu- 13405 with respect to Belarus. f nication from the Clerk of the House of BARACK OBAMA. THE WHITE HOUSE, June 10, 2016. Representatives: SLAUGHTERED INNOCENTS f OFFICE OF THE CLERK, (Mr. HIMES asked and was given per- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RECESS mission to address the House for 1 Washington, DC, June 10, 2016. minute and to revise and extend his re- Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- marks.) The Speaker, House of Representatives, ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, sometime Washington, DC. declares the House in recess until ap- today or tomorrow, this House will DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- proximately 4:30 p.m. today. mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of hold a moment of silence for 50 mas- Accordingly (at 2 o’clock and 9 min- the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. sacred Floridians who had their bodies tives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed torn apart by a madman with a mili- envelope received from the White House on f tary-grade weapon. June 10, 2016, at 3:23 p.m., and said to contain b 1630 Silence—that is how the leadership of a message from the President whereby he the most powerful country in the world submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with AFTER RECESS will respond to this week’s massacre of the Federal Register continuing the emer- The recess having expired, the House its citizens. gency with respect to Belarus. First declared in Executive Order 13405, of June 16, 2006. was called to order by the Speaker pro If this Congress had a single moral With best wishes, I am, tempore (Mr. NEWHOUSE) at 4 o’clock fiber, we would force ourselves to get Sincerely, and 30 minutes p.m. to know the slaughtered innocents. We KAREN L. HAAS, f would get to know Cory James Connell, Clerk of the House. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 21 years old and a student at Valencia f College, a child with dreams cut short PRO TEMPORE CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL by a madman with a military rifle EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and—make no mistake—cut short by THE ACTIONS AND POLICIES OF ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair this Congress’ fetish to repeatedly CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE GOV- will postpone further proceedings meet bloody tragedy with silence. ERNMENT OF BELARUS AND today on motions to suspend the rules Silence—that is what we offer in OTHER PERSONS TO UNDERMINE on which a recorded vote or the yeas America that supports many of the BELARUS’S DEMOCRATIC PROC- and nays are ordered, or on which the things we could do to slow the blood- ESSES OR INSTITUTIONS—MES- vote incurs objection under clause 6 of bath. SAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF rule XX. Silence. THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. Record votes on postponed questions Not me. Not anymore. I will no NO. 114–141) will be taken later. longer stand here absorbing the faux f concern, contrived gravity, and tepid The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- smugness of a House complicit in the fore the House the following message NETWORKING AND INFORMATION weekly bloodshed. from the President of the United TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND Sooner or later, the country will hold States; which was read and, together DEVELOPMENT MODERNIZATION us accountable for inaction. But as you with the accompanying papers, referred ACT OF 2016 bow your head and think of what you to the Committee on Foreign Affairs Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I move to say to your God, when you are asked and ordered to be printed: suspend the rules and pass the bill what you did to slow the slaughter of To the Congress of the United States: (H.R. 5312) to amend the High-Perform- innocence, there will be silence. Section 202(d) of the National Emer- ance Computing Act of 1991 to author- f gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides ize activities for support of networking for the automatic termination of a na- and information technology research, COMMUNICATION FROM THE tional emergency unless, within 90 and for other purposes, as amended. CLERK OF THE HOUSE days prior to the anniversary date of The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- its declaration, the President publishes The text of the bill is as follows: fore the House the following commu- in the Federal Register and transmits to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- nication from the Clerk of the House of the Congress a notice stating that the resentatives of the United States of America in Representatives: emergency is to continue in effect be- Congress assembled, OFFICE OF THE CLERK, yond the anniversary date. In accord- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ance with this provision, I have sent to This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Networking Washington, DC, June 10, 2016. the Federal Register for publication the and Information Technology Research and Development Modernization Act of 2016’’. Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, enclosed notice stating that the na- The Speaker, House of Representatives, tional emergency with respect to the SEC. 2. PURPOSES. Washington, DC. Section 3 of the High-Performance Com- DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- actions and policies of certain mem- puting Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5502) is amend- mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of bers of the Government of Belarus and ed— the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- other persons to undermine Belarus’s (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), tives, the Clerk received the following mes- democratic processes or institutions by striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:12 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.004 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3709 and inserting ‘‘networking and information SEC. 4. TITLE I HEADING. (iii) by amending subparagraph (E) to read technology’’; The heading of title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. as follows: (2) in paragraph (1)— 5511 et seq.) is amended by striking ‘‘HIGH- ‘‘(E) encourage and monitor the efforts of (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph PERFORMANCE COMPUTING’’ and insert- the agencies participating in the Program to (A), by striking ‘‘expanding Federal support ing ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION allocate the level of resources and manage- for research, development, and application of TECHNOLOGY’’. ment attention necessary to ensure that the high-performance computing’’ and inserting SEC. 5. NETWORKING AND INFORMATION TECH- strategic plan under subsection (e) is devel- ‘‘supporting Federal research, development, NOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOP- oped and executed effectively and that the and application of networking and informa- MENT PROGRAM. objectives of the Program are met; and’’; and tion technology’’; Section 101 of the High-Performance Com- (iv) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘high- (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high- puting Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5511) is amend- performance’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end’’; performance computing’’ both places it ap- ed— (D) in paragraph (3)— pears and inserting ‘‘networking and infor- (1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘NA- (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), mation technology’’; TIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING PRO- (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G), (C) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D); GRAM’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFOR- and (J), respectively; (D) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the MATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOP- (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: MENT PROGRAM’’; following new subparagraphs: ‘‘(C) stimulate research on and promote (2) in subsection (a)— ‘‘(B) provide, as appropriate, a list of the more rapid development of high-end com- (A) in the subsection heading, by striking senior steering groups and strategic plans puting systems software and applications ‘‘NATIONAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING that are planned or underway as addressed software;’’; PROGRAM’’ and inserting ‘‘NETWORKING AND under section 104; (E) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND DE- ‘‘(C) provide a description of workshops through (H) as subparagraphs (D) through VELOPMENT’’; and other activities conducted under section (G), respectively; (B) in paragraph (1)— 104, including participants and findings; (F) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph ‘‘(D) provide a detailed description of the by inserting ‘‘high-end’’ after ‘‘the develop- (A), by striking ‘‘National High-Performance nature and scope of research infrastructure ment of’’; Computing Program’’ and inserting ‘‘Net- designated as such under the Program;’’; (G) in subparagraphs (E) and (F), as so re- working and Information Technology Re- (iii) in subparagraph (E), as so redesig- designated, by striking ‘‘high-performance search and Development Program’’; nated— computing’’ each place it appears and insert- (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high- (I) by redesignating clauses (vii) through ing ‘‘networking and information tech- performance computing, including net- (xi) as clauses (viii) through (xii), respec- nology’’; and working’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and in- tively; and (H) in subparagraph (G), as so redesig- formation technology’’; (II) by inserting after clause (vi) the fol- nated, by striking ‘‘high-performance’’ and (iii) in subparagraphs (B) and (G), by strik- lowing: inserting ‘‘high-end’’; and ing ‘‘high-performance’’ each place it ap- ‘‘(vii) the Department of Homeland Secu- (3) in paragraph (2)— pears and inserting ‘‘high-end’’; rity;’’; (A) by striking ‘‘high-performance com- (iv) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘high- (iv) in subparagraph (F), as so redesig- puting and’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and performance computing and networking’’ nated— information technology and’’; and and inserting ‘‘high-end computing, distrib- (I) by striking ‘‘is submitted,’’ and insert- (B) by striking ‘‘high-performance com- uted, and networking’’; ing ‘‘is submitted, the levels for the previous puting network’’ and inserting ‘‘networking (v) by amending subparagraph (D) to read fiscal year,’’; and and information technology’’. as follows: (II) by striking ‘‘each Program Component SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. ‘‘(D) provide for efforts to increase soft- Area;’’ and inserting ‘‘each Program Compo- Section 4 of the High-Performance Com- ware security and reliability;’’; nent Area and research area supported in ac- puting Act of 1991 (15 U.S.C. 5503) is amend- (vi) in subparagraph (H)— cordance with section 103;’’; ed— (I) by inserting ‘‘support and guidance’’ (v) by amending subparagraph (G), as so re- (1) by striking paragraphs (3) and (5); after ‘‘provide’’; and designated, to read as follows: (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), (4), (II) by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; ‘‘(G) describe the levels of Federal funding (6), and (7) as paragraphs (2), (3), (5), (7), and (vii) in subparagraph (I)— for each agency and department partici- (8), respectively; (I) by striking ‘‘improving the security’’ pating in the Program, and for each Program (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so and inserting ‘‘improving the security, reli- Component Area, for the fiscal year during redesignated, the following new paragraph: ability, and resilience’’; and which such report is submitted, the levels for ‘‘(1) ‘cyber-physical systems’ means phys- (II) by striking the period at the end and the previous fiscal year, and the levels pro- ical or engineered systems whose networking inserting a semicolon; and posed for the fiscal year with respect to and information technology functions and (viii) by adding at the end the following which the budget submission applies;’’; and physical elements are deeply integrated and new subparagraphs: (vi) by inserting after subparagraph (G), as are actively connected to the physical world ‘‘(J) provide for increased understanding of so redesignated, the following: through sensors, actuators, or other means the scientific principles of cyber-physical ‘‘(H) include a description of how the objec- to perform monitoring and control func- systems and improve the methods available tives for each Program Component Area, and tions;’’; for the design, development, and operation of the objectives for activities that involve (4) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by cyber-physical systems that are character- multiple Program Component Areas, relate striking ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and ized by high reliability, safety, and security; to the objectives of the Program identified inserting ‘‘networking and information tech- ‘‘(K) provide for research and development in the strategic plan required under sub- nology’’; on human-computer interactions, visualiza- section (e); (5) by inserting after paragraph (3), as so tion, and big data; ‘‘(I) include— redesignated, the following new paragraph: ‘‘(L) provide for research and development ‘‘(i) a description of the funding required ‘‘(4) ‘high-end computing’ means the most on the enhancement of cybersecurity; and by the National Coordination Office to per- advanced and capable computing systems, ‘‘(M) provide for a research framework to form the functions specified under section including their hardware, storage, net- leverage cyber-physical systems, high capac- 102(b) for the current fiscal year; working and software, encompassing both ity and high speed communication networks, ‘‘(ii) a description of the estimated funding massive computational capability and large- and large-scale data analytics to integrate required by such Office to perform the func- scale data analytics;’’; city-scale information technology and phys- tions specified under section 102(b) for the (6) by inserting after paragraph (5), as so ical infrastructures.’’; next fiscal year; and redesignated, the following new paragraph: (C) in paragraph (2)— ‘‘(iii) the amount of funding provided for ‘‘(6) ‘networking and information tech- (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read such Office for the current fiscal year by nology’ means high-end computing, commu- as follows: each agency participating in the Program; nications, and information technologies, ‘‘(A) establish the goals and priorities for and’’; high-capacity and high-speed networks, spe- Federal networking and information tech- (3) in subsection (b)— cial purpose and experimental systems, high- nology research, development, education, (A) in paragraph (1), in the matter pre- end computing systems software and applica- and other activities;’’; ceding subparagraph (A)— tions software, and the management of large (ii) by amending subparagraph (C) to read (i) by striking ‘‘high-performance com- data sets;’’; and as follows: puting’’ both places it appears and inserting (7) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by ‘‘(C) provide for interagency coordination ‘‘networking and information technology’’; striking ‘‘National High-Performance Com- of Federal networking and information tech- and puting Program’’ and inserting ‘‘Networking nology research, development, education, (ii) after the first sentence, by inserting and Information Technology Research and and other activities undertaken pursuant to the following: ‘‘Each chair of the advisory Development Program’’. the Program;’’; committee shall meet the qualifications of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.006 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 committee membership and may be a mem- to be stored, curated, and made publicly to be provided by each agency for each fiscal ber of the President’s Council of Advisors on available; year shall be in the same proportion as each Science and Technology.’’; ‘‘(E) strengthen all levels of networking such agency’s share of the total budget for (B) in paragraph (1)(D), by striking ‘‘high- and information technology education and the Program for the previous fiscal year, as performance computing, networking tech- training programs to ensure an adequate, specified in the report required under section nology, and related software’’ and inserting well-trained workforce; and 101(a)(3). ‘‘networking and information technology’’; ‘‘(F) attract individuals identified in sec- ‘‘(3) WAIVER.—As appropriate, the Director and tions 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineer- may consider and approve a reduction or (C) in paragraph (2)— ing Equal Opportunities Act (42 U.S.C. 1885a waiver of an agency contribution require- (i) in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘2’’ and 1885b) to networking and information ment under paragraph (2).’’. and inserting ‘‘3’’; technology fields. SEC. 7. NEXT GENERATION INTERNET. (ii) by striking ‘‘Committee on Science and ‘‘(3) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The entities in- Section 103 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5513) is Technology’’ and inserting ‘‘Committee on volved in developing the strategic plan under repealed. Science, Space, and Technology’’; and paragraph (1) shall take into consideration SEC. 8. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NA- (iii) by striking ‘‘The first report shall be the recommendations— TIONAL IMPORTANCE. due within 1 year after the date of enact- ‘‘(A) of the advisory committee established Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is ment of the America COMPETES Act.’’; under subsection (b); amended by adding at the end the following (4) in subsection (c)(1)(A), by striking ‘‘(B) of the Committee on Science and rel- new section: ‘‘high-performance computing’’ and insert- evant subcommittees of the National ing ‘‘networking and information tech- ‘‘SEC. 103. GRAND CHALLENGES IN AREAS OF NA- Science and Technology Council; and TIONAL IMPORTANCE. nology’’; and ‘‘(C) of the stakeholders whose input was ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Program shall en- (5) by adding at the end the following new solicited by the National Coordination Of- courage agencies identified in section subsections: fice, as required under section 102(b)(3). 101(a)(3)(E) to support large-scale, long-term, ‘‘(d) PERIODIC REVIEWS.—The agencies iden- ‘‘(4) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—The Director of tified in subsection (a)(3)(B) shall— interdisciplinary research and development the National Coordination Office shall trans- activities in networking and information ‘‘(1) periodically assess and update, as ap- mit the strategic plan required under para- propriate, the contents, scope, and funding technology directed toward agency mission graph (1) to the advisory committee, the areas that have the potential for significant levels of the Program Component Areas and Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- work through the National Science and contributions to national economic competi- nology of the House of Representatives, and Technology Council and with the assistance tiveness and for other significant societal the Committee on Commerce, Science, and of the National Coordination Office described benefits. Such activities, ranging from basic Transportation of the Senate.’’. under section 102 to restructure the Program research to the demonstration of technical when warranted, taking into consideration SEC. 6. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE. solutions, shall be designed to advance the any relevant recommendations of the advi- Section 102 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5512) is development of fundamental discoveries. The sory committee established under subsection amended to read as follows: advisory committee established under sec- (b); and ‘‘SEC. 102. NATIONAL COORDINATION OFFICE. tion 101(b) shall make recommendations to ‘‘(2) working through the National Science ‘‘(a) OFFICE.—The Director shall maintain the Program for candidate research and de- and Technology Council and with the assist- a National Coordination Office with a Direc- velopment areas for support under this sec- ance of the National Coordination Office de- tor and full-time staff. tion. scribed under section 102, ensure that the ‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The National Coordina- ‘‘(b) CHARACTERISTICS.— Program includes large-scale, long-term, tion Office shall— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Research and develop- interdisciplinary research and development ‘‘(1) provide technical and administrative ment activities under this section shall— activities, including activities described in support to— ‘‘(A) include projects selected on the basis section 103. ‘‘(A) the agencies participating in planning of applications for support through a com- ‘‘(e) STRATEGIC PLAN.— and implementing the Program, including petitive, merit-based process; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The agencies identified such support as needed in the development of ‘‘(B) involve collaborations among rein subsection (a)(3)(B), working through the the strategic plan under section 101(e); and searchers in institutions of higher education National Science and Technology Council ‘‘(B) the advisory committee established and industry, and may involve nonprofit re- and with the assistance of the National Co- under section 101(b), as appropriate; search institutions and Federal laboratories, ordination Office described under section 102, ‘‘(2) serve as the primary point of contact as appropriate; shall develop, within 12 months after the on Federal networking and information tech- ‘‘(C) leverage Federal investments through date of enactment of the Networking and In- nology activities for government organiza- collaboration with related State and private formation Technology Research and Devel- tions, academia, industry, professional soci- sector initiatives; and opment Modernization Act of 2016, and up- eties, State computing and networking tech- ‘‘(D) include a plan for fostering the trans- date every five years thereafter, a five-year nology programs, interested citizen groups, fer of research discoveries and the results of strategic plan for the Program. and others to exchange technical and pro- technology demonstration activities, includ- ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—The strategic plan shall grammatic information; ing from institutions of higher education and specify near-term and long-term cross-cut- ‘‘(3) solicit input and recommendations Federal laboratories, to industry for com- ting objectives for the Program, the antici- from a wide range of stakeholders during the mercial development. pated time frame for achieving the near- development of each strategic plan required ‘‘(2) COST-SHARING.—In selecting applica- term objectives, the metrics to be used for under section 101(e) and the scope of the Pro- tions for support, the agencies may give spe- assessing progress toward the objectives, and gram Component Areas through the con- cial consideration to projects that include how the Program will— vening of at least one workshop with cost sharing from non-Federal sources. ‘‘(A) address long-term challenges of na- invitees from academia, industry, Federal ‘‘(3) AGENCY COLLABORATION.—If two or tional importance for which solutions re- laboratories, and other relevant organiza- more agencies identified in section quire large-scale, long-term, interdiscipli- tions and institutions; 101(a)(3)(E), or other appropriate agencies, nary research and development; ‘‘(4) conduct and increase outreach, includ- are working on large-scale networking and ‘‘(B) encourage and support mechanisms ing to academia, industry, other relevant or- information technology research and devel- for interdisciplinary research and develop- ganizations and institutions, and the public, opment activities in the same area of na- ment in networking and information tech- in order to increase awareness of the Pro- tional importance, then such agencies shall nology and for Grand Challenges, including gram and the benefits of the Program and to strive to collaborate through joint solicita- through collaborations across agencies, increase potential opportunities for collabo- tion and selection of applications for support across Program Component Areas, with in- ration between agencies participating in the and subsequent funding of projects. dustry, with Federal laboratories (as defined Program and the private sector; and ‘‘(4) INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH CEN- in section 4 of the Stevenson-Wydler Tech- ‘‘(5) promote access to and early applica- TERS.—Research and development activities nology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. tion of the technologies, innovations, and ex- under this section may be supported through 3703)), and with international organizations; pertise derived from Program activities to interdisciplinary research centers that are ‘‘(C) foster the transfer of research and de- agency missions and systems across the Fed- organized to investigate basic research ques- velopment results into new technologies and eral Government and to United States indus- tions and carry out technology demonstra- applications in the national interest, includ- try. tion activities in areas described in sub- ing through cooperation and collaborations ‘‘(c) SOURCE OF FUNDING.— section (a). Research may be carried out with networking and information technology ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The operation of the Na- through existing interdisciplinary centers.’’. research, development, and technology tran- tional Coordination Office shall be supported SEC. 9. WORKSHOPS AND SENIOR STEERING sition initiatives supported by the States; by funds from each agency participating in GROUPS. ‘‘(D) provide for cyberinfrastructure needs, the Program, subject to the availability of Title I of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5511 et seq.) is as appropriate, across federally funded large- appropriations for such purpose. amended further by adding after section 103, scale research facilities that produce or will ‘‘(2) SPECIFICATIONS.—The portion of the as added by section 8 of this Act, the fol- produce large amounts of data that will need total budget of such Office that is authorized lowing new section:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:25 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.006 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3711 ‘‘SEC. 104. ADDRESSING EMERGING ISSUES. with other agencies, as appropriate, to im- cate the scope or aims of similar research ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In order to address prove the teaching and learning of net- and initiatives at other Federal agencies. No emerging issues, the Director of the National working and information technology at all Environmental Protection Agency funds Coordination Office may conduct workshops levels of education and to increase participa- shall be used towards research that dupli- and other activities on research areas of tion in networking and information tech- cates the scope or aims of similar research emerging importance, which may include the nology fields, including by individuals iden- and initiatives at other Federal agencies.’’ grand challenge areas identified under sec- tified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and after ‘‘dynamics models.’’. tion 103, with participants from institutions Engineering Equal Opportunities Act (42 SEC. 15. ROLE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDU- of higher education, Federal laboratories, U.S.C. 1885a and 1885b).’’; and CATION. and industry, in order to help guide Program (2) by striking subsection (b). Section 206 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5526) is investments and strategic planning in those SEC. 11. NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE amended— areas, including areas identified in sub- ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES. (1) by striking subsection (b); section (b). Section 202 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5522) is (2) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBIL- ‘‘(b) FOCUS AREAS.—In selecting research amended— ITIES.—’’; and areas under subsection (a), the Director of (1) by striking subsection (b); (3) by striking ‘‘to conduct basic’’ and all the National Coordination Office shall con- (2) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBIL- that follows through ‘‘software capabilities’’ sider the following topics: and inserting ‘‘to support programs and ac- ‘‘(1) Data analytics to identify the current ITIES.—’’; and (3) by striking ‘‘high-performance com- tivities to improve the teaching and learning and future state of performing inference, pre- of networking and information technology diction, and other forms of analysis of data, puting’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and information technology’’. fields and contribute to the development of a and methods for the collection, manage- skilled networking and information tech- SEC. 12. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY ACTIVITIES. ment, preservation, and use of data. nology workforce’’. ‘‘(2) The current and future state of the Section 203 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5523) is amended— SEC. 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. science, engineering, policy, and social un- Section 207(b) of such Act (15 U.S.C. (1) by striking subsection (b); derstanding of privacy protection. 5527(b)) is amended by striking ‘‘high-per- (2) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBIL- ‘‘(3) The current and future state of funda- formance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘net- ITIES.—’’; mental research on the systems and science working and information technology’’. of the interplay of people and computing as (3) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘high-performance computing and networking’’ and SEC. 17. REPEAL. well as the coordination and support being Section 208 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5528) is inserting ‘‘networking and information tech- undertaken in areas such as social com- repealed. puting, human-robot interaction, privacy, nology’’; and SEC. 18. ADDITIONAL REPEAL. and health-related aspects in human-com- (4) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘‘high- Section 4 of the Department of Energy puter systems. performance’’ and inserting ‘‘high-end’’. High-End Computing Revitalization Act of ‘‘(c) FUNCTIONS.—The participants in the SEC. 13. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ACTIVI- 2004 (15 U.S.C. 5543) is repealed. workshops shall, as appropriate— TIES. ‘‘(1) develop options for models for research Section 204 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5524) is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and development partnerships among insti- amended— ant to the rule, the gentleman from Il- tutions of higher education, Federal labora- (1) in subsection (a)(1)— linois (Mr. LAHOOD) and the gentle- tories, and industry, including mechanisms (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘high- woman from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE for the support of research and development performance computing systems and net- JOHNSON) each will control 20 minutes. carried out under these partnerships; works’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and infor- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ‘‘(2) develop options for research and devel- mation technology systems and capabili- from Illinois. opment for the specific issue areas that ties’’; GENERAL LEAVE would be addressed through such partner- (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘inter- ships; operability of high-performance computing Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask ‘‘(3) propose guidelines for assigning intel- systems in networks and for common user unanimous consent that all Members lectual property rights and for the transfer interfaces to systems’’ and inserting ‘‘inter- may have 5 legislative days to revise of research results to the private sector; and operability and usability of networking and and extend their remarks and to in- ‘‘(4) make recommendations for how Fed- information technology systems’’; and clude extraneous material on H.R. 5312, eral agencies participating in the Program (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘high- the bill now under consideration. can help support research and development performance computing’’ and inserting ‘‘net- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there partnerships for the specific issue areas. working and information technology’’; objection to the request of the gen- ‘‘(d) PARTICIPANTS.—The Director of the (2) in subsection (b)— National Coordination Office shall ensure tleman from Illinois? (A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘HIGH-PER- that the participants in the workshops— There was no objection. FORMANCE COMPUTING AND NETWORK’’ and in- ‘‘(1) are individuals with knowledge and ex- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield serting ‘‘NETWORKING AND INFORMATION pertise in the specific issue areas; and myself such time as I may consume. TECHNOLOGY’’; ‘‘(2) represent a broad mix of relevant Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support (B) by striking ‘‘Pursuant to the Computer stakeholders, including academic and indus- Security Act of 1987 (Public Law 100–235; 101 of H.R. 5312, the Networking and Infor- try researchers and, as appropriate, Federal Stat. 1724), the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’; and mation Technology Research and De- agencies. (C) by striking ‘‘sensitive’’; and velopment Modernization Act of 2016. ‘‘(e) SENIOR STEERING GROUPS AND STRA- First off, I would like to thank Chair- TEGIC PLANS.—As appropriate, the Director (3) by striking subsections (c) and (d). of the National Coordination Office shall es- SEC. 14. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY man LAMAR SMITH for his hard work in tablish senior steering groups and develop fo- ACTIVITIES. bringing this bill through the House cused strategic plans to coordinate and guide Section 205 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5525) is Science, Space, and Technology Com- activities under the research areas identified amended— mittee, and my colleague, Ranking under this section, taking into consideration (1) by striking subsection (b); Member EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, for the findings and recommendations from any (2) by striking ‘‘(a) GENERAL RESPONSIBIL- her leadership in introducing this bi- workshops carried out on those research top- ITIES.—’’; partisan legislation with me. ics.’’. (3) by striking ‘‘basic and applied’’; The Networking and Information (4) by striking ‘‘computational’’ and in- SEC. 10. NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION AC- Technology Research and Development TIVITIES. serting ‘‘networking and information tech- Section 201 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 5521) is nology’’; and Program, also known as the NITRD amended— (5) by inserting ‘‘All software and code, Program, is the primary Federal re- (1) in subsection (a)— along with any subsequent updates to the search and development investment (A) in paragraph (1)— software and code, developed by the Environ- portfolio in unclassified networking, (i) by inserting ‘‘high-end’’ after ‘‘National mental Protection Agency under the Pro- computing, software, cybersecurity, Science Foundation shall provide’’; and gram and used in conducting scientific re- and related information technologies. (ii) by striking ‘‘high-performance com- search shall be made publically available. In In my district, the NITRD Program puting’’ and all that follows through ‘‘net- cases where the underlying software or code supports Federal investment in re- working;’’ and inserting ‘‘networking and in- is proprietary or contains confidential busi- search at universities like Western Illi- formation technology; and’’; ness information, the Agency shall disclose nois University in Macomb, Illinois, (B) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); only the name and vendor of the software and and code used for all proprietary or confiden- and the Blue Waters supercomputer at (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- tial business information portions of the the University of Illinois in Urbana, Il- lowing new paragraph: software or code. The Environmental Protec- linois. NITRD also supports public-pri- ‘‘(2) the National Science Foundation shall tion Agency shall ensure that the research vate partnerships between high-per- use its existing programs, in collaboration conducted under the Program does not dupli- formance supercomputing and private

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:27 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.006 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 corporations like, Caterpillar Corpora- NIT has helped provide teachers and tions for our economic and national se- tion, based in Peoria, Illinois. students in diverse communities across curity, NIT is not an area of science Information technology is all around our Nation access to resources and and technology for which the U.S. can us in our day-to-day lives—on our learning opportunities that were pre- afford to cede leadership. smartphones, in our cars, and in our viously out of reach. I want to thank Representative homes. It improves our way of life, NIT has transformed every industry LAHOOD, Chairman SMITH, and com- even in ways that are not always visi- sector, increasing efficiency and pro- mittee staff for an open, collaborative, ble or apparent. As technology rapidly ductivity, while creating higher and good process which has led to a advances, the need for research and de- skilled, better paying jobs. NIT made very good bill. I am pleased to be a co- velopment continues to evolve. The possible the decoding of the human ge- sponsor of the bill, and I urge my col- NITRD Program works to prevent du- nome and has led to myriad improve- leagues to support it. plicative and overlapping efforts in ments in medical diagnostics and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of this space, thereby enabling more effi- treatments. my time. cient use of government resources and Over these past 25 years, networking Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 taxpayer dollars, while also supporting and information technologies have cre- minutes to the gentleman from Texas new and innovative research and devel- ated opportunities across all aspects of (Mr. SMITH), the chairman of the opment efforts at our Nation’s univer- our lives that were previously unimagi- Science, Space, and Technology Com- sities and through public-private part- nable. With those opportunities, NIT mittee. nerships. has also created new challenges for in- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, This bill implements several impor- dividual and collective safety and secu- first of all, I want to thank the gen- tant policies to help lead the way for rity and for our privacy. tleman from Illinois (Mr. LAHOOD) for future technological innovations and Our critical infrastructure, our taking the initiative on this innovation bill. And I am also pleased that modernize the NITRD Program. Spe- banks, our commercial enterprises, and the ranking member, the gentlewoman cifically, the bill improves the program our own personal wallets and identities from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHN- in the following ways: are vulnerable to criminals and state SON), is a cosponsor of H.R. 5312, the First, it establishes a strategic plan- actors alike. Our privacy is being com- Networking and Information Tech- ning and review process for the NITRD promised daily, whether we are public nology Research and Development investment portfolio, with clear figures or private citizens. We cannot go back to a world before Modernization Act of 2016. metrics and objectives. Mr. Speaker, in this digital age, ad- Second, it works to improve inter- NIT, nor should we. However, while in- vancing and protecting our Nation’s vesting in advancements in NIT and its agency as well as government and pri- computing and networking systems is many applications, we must also invest vate sector coordination and commu- more important than ever. This legisla- in protecting our security and privacy. nication. tion ensures that Federal science agen- The Networking and Information Third, it focuses the NITRD invest- cies focus on networking and informa- Technology Research and Development ment portfolio on areas of national in- tion technology priorities that are in Program, or NITRD, which grew out of terest and increasing importance like the national interest, and it provides the original 1991 High-Performance data analytics, privacy protection, and the coordinating R&D efforts necessary Computing Act, does just that. The human-computer systems. to improve cyber and data security na- interagency NITRD Program supports These changes to current law will re- tionwide. Better network security pro- a full range of research and develop- duce bureaucracy and ensure that motes U.S. competitiveness, enhances ment that provides the foundation of hardworking Americans’ taxpayer dol- national security, and creates high- scientific understanding and acceler- lars are being used efficiently and ef- tech jobs. fectively. ates the development of advanced in- The NITRD Modernization bill is an Important to note, this legislation formation technologies, while update to the High-Performance Com- authorizes no new spending. strengthening cybersecurity and pri- puting Act of 1991. The authorized pro- Smart investments in information vacy. The program also advances NIT gram represents the Federal Govern- technology research and development to accelerate discovery in many other ment’s main R&D portfolio for unclas- are crucial for our Nation. Work in re- areas of science and engineering, from sified advanced networking, com- lated areas bolsters economic competi- astronomy to biomedical research. puting, software, cybersecurity, and re- tiveness and creates new industries and The legislation we are considering lated information technologies. businesses; it helps ensure future na- today, the Networking and Information Currently, 21 Federal agencies are tional security, including cybersecu- Technology Research and Development contributing members of NITRD, with rity; and creates the good-paying jobs Modernization Act, continues to many additional agencies participating we need for today and tomorrow. strengthen the management, coordina- in the program. This bill serves as the As such, I urge my colleagues to sup- tion, and oversight of the NITRD Pro- mechanism for interagency coordina- port this important piece of legislation gram. It helps ensure that Federal in- tion of R&D to produce a tighter focus to modernize NITRD and streamline vestments in NIT R&D remain at the without wasteful duplication of re- Federal research and development in- cutting edge and continuously evolve search efforts among Federal agencies vestment. to include important emerging areas of or the private sector. This will help Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of NIT. In addition, it encourages large- save taxpayers’ dollars. It also rebal- my time. scale interdisciplinary and cross-agen- ances agency R&D portfolios to focus Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of cy collaborations in ‘‘grand challenge’’ less on short-term, incremental ap- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such areas of R&D. Finally, the bill encour- proaches and much more on large- time as I may consume. ages strong collaboration and coordina- scale, long-term interdisciplinary re- I rise in strong support of H.R. 5312, tion with industry and other stake- search to transform and enable new the Networking and Information Tech- holders. computing capabilities. nology Research and Development Over time, there have been some Federal agencies are expected to in- Modernization Act of 2016. amendments to the 1991 Act. H.R. 5312, vest more than $4.4 billion in fiscal The bill before us modernizes the represents the committee’s fourth at- year 2017 on NITRD Program activi- original High-Performance Computing tempt in as many Congresses to enact ties. These investments go toward Act of 1991. In the 25 years that have a comprehensive modernization of the basic research at the frontiers of high- passed since that bill established the 25-year-old law. end computing, networking, and infor- framework for Federal investment in For the first time since our first ef- mation technology. More than $1.1 bil- computing research, networking and fort in 2009, the Senate has proposed lion of this is invested by the National information technologies, NIT, has draft language of its own. I am hopeful Science Foundation and $720 million by transformed how we communicate with that we can get a NITRD moderniza- the Department of Energy. each other, how we get around, how we tion bill to the President’s desk before This taxpayer-funded basic research bank, and how we shop. year’s end. Given the profound implica- is intended to keep the United States

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It also ings on the ever-evolving threat of funded by many Federal agencies and codifies the NITRD National Coordina- cyber intrusions. has an impressive history of providing tion Office, housed within the National I also owned and operated an infor- integrated cyber infrastructure to sci- Science Foundation, to oversee the mation technology company for more entists, engineers, and scholars across participating agencies. than 20 years, so I know firsthand the the country. The NITRD Program has eight stra- importance of safeguarding sensitive Addressing complex problems in to- tegic priorities for its enabling re- information and private customer data. day’s science and society requires ex- search: cybersecurity, autonomous Regrettably, as we have seen through pertise and engagement from multiple robotic systems, high-end computing many unfortunate examples, the Amer- disciplines. NCSA is committed to con- and applications, exascale computing, ican people have good reason to ques- tinuing to serve as a central hub for human-computer interaction, large- tion whether their private information transdisciplinary teams to unite in scale networking, workforce develop- is being properly secured. making technological advancements. ment, and software design. That is why I am pleased to support These important research programs are Technologies that develop from these H.R. 5312, the Networking and Informa- critical for coordinating Federal re- research priorities are used by the tion Technology Research and Develop- search and fostering revolutionary commercial sector and the government ment Modernization Act of 2016. This breakthroughs in computing, net- to protect and enhance emergency legislation ensures that Federal working, software, and cybersecurity. communications, the power grid, air science agencies focus on networking By streamlining the NITRD Pro- traffic control systems, our national and information technology priorities gram, we can ensure U.S. competitive- energy resources, scientific discovery, that are in the national interest, and ness in advanced technologies while human exploration, new product devel- also provides the coordinated research improving collaboration between Fed- opment, and national defense systems. and development efforts necessary to eral agencies, national laboratories, Advanced networking and informa- improve cyber and data security na- private industry, and academia. tion technology supports and boosts tionwide. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an effective American discovery and innovation, The bill also encourages agencies to use of taxpayer dollars. improves our international competi- increase understanding of ways to de- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I include tiveness, expands the U.S. economy, tect, prevent, and recover from actions in the RECORD the letters of support and, of course, creates millions of jobs. that threaten computer systems. This mentioned by Chairman SMITH, includ- Mr. Speaker, American job creators legislation will help stimulate innova- ing the letter from the University of Il- also recognize the importance of net- tion in the technology sector and will linois. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for H.R. working and information technology enable our Nation to better understand 5312. research and development. and secure its systems for the future. I thank my Science, Space, and Tech- I yield back the balance of my time. b 1645 nology Committee colleague (Mr. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, Champaign, IL, June 13, 2016. Many industry partners and stake- LAHOOD) for his work on this issue, and Hon. DARIN LAHOOD, holders have written letters in support I urge my colleagues to support the of this bill. They include the Com- House of Representatives, bill. Washington, DC. puting Research Association, the Com- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 DEAR REPRESENTATIVE LAHOOD: The Uni- puting Technology Industry Associa- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois versity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Ur- tion, the Information Technology In- (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS), my colleague and bana) is pleased to endorse H.R. 5312, the dustry Council, and the Texas A&M friend from Illinois. Networking and Information Technology Re- University System. Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. search and Development (NITRD) Moderniza- As shown by hearings that the House tion Act of 2016. Speaker, I thank my friend and col- The NITRD program plays a critical role in Committee on Science, Space, and league, Mr. LAHOOD, Chairman SMITH, coordinating federal investments in Informa- Technology has held this Congress, in- and Ranking Member EDDIE BERNICE tion Technology (IT) research and develop- cluding the most recent on the FDIC, JOHNSON. ment to better enable and equip research cyber breaches are becoming all too This is a piece of legislation that communities in addressing complex grand commonplace. This legislation encour- may not get a lot of publicity, but it is challenges in science, engineering, and soci- ages agencies to increase under- essential to our research capabilities ety. standing of ways to detect, prevent, and supercomputing capabilities for Coordination and integration is increasingly important in the IT ecosystem. This is and recover from actions that com- our future right here in this country. particularly true for high performance compromise or threaten computer-based The United States of America needs to puting (HPC) and Big Data. At Urbana, the systems. continue to lead in this arena. National Center for Supercomputing Appli- I again thank our Science, Space, and Who would have thought that while cations (NCSA) serves as a world-class hub of Technology Committee colleague, Rep- they were writing the High Perform- transdisciplinary research and digital schol- resentative LAHOOD, for his efforts on ance Computing Act of 1991, it would arship in which collaborators from across this issue, and I also commend Major- have to be amended because of innova- the globe unite to solve real-world problems. ity Leader McCarthy for his vision in tion that we have seen at many of our NCSA leads the two single largest National Science Foundation (NSF) investments in establishing a focused innovation ini- universities throughout this great high-end computing and data analysis—the tiative in the House of which this legis- country. NSF Blue Waters supercomputer, the most lation is a part. I am obviously in support of H.R. 5312 powerful supercomputer in the academic Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my col- because it is going to streamline Fed- world, and the NSF Extreme Science and En- leagues to support H.R. 5312. eral investment in high-end computing, gineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of benefiting local entities in Illinois that project, which provides collaborative and Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have no further use advanced technologies, such as the shared computing services to the HPC com- requests for time, and I urge a positive University of Illinois in my district, munity. These two computing projects sup- vote on the bill. Caterpillar, and Western Illinois Uni- port thousands of researchers from across the nation whose research is funded sepa- I yield back the balance of my time. versity that is served so well by Con- rately by numerous federal agencies. By pro- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 gressman LAHOOD. viding unique science capabilities, these fa- minute to the gentleman from Georgia This legislation ensures that the Uni- cilities are catalyzing significant discov- (Mr. LOUDERMILK). versity of Illinois, the home to nation- eries.

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In this highly competitive world, we ap- aims to avoid investment redundancies, as COMPTIA, plaud your efforts to lead this legislation to well as increase interoperability in super- Washington, DC, June 13, 2016. maintain U.S. leadership in research and in- computing, high-speed networking, cyberse- CHRIS SHANK, novation. curity, software engineering, and informa- Policy and Coalitions Director, Sincerely, tion management. However, since its incep- House Science, Space, and Technology Com- BARBARA J. WILSON, tion in 1991, there have been unprecedented mittee, Washington, DC. Interim Chancellor. technological advances that are not cur- CHRIS: Thank you for providing CompTIA rently addressed in the Program’s overall the opportunity to lend our support to the OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR, structure. H.R. 5312 comprehensively mod- Networking and Information Technology Re- THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, ernizes the Program by updating essential search and Development (NITRD) Moderniza- College Station, TX, June 8, 2016. terminology throughout the underlying law; tion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5312). Hon. LAMAR SMITH, addressing new areas of NIT research; and As stated on the NITRD website, ‘‘the Chairman, House Committee on Science, Space, encouraging large-scale, long-term, inter- multiagency NITRD Program seeks to pro- and Technology, Washington, DC. agency research in critical areas such as vide the research and development (R&D) DEAR CHAIRMAN SMITH: Thank you for your data analytics, social computing, human- foundations for assuring continued U.S. leadership in advancing the bipartisan Net- robot interaction, privacy, and health tech- technological leadership and meeting the working and Information Technology Re- nology. needs of the Federal Government for ad- search and Development (NITRD) Moderniza- The Program plays a key role in sup- vanced information technologies.’’ CompTIA tion Act of 2016. As our nation and its citi- porting continuous federal research in var- strongly supports the Act as it assures that zens become increasingly connected through ious aspects related to computing, including NITRD continues to receive the funding nec- information technology, the need to reau- cybersecurity. Promoting greater federal essary to help drive innovation through the thorize this critical program is evident. R&D in cybersecurity is essential for secur- scientific community. CompTIA also sup- We especially applaud the Committee for ing our country’s digital infrastructure. Con- ports the development of a national coordi- updating the program to focus on large- sequently, we urge you to support the nation office to ensure improved commu- scale, long-term transformative inter- NITRD Modernization Act when it comes to nication within the NITRD ecosystem. Fi- disciplinary research. We face growing chal- the floor for a vote. nally, CompTIA supports the focus on Grand lenges that are complex and interrelated— Sincerely, Challenges that correlates with the NITRD from cybersecurity threats to human inter- DEAN C. GARFIELD, portfolio. faces with information technology—that re- President and CEO. Best Regards, quire new approaches to research and devel- DAVID LOGSDON, opment. To this end, we are also pleased to COMPUTING RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, Senior Director, see an increased focus in this legislation on Washington, DC, May 23 2016. Public Advocacy. Grand Challenges and cyber security needs. Hon. LAMAR SMITH, As a leader in cybersecurity and informa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chairman, House Science, Space, and Tech- question is on the motion offered by tion technology research and education, nology Committee, Washington, DC. Texas A&M University is proud to partner the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hon. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON, with industry and Federal agencies to pro- Ranking Member, House Science, Space, and LAHOOD) that the House suspend the vide solutions to some of our nation’s most Technology Committee, Washington. DC. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5312, as vexing issues. The National Security Agency CHAIRMAN SMITH, RANKING MEMBER JOHN- amended. (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Se- SON: As an organization representing over 240 The question was taken. curity (DHS) designated Texas A&M Univer- industry and academic institutions involved sity as a National Center of Academic Excel- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the in computing research and six affiliated pro- lence, both in education and in research. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being fessional societies, the Computing Research This well-regarded designation places Texas in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Association is pleased to support your efforts A&M among a select group of only 30 univer- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on that I to bolster Federal information technology sities that have earned both distinctions. research through the Networking and Infor- demand the yeas and nays. Further the Texas A&M Engineering Exten- mation Technology Research and Develop- The yeas and nays were ordered. sion Service (TEEX) provides a wide variety ment Modernization Act of 2016. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- of online cybersecurity training for commu- As you are aware, advances in information ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- nity leaders and businesses from cyberlaw technology are transforming all aspects of and white collar crime to ethics to risk man- ceedings on this motion will be post- our lives. Virtually every human endeavor poned. agement and network vulnerability assess- today has been touched by information tech- ment. Given the rapidly expanding workforce nology, including commerce, education. em- f needs in this area, Texas A&M prides itself ployment, health care, energy, manufac- on preparing students and professionals to turing, governance, national security, com- keep our nation competitive. munications, the environment, entertain- FOIA IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016 We are grateful for your leadership of the ment, science and engineering. The profound Science Committee and the work that you Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I move reach of IT is enabled in large part by the in- have put into this legislation. We look for- to suspend the rules and pass the bill novations that spawn from the IT research ward to continuing our work with you in the ecosystem—that incredibly productive, yet (S. 337) to improve the Freedom of In- coming months and years. complex interplay of industry, universities formation Act. Sincerely, and the Federal government. Indeed, nearly The Clerk read the title of the bill. JOHN SHARP, every sub-sector of the IT economy today The text of the bill is as follows: Chancellor. bears the stamp of Federal support. The pro- S. 337 gram responsible for overseeing this crucial Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY investment is the Networking and Informa- resentatives of the United States of America in INDUSTRY COUNCIL, tion Technology Research and Development Congress assembled, Washington, DC, June 10, 2016. (NITRD) program. Re H.R. 5312, the Networking and Informa- We believe this Act makes the NITRD pro- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. tion Technology Research and Develop- gram stronger by improving the planning This Act may be cited as the ‘‘FOIA Im- ment Modernization Act of 2016 and coordination of the National Coordina- provement Act of 2016’’. Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, tion Office for NITRD, requiring that the SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO FOIA. Speaker of the House, House of Representa- NCO and the NITRD agencies create a five- Section 552 of title 5, United States Code, tives,Washington, DC. year strategic plan for the program, and re- is amended— Hon. NANCY PELOSI, quiring the periodic review and assessment (1) in subsection (a)— Democratic Leader, House of Representatives, of the program contents and funding. All (A) in paragraph (2)— Washington, DC. have been recommendations of the Presi- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph DEAR SPEAKER RYAN AND LEADER PELOSI: dent’s Council of Advisors for Science and (A), by striking ‘‘for public inspection and On behalf of the 60 members of the Informa- Technology in their recent reviews of the copying’’ and inserting ‘‘for public inspection Technology Industry Council (ITI), I program. tion in an electronic format’’; write to express our support for H.R. 5312, We thank you for your work on this legis- (ii) by striking subparagraph (D) and in- the Networking and Information Technology lation and for your long-standing support of serting the following: Research and Development (NITRD) Mod- the Federal investment in IT research. We ‘‘(D) copies of all records, regardless of ernization Act of 2016. look forward to working with you and your form or format— The NITRD Program ensures the proper colleagues as you endeavor to move the leg- ‘‘(i) that have been released to any person coordination of unclassified networking and islation forward this session. under paragraph (3); and information technology (NIT) research and Sincerely, ‘‘(ii)(I) that because of the nature of their development (R&D) across multiple federal SUSAN B. DAVIDSON, subject matter, the agency determines have agencies. More specifically, the Program Chair, Board of Directors. become or are likely to become the subject

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:32 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.010 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3715 of subsequent requests for substantially the ‘‘(ii)(I) consider whether partial disclosure ‘‘(B) The Attorney General of the United same records; or of information is possible whenever the agen- States shall make— ‘‘(II) that have been requested 3 or more cy determines that a full disclosure of a re- ‘‘(i) each report submitted under subpara- times; and’’; and quested record is not possible; and graph (A) available for public inspection in (iii) in the undesignated matter following ‘‘(II) take reasonable steps necessary to an electronic format; and subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘public inspec- segregate and release nonexempt informa- ‘‘(ii) the raw statistical data used in each tion and copying current’’ and inserting tion; and report submitted under subparagraph (A) ‘‘public inspection in an electronic format ‘‘(B) Nothing in this paragraph requires available for public inspection in an elec- current’’; disclosure of information that is otherwise tronic format, which shall be made avail- (B) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking clause prohibited from disclosure by law, or other- able— (viii) and inserting the following: wise exempted from disclosure under sub- ‘‘(I) without charge, license, or registra- ‘‘(viii)(I) Except as provided in subclause section (b)(3).’’; tion requirement; (II), an agency shall not assess any search (2) in subsection (b), by amending para- ‘‘(II) in an aggregated, searchable format; fees (or in the case of a requester described graph (5) to read as follows: and under clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, du- ‘‘(5) inter-agency or intra-agency memo- ‘‘(III) in a format that may be downloaded plication fees) under this subparagraph if the randums or letters that would not be avail- in bulk.’’; agency has failed to comply with any time able by law to a party other than an agency (4) in subsection (g), in the matter pre- limit under paragraph (6). in litigation with the agency, provided that ceding paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘publicly ‘‘(II)(aa) If an agency has determined that the deliberative process privilege shall not available upon request’’ and inserting ‘‘avail- unusual circumstances apply (as the term is apply to records created 25 years or more be- able for public inspection in an electronic defined in paragraph (6)(B)) and the agency fore the date on which the records were re- format’’; provided a timely written notice to the requested;’’; and (5) in subsection (h)— quester in accordance with paragraph (6)(B), (3) in subsection (e)— (A) in paragraph (1), by adding at the end a failure described in subclause (I) is excused (A) in paragraph (1)— the following: ‘‘The head of the Office shall for an additional 10 days. If the agency fails (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph be the Director of the Office of Government to comply with the extended time limit, the (A), by inserting ‘‘and to the Director of the Information Services.’’; agency may not assess any search fees (or in Office of Government Information Services’’ (B) in paragraph (2), by striking subpara- the case of a requester described under after ‘‘United States’’; graph (C) and inserting the following: clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, duplica- (ii) in subparagraph (N), by striking ‘‘and’’ ‘‘(C) identify procedures and methods for tion fees). at the end; improving compliance under this section.’’; ‘‘(bb) If an agency has determined that un- (iii) in subparagraph (O), by striking the (C) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting usual circumstances apply and more than period at the end and inserting a semicolon; the following: 5,000 pages are necessary to respond to the and ‘‘(3) The Office of Government Information request, an agency may charge search fees (iv) by adding at the end the following: Services shall offer mediation services to re- (or in the case of a requester described under ‘‘(P) the number of times the agency de- solve disputes between persons making re- clause (ii)(II) of this subparagraph, duplica- nied a request for records under subsection quests under this section and administrative tion fees) if the agency has provided a timely (c); and agencies as a nonexclusive alternative to written notice to the requester in accordance ‘‘(Q) the number of records that were made litigation and may issue advisory opinions at with paragraph (6)(B) and the agency has dis- available for public inspection in an elec- the discretion of the Office or upon request cussed with the requester via written mail, tronic format under subsection (a)(2).’’; of any party to a dispute.’’; and electronic mail, or telephone (or made not (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting (D) by adding at the end the following: less than 3 good-faith attempts to do so) how the following: ‘‘(4)(A) Not less frequently than annually, the requester could effectively limit the ‘‘(3) Each agency shall make each such re- the Director of the Office of Government In- scope of the request in accordance with para- port available for public inspection in an formation Services shall submit to the Com- graph (6)(B)(ii). electronic format. In addition, each agency mittee on Oversight and Government Reform ‘‘(cc) If a court has determined that excep- shall make the raw statistical data used in of the House of Representatives, the Com- tional circumstances exist (as that term is each report available in a timely manner for mittee on the Judiciary of the Senate, and public inspection in an electronic format, defined in paragraph (6)(C)), a failure de- the President— which shall be made available— scribed in subclause (I) shall be excused for ‘‘(i) a report on the findings of the informa- ‘‘(A) without charge, license, or registra- the length of time provided by the court tion reviewed and identified under paragraph tion requirement; order.’’; (2); ‘‘(B) in an aggregated, searchable format; (C) in paragraph (6)— ‘‘(ii) a summary of the activities of the Of- and (i) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking fice of Government Information Services ‘‘(C) in a format that may be downloaded ‘‘making such request’’ and all that follows under paragraph (3), including— in bulk.’’; through ‘‘determination; and’’ and inserting ‘‘(I) any advisory opinions issued; and (C) in paragraph (4)— the following: ‘‘making such request of— ‘‘(II) the number of times each agency en- (i) by striking ‘‘Government Reform and ‘‘(I) such determination and the reasons gaged in dispute resolution with the assist- Oversight’’ and inserting ‘‘Oversight and therefor; ance of the Office of Government Informa- Government Reform’’; ‘‘(II) the right of such person to seek as- tion Services or the FOIA Public Liaison; (ii) by inserting ‘‘Homeland Security and’’ sistance from the FOIA Public Liaison of the and before ‘‘Governmental Affairs’’; and agency; and ‘‘(iii) legislative and regulatory rec- (iii) by striking ‘‘April’’ and inserting ‘‘(III) in the case of an adverse determina- ommendations, if any, to improve the admin- ‘‘March’’; and tion— istration of this section. (D) by striking paragraph (6) and inserting ‘‘(B) The Director of the Office of Govern- ‘‘(aa) the right of such person to appeal to the following: ment Information Services shall make each the head of the agency, within a period de- ‘‘(6)(A) The Attorney General of the United report submitted under subparagraph (A) termined by the head of the agency that is States shall submit to the Committee on available for public inspection in an elec- not less than 90 days after the date of such Oversight and Government Reform of the tronic format. adverse determination; and House of Representatives, the Committee on ‘‘(C) The Director of the Office of Govern- ‘‘(bb) the right of such person to seek dis- the Judiciary of the Senate, and the Presi- ment Information Services shall not be re- pute resolution services from the FOIA Pub- dent a report on or before March 1 of each quired to obtain the prior approval, com- lic Liaison of the agency or the Office of calendar year, which shall include for the ment, or review of any officer or agency of Government Information Services; and’’; and prior calendar year— the United States, including the Department (ii) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ‘‘(i) a listing of the number of cases arising of Justice, the Archivist of the United ‘‘the agency.’’ and inserting ‘‘the agency, under this section; States, or the Office of Management and and notify the requester of the right of the ‘‘(ii) a listing of— Budget before submitting to Congress, or requester to seek dispute resolution services ‘‘(I) each subsection, and any exemption, if any committee or subcommittee thereof, from the Office of Government Information applicable, involved in each case arising any reports, recommendations, testimony, or Services.’’; and under this section; comments, if such submissions include a (D) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(II) the disposition of each case arising statement indicating that the views ex- ‘‘(8)(A) An agency shall— under this section; and pressed therein are those of the Director and ‘‘(i) withhold information under this sec- ‘‘(III) the cost, fees, and penalties assessed do not necessarily represent the views of the tion only if— under subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of sub- President. ‘‘(I) the agency reasonably foresees that section (a)(4); and ‘‘(5) The Director of the Office of Govern- disclosure would harm an interest protected ‘‘(iii) a description of the efforts under- ment Information Services may directly sub- by an exemption described in subsection (b); taken by the Department of Justice to en- mit additional information to Congress and or courage agency compliance with this sec- the President as the Director determines to ‘‘(II) disclosure is prohibited by law; and tion. be appropriate.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.007 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 ‘‘(6) Not less frequently than annually, the the Director of the Office of Government In- gaging in dispute resolution through the Office of Government Information Services formation Services shall be the Co-Chairs of FOIA Public Liaison and the Office of Gov- shall conduct a meeting that is open to the the Council. ernment Information Services. public on the review and reports by the Of- ‘‘(4) The Administrator of General Services SEC. 4. PROACTIVE DISCLOSURE THROUGH fice and shall allow interested persons to ap- shall provide administrative and other sup- RECORDS MANAGEMENT. pear and present oral or written statements port for the Council. Section 3102 of title 44, United States Code, at the meeting.’’; ‘‘(5)(A) The duties of the Council shall in- is amended— (6) by striking subsections (j) and (k), and clude the following: (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) inserting the following: ‘‘(i) Develop recommendations for increas- as paragraphs (3) and (4); and ‘‘(j)(1) Each agency shall designate a Chief ing compliance and efficiency under this sec- (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- FOIA Officer who shall be a senior official of tion. lowing: such agency (at the Assistant Secretary or ‘‘(ii) Disseminate information about agen- ‘‘(2) procedures for identifying records of equivalent level). cy experiences, ideas, best practices, and in- ‘‘(2) The Chief FOIA Officer of each agency general interest or use to the public that are novative approaches related to this section. appropriate for public disclosure, and for shall, subject to the authority of the head of ‘‘(iii) Identify, develop, and coordinate ini- the agency— posting such records in a publicly accessible tiatives to increase transparency and com- electronic format;’’. ‘‘(A) have agency-wide responsibility for pliance with this section. SEC. 5. NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED. efficient and appropriate compliance with ‘‘(iv) Promote the development and use of No additional funds are authorized to carry this section; common performance measures for agency out the requirements of this Act or the ‘‘(B) monitor implementation of this sec- compliance with this section. tion throughout the agency and keep the ‘‘(B) In performing the duties described in amendments made by this Act. The require- head of the agency, the chief legal officer of subparagraph (A), the Council shall consult ments of this Act and the amendments made the agency, and the Attorney General appro- on a regular basis with members of the pub- by this Act shall be carried out using priately informed of the agency’s perform- lic who make requests under this section. amounts otherwise authorized or appro- ance in implementing this section; ‘‘(6)(A) The Council shall meet regularly priated. ‘‘(C) recommend to the head of the agency and such meetings shall be open to the pub- SEC. 6. APPLICABILITY. such adjustments to agency practices, poli- lic unless the Council determines to close This Act, and the amendments made by cies, personnel, and funding as may be nec- the meeting for reasons of national security this Act, shall take effect on the date of en- essary to improve its implementation of this or to discuss information exempt under sub- actment of this Act and shall apply to any section; section (b). request for records under section 552 of title ‘‘(D) review and report to the Attorney ‘‘(B) Not less frequently than annually, the 5, United States Code, made after the date of General, through the head of the agency, at Council shall hold a meeting that shall be enactment of this Act. such times and in such formats as the Attor- open to the public and permit interested per- ney General may direct, on the agency’s per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sons to appear and present oral and written ant to the rule, the gentleman from formance in implementing this section; statements to the Council. ‘‘(E) facilitate public understanding of the ‘‘(C) Not later than 10 business days before North Carolina (Mr. MEADOWS) and the purposes of the statutory exemptions of this a meeting of the Council, notice of such gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. section by including concise descriptions of meeting shall be published in the Federal CAROLYN B. MALONEY) each will control the exemptions in both the agency’s hand- Register. 20 minutes. book issued under subsection (g), and the ‘‘(D) Except as provided in subsection (b), agency’s annual report on this section, and The Chair recognizes the gentleman the records, reports, transcripts, minutes, from North Carolina. by providing an overview, where appropriate, appendices, working papers, drafts, studies, of certain general categories of agency agenda, or other documents that were made GENERAL LEAVE records to which those exemptions apply; available to or prepared for or by the Council Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I ask ‘‘(F) offer training to agency staff regard- shall be made publicly available. unanimous consent that all Members ing their responsibilities under this section; ‘‘(E) Detailed minutes of each meeting of may have 5 legislative days in which to ‘‘(G) serve as the primary agency liaison the Council shall be kept and shall contain a with the Office of Government Information revise and extend their remarks and in- record of the persons present, a complete and clude extraneous material on the bill Services and the Office of Information Pol- accurate description of matters discussed icy; and and conclusions reached, and copies of all re- under consideration. ‘‘(H) designate 1 or more FOIA Public Liai- ports received, issued, or approved by the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sons. Council. The minutes shall be redacted as objection to the request of the gen- ‘‘(3) The Chief FOIA Officer of each agency necessary and made publicly available.’’; and tleman from North Carolina? shall review, not less frequently than annu- (7) by adding at the end the following: ally, all aspects of the administration of this There was no objection. ‘‘(m)(1) The Director of the Office of Man- section by the agency to ensure compliance Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield agement and Budget, in consultation with with the requirements of this section, in- myself such time as I may consume. the Attorney General, shall ensure the oper- cluding— Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ation of a consolidated online request portal ‘‘(A) agency regulations; of S. 337, the FOIA Improvement Act of ‘‘(B) disclosure of records required under that allows a member of the public to submit a request for records under subsection (a) to 2016. We stand here today 3 weeks shy paragraphs (2) and (8) of subsection (a); of the FOIA’s 50th anniversary to ‘‘(C) assessment of fees and determination any agency from a single website. The portal of eligibility for fee waivers; may include any additional tools the Direc- strengthen the law that established the ‘‘(D) the timely processing of requests for tor of the Office of Management and Budget public’s right to know. information under this section; finds will improve the implementation of Enacted in 1966, FOIA was the prod- ‘‘(E) the use of exemptions under sub- this section. uct of more than a decade of work on ‘‘(2) This subsection shall not be construed section (b); and government secrecy by a predecessor ‘‘(F) dispute resolution services with the to alter the power of any other agency to create or maintain an independent online committee to the current Oversight assistance of the Office of Government Infor- and Government Reform Committee. mation Services or the FOIA Public Liaison. portal for the submission of a request for ‘‘(k)(1) There is established in the execu- records under this section. The Director of At the time, FOIA was only the third tive branch the Chief FOIA Officers Council the Office of Management and Budget shall public information law in the world. It (referred to in this subsection as the ‘Coun- establish standards for interoperability be- was by far the most far-reaching. FOIA cil’). tween the portal required under paragraph established a right to information, ‘‘(2) The Council shall be comprised of the (1) and other request processing software which is commonly known as the used by agencies subject to this section.’’. following members: public’s right to know. ‘‘(A) The Deputy Director for Management SEC. 3. REVIEW AND ISSUANCE OF REGULA- of the Office of Management and Budget. TIONS. S. 337 reaffirms the public’s right to ‘‘(B) The Director of the Office of Informa- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days know and puts in place several reforms tion Policy at the Department of Justice. after the date of enactment of this Act, the to stop agencies from slowly eroding ‘‘(C) The Director of the Office of Govern- head of each agency (as defined in section 551 the effectiveness of using FOIA to exer- ment Information Services. of title 5, United States Code) shall review cise that right. ‘‘(D) The Chief FOIA Officer of each agen- the regulations of such agency and shall This bill is a bipartisan effort to im- cy. issue regulations on procedures for the dis- prove the public’s access to informa- closure of records under section 552 of title 5, ‘‘(E) Any other officer or employee of the tion and transparency in the Federal United States as designated by the Co- United States Code, in accordance with the Chairs. amendments made by section 2. Government. ‘‘(3) The Director of the Office of Informa- (b) REQUIREMENTS.—The regulations of I would like to thank Senators COR- tion Policy at the Department of Justice and each agency shall include procedures for en- NYN, GRASSLEY, and LEAHY for their

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.007 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3717 hard work that they put into writing The bill establishes greater independ- tiques. That is the way a good law is and passing this bill. I would also like ence of the Office of Government Infor- made. Advocacy groups such as to thank Representative DARRELL ISSA mation Services, which will allow OpenTheGovernment.org and the Sun- and Ranking Member ELIJAH CUMMINGS OGIS to give unbiased, unfiltered testi- shine in Government Initiative have for their work on the House bill, H.R. mony and recommendations. been critical to the success of this leg- 653, which passed in January. S. 337 creates an incentive for agen- islation. Through all of our combined efforts, cies to comply with the law by pre- The FOIA Improvement Act is a bi- I believe that this is the best bill we venting agencies from collecting fees cameral, bipartisan bill. With its pas- can send to the President’s desk. I have for any request for up to 5,000 pages if sage today, it will now go on to the no doubt that the reforms contained in that request is not completed within President for his signature. this bill will significantly improve the the statutory time limits. The bill would codify the presump- American public’s ability to exercise Out-of-date regulations have been re- tion of openness standard that Presi- their right to access information. peatedly used as an excuse to withhold dent Obama put in place on his first The most important reform is the information, delay requests, or other- day in office. Under this standard, presumption of openness. Now, while wise to obstruct the process. S. 337 gets agencies will be required to err on the some—but far from all—Federal agen- rid of this excuse by requiring agencies side of transparency when responding cies have made an effort to comply to update their regulations so that to requests. with the letter of the law, very few they are operating under the current The bill would also put a 25-year sun- have complied with the spirit of the law. set on exemption 5 of FOIA, the delib- law. The presumption of openness puts S. 337 also simplifies the process of erative process exemption. It would that spirit into the letter of the law. submitting requests by establishing an modernize FOIA by requiring the Office Before claiming an exemption, agen- online central portal that will allow a of Management and Budget to create a cies must first determine whether they member of the public to submit a re- central FOIA Web site for requesters to could reasonably foresee an actual quest to an agency at a single Web site submit their request, making it more harm. rather than forcing the public to navi- efficient and accessible to the public. FOIA includes exemptions because gate each agency’s different process This bill would strengthen the inde- publicly releasing information can and Web site. pendence and the role of the Office of sometimes cause more harm than good. These reforms and others packaged Government Information Services. But from the beginning, agencies have in the FOIA Improvement Act will go a OGIS has served a critical role since it taken advantage of these exemptions long way to improving transparency was formed in response to the last to withhold any information that and bringing agency leadership atten- FOIA reform Congress adopted in 2007. I would like to take a moment to might technically fit. Under the pre- tion to improving the public’s ability thank the hardworking Federal em- sumption of openness, agencies may no to exercise their right to know. ployees who serve as FOIA officers. longer withhold information that is Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col- They are dedicated professionals who embarrassing or could possibly paint leagues to join me in supporting this care about making FOIA work. the agency in a negative light simply giant step forward to improve FOIA It is critical that Congress provide because an exemption may technically and the public’s access to information. the funds necessary for agencies to apply. This will go a long way toward Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of have strong FOIA programs with expe- getting rid of the withhold-it-because- my time. rienced and trained FOIA professionals. you-want-to exemption. b 1700 It is not reasonable for us to ask agen- S. 337 establishes reforms that will Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New cies to do more if we do not give them bring attention, leadership, and com- York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such the resources to do it. mitment to improvement to all Fed- time as I may consume. The FOIA Improvement Act would eral agencies. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support require each agency to designate a The Department of Homeland Secu- of the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, chief FOIA officer. The chief FOIA offi- rity is a great example of how atten- also known as the public’s right to cer would have responsibility for ensur- tion, leadership, and a commitment to know or Transparency in Government ing that FOIA is implemented effi- improvement can be more valuable, at Act. ciently and appropriately in the agen- times, than additional dollars. From It is fitting that we pass this bill to cy. I hope this addition to FOIA will 2009 to 2015, requests sent to DHS near- strengthen the Freedom of Information help elevate the importance of FOIA in ly tripled. DHS requests accounted for Act just a few weeks before the 50th agencies that have not always given it about 40 percent of all the requests anniversary of this important law. The the attention it deserves. governmentwide. As the requests in- National Archives and Records Admin- Thank you to the many FOIA profes- creased, so did the backlog. And in istration currently has on display the sionals who have provided feedback on 2014, that backlog at DHS exceeded original Freedom of Information Act in the bill over the past 3 years. Thank more than 100,000 requests. However, celebration of the anniversary on July you also to the FOIA requesters who the agency made a commitment to im- 4. It is inspiring to think that 50 years provided feedback, requesters such as prove its efficiency and reduce its have passed and that document is still Nate Jones from the National Security backlog. the most important tool that the pub- Archive and David McCraw from The In 2015, that backlog was down by lic has to access information about New York Times. They all provided two-thirds, to about 35,000. Costs over- their government. useful suggestions for reform. all went up, but that is expected when When FOIA was passed in 1966, it was I understand that some proposals did requests nearly triple in just 6 years. only the third freedom of information not make it into the final bill, but they What is not expected is that the cost law in the entire world, and it was by did shape the debate and will help us as per request was cut by 58 percent. In far the most powerful. Now countries we look forward to future reforms. 2009, DHS averaged $255 per request all over the world have transparency A Los Angeles Times editorial said: processed, and in 2015, the costs had laws that are modeled on our Nation’s ‘‘worthy of not only Obama’s signa- dropped to $148 per request processed. FOIA law. We are here today in the on- ture, but also his vocal support.’’ S. 337 establishes reforms that will going quest to improve FOIA and to A New York Times editorial said: ensure all agencies have the attention keep it current with changes in tech- ‘‘This is a rare chance to log a signifi- and the leadership necessary to im- nology. cant bipartisan accomplishment in the prove the FOIA process. The bill estab- I want to thank Congressmen ISSA public interest.’’ lishes a Chief FOIA Officers Council, and CUMMINGS for introducing the Enactment of this legislation will be which is directed to develop initiatives House version of the bill and Senators an important step forward for trans- to increase transparency and compli- LEAHY and CORNYN for taking the lead parency. ance with FOIA and make rec- in the Senate. I reserve the balance of my time. ommendations for increased effi- This bill is the result of many voices Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I would ciencies and share best practices. providing feedback and helpful cri- like to thank the gentlewoman from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.013 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 New York (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY) people and for their right to know. We cy should adopt, and I look forward to for her support on this bill. will build on this. working with Chairman CHAFFETZ in I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman Lastly, and Congresswoman MALONEY the years ahead on such commonsense from California (Mr. ISSA), who has named it, there were countless outside reforms. spent a considerable amount of time transparency groups that spanned from I would like to recognize a few of the not only on the House version, but the farthest left of our country’s poli- staff for both Representatives ISSA and really helping shape the debate on tics to the farthest right of our poli- CHAFFETZ who deserve recognition, making sure that the public interests tics, all of whom wanted more open ac- strong recognition, for the work they of America is protected. cess to their government. Today, we put into this legislation over the last Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, this has been are achieving it. We still will have a few years: Tegan Gelfand, Ali Ahmad, a long time coming, and there is a lot government that knows far more about and Katy Rother. I want to thank them of thanks to go around. Certainly for us than we know about our govern- for all of the work that they have done Senator CORNYN and Senator LEAHY, ment; but today, we are opening the in making this happen. this is going to be a proud week with possibility that, in a timely fashion, In addition, advocacy groups, as Mr. the passage of this bill in the House more often more people who have a ISSA mentioned, such as and, ultimately, it going to the Presi- vested interest in knowing something OpenTheGovernment.org and Sunshine dent. that the government has done or is in Government Initiative, as well as ex- I don’t believe this would have been doing will have the ability to get that perts such as Anne Weismann at Cam- possible without the partnership that information. paign for Accountability, have been ELIJAH CUMMINGS and I formed some I thank Congressman MEADOWS for critical to the success of this legisla- years ago. The House has led in not making this bill possible today. His tion. just one, but in two Congresses, send- leadership has been critical, and his Finally, I would like to take time to ing to the Senate very tough language friendship has been critical all along thank our Speaker. His office has been dramatically improving what we see as the way. extremely helpful, and he also deserves the flaws in FOIA that have developed. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New credit for bringing this bill to the floor Congresswoman MALONEY, very York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to today. It simply would not have been rightfully so, said there are a lot of the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. possible without his leadership. things that the interest groups and CUMMINGS), who has led many of the The FOIA Improvement Act is a Congressman CUMMINGS and myself discussions in this body on criminal truly bicameral, bipartisan bill. With and, perhaps, everyone else who will justice reform and reform in so many its passage today, it will now go on to vote on it here today would like to ways, including this bill that he helped the President for his signature. It have seen. I don’t want to belabor the author with former Chairman ISSA. builds on the work of the Obama ad- point, but when this bill becomes law Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ministration, which has done more to and is signed by the President, there thank the gentlewoman for yielding. advance transparency than any admin- will be enough left for a new bill to I want to thank Mr. MEADOWS and istration in history. start again. Mr. CHAFFETZ and, certainly, Speaker b 1715 Having said that, we celebrate today RYAN for getting this bill to the floor. the fact that we have made some mile- I associate myself completely with The bill would codify the presump- stones. Codifying in law the presump- the words of the former chairman of tion of openness standard that Presi- tion of openness and, once and for all, our Oversight and Government Reform dent Obama put in place on his first ending the deliberative process’ unlim- Committee, Mr. ISSA. I don’t think day in office. ited length and reducing it to 25 years there has been anyone who has worked The bill would also put a 25-year sun- long, long after a President has left of- harder on getting this bill to the floor set on exemption No. 5 of FOIA—the fice, is a good start. than Mr. ISSA. Without a doubt, his fin- deliberative process exemption. I want to note that, in the original gerprints are all over it. I really do, It would modernize FOIA by requir- House bill—one area that I was par- from the depths of my heart, thank ing the Office of Management and ticularly pleased that Mr. CUMMINGS him for all that he has done to make Budget to create a central portal to and I were able to come to an agree- this happen. allow FOIA requests to any agency ment on—if an agency unreasonably The FOIA Improvement Act is a through a single Web site. delays, there should be a result. If product of a 3-year journey—that is a The Office of Government Informa- someone has to sue, whether it is The long time—that began when Represent- tion Services, which is the FOIA om- New York Times or an interest group, ative ISSA and I first introduced the budsman that was created by Congress and, ultimately, the government is un- basis for the bill in 2013. Mr. ISSA in 2007, would become more inde- reasonable and is withholding, reason- worked with me on the House version pendent under this bill and would be al- able fees should be recovered. That of this bill, and Senators LEAHY and lowed to submit testimony and reports isn’t in the bill. I hope that it will be CORNYN took the lead in the Senate. directly to Congress without going in future legislation. Again, I want to thank the chairman through political review. The fact is that this bill includes of the Oversight and Government Re- Finally, FOIA officers could share some very important points, not the form Committee, JASON CHAFFETZ, for best practices through a Chief FOIA Of- least of which will be making more his work on FOIA reform and for his ficers Council that would be estab- public and accessible the repeated re- support bringing the bill to the floor. lished under the bill. quest for various parts of FOIA, and, of He has proposed some additional initia- These are just some of the examples course, reducing the delays and the tives that did not make it into this of the many improvements to FOIA time lag. version of the bill but that deserve con- that are contained in this legislation. Having said that, through the estab- tinued attention. The FOIA Improvement Act is a big lishment of a board and the recognition Even in our negotiations, I give it to step forward in transparency, and I that only through diligence and closing Chairman CHAFFETZ. You know, a lot urge my colleagues to support this leg- the quality circle that occurs can we of times when you are trying to work islation and ‘‘fix FOIA by 50.’’ come back to this body and say more things out and get things done between Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield needs to be done and name it. the House and the Senate, there has to myself such time as I may consume. But today is a day for celebration. I be some compromise. There are a lot of I thank the gentleman from Mary- want to thank Mr. CUMMINGS one more good things that he wanted in the bill land (Mr. CUMMINGS) for his insightful, time, Chairman CHAFFETZ, the Mem- that I strongly supported, but we were well-thought-out words on behalf of bers of the House and the Senate, urge not able to get them in. this bill. Indeed, Mr. ISSA and Mr. CUM- the passage of the bill, and recognize For example, one of his provisions MINGS have been a moving force and, that this is, in fact, a 50-year-old law. would have required every agency to really, one of the primary forces as to It has stood the test of time. It has accept FOIA requests by email. This is why we are here today; so I just want proven to be an asset for the American a simple improvement that every agen- to acknowledge that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.014 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3719 I reserve the balance of my time. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ganizations should be notified of these Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Oversee Visa decisions so that they may better as- York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories Act’’ or sist the USCIS in determining fraud balance of my time. the ‘‘O–VISA Act’’. and in properly implementing the O SEC. 2. ALLOWING CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS TO visa standards. I join my voice with Ranking Mem- RECEIVE THE RESULTS OF VISA PE- ber CUMMINGS’ in being associated with TITIONS. There have been serious indications the words from my friend and colleague Section 214(c)(3) of the Immigration and Na- of fraud in O–1 and O–2 visa petitions, from the great State of North Carolina tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(3)) is amended— including the outright forgery of advi- in support of this important legislation (1) by striking ‘‘Attorney General’’ each place sory opinions, shell production compa- and to also compliment not only ELI- it appears and inserting ‘‘Secretary of Home- nies, and sponsoring employers who are land Security’’; and JAH CUMMINGS for his leadership, but without any connection to the motion (2) in the first sentence of the matter following picture and television industry. These former Chairman ISSA for making this subparagraph (B)— concerns led Chairman GOODLATTE and a priority and for helping to move it to (A) by striking ‘‘and (iv)’’ and inserting the floor and make it happen. ‘‘(iv)’’; and Ranking Member CONYERS to send a This is a good, bipartisan bill. It was (B) by striking the period at the end and in- letter to the USCIS in 2014, which stat- worked on diligently by both sides in serting the following: ‘‘, and (v) upon making ed: both the House and the Senate. It is an the decision, the Secretary of Homeland Secu- It seems that, at the very least, USCIS important step forward for trans- rity shall provide a copy of the decision to each should be notifying these organizations when organization with which the Secretary con- it approves petitions over their objections. parency. It is a strengthened bill. It de- sulted under subparagraph (A) or (B).’’. However, we are told that such organizations serves the support of everyone on both The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- are rarely, if ever, notified regarding the sides of the aisle, and I urge my col- outcome of petitions to which they object. leagues to support it. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Ensuring transparency in the adjudication Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance California (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS) and process for any visa program is essential to of my time. the gentlewoman from California (Ms. a secure and effective immigration policy, Mr. MEADOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield LOFGREN) each will control 20 minutes. and, therefore, we are concerned about the The Chair recognizes the gentle- reported potential fraud in O–1 and O–2 visa myself such time as I may consume. petitions. I acknowledge the, really, unbeliev- woman from California (Mrs. MIMI It is important to note that there are able work of the staff. Many times, as WALTERS). no indications of abuse by the major you well know, Mr. Speaker, we will GENERAL LEAVE studios, such as members of the MPAA. get up and work very hard, but it is the Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent In fact, it is my understanding that the countless hours on behalf of our staff labor and management consulting or- that really allows us to move legisla- that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and ganizations concur with the vast mation forward; so I wouldn’t want this jority of O visa petitions that are sub- day to go by without acknowledging extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 3636, cur- mitted by the major studios. their support and work. The O-VISA Act, which Mr. NADLER rently under consideration. Also, I acknowledge the leadership of and I have put forth, is a narrow provi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Chairman CHAFFETZ in his being able sion that injects transparency into this objection to the request of the gentle- to not only navigate this bill before visa petition process. It amends the woman from California? and, hopefully, to the President’s desk Immigration and Nationality Act to re- There was no objection. for signing, but certainly in his leader- quire the Secretary of Homeland Secu- Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. ship on transparency and in making rity to provide a copy of the USCIS Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time sure that the government of the people visa petition decision to the consulting as I may consume. is accountable to the people. organization that was required to pro- I thank Mr. NADLER and all of the I urge the adoption of this bill. vide the advisory opinion for that spe- other cosponsors in their helping to ad- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance cific petition. Essentially, the organi- vance H.R. 3636, the Oversee Visa In- of my time. zation will be copied on the agency de- tegrity with Stakeholder Advisories The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. cision. Congress wisely recognized that RIGELL). The question is on the motion Act, otherwise referred to as the O- the opinions of these private stake- offered by the gentleman from North VISA Act, for a floor vote. holders deserve proper consideration Carolina (Mr. MEADOWS) that the House Congress established the O visa pro- due to their unique expertise in the in- suspend the rules and pass the bill, S. gram to allow non-immigrants with ex- dustry. Congress should further utilize 337. traordinary abilities to be employed in that expertise by authorizing the The question was taken; and (two- the sciences, arts, education, business, USCIS to copy these organizations be- thirds being in the affirmative) the or athletics. In recognition of the cause this will assist in identifying rules were suspended and the bill was unique nature of the motion picture fraud and in protecting American jobs. passed. and television industry, Congress es- I was pleased to receive the recent re- A motion to reconsider was laid on tablished special evidentiary criteria port from the nonpartisan Congres- the table. for O–1 and O–2 visas for artists who sional Budget Office that H.R. 3636 will f are working in the industry. One re- have no significant cost to the tax- quirement mandates that the USCIS payer. In fact, any associated costs will OVERSEE VISA INTEGRITY WITH consult with the appropriate labor and be recouped from fees that are col- STAKEHOLDER ADVISORIES ACT management organizations for each lected by the Department of Homeland Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. visa petition. The reason for this is Security in the visa application proc- Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the very simple in that those organizations ess. Simply put, H.R. 3636 is a model of rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3636) to are best suited to evaluate whether a commonsense, bipartisan legislation amend the Immigration and Nation- visa applicant has demonstrated ex- that utilizes private sector expertise to ality Act to allow labor organizations traordinary achievement—the standard improve our governance. and management organizations to re- for O–1 and O–2 visa petitioners in this I will take this opportunity to note ceive the results of visa petitions about industry. that there are other issues regarding O which such organizations have sub- These consulting organizations dedi- visas that must be addressed. In par- mitted advisory opinions, and for other cate substantial resources to advise the ticular, there are serious concerns that purposes, as amended. USCIS on the merits of visa petitions. the USCIS’ decisionmaking process The Clerk read the title of the bill. They are essential to identifying fraud moves far too slowly. This lack of effi- The text of the bill is as follows: as well as to protecting U.S. workers ciency means that film and television H.R. 3636 who are capable of filling those jobs. face considerable delays and unneces- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Unfortunately, these organizations are sary costs. I am committed to working resentatives of the United States of America in never notified as to the USCIS’ final with the committee and the industry Congress assembled, petition decisions. The consulting or- to address these issues in the future.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.016 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 I encourage my colleagues to support form from the last Congress, which Congress has long realized that this H.R. 3636, the O-VISA Act. died here on the House side. That bill is a delicate balance, which is why we Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of provided for portability; it removed created a specific role for American my time. redundancies; and it better aligned labor unions to participate in the O Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield these programs with others that in- visa petition process for foreign artists myself such time as I may consume. volved honorarium or appearance fees. and entertainers. Unions help ensure I am pleased to support the O-VISA I know that we are not doing an entire safe working conditions and fair wages Act, which is a narrow, but important, rewrite of the immigration laws at this for all, regardless of nationality. Under bill. juncture, but I am hopeful that we will the O visa consultation process, unions I thank my Judiciary Committee col- continue to work on these further im- provide informed opinions on these sig- leagues—the gentlewoman from Cali- provements as this chairman has indi- nificant issues. fornia (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS) and the cated he would be interested in. The bill before us today makes an gentleman from New York (Mr. NAD- Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t important change to current law. It re- LER)—for their bipartisan effort in in- say what we all know too well, which is quires the U.S. Citizenship and Immi- troducing this legislation, which will that we have enormous problems in our gration Services to provide labor orga- bring needed transparency to the O immigration system. I hope that we nizations the results of decisions for visa petition process. can work together on real, substantial cases in which they submitted advisory For individuals who seek an O visa fixes on behalf of not just the movie in- opinions. This new requirement will specifically to work on a motion pic- dustry—as important as that industry bring transparency to the O visa proc- ture or a television production, the law is—but for families, refugees, and em- ess. requires that an individual have a dem- ployers in a range of industries, includ- In addition, this measure will enable onstrated record of extraordinary ing agriculture and the high-skilled labor unions to better monitor the out- achievement, which must be recognized sector. Over the years, I have worked comes of O visa cases and reduce uncer- in the field through extensive docu- with friends on the other side of the tainty about the number of entertain- mentation. aisle on immigration reforms, big and ment jobs filled by international art- In recognizing the need to balance small, and I continue to stand ready to ists. the demand for a global exchange of do so in the future. H.R. 3636 will further strengthen creative professionals with the need to I thank the Speaker, the bill’s au- international artistic exchange while prevent the displacement of American thors, and the gentlewoman from Cali- promoting American workers. workers, current law requires that O fornia (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS). In closing, I want to thank my col- visa petitioners provide a written advi- I reserve the balance of my time. leagues on the Judiciary Committee, sory opinion from an appropriate labor Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Representatives MIMI WALTERS and organization regarding the bene- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of JERROLD NADLER, for their leadership ficiary’s qualifications. For example, my time. in crafting this bipartisan legislation. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 when petitioning for a foreign director, H.R. 3636 is a good bill, and I am minutes to the gentleman from Geor- a petitioner must seek an opinion from pleased to support it. the Directors Guild of America. gia (Mr. JOHNSON). Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. I thank As experts in their fields, these labor Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of organizations are in a great position to the gentlewoman from California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. my time. appraise a beneficiary’s qualifications. 3636, the Oversee Visa Integrity with Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I have This process is intended to ensure that Stakeholder Advisories Act, also no further speakers. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ only the most extraordinary and ac- known as the O-VISA Act. vote on the bill. complished individuals are granted an I support this bipartisan legislation I yield back the balance of my time. O visa. The O-VISA Act requires that because it will strengthen the role of Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration labor unions in the O visa petition Mr. Speaker, I will close by thanking Services provide a copy of the agency process, a process by which inter- everyone for their support of this bill. decision to the labor union that is con- national artists and entertainers with I encourage my colleagues to support sulted as part of the petition when one extraordinary ability are brought to H.R. 3636, the O–VISA Act. seeks work in a motion picture or on I yield back the balance of my time. the United States. television. By doing this, the bill will Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong help ensure that the union consulta- b 1730 support of H.R. 3636, the O–VISA Act. As the tion is a meaningful part of the agency As many of you may know, my home lead Democratic cosponsor, I also want to adjudication, as required under current State of Georgia is one of the Nation’s thank the Gentlewoman from California, Mrs. law; and it will bring transparency for leading locations for film and tele- WALTERS, for introducing this legislation, which employers, workers, and the organiza- vision production. Since the State up- will bring some needed transparency to the O tions that represent them, which is al- dated its tax laws, this industry has visa application process. ways a good thing. generated approximately $800 million O visas are reserved for individuals with ex- I do believe, as the gentlewoman has annually in economic development, traordinary ability in the sciences, arts, edu- indicated, we could do more in this and it is credited with supporting cation, business, or athletics to perform tem- area. For example, we should be pro- about 11,000 jobs in Georgia. porary work in their field here in the United viding for the portability of O–1 visa In June alone, there were more than States. For those seeking an O visa specifi- holders and others so they can move 23 movies and TV shows being filmed in cally to work on a motion picture or television between jobs. Portability not only the State. And as more studios and production, the law requires that an individual helps employers in the industry, but it production teams move to Georgia, the have ‘‘a demonstrated record of extraordinary also ensures that foreign workers demand for international talent will achievement,’’ which must be ‘‘recognized in aren’t trapped in positions or are used continue to rise. the field through extensive documentation.’’ to undercut the wages of U.S. workers. While international audiences have a Through a unique provision in the law, an I hope that we can continue the bipar- strong appreciation and demand for applicant for an O visa seeking to work on a tisan effort that produced this legisla- American movies, music, and other film or television production must first obtain tion to make further improvements to forms of entertainment, we also want an opinion from the relevant labor organization the O visa program. talent from other countries to come to in their field. For example, a director must As indicated during the consideration the United States for our enjoyment. seek an opinion from the Directors Guild of of the bill in the Judiciary Committee, In such instances, however, we must America, and a set designer must consult with the language contained in this bill has ensure that the immigration process the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage been coupled with provisions that also effectively balances the needs of the Employees. As experts in their field, these or- make important changes to the O visa entertainment industry while pro- ganizations are in the best position to deter- program that were included in the Sen- tecting the rights and interests of mine an applicant’s special qualifications. This ate’s comprehensive immigration re- American workers. process is intended to ensure that only the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.018 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3721 most extraordinary and accomplished individ- in this bill in the future. And I am pleased that sional prestige of foreign artists and per- uals—those who are so unique that they could we are advancing this bill today. The O–VISA formers sought by industry management. not be replaced by an American worker—are Act will help ensure the integrity of the O visa By requiring that USCIS provide a copy of granted an O visa. program while protecting the jobs of American the 0–1B petition decision to the labor union Unfortunately, in recent years, several artists and craftsmen in the film and television that was consulted, H.R. 3636 will provide unions have expressed deep concerns that a industries. I urge my colleagues to support this labor unions with important data allowing them significant number of applicants for whom they legislation. to see how their consultations are used by the have recommended denial have been admit- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I am adjudication agency. ted into the United States nonetheless. In pleased to support H.R. 3636, the ‘‘Oversee H.R. 3636 will reinforce the labor union’s some instances, the unions have documented Visa Integrity with Stakeholder Advisories position in the adjudication process and lay fraud on the part of the applicant, while in Act’’, also known as the O–VISA Act. the groundwork for further legislative action if some cases, the government simply reached a H.R. 3636 is an important bill that supports the newly provided information suggests that different conclusion. But, because the con- the need and aim for comprehensive immigra- more reform is warranted. sulting union is never informed by the govern- tion reform and strengthens the role of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ment whether a particular application was ap- labor unions in the O–lB consultation process. question is on the motion offered by proved or denied, it is impossible to know the H.R. 3636 would strengthen the role of the the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. full extent of this problem. The O–VISA Act labor unions in the O–1B consultation process MIMI WALTERS) that the House suspend would bring needed transparency to this proc- by amending the ‘‘Immigration and Nationality the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3636, as ess by requiring USCIS to provide a copy of Act’’ to require U.S. Citizenship and Immigra- amended. any final determination to the consulting union. tion Services (USCIS) to provide a copy of the The question was taken; and (two- This is a narrow, but critically important pro- O–1B petition decision to the labor union that thirds being in the affirmative) the vision. Although the unions have expended a was consulted as part of the petition process rules were suspended and the bill, as great deal of resources to discover the out- for a foreign artists and performers seeking to amended, was passed. come of their advisory opinions, they are in work in the United States. The title of the bill was amended so the dark about the vast majority of cases. Al- This bill would also require an annual report as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend the Immi- though they could serve as a partner to to Congress from the Department of Home- gration and Nationality Act to allow USCIS in rooting out fraud and abuse, they land Security (DHS) enumerating the adjudica- labor organizations and management lack the information they need to follow up on tive outcomes of O–1B petitions with a focus organizations to receive the results of suspicious cases. I should point out that the on the relationship between the USCIS deci- visa petitions about which such organi- unions have assured me that their concerns sion and the recommendation provided in the zations have submitted advisory opin- about fraud do not stem from any applications labor union consultation. ions.’’. by the major studios. The problems occur with Although H.R. 3636 deals specifically with A motion to reconsider was laid on certain unscrupulous independent companies the O–1B visa, the O nonimmigrant classifica- the table. that abuse the process in a variety of ways. tion is commonly sub-classified in the following f Of course, there need not be any fraud for categories: USCIS to reach a different conclusion about O–1A: individuals with an extraordinary abil- STRATEGY TO OPPOSE PREDA- the merits of a particular applicant. But, if this ity in the sciences, education, business, or TORY ORGAN TRAFFICKING ACT is occurring in a significant number of cases, athletics not including the arts, motion pictures Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to it may signify a systemic problem in how the or television industry); suspend the rules and pass the bill agency is considering applications, or a lack of O–1B: individuals with an extraordinary abil- (H.R. 3694) to combat trafficking in understanding by the union of how cases ity in the arts or extraordinary achievement in human organs, and for other purposes, should be evaluated. In either case, it is only motion picture or television industry; and as amended. fair that the unions have sufficient knowledge O–2: individuals who will accompany an O– The Clerk read the title of the bill. of how petitions are decided so that they can 1, artist or athlete, to asset in a specific event The text of the bill is as follows: have a meaningful discussion with USCIS or performance. H.R. 3694 about any concerns they may have. For an O–1A, the O–2’s assistance must be Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The O–VISA Act would provide the trans- an ‘‘integral part’’ of the O–1A’s activity. resentatives of the United States of America in parency necessary to undertake this process For an O–1B, the O–2’s assistance must be Congress assembled, and I urge my colleagues to support it. ‘‘essential’’ to the completion of the O–1B’s SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. I want to note that since this bill simply re- production. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Strategy To quires that USCIS provide a copy of any final The O–2 worker has critical skills and expe- Oppose Predatory Organ Trafficking Act’’ or decision to the consulting organization, it rience with the O–1 that cannot be readily per- the ‘‘STOP Organ Trafficking Act’’. should not burden the agency or add any formed by a U.S. worker and which are essen- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. delays in processing O visa applications. How- tial to the successful performance of the O–1. Congress finds the following: ever, I recognize that many sponsoring em- In creating the O–1B visa category, Con- (1) The World Health Organization (WHO) ployers have expressed concerns over the in- gress sought a balance between the need for estimates that approximately 10 percent of global interchange of creative professionals, all transplanted kidneys worldwide are ille- efficiency of the current process, and that re- gally obtained, often bought from vulnerable forms are needed to streamline the application and the need to prevent entertainment pro- impoverished persons or forcibly harvested process. ducers from abusing the immigration laws and from prisoners. The language contained in H.R. 3636 has the ability of individuals to obtain a visa for ex- (2) In 2004, the World Health Assembly historically been coupled with provisions that traordinary ability. passed a resolution urging its member-states also make important changes to the O- and B- In doing so, Congress created the O non- to take measures to protect the poorest as visa programs for those seeking entry for mo- immigrant visa, pursuant to an amendment to well as vulnerable groups from exploitation tion picture and television productions. These the Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT), for in- by organ traffickers. provisions were included in such bills as the dividuals who possesses extraordinary ability (3) On February 13, 2008, the United Na- tions Global Initiative to Fight Human Traf- Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform in the sciences, arts, education, business, or ficking (UNGIFT) hosted the ‘‘Vienna Forum legislation from last Congress. Specifically, athletics, or who have a demonstrated record to Fight Human Trafficking’’, and subse- these changes provided the same common- of extraordinary achievement in the motion quently reported that a lack of adequate il- sense portability that exists in other visa cat- picture or television industry and have been licit organ trafficking laws has provided op- egories, removed redundancies in the con- recognized nationally or internationally for portunity for the illegal trade to grow. sultation process, and better aligned these those achievements. (4) On March 21, 2011, the Council of the entry programs with others that might involve The changes under IMMACT led to unin- European Union adopted rules an honorarium or appearance fee. tended conflicts between labor and manage- supplementing the definition of criminal offenses and the level of sanctions in order to I appreciate Chairman GOODLATTE’s assur- ment in the industry. strengthen the prevention of organ traf- ances during the markup on the O–VISA Act Labor and management reached a settle- ficking and the protection of those victims. that he intends to address these common- ment, reflected in current law and regulations (5) In 2005, the United States ratified the sense changes to the O- and B-programs that that give weight, but not control, to labor union Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish have historically accompanied the provisions advisory opinions of the abilities and profes- Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:12 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.013 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 and Children, a supplement to the United ‘‘(C) trafficking of persons for the removal (4) any other reports or information Nations Convention against Transnational of their organs (as defined in paragraph sources the Secretary of State determines to Organized Crime, which includes the removal (13)).’’; be necessary and appropriate. of organs as a form of exploitation under the (2) by redesignating paragraphs (13) SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. definition of ‘‘trafficking in persons’’. through (15) as paragraphs (14) through (16), In this Act: (6) According to a 2013 United Nations re- respectively; and (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- port from the Special Rapporteur on traf- (3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the fol- TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional ficking in persons, especially women and lowing new paragraph: committees’’ means the Committee on For- children, the economic and social divisions ‘‘(13) TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS FOR THE RE- eign Affairs of the House of Representatives within and among countries is notably re- MOVAL OF THEIR ORGANS.— and the Committee on Foreign Relations of flected in the illicit organ trafficking mar- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘trafficking of the Senate. ket, in which the victims are commonly persons for the removal of their organs’ (2) ORGAN.—The term ‘‘organ’’ has the poor, unemployed, and more susceptible to means the recruitment, transportation, meaning given the term ‘‘human organ’’ in deceit and extortion. transfer, harboring, or receipt of a person, ei- section 301(c)(1) of the National Organ Trans- SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. ther living or deceased, for the purpose of re- plant Act (42 U.S.C. 274e(c)(1)). It is the sense of Congress that— moving one or more of the person’s organs, (3) TRAFFICKING OF PERSONS FOR THE RE- (1) the kidnapping or coercion of individ- by means of— MOVAL OF THEIR ORGANS.—The term ‘‘traf- uals for the purpose of extracting their or- ‘‘(i) coercion; ficking of persons for the removal of their gans for profit is in contradiction of the ‘‘(ii) abduction; organs’’ means the recruitment, transpor- ideals and standards for ethical behavior ‘‘(iii) deception; tation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of a upon which the United States has based its ‘‘(iv) fraud; person, either living or deceased, for the pur- laws; ‘‘(v) abuse of power or a position of vulner- pose of removing one or more of the person’s (2) the illegal harvesting of organs from ability; or organs, by means of— children is a violation of the human rights of ‘‘(vi) transfer of payments or benefits to (A) coercion; the child and is a breach of internationally achieve the consent of a person having con- (B) abduction; accepted medical ethical standards described trol over a person described in the matter (C) deception; in WHO Assembly Resolution 57.18 (May 22, preceding clause (i). (D) fraud; 2004); ‘‘(B) ORGAN DEFINED.—In subparagraph (A), (E) abuse of power or a position of vulner- (3) the illegal harvesting and trafficking of the term ‘organ’ has the meaning given the ability; or organs violates the Universal Declaration of term ‘human organ’ in section 301(c)(1) of the (F) transfer of payments or benefits to Human Rights, in Article 3 which states that National Organ Transplant Act (42 U.S.C. achieve the consent of a person having con- ‘‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and 274e(c)(1)).’’. trol over a person described in the matter security of person.’’, and in Article 4 which (b) INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE TO MONITOR preceding clause (i). states that ‘‘No one shall be held in slavery AND COMBAT TRAFFICKING.—Section 105(d)(3) SEC. 9. LIMITATION ON FUNDS. or servitude.’’; and of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of No additional funds are authorized to be (4) establishing efficient voluntary organ 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7103(d)(3)) is amended by in- appropriated to carry out this Act or any donation systems with strong enforcement serting after the first sentence the following amendment made by this Act. mechanisms is the most effective way to new sentence: ‘‘Such procedures shall in- combat trafficking of persons for the re- clude collection and organization of data The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- moval of their organs. from human rights officers at United States ant to the rule, the gentleman from SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF POLICY. embassies on host country’s laws against California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- It shall be the policy of the United States trafficking of persons for the removal of tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) to— their organs and any instances of violations each will control 20 minutes. (1) combat the international trafficking of of such laws.’’. The Chair recognizes the gentleman persons for the removal of their organs; SEC. 7. REPORTING. from California. (2) promote the establishment of voluntary (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year GENERAL LEAVE organ donation systems with effective en- after the date of the enactment of this Act, forcement mechanisms in bilateral diplo- and annually thereafter through 2024, the Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- matic meetings, as well as in international Secretary of State shall submit to the appro- imous consent that all Members may health forums; and priate congressional committees a com- have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- (3) promote the dignity and security of prehensive report that includes the following tend their remarks and to include any human life in accordance with the Universal information: extraneous material on this bill. Declaration of Human Rights. (1) A description of the sources, practices, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there SEC. 5. REVOCATION OR DENIAL OF PASSPORTS methods, facilitators, and recipients of traf- objection to the request of the gen- TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ORGAN ficking of persons for the removal of their TRAFFICKERS. organs during the period covered by each tleman from California? The Act entitled ‘‘An Act to regulate the such report. There was no objection. issue and validity of passports, and for other (2) A description of activities undertaken Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- purposes’’, approved July 3, 1926 (22 U.S.C. by the Department of State, either unilater- self such time as I may consume. 211a et seq.), which is commonly known as ally or in cooperation with other countries, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. the ‘‘Passport Act of 1926’’, is amended by to address and prevent trafficking of persons TROTT and Mr. DEUTCH for introducing adding at the end the following: for the removal of their organs. this important bill. The concept here is ‘‘SEC. 4. AUTHORITY TO DENY OR REVOKE PASS- (3) A description of activities undertaken to combat the horrific crime of human PORT. by countries to address and prevent traf- trafficking for organ removal. And, as ‘‘(a) ISSUANCE.—The Secretary of State ficking of persons for the removal of their may refuse to issue a passport to any indi- organs. always, I appreciate the support of the vidual who has been convicted of an offense (b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The reports ranking member, Mr. ELIOT ENGEL, in under section 301 of the National Organ required under subsection (a) shall include moving this antitrafficking bill for- Transplant Act (42 U.S.C. 274e) if such indi- the collection and organization of data from ward. vidual used a passport or otherwise crossed human rights officers at United States diplo- As hard as it is for us to accept this, an international border in the commission of matic and consular posts on host countries’ as shocking as this is, the cir- such an offence. laws against trafficking of persons for the re- cumstances are such that rising global ‘‘(b) REVOCATION.—The Secretary of State moval of their organs, including enforcement demand and a lack of adequate laws in may revoke a passport previously issued to of such laws, or any instances of violations any individual described in paragraph (1).’’. of such laws. many countries has fueled the growth SEC. 6. AMENDMENTS TO THE TRAFFICKING VIC- (c) ADDITIONAL MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.— of a worldwide black market for trans- TIMS PROTECTION ACT OF 2000. The reports required under subsection (a) plant organs. (a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 103 of the Traf- may include— The World Health Organization esti- ficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 (1) information provided in meetings with mates that 10 percent of all trans- U.S.C. 7102) is amended— host country officials; planted organs worldwide are illegally (1) in paragraph (9)— (2) information provided through coopera- obtained. That would mean that they (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘or’’ tion with United Nations or World Health were being coerced from vulnerable at the end; Organization agencies; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the pe- (3) communications and reports provided populations or forcibly harvested from riod at the end and inserting: ‘‘; or’’; and by nongovernmental organizations working prisoners. Often these prisoners are (C) by adding at the end the following new on the issue of trafficking of persons for the shot first in order to obtain organs, subparagraph: removal of their organs; and such as hearts, corneas, or lungs. They

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.014 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3723 are taken from hostages. They are progress LGBT rights have made in gan (Mr. TROTT), who is the author of taken from oppressed minorities. An this country. And, of course, this was this bill. example would be kidneys or part of a also a terrorist attack, and we need to Mr. TROTT. Mr. Speaker, I want to liver. look at it in the broader context of how begin by thanking Chairman ROYCE, These abuses are more than just we’re working to meet the challenge of Ranking Member ENGEL, the com- grave human rights violations. They violent extremism here and around the mittee staff, and Mena Hanna from my also have worldwide implications for world. office for their work on H.R. 3694. I also national security and public health. Mr. Speaker, since yesterday morn- want to thank my colleague, Rep- What do we mean when we say implica- ing, there has been an outpouring of resentative DEUTCH, for coauthoring tions for national security? Well, thoughts and prayers for the victims in the STOP Organ Trafficking Act with criminal organizations and terrorist Orlando and their loved ones; and, to me. groups are increasingly engaging in be sure, moral and spiritual support Illegal trafficking of human organs this black market industry that is val- are a part of how we grieve and heal. has long been a terrible and heinous ued now at a billion dollars. We are all angry about this heinous crime, but unfortunately our policies To give you some of the most ex- attack. We are all heartbroken. We are and laws have not kept pace with this treme examples: ISIS recently issued a all committed to finding answers. We outrageous practice. fatwa sanctioning forced organ har- are all standing together, and we will China has been inexplicably tar- vesting from captives and, as they call move forward from this tragedy to- geting the Falun Gong for years, and them, from apostates; and traffickers gether. more recently, ISIS has reportedly smuggling refugees into Europe have But, as lawmakers, we are empow- been resorting to this brutal practice reportedly coerced organ donations, co- ered to do more than think and pray. to finance their nefarious activities erced a kidney as payment for travel. In fact, we are certainly empowered to and strike fear in the hearts of inno- A number of studies have under- do more. I certainly have my views on cent people. scored how this shady commerce also what is necessary on the domestic side Late last year, ISIS released a reli- creates biosecurity threats to the rest to stop this slaughter by gun violence, gious edict stating that taking organs of the world. Recipients of infected tis- but I will leave that contentious debate from a living captive to save a Mus- sue or organs may become human car- aside for the moment. lim’s life was permissible, making reli- riers of disease. Or another problem is What I will say is that, on the For- gious minorities all over the Middle drug-resistant pathogens that con- eign Affairs Committee, Republicans East, like the Chaldeans and the Assyr- tribute to the spread of pandemics and and Democrats have found a great deal ians, even more vulnerable. antibiotic resistance. of common ground on what sort of Other helpless groups of people, like Now, the U.S. has led the fight measures will help to keep us safe and refugees, have reportedly been selling against human trafficking, and I would to confront the threat of violent extre- their organs on the black market add, with help from the Foreign Affairs mism. What has guided us in the past: through dealers who then sell the or- Committee, with help from the legisla- the spirit of nonpartisanship and the gans to foreign countries in what is tion that we, our members on the com- belief that politics should stop at the quickly becoming an unchecked and lu- mittee, have authored. water’s edge, should continue to inform crative business. This bill continues and expands that our work. Mr. Speaker, it is time for the United effort, and it does so by closing the gap Turning to this bill, let me thank the States to take a leading role in com- in U.S. law that currently fails to rec- chairman of the Foreign Affairs Com- batting this heinous crime and stand- ognize the trafficking in persons for mittee, ED ROYCE; and I want to thank ing with the world’s most vulnerable. the removal of their organs as a form Mr. TROTT and Mr. DEUTCH for all of We must ensure that our country is of human trafficking. their hard work on this measure. doing everything within our power to Specifically, this bill also makes it The World Health Organization esti- destroy any revenue stream that ISIS the policy of the United States to com- mates that 10 percent of all trans- relies on to further its terrorist activi- bat such trafficking, to promote the planted organs worldwide are illegally ties. adoption of effective voluntary organ obtained. That is an alarming number; My bill is a start to this lengthy donation systems in bilateral engage- but, like so many illegal enterprises, process, and I urge my colleagues to ments and multinational health forums this is a crime that is poorly under- vote in support of this timely legisla- that we have with other countries. And stood, that seeks out zones of impunity tion. it requires an annual report to Con- where the light of the law doesn’t shine Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve gress, an annual report on human traf- and where information is hard to come the balance of my time. ficking for organ removal, which de- by. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 tails activities by our State Depart- So with a handful of estimates and minutes to the gentleman from New ment and by other countries to combat reports, we are left asking: Who are the Jersey (Mr. SMITH). this crime. victims of this crime? How do they be- 1745 Finally, the bill allows for the rev- come trapped by this illegal trade? b ocation of passports from any indi- What pressures and vulnerabilities Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. vidual that is involved in this kind of made them susceptible? What are gov- Speaker, I want to thank Chairman activity, that is convicted of an organ ernments doing to halt the practice to ROYCE again for bringing this impor- trafficking offense under the National track down those responsible and to tant bill to the floor, and to ELIOT Organ Transplant Act, as well as per- provide services to survivors? Should ENGEL for his leadership and Mr. mitting the denial of visas to appli- this challenge be included in our ef- DEUTCH, and especially to Mr. TROTT, cants with such convictions. forts to confront modern slavery, or is the sponsor of H.R. 3694, the Strategy So I urge all Members to support this this a different sort of problem alto- To Oppose Predatory Organ Trafficking important measure. gether? Act. This legislation recognizes and I reserve the balance of my time. This bill will help us get answers to seeks to more effectively combat what Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in these questions. It calls for a report on is a growing manifestation of traf- support of this measure, and I yield this crime that will allow us to connect ficking in persons for the sole purpose myself such time as I may consume. the dots. Once we know what we are of organ removal, often for great profit Before I begin, this is the first time I dealing with, then we can figure out for the traffickers. have spoken on the House floor since the best way to act and chart a path Mr. TROTT’s legislation requires the the horrific attack in Orlando, and I forward. So I am glad to support it. I Department of State to develop a ro- just want to take a brief moment to thank the chairman and the bill’s spon- bust strategy to combat this heinous talk about it. This was a shocking hate sors again. practice. We have long heard rumors crime against the LGBT community, a I reserve the balance of my time. and horror stories of migrants held jarring and disgusting attack on our Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 captive in sub-Saharan Africa and the LGBT brothers and sisters, and on the minutes to the gentleman from Michi- Sinai Peninsula, their organs taken

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.022 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 and their bodies dumped because their Yazidis and Christians and others that en the rule of law, and improve citizen secu- families could not afford the ransom. they call apostates, but all captives are rity; Twenty years ago, I chaired a human open to losing a kidney or forced organ (6) improve energy security by increasing rights hearing in my subcommittee transplant. The intention here is to access to diverse, reliable, affordable, and sustainable power; with a Chinese security official who make a market in this in the Middle (7) advance cooperation on democracy and testified that he and his other security East. human rights in the Caribbean region and at agents were executing prisoners—with But it does not just occur there, multilateral fora; and doctors, of course, there and ambu- within the boundaries of ISIS’ caliph- (8) continue support for public health ad- lances—in order to steal their organs ate. This is a crime that reportedly oc- vances and cooperation on health concerns for transplant. Since then, this horrific curs in some 20 countries, in all regions and threats to the Caribbean region. practice has skyrocketed. of the world. SEC. 3. STRATEGY. Recent evidence from researchers So I thank Mr. TROTT and Mr. Not later than 180 days after the date of Ethan Gutmann and David Matas DEUTCH for introducing this legisla- the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of tion. I also thank Mr. ENGEL, and I shows that organ transplants in China State, in coordination with the Adminis- have increased almost exponentially, want to commend Sarah Blocher of the trator of the United States Agency for Inter- not decreased. There is a bizarre avail- Committee on Foreign Affairs profes- national Development (USAID), shall submit ability of organs in Chinese military sional staff for years of excellent work to the appropriate congressional committees hospitals and China’s transplant appa- on this issue and her assistance to the a multi-year strategy for United States en- ratus that can often issue a tissue authors. gagement with the Caribbean region that— match and find an organ transplant The STOP Organ Trafficking Act ad- (1) identifies Department of State and within 2 weeks for any foreign tourist dresses a critical challenge to human USAID efforts, in coordination with other with cash. rights, to our national security, to our executive branch agencies, to prioritize public health, and it deserves our unan- United States policy towards the Caribbean This initiative by Mr. TROTT will re- region; quire the State Department to do a imous support. (2) outlines an approach to broaden Depart- more thorough analysis of trafficking Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ment of State and USAID outreach to the in persons for the purpose of organ re- of my time. Caribbean diaspora community in the United moval in China and elsewhere around The SPEAKER pro tempore. The States to promote their involvement and the world, informing a strategy to stop question is on the motion offered by participation in the economic development this crime against humanity. the gentleman from California (Mr. and citizen security of the Caribbean region; Any American, Mr. Speaker, trav- ROYCE) that the House suspend the (3) outlines an approach to partner with eling to China for an organ transplant rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3694, as the governments of the Caribbean region to improve citizen security, reduce the traf- in 2016 should now be on notice that amended. The question was taken; and (two- ficking of illicit drugs, strengthen the rule of they may be participating in human law, and improve the effectiveness and sus- trafficking of a vulnerable person or of thirds being in the affirmative) the tainability of the Caribbean Basin Security a prisoner. Americans must not turn a rules were suspended and the bill, as Initiative; blind eye to the ambiguous origins of a amended, was passed. (4) establishes a comprehensive, inte- proffered organ. H.R. 3694 will help en- A motion to reconsider was laid on grated, multi-year strategy to encourage the sure that Americans are certain that the table. efforts of the Caribbean region to implement they are receiving transplants only in f regional and national strategies that improve energy security by increasing access to countries that prohibit and actively UNITED STATES-CARIBBEAN STRA- diverse, reliable, affordable, and sustainable suppress organ harvesting from traf- TEGIC ENGAGEMENT ACT OF 2016 power, including significant renewable en- ficking victims. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to ergy resources within the Caribbean region I thank the gentleman for his legisla- such as biomass, geothermal, hydropower, suspend the rules and pass the bill tion. solar, tidal, waste-to-energy, and wind, and Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- (H.R. 4939) to increase engagement by taking advantage of the ongoing energy self such time as I may consume to with the governments of the Caribbean revolution in the Unites States; close. region, the Caribbean diaspora commu- (5) outlines an approach to improve diplo- Mr. Speaker, in recent years, the nity in the United States, and the pri- matic engagement with the governments of the Caribbean region, including with respect United States has made tremendous vate sector and civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean, to key votes on human rights and democracy progress shining a light on poorly un- at the United Nations and the Organization derstood problems around the world and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. of American States; and working to find solutions: human (6) develops an approach to assisting Carib- The text of the bill is as follows: trafficking, the advancement of women bean countries in the diversification of their and girls, the importance of protecting H.R. 4939 economies, the reduction of legal, technical, our oceans, and combating climate Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and administrative barriers that prevent the resentatives of the United States of America in change. A generation ago, no one con- free flow of foreign direct investment and Congress assembled, trade to and from each country and within sidered these foreign policy issues, but SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the Caribbean region, and support for the today we are prioritizing every single This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United training and employment of youth and citi- one of them. States–Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act zens in marginalized communities; and That is what we are trying to do now of 2016’’. (7) reflects the input of other executive with respect to organ trafficking. This SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY. branch agencies, as appropriate. Congress declares that it is the policy of legislation will give us a fuller under- SEC. 4. BRIEFINGS. standing of this problem so that we can the United States to increase engagement act in the most effective way possible. with the governments of the Caribbean re- The Secretary of State shall provide an- This is, again, a great bipartisan meas- gion, the Caribbean diaspora community in nual briefings to the appropriate congres- the United States, and the private sector and sional committees that review Department ure. I thank Mr. TROTT and Mr. DEUTCH civil society in both the United States and of State efforts to implement the strategy and Chairman ROYCE. I am happy to the Caribbean in a concerted effort to— for United States engagement with the Car- support this measure. (1) enhance diplomatic relations between ibbean region in accordance with section 3. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the United States and the Caribbean region; SEC. 5. PROGRESS REPORT. of my time. (2) increase economic cooperation between Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the United States and the Caribbean region; Not later than one year after the date of self such time as I may consume. (3) support regional economic, political, the enactment of this Act and biennially The scourge of illegal organ traf- and security integration efforts in the Carib- thereafter for the following four years, the ficking has been pretty well docu- bean region; President shall transmit to the appropriate (4) encourage sustainable economic devel- congressional committees a report on mented, and you heard, here, Congress- opment and increased regional economic di- progress made toward to implementing the man DAVID TROTT explain the fatwa versification and global competitiveness; strategy for United States engagement with that has now been put out by ISIS that (5) reduce levels of crime and violence, the Caribbean region in accordance with sec- not only excuses the effort to go after curb the trafficking of illicit drugs, strength- tion 3.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.024 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3725 SEC. 6. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- seeks to ensure that our government is REPORT ON CARIBBEAN BASIN SE- NGEL CURITY INITIATIVE. tleman from New York (Mr. E ) not neglecting this key region so close Not later than one year after the date of each will control 20 minutes. to our shores; and, frankly, it is in our the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller The Chair recognizes the gentleman hemisphere, so we should not neglect it General of the United States shall submit to from California. while developing a strategy that en- the appropriate congressional committees a GENERAL LEAVE sures the effectiveness of our diplo- report that contains the following: Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- matic engagement with each Caribbean (1) An evaluation of the Caribbean Basin imous consent that all Members may nation. Security Initiative (CBSI) and the extent to I once again thank the author, Rank- which the CBSI has met Department of State have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- and USAID benchmarks. tend their remarks and to include any ing Member ENGEL, for his leadership (2) An accounting of CBSI funding appro- extraneous material on this bill. and attention to the Western Hemi- priated, obligated, and expended from fiscal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sphere and thank ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN year 2010 through fiscal year 2016. objection to the request of the gen- for her commitment as well, specifi- (3) A breakdown of yearly CBSI assistance tleman from California? cally to the Caribbean Basin. provided to each CBSI country. There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of (4) A description of how CBSI is coordi- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- my time and yield the remainder of my nated with other security assistance pro- time to the gentlewoman from Florida grams in the Western Hemisphere, particu- self such time as I may consume. (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and ask unanimous larly the Merida Initiative and the Central Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this America Regional Security Initiative, and bill. This is the United States-Carib- consent that she be allowed to manage the role of the Department of State’s Senior bean Strategic Engagement Act. It is that time. Coordinator for the Citizen Security Initia- authored by the gentleman from New The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tives in the Western Hemisphere in such co- York (Mr. ENGEL), the committee’s objection to the request of the gen- ordination. ranking member. As always, I appre- tleman from California? (5) A description of all United States secu- ciate him working closely with Chair- There was no objection. rity assistance provided to the Caribbean re- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I man Emeritus ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN to gion, exclusive of assistance through CBSI. yield myself such time as I may con- ensure this legislation’s swift passage. (6) Recommendations for legislative and sume. These two Members have been particu- executive action to make CBSI more effec- I thank Chairman ROYCE and my tive and efficient, as appropriate. larly committed to developments in good friend Mr. ENGEL for their contin- SEC. 7. GAO REPORT ON DIPLOMATIC ENGAGE- our Southern Hemisphere. MENT IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN. ued leadership, both of these great For over a decade, Caribbean nations leaders, their longstanding engagement Not later than one year after the date of have received subsidized Venezuelan oil the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller to greater engagement with the Carib- General of the United States shall submit to in exchange for their support of the au- bean and for introducing this bill that the appropriate congressional committees a thoritarian government of Hugo Cha- we have before us today, H.R. 4939, the report that contains the following: vez and now Nicolas Maduro. However, United States-Caribbean Strategic En- (1) An evaluation of United States diplo- subsidized Venezuelan oil has done gagement Act. matic outreach from the United States em- nothing to help the Caribbean address bassy in Barbados to the countries of Anti- I am also pleased to be an original their need for a diversified energy cosponsor and the Republican lead of gua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and strategy and instead has kept much of Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and the Mr. ENGEL’s legislation. I thank Mr. Grenadines. the region beholden to the Venezuelan ENGEL. It is fitting that we bring this (2) A list of visits over the previous five strongmen. bill to the floor today, Mr. Speaker, years of personnel at the United States em- With Venezuela’s inflation rate ex- during National Caribbean American bassy in Barbados to the countries of Anti- pected to rise to 500 percent this year, Heritage Month. gua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and fueled partially by the low price of oil, As a Member from south Florida, I Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, and the the nations of the Caribbean have seen see firsthand the wonderful contribu- Grenadines. a marked decrease in oil shipments. tions that Caribbean Americans have (3) A description of how personnel at the Meanwhile, years of authoritarian so- United States embassy in Barbados have en- made to our local communities. The gaged with government officials and civil so- cialism are coming to a head in Ven- Caribbean culture has had a great and ciety organizations in Antigua and Barbuda, ezuela, as the political and economic lasting impact on our country and has Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and crisis there threatens almost certain helped bolster our society and has en- St. Vincent, and the Grenadines over the implosion. riched our traditions. previous five years. This presents an important responsi- But while we celebrate the contribu- (4) A description of how personnel at the bility here, a responsibility for the tions of the Caribbean American com- United States embassy in Grenada have en- United States to finally develop a community to our country, we must also gaged with government officials and civil so- prehensive strategy on how best to en- dedicate ourselves to doing more to en- ciety organizations over the previous five years. gage nations of the Caribbean dip- hance our relations with our neighbors. SEC. 8. REPORTING COST OFFSET. lomatically, how to help the region im- U.S. foreign policy in recent adminis- Paragraph (4) of section 601(c) of the For- prove energy security, how to reduce trations—be they Republican or Demo- eign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4001(c)) is violence and drug trafficking, and ad- cratic—have not strengthened our amended in the matter preceding subpara- vance cooperation with regional gov- partnerships with the Caribbean in the graph (A), by striking ‘‘the following:’’ and ernments on democracy and human right way. As the gentleman from Cali- all that follows through ‘‘A workforce plan’’ rights in international organizations, fornia (Mr. ROYCE), our chairman, and inserting ‘‘a workforce plan’’ and adjust- ing the margins accordingly. particularly in the Organization of pointed out, our influence and friend- SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. American States, as we know it, the ship with these nations has waned, al- In this Act: OAS. lowing the negative influence of the (1) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- So this legislation, authored by dictatorships in Cuba and Venezuela to TEES.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional ELIOT ENGEL, will require the State De- take root in the Caribbean. committees’’ means the Committee on For- partment and USAID to develop that Deepening our strategic relationship eign Affairs of the House of Representatives comprehensive and clear strategy on with the Caribbean represents an ex- and the Committee on Foreign Relations of how best to engage the Caribbean re- traordinary opportunity to expand our the Senate. gion, and it also requires the Govern- economic ties, to cooperate on security (2) CARIBBEAN REGION.—The term ‘‘Carib- bean region’’ means the Caribbean Basin Se- ment Accountability Office to evaluate issues, and to advance our values, our curity Initiative beneficiary countries. the Caribbean Basin Security Initia- interests at institutions such as the (3) SECURITY ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘‘secu- tive so that we can be sure we are truly OAS, the Organization of American rity assistance’’ has the meaning given such advancing our interests in the region States, and the U.N., the United Na- term in section 502B(b) of the Foreign Assist- using the best and most efficient ap- tions. ance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2304(d)). proach. That is why, Mr. Speaker, this bill is The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- During this time of competing prior- so important. It pushes the State De- ant to the rule, the gentleman from ities and limited resources, this bill partment to prioritize our relations

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:12 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.016 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 with the Caribbean nations. It requires In my view, the best way to put to- pathy and support for the people of Or- our State Department to develop a gether a new strategy toward the Car- lando, and we stand ready to assist in strategy to partner with our friends in ibbean is to tap into the large and vi- whatever way is needed. the region on all issues, from counter- brant Caribbean American community Let me now take a moment to thank narcotics efforts, to energy security, to here in the United States. I did that for Chairman ROYCE and Congresswoman everything. the 4 years that I was chairman of the ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN. I also thank There is great potential for energy in Western Hemisphere Subcommittee of Congressman ENGEL for yielding and the Caribbean, for example, but we the Foreign Affairs Committee. for his tremendous leadership on the must help nations break from their de- So this bill underscores the impor- Foreign Affairs Committee. I had the pendency on Venezuelan energy, espe- tance of consulting with the Caribbean honor to serve on the Western Hemi- cially as the Maduro regime is leading diaspora community, promoting their sphere Subcommittee of the Foreign that nation to total chaos. We should involvement in economic development, Affairs Committee for several years help our neighbors take advantage of and civilian security in the Caribbean. when Mr. ENGEL was chair. We talked abundant and cheap natural gas and Finally, H.R. 4939 commissions two early on about the importance of the new, advanced, clean wind and solar reports from the Government Account- Caribbean as a region and how we must technologies. In this way, we can help ability Office, or GAO—one which eval- make it a priority in our foreign pol- strengthen the economies of the region uates the Caribbean Basin Security Ini- icy. from the impact of the Venezuelan col- tiative and another which assesses U.S. lapse—because the collapse is coming, diplomatic engagement in the eastern So today I want to thank both sides: Mr. Speaker—and take realistic steps Caribbean. our ranking member, Chairman ROYCE, toward reducing carbon emissions. I have long believed that we do a real Congresswoman ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, This engagement has the benefit of disservice to our country by having no and especially Mr. ENGEL, for not just being positive and sound foreign policy, physical diplomatic presence in five of their words, but also their tremendous but it is also great for our domestic the countries in the eastern Caribbean: leadership, as demonstrated by this im- policy. This bill will broaden our out- Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. portant bill. It has taken a while to get reach to the Caribbean diaspora com- Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vin- to this point, but thank goodness we munity here in the United States, cent and the Grenadines. are doing this in a bipartisan way. So I which has been so instrumental in I have long said it makes no sense for just want to thank them very much for helping to shape and influence our us to continue to conduct diplomacy on that. great American story, and they deserve these islands from our embassy in Bar- As a lead cosponsor, of course, I recognition and greater collaboration. bados. They say you can’t conduct di- stand in strong support of H.R. 4939. I urge my colleagues to give their plomacy from a bunker. It is also true The bill would enhance U.S.-Caribbean strong support for this bill. I thank that you cannot conduct diplomacy relationships by requiring the Sec- Ranking Member ENGEL for his leader- from hundreds of miles away. retary of State, in coordination with ship, as well as Chairman ROYCE, on I hope to work with the State De- the administrator of USAID, to submit this important initiative. partment to ensure that we establish a a multiyear strategy for U.S. engage- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of diplomatic presence in the eastern Car- ment with our Caribbean neighbors to my time. ibbean as soon as possible. China has Congress. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in it. Venezuela has it. Others have it. We support of this bill, which I was proud I just want to, again, thank both should have it. to introduce, and I yield myself such sides. I remember when we had to work It is especially appropriate that we time as I may consume. to really get the Caribbean to be in- are considering this bill in June, which I want to thank our chairman, ED cluded in all PEPFAR legislation, pro- is National Caribbean American Herit- ROYCE, for bringing forward my legisla- grams, and funding. So that was a tion to ramp up our country’s engage- age Month. As the President said in his major step in the right direction. proclamation: ‘‘The bonds between the ment with our Caribbean neighbors. I This is a huge step now in moving United States and the Caribbean re- also want to thank our former chair, forward. This bill is very timely. It is a main strong. Both rooted in similar ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, who joined me very important bill. As a long-time legacies—of trial and triumph, oppres- in offering this bill and who knows bet- supporter of the Caribbean and a fre- sion and liberation—our narratives ter than anyone the strategic impor- quent visitor to the region—actually, have advanced on a similar path of tance of the Caribbean region. my son attended school in Grenada. We spend a great deal of time focus- progress, driven forward by our shared dedication to fostering opportunity and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing on challenges and opportunities in time of the gentlewoman has expired. faraway places, but it is important forging a brighter future.’’ that we never lose sight of our inter- I couldn’t agree more. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield the ests closer to home. Indeed, we should I urge my colleagues to support this gentlewoman an additional 1 minute. be working to strengthen our ties with measure. Ms. LEE. As I said, my son attended countries in the Caribbean. That is the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of school in Grenada, and I am a frequent aim of this bill, which would prioritize my time. visitor to the region. So I am very Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I U.S.-Caribbean relations for years to proud to see us debate this today and, continue to reserve the balance of my come. hopefully, pass the bill again on June This bill would require the Secretary time. 13. of State, along with the USAID Admin- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- Congress unanimously passed H. Con. istrator, to devise a multiyear strategy Res. 71, which Mr. ENGEL and Ms. for Caribbean engagement. fornia (Ms. LEE), a leader on the Carib- bean and author of a resolution hon- ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN referenced. I au- b 1800 oring Caribbean American Heritage thored that, actually, in February 2006, We want to see how our diplomatic Month. when President Bush was in office. He and development efforts are focused on Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first, let me signed it. Since then, President Obama the Caribbean, with particular atten- take a moment to offer my condolences has issued a proclamation annually tion to energy security, the rule of law, and prayers to the families and victims recognizing June as Caribbean Amer- efforts to combat drug trafficking, and of the horrific gun violence against the ican Heritage Month. ways to enhance economic cooperation. LGBT community in Orlando. These Caribbean Americans have contrib- We also want to increase our engage- despicable acts have shattered the lives uted immensely to the fabric of the ment when it comes to regional issues of so many people. Our response must United States. So as we celebrate this by improving our diplomatic efforts be not only in words, but also in deeds month, we are reminded also of the re- with respect to key votes at the United and in action. lationship between the United States Nations and the Organization of Amer- My congressional district has and and our Caribbean neighbors. This bill ican States. will continue its outpouring of sym- does that and more.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.026 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3727 H.R. 4939 strengthens and enhances racy and human rights in the region gress. We have many, many constitu- ties between the U.S. and the Carib- and at multilateral fora, and enhance ents in my district from the Caribbean. bean by promoting energy sustain- cooperation in combating public health Part of what makes south Florida so ability, diplomatic relations, and eco- threats. unique is the contribution of the Carib- nomic cooperation. Caribbean coun- I want to end by thanking Ranking bean diaspora. tries, unfortunately, have been ne- Member ENGEL, Chairman ROYCE, and What we have here during Caribbean glected in our foreign policy. This bill subcommittee chair ILEANA ROS- American Heritage Month is an oppor- brings a focus on making the Caribbean LEHTINEN, and all the sponsors of this tunity to strengthen the U.S.-Carib- region and the West Indies a priority. important bill, and I urge my col- bean alliance and contribute in a So, Mr. Speaker, now is the time for leagues to support this legislation. meaningful and positive way to our the United States to recommit our Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- neighbors. strong priorities with our Caribbean self such time as I may consume. We have been in a crisis mode, Mr. neighbors. We must revitalize and en- Mr. Speaker, in April of 2009, I had Speaker, focusing most of our atten- hance our outreach to our Caribbean the honor of joining President Obama tion on the many areas that, right- neighbors now and in the future. This in Trinidad and Tobago for the Summit fully, demand our attention overseas, bill does just that. I urge an ‘‘aye’’ of the Americas. That was one of his but it would be in both of our long- vote. first trips abroad as President. I was term interests, as well as our near- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 chairman of the Western Hemisphere term interests, to develop mutually minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Subcommittee at the time. beneficial and strategic alliances close At that time, the President said: Island (Mr. CICILLINE), a very valued to home with the Caribbean nations. member of the Foreign Affairs Com- ‘‘The energy, the dynamism, the diver- Just think of all the economic oppor- mittee. sity of the Caribbean people inspires us tunities that we can help in working Mr. CICILLINE. I thank the gen- all, and are such an important part of with our neighbors to open up. We have tleman for yielding. what we share in common as a hemi- a great opportunity with this bill to Mr. Speaker, before I begin my re- sphere.’’ help them diversify their economies by Seven years later, those words con- marks, I, too, extend my prayers and tearing down burdensome barriers that tinue to ring true. In that time, we sympathy to the people of Orlando. My are preventing them from taking ad- have made a lot of progress. The Carib- constituents, like all Americans, are vantage of direct foreign investment bean Basin Security Initiative and the brokenhearted at this monstrous act of and trade. That can lead to greater Caribbean Energy Security Initiative violence visited upon a community growth, more stability for the Carib- have brought us closer to our Carib- gathered together to enjoy friendship bean, for the diaspora, and for the bean partners on a range of shared con- and community and to celebrate. This United States as a whole. cerns. Let me say that Vice President act of cowardice has caused so much So I urge my colleagues to support BIDEN deserves a great deal of credit pain to the LGBT community in Or- passage of this important bill. I look for this progress, but more needs to be lando and to our community all across forward to continuing to work with Mr. done. this country. I know I speak for every- ENGEL and Mr. ROYCE to develop even For example, this week, Secretary stronger ties to our neighbors in the one when I say we stand ready to do ev- Kerry is in the Dominican Republic for erything that we can to help this com- hemisphere. the general assembly meeting of the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance munity heal and to keep our commu- OAS, the Organization of American nities safe. of my time. States, which has its headquarters The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support right here in Washington, D.C. We are of H.R. 4939, the United States-Carib- question is on the motion offered by confronting some serious issues at this the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. bean Strategic Engagement Act of 2016. meeting, including the crisis in Ven- My home State of Rhode Island is ROS-LEHTINEN) that the House suspend ezuela. home to many Caribbean Americans, the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4939, as The Caribbean countries represented amended. particularly from the Dominican Re- there will play a major role, and the public, Haiti, and other countries in The question was taken. more we work in partnership with The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the the region. It is critical to strengthen these governments, the better. These opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being our relationship with these countries may be small countries, but they pack in the affirmative, the ayes have it. not just because of the national secu- a big punch in what is going on in our Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, rity interests we share, but also to sup- neighborhood. This legislation will on that I demand the yeas and nays. port the interests of our constituents keep us moving in the right direction The yeas and nays were ordered. and their ties to this region. when it comes to these partnerships. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Geographic proximity has ensured I was very honored to introduce the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- strong linkages between the United bill, and I am honored that we have ceedings on this motion will be post- States and the Caribbean region. H.R. strong support on both sides of the poned. 4939 will further enhance this relation- aisle. I, again, want to thank Chairman f ship. Our interests in the regions are ROYCE and Chairwoman Emeritus EXPRESSING CONCERN REGARD- diverse, including economic, political, ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, both excellent ING STATE-SANCTIONED ORGAN and security concerns. members and real, stalwart support for HARVESTING IN THE PEOPLE’S Despite its importance to the United this committee. This is another exam- REPUBLIC OF CHINA States, the Caribbean often gets over- ple of bipartisanship on the House For- looked as we deal with concerns and eign Affairs Committee. I am very, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I threats from other regions of the very proud of that. So this will keep us move to suspend the rules and agree to world. Our Caribbean neighbors are im- moving in the right direction. the resolution (H. Res. 343) expressing portant partners at the United Nations I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. concern regarding persistent and cred- and the Organization of American Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ible reports of systematic, state-sanc- States. Increasing engagements with of my time. tioned organ harvesting from non-con- the governments and the Caribbean di- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I senting prisoners of conscience in the aspora in the United States, as well as yield myself the balance of my time. People’s Republic of China, including the private sector and civil society in Mr. Speaker, I thank, once again, from large numbers of Falun Gong both the United States and the Carib- Ranking Member ENGEL for his tre- practitioners and members of other re- bean, will be beneficial to everyone. mendous leadership and all of his ef- ligious and ethnic minority groups, as H.R. 4939 will enhance diplomatic re- forts to promote stronger relationships amended. lations, increase economic cooperation, with nations within our own hemi- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- support security integration efforts to sphere. tion. help reduce violence and drug traf- I have the distinct pleasure, as I have The text of the resolution is as fol- ficking, advance cooperation on democ- said, to represent south Florida in Con- lows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.028 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 H. RES. 343 ernment of the People’s Republic of China to ginia, a resolution that condemns Chi- Whereas when performed in accordance increase accountability and transparency in na’s ongoing, gruesome practice of har- with ethical standards, the medical dis- the organ transplant system and punish vesting organs from nonconsenting cipline of organ transplantation is one of the those responsible for abuses; and prisoners of conscience and religious great achievements of modern medicine; Whereas the killing of religious or political prisoners for the purpose of selling their or- and ethnic minorities. Whereas voluntary and informed consent is Falun Gong practitioners have long the precondition for ethical organ donation gans for transplant is an egregious and intol- and international medical organizations erable violation of the fundamental right to faced an intensive persecution by the state that prisoners, deprived of their free- life: Now, therefore, be it Chinese Communist Party and, accord- dom, are not in the position to give free con- Resolved, That the House of Representa- ing to Freedom House, in 2015, com- sent and that the practice of sourcing organs tives— prise the largest portion of prisoners of from prisoners is a violation of ethical guide- (1) condemns the practice of state-sanc- conscience in China. lines in medicine; tioned forced organ harvesting in the Peo- I was extremely disappointed to read ple’s Republic of China; Whereas the Government of the People’s that the State Department’s latest Republic of China and Communist Party of (2) calls on the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Communist Party of human rights report for China quoted a China continue to deny reports that many Chinese official’s unsubstantiated organs are taken without the consent of pris- China to immediately end the practice of oners yet at the same time prevents inde- organ harvesting from all prisoners of con- claim that any harvesting of organs pendent verification of its transplant sys- science; from prisoners would now be vol- tem; (3) demands an immediate end to the 17- untary. Whereas the organ transplantation system year persecution of the Falun Gong spiritual China has been well-known to in China does not comply with the World practice by the Government of the People’s produce the majority of organs it uses Republic of China and the Communist Party Health Organization’s requirement of trans- for transplants from executed pris- parency and traceability in organ procure- of China, and the immediate release of all Falun Gong practitioners and other prisoners, people who are deprived of their ment pathways; freedom, unable to give their voluntary Whereas the United States Department of oners of conscience; State Country Report on Human Rights for (4) encourages the United States medical and informed consent to donate their China for 2014 stated, ‘‘Advocacy groups con- community to help raise awareness of uneth- organs. These are the basic pre- tinued to report instances of organ har- ical organ transplant practices in China; conditions for ethical organ donation, vesting from prisoners’’; (5) calls on the People’s Republic of China which China rarely, if ever, meets. Whereas Huang Jiefu, director of the China to allow a credible, transparent, and inde- The regime of the People’s Republic Organ Donation Committee, announced in pendent investigation into organ transplant of China does not comply with the re- abuses; and December 2014 that China would end the quirements of the World Health Orga- practice of organ harvesting from executed (6) calls on the United States Department of State to conduct a more detailed analysis nization for transparency and prisoners by January 1, 2015, did not directly traceability in organ procurement address organ harvesting from prisoners of on state-sanctioned organ harvesting from conscience; non-consenting prisoners of conscience in pathways, and the number of voluntary Whereas Falun Gong, a spiritual practice the annual Human Rights Report, and report organ donations in China continues to involving meditative ‘‘qigong’’ exercises and annually to Congress on the implementation be much lower than the reported num- centered on the values of truthfulness, com- of section 232 of the Department of State Au- ber of transplants, let alone the num- passion, and tolerance, became immensely thorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (8 U.S.C. ber of unreported ones. 1182f), barring provision of visas to Chinese popular in the 1990s; All of this points to unethical prac- Whereas in July 1999, the Chinese Com- and other nationals engaged in coerced organ or bodily tissue transplantation. tices at the very least, and something munist Party launched an intensive, nation- much, much more inhumane and grue- wide persecution designed to eradicate the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- spiritual practice of Falun Gong, reflecting ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from some at the very worst, and leads us to the party’s long-standing intolerance of Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the conclude that China’s claim to have large independent civil society groups; gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) ceased with illegal harvesting is a du- Whereas since 1999, hundreds of thousands each will control 20 minutes. bious one. of Falun Gong practitioners have been de- The Chair recognizes the gentle- The Chinese regime’s brutal repres- tained extra-legally in reeducation-through- woman from Florida. sion and human rights violations are labor camps, detention centers, and prisons, well known, but it is the horrific treat- where torture and abuse are routine; b 1815 ment of the Falun Gong practitioners, Whereas in many detention facilities and GENERAL LEAVE Mr. Speaker, that is particularly egre- labor camps, Falun Gong prisoners of con- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I science comprise the majority of the popu- gious yet does not receive the atten- lation, and have been said to receive the ask unanimous consent that all Mem- tion that it deserves. longest sentences and the worst treatment; bers may have 5 legislative days to re- Followers of the Falun Gong are Whereas Freedom House reported in 2015 vise and extend their remarks and to among China’s most vulnerable to that Falun Gong practitioners comprise the include extraneous material on this state-sanctioned abuse, which leaves largest portion of prisoners of conscience in resolution. them as likely victims to this ghoulish China, and face an elevated risk of dying or The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there practice; and if the latest reports of being killed in custody; objection to the request of the gentle- China seeking to conduct full-body Whereas in 2006, Canadian researchers woman from Florida? David Matas, human rights attorney, and transplants are true, then it could put There was no objection. these peaceful individuals in even grav- David Kilgour, former Canadian Secretary of Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I er danger. State for Asia-Pacific, conducted an inde- yield myself such time as I may con- Last week, The New York Times re- pendent investigation into allegations of sume. organ harvesting from Falun Gong prisoners ported that Chinese doctors are seek- I want to thank Chairman ROYCE and in China, and concluded that Falun Gong ing to conduct full-body transplants. practitioners being killed for their organs Ranking Member ENGEL for their leadership, for their support for human But again, with little transparency and was highly probable; the lack of ethical standards, one has Whereas Matas and Kilgour have impli- rights in China and, indeed, around the cated state and party entities in illicit organ globe. to wonder, Mr. Speaker, how will these harvesting, including domestic security serv- I also want to thank my good friend, doctors, how will these scientists, con- ices and military hospitals; the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CON- duct their research and experiments? Whereas researcher and journalist Ethan NOLLY), for joining me in introducing They will likely look to their prisons Gutmann published findings that Chinese se- this bipartisan resolution that has gar- and target prisoners of conscience—and curity agencies began harvesting organs nered over 180 cosponsors. Many may Falun Gong practitioners, specifically. from members of the predominantly Muslim not know this, Mr. Speaker, but Mr. The New York Times reported that Uyghur ethnic minority group in the 1990s, CONNOLLY has been working on these China remains an international pariah including from Uyghur political prisoners; that has long been dogged by ethical Whereas the United Nations Committee issues ever since he was a staffer for Against Torture and the Special Rapporteur the Senate Foreign Relations Com- issues, yet its doctors remain on Torture have expressed concern over the mittee. undeterred by the horrid practices and allegations of organ harvesting from Falun I am proud to have introduced H. plan on moving forward when they are Gong prisoners, and have called on the Gov- Res. 343 alongside my friend from Vir- ready.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.017 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3729 What will this mean for Falun Gong Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in great crimes of the 21st century: the 17- practitioners and other prisoners of support of this measure, and I yield year effort to eliminate Falun Gong conscience in China, Mr. Speaker? I myself such time as I may consume. practice from China. I strongly believe shudder to think of their fate as a re- Again, I thank Chairman ROYCE and that the campaign to eradicate Falun sult of these inhumane experiments Congresswoman ROS-LEHTINEN, who in- Gong will be seen as one of the great and macabre practices. troduced this very important piece of horrors. But by passing this resolution, sir, legislation. The Chinese Government continues we can send a message to the Chinese We just finished debate on a bill that to insist that the accounts of religious regime that we condemn this continued would help us get a better handle on persecution, forced abortion, arbitrary practice of persecution of Falun Gong just how severe a problem organ traf- detention, and organ harvesting from practitioners, and its sickening and un- ficking is and to help us figure out Falun Gong practitioners are mere ru- ethical practice must stop, especially what is needed to confront this chal- mors. They refuse to even discuss these harvesting organs from nonconsenting lenge. This resolution underscores issues in regular diplomatic dialogue individuals. troubling reports about the practice of and regularly jail and disbar lawyers We cannot allow these crimes to con- organ trafficking, specifically in the who try to defend Falun Gong practi- tinue. I urge all of my colleagues to People’s Republic of China. tioners who expose the abuses that are support this resolution. I have heard directly from some of committed by government employees. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my constituents about this, and what Nevertheless, evidence is quickly my time. is particularly unsettling is that this mounting of the horrific crimes com- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, practice allegedly targets prisoners of mitted against Falun Gong practi- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, conscience, including practitioners of Washington, DC, June 2, 2016. tioners, including this terrible practice Hon. ED ROYCE, Falun Gong and other religious and of organ harvesting. Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, ethnic minorities. Over the years, Congress has received Washington, DC. Nonconsensual organ harvesting credible information about this uneth- DEAR CHAIRMAN ROYCE: I am writing with under any circumstance represents a ical and corrupt organ transplant sys- respect to H. Res. 343, which was referred to gross violation of human rights, but tem that operates in China. The Chi- the Committee on Foreign Affairs and in ad- these allegations are particularly egre- nese Government is at least grossly dition to the Committee on the Judiciary. As a result of your having consulted with us on gious: authorities at Chinese prisons negligent but, more likely, grossly provisions in H. Res. 343 that fall within the targeting prisoners because of their re- complicit in these crimes because huge rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the ligious beliefs and then making a profit amounts of money are made. Judiciary, I agree to discharge our com- by trafficking these victims’ organs. I We have received credible evidence mittee from further consideration of this cannot think of hardly anything that is that the actual number of organ trans- resolution so that it may proceed expedi- more disgusting than that. The ac- plants by China’s hospitals remain tiously to the House floor for consideration. underreported and that, despite the The Judiciary Committee takes this action counts of these activities are gruesome with our mutual understanding that by fore- and shocking, and, again, we need to Chinese Government’s promises to the going consideration of H. Res. 343 at this get to the bottom of this issue to see contrary, the number of prisoners who time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over exactly what is going on. are killed and have their organs taken subject matter contained in this or similar This measure calls on the Chinese continues to rise. legislation and that our committee will be Government to cease the practice of Shockingly, researchers David appropriately consulted and involved as this forced organ harvesting and to end the Kilgour, David Matas, and Ethan resolution or similar legislation moves for- Gutmann conducted detailed investiga- ward so that we may address any remaining persecution of Falun Gong practi- issues in our jurisdiction. tioners and other prisoners of con- tions and estimated that between 45,000 I would appreciate a response to this letter science. It also calls on the Chinese and 65,000 Falun Gong practitioners confirming this understanding with respect Government to allow an investigation were killed for their organs, which to H. Res. 343 and would ask that a copy of into this issue, and it urges the State then were sold for profit—45,000 to our exchange of letters on this matter be in- Department to include an assessment 65,000 victims who had their organs sto- cluded in the Congressional Record during len and their lives snuffed out by the Floor consideration of this resolution. of state-sanctioned, nonconsensual Sincerely, organ harvesting in its annual human Chinese Government officials. BOB GOODLATTE, rights reports. There might be new estimates that Chairman. So I again thank Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN are higher. These researchers will for her focus on this issue. I am pleased unveil their new findings next week at HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, to support this measure. a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, I reserve the balance of my time. Committee. Washington, DC, June 8, 2016. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Let me remind Members that the Hon. BOB GOODLATTE, am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the United States Congress isn’t the only Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. one that is bringing this terrible DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for con- SMITH), chairman of the Foreign Af- human rights abuse up. The U.N. Com- sulting with the Committee on Foreign Af- fairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global mittee Against Torture and the Special fairs on House Resolution 343, Expressing Health, Global Human Rights, and Rapporteur on torture have expressed concern regarding persistent and credible re- International Organizations. concern over these allegations, and ports of systematic, state-sanctioned organ Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. they have called for accountability and harvesting from non-consenting prisoners of conscience in the People’s Republic of China, Speaker, I thank my good friend and transparency. and for agreeing to be discharged from fur- colleague ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN for The ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN resolution ther consideration of that measure. yielding. I want to thank the chairman condemns this practice; calls on the I agree that your forgoing further action emeritus of the full Foreign Affairs government to end it; demands an im- on this measure does not in any way dimin- Committee for the defense of vulner- mediate end to the 17-year persecution ish or alter the jurisdiction of the Com- able persons in China, especially the of the Falun Gong; encourages the mittee on the Judiciary, or prejudice its ju- United States medical community to risdictional prerogatives on this measure or Falun Gong, men and women who can- similar legislation in the future. not speak for themselves, who have help raise awareness of unethical organ I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. suffered unspeakable torture—some transplant practices in China; calls on 343 into the Congressional Record during have survived—and to the families who the People’s Republic of China to allow floor consideration. I appreciate your co- have lost loved ones in Chinese prison a credible, transparent, and inde- operation regarding this legislation and look camps, the Laogai, and detention cen- pendent investigation into organ trans- forward to continuing to work with your ters that are sprinkled throughout all plant abuses; and then calls on the U.S. Committee as this measure moves through the legislative process. of China. Department of State to conduct a more Sincerely, This legislation is an important step detailed analysis on state-sanctioned EDWARD R. ROYCE, in bringing accountability and trans- organ harvesting from nonconsenting Chairman. parency to what may be one of the prisoners of conscience in its annual

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:12 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.032 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 human rights report. And it also calls tral tenet of our foreign policy agenda The vote was taken by electronic de- on the government, our government, to in order to restore our credibility and vice, and there were—yeas 386, nays 6, bar provision of visas, pursuant to cur- to restore the faith that so many have not voting 42, as follows: rent law, to Chinese and other nation- in our ability to help bring about [Roll No. 297] als engaged in coerced organ or bodily change for those who cannot protect tissue transplantation. themselves. YEAS—386 Again, I want to thank ILEANA ROS- Abraham Dent Kilmer b 1830 Adams DeSantis King (IA) LEHTINEN and Mr. CONNOLLY for their Passing this resolution today, Mr. Aderholt DeSaulnier King (NY) leadership on this. Aguilar DesJarlais Kinzinger (IL) Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Speaker, sends a clear signal to China Allen Deutch Kirkpatrick am prepared to close once Mr. ENGEL that the United States opposes its Amodei Diaz-Balart Kline gross violations of human rights, par- Ashford Dingell Knight yields back his time. Babin Doggett Kuster I reserve the balance of my time. ticularly against the Falun Gong prac- Barletta Dold LaHood Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- titioners. They are so peaceful, and Barr Donovan LaMalfa self as much time as I may consume. they are so full of composure. They Barton Doyle, Michael Lamborn pose no threat to China, yet this ruth- Bass F. Lance Mr. Speaker, a commitment to Beatty Duckworth Langevin human rights for people around the less dictatorship forces them to com- Becerra Duncan (SC) Larsen (WA) world is a fundamental American value mit unspeakable acts. This resolution Benishek Edwards Larson (CT) and a pillar of our foreign policy. So sends a signal to countless others suf- Bera Ellison Latta Beyer Emmer (MN) Lawrence when we hear reports of horrific fering around the world that the Bilirakis Engel Levin abuses, such as state-sanctioned organ United States will, once again, make Bishop (GA) Eshoo Lewis harvesting, we have a responsibility to the protection of human rights a pri- Bishop (MI) Esty Lieu, Ted ority. Black Fitzpatrick Lipinski determine the scope of the problem and Blackburn Fleischmann LoBiondo respond. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Blum Fleming Loebsack I want to thank Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN join us to support this resolution, sup- Blumenauer Fortenberry Lofgren for her tenacity in bringing this for- port our ideals and values, support Bonamici Foster Long human rights, and help the practi- Bost Foxx Loudermilk ward. I want to thank Mr. SMITH, who Boyle, Brendan Frankel (FL) Love is always there for human rights. I tioners of Falun Gong. F. Franks (AZ) Lowenthal want to thank Chairman ROYCE, again, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Brady (PA) Frelinghuysen Lowey for allowing this resolution to come of my time. Bridenstine Fudge Lucas The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Brooks (AL) Gabbard Luetkemeyer forward and, again, for making this a Brooks (IN) Gallego Lujan Grisham bipartisan concern. question is on the motion offered by Brown (FL) Garrett (NM) I have heard from colleagues and con- the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brownley (CA) Gibbs Luja´ n, Ben Ray ROS-LEHTINEN) that the House suspend Buchanan Gibson (NM) stituents again and again about griev- Buck Gosar Lummis ous violations of human rights that the rules and agree to the resolution, Bucshon Gowdy Lynch Falun Gong and other prisoners of con- H. Res. 343, as amended. Burgess Graham MacArthur science have endured at the hands of The question was taken; and (two- Bustos Granger Maloney, thirds being in the affirmative) the Butterfield Graves (GA) Carolyn Chinese authorities. We need to send a Byrne Graves (LA) Maloney, Sean clear message that this sort of abuse is rules were suspended and the resolu- Calvert Graves (MO) Marino unacceptable. tion, as amended, was agreed to. Capps Green, Al Matsui So again, I want to thank Congress- A motion to reconsider was laid on Capuano Green, Gene McCarthy the table. Ca´ rdenas Grothman McCaul woman ROS-LEHTINEN for bringing our Carney Guinta McClintock attention to this issue and bringing f Carson (IN) Guthrie McCollum forward this measure. This is a resolu- Carter (GA) Hahn McDermott ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Cartwright Hanna McGovern tion that everyone should vote for, and PRO TEMPORE Castor (FL) Hardy McHenry I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. Castro (TX) Harper McKinley The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Chabot Harris McMorris I yield back the balance of my time. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Chaffetz Hartzler Rodgers will resume on motions to suspend the Chu, Judy Hastings McNerney yield myself such time as I may con- rules previously postponed. Cicilline Heck (NV) McSally sume. Votes will be taken in the following Clark (MA) Heck (WA) Meadows Mr. Speaker, in recent years, sadly, Clarke (NY) Hensarling Meehan order: Clawson (FL) Hice, Jody B. Messer the United States has receded from our H.R. 4939, by the yeas and nays; Clay Higgins Mica role as a promoter and defender of H.R. 5312, by the yeas and nays. Cleaver Hill Miller (FL) human rights internationally. Once a The first electronic vote will be con- Clyburn Himes Moolenaar central part of U.S. foreign policy, we Coffman Holding Mooney (WV) ducted as a 15-minute vote. The second Cohen Honda Moore have witnessed the protection of electronic vote will be conducted as a Cole Hoyer Moulton human rights fall far down on our pri- 5-minute vote. Collins (GA) Hudson Mullin ority list as administrations have be- Collins (NY) Huelskamp Mulvaney f Comstock Huffman Murphy (FL) come too eager to make deals with des- Conaway Huizenga (MI) Murphy (PA) pots and tyrants in places like Iran, UNITED STATES-CARIBBEAN STRA- Connolly Hultgren Nadler Cuba, and North Korea. TEGIC ENGAGEMENT ACT OF 2016 Conyers Hunter Napolitano Those who once looked to the United Cook Hurd (TX) Neal The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Cooper Israel Neugebauer States to be the leader, to stand up and finished business is the vote on the mo- Costa Issa Newhouse protect those suffering and those who tion to suspend the rules and pass the Costello (PA) Jackson Lee Noem are being denied their most basic and bill (H.R. 4939) to increase engagement Courtney Jeffries Nolan Cramer Jenkins (KS) Norcross fundamental rights, no longer view us with the governments of the Caribbean Crawford Jenkins (WV) Nugent as the voice for the voiceless, willing to region, the Caribbean diaspora commu- Crenshaw Johnson (GA) Nunes stand up for those suffering around the nity in the United States, and the pri- Crowley Johnson (OH) O’Rourke world. Cuellar Johnson, E. B. Olson vate sector and civil society in both Culberson Johnson, Sam Palazzo Shame on us, Mr. Speaker, because the United States and the Caribbean, Cummings Jolly Pallone this failure to promote our ideals and and for other purposes, as amended, on Curbelo (FL) Jordan Palmer our principles, well, that leads ruthless which the yeas and nays were ordered. Davidson Joyce Pascrell Davis (CA) Kaptur Paulsen thugs to believe that they can get The Clerk read the title of the bill. Davis, Danny Katko Payne away with whatever they want, and, ul- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Davis, Rodney Keating Pearce timately, it increases the suffering of question is on the motion offered by DeFazio Kelly (IL) Pelosi the people that they exploit. the gentleman from California (Mr. DeGette Kelly (MS) Perlmutter Delaney Kelly (PA) Perry The United States must once again ROYCE) that the House suspend the DelBene Kennedy Peters make our core values and beliefs a cen- rules and pass the bill, as amended. Denham Kildee Peterson

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.033 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3731 Pingree Sa´ nchez, Linda Trott PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Engel LoBiondo Rogers (KY) Pittenger T. Tsongas Eshoo Loebsack Rokita Pitts Sanford Turner Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I have a Esty Lofgren Rooney (FL) Pocan Sarbanes Upton parliamentary inquiry. Fitzpatrick Long Ros-Lehtinen Poe (TX) Scalise Valadao The SPEAKER. The gentleman will Fleischmann Loudermilk Roskam Poliquin Schakowsky Van Hollen Fleming Love Ross Polis Schiff Vargas state his parliamentary inquiry. Fortenberry Lowenthal Rothfus Pompeo Schrader Veasey Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I am Foster Lowey Rouzer Posey Schweikert Vela really concerned that we have just Foxx Lucas Roybal-Allard Scott (VA) Price (NC) Vela´ zquez today had a moment of silence, and Frankel (FL) Luetkemeyer Royce Quigley Scott, Austin Visclosky Franks (AZ) Lujan Grisham Ruiz Rangel Scott, David Wagner later this week, the 17th—— Frelinghuysen (NM) Ruppersberger Ratcliffe Sensenbrenner Walberg The SPEAKER. Does the gentleman Fudge Luja´ n, Ben Ray Russell Reed Serrano Walden have a parliamentary inquiry? Gabbard (NM) Ryan (OH) Reichert Sessions Walker Gallego Lummis Salmon Sewell (AL) Mr. CLYBURN. Yes. ´ Renacci Walorski Garrett Lynch Sanchez, Linda Sherman Ribble Walters, Mimi Mr. Speaker, I am particularly inter- Gibbs MacArthur T. Shimkus Rice (NY) Walz ested about three pieces of legislation Gibson Maloney, Sanford Shuster Gosar Carolyn Sarbanes Rice (SC) Wasserman Sires that have been filed in this body. Graham Maloney, Sean Scalise Richmond Schultz Slaughter The SPEAKER. The gentleman is not Granger Marino Schakowsky Rigell Waters, Maxine Smith (MO) Graves (GA) Matsui Schiff Roby Watson Coleman stating a parliamentary inquiry. Smith (NE) Graves (LA) McCarthy Schrader Roe (TN) Weber (TX) Smith (NJ) Graves (MO) McCaul Schweikert Welch f Rogers (AL) Smith (TX) Green, Al McClintock Scott (VA) Rogers (KY) Smith (WA) Wenstrup Green, Gene McCollum Scott, Austin Rokita Speier Westerman NETWORKING AND INFORMATION Guinta McDermott Scott, David Rooney (FL) Stefanik Williams TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND Guthrie McGovern Sensenbrenner Wilson (SC) Ros-Lehtinen Stewart DEVELOPMENT MODERNIZATION Hahn McHenry Serrano Roskam Stivers Wittman Hanna McKinley Sessions Ross Swalwell (CA) Womack ACT OF 2016 Hardy McMorris Sewell (AL) Rothfus Takano Woodall The SPEAKER. Without objection, 5- Harper Rodgers Sherman Rouzer Thompson (CA) Yarmuth Hartzler McNerney Shimkus Roybal-Allard Thompson (MS) Yoder minute voting will continue. Hastings McSally Shuster Royce Thompson (PA) Yoho There was no objection. Heck (NV) Meadows Sires Ruiz Tiberi Young (AK) The SPEAKER. The unfinished busi- Heck (WA) Meehan Slaughter Ruppersberger Tipton Young (IA) ness is the vote on the motion to sus- Hensarling Messer Smith (MO) Russell Titus Young (IN) Hice, Jody B. Mica Smith (NE) Ryan (OH) Tonko Zeldin pend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. Higgins Miller (FL) Smith (NJ) Salmon Torres Zinke 5312) to amend the High-Performance Hill Moolenaar Smith (TX) NAYS—6 Computing Act of 1991 to authorize ac- Himes Mooney (WV) Smith (WA) Holding Moore Speier Amash Duncan (TN) Jones tivities for support of networking and Honda Moulton Stefanik Brat Gohmert Massie information technology research, and Hoyer Mullin Stewart Hudson Mulvaney Stivers NOT VOTING—42 for other purposes, as amended, on which the yeas and nays were ordered. Huelskamp Murphy (FL) Swalwell (CA) Bishop (UT) Goodlatte Miller (MI) Huffman Murphy (PA) Takano Boustany Grayson Price, Tom The Clerk read the title of the bill. Huizenga (MI) Nadler Thompson (CA) Brady (TX) Griffith Rohrabacher The SPEAKER. The question is on Hultgren Napolitano Thompson (MS) Carter (TX) Grijalva Rush the motion offered by the gentleman Hunter Neal Thompson (PA) DeLauro Gutie´rrez Sanchez, Loretta Hurd (TX) Neugebauer Tiberi Duffy Herrera Beutler Simpson from Illinois (Mr. LAHOOD) that the Israel Newhouse Tipton Ellmers (NC) Hinojosa Sinema House suspend the rules and pass the Issa Noem Titus Farenthold Hurt (VA) Stutzman bill, as amended. Jackson Lee Nolan Tonko Farr Kind Takai This is a 5-minute vote. Jeffries Norcross Torres Fattah Labrador Thornberry Jenkins (KS) Nugent Trott Fincher Lee Webster (FL) The vote was taken by electronic de- Jenkins (WV) Nunes Tsongas Flores Marchant Westmoreland vice, and there were—yeas 385, nays 7, Johnson (GA) O’Rourke Turner Forbes Meeks Whitfield not voting 42, as follows: Johnson (OH) Olson Upton Garamendi Meng Wilson (FL) Johnson, E. B. Palazzo Valadao [Roll No. 298] Johnson, Sam Pallone Van Hollen b 1853 YEAS—385 Jolly Palmer Vargas Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee changed Jordan Pascrell Veasey Abraham Bucshon Costello (PA) Joyce Paulsen Vela his vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Adams Burgess Courtney Kaptur Pearce Vela´ zquez Ms. SPEIER changed her vote from Aderholt Bustos Cramer Katko Perlmutter Visclosky ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Aguilar Butterfield Crawford Keating Perry Wagner So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Allen Byrne Crenshaw Kelly (IL) Peters Walberg Amodei Calvert Crowley Kelly (MS) Peterson Walden tive) the rules were suspended and the Ashford Capps Cuellar Kelly (PA) Pingree Walker bill, as amended, was passed. Babin Capuano Culberson Kennedy Pittenger Walorski ´ The result of the vote was announced Barletta Cardenas Cummings Kildee Pitts Walters, Mimi Barr Carney Curbelo (FL) Kilmer Pocan Walz as above recorded. Barton Carson (IN) Davidson A motion to reconsider was laid on King (IA) Poe (TX) Wasserman Bass Carter (GA) Davis (CA) King (NY) Poliquin Schultz the table. Beatty Cartwright Davis, Danny Kinzinger (IL) Polis Waters, Maxine Stated for: Becerra Castor (FL) Davis, Rodney Kirkpatrick Pompeo Watson Coleman Benishek Castro (TX) DeFazio Kline Posey Welch Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on roll- Bera Chabot DeGette call No. 297, I was unavoidably detained and Knight Price (NC) Wenstrup Beyer Chaffetz Delaney Kuster Price, Tom Westerman unable to return to Washington, D.C. in time to Bilirakis Chu, Judy DelBene LaHood Quigley Westmoreland cast my vote. Had I been present, I would Bishop (GA) Cicilline Denham LaMalfa Rangel Williams Bishop (MI) Clark (MA) Dent have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Lamborn Ratcliffe Wilson (SC) Black Clarke (NY) DeSantis Lance Reed Wittman f Blackburn Clawson (FL) DeSaulnier Langevin Reichert Womack Blum Clay DesJarlais Larsen (WA) Renacci Woodall MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY Blumenauer Cleaver Deutch Larson (CT) Ribble Yarmuth OF THE VICTIMS OF THE TER- Bonamici Clyburn Diaz-Balart Latta Rice (NY) Yoder RORIST ATTACK IN ORLANDO, Bost Coffman Dingell Lawrence Rice (SC) Yoho Boyle, Brendan Cohen Doggett FLORIDA Lee Richmond Young (AK) F. Cole Dold Levin Rigell Young (IA) The SPEAKER. The Chair would ask Brady (PA) Collins (GA) Donovan Lewis Roby Young (IN) all present to rise for the purpose of a Brat Collins (NY) Doyle, Michael Lieu, Ted Roe (TN) Zeldin Bridenstine Comstock F. Lipinski Rogers (AL) Zinke moment of silence. Brooks (AL) Conaway Duckworth The Chair asks that the House now Brooks (IN) Connolly Duncan (SC) NAYS—7 observe a moment of silence in mem- Brown (FL) Conyers Duncan (TN) Brownley (CA) Cook Edwards Amash Harris Pelosi ory of the victims of the terrorist at- Buchanan Cooper Ellison Gohmert Jones tack in Orlando. Buck Costa Emmer (MN) Grothman Massie

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:47 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.018 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 NOT VOTING—42 bill (H.R. 5049) to provide for improved Office of the Director designated by the Di- Bishop (UT) Goodlatte Miller (MI) management and oversight of major rector, shall certify in writing that all issues Boustany Gowdy Payne multi-user research facilities funded by identified during the cost analysis, including Brady (TX) Grayson Rohrabacher the National Science Foundation, to any findings of unjustified or questionable Carter (TX) Griffith Rush cost items, are resolved before the Founda- DeLauro Grijalva Sanchez, Loretta ensure transparency and account- tion may execute a construction agreement Duffy Gutie´rrez Simpson ability of construction and manage- with respect to the project. Ellmers (NC) Herrera Beutler Sinema ment costs, and for other purposes, as (C) TRANSMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—The Direc- Farenthold Hinojosa Stutzman Farr Hurt (VA) Takai amended. tor shall transmit each certification made Fattah Kind Thornberry The Clerk read the title of the bill. under subparagraph (B) to the Committee on Fincher Labrador Weber (TX) The text of the bill is as follows: Science, Space, and Technology of the House Flores Marchant Webster (FL) H.R. 5049 of Representatives, the Committee on Com- Forbes Meeks Whitfield merce, Science, and Transportation of the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Garamendi Meng Wilson (FL) Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of resentatives of the United States of America in the House of Representatives, and the Com- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Congress assembled, mittee on Appropriations of the Senate. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (3) INCURRED COST AUDITS.—The Director WOMACK) (during the vote). There are 2 This Act may be cited as the ‘‘NSF Major shall ensure that an incurred cost audit is minutes remaining. Research Facility Reform Act of 2016’’. conducted at least biennially on any major SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. b 1902 multi-user research facility, in accordance In this Act: with Government Auditing Standards as es- So (two-thirds being in the affirma- (1) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means tablished in Government Accountability Of- tive) the rules were suspended and the the Director of the Foundation. fice Report GAO-12-331G, or any successor re- bill, as amended, was passed. (2) FOUNDATION.—The term ‘‘Foundation’’ port thereto, with the first incurred cost The result of the vote was announced means the National Science Foundation es- audit to commence no later than 12 months tablished under section 2 of the National after execution of the construction agree- as above recorded. Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. A motion to reconsider was laid on ment. 1861). (4) CONTINGENCIES.— the table. (3) MAJOR MULTI-USER RESEARCH FACIL- (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided for in Stated for: ITY.—The term ‘‘major multi-user research subparagraph (C)(ii), the Foundation shall— Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on roll- facility’’ means a science and engineering in- (i) provide oversight for contingency in ac- call No. 298, I was unavoidably detained and frastructure construction project that ex- cordance with Cost Principles Uniform Guid- unable to return to Washington, D.C. in time to ceeds the lesser of 10 percent of a Direc- ance in 2 C.F.R. part 200.433, or any successor cast my vote. Had I been present, I would torate’s annual budget or $100,000,000 in total thereto, and the Federal Acquisition Regula- have voted ‘‘yes.’’ project cost that is funded in the major re- tion as appropriate, except as provided in search equipment and facilities construction this paragraph; and f account, or any successor thereto. (ii) not make any award which provides for REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- SEC. 3. MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF contributions to a contingency reserve held VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF LARGE FACILITIES. or managed by the awardee, as defined in 2 (a) LARGE FACILITIES OFFICE.—The Direc- H.R. 5053, PREVENTING IRS C.F.R. part 200.433(c). tor shall maintain a Large Facilities Office. (B) UPDATING POLICY MANUAL.—The Foun- ABUSE AND PROTECTING FREE The functions of the Large Facilities Office dation shall update its Large Facilities Man- SPEECH ACT; AND PROVIDING shall be to support the research directorates ual and any other applicable guidance for FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. in the development, implementation, and as- contingencies on major multi-user research 5293, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE sessment of major multi-user research facili- facilities with regard to estimating, moni- APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2017 ties, including by— toring, and accounting for contingency. (1) serving as the Foundation’s primary re- (C) FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS.—The policy Mr. STIVERS, from the Committee source for all policy or process issues related updated under subparagraph (B) shall require on Rules, submitted a privileged report to the development and implementation of that the Foundation— (Rept. No. 114–621) on the resolution (H. major multi-user research facilities; (i) may only include contingency amounts Res. 778) providing for consideration of (2) serving as a Foundation-wide resource in an award in accordance with Cost Prin- the bill (H.R. 5053) to amend the Inter- on project management, including providing ciples Uniform Guidance in 2 C.F.R. part nal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit expert assistance on nonscientific and non- 200.433, or any successor thereto, and the the Secretary of the Treasury from re- technical aspects of project planning, budg- Federal Acquisition Regulation as appro- eting, implementation, management, and priate; and quiring that the identity of contribu- oversight; (ii) shall retain control over funds budg- tors to 501(c) organizations be included (3) coordinating and collaborating with re- eted for contingency, but may disburse budg- in annual returns; and providing for search directorates to share best manage- eted contingency funds incrementally to the consideration of the bill (H.R. 5293) ment practices and lessons learned from awardee to ensure project stability and con- making appropriations for the Depart- prior projects; and tinuity. ment of Defense for the fiscal year end- (4) assessing projects during (D) AWARDEE REQUIREMENTS.—The policy ing September 30, 2017, and for other preconstruction and construction phases for updated under subparagraph (B) shall require that an awardee shall— purposes, which was referred to the cost and schedule risk. (b) OVERSIGHT OF LARGE FACILITIES.—The (i) provide verifiable documentation to House Calendar and ordered to be Director shall appoint a senior agency offi- support any amounts proposed for contin- printed. cial as head of the Large Facilities Office gencies; and f whose responsibility is oversight of the de- (ii) support requests for the release of con- velopment, construction, and transfer to op- tingency funds with evidence of a bona fide ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER erations of major multi-user research facili- need and that the amounts allocated to the PRO TEMPORE ties across the Foundation. performance baseline are reasonable and al- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (c) POLICIES FOR LARGE FACILITY COSTS.— lowable. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair (1) IN GENERAL.—The Director shall ensure (E) CURRENT AWARDEES.—The Foundation that the Foundation’s polices for developing shall work with awardees for whom awards will postpone further proceedings and maintaining major multi-user research with contingency provisions have been made today on the additional motion to sus- facility construction costs are consistent before the date of enactment of this Act— pend the rules on which a recorded vote with the best practices described in the (i) to determine if any of their use of con- or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on March 2009 Government Accountability Of- tingency funds represents out-of-scope which the vote incurs objection under fice Report GAO-09-3SP, or any successor re- changes for which Foundation’s prior writ- clause 6 of rule XX. port thereto, the Uniform Guidance in 2 ten approval was not obtained; and Any record vote on the postponed C.F.R. part 200, and the Federal Acquisition (ii) if out-of-scope changes are found, to question will be taken later. Regulation as appropriate. identify any financial action that may be ap- (2) COST PROPOSAL ANALYSIS.— propriate. f (A) GENERAL REQUIREMENT.—The Director (5) MANAGEMENT FEES.— NSF MAJOR RESEARCH FACILITY shall ensure that an external cost proposal (A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the REFORM ACT OF 2016 analysis is conducted for any major multi- term ‘‘management fee’’ means a portion of user research facility. an award made by the Foundation for the Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I (B) RESOLUTION OF ISSUES FOUND.—The Di- purpose of covering ordinary and legitimate move to suspend the rules and pass the rector, or a senior agency official within the business expenses necessary to maintain

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.025 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3733 operational stability which are not other- Foundation managers and staff on the re- ducting a commissioned review of the wise allowable under Cost Principles Uni- quirements of such section 4712, and provide NSF’s management of cooperative form Guidance in 2 C.F.R. part 200, Subpart information on such section to all awardees, agreements. E, or any successor regulation thereto. contractors, and employees of such awardees The bill I bring to the floor today is (B) LIMITATION.—The Foundation may pro- and contractors. vide a management fee under an award only a product of many recommendations The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- that were made by the NSF IG, the if the awardee provides justification as to ant to the rule, the gentleman from the need for such funds. In such cases, the auditors, NAPA, and the Committee on Foundation shall take into account the Georgia (Mr. LOUDERMILK) and the gen- Science, Space, and Technology. awardee’s overall financial circumstances tlewoman from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BER- First, the bill enhances the role of when determining the amount of the fee if NICE JOHNSON) each will control 20 min- the NSF Large Facilities Office in justified. utes. project management, giving it statu- (C) FINANCIAL INFORMATION.—The Founda- The Chair recognizes the gentleman tory permanence and ensuring that ex- tion shall require award applicants to pro- from Georgia. pert management staff at the NSF vide income and financial information cov- GENERAL LEAVE ering a period of no less than 3 prior years work with scientific program staff (or in the case of an entity established less Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I throughout all phases of project devel- than 3 years prior to the entity’s application ask unanimous consent that all Mem- opment and construction. It also re- date, the period beginning on the date of es- bers may have 5 legislative days to requires a senior agency official to have tablishment and ending on the application vise and extend their remarks and to responsibility for the oversight of the date), including cash on hand and net asset include extraneous material on H.R. office. information, in support of a request for man- 5049, the bill now under consideration. Second, the bill requires the NSF to agement fees. The Foundation shall also re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there commission an external cost proposal quire awardees to report to the Foundation objection to the request of the gen- annually any sources of non-Federal funds analysis for all major multi-user re- received in excess of $50,000 during the award tleman from Georgia? search facilities with a total project period. There was no objection. cost of over $100 million. This will en- (D) EXPENSE REPORTING.—The Foundation Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I sure that proposed construction budg- shall require awardees to track and report to yield myself such time as I may con- ets are reasonable while allowing the the Foundation annually all expenses reim- sume. NSF and the awardee to address all bursed or otherwise paid for with manage- I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 5049, the cost issues before construction begins. ment fee funds, in accordance with Federal NSF Major Research Facility Reform This small investment at the beginning accounting practices as established in Gov- Act of 2016, to improve the manage- of the award will pay off in savings for ernment Accountability Office Report GAO– ment and oversight of major multi-user 12–331G, or any successor report thereto. the life of the construction project. research facilities that are funded by (E) AUDITS.—The Inspector General of the Third, the bill requires an incurred Foundation may audit any Foundation the National Science Foundation and cost audit at least every 2 years during award for compliance with this paragraph. to ensure that taxpayer dollars are construction, starting 1 year after the (F) PROHIBITED USES.—An awardee may not spent with transparency and account- execution of the agreement. These reg- use management fees for— ability. ular audits will help ensure that a (i) costs allowable under Cost Principles The NSF funds a variety of large re- project is on track and will detect Uniform Guidance in 2 C.F.R. part 200, Sub- search projects through cooperative problems while something can still be part E, or any successor regulation thereto; agreements, including multi-user re- (ii) alcoholic beverages; done to remedy the problem, not after (iii) tickets to concerts, sporting, or other search facilities, tools for research and the project is well on its way to being entertainment events; education, and instrumentation net- over budget or is already complete. (iv) vacation or other travel for nonbusi- works. Current construction projects Fourth, the bill increases agency ness purposes; underway include the Large Synoptic control over project contingency funds (v) charitable contributions, except for a Survey Telescope, the Daniel Inouye by requiring the NSF to retain the ma- charitable contribution of direct benefit to Solar Telescope, and the National Eco- jority of the funds rather than the the project or activity supported by the logical Observatory Network, other- awardee. Reflecting the input of many management fee; wise known as NEON. These 5- to 10- (vi) social or sporting club memberships; stakeholders, the bill allows the NSF (vii) meals or entertainment for nonbusi- year construction projects range from to disburse contingency funds incre- ness purposes; $350 million to $500 million in total mentally to the awardee to allow for (viii) luxury or personal items; project cost. The proper stewardship of project continuity and stability. Con- (ix) lobbying, as described in the Uniform taxpayer dollars is paramount when tingency expenditures must be sup- Guidance at 2 C.F.R. 200.450; or executing projects of this magnitude. ported by verifiable cost data, and the (x) any other purpose the Foundation de- The Committee on Science, Space, awardee must record and report all termines is inappropriate. and Technology held a number of hear- contingency expenditures to the NSF. (G) REVIEW.—The Foundation shall review ings over the last year and a half on Next, the bill closes loopholes for the management fee usage for each Foundation these large research projects, including award on at least an annual basis for compli- use of management fees, codifying reg- ance with this paragraph and the Founda- several on the NEON Project, after ulations that the NSF has recently put tion’s Large Facilities Manual. learning about the mismanagement of into place to ensure taxpayer funds are (6) REPORT.—Not later than 12 months appropriated funds. Specifically, the never abused again. This prohibition after the date of enactment of this Act, the hearings discussed the findings of two includes alcohol, concert tickets, un- Director shall submit to Congress a report financial audits. One of those audits necessary travel, and lobbying. The bill describing the Foundation’s policies for de- discovered that NEON was allowed to also requires awardees to demonstrate veloping and managing major multi-user re- use Federal taxpayer dollars for explic- a financial need to justify management search facility construction costs, including itly unallowable costs, including liq- a description of any aspects of the policies fees which are included as part of the that diverge from the best practices rec- uor, lobbying, and a lavish holiday award. ommended in Government Accountability party. Finally, the bill has a provision that Office Report GAO-09-3SP, or any successor Both audits of the NEON Project supports the education of the NSF report thereto, and the Uniform Guidance in were initiated by the NSF inspector grant awardees and their employees on 2 C.F.R. part 200. general due to concerns about the lack the law that protects whistleblowers. (7) NONCOMPLIANCE.—The Director shall en- of review of costs by the NSF. In addi- It was thanks to a whistleblower audi- sure that the Foundation shall take the en- tion, the IG had concerns about the tor that many of the issues with the forcement actions specified in 45 C.F.R. 92.43 NSF’s accounting financial controls of for noncompliance with this section. NEON Project were brought to light. major research facilities prior to enter- As a former small business owner and SEC. 4. WHISTLEBLOWER EDUCATION. ing into cooperative agreements. The as the former director of a nonprofit, I, (a) IN GENERAL.—The Foundation shall be subject to section 4712 of title 41, United IG’s work, combined with the oversight wholeheartedly, understand the impor- States Code. of this committee’s, resulted in the Na- tance of accountability. The fact that (b) EDUCATION AND TRAINING.—The Founda- tional Academy of Public Administra- the NSF is mishandling American tax- tion shall provide education and training for tion’s, also known as NAPA, con- payer dollars, with little consequence,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.028 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 is inexcusable. What is even more inex- the Republican and Democratic staffs of accountability, and practices and cusable is that the NSF has received in this regard. However, the devil is al- policies that just don’t make sense. warnings about this kind of irrespon- ways in the details, and I hope that dis- That is bad for the workers, it is bad sible spending over the past 4 years, cussion will continue on some of the for business, and, most importantly, it and it has not taken adequate meas- details if this legislation continues to is bad for America. ures to resolve the matter. move forward. Here in the House, we aren’t accept- This bill will ensure that the NSF The fact is that every other Federal ing the status quo. If it doesn’t make makes the systematic changes nec- agency is held to governmentwide sense, we are getting rid of it. If it is essary to restore confidence in feder- standards and policies for contracting. holding back innovation, we are chang- ally funded research projects and that In this bill, we are creating a different ing it. taxpayers can trust us with their set of rules with less flexibility for the Mr. Speaker, we will surely consider money in their knowing that it will be National Science Foundation even more pieces of innovation initiative in spent in the manner it was intended. though the Foundation’s record, over- the weeks and months to come. I thank Chairman SMITH for his sup- all, has been a very good one and even Unleashing the power of innovation, we port in moving this bill forward, and I though the Foundation has taken will ensure American leadership now ask my colleagues to join me in pass- many aggressive steps already to rec- and into the future. ing these commonsense reforms. tify deficiencies where they did exist. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of As such, I hope that we tread care- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the bal- my time. fully. Given that the impetus for this ance of my time. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of bill was one project that went awry be- Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such cause of an inexperienced project man- yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from time as I may consume. agement team, the last thing we want Texas (Mr. SMITH), the chairman of the I rise in support of H.R. 5049, the NSF to do is to enact a law that discourages Science, Space, and Technology Com- Major Research Facility Reform Act of the most experienced project manage- mittee. 2016. While I support the passage of this ment professionals from doing business Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, bill in the House today, I do so with with the NSF, thereby increasing the Mr. LOUDERMILK is the chairman of the some reservations, which I will discuss risk to the taxpayer. Science, Space, and Technology Com- later in my remarks. mittee’s Oversight Subcommittee, and Major research facilities play a cen- b 1915 I appreciate all the work he has done tral role in helping the NSF meet its In closing, I want to thank Mr. on this bill. mission to promote the progress of LOUDERMILK and Chairman SMITH for H.R. 5049, the NSF Major Research science and cultivate the next genera- working with us to improve the legisla- Facility Reform Act, is the second bill tion of scientists and innovators. These tion; and I hope we continue to work today that is part of Majority Leader facilities include telescopes, research with the agency, the National Science MCCARTHY’s Innovation Initiative. We ships, engineering test beds, and other Board, and the expert stakeholders to appreciate all of his efforts on this and cutting-edge research platforms. We re- ensure we achieve our shared goals of other innovation bills, which now total cently held a hearing to congratulate both safeguarding taxpayers’ money 17. the scientists who are working on one and promoting the progress of science This legislation addresses an issue such endeavor, the LIGO project, which I reserve the balance of my time. about which the Science, Space, and detected gravity waves. Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I Technology Committee has expressed As the LIGO project demonstrated, yield 1 minute to the gentleman from concerns for the last 2 years: the Na- these efforts involving major facilities California (Mr. MCCARTHY), the major- tional Science Foundation past man- have the potential to generate pro- ity leader. agement of major research facility found breakthroughs in science and to Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, the In- projects. inspire a whole new generation of our novation Initiative is about two things: The Science, Space, and Technology best and brightest to pursue careers in enabling innovation in the private sec- Committee seeks to ensure that tax- STEM. However, these major facilities tor, and bringing innovation into gov- payer dollars are spent on research in also cost a lot of money. Properly man- ernment. the national interest, not wasted on aging those large expenses is critical to It has now been 3 months since we mismanagement and questionable ensuring the success of the major fa- started the Innovation Initiative. In costs. cilities projects and is, ultimately, that time, we have met with This bill achieves that goal. It ad- critical to the advancement of science. innovators at the forefront of both our dresses gaps in project oversight and The intent of this bill is a good one. missions. Today in the House, we are management through solutions identi- It is to ensure the proper oversight and focused on harnessing innovation for fied by the NSF inspector general, accountability for the National the public good. auditors, an outside review panel, and Science Foundation’s investments in Just moments ago, we passed Rep- the Science, Space, and Technology major research facilities. resentative DARIN LAHOOD’s bill to ad- Committee’s own oversight for a year The National Science Foundation vance networking and information and a half. manages about 15 research facilities technology research and development; Last year, in the wake of several re- across its diverse science and engineer- and now we are considering BARRY ports of project waste and mismanage- ing portfolio. In any given year, three LOUDERMILK’s reform of the National ment, NSF Director France A. Cordova or four new major facilities are under Science Foundation. agreed to commission a study by the construction. H.R. 5049 largely address- Basic research and development in- National Academy of Public Adminis- es the design and construction phase of vestment is important as we strive to tration to take a closer look at how these facilities, which is the highest- remain at the cutting edge of tech- NSF could better manage large-scale risk phase. nologies that will offer Americans a research projects. The study’s report Republican and Democratic members happier and healthier life. But when offered 13 recommendations to improve and staff of the Committee on Science, the integrity of such efforts at public NSF’s management of cooperative Space, and Technology worked to- institutions is compromised, as hap- agreements. gether over many weeks to develop and pened with the major NSF facility that Although NSF has begun to imple- move through the committee a bill experienced massive cost overruns last ment some of the recommendations, that addresses the need for strong over- year, it calls into question the entire there is still a need to implement four sight and accountability while taking model. So this bill makes changes to key measures addressed in this bill: into consideration the legitimate con- our research facilities to make them preconstruction verification of total cerns of the agency and stakeholder operate with transparency and ac- project cost, incurred cost audits dur- groups about unintended consequences. countability. ing construction, better control over I appreciate the work of Mr. When you look across our govern- contingency funds, and proper use of LOUDERMILK and Chairman SMITH and ment, you can see inefficiencies, a lack taxpayer-funded management fees.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:42 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.041 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3735 The bill’s approach to these four re- The question was taken. It is time to act. The people are wait- forms ensures that no current or future The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the ing on us to do our job. large-scale research project faces the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being f same financial mismanagement that in the affirmative, the ayes have it. 8-YEAR-OLD VICTIM OF SEX plagued one of NSF’s largest projects, Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, on SLAVERY the $400 million National Ecological that I demand the yeas and nays. Observatory Network, called NEON. The yeas and nays were ordered. (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was Last September, we learned that the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- given permission to address the House project was likely to be $80 million ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- for 1 minute and to revise and extend overbudget and 18 months behind ceedings on this motion will be post- his remarks.) schedule. I recognize that the NSF is poned. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it taking steps to better manage the cost f happened right under the entire com- of NEON, which include firing the man- munity’s nose: 8-year-old Jen—that is DOTTERER FAMILY CELEBRATES correct, 8 years old—was raped and tor- agement organization; however, it is 65 YEARS OF FARMING IN CLIN- tured almost on a daily basis. Jen was time to make systemic changes for all TON COUNTY not kidnapped by a stranger or abused current and future major research (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania by a relative. She was sold for sex by a projects. asked and was given permission to ad- neighbor at the neighbor’s house. It The accountability provisions in the dress the House for 1 minute and to re- was not just Jen who was sold for sex. bill have been developed with input vise and extend his remarks.) It was also her younger sister, a male from the minority, the NSF, and many Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. cousin, and a whole group of kids from stakeholders. We incorporated many of Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratu- her hometown of Norristown, Pennsyl- their suggestions during the markup of late members of the Dotterer family in vania. the bill in committee on April 27, and Clinton County on the 65th anniversary She and her fellow victims were co- the bill was reported out of the of the their farm, which they cele- erced into participating and keeping it Science, Space, and Technology Com- brated earlier this month. a secret through an elaborate con of mittee by voice vote. The Dotterer farm was founded in gifts and threats. No one ever went Our staff has continued to work with 1951, when Paul and Jean Dotterer looking for Jen because she was not the minority on the report that was started with just 15 dairy cows and 147 ever missing. From 3 to 6 p.m., she was filed with the bill to make sure our in- acres. Their hard work paid off, since forced to have sex with strangers. tentions in the underlying bill are today the farm includes approximately The trafficking finally ended when clear. Although I believe the current 950 dairy cows and about 3,000 acres of she was about 10 years of age because NSF leadership is committed to im- land, which provides for a harvest of the neighbor just disappeared. proving its management of these con- many different crops. The farm is now Mr. Speaker, sex slavery happens. As struction projects, we need to make in its third generation. parents and grandparents, we need to sure that the NSF will make the sys- Members of the Dotterer family are know where our kids are because mon- temic changes necessary in a timely proud that the milk from their farm is sters that hurt victims must be pros- and permanent fashion. This change of sold locally. In fact, it can be found on ecuted, both the sellers and the buyers, even if they are neighbors. how the NSF does business should out- the shelves of grocery stores just miles The message is clear: Our children last the current administration. away from their farm. Many stakeholders have expressed are not for sale. Leave them alone. As a member of the House Agri- And that is just the way it is. support for the bill since it provides culture Committee, I know how impor- certainty for how the NSF will operate. tant farming is to not only Pennsylva- f All agencies as well as their grantees nia’s economy, but to our Nation. It is ORLANDO, FLORIDA, TRAGEDY and contractors need to be held ac- wonderful to see family farms that are (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was countable for how they spend tax- being passed from generation to gen- given permission to address the House payers’ hard-earned dollars. The basic eration, feeding their communities, our for 1 minute and to revise and extend responsibility of any government agen- Nation, and the entire world. her remarks.) cy is to act in the national interest. I wish the Dotterer family continued Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I H.R. 5049 will reduce waste, fraud, success and prosperity in the future. rise first of all to acknowledge my col- and abuse and make more resources f league, Congresswoman CORRINE available for quality basic research. BROWN, in whose district this heinous, ORLANDO TRAGEDY This will lead to scientific discoveries, terroristic, hateful act occurred. I ac- ´ spur technological innovation, create (Mr. CARDENAS asked and was knowledge my hometown of Houston, new industries, and provide better jobs given permission to address the House where, as I stand here today, they are for Americans. for 1 minute and to revise and extend mourning with memorials that will be Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of his remarks.) held today, Tuesday, and Wednesday in ´ this good government accountability Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I am solidarity with the people of Orlando, bill. beyond heartbroken from the cir- Florida. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of cumstances of Orlando. I mourn with I also rise with great pain in joining Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to my fellow Americans the 50 lives lost, my colleague, Congresswoman BROWN, know that this is a part of the innova- 53 people maimed and damaged by this to introduce legislation to push and to tion project. There are a number of preventable tragedy. remind individuals about the violence good bills in the committee that we 32,000 American lives are lost each that is taking place through the weap- could really make a part of that pack- year from gun violence. Every elected ons of war that we are allowing to be age. congressional Member has promised sold on the streets of America. I have no further speakers, and I urge America that the safety of the people It is high time for this body to stop support of the bill. is what we or she or he will work on. standing in memoriam and for a 1- I yield back the balance of my time. We as a Congress do nothing to make minute speech and to pass the ban on Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I our country safer. Why? Because you, assault weapons and high-caliber bul- urge my colleagues to support this Mr. Speaker, refuse to consider any lets that are destroying and killing and strong bipartisan measure. legislation tied to gun violence. Why destroying and killing. It has been told I yield back the balance of my time. won’t you allow a hearing, a com- that there were bodies whose legs were The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. mittee discussion on the issue of gun taken off by the bullets. I ask this body MACARTHUR). The question is on the violence? to recognize that we can no longer motion offered by the gentleman from My moment of silence resolution is talk, talk, talk. We must do, do, do. Georgia (Mr. LOUDERMILK) that the waiting for your signature. It would re- We will fight till our last breath to House suspend the rules and pass the quire this House of Congress to hold a demand that the Constitution be re- bill, H.R. 5049, as amended. hearing on the tragedy in Orlando. spected, Mr. Speaker—as I end—the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.043 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 First Amendment, the right to free too often actions and language here in place as our Nation celebrates LGBT speech, and, yes, the Second Amend- Congress and on the campaign trail ac- Pride Month leaves one to believe that ment, with the restrictions and the tually exacerbate would-be terrorists, this was motivated by deep hate and recognition that AR–15s are killing and actions even on the floor of the prejudice. Americans. House of Representatives all too often I spent Sunday night and Monday in We must stop it now. reinforce the hate of some people, in- Orlando working to ensure that the State and local officials receive the f cluding gays and lesbians. Unfortunately, this body is too Federal resources they need to make b 1930 chicken to address the epidemic of sure that this never happens again. BRINGING TRANSPARENCY AND military-style assault weapons because Mr. Speaker, the community is coming together, but a little girl gave me ACCOUNTABILITY TO STATE EX- that would upset the gun manufactur- this picture. This picture, so simple. CHANGES ers and gun lobby. In the end, all we did, yet again, is This picture says ‘‘Orlando Strong.’’ (Mr. ALLEN asked and was given have another moment of silence rather Orlando is strong, but, you know, I permission to address the House for 1 than a moment of action. That dis- don’t know how much longer we are minute and to revise and extend his re- respects the lives of the people who going to stand and have a moment of marks.) were killed not just yesterday, but silent prayer. Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to every day by gun violence. There may A moment of silent prayer, and then thank the Subcommittee on Health of be blood in the streets, but if Congress what? the House Committee on Energy and continues to fail to act, we will have You know, to whom God has given Commerce for their recent hearing on blood on our hands. much, much is expected. He expects us my legislation, H.R. 4262, the Trans- to do more than stand and rise for a parency and Accountability of Failed f moment of silent prayer when one per- Exchanges Act. ALYSSA FERGUSON IS A SPECIAL son killed over 50 people and sent out ObamaCare just had its sixth anni- YOUNG LADY over a hundred bullets. It is just unac- versary. In those 6 years, we have (Mr. OLSON asked and was given per- ceptable. People around the world are learned just how disastrous ObamaCare mission to address the House for 1 looking at us, and they think there is is, exposing its many flaws. One of minute and to revise and extend his re- something wrong with us. those being when the President freely marks.) People in America, what is wrong gave money away to States to estab- Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I would with you? How much longer, how much lish State exchanges, he forgot a major like to give an update to the folks back longer are we going to rise for a mo- piece of the puzzle. The administration home about a special young lady, ment of silent prayer? failed to provide a solution to recover Alyssa Ferguson. Prayer without work is in vain. these funds when these State ex- I first talked on this floor about f changes failed. Alyssa when the Fort Bend Star told us RECOGNIZING THE JOHN S. JAMES Since then, billions of taxpayer dol- her story. It was their third best story COMPANY lars have been spent, and exchanges in for 2015. I also spoke on this floor a sec- (Mr. CARTER of Georgia asked and multiple States have failed. ond time about Alyssa the first time I Well, what has happened to the was given permission to address the met her. She threw out the first pitch, House for 1 minute and to revise and money if the exchange failed? a strike, at a home game for our local My legislation establishes a two-step extend his remarks.) pro baseball team, the Skeeters. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- plan to recover Federal funds. It con- Alyssa is special because what she er, I rise today to recognize the John S. ducts an audit to see how and where has done when she heard that she had James Company in Savannah, Georgia, the money was spent and requires un- cancer. She used her only wish from for receiving an ‘‘E’’ award from the used funds be returned back to the the Make-A-Wish Foundation to give a United States Department of Com- Treasury for needed deficit reduction. water well to a small village in Africa. merce. Again, I thank the committee for A few weeks ago, Alyssa and 100 kids The ‘‘E’’ award is the highest honor their interest in H.R. 4262 and encour- with cancer enjoyed a Prom Party the United States Government can give age my colleagues to cosponsor this Palooza at Texas Children’s Hospital. to an American exporter. The pres- legislation. It is time to bring trans- Alyssa said: ‘‘Some people don’t make tigious award was created by President parency and accountability to State it to the real prom. It’s great we get a Kennedy in 1961 as a way to distinguish exchanges. chance to experience that.’’ companies who achieve excellence in f Keep fighting, Alyssa, and when you exporting United States goods and go to your real prom, there will be a HORRIFIC EVENTS IN ORLANDO products. long line waiting to be your date, and This award was presented by the U.S. (Mr. POCAN asked and was given per- I will be at the front of that line. Secretary of Commerce to the John S. mission to address the House for 1 f James Company on May 16, 2016, during minute and to revise and extend his re- World Trade Week. Founded in 1941, marks.) TRAGEDY AT THE PULSE NIGHTCLUB the John S. James Company has ex- Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, as we grap- celled in international freight for- ple with the horrific events that took (Ms. BROWN of Florida asked and warding, customs brokerage industries, place yesterday morning in Orlando, was given permission to address the transportation services, and cargo in- my thoughts are with the families of House for 1 minute and to revise and surance. The company has expanded the victims and everyone affected dur- extend her remarks.) into six locations across the South- ing Pride Month. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, eastern United States and provides The targeting of LGBT individuals in I rise today with a heavy heart. I have shipping services across the globe. this heinous act of violence has re- had the honor of representing Orlando, The John S. James Company is a ignited many fears and uncertainty in Florida, for the last 24 years. Yes, Or- great example of American success in our community. As a country, we must lando is one of the number one destina- the international market. I am very stand together to denounce bigotry and tions in the country and it is very so- proud of this company in the First hatred and embrace love and accept- phisticated and very diverse, but it is a Congressional District of Georgia, and ance. family-oriented community. We have a I wish them all the best in their future. President Barack Obama declared very heavy heart. f this an act of terror and an act of hate, Although there are numerous unan- an action perpetrated with a military- swered questions at this time, the fact BUSINESS AS USUAL style assault weapon. Unfortunately, that this attack took place at a night- (Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California this week Congress won’t do a thing club frequented by members of the asked and was given permission to ad- about any of these issues. In fact, all LGBT community and that it took dress the House for 1 minute.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.046 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3737 Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. nerve of this family, to grow crops on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. Speaker and Members, we have had land historically used to grow crops. objection to the request of the gentle- another moment of silence, a moment Rarely have we seen an administra- woman from Ohio? of silence indicating that somehow we tion distort the legislative intent of There was no objection. are concerned about what happened in Congress as it has in this instance. The Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Orlando, Florida. It is not good enough. Army Corps and EPA are ignoring lan- this evening, along with my colleague, How many times have we done this? guage that exempts ‘‘normal farming, Congressman HAKEEM JEFFRIES of the Whether we are talking about Sandy silviculture, and ranching activities Eighth Congressional District of New Hook, where those babies were killed, such as plowing, seeding, cultivating, York, for tonight’s Congressional or we are talking about North Carolina minor drainage, harvesting . . . ’’ and Black Caucus Special Order hour, or we are talking about San so on—exactly the activity that oc- Bridging the Divide: A Call to Action Bernardino or Aurora, Colorado, we curred in this instance. In other words, By the Congressional Black Caucus to keep getting up with a moment of si- Congress clearly and unambiguously Eliminate Racial Health Disparities. lence because we don’t want to deal exempted day-to-day activities, and Mr. Speaker, tonight, the Congres- with what is really going on. yet the administration continues work- sional Black Caucus comes to the This Republican leadership is pitiful. ing to try to regulate them. House floor to discuss our overarching It is disgusting that they don’t have Mr. Speaker, we have enacted lan- goal of promoting equality for African the guts or the commitment to call it guage I have sponsored to defund this Americans across the healthcare spec- like it is and bring a bill to this floor type of lawless regulation, and yet the trum. to get rid of assault weapons. That administration continues. We must Mr. Speaker, it is well known that weapon that killed those 50 people and rein in this executive overreach and de- poverty, socioeconomic status, and harmed those other 53 is a weapon that velop reforms that end this abuse once health disparities are closely linked is designed for war. Don’t tell me about and for all. and latched together. For example, in- your hunting concerns. This AR–15 has f dividuals with low incomes tend to nothing to do with hunting. This is have more restricted access to medical about killing. And so this leadership is THE DEADLIEST SHOOTING IN care and face greater financial barriers spineless, it is gutless, and it deserves AMERICAN HISTORY to affordable health care, oftentimes not to have the ability to get up on (Mrs. LAWRENCE asked and was contributing to health disparities. this floor and talk about responsibility given permission to address the House Last week, Mr. Speaker, the House or innovation—— for 1 minute.) Republicans released their Con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, the ference’s poverty plan called A Better time of the gentlewoman has expired. June 12 mass shooting at a club in Or- Way. Unfortunately, but not unexpect- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- lando, Florida, was not only the dead- edly, this Republican antipoverty pro- fornia.—or any of this other stuff that liest shooting in American history, it posal isn’t a better way, Mr. Speaker. they are talking about. I want to say was one of the most heinous hate It isn’t even a new way. Quite frankly, over and over again, I don’t care if my crimes and acts of terrorism this coun- Mr. Speaker, it is the wrong way. It time is up, you stop me from talking if try has ever seen. Too often hate uses the same trickle-down, discredited you will. crimes and acts of terrorism use guns. policies that House Republicans have The fact of the matter is, we should The epidemic overwhelmingly express put forth in the past. all be on this. Business as usual? I the need to strengthen our gun laws. The House Republicans’ poverty don’t think so. We should have stopped A stronger background check system elimination proposal would repeal the everything this evening, concentrated will help prevent hate crimes and acts Affordable Care Act and undermine af- on how we can get a bill to the floor. of terrorism to protect Americans from fordable, quality health coverage that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The terrorists who want to attack our way millions of Americans are now enjoy- time of the gentlewoman has expired. of life. We must give the FBI the au- ing. It would also cut Medicaid, the Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. thority to block sales to suspected ter- Children’s Health Insurance Program I know you don’t want me to talk rorists, and we must require back- that we refer to as CHIP, and it would while you are waiting for your talking ground checks for every gun sale in end the Medicare guarantee—programs points from the leadership. America. with proven successes, Mr. Speaker, in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. Speaker, no more silence. Let’s reducing health disparities. So this is, tlewoman is no longer recognized. stand up as Americans, and in this in part, why we are here tonight. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Congress, and tell the American people, We know that health coverage is the *** those who are mourning, and those first step in securing better healthcare The SPEAKER pro tempore. The across this country who have experi- outcomes, and Medicaid and CHIP play Chair is prepared to recognize the gen- enced this that we in Congress will do a vital role in opening the doorway to tleman from California. the work we were sent here to do, and the needed health care, especially for f that is to stand up and take action. our children. As we address the most pressing chal- PROPERTY RIGHTS EXEMPTION f lenges in achieving health equity and FOR FARMS b 1945 equality for African Americans, I want (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: A CALL TO hardworking American families to permission to address the House for 1 ACTION BY THE CONGRESSIONAL know that they have voices in Congress minute and to revise and extend his re- BLACK CAUCUS TO ELIMINATE that aim to protect their safety, invest marks.) RACIAL HEALTH DISPARITIES in their future, and provide affordable Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, last health care for all. Friday a Federal court in California The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under With the Affordable Care Act, which made an almost unbelievable ruling the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- every member of the Congressional that the Army Corps of Engineers uary 6, 2015, the gentlewoman from Black Caucus supported when it could regulate the plowing of fields de- Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY) is recognized for 60 passed, we have improved access. We spite clear exemptions for normal minutes as the designee of the minor- have improved affordability and qual- farming activities in the Clean Water ity leader. ity of health care. Act. GENERAL LEAVE So tonight, Mr. Speaker, I want to Ruling against a family farm in my Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I ask thank President Obama for moving the district, the court somehow found that unanimous consent that all Members needle forward in helping American the Corps was justified in attacking may have 5 legislative days to revise families and African American families the farm for, believe it or not, planting and extend their remarks and add any across this great country and Nation to wheat on land that had been used to extraneous materials relevant to the have the financial and health security grow wheat for decades. Wow. The subject matter of this Special Order. that comes with health care.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:42 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.049 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 Mr. Speaker, we cannot repeal the ment ago and listened to Congress- Another illness which disparately im- ACA. We must continue to improve and woman CORRINE BROWN. It was an in- pacts the African American commu- strengthen it, and we will still have credible 1-minute speech she gave. I nity is that of prostate cancer. In June more work to do. want to share in her sentiments this of last year, I introduced the National The Congressional Black Caucus, evening and align myself with the pain Prostate Cancer Plan Act, a bipartisan from its very inception, has long been that she and her constituents are fac- bill which seeks to establish the Na- the voice for bridging the divide on ra- ing in Orlando. The mass shootings tional Prostate Cancer Council on cial healthcare disparities. No, Mr. were absolutely horrific and unthink- Screening, Early Detection and Assess- Speaker; we have been the voice for able, under any definition. They are ment and Monitoring of Prostate Can- standing up for American people, and just unthinkable. cer. especially individuals who are African My prayers go out to the families in Prostate cancer impacts one in seven American, against all disparities. We Orlando for their pain and for all that American men and is the second lead- will not only come to this floor to- they are having to endure because of ing cause of cancer-related deaths night. We will continue our fight and these mass shootings. among men in the U.S., with nearly we will continue to come to this floor. As someone said a few moments ago, 30,000 deaths anticipated just this year. Tonight, you are going to hear a lot a moment of silence is not enough. It is African American men are particularly of our members weave together our time for this Congress to act. It is time vulnerable, as they are twice as likely poverty plan. You are going to have for this body, Mr. Speaker, to have a to be diagnosed with prostate cancer members talk about gun violence. You serious debate about gun violence and and 2.5 times more likely to die from are going to have members talk about to pass legislation that will deprive the disease than their White counter- all lives matter. If we don’t end the people the right to own a high-capacity parts. gun violence, then we are not going to assault weapon and high-caliber bullets Just last week, House Republicans have a healthy nation. and use them to kill innocent people. released their A Better Way agenda to Tonight, I want to applaud my good Now is the time. address poverty, but that proposal, like friend and colleague, Congresswoman 136 mass shootings have taken place others they have released, will not lift ROBIN KELLY of the Second District of during the first 164 days of this year. It Americans out of poverty. In some Illinois, chair of our Congressional is a sad statistic that we must address. cases, these types of proposals can ac- Black Caucus Health Braintrust. I The United States is 5 percent of the tually push low-income Americans want to commend her for her report, world’s population, yet we are 31 per- even deeper into poverty, further lim- the 2015 Kelly Report on Health Dis- cent of the mass shootings in the iting their access to health care and parities in America, the official con- world. It is time to act. exacerbating health disparities. gressional analysis of the state of Afri- Let me talk about the topic tonight, So, Mr. Speaker, it is time for us to can Americans’ health in the United very briefly. continue our efforts to address the States, and her work on the 40 Under 40 The Congressional Black Caucus has health disparities and barriers. That is Leaders in Health Awards, leaders been committed to advancing access to what the Congressional Black Caucus under 40 who are physicians and med- affordable health care for all Ameri- ical professionals. And lastly, let me is advocating the evening. We are going cans so that we can eliminate racially to continue this work until every dis- just thank her for her courage and her based health disparities. That has been leadership for recognizing that all lives parity is removed. our mission for many years. Mrs. BEATTY. I thank Congressman matter. Eliminating health disparities means We cannot come to this House floor BUTTERFIELD for making us aware of addressing inequities in environ- and talk about poverty programs and 136 mass shootings in 164 days of this mental, social, and economic condi- health care and education and about fi- year. Certainly, that is relevant to to- tions in all of our communities. By all nance if we do not bridge the gap with night’s topic, because whether it is measurable statistics, from health out- gun violence. I salute her for no longer death by guns or death by healthcare comes to participation in health pro- standing up until we make a difference. disparities, there are too many deaths. So tonight, we are coming, Mr. fessions, African Americans lag so far I think you said it so well when you Speaker, with a strong call to action behind. provided the data and the statistics of for us to keep this wonderful America For example, more than 40 percent of African American men and their mor- healthy. You will hear from Congress- African Americans have high blood tality rates and what is happening to woman KELLY momentarily. pressure—a rate that is one of the them. And yes, African Americans lag Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman highest in the world. African Ameri- behind, and that is why we stand with from North Carolina (Mr. cans are more likely to develop hyper- you bridging the gap and for this call BUTTERFIELD), chairman of the Con- tension at a younger age and are at of action. gressional Black Caucus. He is a chair- higher risk of stroke, heart failure, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman who has been a longtime advocate end-stage renal disease, and death from woman from Illinois (Ms. KELLY) from and voice for not only the Congres- heart disease. the Second Congressional District, my sional Black Caucus, but for his con- Stroke, Mr. Speaker, is the third colleague, my confidant, and my stituents in his congressional district leading cause of death in the United friend. She is a champion of expanding in North Carolina. Tonight, he speaks States. African Americans are 50 per- health care. She is a champion, Mr. for us. Tonight, he speaks for the call cent more likely to experience a stroke Speaker, of making sure that we under- of action of us to bridge the gap. than White Americans. That is a fact. stand that healthcare disparities must Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I thank Con- According to the Federal Centers for end. gresswoman BEATTY for yielding to me Disease Control and Prevention, Afri- She is the chair of the powerful and this evening. can American children are twice as most prestigious Congressional Black This is such a sad evening for all of likely to have asthma as White chil- Caucus Health Braintrust. She strives us because of the events in Orlando. I dren, and Black children are 10 times to increase healthcare opportunities thank her so very much for having the more likely than White children to die for all: for our children, for our senior strength to come to the floor tonight of complications from asthma. citizens, and for residents of the under- to manage the important topic that we African Americans were, on average, served communities. It is my honor to are all so concerned about. 6 years younger than Whites when they ask her to provide some information on I thank Congresswoman ROBIN KELLY suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Cardiac today’s topic. for her incredible work chairing the arrest incidence among African Amer- CBC Health Braintrust and all the ican men was 175 per 100,000; whereas, b 2000 work she does related to health dispari- the incidence for White males was just Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ties in this country. I thank all of my 84 per 100,000. Cardiac arrest in African want to thank my colleagues and my colleagues for their tireless work. American women was 90 per 100,000, as classmates, the gentlewoman from Before I begin my remarks, let me opposed to 40 per 100,000 for Caucasian Ohio (Mrs. BEATTY), my friend, and the just say that I sat on the floor a mo- women. distinguished gentleman from New

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:52 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.050 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3739 York (Mr. JEFFRIES), for leading this ican women are 40 percent more likely We must mourn those who lost their important conversation about bridging to die from the disease. family members, but we must do more the divide to eliminate racial health African Americans, Latinos, Asians, than mourn. We must have action. If disparities. and Pacific Islanders, as well as Native we are going to have a hope for a better But I can’t weigh in on that topic Americans, are diagnosed with lupus America, hate has no place in this until I first address the horrific events two to three times more frequently great Nation. of yesterday in Orlando, Florida. Our than Caucasians. So I thank the gentlewoman, and I Nation is horrified and heartbroken by More than 13 percent of African will continue to remind others that we the tragedy in Orlando. We are dis- Americans aged 20 or older have diag- know firsthand what it does to our gusted by this brutal attack. We will nosed diabetes. And people of color are community. not tolerate terrorism or hate in any two to four times more likely than But, Madam Speaker, we stand here form against any group of people be- Whites to reach end-stage renal dis- tonight speaking to all communities. cause this is just not our way. ease. But here is what we know. The NAACP These ideas of hate will not endure This grim snapshot illustrates that, has shared with us that African Amer- because there is not strength to them. despite the gains we have made since ican children and teens accounted for We will win the battle against ter- the days of Ben Franklin and the ACA, 45 percent of all child and teen gun rorism and intolerance. there is still much ground to cover in deaths in 2008 and 2009, but were only 15 We will hold leaders accountable who closing the health equity gap. percent of the total child population. put their NRA score ahead of the need Last year, I drafted a comprehensive The FBI says that approximately 47 to keep guns out of the hands of terror- report, The Kelly Report on Health percent of victims of the 165,000 homi- ists. We will stand with the LGBTQ Disparities, an official Congressional cides from 2000 to 2010, including over community and value their lives, their analysis of the state of minority health 111,000 gun-related homicides, were health, and their security from the in the U.S. that offers a blueprint for Black. threat of violence and hate. And we reversing negative health trends in The Children’s Defense Fund, Madam will work to see that all Americans communities of color. Speaker, says that in 2010, Black males enjoy the very same freedoms and pro- The Kelly Report brought Members between the ages of 15 and 19 were tections. of Congress together, medical profes- nearly 30 times more likely to die in a We have done a lot of moments of si- sionals, and public health thought gun homicide than White males of the lence, but I believe in showing respect leaders to examine the root causes and same age, and more than three times through action, not silence, and that is impact of health disparities in Amer- more likely to die in a gun homicide why we are here this evening to discuss ica, and provide a comprehensive set of than Hispanic males of the same age. what divides us as a country in a legislative and policy recommenda- So, Madam Speaker, tonight you will health sense. tions to address them. hear us repeatedly make a call for ac- For 45 years, the Congressional Black The whole can only ever be as tion. You will hear us repeatedly quote Caucus has been out front in Congress healthy as its parts. For America to great leaders. And I think it is worth in fighting for these freedoms and pro- achieve true health equity, lawmakers, quoting again what Congresswoman tections. And when it comes to the community leaders, and industry KELLY said, in the words of Dr. Martin matter of health equity, I have worked stakeholders must come together and Luther King: ‘‘Of all the forms of in- to champion the health policy concerns aggressively work to reduce disparities equality, injustice in health care is the of vulnerable communities as my pred- nationwide. We all have a part to play most shocking and inhumane’’ of all ecessors in the Congressional Black in creating a healthier America. inequalities, of all injustices. Caucus Health Braintrust, the Honor- We must take heed of Dr. King’s As we speak of great leaders, it is, in- able Louis Stokes and Dr. Christensen, words: ‘‘Of all the forms of inequality, deed, my honor and my privilege to ask have done. injustice in health care is the most my colleague, the gentleman from the Some of my colleagues here know shocking and inhumane.’’ And we can 10th Congressional District of New Jer- this, but I want to repeat it for anyone and we must fix that. sey (Mr. PAYNE), a man who has made who doesn’t. Before he was killed, Mar- Again, because of what happened in a name for himself, a man who under- tin Luther King, Jr., was quoted as Orlando, and I want to say it is the stands firsthand as a father of triplets, saying: ‘‘Of all the forms of inequality, mass shooting that we are talking as a spouse, as a ranking member on injustice in health care is the most about, and it is tragic, but the night Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on shocking and inhumane.’’ before, one person was shot. And I Emergency Preparedness, Response, I couldn’t agree more, and as the often liken this to a 747 crash as we and Communications, a man who has chair of the Health Braintrust, I have talk about that, but we don’t talk been at the forefront in his commu- worked with many of the people in this about the two-seater. And that two- nity, a man who served before coming room to focus on advancing this crit- seater, the person that died alone in here as an elected official, but, more ical phase of the human rights and that club after she sung Friday night importantly, a person who understands civil rights struggle: health equity. has a brother, a mother, a father, and health disparities and the call for ac- When Benjamin Franklin created the their pain is just as harsh. So let’s not tion—it gives me great honor to yield Nation’s first public hospital, The forget that young lady that lost her to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pennsylvania Hospital, he did so in life. And she did not lose her life to PAYNE) to share some wisdom with us order to establish the promotion of someone that was Muslim or someone tonight. public health as a core American value. that believed in ISIS. She lost her life Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I first He did so to care for our Nation’s dis- to an American young man, a Cauca- want to start by thanking Congress- eased and sick poor. sian. woman BEATTY for that very kind and Nearly 300 years later, the Affordable Mrs. BEATTY. I thank the gentle- generous introduction. We, in our Care Act cemented health care as a woman from Illinois, (Ms. KELLY). And class, are very proud of our colleagues, fundamental right for all Americans. how appropriate for tonight for the and we support each other in times of Yet, today, we find ourselves at a gentlewoman to remind us, as I ask her need. crossroads in health care. Health dis- to constantly do, about why we must, I just would like to also congratulate parities in communities of color con- to put it in her words, come together. and acknowledge Congressman HAKEEM tinue to be intractable hurdles in the We must do something. JEFFRIES, the gentleman from New quest to achieve health equity in Madam Speaker, tonight we say to York, who is also host of this Special America. you and to our Republican colleagues: Order. I appreciate the opportunity to African Americans are infected with Come together and do something. discuss an issue that is very personal HIV at a rate that is 8 times that of I say to the gentlewoman, Congress- to me. White Americans. woman KELLY: Let today serve as a Before I begin, I just want to say that While White women are more likely turning point in our Nation’s ongoing my heart goes out to the families and to have breast cancer, African Amer- struggle to stamp out hate of all forms. friends of the victims of the horrible

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.052 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 tragedy in Orlando, and I can only children in Newark suffer from asth- At this time, I yield to the gentle- imagine what they are going through. ma—three times the State average. woman from the State of Texas (Ms. The other thing that is illuminating What we need are additional Federal JACKSON LEE). The gentlewoman from to me is that, as we came here and actions to reduce harmful air pollution the 18th Congressional District of stood up for a moment of silence, after from ports and congested components Texas is someone who I am always that moment of silence, I believe Mem- of the national freight transportation amazed when she comes to the mic, bers were given a 1-minute opportunity system. The issue is critical to the low- someone who is well researched, and to speak on any topic that they would income and minority community who someone who delivers an oratorical like to on the floor, as is customary, suffer the disproportionately adverse message that makes us take pause and and not one person from the other side health effects of these environmental pay attention. of the aisle mentioned what happened hazards. Tonight, I would like to say that in Orlando. Now, since I am on the topic of envi- Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON LEE is So not only was it a moment of si- ronmental justice, I just want to re- a movement. Earlier, I heard her use lence for the leadership in this House, mind everyone that the Republicans that word in talk about how we, but it appears that it is going to be a continue to block any action to help Madam Speaker, must be the move- moment that remains silent or a topic the thousands of children facing life- ment against violence, that we must be that remains silent from the other side long damage from drinking poisoned leading that movement against these of the aisle. water in Flint, including a vote to disparities in health care. Madam Speaker, eliminating racial- block the Families of Flint Act emer- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, based health disparities depends on our gency supplemental. Their radical re- there is no doubt how much I appre- ability to advance access to affordable fusal to address this health issue will ciate the Congressional Black Caucus health care for all. Even in the 21st have tragic consequences for American and Congresswoman BEATTY and Con- gressman JEFFRIES for always being century, health disparities are stark, families, and, I think it is representa- timely in allowing us to give a message especially in the African American tive of their overall inadequate ap- to our colleagues. We hope maybe the communities, where life expectancies proach to health disparities in minor- American people will hear us, but we are lower and infant mortality rates ity communities. The way to eliminate racial health accept that this body is the body to are higher than among Whites. disparities is neither to downplay them which and to whom we speak. So I am Today, despite improvement in over- nor to cut programs that will assist the thankful for that. all health in the United States, African most vulnerable. It is to address the I want to pay tribute, overall, to the Americans and other minority popu- environmental, social, and economic Congressional Black Caucus because we lations lag behind in numerous health conditions that exacerbate those dis- are actually here speaking of health areas, including access to quality care, parities. It is to expand access to qual- disparities, because it was the caucus timelines of care, and health outcomes. ity health care that could eliminate or that triggered this debate through the For years, the Congressional Black reduce the onset of many of these years that we have been trying to get Caucus has called on Republicans to chronic illnesses and disproportionate universal access to health care and was join us and other House Democrats in health outcomes. It is to maintain and the moving force in the 2009, 2008, and developing a plan to eliminate racial strengthen our investments in 2010 passage, ultimately, of the Afford- health disparities, a plan that address- healthcare access and resources for dis- able Care Act, where the work that we es the causes of health disparities, such advantaged populations. did, joining Congresswoman Donna as inequities in environmental, social, In closing, Madam Speaker, I also Christian-Christiansen, at that time, and economic conditions in our com- want to stress that health education and FRANK PALLONE on the Congres- munities. must also be a focus in any efforts to sional Health Caucus, but on the CBC Instead, we get from them proposals eliminate racial-based health dispari- we had the health disparities task to like their so-called A Better Way pov- ties. African Americans and other com- ensure that the language in the Afford- erty proposal, a stale, repackaging of munities are disproportionately af- able Care Act addressed the issue of failed policies presented under the fected by poor provider-patient com- health disparities. guise of concern about Americans munication and health literacy issues. There was a large section on that trapped in poverty. Consequently, they often do not have that built on some of the work that Cutting job training programs, food access to information that enables some of us had already done creating assistance, and Head Start will push them to make the appropriate health the Office of Minority Health that I low-income Americans further into decisions. had worked on in years past. So it was poverty, making it even more difficult We have a responsibility to work the lightning bolt of the caucus, and for them to access the affordable and with our healthcare institutions and then working with the Congressional quality health care needed to secure community health centers to make it Asian Pacific American Caucus and their well-being and the well-being of easier for people to find, understand, then the Congressional Hispanic Cau- their families. We need to, instead, use and use the information and services. cus that we raised the issue that no one the government as a source of good. As co-chair of the Congressional was talking about. Every American deserves to live in a Men’s Health Caucus, I have hosted and I remember debating on the floor of safe and healthy environment. Yet, participated in a number of outreach the House on the issues of dealing with low-income and minority communities events in my district to engage di- senior citizen African American men are much more exposed to high levels rectly with constituents about the im- and how they access health care, how of pollution, resulting in serious health portance of making positive health de- do women access health care, and how problems such as asthma, heart prob- cisions and staying proactive about do women impacted by diabetes access lems, and cancer. their health and well-being. So I en- health care. These are some of the dis- This is a very real problem across courage everyone watching at home to eases that have a proclivity to the Af- America, a very real problem in my get the information you need to make rican American population. district. Thirteen million people, in- smart health decisions, to get the secu- We were finding out that we even had cluding 3.5 million children, are con- rity you and your family deserve, and an issue where medical professionals centrated in the vicinity of transpor- to get the health care that we all need. didn’t know how to ask the questions. tation facilities and are exposed to Mrs. BEATTY. I thank Congressman How do you address someone who needs unhealthy levels of air pollution. PAYNE so much for giving us such com- to be diagnosed for prostate cancer or pelling information and data and re- may be diagnosed for prostate cancer b 2015 minding us that the time is now for us and is an African American male, a My district is home to the Port New- to enact those programs that work, senior citizen? My father ultimately ark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal, part of and the time is now for us to under- died from cancer that metastasized the Port of New York and New Jersey, stand what is at risk. Also, let me from the prostate to the lungs and the the third largest port in the country. thank the gentleman for his role on the brain, so we knew we had a serious According to the EPA, 25 percent of Congressional Men’s Health Caucus. issue.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.053 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3741 So today, I want to mention four that is the assessing of violence and African Americans, based on 2015 Census points, but I am going to focus on the the assessing of violence with guns. data, comprise 13.2 percent of the U.S. popu- last one, obesity—a question of access The materials I have before me make lation, or about 42 million people. to health care and physical fitness. it very clear that most of these violent Socioeconomic status, in turn, is linked to Many times we live in areas where acts are done with guns—done with mental health: People who are impoverished, there is no access to a pool or a tennis guns. San Bernardino, Chattanooga, homeless, incarcerated or have substance court. Mental health—if you lived your Charleston, Garland, Oak Creek, and abuse problems are at higher risk for poor life in a segregated America, if you Fort Hood were all done with guns. mental health. were called ‘‘Boy’’ and ‘‘Girl,’’ it is a So I stand here today to challenge As the founder and chair of the Congres- different mental health situation than this issue of health disparities to say sional Children’s Caucus, I am especially con- maybe others may have faced. If you that the heavy brunt of killings, sin- cerned about the childhood obesity epidemic live in a situation of poverty, of a sin- gular killings, are impacted by pov- among African-American youth. gle household, maybe—this is not erty, lack of access to health care, the More than 40 percent of African American across the board—these issues will be proliferation of guns in our inner city teenagers are overweight, and nearly 25 per- impacted. If you lived around gun vio- communities, and the failure of the cent are obese. lence, if you saw your 15-year-old United States Congress to put real gun The percentage of children aged 6–11 years friend being shot dead in the street, safety legislation, closing the loophole, in the United States who were obese in- there is a question of mental health the Jim Clyburn rule that says that, if creased from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 18 that we need access to that care for us you don’t get the review and approval percent in 2012. African American youth are consuming less to be able to reach out or maybe coun- by ATF, you do not get the gun. You nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables selors to be able to provide for chil- have to wait until you get the approval from ATF, which may be trying to de- and are not getting enough physical exercise. dren. This combination has led to an epidemic of HIV/AIDS is something that we have termine whether this person with mul- obesity, which directly contributes to numerous lived through. I remember going to fu- tiple problems, mental health or background issues, doesn’t need to get a gun deadly or life-threatening diseases or condi- nerals of friends in the 1980s and into tions, including the following: Hypertension; the 1990s, particularly with HIV/AIDS. and then ultimately go kill their spouse, their children, their neighbors, Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol or High So we have worked in the Congres- Triglyceride Levels); Type 2 Diabetes; Coro- sional Black Caucus to massively talk their family members or strangers. So it is my belief today that this nary Heart Disease; Stroke; Gallbladder Dis- about testing. ease; Osteoarthritis; Asthma, bronchitis, sleep Let me get to this point that I want health disparities debate is crucial, and apnea, and other respiratory problems; Cancer to dwell just for a moment on, and that we should come away from here recognizing that obesity, the issues of men- (Breast, Colon, and Endometrial). is gun violence. I was here on the floor When ethnicity and income are considered, earlier with my head held down and my tal health and HIV/AIDS can be, with great investment, researched for cures, the picture is even more troubling. heart heavy as my district, today, had African American youngsters from low-in- a memorial. They had one yesterday. or cancer that proliferates in our community, triple negative breast cancer, come families have a higher risk for obesity We will have one tomorrow and have than those from higher-income families. one on Wednesday. I mourn with Con- legislation that I have put forward and have gotten passed about that impact. Efforts such as the Let’s Move! Campaign gresswoman CORINNE BROWN of Florida. But it is the gun violence that we are by the First Lady are pivotal to ensuring that We are offering legislation dealing communities are able to provide healthy with the assault weapons and to com- doing absolutely nothing about. The disparities and the impact on minority snacks and food and encourage healthier de- plement legislation already passed or cisions. already in place. But it is important to communities is atrocious. I want to close simply by saying the Since the mid-1970s, the prevalence of note that this is a health issue, because word or the acronym LGBTQ commu- overweight and obesity has increased sharply the Centers for Disease Control can as- nity. I want to say it over and over for both adults and children. sess and study every health issue that Non-Hispanic blacks have the highest age- again, because I think it is shameful faces America today, but they are leg- adjusted rates of obesity at 47.8 percent. that, in our debate, in our recognition According to the CDC, 37.6 percent of men islatively, by law, prohibited by my of the tragedy of Orlando, that we friends on other side of the aisle, by and 56.9 percent of women twenty years and don’t acknowledge the horrific hate over are obese. Republicans, disallowed every year to crime and the hatefulness against that give them permission to study gun vio- Every year, more than 40 million Americans community. As I stand here, that com- struggle with mental illness. lence. munity is diverse, and there are Afri- Gun violence is killing our children African American men are as likely as any- can Americans who are LGBTQ. one else to have mental illness, but they are and killing our families. In Orlando, it So I would ask that, as we move for- killed Latinos who happened to be the less likely to get help. ward this week, we will be reminded of Racism continues to have an impact on the attendees at the Pulse Club. The this hatefulness and we will have a LGBTQ community was the dominant mental health of African Americans. cure. We will be reminded of this vio- Negative stereotypes and attitudes of rejec- community, and a hateful terroristic lence, and we will have a cure. That tion have decreased, but continue to occur act using AR–15s and Glock guns killed cure, first of all, will be to restrain the with measurable, adverse consequences. them. use of assault weapons and these weap- Historical and contemporary instances of The incident was the deadliest mass ons of war-type bullets that men and negative treatment have led to a mistrust of shooting. The next deadliest incidents women in the United States military authorities, many of whom are not seen as in recent history were April 16, 2007, say have no business on the streets of having the best interests of African Americans Virginia Tech, 32 killed, 17 injured; De- America. in mind. cember 14, 2012, Sandy Hook, 26 killed, I believe, Congresswoman, that According to the Department of Health and 1 injured; October 16, 1991, Killeen, health disparities are an important Human Services Office of Minority Health: Texas, 23 killed, 27 injured. According wall and division to overcome. I thank Adult blacks are 20 percent more likely to to Everytown index of mass shootings the gentlewoman for having this Spe- report serious psychological distress than where four or more people are shot and cial Order to ensure that we will con- adult whites. killed, the incident was the ninth mass front these issues and try to save lives. Adult blacks living below poverty are two to shooting in the United States in 2016, Racial disparities refer to the variation in three times more likely to report serious psy- and the 150th mass shooting in United rates of disease occurrence and disabilities chological distress than those living above States since January 1, 2009. between socioeconomic and/or geographically poverty. The mass shooting with guns impacts defined population groups. Adult blacks are more likely to have feelings both the mental health, the sanctity, I want to focus on four areas of racial dis- of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness and the minority community. It is parities in health that impact African Ameri- than are adult whites. shameful that we are not allowed to cans that we can do something about: 1. Obe- How African Americans view mental health engage in the kind of research that a sity; 2. Mental Health; 3. HIV/AIDS; and 4. over generations is a major barrier to access- Harvard professor talked about, and Gun Violence. ing mental health services and treatment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.054 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 In 1996, MHA commissioned a national sur- years, the number of mentally ill people in Americans has increased at rate higher than vey on clinical depression. prison in California has almost doubled.’’ any other ethnic group. The survey explored the barriers preventing In California, 45 percent of state prison in- Have their HIV status checked—not once Americans seeking treatment and gauged mates have been treated for severe mental ill- but annually. overall knowledge of and attitudes toward de- ness within the past year. Know the HIV status of sexual partner. pression. African Americans also account for 14 per- If HIV positive: Know how to get on antiviral This survey revealed that: cent of regular drug users, but for 37 percent medication, 2 small pills taken each day, and 63 percent of African Americans believe that of drug arrests. stay on them. depression is a personal weakness. Illicit drug use is frequently associated with Where to go for information if you or your This is significantly higher than the overall self-medication among people with mental ill- partner is HIV positive. survey average of 54 percent. nesses. In 2010, men accounted for 70 percent Only 31 percent of African Americans be- In January 2014, the Texas Observer re- (14,700) of the estimated 20,900 new HIV in- lieved that depression was a ‘‘health problem.’’ ported that, of the 9,000 inmates in Harris fections among all adult and adolescent Afri- African Americans were more likely to be- County Jail more than 25 percent take medi- can Americans. lieve that depression was ‘‘normal’’ than the cation for mental illness, which means that the The estimated rate of new HIV infections for overall survey average. jail treats more psychiatric patients than all 10 African American men (103.6/100,000 popu- 56 percent believed that depression was a of Texas’ state-run public mental hospitals lation) was 7 times that of white men, twice normal part of aging. combined. that of Latino men, and nearly 3 times that of 45 percent believed it was normal for a The passage of the Affordable Care Act cre- African American women. mother to feel depressed for at least two ated access to health care for those who pur- In 2010, African American gay, bisexual, weeks after giving birth. chase health insurance and for the poor living and other men who have sex with men rep- 40 percent believed it was normal for a hus- in states that are participating in the Medicaid resented an estimated 72 percent (10,600) of band or wife to feel depressed for more than component of the ACA. new infections among all African American a year after the death of a spouse. Disparities can occur, if physicians do not men and 36 percent of an estimated 29,800 Many of these problems persist to this day. refer patients with signs of mental illness for new HIV infections among all gay and bisex- As Doctor William Lawson of Howard Univer- proper treatment or if referred patients do not ual men. sity (and MHA’s District of Columbia affiliate) seek out treatment. Of those gay and bisexual men, 39 percent pointed out in an NPR interview in 2012, Disparities in access to care and treatment (4,321) were young men aged 13 to 24. ‘‘Many African-Americans have a lot of nega- for mental illnesses have also persisted over According to the CDC, the numbers of new tive feelings about, or not even aware of men- time. HIV diagnoses among African American tal health services. As noted by the Office of Minority Health: women fell 42 percent between 2005 to 2014, The ‘‘Mental Health: Culture, Race and Eth- Only 8.7 percent of adult blacks, versus 16 but it is still high compared to women of other nicity Supplement’’ to the 1999 U.S. Surgeon percent of adult whites, received treatment for races/ethnicities. General’s Report on Mental Health, states the mental health concerns in 2007–2008. Most new HIV infections among African following: Only 6.2 percent of adult blacks, versus American women (87 percent; 5,300) are at- African-American physicians are five times 13.9 percent of adult whites, received medica- tributed to heterosexual contact. more likely than white physicians to treat Afri- tions for mental health concerns during 2008. In 2012, there were 72,010 Texans living can-American patients. While 68.7 percent of adult whites with a with HIV/AIDS. African-American patients who see African- major depressive episode in 2009 received Texas has the 10th highest number of HIV American physicians rate their physicians’ treatment, only 53.2 percent of adult blacks diagnoses in 2013 and ranks 18th for deaths styles of interaction as more participatory. did. from HIV. African Americans seeking help for a mental The Affordable Care Act will have an impact Currently 14 percent of the people living health problem would have trouble finding Afri- on this gap by 2016. with HIV are undiagnosed and only 30 percent can American mental health professionals: In Depression and other mental illness can be of the people with HIV are virally suppressed, 1998, only 2 percent of psychiatrists, 2 per- deadly if left untreated. which means that 70 percent of the people cent of psychologists and 4 percent of social Suicide is the third leading cause of death who are ill are not on medication that can help workers said they were African Americans. among African Americans 15 to 24 years old. limit their ability to infect others. The public mental health safety net of hos- Untreated mental illness can also make Afri- HIV is an unnecessarily disproportionate pitals, community health centers, and local can American men more vulnerable to sub- burden on the African American and Latino health departments are vital to many African stance abuse, homelessness, incarceration, community. Americans, especially to those in high-need and homicide. There is a wall of misinformation about the populations. African Americas are the racial/ethnic group illness and an uncomfortable silence regarding African Americans of all ages are underrep- most affected by HIV in the United States. the need to speak about the illness not only to resented in outpatient treatment but over-rep- According to the CDC, 44 percent (19,540) the young, but also the older persons. resented in inpatient treatment. of estimated new HIV Diagnoses in the United When treatments were first developed in the Few African-American children receive treat- States were among African Americans, who 1990s they had lots of side effects that made ment in privately funded psychiatric hospitals, comprise 12 percent of the US population. patients very ill. but many receive treatment in publicly funded HIV/AIDs are now the leading cause of Few talk about the advances in HIV treat- residential treatment centers for emotionally death among African Americans ages 25 to ment that now involve taking 2 small pills a disturbed youth. 44—ahead of heart disease, accidents, can- day with the result leaving patients feeling In 2012, there were an estimated 356,268 cer, and homicide. healthy and able to engage in life’s normal ac- inmates with severe mental illnesses in U.S. At the end of 2012, an estimated 496,500 tivities. prisons and jails. African Americans were living with HIV, rep- The virus count for those who take their There were only 35,000 mentally ill individ- resenting 41 percent of all Americans living medication is so low that it often does not reg- uals in state psychiatric hospitals. with the Virus. ister in tests. The report, ‘‘The Treatment of Persons With Of African Americans living with HIV, around This does not mean that people are cured, Mental Illness in Prisons and Jails,’’ jails ‘‘in 14 percent do not know they are infected. but it does mean that there is no reason not 44 of the 50 states and the District of Colum- African Americans accounted for an esti- to get tested so that you know if you are in bia, a prison or jail in that state holds more in- mated 44 percent of all new HIV infections need of treatment. dividuals with serious mental illness than the among adults and adolescents (aged 13 years Anyone can become infected—so it is up to largest remaining state psychiatric hospital.’’ or older) in 2010, despite representing only 12 all of us to educate our families, neighbors, the report said. percent of the U.S. population. co-workers and friends about getting tested. African Americans today are overrepre- HIV is a sexually transmitted disease or There are some insurance company prac- sented in our jails and prisons. STD; it is also spread through intravenous tices that have a detrimental impact on the People of color account for 60 percent of drug use. ability of people with HIV to enroll in qualified the prison population. HIV infections spread through sharing of health insurance plans. The Stanford Law School Three Strikes needles has declined with needle programs, In states like Texas that are not fully partici- Project’s report stated that, ‘‘over the past 15 while the STD rates of infection among African pating in the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.029 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3743 expansion this is especially problematic for ting Asian or Pacific Islander into two cat- against other rates. Ties in highest or lowest HIV patients who are poor. egories (Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other rates were resolved by examining decimal Some states allow insurance carriers to post Pacific Islander) (49). In addition, the 1997 places. With respect to changes in health dis- standards allowed respondents to report parities over time, tracking the maximal misleading or intentionally vague formularies more than one race. A minimum of two cat- rate difference over time enables one to de- on market place websites or excluding essen- egories for data collection on ethnicity, termine whether the absolute difference be- tial HIV medications from drug formularies and ‘‘Hispanic or Latino’’ and ‘‘Not Hispanic or tween the highest and lowest group rates is impressing high cost sharing. Latino,’’ were also required under the 1997 increasing, decreasing, or stable. Out of pocket medication cost each month OMB standards. Consequently, whereas the The Special Feature charts that follow should be capped. Heckler Report primarily documented black- provide detailed comparisons of key meas- Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I white differences in health and mortality ures of mortality, natality, health condi- due to data limitations, this Special Feature tions, health behaviors, and health care ac- thank Congresswoman SHEILA JACKSON is able to report on more detailed racial and cess and utilization, by race, race and eth- LEE for reminding us that we should be ethnic groups. For example, Figures 19–21 nicity, or by detailed Hispanic origin, de- done with guns like the assault weap- display trends in infant mortality and low- pending on data availability. A majority of ons. I thank the gentlewoman for re- risk cesarean section deliveries, and the cur- the 10 graphs in this year’s Special Feature minding us of the impact that health rent data on preterm births for five His- present trends in health from 1999–2014. Re- disparities have on our communities in panic-origin groups. sults indicate that trends in health were gen- this Nation. At the time of the Heckler Report, 22.3% of erally positive for the overall population and the population were considered racial or eth- several graphs illustrate success in nar- b 2030 nic minorities (Table 1). Current Census rowing gaps in health by racial and ethnic (2014) estimates identify 37.9% of the popu- group. Differences in life expectancy, infant Madam Speaker, I have two docu- lation as racial or ethnic minorities (50). In ments that will be entered into the mortality, cigarette smoking among women, 2014, Hispanic persons, who may be of any influenza vaccinations among those aged 65 RECORD. race, comprised 17.4% of the U.S. population. and over, and health insurance coverage nar- The first document is from Congress- Non-Hispanic multiple race persons were rowed among the racial and ethnic groups. woman EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON. I 2.0% of the population. For the single race For example, the absolute difference in in- would like to state for the RECORD that groups, non-Hispanic American Indian or fant mortality rates between infants born to she was the first nurse to serve in this Alaska Native persons were 0.7%, non-His- non-Hispanic black mothers (highest rate) panic Asian persons were 5.3%, non-Hispanic and infants born to non-Hispanic Asian or United States Congress. And the sec- black persons were 12.4%, non-Hispanic Na- ond is a portion of the Special Feature Pacific Islander mothers (lowest rate) nar- tive Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander per- rowed between 1999–2014. Differences by ra- on Racial and Ethnic Health Dispari- sons were 0.2%, and non-Hispanic white per- cial and ethnic group in the prevalence of sons were 62.1% of the U.S. population in 2014 ties: 30 Years After the Heckler Report. high blood pressure and smoking among (50). SPECIAL FEATURE ON RACIAL AND ETHNIC adult men remained stable throughout the HEALTH DISPARITIES: 30 YEARS AFTER THE Understanding the demographic and socioeconomic composition of U.S. racial and eth- study period, with non-Hispanic black adults HECKLER REPORT nic groups is important because these char- more likely to have high blood pressure than INTRODUCTION acteristics are associated with health risk adults in other racial and ethnic groups The 1985 Report of the Secretary’s Task factors, disease prevalence, and access to throughout the period, and non-Hispanic Force on Black and Minority Health, re- care, which in turn drive health care utiliza- black and non-Hispanic white males more leased by then Secretary of Health and tion and expenditures. Non-Hispanic white likely to be current smokers than Hispanic Human Services Margaret Heckler, docu- persons are, on average, older than those in and non-Hispanic Asian men. For low-risk mented significant disparities in the burden other racial and ethnic groups, with a me- cesarean sections, influenza vaccinations of illness and mortality experienced by dian age of 43.1 years, and Hispanic individ- among adults aged 18–64, and unmet dental blacks and other minority groups in the U.S. uals are the youngest, with a median age of care needs, the gap widened among the racial population compared with whites (41). The 28.5 years in 2014 (50). About one-quarter of and ethnic groups between 1999–2014. Despite improvements over time in many report laid out an ambitious agenda, includ- black only persons (26.2%) and Hispanic per- of the health measures presented in this Spe- ing improving minority access to high-qual- sons (23.6%) lived in poverty compared with cial Feature, disparities by race and eth- ity health care, expanding health promotion 10.1% of non-Hispanic white only persons and nicity were found in the most recent year for and health education outreach activities, in- 12.0% of Asian only persons in 2014 (51). Non- all 10 measures, indicating that although creasing the number of minority health care Hispanic black only children and Hispanic progress has been made in the 30 years since providers, and enhancing federal and state children were particularly likely to live in the Heckler Report, elimination of dispari- data collection activities to better report on poverty (37.3% and 31.9%, respectively, in ties in health and access to health care has minority health issues. In the 30 years since 2014) (52). However, Hispanic individuals are yet to be achieved. the Heckler Report, national efforts to im- often found to have quite favorable health prove minority health through outreach, and mortality patterns in comparison with LIFE EXPECTANCY AT BIRTH programming, and monitoring have included non-Hispanic white persons and particularly In 2014, life expectancy was longer for His- the formation of the Department of Health with non-Hispanic black persons, despite panic men and women than for non-Hispanic and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minor- having a disadvantaged socioeconomic pro- white or non-Hispanic black men and ity Health in 1986 (42); the annual National file—a pattern termed the epidemiologic par- women. Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports adox (53). Life expectancy is a measure often used to first issued in 2003 (43); the adoption of dis- HHS defines a racial or ethnic health dis- gauge the overall health of a population. Life parities elimination as an overarching goal parity as ‘‘a particular type of health dif- expectancy at birth represents the average of Healthy People 2010 (44); and most reference that is closely linked with social, number of years that a group of infants cently, an HHS Action Plan to Reduce Ra- economic, and/or environmental disadvan- would live if the group were to experience cial and Ethnic Health Disparities—a com- tage. Health disparities adversely affect the age-specific death rates present in the prehensive federal commitment to reduce groups of people who have systematically ex- year of birth. Differences in life expectancy and eventually eliminate disparities in perienced greater obstacles to health based among various demographic subpopulations, health and health care (45). on their racial or ethnic group’’ (54). There including racial and ethnic groups, may re- Race is a social construct influenced by a are many different ways to measure racial flect subpopulation differences in a range of complex set of factors (46,47). Because of the and ethnic differences in health and mor- factors such as socioeconomic status, access complexity and difficulty in conceptualizing tality, which can lead to different conclu- to medical care, and the prevalence of spe- and defining race, as well as the increasing sions (55–58). This Special Feature on Racial cific risk factors in a particular subpopula- representation of racial and ethnic sub- and Ethnic Health Disparities (Special Fea- tion (60,61). groups in the United States, racial classi- ture) uses the maximal rate difference, one During 1980–2014, life expectancy at birth fication and data collection systems con- of three overall measures used in Healthy in the United States increased from 70.0 to tinue to evolve and expand. In 1977, the Of- People 2020 to measure differences among 76.4 years for males and from 77.4 to 81.2 fice of Management and Budget (OMB) re- groups of people (see Technical Notes). The years for females (Table 15, and data table quired that all federal data collection efforts maximal rate difference is an overall meas- for Figure 18). During this period, life expect- collect data on a minimum of four race ure of health disparities calculated as the ab- ancy at birth for males and females was groups (American Indian or Alaskan Native, solute difference between the highest and longest for white persons and shortest for black, Asian or Pacific Islander, and white) lowest group rates in the population for a black persons. For both males and females, and did not allow the reporting of more than given characteristic (59). The identification racial differences in life expectancy at birth one race (48). In 1997, in response to growing of groups that experience the highest and narrowed, but persisted during 1980–2014. Life interest in more detailed reporting on race lowest rates in this Special Feature was expectancy at birth was 6.9 years longer for and ethnicity, OMB mandated data collec- based on observed rates and was not tested white males than for black males in 1980, and tion for a minimum of five race groups, split- for a statistically significant difference this difference narrowed to 4.2 years in 2014.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.031 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 In 1980, life expectancy at birth was 5.6 years weeks; 0.8% at 32–33 weeks gestation; and the highest and lowest percentages of low- longer for white females than for black fe- 1.2% before 32 weeks (data table for Figure risk cesarean deliveries was stable during males, and this difference narrowed to 3.0 20). In 2014, among the five racial and ethnic 1999–2002, widened sharply during 2002–2006, years in 2014. groups, non-Hispanic black women had the and then narrowed during 2006–2014. The dif- In 2014, Hispanic males and females had the highest percentage of singleton births before ference between the highest (Cuban) and low- longest life expectancy at birth, and non-His- 37 weeks (11.1%) and non-Hispanic Asian or est (Mexican) percentages was 11.7 percent- panic black males and females had the short- Pacific Islander women had the lowest per- age points in 1999, 21.5 percentage points in est. In 2014, life expectancy at birth was 7.2 centage (6.8%). Non-Hispanic black women 2006, and 17.3 percentage points in 2014. years longer for Hispanic males than for non- also had the highest percentage of singleton CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH OBESITY Hispanic black males and 5.9 years longer for preterm births at each preterm gestational In 2011–2014 for children and adolescents Hispanic females than for non-Hispanic age. The difference between the highest black females. aged 2–19 years, Hispanic children and ado- (non-Hispanic black) and lowest (non-His- lescents had the highest prevalence of obe- INFANT MORTALITY panic Asian or Pacific Islander) percentages sity and non-Hispanic Asian children had the During 1999–2013, infant mortality rates of singleton preterm births among the five lowest prevalence. were highest among infants born to non-His- racial and ethnic groups was 4.3 percentage Childhood obesity is a serious public panic black women (11.11 infant deaths per points (before 37 weeks), 2.0 percentage health challenge in the United States and 1,000 live births in 2013). points (34–36 weeks), 0.6 percentage points many other industrialized nations in the Infant mortality, the death of a baby be- (32–33 weeks), and 1.7 percentage points (be- world (Figure 8) (19,77,78). Excess body fore his or her first birthday, is an important fore 32 weeks). weight in children is associated with excess indicator of the health and wellbeing of a Among Hispanic-origin groups in 2014, morbidity in childhood and excess body country. It not only measures the risk of in- Puerto Rican mothers had the highest per- weight in adulthood (13,14). Obesity among fant death but it is used as an indicator of centage of singleton births before 37 weeks children and adolescents is defined as a body maternal health, community health status, (9.1%) and Cuban mothers had the lowest mass index at or above the sex- and age-spe- and availability of quality health services percentage (7.2%). The difference between cific 95th percentile of the CDC growth and medical technology (62,63). the highest (Puerto Rican) and lowest charts (15). Between 1999–2000 and 2013–2014, The infant mortality rate in the United (Cuban) percentages of singleton preterm the percentage of children and adolescents States decreased from 7.04 infant deaths per births among the Hispanic-origin groups was aged 2–19 with obesity increased from 13.9% 1,000 live births in 1999 to 6.75 in 2007, and 1.9 percentage points (before 37 weeks) and then decreased at a faster rate to 5.96 in 2013. to 17.2% (79). However, among youth aged 2– 1.3 percentage points (34–36 weeks). Central 19, the prevalence of obesity did not change Trends in infant mortality rates during 1999– and South American mothers had the lowest 2013 varied among the five racial and ethnic from 2003–2004 through 2013–2014 (79). percentage of singleton births before 34 In 2011–2014 for children and adolescents groups. During 1999–2013, infants born to non- weeks. For preterm births before 34 weeks, aged 2–19, the percentage with obesity was Hispanic black mothers experienced the the difference between the highest (Puerto highest for Hispanic children and adolescents highest rates of infant mortality (11.11 in Rican) and lowest (Central and South Amer- and lowest for non-Hispanic Asian children 2013) and infants born to non-Hispanic Asian ican) percentages was 0.2 percentage points or Pacific Islander mothers experienced the and adolescents. For those aged 2–19, the dif- (32–33 weeks) and 0.6 percentage points (be- ference between the highest (Hispanic) and lowest rates (3.90 in 2013). The difference before 32 weeks). tween the highest and lowest infant mor- lowest (non-Hispanic Asian) percentages was LOW-RISK BIRTHS DELIVERED BY CESAREAN tality rates among the five racial and ethnic 13.3 percentage points. For children aged 2–5, the percentage with groups was stable from 1999 to 2006 and then SECTION narrowed from 2006 to 2013. The difference be- During 1999–2014 non-Hispanic black moth- obesity was highest for Hispanic children tween the highest (non-Hispanic black) and ers experienced the highest percentage of and lowest for non-Hispanic white children. lowest (non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Is- low-risk cesarean deliveries among the five (The estimate for non-Hispanic Asian chil- lander) infant mortality rates was 9.41 racial and ethnic groups (29.9% in 2014); dren aged 2–5 was not stable and is not deaths per 1,000 live births in 1999, compared Cuban mothers experienced the highest per- shown.) The difference between the highest with 7.21 in 2013. centage of low-risk cesarean deliveries (Hispanic) and lowest (non-Hispanic white) For infants born to Hispanic mothers, the among the five Hispanic-origin groups (41.49– percentages was 10.4 percentage points for infant mortality rate remained stable during 6 in 2014). children aged 2–5. For children aged 6–11, the 1999–2008 (5.71 infant deaths per 1,000 live Cesarean deliveries comprise approxi- percentage with obesity was highest for His- births in 1999) and then decreased to 5.00 in mately one-third of all births in the United panic children and lowest for non-Hispanic 2013. During 1999–2013, the infant mortality States (32.2% in 2014) and can place mothers Asian children. For children aged 6–11, the rate for Hispanic infants varied by the moth- and infants at increased risk for poor health difference between the highest (Hispanic) er’s Hispanic-origin group. Throughout this outcomes (74). Over the past decade, profes- and lowest (non-Hispanic Asian) percentages period, infants born to Puerto Rican mothers sional medical groups have attempted to re- was 15.2 percentage points. experienced the highest mortality rates. In duce low-risk cesarean deliveries defined as In 2011–2014 for adolescents aged 12–19, the all years except 2009, infants born to Cuban cesarean deliveries among full term (37 or percentage with obesity was highest for His- mothers and those born to Central and South more completed weeks of gestation), sin- panic adolescents and lowest for non-His- American mothers experienced the lowest gleton, vertex (head first) births to women panic Asian adolescents. The difference be- mortality rates at alternate times through- giving birth for the first time (75,76). tween the highest (Hispanic) and lowest out 1999–2013. The difference between the The percentage of low-risk births that (non-Hispanic Asian) percentages was 13.4 highest (Puerto Rican) and lowest (Cuban) were delivered by cesarean section increased percentage points for adolescents aged 12–19 infant mortality rates among Hispanic-ori- from 19.5% to 26.6% during 1999–2005, sta- years. gin groups narrowed from 3.71 deaths per bilized during 2005–2009, and then decreased HYPERTENSION 1,000 live births in 1999 to 2.88 in 2013. During to 26.0% in 2014 (data table for Figure 21). In 2011–2014, non-Hispanic black men and 1999–2013, the difference in infant mortality Throughout the period 1999–2014, non-His- women were the most likely to have hyper- rates was narrower for mothers in the His- panic black mothers experienced the highest tension compared with adults in the other panic-origin groups than for mothers in the percentage of low-risk cesarean deliveries racial and ethnic groups. five racial and ethnic groups. (29.9% in 2014) among the five racial and eth- Hypertension is an important risk factor PRETERM BIRTHS nic groups, while non-Hispanic American In- for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney In 2014, non-Hispanic black mothers had dian or Alaska Native mothers experienced failure, and other health conditions (80,81). the highest percentage of preterm births of the lowest percentage (21.5% in 2014). The In 2011–2014, 84.1% of adults with hyper- the five racial and ethnic groups, and Puerto difference between the highest (non-Hispanic tension were aware of their status, and 76.1% Rican mothers had the highest percentage of black) and lowest (non-Hispanic American were taking medication to lower their blood preterm births of the five Hispanic-origin Indian or Alaska Native) percentages wid- pressure (82). Despite improvement in in- groups. ened from 4.8 percentage points in 1999 to 8.4 creasing the awareness, treatment, and con- An infant’s gestational age is an important percentage points in 2014. trol of hypertension, diagnosis and treat- predictor of his or her survival and subse- Among Hispanic mothers, the percentage ment of hypertension among minority quent health (64–70). Preterm birth prior to of low-risk births that were delivered by ce- groups remains a challenge (83). 37 weeks gestation affects infant mortality sarean section increased from 18.7% to 24.6% Hypertension is defined as reporting tak- rates and racial and ethnic disparities in in- during 1999–2004, increased at a slower rate ing antihypertensive medication and/or hav- fant mortality (Figure 19) (71). The degree of from 2004–2009, and then remained stable during a measured systolic blood pressure of at prematurity matters—infants born prior to ing 2009–2014 (data table for Figure 21). least 140 mm Hg or a measured diastolic 32 weeks gestation are at greatest risk of Throughout the period 1999–2014 Cuban moth- blood pressure of at least 90 mm Hg. The age- death during infancy, with the risk of infant ers experienced the highest percentage of adjusted percentage of adults aged 20 and death decreasing as gestational age increases low-risk cesarean deliveries (41.4% in 2014), over with hypertension was stable during (72). while Mexican mothers experienced the low- 1999–2014 (30.8% in 2013–2014) (data table for In 2014, 7.7% of singleton births occurred est percentage (24.1% in 2014). Among His- Figure 23). During 1999–2014, non-Hispanic before 37 weeks of gestation; 5.7% at 34–36 panic-origin groups, the difference between black adults had the highest percentage with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.033 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3745 hypertension among the three racial and Figure 25). This pattern was present for all erage than medical coverage, and dental cov- ethnic groups (42.7%, age-adjusted in 2013– racial and ethnic groups. Decreases in influ- erage tends to be less comprehensive (90–92). 2014), while with the exception of 1999–2000, enza vaccination coverage in 2005 were re- In 2012, 44% of dental expenditures among adults of Mexican origin had the lowest per- lated to a vaccine shortage (86). For those adults aged 18–64 were paid out of pocket, a centage with hypertension (28.8%, age-ad- aged 18–64, no racial and ethnic group was higher out-of-pocket percentage than for any justed in 2013–2014). The difference between consistently the most likely to receive influ- other type of personal health care expendi- the highest and lowest age-adjusted percent- enza vaccination during 1999–2014. In 2014, ture (93). ages of adults with hypertension among the non-Hispanic Asian adults had the highest The percentage of adults aged 18–64 who three racial and ethnic groups was stable percentage for influenza vaccination receipt did not receive needed dental care in the past during 1999–2014; in 2013–2014, the difference (41.3%) and Hispanic adults had the lowest 12 months due to cost increased from 9.3% to between the highest (non-Hispanic black) percentage (27.9%). For adults aged 18–64, the 17.3% during 1999–2010, and then decreased to and lowest (Mexican-origin) percentages was difference between the highest and lowest 12.6% in 2014 (data table for Figure 27). 13.9 percentage points. percentages of adults receiving an influenza During 1999–2014, non-Hispanic Asian In 2011–2014, the age-adjusted percentage of vaccination among the four racial and ethnic adults aged 18–64 had the lowest percentage adult men and women with hypertension was groups widened from 6.9 percentage points in of not receiving needed dental care due to similar (31.0% and 29.7%, respectively, data 1999 (non-Hispanic white compared with His- cost (6.3% in 2014) among the four racial and table for Figure 23). The difference between panic) to 13.4 in 2014 (non-Hispanic Asian ethnic groups. No racial and ethnic group the highest (non-Hispanic black) and lowest compared with Hispanic). consistently had the highest percentage of (Hispanic) age-adjusted percentages of men For adults aged 65 and over, the percentage not receiving needed dental care due to cost with hypertension among the four racial and who received an influenza vaccination in the during 1999–2014. The difference between the ethnic groups was 14.7 percentage points; for past 12 months increased from 65.7% to 70.1% highest and lowest percentages of adults not women, the difference between the highest during 1999–2014. During this period, trends receiving needed dental care due to cost (non-Hispanic black) and lowest (non-His- in influenza vaccination coverage varied by among the four racial and ethnic groups wid- panic Asian) was 19.0 percentage points in racial and ethnic group, and no racial and ened during 1999–2010, and then remained sta- 2011–2014. ethnic group was consistently the most or ble from 2010–2014 for those aged 18–64. This CURRENT CIGARETTE SMOKING least likely to receive influenza vaccination. difference was 5.9 percentage points in 1999 During 1999–2014, differences in cigarette In 2014, non-Hispanic Asian adults had the (non-Hispanic black compared with non-His- smoking between racial and ethnic groups highest percentage for receipt of influenza panic Asian) and 9.4 percentage points in 2014 were larger for women than for men. vaccination (72.7%) and non-Hispanic black (Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic Smoking causes more than 480,000 deaths adults had the lowest (57.4%). For adults age Asian). each year, accounting for about one in five 65 and over, the difference between the high- Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, we deaths in the United States (84). Smokers are est (non-Hispanic Asian) and lowest (non- have heard a lot tonight. We have more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, Hispanic black) percentages of older adults heard the call to action by Members. and cancer. Smoking also increases the risk receiving an influenza vaccination among the four racial and ethnic groups was stable We have heard the relationship to pov- for diabetes, cataracts, rheumatoid arthritis, erty in health disparities, to the socio- and stillbirth (85). during 1999–2003 and then narrowed to 15.3 During 1999–2014, the age-adjusted percent- percentage points in 2014. economic conditions of African Ameri- age of adults aged 18 and over who were cur- HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE cans to health disparities. We have rent cigarette smokers decreased from 25.2% During 1999 through the first 6 months of heard the relationship to death by guns to 19.0% for men and from 21.6% to 15.1% for 2015 among adults aged 18–64, lack of health to health disparities. We have heard women (data table for Figure 24). Within insurance coverage was highest among His- the data and the statistics about the each of the four racial and ethnic groups, panic adults. mortality rates from diseases like car- men were more likely to be current cigarette Health insurance is a major determinant of diovascular disease, the leading killer smokers than women. access to health care. Children are less like- for women and African American In 2014 for men, the age-adjusted percent- ly to be uninsured than adults aged 18–64 be- age of current cigarette smokers was highest cause they are more likely to qualify for women and men. We have heard about for non-Hispanic black men (22.0%) and low- public coverage, primarily Medicaid and the the effect of untreated diabetes and est for Hispanic men (13.8%). The difference Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) how that affects African Americans. between the highest and lowest age-adjusted (see data table for Figure 26 for estimates for The list goes on and on, Madam percentages of current cigarette smokers children) (26,87). Passage of the Affordable Speaker. I could tell you whether it is among the four racial and ethnic groups re- Care Act (ACA) in 2010 (38) authorized states obesity, whether it is stroke—and cer- mained stable during 1999–2014 because levels to expand Medicaid eligibility (88) and to es- tainly as a stroke survivor, I under- for men in all racial and ethnic groups de- tablish the health insurance marketplace in stand firsthand the value and the im- clined similarly during this period. The dif- 2014. ference between the highest (non-Hispanic For adults aged 18–64, the percentage with- portance of quality, affordable health black) and lowest (Hispanic) percentages for out coverage increased from 17.9% to 20.5% care—that there are some Federal pro- men was 8.2 percentage points in 2014. during 1999–2013, and then decreased to 12.7% grams that actually work and bridge For women, non-Hispanic white women in the first 6 months of 2015 (36). During this the gap. I could say wonderful things consistently had the highest age-adjusted period, the trend for lack of coverage varied about the United States Health and percentage of current cigarette smokers by racial and ethnic group. Human Services Office of Minority Af- among the four racial and ethnic groups During 1999–June 2015, Hispanic adults aged fairs that provides data and research throughout 1999–2014 (18.3% in 2014), while 18–64 had the highest percentage without non-Hispanic Asian women had the lowest coverage (27.2% in the first 6 months of 2015), and services for us. age-adjusted percentage (5.1% in 2014). For and non-Hispanic white adults aged 18–64 had But before I ask my colleague, women, the difference between the highest the lowest, except in the first 6 months of Madam Speaker, to say a few words, I (non-Hispanic white) and lowest (non-His- 2015, when non-Hispanic Asian adults had the ran across something that was said, in panic Asian) percentages narrowed from 17.5 lowest percentage without coverage. my opinion, by one of the most power- percentage points in 1999 to 13.2 in 2014. Dur- The difference between the highest and ful individuals that will go down in ing 1999–2014, racial and ethnic differences in lowest percentages of adults aged 18–64 with- current history. And 20 years from cigarette smoking prevalence were larger for out health insurance among the four racial now, Madam Speaker, if I were stand- women than for men. and ethnic groups narrowed from 1999–June ing here talking about his legacy, INFLUENZA VACCINATION 2015. This difference was 24.9 percentage points in 1999 (Hispanic adults compared health care would be one of them. Let During 1999–2014, influenza vaccination was me conclude my part with these brief highest for those aged 65 and over and lowest with non-Hispanic white adults) and 19.9 per- for those aged 18–64, for all racial and ethnic centage points in the first 6 months of 2015 words that he quoted on April 1 of this groups. (Hispanic adults compared with non-Hispanic year: Influenza is a serious illness that can lead Asian adults). ‘‘Our Nation was built on an enduring to hospitalization and sometimes death. In- DIFFICULTY ACCESSING NEEDED DENTAL CARE belief that we are all created equal—re- fluenza vaccination is especially important DUE TO COST gardless of the color of our skin or the for people who are at risk of getting seri- During 1999–2014 among adults aged 18–64, station into which we were born. From ously ill from influenza, including those with nonreceipt of needed dental care due to cost the ambitions we hold for ourselves to chronic conditions, older adults, and young was lowest among non-Hispanic Asian the way we take care of our health, children. adults. The percentage of adults aged 18–64 who re- Oral health is integral to general health this founding premise serves as the ceived an influenza vaccination in the past 12 and wellbeing, and forgoing needed dental guidepost of our national life.’’ months remained stable during 1999–2006 and health care can have serious health effects Yet, to this day, Madam Speaker, mi- then increased to 35.8% in 2014 (data table for (89). In general, fewer adults have dental cov- norities continue to experience the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.033 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 healthcare gaps that leave their com- words of our enemies, but the silence of with these issues in a more meaningful, munities our communities. our friends.’’ comprehensive fashion. I will add this to his ending that, During the 114th Congress, there have I am thankful that back at home in Madam Speaker, tonight, the Congres- been more than 100 mass shootings. We the west end of Coney Island, Coney Is- sional Black Caucus asks that we re- often come to the floor of the House of land Cathedral, one of the most impor- commit to taking action to overcome Representatives and the Speaker or tant religious institutions in Brooklyn, these disparities. And that person who one of his designees stands at the ros- is actively engaged in a public health will leave a great legacy for these trum and asks us, as Members of the campaign to deal with diabetes and words is no other than our President of House, to stand in a moment of silence. heart disease and many of the other these United States, President Barack And then we go on with business as ailments that result from a poor diet Obama. usual, having done nothing about the that exists, a lack of access to healthy And now as we begin to close our tremendous gun violence problem that food in the Black community. It is a hour, I yield to the gentleman from we have in America. campaign that we want to take across New York (Mr. JEFFRIES). I could not The rest of the world is looking the Nation. think of a better colleague, a better co- around and saying: What are they We are thankful for the work that anchor, to come and share with us our doing in the United States of America? has been done by the Congressional call to action. Five percent of the world’s population, Black Caucus and by President Obama My colleague and classmate, Con- 50 percent of the world’s guns. It is es- through his leadership of the Afford- gressman JEFFRIES, is a scholar, some- timated that there are more than 300 able Care Act. We now know that over one who sits back, listens, and then million guns circulating throughout 20 million previously uninsured Ameri- comes with resolve. He is someone who this great land. The FBI and local law cans now have access to quality, af- is no stranger to this process of telling enforcement can’t tell you where the fordable health care—disproportion- it like it is. He is someone who has overwhelming majority of them are be- ately African American. spent a lot of time and years with his cause of legislative silence and mal- That is a positive step in the right di- experience to speak for the individuals practice. rection. But instead of trying to dis- of his district. But tonight, Madam This is an issue, of course, that has mantle this monumental step forward, Speaker, I asked him to speak for the great impact on the African American as House Republicans have attempted Congressional Black Caucus. I asked community. Homicides are the leading to do more than 60 times over the last him to close us out on our call for ac- cause of death through guns of younger few years, they have a clinical obses- tion as we talk about the health dis- African American men. So we in the sion with a law that has been declared parities in our African American com- CBC view it as a public health crisis constitutional—not once, but twice— certainly for our community. I think it munities. by the United States Supreme Court. Mr. JEFFRIES. Madam Speaker, I is one that all Americans should view Let’s figure out ways to come to- thank my good friend, the distin- as a health crisis for the entire coun- gether as a nation, despite our racial, guished gentlewoman from Ohio, and try. religious, and ethnic differences, to our phenomenal anchor for this CBC But the thing that is also troubling— deal with the disparities that exist in Special Order hour today and through- and we will have time to deal with this the African American community and out the second session of the 114th Con- tragedy—is hopefully we will be able to beyond. And let us come together as a gress. It has been an honor and a privi- take some commonsense steps in the Congress and as a nation to deal with lege to work closely with her. She has right direction, including making sure the scourge of hate, in its most recent done such a phenomenal job, not just that individuals who are on the ter- form, directed at the LGBT community on behalf of the people she represents rorist watch list can’t purchase weap- in the great city of Columbus, Ohio, ons of mass destruction. How com- down in Orlando in such a horrific and but all throughout the Nation in her plicated is that to do? invidious fashion. We are better than this. We can do various roles, and certainly in her lead- But the thing that is striking for much better here in the United States ership in the Congressional Black Cau- many of us in the African American Congress. The Congressional Black cus. community is that, when you look at It is with a heavy heart that I stand some of the leading causes of death— Caucus is here to lead the way on on the floor of the House of Represent- heart disease being number one, and issues, worked in partnership hand in atives today and, with great sadness, then, of course, diabetes and childhood hand with our colleagues on the other acknowledge the pain and the suffering obesity being problematic, certain side of the aisle, if they are just willing and extend my condolences to those forms of cancer, HIV/AIDS infection— to meet us some of the way, to deal who have suffered this great tragedy in many of these illnesses, these ailments with the issues of health disparities in Orlando, Florida, the worst mass that plague the neighborhoods that I the African American community and shooting in the history of the United represent in central Brooklyn, in Bed- deal with the scourge of gun violence States of America. ford-Stuyvesant, in East New York, in that takes our young boys and girls in It is a complicated shooting. We un- Ocean Hill-Brownsville, in Canarsie, shocking numbers and also impacts derstand that it most likely is an act and in the west end of Coney Island, people all across the country. of terror, a hate crime of unspeakable are preventable, preventable by better I thank the distinguished gentle- proportions. There are indications that exercise, preventable by dealing with woman for her leadership and for once the shooter may have some degree of some of the environmental racism that again yielding to me and anchoring mental illness and a history of domes- many low-income communities of color this Special Order in such a phe- tic abuse. The shooter appeared to have have been subjected to, resulting in in- nomenal way. been, in some measure, on the FBI’s credibly high rates of asthma and other Mrs. BEATTY. Madam Speaker, I radar. forms of respiratory illness, prevent- thank Congressman JEFFRIES. But you can add all those things up able by better diet. Madam Speaker, as we close out to- and there is still something that is Senator BOOKER recently said to night, I can’t think of a better way to missing that we here in Congress have many of us—and this has stuck with take my last 30 seconds than to speak the capacity to deal with, and that is me—that more African Americans in to you and to speak to America and to the fact that one individual was able to the United States of America die as a ask that we take these last seconds in purchase a weapon of mass destruc- result of drive-throughs, not drive-bys. silence as a call to action to prevent tion—which should be reserved for war, That is because the diet, the access to the guns being on the street, as a call not the hunting of human beings in healthy food, is limited. The food to action to reduce the health dispari- this great democratic Republic—and deserts within which many African ties. But in honor of the families in Or- inflict death on 49 individuals and Americans, particularly at the lowest lando, we give them our commitment maim in ways that are inhumane to socioeconomic level, are forced to re- that we stand with them and that I more than 50 others. side in are scandalous. stand with all of my friends and con- Martin Luther King, Jr., once said: So we in the Congressional Black stituents and supporters who belong to ‘‘In the end, we will remember not the Caucus believe that we have to deal the LGBT community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.058 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3747 I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, suffering arises from a state that cannot be Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. this week, Washington, D.C., is blessed described as either war or peace. Violence in- Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of the special by the presence of His Holiness, the evitably incurs further violence. Indeed, history has shown that nonviolent resistance order hour titled ‘‘Bridging the Divide: A Call to 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, who is ushers in more durable and peaceful democ- Action by the Congressional Black Caucus to visiting the city from June 12 through racies and is more successful in removing au- Eliminate Racial Health Disparities.’’ I would June 16 for several events and meet- thoritarian regimes than violent struggle. like to thank my colleagues Congressman ings. This visit provides us not only It is not enough simply to pray. There are HAKEEM JEFFRIES and Congresswoman JOYCE the opportunity to listen to the Dalai solutions to many of the problems we face; BEATTY for hosting this timely special order. Lama speak about the modern world new mechanisms for dialogue need to be cre- Historically, racial and ethnic minorities are and confronting conflict, but also to ated, along with systems of education to in- take a look at the crisis that faces culcate moral values. These must be ground- likely to have the highest uninsured rates and ed in the perspective that we all belong to are less likely to receive preventive and quality Tibet and the Tibetan people and ask one human family and that together we can health care. While the Affordable Care Act has why the United States is not doing take action to address global challenges. helped minorities afford health insurance and more to protect the rights and to sup- It is encouraging that we have seen many access quality care, there is still a need to port the autonomy of the Tibetan peo- ordinary people across the world displaying eliminate existing disparities. For example, the ple. great compassion toward the plight of refu- Department of Health and Human Services is As we seek to comprehend the sense- gees, from those who have rescued them from the sea, to those who have taken them currently working to expand access, end racial less violence of yesterday’s massacre of at least 49 people in Orlando, Florida, in and provided friendship and support. As a and ethnic discrimination, perform outreach to refugee myself, I feel a strong empathy for underserved communities, improve workforce and the wounding of more than 50 oth- their situation and when we see their an- diversity, and expand data collection and re- ers—most members of the LGBT com- guish, we should do all we can to help them. porting. munity and many of Hispanic descent, I can also understand the fears of people in While this is an ambitious plan, it is one that all just enjoying their lives on a Satur- host countries, who may feel overwhelmed. is extremely necessary. Unfortunately, cov- day night—I can think of no better The combination of circumstances draws at- erage, access, and outreach may not be the source of words of wisdom, tolerance, tention to the vital importance of collective and peace than of His Holiness, the action toward restoring genuine peace to the only keys to eliminating disparities. Demo- lands these refugees are fleeing. graphic characteristics contribute heavily to ra- Dalai Lama. Tibetan refugees have firsthand experience cial and ethnic health status. For example, re- Madam Speaker, I include in the of living through such circumstances and, al- search shows that privately insured African RECORD an opinion piece by the Dalai though we have not yet been able to return American and Hispanic adults fare worse than Lama, entitled: ‘‘The Dalai Lama: Why to our homeland, we are grateful for the hu- privately insured white adults along measures I’m hopeful about the world’s future.’’ manitarian support we have received through the decades from friends, including to access and use of care. Unfortunately, Afri- [From the Washington Post, June 13, 2016] the people of the United States. can Americans and Hispanics are less likely to THE DALAI LAMA: WHY I’M HOPEFUL ABOUT A further source for hope is the genuine co- have a regular provider than their white coun- THE WORLD’S FUTURE operation among the world’s nations toward terparts. The same research also showed that (By the Dalai Lama) a common goal evident in the Paris accord privately insured African Americans and His- The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the on climate change. When global warming panics had less confidence in their ability to spiritual leader of Tibet. Since 1959, he has threatens the health of this planet that is pay for medical costs. lived in exile in Dharamsala in northern our only home, it is only by considering the Since social determinants like economic sta- India. larger global interest that local and national bility, education, and environment play such a Almost six decades have passed since I left interests will be met. my homeland, Tibet, and became a refugee. I have a personal connection to this issue large role in how we each view and access Thanks to the kindness of the government because Tibet is the world’s highest plateau health care, many of the changes necessary and people of India, we Tibetans found a sec- and is an epicenter of global climate change, to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities re- ond home where we could live in dignity and warming nearly three times as fast as the quire a much larger plan than just a focus on freedom, able to keep our language, culture rest of the world. It is the largest repository health-related programs. Reducing disparities and Buddhist traditions alive. of water outside the two poles and the source in health truly entails addressing racial and My generation has witnessed so much vio- of the Earth’s most extensive river system, ethnic social determinants such as availability lence—some historians estimate that more critical to the world’s 10 most densely popu- than 200 million people were killed in con- lated nations. of safe housing, affordable food, access to flicts in the 20th century. To find solutions to the environmental cri- education, job opportunities, community-based Today, there is no end in sight to the hor- sis and violent conflicts that confront us in resources, public safety, public transportation, rific violence in the Middle East, which in the 21st century, we need to seek new an- and more. the case of Syria has led to the greatest ref- swers. Even though I am a Buddhist monk, I Our society must make many changes be- ugee crisis in a generation. Appalling ter- believe that these solutions lie beyond reli- fore we can truly eliminate racial and ethnic rorist attacks—as we were sadly reminded gion in the promotion of a concept I call sec- health disparities because that also means this weekend—have created deep-seated fear. ular ethics. This is an approach to educating ourselves based on scientific findings, com- eliminating disparities in many other sectors. I While it would be easy to feel a sense of hopelessness and despair, it is all the more mon experience and common sense—a more thank Congressman JEFFRIES and Congress- necessary in the early years of the 21st cen- universal approach to the promotion of our woman BEATTY for hosting this poignant spe- tury to be realistic and optimistic. shared human values. cial order. There are many reasons for us to be hope- Over more than three decades, my discus- f ful. Recognition of universal human rights, sions with scientists, educators and social including the right to self-determination, workers from across the globe have revealed b 2045 has expanded beyond anything imagined a common concerns. As a result we have devel- TIBET century ago. There is growing international oped a system that incorporates an edu- consensus in support of gender equality and cation of the heart, but one that is based on The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. respect for women. Particularly among the study of the workings of the mind and emo- MCSALLY). Under the Speaker’s an- younger generation, there is a widespread re- tions through scholarship and scientific re- nounced policy of January 6, 2015, the jection of war as a means of solving prob- search rather than religious practice. Since Chair recognizes the gentleman from lems. Across the world, many are doing valu- we need moral principles—compassion, re- able work to prevent terrorism, recognizing spect for others, kindness, taking responsi- Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for 30 the depths of misunderstanding and the divi- bility—in every field of human activity, we minutes. sive idea of ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘them’’ that is so dan- are working to help schools and colleges cre- GENERAL LEAVE gerous. Significant reductions in the world’s ate opportunities for young people to develop Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I arsenal of nuclear weapons mean that set- greater self-awareness, to learn how to man- ask unanimous consent to revise and ting a timetable for further reductions and age destructive emotions and cultivate so- extend my remarks and to enter addi- ultimately the elimination of nuclear weap- cial skills. Such training is being incor- ons—a sentiment President Obama recently porated into the curriculum of many schools tional materials into the RECORD. reiterated in Hiroshima, Japan—no longer in North America and Europe—I am involved The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there seem a mere dream. with work at Emory University on a new objection to the request of the gen- The notion of absolute victory for one side curriculum on secular ethics that is being in- tleman from Massachusetts? and defeat of another is thoroughly out- troduced in several schools in India and the There was no objection. dated; in some situations, following conflict, United States.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.059 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 It is our collective responsibility to ensure NANCY PELOSI and my colleagues JOYCE of Chinese authorities to engage in that the 21st century does not repeat the BEATTY, TED LIEU, ALAN LOWENTHAL, constructive dialogue, and it would in- pain and bloodshed of the past. Because BETTY MCCOLLUM, and TIM WALZ on a crease confidence the world over that human nature is basically compassionate, I believe it is possible that decades from now historic congressional delegation to the government is committed to rec- we will see an era of peace—but we must Tibet, Beijing, and Hong Kong. onciliation and ending abuses in Tibet. work together as global citizens of a shared I have long raised concerns about The Chinese Government has in- planet. China’s human rights record in Tibet. vested a great deal in Tibet, and that Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, by As the first congressional delegation to was very clear to us, but that invest- way of welcoming the Dalai Lama, I enter Tibet since the 2008 unrest, our ment must not come at the price of an would like to say a few words about trip was an important opportunity to entire culture. You cannot confine a him and his leadership. raise the voices of the Tibetan people, people’s culture and heritage—their The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader and we did just that. Everywhere we very sense of identity—to a museum or of Tibet, describes himself as a simple went, in every meeting we had, we to a market of handicrafts. Buddhist monk. He was recognized as talked about Tibet. We talked about The human rights of the Tibetan peo- the reincarnation of the previous 13th the Dalai Lama and his strong bipar- ple must be strengthened and pro- Dalai Lama when he was only 2 years tisan support in Congress. We talked tected, and I returned from the delega- old, and he was only 6 when he began about the importance of respect for tion visit with a renewed commitment his monastic studies. people’s cultures and religions, and we to continue to work with my col- But years before he finished his edu- talked about the need to strengthen leagues in Congress, with Leader cation, when he was still a teenager, he and protect all of the human rights of PELOSI, to push for the reforms that was called upon to assume full political the Tibetan people. are needed to achieve this, and this is power after China’s invasion of Tibet in During the delegation visit, we felt the reason we are here today. 1950. When in 1954 he went to Beijing we had a good exchange with Chinese Madam Speaker, I yield to our distin- for peace talks with Mao Zedong and officials and, especially, with univer- guished Democratic leader, who led other Chinese leaders, he was not yet sity students both in Tibet and in Bei- this historic visit to Tibet, Leader 20. Five years later, with the brutal jing. We saw our trip—and especially PELOSI. suppression of the Tibetan national up- the delegation’s visit to Tibet—as an Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman rising in Lhasa by Chinese troops, the important gesture by the Chinese Gov- for yielding and for calling this Special Dalai Lama was forced to escape into ernment; but it was also clear to us Order this evening. exile. Since 1959, he has been living in that our visit was only a first step and Special it is, indeed, as we welcome northern India. That is more than 60 that much more needed to be done. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, to Wash- years of exile. Since our return, we have been looking ington, D.C. Tomorrow, in a bipartisan I have had the opportunity to meet for ways to build on our visit and to ad- way, House and Senate Democrats and the Dalai Lama on a number of occa- vance the reforms needed for meaning- Republicans will join in welcoming His sions. He is a warm, generous, compas- ful change. Holiness. He is among one of the things sionate man with a great sense of Here are some of the things we iden- we all agree on—his greatness and the humor. He is also a man of peace. He tified that need to happen specifically honor he brings us with his visit. has consistently advocated for policies with regard to Tibet: Madam Speaker, I completely asso- of nonviolence even in the face of ex- The United States needs to open a ciate myself with every word of Mr. treme aggression. In 1989, he was consulate in Lhasa, Tibet; MCGOVERN’s comments. He talked awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his More Members of Congress, more about our visit to Lhasa, to Tibet, and nonviolent struggle for the liberation journalists, more members of par- to other places in China. We called him of Tibet. He has received over 150 liament from other nations, and more Mr. MCGOVERN’s spiritual leader of our awards, honorary doctorates, and people in general, including members visit. As the co-chair of the Lantos prizes in recognition of his message of of the Tibetan community here in the Human Rights Commission of the peace, nonviolence, interreligious un- United States, need to be allowed to House of Representatives, he truly be- derstanding, universal responsibility, travel freely to Tibet; lieves, as His Holiness says and as I and compassion. His is a voice for tol- Tibetans in China need to be able to heard him say today, that we are all erance. travel freely as well; God’s children, and that is how we have Unfortunately, as we all know, Tibet The dialogue between Beijing and the to treat each other. has not been liberated. In the late Dalai Lama to resolve longstanding In listening to our colleagues of the 1990s, under the Dalai Lama’s leader- issues of Tibetan autonomy, religious previous Special Order, who were mem- ship, the Tibetan people formally put practice, culture, language, and herit- bers of the Congressional Black Cau- aside the goal of independence. Since age needs to be renewed. cus, who discussed various issues of then, they have been fighting, peace- I came away from our visit believing justice—social justice, health justice, fully, for their autonomy within China; even more strongly that the Dalai and the rest—and who talked about Or- but that struggle is not going very well Lama is part of the solution to resolv- lando, it focuses on how special His Ho- today. Part of the reason it is not ing Tibetan grievances. liness’ visit is. In coming the day after going very well is that the inter- Too often during our trip, we heard the terrible massacre of many in the national community seems to be more from some Chinese officials—not all, LGBT community, it is really some- interested in not offending China than but some—expressions and character- thing that should be a comfort to all of in vigorously supporting the human izations of Tibet and the Dalai Lama us. His Holiness’ message of peace, of rights of the Tibetan people. It seems that showed that some people’s minds compassion, of respect for every person to me that my own government has and imaginations are stuck in the past, is a message of hope that is needed fallen into that trap. in old prejudices. This concerned me today, tomorrow, and the next day, I am looking forward to the Dalai greatly. The issue is not the past. The which are the days His Holiness will be Lama’s visit this week, and I know issue is the future of Tibet and its peo- here, but it is needed as we go forward that the leadership of the House and ple. as well. He is a truly great man. When my colleagues on both sides of the aisle Renewing dialogue must be genuine I awoke this morning so sad about will welcome him with the greatest ap- and productive, and it cannot be just what happened yesterday, I was full of preciation; but it is easy to praise the another guise for wasting time or going hope about hearing what His Holiness Dalai Lama, to meet with him, and to through the motions. We need to see a would have to say about our respon- benefit from his teachings, yet not lift dialogue based on good faith and on the sibilities to each other. a finger to help the people of Tibet. mutual need to resolve outstanding Our colleague mentioned our Novem- The Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people issues in a way that is acceptable to all ber CODEL. It was something that deserve better. parties. many of us had been hoping to do for Madam Speaker, last November I had Undertaking such an initiative would many years. We had been trying for 25 the honor of joining Democratic Leader be a positive reflection on the capacity years to get a visa to visit Tibet, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.036 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3749 the President of China gave us that op- won—for his contribution in protecting and matters of faith and philosophy be- portunity. We went there to see, to the environment. It was the first envi- cause of its intricacies. It enhances learn, to observe, and to make judg- ronmental consideration in a Nobel your appreciation and understanding of ments. We did not go there to burn Prize. How beautiful that was. I have Buddhism to hear it in the words of the bridges; we went there to build bridges. seen him here many times, in Cali- Tibetan language, and translated from As Congressman MCGOVERN said, we fornia, in New York—you name it—and Tibetan in terms of the intricacies of saw some areas in which we could work in Dharamsala, which is where he lives the language that you would need to together, and we came back with some in India. Anyway, we were taking a translate it into English or another resolve, hopefully, to get other bridge delegation there to visit—a bipartisan, language. building done. large delegation to visit him there. So this language is important to the I have seen His Holiness on many oc- faith of Buddhism. It is important to b 2100 casions. When he first came to Con- the culture. It is important to the fam- gress, I was brand new in Congress. He And we saw some of the people right ilies. It is important, again, to the edu- came under the auspices of Mr. Lantos, after the crackdown in Tibet—coinci- cation of the children. And the at- for whom the Human Rights Commis- dentally, we had our trip planned for a tempts on the part of the Chinese to re- sion is named, and he brought us to- long time, but it happened to occur settle Han Chinese, dilute the popu- gether in a group to listen to His Holi- right after that crackdown. So many lation of Tibetans in Tibet, is some- ness’ plan of action. It included respect people were coming in from Tibet tell- thing that would be just really wrong, for the environment and autonomy for ing us what they saw there. It was just plain and simple wrong. Again, it Tibet but not independence. That was pretty brutal, the reports that they is a challenge to the conscience. over 25 years ago that he had been gave us, and it was so sad. This morning, His Holiness spoke at talking about autonomy. While some- So later in the day, when we had the United States Institute of Peace, times the Chinese Government doesn’t lunch with the couple hundred lamas and he said real change comes through accept that characterization, it is why from all over India, that part of India, action. He said: You all ask me for my many of us support His Holiness. As I many of them Tibetan Buddhist lamas, blessing, and people say nice things, mentioned earlier, he has friends on I explained what I had seen that morn- but real change comes through action. both sides of the aisle on both sides of ing and how transformative it was to If I understood it correctly in the the Capitol and also down Pennsyl- see people get firsthand knowledge of translation, he said that karma is not vania Avenue. the humanity of man and that we had necessarily just about fate. It is about I remember with great pride when we to do something about it. acting, action, taking action. So we all presented His Holiness with a Congres- We had our Members there. One was need to take action in what we believe sional Gold Medal—again, with great going to help with this, and one was in. bipartisan support. President Bush going to help with that. You know, Again, every opportunity I get—and I came. Not only that—and a bigger there were all these things that we thank the distinguished gentleman, the honor yet—Mrs. Laura Bush came as were going to do to help these people. conscience of our codel and chair of the well. What an honor for His Holiness And then I said what I always said: if Tom Lantos Commission on Human and what an honor for our country that freedom-loving people do not speak out Rights. Every opportunity I get, and our President showed that respect. against oppression in Tibet because of this is one of them that I treasure on On that day when we talked about it, our commercial interests with China, the floor of the House, to say what an we had so many good things to say then we surrender all moral authority honor it is to even be in the same about His Holiness. One of the things to speak on behalf of human rights room, the same place with His Holi- was his unstinting support for peace as anywhere in the world. Tibet remains a ness, the Dalai Lama, a revered figure a positive example of how to make the challenge to the conscience of the throughout the world. world a better place—peace in the world, and we must respond to that. The Dalai Lama’s name is synony- world, peace in our country, peace in When I was finished, His Holiness mous with everything that is good, and our communities, peace in our fami- spoke to the lamas there, and he said that is what we emphasized to our Chi- lies, peace in ourselves. That inner to the lamas: Now, let us all pray so nese host. We had to move, as Mr. peace is what he has been preaching. that we could rid Nancy of her negative MCGOVERN said, beyond their out- On this trip, we can see His Holiness attitudes. moded thinking into another place. as he embodies the wisdom and the Well, I thought I was making the In terms of His Holiness, tomorrow courage to maintain what he calls a fight, but I am not going to be holier when he comes to the Capitol, I will peaceful mind in a modern world, and than His Holiness. A gentle approach is look forward to thanking him for his we look forward to hearing what he has what he thinks is best and respectful. I tremendous, inspiring leadership. ‘‘In- to say about that. In addition to saying take some level of pride in telling our spiration’’ is such an inadequate word we are all God’s children and of the re- Chinese friends—and they are our when it comes to what he is. We thank spect we need to have for each other friends. He is your friend, too, in terms him for sharing the strength of his de- and of the compassion that he advo- of damping down any, shall we say, termination in pursuit of peace. cates, His Holiness says that great exuberance when we learn what we He was speaking about it today in changes start with individuals. consider to be grave injustices and terms of something that might take I will tell this story, which, I think, human rights violations. some years. We may not see it, some of some may find amusing. In honor of His Holiness’ 80th birth- us—you might, Mr. MCGOVERN; I might His Holiness is a gentle man. While day last summer—Richard Gere is the not—a time when the world was com- he has big challenges and while he is chairman of the International Cam- pletely at peace. the leader and the champion in the ad- paign for Tibet and has really been a When he laughs, it is something very vocacy—I wouldn’t use the word champion for His Holiness and the Ti- special. We hear the joyousness that ‘‘fight’’ as he doesn’t like words like betan people—Richard Gere and I wrote transcends despair. In his words, we re- that—for respecting the culture, the a Wall Street Journal op-ed, and in it ceive a message of hope and humanity language, and the religion of the Ti- we said there is no better way to honor when he is with us. In his presence, we betan people and the autonomy for the Dalai Lama than by standing with feel inspired to make a difference, to them as a people, he does so in a very him and the Tibetan people vowing to make a difference in ourselves and in gentle way. keep their cause alive. It is a beautiful our world. I met him here in the Capitol for the culture, indeed. I talked earlier about President Bush first time, and I saw him in Rio at the To hear His Holiness, as I did today, coming to the Congressional Gold time of the Earth Summit in 1992, speak in Tibetan, which I didn’t under- Medal ceremony, and I know that the where he spoke as a religious leader. stand except through translation, and President will be receiving His Holi- We also acknowledged that he was the have him explain that the Tibetan lan- ness this week. Presidents have done first winner of the Nobel Prize—it was guage is a beautiful language in spe- that over time, which is a source of part of his proclamation and why he cifics, in terms of explaining Buddhism great pride for us in our country and in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.062 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 the relationship between His Holiness other report, quite frankly, by any they are indicative of the profound impact and our President. But it goes a long major world respected human rights stability maintenance’’ policies have had in way back. organization, we see that the condi- those areas, and of shifts in the types of pro- I will just close by saying, when His test and protester Chinese authorities are tions for the Tibetan people really are targeting there. Holiness was a very little boy and he quite dire. Information on the cases comes from the became the Dalai Lama, he received a The Human Rights Watch report, en- Chinese government, exile organizations, and gift from the President of the United titled, ‘‘Relentless’’ talks about the de- foreign media. Of the 479 detainees, 153 were States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt; and tention and prosecution of Tibetans reported to have been sent for trial, con- he loved it because it was a watch, and from 2013 to 2015 under China’s ‘‘sta- victed, and sentenced to imprisonment. The the watch had the phases of the Moon. bility maintenance’’ campaign. The re- average sentence they received was 5.7 years Actually, my Apple watch has the in prison. As explained in the methodology port is based on 479 cases of Tibetans section below, the actual number of Tibetans phases of the Sun. detained or tried for political expres- detained and prosecuted during this period The watch had the phases of the sion or criticism of government policy. for political offenses was likely significantly Moon, and how prescient President Human Rights Watch only included higher. Franklin Roosevelt was to send this cases on which its staff was able to ob- Many detentions documented here were for little boy this watch, who would be- tain credible information. One impor- activities that the Chinese authorities previously considered to be minor offenses or come so interested in science and tant source was the terrific database thinking and the brain and faith and not politically sensitive. Many of those de- on political prisoners in China that was tained came from segments of society not what the connection was among all of maintained by the Congressional Exec- previously associated with dissent. In addi- those factors. utive Commission on China. Without tion, many of the detentions took place in But again, the relationship between going into a lot of details, let me just rural areas where political activity had not an American President and His Holi- highlight a couple of takeaways. previously been reported. From 2008 to 2012, ness, the Dalai Lama, goes back to Tibetans are now being detained for the Tibetan parts of Sichuan province had when he was a little boy, and it per- activities that used to be considered posted the highest numbers of protests and sists into his eighties now. That is detentions on the Tibetan plateau, but in minor offences or not politically sen- 2013 the epicenter of detentions shifted to something that, again, brings luster to sitive. Many of those detained and the central and western areas of the Tibetan us in our country that we have such a prosecuted come from parts of society plateau, called the Tibet Autonomous Re- beautiful relationship with such a spir- not previously known for dissent: local gion (TAR) since 1965, which until 1950 had itual figure in the world. community leaders, environmental ac- been under the government of the Dalai So I look forward to welcoming him tivists, and villagers involved in social Lama. Our research found that many of those de- here tomorrow. Again, as I said to him and cultural activities, as well as local today: You could not have come at a tained and prosecuted were local community writers and singers. I can go on and on leaders, environmental activists, and vil- better time when we are so in mourn- and on. lagers involved in social and cultural activi- ing about what happened in Orlando to I include into the RECORD the Human ties, as well as local writers and singers. In our LGBT loved ones, to their families, Rights Watch report, entitled, ‘‘Relent- the previous three decades, the authorities to the community in Orlando. We are less,’’ Madam Speaker. had rarely accused people from these sectors grateful to the response of our first re- of Tibetan society of involvement in polit- RELENTLESS: DETENTION AND PROSECUTION OF sponders there and our law enforce- ical unrest. Buddhist monks and nuns, who TIBETANS UNDER CHINA’S ‘‘STABILITY MAIN- constituted over 90 percent of political de- ment officials and local officials there. TENANCE’’ CAMPAIGN Again, it is the spirituality that we tainees in Tibet in the 1980s, represent less SUMMARY than 40 percent of the 479 cases documented need to recover and draw strength to We have followed the law in striking out here. go forward to make sure that we mini- and relentlessly pounding at illegal organi- Almost all the protests and detentions mize any such actions that hopefully zations and key figures, and resolutely fol- identified in this report occurred in small they never happen again. How wonder- lowed the law in striking at the illegal orga- towns or rural townships and villages rather ful that His Holiness is here to bring us nizations and key figures who follow the 14th than in cities, where most protests and de- that comfort. Dalai Lama clique in carrying out sepa- tentions in prior years were reported to have With that, I am pleased and with ratist, infiltration, and sabotage activities, taken place. This suggests that dissent has increased in rural Tibetan areas, where near- great gratitude to the gentleman from knocking out the hidden dangers and soil for undermining Tibet’s stability, and effec- ly 80 percent of Tibetans live. Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for tively safeguarding the state’s utmost inter- Our data also shows an overall decline in being such a champion of human rights ests [and] society’s overall interests.—State- the total number of Tibetans detained for po- throughout the world. He and Mr. ment by Chen Quanguo, Tibet Autonomous litical offenses between 2013 and 2015, though this may be an artifact of the limitations on PITTS, his Republican counterpart, as Region Party Secretary, December 2013 information, detailed in the methodology co-chairs of the Tom Lantos Human This report documents the Chinese govern- section below. Notably, however, the totals ment’s detention, prosecution, and convic- Rights Commission, do a great service for these three years are significantly higher tion of Tibetans for largely peaceful activi- to our Congress and to our country. than for the 10 years before 2008 when sta- ties from 2013 to 2015. Our research shows di- They honor our values, the respect for bility maintenance policies were expanded minishing tolerance by authorities for forms the dignity and worth of every person, following major protests centered in Lhasa of expression and assembly protected under recognizing that we are all God’s chil- (Ch.: Lasa), the capital of the TAR. international law. This has been marked by The changing nature of unrest and politi- dren. We all have a spark of divinity in an increase in state control over daily life, us, and they always are speaking truth cized detention in Tibet correlates with new increasing criminalization of nonviolent phases in the stability maintenance cam- to power. I thank them for their com- forms of protest, and at times dispropor- paign in the TAR and other Tibetan areas. mitment and for their courage, and to tionate responses to local protests. These Since 2011, authorities have intensified so- you, Mr. MCGOVERN, for calling this measures, part of a policy known as weiwen cial control and surveillance at the grass- Special Order today. or ‘‘stability maintenance,’’ have led au- roots level, particularly in the rural areas of thorities to expand the range of activities Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I the TAR. This has included the transfer of and issues targeted for repression in Tibetan some 21,000 officials to villages and mon- thank the distinguished leader for areas, particularly in the countryside. being here, and I appreciate her leader- asteries in the TAR, where they are tasked The analysis presented here is based on our with implementing new management, secu- ship on this issue and her leadership on assessment of 479 cases for which we were rity, and propaganda operations, and, more human rights issues. able to obtain credible information. All cases recently, the deployment of nearly 10,000 po- One of the things that compels us to are of Tibetans detained or tried from 2013 to lice in Tibetan villages in Qinghai. This has be here today is our continued concern 2015 for political expression or criticism of led to a surge in the creation of local Com- about the human rights situation for government policy—‘‘political offenses.’’ munist Party organizations, government of- the Tibetan people. And whether it is Our cases paint a detailed picture not fices, police posts, security patrols, and po- the latest annual report from the U.S. available elsewhere. Stringent limitations litical organizations in Tibetan villages and on access to Tibet and on information flows towns, particularly in the TAR. Commission on International Religious out of Tibet mean we cannot conclude defini- The implementation of these measures ap- Freedom or whether it is the U.S. tively that our cases are representative of pears to explain many of the new patterns of State Department’s most recent the unknown overall number of political de- detention, prosecution, and sentencing docu- human rights report, or almost any tentions of Tibetans during this period. But mented in this report. It was only after the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.063 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3751 rural phase of the stability maintenance pol- discontent is widespread among Tibetans in lawyers, should reiterate their requests to icy in the TAR was implemented from late many parts of the plateau. visit the region to assess the human rights 2011 that the number of protests and result- Deaths and ill-health of detainees also con- situation. ing detentions and convictions increased dra- tinued to be a serious problem in the period To Concerned Governments matically in that region. covered by this study. Fourteen of those de- Urge the Chinese government to imple- These detentions, occurring primarily in tained, 2.9 percent of the total, were reported ment the following measures in Tibetan rural areas, indicate that the stability main- to have died in custody or shortly after re- areas: provide information on all persons de- tenance policy in the TAR has entered a lease, allegedly as a result of mistreatment. tained in connection with protests; end arbi- third phase. The first phase entailed para- The cases also involve the detention of trary detention and torture and other ill- military operations in the immediate wake children, including a 14 and a 15-year-old, treatment in detention; impartially inves- of the 2008 protests in Lhasa, when the au- both monks, and at least one 11-year-old tigate the use of excessive or lethal force by thorities detained several thousand people child detained after his father self-immo- the security forces; and discipline or pros- suspected of involvement in those protests or lated. ecute as appropriate members of the security associated rioting. The second phase, which The detentions, prosecutions, and convic- forces implicated in serious abuses. began in late 2011 and is ongoing, involved tions documented here reflect the impact of Extend full and active support to the inter- the transfer of officials to run security and intensive new efforts by officials in Tibetan national investigation into the Tibetan pro- propaganda operations in villages, as de- areas to prevent any repeat of the Tibet-wide tests led by the Office of the United Nations scribed above. The third phase, which dates protests that occurred in the spring of 2008. High Commissioner for Human Rights. to early 2013, has involved increasing use of Yet the new policies have led to apparently Urge the Chinese government to review the the surveillance and security mechanisms unprecedented cycles of discontent in cer- official policies and practices in Tibetan established during the second phase in rural tain rural areas, and an overall increase in areas that have contributed to unrest. villages of the TAR to single out activities the types of activities that are treated as Speak out, when cooperating with China deemed to be precursors of unrest. This has criminal challenges to the authority of the on law enforcement or counterterrorism efforts, against the use of trumped-up public meant that formerly anodyne activities have Communist Party or the Chinese state. The order and terrorism allegations to persecute become the focus of state attention and pun- failure of the central government and local or curtail the human rights of ethnic groups. ishment, including social activities by vil- authorities to end these abusive policies and lagers that had not previously been put roll back intrusive security and surveillance Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, under sustained scrutiny by the security measures raises the prospect of an intensi- this Congress has weighed in many forces. fied cycle of repression and resistance in a times and in many ways on United In the eastern Tibetan areas—comprising region already enduring extraordinary re- States policy concerning Tibet. One of parts of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu, and strictions on basic human rights. Yunnan provinces—politicized detentions the most significant things we did was also appear to correlate with stability main- RECOMMENDATIONS to approve the Tibetan Policy Act of tenance measures. But in these areas, the To the Government of China 2002, which is supposed to guide U.S. government’s measures have been aimed pri- Unconditionally release from custody all Government policy. It encourages dia- marily at stopping self-immolations by Ti- persons detained without charge or con- logue between the Chinese Government betans protesting Chinese rule, most of victed for peacefully exercising their rights and representatives of the Dalai Lama, which have taken place in the eastern areas. to freedom of expression and belief, or for and it created the post of Special Coor- Beginning in December 2012 the authorities other conduct protected by international dinator for Tibetan Issues within the there conducted an intensified drive to end human rights law. Department of State. self-immolations among Tibetans that re- Allow independent observers—including Last July, in recognition of His Holi- sulted in a sharp increase in detentions and journalists, human rights monitors, and prosecutions of Tibetans for alleged connec- ness, the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, United Nations special procedures— the House approved H. Res. 337, which tions to self-immolations, often with ten- unimpeded access to all areas covered by the uous legal basis. ‘‘stability maintenance’’ campaign to verify cited the Tibetan Policy Act. In that The government’s introduction of grass- the extent of human rights violations stem- resolution, Congress strongly encour- roots stability maintenance mechanisms in ming from the campaign’s implementation. aged the Government of the People’s the TAR and of measures against self-immo- Ensure that all persons taken into custody Republic of China and His Holiness to lation in the eastern areas, including in have immediate access to lawyers and family hold substantive dialogue, without pre- many previously quiet rural areas, has re- members. Those taken into custody should conditions, in order to address Tibetan sulted in certain Tibetan localities becoming be released unless promptly brought before a grievances and secure a negotiated sites of repeated protests and detentions, court and charged with an offense. producing what could be called protest ‘‘clus- agreement for the Tibetan people. End the collective punishment of commu- We also called for the establishment ter sites,’’ previously unseen in Tibetan nity members for the actions, criminal or areas. These localities saw greater numbers not, of local leaders or other members of of a U.S. consulate in Lhasa. of politicized detentions, recurrent cycles of their community. We urged the immediate and uncon- protest and detention, higher average sen- Conduct credible, transparent, and impar- ditional release of Tibetan political tencing rates compared to other areas, and tial investigations into all incidents from prisoners, including the 11th Panchen longer sentences for relatively minor of- 2013 to 2015 that resulted in alleged Lama, and Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, a fenses. extrajudicial killings, or alleged torture or Tibetan monk who tragically and un- During 2013–2015, lay and religious leaders other ill-treatment in custody. Make the necessarily died in Chinese custody of rural communities often received unusu- findings of those investigations public and ally heavy sentences for expressions of dis- shortly after. fairly prosecute anyone responsible for such We called on the United States Gov- sent, especially if they were from a protest abuses. cluster site. Having a sensitive image or text ernment to underscore that any gov- Conduct credible, transparent, and impar- ernment’s interference in the Tibetan on one’s cellphone or computer could also tial investigations into arbitrary detentions lead to a long prison sentence, especially and deaths stemming from the March 2008 reincarnation process is a violation of though not only if it had been sent to other protests in Lhasa and across Tibetan areas. the internationally recognized right to people. Among those who received the long- End interference by officials, party rep- religious freedom. est sentences were people who tried to assist resentatives, and the security forces in mon- We called upon the Government of victims of self-immolations, leaders of pro- asteries and other religious institutions. China to allow U.S. officials and jour- tests against mining or government con- nalists and other citizens unrestricted struction projects, and organizers of village To the United Nations opposition to unpopular decisions by local The UN secretary-general should urge access to Tibetan areas of China, as we officials. Such activities, most of which were China to honor the offer it made before the allow Chinese officials and citizens ac- not explicitly political and did not directly Human Rights Council in March 2009 to in- cess to the United States’ territory. challenge the legitimacy of the state, re- vite the UN high commissioner for human We asked that the United States and ceived markedly longer sentences than peo- rights ‘‘at a time mutually convenient to international governments, organiza- ple shouting slogans or distributing leaflets both sides.’’ tions, and civil society renew and rein- in support of Tibetan independence. The UN high commissioner for human force initiatives to promote the preser- The incidents described in this report indi- rights should specifically request to visit the vation of the distinct religious, culcate that outbursts of unrest and waves of Tibetan Autonomous Region and Tibetan tural, linguistic, and national identity politicized detentions occurred in specific lo- Autonomous Areas in Qinghai and Sichuan calities at certain times rather than being provinces. of the Tibetan people. evenly dispersed across the Tibetan areas. The UN high commissioner for human We urged the United States to use its But the range of locations and the different rights, as well as the special rapporteurs and voice and vote to encourage develop- social levels of protesters involved suggest working groups on torture, enforced dis- ment organizations and agencies to de- that political, environmental, and cultural appearances, and independence of judges and sign and implement development

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.034 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 projects that fully comply with the shared interest, and it can only be ans must receive the necessary rights that will Tibet Project principles. These prin- achieved with the full participation of allow them to protect their culture, language, ciples are meant to ensure that the the Tibetan people. religion, and environment. needs of the Tibetan people guide all It is time to rally around some of The U.S. was founded on the ideas of uni- development in Tibetan areas; that these ideas or to find others. It is time versal freedom, and I believe that we must their projects respect Tibetan culture, to do something different on Tibet. It continue to urge the Chinese government to traditions, knowledge, and wisdom; and is time for us to think differently and provide less regulated religious freedom to the that the development initiatives nei- to think out of the box on ways that we Tibetans. I strongly believe that a critical step ther provide incentives for nor facili- can advance dialogue with China, not to achieving religious freedom in Tibet is in- tate the migration and settlement of in a confrontational way, but in ways cluding the Dalai Lama in future dialogues. I non-Tibetans into Tibet, nor the trans- to get China to understand the impor- have had the pleasure of meeting His Holi- fer of ownership of Tibetan land or nat- tance of recognizing the human rights ness on three occasions, and I share his de- ural resources to non-Tibetans. of the Tibetan people and recognizing sire to preserve Tibetan culture and resolve All of these recommendations for the importance of His Holiness the other issues concerning Tibet. Lastly, I en- what the United States Government Dalai Lama and allowing him to return courage the Chinese government to agree to should be doing are just as valid today to his homeland. establish a U.S. Consulate in the Tibetan city as they were last year because very lit- Madam Speaker, many of my col- of Lhasa because I believe diplomacy and tle progress has been made in the last leagues wanted to be here today to talking through our concerns and partnerships year. I say ‘‘very little’’ because we speak on this. I include the statements under the lens of transparency can only have acknowledged the important ges- of the gentleman from Massachusetts strengthen the relationship between our two ture China made in allowing last fall’s (Mr. CAPUANO) and the gentleman from countries. codel to travel to Tibet, but that is Minnesota (Mr. WALZ) in the RECORD. I will continue to support attempts to have about all that has happened, and the Last week the gentleman from New productive dialogues with the Chinese govern- Dalai Lama is about to be a year older. Jersey (Mr. SMITH), the gentleman ment concerning the future of Tibet. Improve- If we are not going to get moving on from Wisconsin (Mr. POCAN), and the ments in the quality of life, access to clean those longstanding recommendations, gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. SEN- water, and access to health care services in let me suggest some other things we SENBRENNER) submitted their state- Tibet must also include efforts to preserve the could try. We could start a campaign ments to the RECORD. Tibetan way of life. to get China to allow the Dalai Lama In closing, again, I would urge all of Mr. CAPUANO. Madam Speaker, I rise to to return to Tibet. Article 13 of the my colleagues to join with the leader pay tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He Universal Declaration of Human Rights and myself in welcoming His Holiness has come to Washington to be present when says that everyone has the right to the Dalai Lama to Washington, D.C., to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) freedom of movement and residence the United States, wishing him good awards its Democracy Service Medal post- within the borders of each state and, health and praying that reconciliation humously to another heroic spiritual leader, two, everyone has the right to leave between the Tibetan people and the Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, who died in captivity any country, including his own, and to Chinese Government happens very, in China in July of last year. The NED will also return to his country. It is time to let very soon. honor the Central Tibetan Administration, the Dalai Lama return to his country. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- based in Dharamshala, India, for its commit- This House could pass a bill that I in- ance of my time. ment to freedom and democracy. It is fitting, troduced, the Reciprocal Access to Mr. WALZ. Madam Speaker, I believe that too, as Prime Minister Nahrendra Modi con- Tibet Act, basically saying that, if the the U.S. must remain committed to defending cludes his visit, to recognize the generosity Chinese Government restricts U.S. offi- human rights and personal freedoms both India has shown to exiles seeking political and cials and U.S. citizens access to Tibet, within the U.S. and abroad. As our country religious liberty within its borders. then we should consider limiting the continues to advance U.S.-China relations, we With His Holiness and with all Tibetans, we access of Chinese officials when they must never forget the people of Tibet. Restric- grieve for all they have endured since the Chi- visit the United States. tions on human rights and religious freedom in nese invasion, the sorrows of those who live We could make sure that the U.S. Tibet have been a growing concern to many. in exile and the sufferings of those who re- Government invites the Dalai Lama to As a member of the Congressional Executive main. I am outraged that oppression and mur- every event on every occasion where Committee on China, I share this concern. der continue unabated. With His Holiness and his decades of knowledge, experience, While Chinese investments have undoubtedly with Tenzin Delek Rinpoche’s cousin Geshe and reflections would be helpful for ad- helped to modernize Tibet, these investments Nyima, representing his bereaved family, we dressing the world’s problems. The must not come at the expense of the rich cul- mourn the shameful persecution and tragic Dalai Lama is a world spiritual and tural, linguistic, and religious heritage of the death of a man committed to nonviolence. I philosophical leader who should be con- Tibetan people. We must continue to support urge the House to approve H. Res 584, urging tributing to global debates on coun- the protection of traditional Tibetan culture. President Obama to seek an independent in- tering violent extremism and on fos- As you may know, I had the opportunity to vestigation of his death and to call publicly for tering peace in war-torn countries. be one of the first groups of Americans to an end to the repressive policies of the Peo- These are just a couple of topics on travel to China and teach Chinese high school ple’s Republic of China in Tibet. It has been which I am convinced we could all ben- students in 1989. During that trip, I also trav- in committee for many months. efit from his wisdom. eled to Tibet in 1990 and, most recently, I Elie Wiesel, like His Holiness awarded the We could insist that Tibet be part of have returned as a member of the Congres- Nobel Peace Prize, exhorts us: There may be our climate change discussions with sional Delegation visiting China and Tibet. The times when we are powerless to prevent injus- China. Climate change is one of the few boosted economic growth, higher household tice, but there must never be a time when we topics on which the U.S. and China incomes, and constructed railway projects fail to protest. Indeed, we do protest, and fur- have found common ground. It is a have facilitated the rapid modernization of the ther we should never cease to hold oppres- critically important topic for Tibet, Tibet Autonomous Region. However, we need sors accountable. The people of Tibet, in- given its fragile environment and its to continue to have constructive dialogues with spired by the Dalai Lama, continue to cherish critically important reserves of fresh- China to ensure the preservation of traditional their culture and traditions. I wish them all his water. Tibet is warming three times as Tibetan culture and Tibet’s fragile ecology. faith and courage, today, tomorrow and every fast as the rest of the world, but it is The Congressional Delegation trip to Tibet day until Tibet is free. absent from the global climate change provided an opportunity to have a healthy dia- f debate. logue, and I want to thank our Chinese friends for engaging with us in a discussion over the LEAVE OF ABSENCE b 2115 most sensitive issues concerning Tibet. As a By unanimous consent, leave of ab- The Chinese leadership has acknowl- southern Minnesotan, I understand the impor- sence was granted to: edged at the highest levels the scale of tance of spurring economic growth while si- Mr. GRIFFITH (at the request of Mr. the environmental crisis it faces. Con- multaneously protecting natural wonders and MCCARTHY) for today on account of serving the Tibetan Plateau is surely a culture. With this in mind, I believe that Tibet- family obligations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K13JN7.065 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3753 ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS By Mr. POLIQUIN (for himself and Mr. HILL): Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, Under clause 2 of rule XII, public reported and found truly enrolled bills bills and resolutions of the following H.R. 5461. A bill to require the Secretary of of the House of the following titles, titles were introduced and severally re- the Treasury to submit a report to the ap- which were thereupon signed by the ferred, as follows: propriate congressional committees on the estimated total assets under direct or indi- Speaker: By Mr. BUCHANAN (for himself, Mr. rect control by certain senior Iranian leaders LEVIN, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mrs. BLACK, H.R. 1762. An act to name the Department and other figures, and for other purposes; to Mr. REED, Mr. KELLY of Pennsyl- of Veterans Affairs community-based out- the Committee on Financial Services, and in vania, Mr. DOLD, Mr. LARSON of Con- patient clinic in The Dalles, Oregon, as the addition to the Committee on Foreign Af- ‘‘Loren R. Kaufman VA Clinic’’. necticut, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. PAS- fairs, for a period to be subsequently deter- H.R. 2212. An act to take certain Federal CRELL, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. DANNY K. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- lands located in Lassen County, California, DAVIS of Illinois, and Ms. LINDA T. into trust for the benefit of the Susanville SA´ NCHEZ of California): sideration of such provisions as fall within Indian Rancheria, and for other purposes. H.R. 5456. A bill to amend parts B and E of the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. H.R. 2576. An act to modernize the Toxic title IV of the Social Security Act to invest By Mr. LOEBSACK (for himself, Mr. Substances Control Act, and for other pur- in funding prevention and family services to TONKO, Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. KENNEDY, poses. help keep children safe and supported at Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. CLARKE of New home, to ensure that children in foster care York, and Mr. ENGEL): f are placed in the least restrictive, most fam- H.R. 5462. A bill to amend title XIX of the ily-like, and appropriate settings, and for ADJOURNMENT Social Security Act to provide for a State other purposes; to the Committee on Ways Medicaid option to enhance administrative Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I and Means. move that the House do now adjourn. By Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia (for matching funds to support statewide behav- ioral health access program activities for The motion was agreed to; accord- himself, Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. COLLINS children under 21 years of age, and for other ingly (at 9 o’clock and 16 minutes of Georgia, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. TOM p.m.), under its previous order, the PRICE of Georgia, Mr. CARTER of purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Georgia, Mr. WESTMORELAND, Mr. Commerce. House adjourned until tomorrow, Tues- By Mr. MURPHY of Florida: day, June 14, 2016, at 10 a.m. for morn- CRAMER, Mr. LOUDERMILK, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. GRAVES of ing-hour debate. H.R. 5463. A bill to support programs for Georgia, Mr. WALKER, Mr. mosquito-borne and other vector-borne dis- f PITTENGER, Mr. BUCK, Mr. ROGERS of ease surveillance and control; to the Com- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Alabama, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. ROD- mittee on Energy and Commerce. NEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. KATKO, Mr. By Mr. POLIQUIN: ETC. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. ROS- 5666. Under clause 2 of rule XIV, a let- KAM, Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of Cali- H.R. 5464. A bill to provide that certain ter from the Chairman, Council of the fornia, Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, project works on the St. Croix River, Maine, District of Columbia, transmitting D.C. Mr. WOODALL, Mr. BRAT, Mr. are not required to be licensed by the Fed- eral Energy Regulatory Commission; to the ACT 21-411, ‘‘School Attendance Clari- WALBERG, Mr. ROKITA, Mr. MESSER, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. Committee on Energy and Commerce. fication Amendment Act of 2016’’, pur- FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. By Mr. VEASEY (for himself, Mr. CAS- suant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. BROOKS of Alabama, Mr. KELLY of TRO of Texas, Mr. VELA, Mr. HINO- 602(c)(1); (87 Stat. 814), was taken from Pennsylvania, Mr. BARR, Mr. JOSA, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mrs. WATSON the Speaker’s table, referred to the NEWHOUSE, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. RUS- COLEMAN, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Committee on Oversight and Govern- SELL, Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mr. FLEM- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Ms. JUDY ment Reform. ING, Mr. ROUZER, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. CHU of California, Ms. PLASKETT, Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania, Mr. ROE HASTINGS, Mr. NADLER, Mrs. KIRK- f of Tennessee, Mr. BLUM, Mr. LONG, PATRICK, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia, Mr. of Texas, Mr. DOGGETT, and Mr. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS MACARTHUR, Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. HONDA): POLIQUIN, and Mr. ISSA): H. Res. 777. A resolution recognizing Mayte Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of H.R. 5457. A bill to redesignate Gravelly Lara Ibarra, and Larissa Martinez for their committees were delivered to the Clerk Point Park, located along the George Wash- bravery and leadership in addressing anti- for printing and reference to the proper ington Memorial Parkway in Arlington immigrant sentiments voiced by United calendar, as follows: County, Virginia, as the Nancy Reagan Me- morial Park, and for other purposes; to the States politicians; to the Committee on the Mr. SMITH of Texas: Committee on Committee on Natural Resources. Judiciary. Science, Space, and Technology. H.R. 5049. A By Mr. STEWART: By Mr. JONES (for himself, Mr. bill to provide for improved management and H.R. 5458. A bill to provide for coordination MASSIE, and Mr. LYNCH): oversight of major multi-user research facili- between the TRICARE program and eligi- H. Res. 779. A resolution enforcing the Con- ties funded by the National Science Founda- bility for making contributions to a health tion, to ensure transparency and account- stitution’s separation of powers and the con- savings account, and for other purposes; to gressional prerogative of disclosure under ability of construction and management the Committee on Ways and Means, and in the speech or debate clause by directing the costs, and for other purposes; with an amend- addition to the Committee on Armed Serv- Chairman and ranking minority member of ment (Rept. 114–619). Referred to the Com- ices, for a period to be subsequently deter- mittee of the Whole House on the state of mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- the Permanent Select Committee on Intel- the Union. sideration of such provisions as fall within ligence of the House of Representatives to Mr. SMITH of Texas: Committee on the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. publish in the Congressional Record the 28- Science, Space, and Technology. H.R. 5312. A By Mr. DONOVAN (for himself, Mr. page chapter which was redacted from the bill to amend the High-Performance Com- MCCAUL, Mr. RATCLIFFE, and Mr. December 2002 Final Report of the Joint In- puting Act of 1991 to authorize activities for PAYNE): quiry into Intelligence Community Activi- support of networking and information tech- H.R. 5459. A bill to amend the Homeland ties Before and After the Terrorist Attacks nology research, and for other purposes; Security Act of 2002 to enhance preparedness of September 11, 2001; to the Committee on (Rept. 114–620). Referred to the Committee of and response capabilities for cyber attacks, Rules. the Whole House on the state of the Union. bolster the dissemination of homeland secu- By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for him- Mr. STIVERS: Committee on Rules. House rity information related to cyber threats, self, Ms. BASS, Mr. ROYCE, and Mr. Resolution 778. Resolution providing for con- and for other purposes; to the Committee on ENGEL): sideration of the bill (H.R. 5053) to amend the Homeland Security. H. Res. 780. A resolution urging respect for Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the By Mr. PAYNE (for himself and Mr. the constitution of the Democratic Republic secretary of the Treasury from requiring DONOVAN): that the identity of contributors to 501(c) or- H.R. 5460. A bill to amend the Homeland of the Congo in the democratic transition of ganizations be included in annual returns; Security Act of 2002 to establish a review power in 2016; to the Committee on Foreign and providing for consideration of the bill process to review applications for certain Affairs, and in addition to the Committees (H.R. 5293) making appropriations for the De- grants to purchase equipment or systems on Financial Services, and the Judiciary, for partment of Defense for the fiscal year end- that do not meet or exceed any applicable a period to be subsequently determined by ing September 30, 2017, and for other pur- national voluntary consensus standards, and the Speaker, in each case for consideration poses; (Rept. 114–621). Referred to the House for other purposes; to the Committee on of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Calendar. Homeland Security. tion of the committee concerned.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.037 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H3754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY H.R. 670: Mr. LANGEVIN. H.R. 4715: Mr. LAMBORN. STATEMENT H.R. 835: Mr. JOLLY. H.R. 4730: Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia and H.R. 923: Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. WITT- Mr. ROSS. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of MAN, and Mr. POMPEO. H.R. 4764: Mr. DONOVAN. the Rules of the House of Representa- H.R. 1076: Mr. BEYER and Mr. POCAN. H.R. 4770: Mr. KIND. tives, the following statements are sub- H.R. 1095: Ms. TSONGAS. H.R. 4773: Mr. FINCHER. mitted regarding the specific powers H.R. 1116: Mr. LONG. H.R. 4798: Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. DAVIS of granted to Congress in the Constitu- H.R. 1209: Mr. SCHRADER. California, and Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON tion to enact the accompanying bill or H.R. 1211: Ms. DEGETTE. of Texas. H.R. 1221: Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Penn- H.R. 4816: Mr. ADERHOLT. joint resolution. sylvania. H.R. 4818: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. By Mr. BUCHANAN: H.R. 1706: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 4819: Mr. CRAMER. H.R. 5456. H.R. 1726: Mr. BEYER. H.R. 4828: Mr. BILIRAKIS and Mr. AUSTIN Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1771: Mr. GUTHRIE. SCOTT of Georgia. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1904: Mr. LOWENTHAL and Ms. H.R. 4869: Mrs. WAGNER. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United STEFANIK. H.R. 4893: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. States Constitution, to ‘‘provide for the com- H.R. 1905: Mr. LOWENTHAL and Ms. H.R. 4927: Ms. KAPTUR. mon Defence and general Welfare of the STEFANIK. H.R. 4939: Ms. JACKSON LEE. United States.’’ H.R. 2058: Mr. PETERSON and Mr. MARINO. H.R. 5008: Mr. NOLAN and Ms. TSONGAS. By Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia: H.R. 2189: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. H.R. 5012: Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 5457. H.R. 2216: Ms. SPEIER. H.R. 5025: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. ISRAEL, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2257: Mr. RUSH. and Ms. KUSTER. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2461: Ms. NORTON and Mrs. KIRK- H.R. 5061: Mr. DOLD. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2, which PATRICK. H.R. 5073: Ms. MOORE. states: H.R. 2483: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 5143: Mr. MCHENRY. ‘‘The Congress shall have Power to dispose H.R. 2633: Ms. MOORE. H.R. 5166: Mr. KNIGHT, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. of and make all needful Rules and Regula- H.R. 2641: Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- PITTS, Mr. DELANEY, and Mr. LOWENTHAL. tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- fornia. H.R. 5171: Mrs. NOEM, Mr. SMITH of Ne- erty belonging to the United States . . .’’ H.R. 2646: Mr. MOOLENAAR and Ms. braska, and Mr. NUNES. By Mr. STEWART: GRANGER. H.R. 5187: Mr. BLUM, Mr. KNIGHT, and Mr. H.R. 5458. H.R. 2680: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. NUNES. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2737: Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. FRANKS of H.R. 5190: Mr. KNIGHT. lation pursuant to the following: Arizona, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. HANNA, Ms. HER- H.R. 5207: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1. RERA BEUTLER, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. H.R. 5230: Mr. BENISHEK. By Mr. DONOVAN: REICHERT, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. BRADY of Penn- H.R. 5249: Mr. WELCH. H.R. 5459. sylvania, Mr. RUSH, Mr. MOOLENAAR, and Mr. H.R. 5258: Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Congress has the power to enact this legis- CUMMINGS. H.R. 5263: Mr. LANCE. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2739: Mr. FLORES, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. H.R. 5275: Mr. GOSAR. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution of DONOVAN, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. BUCSHON, H.R. 5287: Ms. PINGREE. the United States. and Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. H.R. 5292: Ms. DELBENE, Ms. NORTON, Ms. By Mr. PAYNE: H.R. 2759: Mr. COFFMAN. GRAHAM, Mr. ROSS, Mr. JONES, Mr. JOYCE, H.R. 5460. H.R. 2817: Mr. DONOVAN. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. ESHOO, Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2846: Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mrs. KIRKPATRICK, Mrs. COMSTOCK, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2903: Mr. MICA, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. ASHFORD, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, and Article I, Section 8 ROTHFUS, and Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. MEADOWS. By Mr. POLIQUIN: H.R. 2948: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. H.R. 5313: Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 5461. H.R. 2963: Mr. COURTNEY and Mrs. NAPOLI- H.R. 5346: Mr. DONOVAN. Congress has the power to enact this legis- TANO. H.R. 5392: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3094: Mr. GOSAR. MOOLENAAR, Mr. NEWHOUSE, Mr. COLE, Mr. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 3119: Mr. REICHERT and Mr. DOLD, Mr. BENISHEK, Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. HUN- tion. ‘‘To regulate Commerce with foreign LOWENTHAL. TER, Mr. KATKO, Mr. POLIQUIN, Ms. STEFANIK, Nations, and among the several states, and H.R. 3229: Ms. ESTY. Mr. JOYCE, Mr. SHIMKUS, and Mr. BISHOP of with the Indian Tribes;’’ H.R. 3235: Ms. GRAHAM and Ms. DEGETTE. Michigan. By Mr. LOEBSACK: H.R. 3535: Mr. FATTAH. H.R. 5395: Ms. GRANGER. H.R. 5462. H.R. 3546: Mr. CURBELO of Florida. H.R. 5396: Ms. MOORE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3844: Mr. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 5405: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3870: Mr. POLIQUIN and Mr. CURBELO of WEBER of Texas, and Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Article I, Section 8, Clause I of the Con- Florida. H.R. 5411: Ms. DEGETTE. stitution which grants Congress the power to H.R. 4013: Mr. HASTINGS and Mrs. NAPOLI- H.R. 5421: Mr. HULTGREN. provide for the general Welfare of the United TANO. H.R. 5429: Mr. NEUGEBAUER. States. H.R. 4059: Mr. COLE. H.R. 5443: Mr. KENNEDY and Ms. CASTOR of By Mr. MURPHY of Florida: H.R. 4087: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- Florida. H.R. 5463. fornia. H. Con. Res. 114: Mr. ROSS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4137: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. H. Res. 14: Mr. ASHFORD. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4223: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H. Res. 210: Mr. DONOVAN. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H.R. 4247: Mr. NUNES and Mr. COLE. H. Res. 220: Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan and tion H.R. 4262: Mr. BUCSHON. Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. By Mr. POLIQUIN: H.R. 4352: Mr. HECK of Washington. H. Res. 343: Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. H.R. 5464. H.R. 4365: Ms. GRAHAM. JEFFRIES, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4381: Mr. BLUM, Mr. NUNES, and Ms. vania, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. YOHO, and Mrs. lation pursuant to the following: STEFANIK. WATSON COLEMAN. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the H.R. 4488: Mrs. DINGELL. H. Res. 494: Mr. WEBSTER of Florida and power to ‘‘regulate Commerce with foreign H.R. 4499: Ms. JENKINS of Kansas and Mr. Mr. ROSS. Nations, and among the several states.’’ COLLINS of New York. H. Res. 549: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. f H.R. 4514: Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. KING of Iowa, COURTNEY, Mr. FOSTER, and Mr. RYAN of and Mr. VEASEY. Ohio. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 4567: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. H. Res. 613: Mr. ISSA. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 4574: Ms. STEFANIK. H. Res. 625: Mr. YODER. H.R. 4582: Mr. LAMALFA and Mr. H. Res. 650: Mr. CICILLINE. were added to public bills and resolu- LOWENTHAL. H. Res. 694: Mr. PAYNE, Mr. COURTNEY, Ms. tions, as follows: H.R. 4592: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia and Mr. TSONGAS, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. TONKO, and Mr. H.R. 402: Mr. ALLEN. MCDERMOTT. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 465: Mr. ROHRABACHER. H.R. 4625: Ms. GRAHAM, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. H. Res. 750: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. H.R. 592: Mr. LATTA. HIGGINS, Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Mr. MCNERNEY. CICILLINE, Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mr. LEVIN, H.R. 605: Mr. TIPTON. H.R. 4646: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. SCHWEIKERT, and Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE H.R. 608: Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. CAPUANO, H.R. 4653: Mr. SCHRADER. of Pennsylvania. Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. LARSON of H.R. 4695: Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. MATSUI, and H. Res. 769: Mr. WELCH, Ms. NORTON, Mr. Connecticut, and Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Ms. SLAUGHTER. HECK of Washington, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.023 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE June 13, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3755 DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. HIGGINS, Ms. PETITIONS, ETC. ‘‘Sense of the Council in Support of a ’State- ´ hood or Else’ Signature Campaign Resolu- LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California, Mr. YAR- Under clause 3 of rule XII, MUTH, Mr. POLIS, Miss RICE of New York, and tion of 2015’’; which was referred to the Com- 68. The SPEAKER presented a petition of Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- the Council of the District of Columbia, rel- form. ative to Council Resolution 21-292, entitled

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:59 Jun 14, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A13JN7.022 H13JNPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE