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, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 No. 134 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was nance essential services, from Social There is absolutely no evidence that called to order by the Speaker pro tem- Security to medical research, our na- he did anything wrong. The Republican pore (Mr. VALADAO). tional defense, national parks, vet- inspector general, a former Republican f erans’ services, and so much more. Ev- staff member, found nothing wrong. erything that matters to Americans This impeachment action is going no- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO depends on the ability to finance gov- where in the Senate. It has got to be an TEMPORE ernment efficiently and fairly. embarrassment for the Speaker, com- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Look, Americans from the dawn of mittee chairmen, and Republicans ev- fore the House the following commu- the Republic have chafed at paying erywhere. It only serves to highlight nication from the Speaker: taxes, continuing a tradition that ideological divisions, lack of respect dates back to Biblical times, and al- for due process, and the exaggerated WASHINGTON, DC, most everybody says they hate the September 7, 2016. power of the Republican echo chamber I hereby appoint the Honorable DAVID G. IRS, which is the cheapest, quickest of rightwing talk radio. VALADAO to act as Speaker pro tempore on political applause line for any politi- But it does more than add to disdain this day. cian. Yet, over the years, we have man- for the political process. It is a cloud PAUL D. RYAN, aged to collect money that allows us to over public service. While people claim Speaker of the House of Representatives. win wars, struggle through depressions, we don’t need the IRS or that our tax f and provide what used to be some of filing can be reduced to a postcard and the finest public services on the face of that we can generate all the money we MORNING-HOUR DEBATE the planet. need with reduced tax rates and more The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Yes, the Internal Revenue Service ad- ministers a hopelessly complex, con- exemptions, it is a fantasy that any re- ant to the order of the House of Janu- sponsible Republican businessperson or ary 5, 2016, the Chair will now recog- voluted, and unfair Tax Code because that is what the American Congress independent economist will verify. nize Members from lists submitted by Going down this impeachment path the majority and minority leaders for has given them to work with. Congress created this mess and then blames the will make it harder to recruit some- morning-hour debate. body for the hardest job in government The Chair will alternate recognition people who try to administer it. If we are ever to make the IRS bet- and will only deepen the divides at a between the parties, with each party ter, more efficient, and fairer, it is time when we need clear thinking and limited to 1 hour, and each Member going to require a degree of coopera- nonpartisan cooperation to fix a bro- other than the majority and minority tion, candor, and hard work. The cur- ken IRS, establish the trust and hard leaders and the minority whip limited rent spectacle of destroying the reputa- work to make the mechanics of rev- to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- tion of a distinguished public servant, enue collection work, and avoid the bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. an accomplished businessman, is going breakdown of the system. f to make that task even harder. This is playing with fire and should be beneath America’s elected officials. THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE Make no mistake. The treatment of John Koskinen, with the possibility of Tarnishing the stellar reputation of an The SPEAKER pro tempore. The being the first Cabinet official im- outstanding citizen who is doing his Chair recognizes the gentleman from peached in nearly 140 years, is not just country a favor by volunteering to Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- embarrassing for the people who are take this thankless task is simply utes. perpetrating it; it represents a threat something that should not be toler- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, to to the ability to administer the IRS. ated. understand what is wrong with Amer- John Koskinen came to this position f ican politics, especially the dysfunc- after a lifetime of success in business tional Republican House of Representa- as a turnaround expert at the highest THE TIME FOR WAITING IS OVER tives, look no further than the spec- levels as well as in public service, hold- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tacle surrounding the IRS and the im- ing senior positions in both Republican Chair recognizes the gentleman from peachment of its Commissioner. and Democratic administrations. The Pennsylvania (Mr. MURPHY) for 5 min- The Internal Revenue Service im- Bush administration turned to him to utes. pacts 150 million American taxpayers prevent the implosion of the housing fi- Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. every year, virtually every family and nance giant, Freddie Mac, and he spent Speaker, this is Suicide Prevention all legal businesses. This is how we fi- 3 years guiding and rebuilding it. Month, and we have a lot of work to do.

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 07, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.000 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 In July the House passed H.R. 2646, our mean, after all, why campaign and say still assume, until proven otherwise, mental health reform act called the we could have done something but we that most everyone on the Control Helping Families in Mental Health Cri- didn’t? Board or who lobbies and influences or sis Act; but since September 1, the be- What we ought to be doing is looking helps the Control Board is doing the ginning of Suicide Prevention Month, at the passage in the Senate of H.R. bidding of the bondholders who profit 826 people have died by suicide. Since 2646, which provides more psychiatric from Puerto Rico’s debt and economic we passed the bill, 7,434 have died from crisis hospital beds, more psychia- hard times. suicide. trists, more psychologists. It revises The fact that four of the seven mem- Let me tell you one quick story the HIPAA law that allows the compas- bers are Puerto Rican doesn’t make me about a young man, a constituent by sionate communication between a doc- feel any more optimistic. If you look at the name of Chuck Mahoney, who, tor and a family member at very select recent history in Puerto Rico, just hav- while in college, suffered from depres- times when someone is at high risk for ing a majority of Puerto Ricans sion. Despite his fraternity brothers their health or safety. It reauthorizes shouldn’t give you much comfort. going to the administrators and to his the Suicide Prevention Act. It does a Wasn’t it Puerto Ricans who beat and counselor, and despite Chuck telling host of other things, and all these pepper-sprayed demonstrators at the his counselor that he thought he was things can happen only if it gets to the university and at the legislature, who going to die and there was no reason to President’s desk for a signature. But have gone after journalists and unions live, no one spoke up. No one told the very little can happen if we maintain and lawyers in politically motivated parents. the status quo where people are left to attacks, who have put the needs of in- Sadly, young Chuck, who had been a die while Congress sits. vestors, big Wall Street fat cats, and student, who had been captain of his We did our job in the House. It took political insiders ahead of the people, high school football team, a decorated years, but when we passed this bill 422– the environment, and the future of the student with great grades, took his 2, Members of Congress, Members of island? own life, hanging himself with his dog’s the House of Representatives knew The Control Board and its members, leash, a suicide that could have been that they had passed a bill that could no matter who they are, start with a prevented if he had seen people who save lives, but only if we take action. If deep ocean of mistrust from the Puerto really could treat suicide. no action is taken, what do we do? Rican people who question why a new But so often what happens in this Na- What comfort is there to the families layer of opaque, undemocratic, colonial tion, when someone cries out for sui- who are dying, who are suffering, say- oversight and control is being imposed cide risk, there is no one there to help. ing we could have done something but in secrecy. Actually, as it turns out, mental ill- we decided to wait? That is why I challenged the ap- ness is a contributing factor in 90 per- The time for waiting is over. I hope, pointees to the board to go the extra cent of suicides. When a person makes Mr. Speaker, that Members of the mile to make their deliberations and a decision, it usually happens in the House and of the community at large meetings and decisions as transparent first 5 minutes or, at the most, the will call their Senators and say the as possible. Do not meet in secret just first hour. There is no time for waiting time for passage is now because where because Congress allowed you to. When lists. there is help there is hope. they are governing the people of Puer- We have a crisis shortage of psychia- f to Rico, will they do so in Spanish, the trists and psychologists. We have too language of the Puerto Rican people? few hospital beds. We need something THE PUERTO RICO CONTROL Will they even meet on the island of like 100,000 more crisis hospital beds. BOARD Puerto Rico? Will they make available We have not reauthorized the Suicide The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the logs of who they meet with, who Prevention Act in this Congress. We Chair recognizes the gentleman from tries to exert influence over them, simply don’t have enough to treat for a Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. what Wall Street executives are spin- problem that is treatable. Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I ning them or treating them to expen- When you add to this people who may want to talk about the beautiful, en- sive meals and giving them gifts, as au- do a drug overdose, 90 percent of people chanted island of Puerto Rico, the thorized under PROMESA? Yes, they who are addicted do not get any treat- birthplace of my father and mother and can take gifts. ment. Of the 100 out of 1,000 who try to my wife. When this Control Board is making get treatment, 37 can’t find any treat- Yes, the colony of the United States decisions that close schools or hos- ment. Of those 63 left who get treat- in the Caribbean Sea where, in case pitals, that threaten the environment, ment, only 6 of them get treatment be- you forgot, everyone is born a citizen public institutions, and every aspect of cause we simply don’t have enough and now even more of a colony of the society in Puerto Rico, will the Puerto people to treat. This is the mess we are United States now that Washington Rican people even be given a minimum in as a country, but we can do some- has appointed a Financial Oversight amount of information in their own thing about that—but it gets worse. and Management Board or, as most language about who is influencing the In addition to these suicide deaths, if people call it, the Control Board, la seven members of the Control Board? you look at just the mental illness-re- Junta de Control. The Junta de Control must take the lated deaths in this country, since Sep- Seven members—four put forward by extra effort to tell the Puerto Rican tember 1, as of today, 6,713 have died of Republicans, three put forward by people what their decisions mean, why a mental illness-related death and Democrats—were announced last week, they are being made, and how decisions 60,000 since we passed our bill in July. and I was not pleasantly surprised. I were determined. The House did its job, but now the have made it clear in this Congress and As Members of Congress who have es- Senate needs to do their job. We hear elsewhere that I oppose the PROMESA sentially grabbed the reins of self-de- rumors that the Senate is talking legislation that created the board that termination from the Puerto Rican about passing the continuing resolu- Congress passed before we left. people and handed them to this Control tion and then going home—going home Now I look at the board, and I see a Board, are we going to be afforded the while this sits on the table in the Sen- mix of people, some with ties to the level of transparency that we need to ate. former Tea Party Governor’s regime, determine if what is happening is what Mr. Speaker, I hope that those mil- some with close ties to Wall Street, we want to happen? lions of Americans who have a family and most with experience examining I understand, Mr. Speaker, that some member who has been lost to suicide or the legal and administrative aspects of of our colleagues do not like to be re- a chronic illness or a homicide or freez- bankruptcy, not in governing an island minded of policy issues that were al- ing on some park bench in some un- of 3.5 million actual living, breathing ready voted on, especially complicated known part of America, that those human beings. policy issues that don’t seem to impact families will speak up and let the Sen- I was not surprised to see political them directly or people in their dis- ate know: Do not go home and leave insiders or those who are close to the trict. They just want to vote on them this unfinished business on the table. I bondholders. I assumed as much and and forget. Well, I am not going to let

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 07, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.003 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5101 Congress forget about Puerto Rico or In May, I voted to give State and Our first obligation as Members of the board that we have appointed to local authorities a temporary waiver Congress is to keep the American peo- rule in secrecy over the people of Puer- providing more flexibility in using ple safe. That responsibility ultimately to Rico. EPA-approved insecticides for mos- rests with our Commander in Chief. We cannot just set it and forget it quito control. We need a Commander in Chief who like one of those super-duper wonder I also voted against an inadequate will support our troops and their fami- machines they sell on infomercials. $600 million Zika supplemental funding lies. We need a Commander in Chief Puerto Rico is ours. Its people are ours. bill, joining 183 other Members, be- who is going to build robust alliances. Its land is ours. Its bays are ours. Its cause public health experts contended We need a Commander in Chief who is toxic landfills and lush forests, its that it would not be enough to deal going to be tough with adversaries. We schools and hospitals and health care with the expected impact of Zika in the need a Commander in Chief who is clinics—these are all ours in the sense U.S. going to be smart on foreign policy. that we have been given a sacred duty In June, I voted in favor of a $1.1 bil- Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Repub- to govern over Puerto Rico respon- lion Zika funding bill that passed the lican nominee for President said that sibly. House but did not pass the Senate. Yes- he would ask China to handle the prob- An unelected, unaccountable Control terday, the Senate again stopped any lem of a nuclear North Korea. Now, I Board with no mechanism for over- debate on Zika funding. know that the Republican nominee for sight, with no commitment to trans- In response to a meager grant sum President has outsourced jobs to China. parency, with no promise of bilin- delivered to the State of Florida after Now he is outsourcing national secu- gualism or inclusion, stocked with in- the discovery of mosquito transmission rity to China. He has insulted Gold Star families, siders and people with questionable in Wynwood, a section in the city of Mr. Speaker. That is not supporting links to the very problems the board is Miami, in early August, I led the entire our troops and their families. He has supposed to resolve, this does not give Florida congressional delegation in a announced that he would weaken our me great confidence that this Congress letter urging the CDC to deliver more funds to Florida, where they were most commitment to NATO. That is not will be alert when the people of Puerto building robust alliances. He has said Rico, our fellow citizens and, more im- needed. As a result of that letter and other that he has asked Russia to commit portantly, our fellow human beings, efforts, the Obama administration an- cyber espionage against the United are in need of help. nounced that it would indeed repro- States of America. That is not being Tell the board, do not meet in secret, tough with our adversaries. Outsourc- do not take the free gifts and dinners gram another $81 million for anti-Zika efforts. But now, the CDC Director has ing a nuclear-equipped North Korea to just because Congress allowed you to; China is not being smart on foreign serve the people of Puerto Rico. stated that the CDC has no more funds available to use for Zika interdiction policy. f and eradication. Mr. Speaker, the Republican nominee b 1015 We need a comprehensive response, for President is dangerously unfit for Mr. Speaker, that limits the spread of command. URGING ACTION ON ZIKA this virus as quickly as possible. This I understand that some don’t have all The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is long overdue. I was ready to go back the facts and may not be well-read. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from into an emergency session weeks and That is one thing. Not having the facts Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) for 5 min- weeks ago to pass a comprehensive and not being well-read and being dan- utes. package, but despite my pleas, this gerous is a threat to the United States of America. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I House did not reconvene. Now the rise today to speak out against the pa- House is back in session, but to this f ralysis in Congress over funding Zika point, no votes on a Zika funding bill FUNDING FOR ZIKA VIRUS virus eradication efforts. are scheduled. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I have been warning my colleagues in How much longer do south Floridians Congress for months that the Zika Chair recognizes the gentleman from need to wait for the government to Florida (Mr. JOLLY) for 5 minutes. virus would severely impact our Na- commit more resources to fighting tion, and especially south Florida, the Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Zika? to talk about Zika. I rise with about gateway to the Americas. And while My constituents are tired and fed up Washington has slumbered through the 100 mosquitoes straight from Florida— with excuses and buck-passing. I am Aedes aegypti mosquitoes capable of late summer, it has been a busy August sick of Congress’ partisan fighting and carrying the Zika virus. This is the in south Florida dealing with the fall- political grandstanding. I stand united reason for the urgency. This is the rea- out. It is because of Federal inaction with the hardworking residents and son for the fear. that now Miami-Dade County will be families of south Florida, and I will These mosquitoes can travel only 150 spending $10 million of our own budget continue working on their behalf to de- feet, but through the assistance of a to cover for some of the expenses in the mand that this Congress do its job and plane ticket and researchers at Univer- fight against Zika. protect the American people. sity of South Florida, they have made Back in February, I cosponsored four Let’s pass the President’s request for their way from Florida to the well of bills to help start comprehensive prep- $1.1 billion to fight Zika and develop a this House. arations for the virus’ arrival, includ- vaccine—a clean bill, with no policy Now, they are not active carriers, but ing opening up funding sources for riders—and pass it before this virus they could be. The University of South mosquito control, freeing the adminis- spreads even wider throughout our Florida is one of very few research fa- tration to reprogram unspent Ebola great Nation. cilities capable of responding. Through funds for fighting Zika, and Here we have a picture of an area of the efforts and leadership of Dr. Robert incentivizing pharmaceutical compa- the district that is impacted already. Novak at the College of Global Health, nies to begin developing treatments We have other areas that are impacted. his team of medical public health and and vaccines for Zika. We have other areas in Florida. We research professionals led an insectary In March, I requested that $177 mil- have other areas throughout the to study control and containment and lion be made available specifically for United States. Let’s stop Zika. We can medical and public health solutions to aid to local mosquito control pro- do it. Let’s pass the funding bill. combat, eradicate, and ultimately find grams, extra funding for the CDC’s Di- f a vaccine for Zika. But they can only vision of Vector-Borne Diseases, and do so with money. new dollars for innovative mosquito NATIONAL SECURITY Mr. Speaker, it is time to act. The control tool development. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The politics of Zika have gone on far too In April, I voted in favor of using the Chair recognizes the gentleman from long. The politics of Zika are wrong. FDA’s Priority Review Voucher Pro- New York (Mr. ISRAEL) for 5 minutes. The President proposed a plan that gram to incentivize Zika virus treat- Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise was imperfect. It assumes a 2-year cri- ment development. today to discuss our national security. sis, when, in fact, there might only be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 07, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.004 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 a 1-year crisis. It expanded Medicaid get our electoral institutions, includ- b 1030 for non-Zika-related health care. ing the DNC, DCCC, and our State elec- HONORING THE LIFE AND DEDI- Why would we dilute Zika-related tion agencies, and to discredit the ex- CATED SERVICE OF GEORGE emergency funding with non-Zika-re- ample of our democracy around the KOEHL III lated health care? world. Evidence collected by private The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It proposed construction of capital security firms indicates that these at- Chair recognizes the gentleman from properties on leased lands with no re- tacks are part of a Russian intelligence capture provision. That was the Presi- Texas (Mr. CONAWAY) for 5 minutes. operation, a campaign of propaganda Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise dent’s plan. and disinformation known as active The Senate reached a bipartisan com- today to honor the life and dedicated measures. promise of $1.1 billion. The House had service of George Koehl III. On August its own plan. And through the leader- Sowing distrust and chaos in U.S. 28 of this year, the Midland community ship of the Appropriations Committee elections by a foreign adversary should celebrated his life and service with chairman, who traveled to study this concern Americans of all parties. Along Sunday services and a memorial serv- issue, money has continued to flow, but with Senator FEINSTEIN, I have written ice on Saturday afternoon, August 27. we know that money will end. to the President to urge that he make George was born and reared in Mid- Mr. Speaker, people are scared. Dur- a public attribution of these attacks. If land, Texas, to Maggie and George ing the 7 weeks of August recess that a hostile foreign power is attempting Koehl, Jr., on August 19, 1954, and he we were gone, cases of Zika rose from to disrupt or influence our elections, went to meet his Lord on his birthday, August 19, 2016. He graduated from 4,000 to, by some estimates, over 16,000 the American people have a right to Midland High School in 1972, and later in the country, including a new non- know it. I also urge the GOP to refrain received a bachelor’s degree in church travel-related case in Pinellas County, from using hacked documents, which music and a master’s degree in music Florida, my home, my community. can be easily doctored or seeded with There are roughly a million people in theory and composition from Hardin- false information. An attack on our Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. that county who are scared, who have election system is an attack on our de- fear. In that fear, they are demanding While studying at Hardin-Simmons, mocracy, and all Americans must action. And they are seeing inaction. George met the love of his life, DiAnn stand against it. And in that inaction, they are angry. Schmidt. The two married and had four Angry. And they should be. It is time we acknowledge the hard children and five grandsons. It is now our job to try to explain to truth that Russia poses a significant After completing his degrees from the American people why we know bet- threat not only to the United States, Hardin-Simmons University, George ter. It is our job to respond to the fear but to freedom-loving people all over answered God’s call to service and and the anxiety and the anger of a pop- the world. It has invaded its neighbors began his career in ministry. Over the ulation concerned about a pending pub- and attempted to remake the map of course of the next 16 years, George lic health crisis concerned about mos- Europe through the use of force. It has served as a youth and music minister quitoes. interfered in the elections of its neigh- for multiple congregations throughout You see, I brought these mosquitoes bors. Now it is attempting to interfere Texas. In August of 1993, God called here today to convey that fear and anx- in our own elections. George back to his hometown to serve iety of millions of Americans and Flo- at the First Baptist Church of Midland, ridians. The GOP nominee sees nothing where he labored and worked for 23 Can you imagine, Mr. Speaker, the wrong with Russian behavior. He ad- years. fear and anxiety in this Chamber if mires Putin, belittles NATO, expresses I was privileged to attend First Bap- these 100 mosquitoes were outside this recognition for the illegal annexation tist Church throughout George’s entire jar, not inside this jar? of Crimea, and also expresses a positive tenure. Under his leadership, the music Members of Congress would run down receptivity to the idea of repealing ministry excelled and touched many the halls to the physician’s office to be sanctions on Russia for its illegal an- lives. The Passion Plays at Easter and tested. They would spray themselves nexation of part of the land of its the Christmas programs he directed before coming down here. neighbor. He invites Russia to illegally were first-class productions that were This is the fear of Floridians right hack his opponent. enjoyed by capacity audiences whose here. It is not good enough to work on This is dangerous. We are now en- lives were blessed. I watched George and DiAnn walk a a compromise for months and months gaged in a high stakes battle of ideas path that I am not unfamiliar with in and months with no solution. The time around the world. The United States, for the politics of Zika is over. The pol- the battle of cancer. George battled his as always, is the beacon of democracy; illness with grace and dignity and itics of Zika are garbage right now. and Russia, the champion of a creeping The fact that candidates are going to courage and a palpable faith in Jesus authoritarianism that is spreading its spend money on commercials about Christ. All who knew him were inspired destructive influences in the Caucasus, Zika instead of responding together in by his dogged and iron-willed deter- Eastern Europe, and the West. a bipartisan, bicameral way in a di- mination to not let cancer rob him of vided government to a public health It is now an iron curtain descending the service to Christ’s kingdom. DiAnn crisis that Americans understand, we across the continent by the slow set the bar for how spouses should sup- are wasting time. That is why I am smothering of freedoms the world holds port each other in good times and hard joined by these mosquitoes today. dear: the right to choose one’s own rep- times, all the while battling cancer f resentatives, the right to speak as we herself. choose, the right to associate with like During George’s memorial service on FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN U.S. mind and intent, and what has been de- August 27, 2016, his children blessed us ELECTIONS scribed as the most precious right of all in reaffirming their faith in a lov- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The all, the right to simply be left alone. ing and sovereign God. While their Chair recognizes the gentleman from prayers for their dad’s healing on California (Mr. SCHIFF) for 5 minutes. All of these universal human rights Earth were not answered, they ac- Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to are under assault by a newly aggressive knowledged that God had healed their express my deep concern with a pattern and belligerent Kremlin. We need a dad for all eternity. of foreign interference in U.S. elections Commander in Chief who will resist Throughout his career, he consist- and the need to confront Russian ag- this assault, not endorse; who will af- ently placed the needs of others ahead gression and interference in all of its front Russian aggression, not ratify it; of his own, and he did so with the ut- malicious forms. who has the experience, judgment, and most integrity and devotion. The many Over the past several months, we fitness to meet this and other grave qualities George exhibited serve as a have seen a clear pattern of challenges facing the United States of shining example of how each of us cyberattacks and leaks designed to tar- America. should serve the Lord.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.006 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5103 George lived a life that blessed every- servicemembers. If these issues get 10 in the Pennsylvania Fifth Congres- one that he met and made every com- minutes of debate, one would think sional District. munity he lived in a much better place. that our national security and the Con- The company was founded in 1946, The City of Midland declared August 28 stitution deserve more than a rushed and currently serves Ulysses Borough, as George Koehl III Day. He is greatly amendment debate allotted. Northern Ulysses Township, Southern missed, but his legacy will be carried Now, my colleagues and I might dis- Bingham Township, Northern Hector on by the many people whose lives he agree on what specifics of an authoriza- Township, and Eastern Allegheny has touched by his living example. tion should look like; and that is why Township. Under the Tioga/Potter f we need this debate, so Members under- County Mutual Aid Plan, they also re- stand all of the options, the costs, and spond on the first alarm to certain 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 2001 the consequences and we can advance calls in Harrison, Pike, Genesee, and AUMF policies that protect the Constitution Sweden Townships. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and ensure our national security. The Although the fire company is located Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from American people deserve more than a in a very rural area, they protect a California (Ms. LEE) for 5 minutes. Congress that is missing in action. large and vital part of America’s na- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to In February of last year, President tional infrastructure, including the really challenge my colleagues to re- Obama sent a draft authorization to Northern Potter County natural gas store Congress’ constitutional over- Congress. Mr. Speaker, it has sat on storage field, compressor stations, sight on matters of war and peace. your desk ever since, with no action, transfer stations, pipelines, and wells. Next Wednesday, September 14, will no hearings, no formal debate, and not The station is also responsible for mark the 15th year since Congress one vote. protecting nearly 35,000 acres of Penn- passed an open-ended blank check for While Congress has been missing in sylvania forestland, which is some- endless war. This authorization surren- action, more bombs have fallen, more thing of high importance to me as dered our constitutional authority to American servicemembers have been chairman of the House Agriculture the executive branch. put in harm’s way, and, yes, we have Subcommittee on Conservation and We continue to mourn the loss and poured more than $1.7 trillion into war- Forestry. cherish the memories of those killed in making. Mr. Speaker, as a volunteer fire- these attacks and continue to support Right now, any President can unilat- fighter myself, I have the deepest re- and help those who were injured and erally wage war under the outdated spect for the men and women who step whose lives were changed forever. 2001 authorization. The last four Presi- forward to help their communities, to Now, just 3 days after the horrific dents have bombed the Middle East. help their neighbors, putting their terrorist attacks on 9/11, this House Will this Congress allow a fifth Presi- lives on the line and asking for nothing rushed to pass a 60-word authorization, dent the same unlimited power to wage in return. with little debate, that has been used unchecked war? We can’t and we I wish the men and women of the Tri- to wage endless war around the globe. shouldn’t. It is past time for this de- Town Fire Company the best of luck in In the 15 years since its passage, this bate. the future. authorization, designed to punish the Now, in 2001, when I opposed this au- HONORING SWEDEN VALLEY MANOR perpetrators of the brutal and deadly thorization, I challenged my colleagues Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. attacks on September 11, has allowed with the words of the Reverend Nathan Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of endless war to rage out of control. Baxter, the dean of the National Cathe- the efforts at Sweden Valley Manor, a A recent report from the Congres- dral. He said: nursing home in Coudersport, Potter sional Research Service shows that Let us hope that we may not, through our County, serving people in that county, this authorization has been used more actions, become the evil that we deplore. along with McKean, Tioga, and Cam- than 37 times in 14 countries to justify Fifteen years later, we, this Con- eron Counties. military action, and this report only gress, have attacked our Constitution, In particular, I want to commend the looked at unclassified military actions. the balance of power, and the voice of efforts of local master gardener Bonnie How many others have been authorized the American people on matters of war Wood, who has worked over the course that the American people don’t know and peace. We, yes, have surrendered of the past 5 years to create what are about? the Constitution and the voice of the now called ‘‘Enabling Gardens’’ at the The American people and Congress American people. We have ignored the facility. deserve to know what is being done in advice of our Founders and have di- As a former licensed nursing home their name. Sadly, Congress has been vested our Nation’s war-making power administrator, the opportunity to visit missing in action. from Congress, which, yes, is the voice Sweden Valley and, specifically, to It is unacceptable that our brave of the American people. visit these healing gardens—what a re- servicemen and -women are facing So it is past time to stop this law- source this is for the men and women snipers and mortar rounds, but Con- lessness. It is past time to restore the and the individuals who live and work gress can’t even muster the courage to Constitution. It is past time for us, as within that facility. debate the war that we are asking Members of Congress, to live up to our The gardens are designed so that them to now continue to fight. It is responsibility we were elected to ful- residents can exercise their green just plain wrong. fill. It is past time that we do our job thumbs. All the planters that Bonnie Mr. Speaker, we have a constitu- and repeal the blank check for endless built are wheelchair-height, and a lazy tional and moral duty to debate on this war and have a debate and a vote on a Susan actually allows for the planters war and any war. So why have you not new authorization for this new war to rotate for maximum accessibility no scheduled a debate on this vital issue footing that this country has embarked matter what the physical mobility or that affects our national security? upon. orthopedic issues that an individual I have asked, the President has f may be experiencing. asked, members of your own caucus, She has cultivated relationships with Mr. Speaker, have asked, even mem- RECOGNIZING 70TH ANNIVERSARY corporate sponsors, volunteers, and bers of our military forces have asked, OF TRI-TOWN FIRE COMPANY youth groups from across the region, and still you have not scheduled a de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and has also welcomed students in- bate or vote. What is the hold up? Chair recognizes the gentleman from volved in FFA and 4–H to work with During the amendment debate sur- Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 Sweden Valley Manor’s residents. rounding this year’s National Defense minutes. Bonnie has educated staff and residents Authorization Act, we got a few mo- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. on how to take care of plants and ments to discuss this issue. We were al- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recogni- where particular plants should be lotted 10 minutes, the same amount of tion of the 70th anniversary of the Tri- placed in a garden, dedicating her own time allotted to debate what brand of Town Fire Company in Potter County, time to get plants and vegetables start- sneakers should be available to our located in Ulysses, Pennsylvania, with- ed on their growth at the home.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.007 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, I am proud of Bonnie to his impressive reputation for high that the members of our military Wood’s dedicated service to her com- integrity and strong character. make. He also works to promote the munity and to the citizens of Potter Some of us might remember General belief within every one of his students County and the surrounding region Vessey for becoming our Nation’s long- that anything they set their minds to and, certainly, to the residents who est serving active soldier, but most of is possible. He is especially dedicated make their home at Sweden Valley. us will remember him for the work he to helping his students pursue their f did for his fellow soldiers. education beyond high school. President Reagan once called him a Thank you, Matthew, for your brave AMERICA NEEDS A STRONG AND ‘‘soldier’s soldier,’’ which he undoubt- service and for continuing to better our SMART COMMANDER IN CHIEF edly was, as he never forgot about the Nation. Our Nation and our State is a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The men who stood next to him in battle, better place because of you. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from including the ones who never made it A VOICE FOR VETERANS the Virgin Islands (Ms. PLASKETT) for 5 home. This was proven by his advocacy Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. minutes. for MIA/POW issues, for which he was Speaker, I rise today to honor Jolaina Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise awarded the Presidential Medal of Falkenstein of Carver, Minnesota, for today to highlight a matter of critical Freedom in 1992. receiving a Veterans’ Voices Award. and immediate importance to our na- General John W. Vessey Jr. was a These awards are meant to honor the tional security. true Minnesotan hero and he is a leg- outstanding contributions made by As we combat the growing threat of end. We were lucky to have him; and Minnesota’s veterans. terrorism both at home and abroad, it while he will be missed, he will never Jolaina is an Army Reserve veteran is absolutely critical that we elect a be forgotten. who serves as a senior noncommis- Commander in Chief who will be strong b 1045 sioned officer in the 88th Regional Sup- and smart when it comes to our na- port Command. tional security, a Commander in Chief MINNESOTA’S OWN BEST BUY TURNS 50 In her primary role as a lead training who will work with our allies, employ Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. officer for the Yellow Ribbon Re- diplomacy across the globe, and be Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a integration Program, Jolaina strives to thoughtful when it comes to using Minnesota company that has reached a help military members prepare for de- military force to defend the United major milestone. This past month, ployment as well as for what they will States. Best Buy turned 50 years old. need when they return home. Time and again, the Republican Best Buy was founded in 1966 by Additionally, Jolaina works as a li- nominee has shown that he completely Richard Schulze. Originally named The censed therapist for Lutheran Social lacks the temperament to lead Amer- Sound of Music, this store sold stereo Services, working with our military ica on the world stage. Our Commander equipment to college students in the members and their families. in Chief must support our men and Twin Cities area. When the stereo mar- We are truly thankful to have an in- women in the military and our vet- ket began to decline, the store eventu- dividual like Jolaina in our commu- erans. Instead, our servicemembers and ally expanded its merchandise to offer nity. Not only has she served in the veterans have weathered verbal attack other popular products, ultimately Armed Forces, but she continues to after verbal attack since the Repub- leading to major future success. serve by providing our Nation’s vet- lican nominee began his campaign. Like any business, Best Buy has erans and their families with the care Mr. Speaker, our men and women in faced highs and lows. In 1981, a tornado that they not only deserve, but they so uniform deserve better. Those of us destroyed the main store in Roseville. desperately need. Instead of letting the disaster win, who have children who can be called up f deserve better. For those who put Schulze and his employees banded to- themselves in harm’s way, they deserve gether to continue to sell great prod- ZIKA FUNDING better. For Americans who rely on the ucts at a great price and provide excel- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Commander in Chief to make reasoned, lent customer service along the way. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from well thought-out, balanced decisions, Today there are now 1,600 stores lo- Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) for 5 minutes. they deserve better. cated throughout North America, prov- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing that both determination and hard there was such expectation, as Mem- Chair would remind Members to refrain work can pay off. Their success is wide- bers returned from their work recess in from engaging in personalities toward ly recognized, so much so that Forbes August. Many times, the American nominees for the Office of the Presi- magazine even named Best Buy the people are quizzical, inquisitive about dent. company of the year in 2004. the structure of our work. Congratulations to Best Buy on 50 f We are constitutionally mandated; years of business. Thanks for rep- and, in fact, we have major responsibil- A TRUE MINNESOTA HERO resenting Minnesota so well. And ities of oversight; but we also are the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The here’s to the next 50 years. umbrella on a rainy day. The Congress Chair recognizes the gentleman from PROOF OF TRUE SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY must rise to the occasion in time of Minnesota (Mr. EMMER) for 5 minutes. Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. war. It is our authority to declare war. Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew We must rush to the aid of those Amer- Speaker, I rise today to honor the in- C.G. Boucher of Ramsey, Minnesota. icans in need by our oversight over ex- credible life of General John W. Vessey Matthew recently received a Veterans’ ecutive agencies, such as Homeland Se- Jr. Voices Award meant to highlight the curity and FEMA, as we watched the Just 16 years old when he lied about incredible contributions of Minnesota’s suffering of our fellow Americans in his age and enlisted as a private in the veterans. the terrible storms of Baton Rouge, of Minnesota National Guard, John Matthew is a veteran of the Army the hurricanes up and down the east Vessey quickly found himself on the National Guard and spent 12 years cou- coast, of what happened on 9/11 or front lines in World War II. It didn’t rageously serving our Nation. Today he Sandy or Katrina or Rita or Hurricane take long for John to distinguish him- continues his service to our country Ike and many others. Hurricanes and self as a war hero, and, in 1944, he re- and to the State of Minnesota through others, it is up to us to do our work. ceived a battlefield commission. his work as a middle school principal. Well, we are not doing our work. General Vessey’s military career Matthew’s love for the military and We left this place having had the didn’t end with his service in World his fellow veterans is a large part of Senate pass a $1.1 billion Zika funding War II. More than two decades later, he what inspires him in his current posi- bill—not what the executive asked, but also served in Vietnam. tion. a reasoned response to the crisis and In 1982, General Vessey was chosen as At Fridley Middle School, he started emergency that we are facing. It is dev- the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of a Veterans Day program to teach stu- astating in Puerto Rico, which is part Staff by President Ronald Reagan, due dents to recognize the many sacrifices of the United States. It is devastating

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:55 Sep 07, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.008 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5105 to the people there. They are suffering dinner table. And then again, they do cost, rather than what is best for the greatly. Now we have found cases in great work. They are a part of the patient. parts of Florida, including areas that structure of this government. As a lifelong pharmacist, I trust my colleague, Congresswoman WILSON, So I would ask the question: Why? clinically trained medical professionals represents, and areas around Miami That is not oversight; that is abuse. to determine the best treatment for pa- Beach. More importantly, there are CELEBRATING THE RETURN OF THE CHIBOK tients, not an unaccountable bureau- 2,000 Zika cases in the United States, SCHOOLGIRLS crat. Adding to the outlandish nature 600-plus are pregnant women, babies Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I of this part B drug pilot project, there not yet born; and 35 cases have been want to celebrate the return of the is nearly no escaping it. CMMI pro- found to have been transmitted here in Chibok schoolgirls. Many of you know poses to force nearly 75 percent of the the United States—and yet fiddling is that 200-plus girls were taken back in country to participate in this Medicare going on. Unnecessary riders are being 2014, in Nigeria, snatched out of their drug experiment. 75 percent of the included in something that should sim- beds, snatched out of a boarding country is not a pilot project. It is near ply pass because it is an emergency. school, abused, and taken by Boko full implementation of a new program. Shame on those who would cloud leg- Haram. Boko Haram, of course, is an Just last week, CMS responded to the islation with preventing the health ISIS cousin. letter we sent them and simply clinics that women need, run by I want to acknowledge that FRED- thanked us for sharing our opinion. Planned Parenthood, from getting ERICA WILSON, LOIS FRANKEL, and my- Such a brief and dismissive response is money. Shame on those who would try self, we went to Nigeria when they indifferent to the risk posed to our Na- to undermine the executive order about were taken. Mr. Speaker, I am de- tion’s sickest patients and to this con- confederate flags in veterans ceme- lighted to celebrate those girls are gressional body. teries on official flagpoles. You have back. But we are going to fight Boko For all these reasons, I applaud my every right to put it at your personal Haram in every way that we can pos- colleague from Indiana, Dr. LARRY grave, or the family does. How ridicu- sibly fight. BUCSHON, for sponsoring H.R. 5122 to lous, how undermining of our author- Finally, congratulations to the Uni- prohibit CMS from moving forward ity, our constitutional responsibility versity of Houston football team that with this dangerous, misguided experi- to govern this Nation. beat Oklahoma. ment with seniors’ lives. I proudly join I am saddened because the image f him in his effort as a cosponsor of H.R. that is being perceived is that we can- 5122 and encourage my colleagues to MEDICARE PART B PROPOSED not do our job. We can. We have to be support this legislation. PLAN FOR DRUG REIMBURSEMENT Americans united together, facing the f emergency. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Many Americans are not focused on Chair recognizes the gentleman from REMEMBERING GEORGE KOMELASKY the Zika virus. I understand. It has Georgia (Mr. CARTER) for 5 minutes. been a time of summer and frolic and Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time with family. But most infectious er, I rise today on behalf of seniors in Chair recognizes the gentleman from disease doctors—the regional task the First Congressional District of Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) for 5 force that I have organized: Dr. Hotez, Georgia. Many seniors in the First minutes. an infectious disease doctor at Baylor Congressional District of Georgia and Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, who is well renowned; and Dr. Persse, a across the Nation battle medically George Komelasky of Northampton well renowned medical professional in complex diagnoses, including cancer, Township, Bucks County, Pennsyl- public health; along with OB/GYN and rheumatoid arthritis, severe immune vania, was a friend and political col- State officials. I want to thank them deficiency, epilepsy, and macular de- league. His passing last month at the for their work. generation. These Medicare patients age of 66 was a personal loss that also They are asking me: Where are the face significant complexities in their leaves a gap in the township govern- resources for mosquito control, for the care and treatment options. ment where he served for 31 years. He research, for the vaccine? This spring, I joined over 240 of my was first elected in 1985, and he suc- Just so you know, the cost of a baby colleagues in sending a letter to CMS cessfully was reelected just last year to that has been impacted by this terrible that expressed our deep concerns with another 6-year term. disease is $10 million. a sweeping, nationwide experiment At all times, George viewed his re- IRS COMMISSIONER that the Center for Medicare & Med- sponsibilities in elective office as pub- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, and icaid Innovation has proposed. lic service and performed intelligently then on the question of our duties, why Patients and physicians in my dis- and honorably term after term. Those would there be any discussion to im- trict told me with no uncertainty that with whom he served know he was con- peach or to suggest the impeachment the CMMI experiment with part B drug scious of his responsibilities to the tax- of a public servant like the IRS com- payment will have negative con- payers while providing necessary serv- missioner, who I know has done noth- sequences for millions of Medicare pa- ices that enhanced the quality of life in ing wrong, including the words of the tients who depend on access to life- his hometown. inspector general who can find nothing saving treatments to live better lives. He was a leader who left his partisan- wrong that this retired private citizen, Under the part B drug experiment, in ship at the door and was viewed as a who came to help turn the IRS around, many cases, Medicare payment for cer- role model and also a mentor. Most of who came way after the trouble was tain drugs would be significantly below all, our friend, George Komelasky, will raised about targeting different a physician’s acquisition cost for the be remembered for his good nature and groups—he had nothing to do with it. drug. This will put patients at tremen- the values that guided his public and And yet someone is suggesting he dous risk, potentially forcing them to his private life. should be impeached. abandon treatments for other treat- MARGARET R. GRUNDY MEMORIAL LIBRARY What are you going to do with Amer- ments that have shown less success. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, as icans who sacrifice and say, I want to Ultimately, CMS will manipulate we recognize the 50th anniversary of serve, and then you abuse them and choice of treatment for Medicare pa- the Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Li- abuse the power of this Congress and tients using heavy-handed reimburse- brary in the borough of Bristol, Bucks suggest some kind of an impeachment? ment techniques that undermine any County, Pennsylvania, we also ac- I have gone through impeachment efforts by medical professionals who knowledge the legacy of United States proceedings. Read the Madison papers. have dedicated their lives to treating Senator Joseph R. Grundy, who estab- There is no suggestion of misconduct complex conditions like cancer. lished this beautiful library on the or treason by this individual. To make matters worse, CMS sought banks of the Delaware River in the We can’t impeach people because the little to no stakeholder input, and has name of his sister Margaret. IRS is some entity that most of us provided little turnaround time before This remains a privately funded pub- would find not a welcomed guest at our medication treatment will be based on lic library with an ongoing mission:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.009 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 opening doors, inspiring minds, and the rescue. It was our neighbors, it was estimated or projected to be the fourth connecting community. Now in its our community, many of which were most costly flood event in U.S. history. milestone year, the library is a testa- flooded themselves. They got their own It is an extraordinary event that, un- ment to the generosity and vision of boats and went out and rescued folks fortunately, has not received the na- Senator Grundy and Margaret Grundy and rescued their neighbors to the tune tional media attention that most disas- and the dedication of those who fol- of thousands and thousands of people ters of this nature would. lowed. rescued by what we deem the Cajun Disasters are awful. At some point, The original mission has made this Navy. I had a chance to go out there in everyone in this country is going to ex- library a vital educational institution, my own kayak and paddle board and perience some type of disaster—a flood, valued by local and regional learners of rescue dozens of folks that were a tornado, a hurricane, an earthquake, every age. Grundy Foundation grants trapped in their homes. a terrorist attack, or something else. carry on the Grundy family legacy by Mr. Speaker, it didn’t stop there. When you have these catastrophic continuing to improve the quality of When shelters weren’t open and events, it is time for us to come to- life for residents of Bristol Borough weren’t available, Cajun Navy shelters gether as a Nation to offer a helping and people throughout all of Bucks opened up. People just opened up their hand. I am looking forward, again, to County. own homes and businesses to shelter working with colleagues across the The Grundy Foundation supports the those that were homeless. We had country to do that. Margaret R. Grundy Memorial Library, Cajun Navy chefs, many of which just the adjacent Memorial Museum, and for the first time deemed or designated f countless local projects. themselves chefs, that cooked tens of On October 6, 2016, the library will thousands of meals not for compensa- REMEMBERING JACOB hold a public anniversary celebration tion or because they were told to do so. WETTERLING with a reception and exhibition fea- They did it because we had friends and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The turing historic artifacts, photographs, neighbors that were hungry and that Chair recognizes the gentleman from and primary documents. were homeless. So we cooked for those Minnesota (Mr. PAULSEN) for 5 min- Heartiest congratulations to all of folks. utes. those involved, past and present, who And it didn’t stop there. We had a Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise have carried on and enriched so many cadre of folks that we deemed the today to remember and honor Jacob lives and will continue to do so for gen- Cajun Army that have come together Wetterling and offer my deepest pray- erations to come. and helped to gut and de-muck thou- ers to his family. sands and thousands of homes across f Over the weekend, we learned of the south Louisiana, again, Mr. Speaker, tragic details and reached the awful b 1100 not because they were compelled to do end of this 27-year-long saga filled with LOUISIANA UPDATE so by any requirement or compensa- grief, with hope, and with pain that tion. They were compelled to do so out moved Minnesota and the entire Na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The of their selflessness, out of their gen- Chair recognizes the gentleman from tion. It was 27 years ago, Mr. Speaker, erosity, and out of their hospitality. that Jacob was taken, kidnapped from Louisiana (Mr. GRAVES) for 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, we are now at a point to a small rural Minnesota community, Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. where the volunteerism, the hospi- and went missing. Speaker, I rise today to give an update tality, the generosity of our commu- As a community, we extend our deep- from home. I represent south Lou- nity is going to be exceeded. The needs est sympathies to Jacob’s parents, isiana. A few weeks ago, we had a rain- are going to be greater than we can Patty and Jerry Wetterling. Through- fall event that has been categorized as volunteer ourselves out of. We have out these 27 trying years, they have re- a 1,000-year storm. thousands and thousands of home- mained strong and became tireless ad- Mr. Speaker, in some areas of south owners across south Louisiana that are vocates for children’s safety. Their ef- Louisiana we received 31 inches of rain. facing this scenario. They have a home forts have resulted in widespread To put that in perspective, that would that may be worth $200,000 but, because awareness of effective measures to pro- take 5 years for the city of Bakersfield, it was flooded and is entirely gutted tect children, Federal legislation to California, to achieve that number. now, it may be worth just half that. monitor known and potential preda- That would take 10 years for the city of They may have a mortgage balance tors, and the founding of the Jacob Yuma, Arizona, to receive that level of that is in excess of the value of the Wetterling Resource Center to inform rain. For those Americans that haven’t home, which means they are upside and prevent similar tragedies from im- realized they can live in the pleasure of down in their mortgage. the subtropics and you live up north, to But that is not all. They have lost pacting other families. They channeled translate that to snowfall, that is the both of their cars, adding tens of thou- their heartbreak to activism for the equivalent of a 25-foot snowstorm; a sands of dollars to the equation. They good of children and their families all storm that leaves 25 feet of snow. This have to rebuild their home, which adds across this country even as they is categorized, again, as a 1,000-year tens or maybe even six figures of liabil- grieved themselves. Because of their ef- event: 31 inches of rain in, in some ity. They have to replace their clothes, forts, countless children have been cases, as short as perhaps 36 hours. their wardrobe. And in some cases, saved from various forms of exploi- Mr. Speaker, we have areas that have their employers are under water; there- tation. never, ever flooded, never seen water, fore, they don’t even have a way of Mr. Speaker, while this is not the never retained or held water in any making money. ending that we had hoped for after all way, shape, or form, that dealt with Mr. Speaker, we are not a commu- these years, Jacob will never be forgot- several feet of water in their homes nity that sits around and asks for a ten, nor will his family’s undying love and businesses. In Livingston Parish, handout. That is not what we do. But and commitment to protecting our pre- Louisiana, it is estimated that 86 per- in this case, I will say it again: as gen- cious sons and daughters. cent of the homes and 91 percent of the erous, as hospitable, as selfless as our Jacob, may you rest in peace. businesses were flooded. This has been community has been, we are now at a a devastating event for many folks in point to where we are unable to address f our community. the needs. Again, the Stafford Act Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, works in most disasters. This one is an RECESS certainly the Stafford Act, the Federal anomaly. This is an extraordinary dis- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- disaster law, has a role in helping our aster. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair communities to recover. But what hap- I am looking forward to working declares the House in recess until noon pened when this storm first came about with colleagues on both sides of the today. and the flooding began is that it wasn’t aisle moving forward on tailoring a re- Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 7 min- the Stafford Act or FEMA that came to covery package for this region. This is utes a.m.), the House stood in recess.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.010 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5107 b 1200 As lifelong Modesto residents, teners. Her contributions to the Chi- Marvin and his wife, Cheryl, have con- cago community changed countless AFTER RECESS tinued to minister to thousands of lives and will continue to do so for gen- The recess having expired, the House youth in our community, changing erations. was called to order by the Speaker at lives and bringing people from humble Sadly, in July, Leslie passed away noon. backgrounds to leaders in our commu- after her courageous battle with ovar- f nity. ian cancer. Leslie bravely fought her Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to illness by listening to new albums, at- PRAYER join me in welcoming him today. We tending concerts, and practicing ballet. Reverend Marvin Jacobo, City Min- thank him for offering this afternoon’s Leslie’s top priority was always her istry Network, Modesto, California, of- prayer in the United States House of family. The love and support they pro- fered the following prayer: Representatives. vided her was the most important Master, I give thanks for our United f thing in her life. She is survived by her States of America. I am grateful for husband, Chuck, and their children, every man and woman holding govern- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Kay and Kurt. mental positions of authority. Make The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- As this is National Ovarian Cancer Your truth known to them. Cause them tain up to 15 further requests for 1- Awareness Month, I ask that her mem- to be men and women of integrity, con- minute speeches on each side of the ory not be forgotten and that we appro- cerned first and foremost with the aisle. priately fund the critical research nec- essary. common good. Grant them the deepest f of insight to solve our most daunting f challenges. SUPPORT THE LIVE LIKE BELLA ANNUAL AUGUST BUS TOUR I pray that each Member would exer- CHILDHOOD FOUNDATION (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina cise the humility to discern how to (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was best co-labor with those that might see asked and was given permission to ad- given permission to address the House dress the House for 1 minute and to re- issues differently than them. Make for 1 minute and to revise and extend their hearts and ears alert to good vise and extend his remarks.) her remarks.) Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. counsel. Honor each one, Master, for Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, as the investment they make partici- Speaker, each August, I look forward we observe Childhood Cancer Aware- to an annual district bus tour, where I pating in this, our representative gov- ness Month and shed light on the types ernment. I pray a blessing over their travel across all five counties of the of cancer that afflict approximately Second Congressional District. During families, acknowledging that they, too, 16,000 children every year, I would like sacrifice for the sake of our country. this time, I meet with constituents and to recognize the work of the Live Like hear their opinions about issues impor- May our national proceedings be held Bella Childhood Cancer Foundation. in a spirit of mutual respect and civil- tant to the families in South Carolina, Inspired by Bella Rodriguez-Torres— along with my wife, Roxanne, and dedi- ity. this sweet young girl—a young girl who I pray in the name of my Lord and cated staff. courageously fought cancer six times This year, I was grateful to visit Savior, Jesus Christ. before her death in 2013, this founda- Amen. nearly 20 businesses, schools, civic tion supports the fight against pedi- clubs, and chambers of commerce. At f atric cancer, while offering much-need- each location, I took the opportunity ed support for families. This wonderful THE JOURNAL to thank employees for their service organization, based in my home area of and thank employers for their work The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- Miami, Florida, was established by creating jobs. I also took the oppor- ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- Bella’s parents, Shannah and Raymond tunity to present Speaker PAUL RYAN’s ceedings and announces to the House Rodriguez. positive policy agenda, ‘‘A Better his approval thereof. I encourage our south Florida com- Way,’’ that presents positive proposals Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- munity to lend their support to these for some of the greatest challenges fac- nal stands approved. children and families who are battling ing our country. f cancer by attending Bella’s Ball. This When I was elected to Congress, I lively event, Mr. Speaker, will take pledged to be accessible and account- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE place Saturday, September 10, at the able, and this bus tour is one of many The SPEAKER. Will the gentle- JW Marriott Marquis. ways that I fulfill this promise. While I woman from Florida (Ms. CASTOR) Together, we can raise awareness in regularly visit with families, schools, come forward and lead the House in the our community and finally end the and businesses in the Second District, I Pledge of Allegiance. number one disease killer of children especially appreciate the nonstop tra- Ms. CASTOR of Florida led the today: pediatric cancer. dition of visiting with the community I Pledge of Allegiance as follows: f am humbled and inspired to represent. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the In conclusion, God bless our troops, HONORING THE LIFE OF LESLIE United States of America, and to the Repub- and may the President, by his actions, WITT REICHENBACH lic for which it stands, one nation under God, never forget September the 11th in the indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. (Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given global war on terrorism. f permission to address the House for 1 f minute and to revise and extend his re- WELCOMING REVEREND MARVIN marks.) FUND ZIKA RESEARCH NOW JACOBO Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise (Ms. CASTOR of Florida asked and The SPEAKER. Without objection, today to honor the life of Leslie Witt was given permission to address the the gentleman from California (Mr. Reichenbach, an important and re- House for 1 minute and to revise and DENHAM) is recognized for 1 minute. spected member of the Chicago com- extend her remarks.) There was no objection. munity. For nearly 40 years, she woke Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is my up generations of Chicago’s WXRT lis- 17 babies in the United States have honor today to introduce to the House teners on weekend mornings. been born with birth defects tied to the our guest chaplain, Reverend Marvin Leslie, often called ‘‘the overnight Zika virus. Currently, over 80 pregnant Jacobo. Reverend Jacobo is the execu- angel,’’ was known for her kind smile women in my home State of Florida tive director of City Ministry Network, and her ability to connect with others. and over 1,600 women in the United an incredible organization that is the She embodied the heart of our city States have the Zika virus. catalyst for transformation in the city with her enthusiasm for radio and her I urge the Speaker and my GOP col- of Modesto, California. strong dedication to her WXRT lis- leagues who control the agenda here in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.013 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 the House to act immediately and our own military leadership. He has They can’t wait for solutions. I urge bring an emergency Zika package to openly advocated torture, in contradic- my colleagues on both sides of the aisle the floor of this House. They can do it tion to what our generals suggest. to come together to support a thriving, quickly. They can do it today. They When presented with a Purple Heart modern 21st century heartland. can do it this week. But, unfortu- by a wounded veteran, he responded by f nately, there is no plan to do so. This saying: ‘‘I always wanted to get the is unconscionable. Purple Heart. This was much easier.’’ b 1215 My neighbors back home and all Our military represents the absolute SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH across the country need the tools to best of our country. In July, when we (Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania asked prevent this public health crisis from met the Khans, he ridiculed them. We and was given permission to address growing. The Centers for Disease Con- need a Commander in Chief that com- the House for 1 minute and to revise trol and the National Institutes of mands the respect of the American peo- and extend his remarks.) Health need the tools to prevent this ple. Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. public health crisis. To do otherwise f Speaker, as September is National Sui- would be unconscionable. We need ac- ASTRONAUT JEFF WILLIAMS cide Prevention Month, I am proud to tion now. join my colleague, EARL BLUMENAUER f (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 of Oregon, in introducing a resolution TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL WILLIAM minute and to revise and extend his re- to address this silent epidemic which ‘‘BILL’’ COOPER marks.) took the lives of near 43,000 Americans (Mr. WOMACK asked and was given Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I want last year. permission to address the House for 1 to welcome home Jeff Williams and the Last month, the CDC reported the minute.) crew of Expedition 48, which landed suicide rate has increased across nearly Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, it is safely last night in Kazakhstan. all age groups. And over the past dec- with a heavy heart that I rise today to Jeff is a Wisconsin native and a West ade, while mortality rates decreased honor the memory of Corporal William Point classmate of mine from the class for homicide, AIDS, heart disease, ‘‘Bill’’ Cooper, a dedicated law enforce- of 1980. In fact, when he landed, he put stroke, auto accidents, and cancer, the ment officer in Arkansas. a hat on that had our class crest and overall suicide rate increased again for Bill, a veteran of the U.S. Marine motto. the 11th time in 14 years. Corps, served the Sebastian County He holds the U.S. record for the most Last July, the House passed H.R. Sheriff’s Office since 2001, in addition cumulative days in space by a United 2646, the Helping Families in Mental to 5 years with the Fort Smith Police States astronaut. He has completed Health Crisis Act, by a near-unanimous Department. five space walks, including two on this vote of 422–2. This month alone, 826 On August 10, Mr. Speaker, while re- last mission. Americans have died by suicide, and sponding to a domestic disturbance Jeff is a member of Gloria Dei Lu- about 7,434 have died since we passed near Greenwood, Arkansas, Corporal theran Church in Houston. He is also a this bill. Cooper was shot and killed in the line noted and published photographer. He We fervently hope the Senate does of duty. His is a great loss to Arkansas says: ‘‘It’s a very humbling experience not delay in passing this bill. Lives law enforcement and a reminder of the to view the Earth’’—and everything it hang in the balance. Every 12 minutes bravery of our men and women in blue represents—‘‘and to begin to imagine a person dies of suicide. Every 13 min- who put their lives on the line every the creative power of our God.’’ utes a family mourns a lost life who day to keep our citizens safe. I would like to end with Psalm 19:1: will never go home again. The Senate Sebastian County and the entire ‘‘The heavens declare the glory of God; needs to pass this bill before they go Third District of Arkansas mourns the the skies proclaim the work of his home again themselves. loss of Corporal Cooper. My prayers are hands.’’ Where there is help, there is hope. with his wife, Ruth, his son, Scott, his Welcome home, Jeff. Have NASA up- f sister, Ginger Cox, his three grand- date the photo in your biography, MAKE THE INVESTMENT OUR children, and Corporal Cooper’s fellow which is about 20 years old. ECONOMY NEEDS law enforcement officers. May God f bless those he leaves behind as they (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given 21ST CENTURY HEARTLAND TOUR search for peace and understanding permission to address the House for 1 through this terrible tragedy. (Mrs. BUSTOS asked and was given minute.) f permission to address the House for 1 Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, the fi- minute.) nancial research firm of Standard & DUTIES OF A COMMANDER IN Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, during Poor’s reports that for every $1.3 bil- CHIEF the past month, I have been to every lion invested in our infrastructure, (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given corner of my congressional district as 30,000 American jobs are created; it permission to address the House for 1 part of a 21st Century Heartland Tour. adds $2 billion in economic growth; and minute.) I have spoken with the hardworking reduces deficit by more than $200 mil- Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I think we men and women who truly make the lion. all know that now more than ever it is Heartland the greatest place in Amer- Economists at the Council on For- critical that our next Commander in ica to live, work, and raise a family. eign Relations explained that ‘‘the Chief is ready to walk into the Oval Of- But our region faces serious chal- compelling case is that a dollar in on a fice and be ready to lead on day one. lenges, and these challenges need to be macro basis in our economy results in Keeping Americans safe is the Presi- addressed by Congress. That is why I more than a dollar out;’’ which is to dent’s most solemn duty. That is why held a roundtable in Monmouth, Illi- say, Mr. Speaker, that to shortchange Americans need a strong and smart na- nois, to discuss rural broadband. In infrastructure is to reject and under- tional security plan led by a Com- rural America, just over half of our mine economic growth in this country. mander in Chief with experience, the families have access to high-speed Policies that create growth and re- highest respect for our troops, and with Internet, as opposed to 90 percent in duce the deficit should be embraced by a level head. the more urban areas. everybody, including conservatives. In- However, the Republican nominee for That is why I was in Stronghurst, Il- deed, it was the Republican President President has repeatedly proven he linois, to talk about rural health care. Eisenhower who initiated the National lacks the qualities it takes to lead our Although one in four Americans live in Highway System, and the Chamber of Nation and our Armed Forces. He has rural America, we only have a tenth of Commerce is a leading voice in calling insulted veterans and Gold Star fami- the Nation’s practicing physicians. for infrastructure spending today. lies while claiming he knows more These are just a couple of the issues I urge this body to embrace sound ec- about how to protect this Nation than facing our families in rural America. onomics and the tradition of bipartisan

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.015 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5109 support for infrastructure spending, I sincerely hope we can return to years away, single parents and vet- and make the investment that our Na- work with a renewed sense of responsi- erans, and students with limited tion needs to nation-build, not in Af- bility for health and welfare of our Na- means. These students frequently re- ghanistan, not in Iraq, but right here tion and approve the funds necessary ceive financial aid, and the school’s at home in America. to prevent Zika spreading in the coun- recklessness can do irreparable damage f try. We need our communities safe. to their ability to complete their de- Pass a clean Zika funding bill. grees, and ruin their credit ratings. HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE f Over a quarter of all Department of OF DEPUTY CORPORAL BILL Education student aid funds, a third of COOPER COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF all post-9/11 GI benefits, and half of (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was POLICE CHIEF JACK STORNE DOD tuition assistance funds go to for- given permission to address the House (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given profit colleges. for 1 minute and to revise and extend permission to address the House for 1 Shouldn’t we make sure these Fed- his remarks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- eral funds are a worthwhile invest- Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in marks.) ment? recent months, our Nation’s police Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise We must remember that beyond the have come under attack. Last month, today to commemorate the life of Po- dollar amounts and industry regula- the violence against our police hit lice Chief Jack Storne, of Gridley, Cali- tions, there are students’ lives at risk, home as Sebastian County, Arkansas, fornia, who passed away on August 27. and doing right by them protects their Sheriff’s Deputy Corporal Bill Cooper Serving others is part of what was interests and our competitiveness in was shot and killed responding to a call hardwired into Jack’s existence. From our global economy. for help on August 10. being in the Marine Corps from 1963 to f In the days and weeks since his un- 1965, many, many years in law enforce- timely death, thousands of Sebastian ment, and in his church, and also in RECOGNIZING NIC DIDIA, THE County residents paid their respects to dedication to his recently passed wife ‘‘PATROLMAN OF FRANKLIN Corporal Cooper by remembering his of 47 years, Wilma, his commitment to STREET’’ dedication to God, his family, the sher- protecting and caring and serving for (Mr. BUCSHON asked and was given iff’s department, and the country he others, for his community, sets a gold permission to address the House for 1 loved. star standard for public service. minute and to revise and extend his re- I don’t pretend that my words will In his 37 years in the police force, marks.) fill the void left by his death, but I Jack worked his way up from reserve Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, I rise hope my words can properly honor a officer in Modesto, California, to a pa- today to recognize a source of inspira- man who paid the ultimate price up- trolman, to the beloved police chief of tion for a community in the Eighth holding the oath he swore to defend. I Gridley and Biggs, where he was widely District of Indiana. thank him for his service, and I thank respected for his community-focused Known as the patrolman of Franklin his family for sharing him with the approach in protecting residents and Street on the west side of Evansville, community. enforcing law. Nic Didia, an 18-year-old with muscular Psalm 34:18 says: ‘‘The Lord is close He implemented many important dystrophy, is often seen patrolling the to the brokenhearted; He rescues those new ideas and programs in his depart- area in front of his mother’s stores. Nic whose spirits are crushed.’’ ment, such as the Retired Senior Vol- has always wanted to be a police officer May God bless and comfort Deputy unteer Program, the Gang-Resistance and has become known for his support Cooper’s family and friends during this Education and Training platform, Po- of local law enforcement and first re- time of grief. lice Explorers program, the D.A.R.E. sponders. f Officer program, the K–9 program, and His dream recently became a reality the unit’s first-ever detective position. as he was welcomed on to the Evans- FUNDING TO COMBAT THE ZIKA Following his retirement, Chief ville Police Department as an honorary VIRUS Storne continued to dedicate his time officer during a ceremony with family, (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked as a chaplain to the Gridley Police De- friends, and other members of the com- and was given permission to address partment, as well as a minister at the munity. He now proudly wears badge the House for 1 minute and to revise Live Oak Church of the Brethren, number 980. and extend his remarks.) where he was recently ordained. Congratulations, Nic. Your dedica- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chief Jack Storne wasn’t so much in- tion and service to your community Speaker, I rise today to express my dis- terested in being known as a great serve as an example to us all. appointment that Congress left in mid- man, but as a good man; and there is a f July without adequately funding the distinction there. Indeed, I think he TAKE ACTION ON THE ZIKA CRISIS Zika crisis. would be most proud to have said about The number of confirmed Zika cases him: well done, good and faithful serv- (Ms. MCCOLLUM asked and was across the United States and terri- ant. given permission to address the House tories quadrupled while Congress was Our thoughts go out to his family, for 1 minute and to revise and extend on recess. The number of cases rose his children and his grandchildren. her remarks.) from 4,222 in mid-July to 16,822 last May they take comfort in knowing the Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise week. Zika poses a grave, unprece- profound impact their father and today to demand the House take action dented threat to public health. grandfather had on an entire commu- on the Zika crisis. The Zika virus is It is time for Congress to fulfill its nity, and the legacy he left. being transmitted by mosquitoes right constitutional and moral duty to pro- f inside the United States now. Parts of tect the health and welfare of our Miami are under Zika-related travel country. It is an appalling disservice to FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES warnings. The total number of Amer- the American people that we have not (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and ican cases has climbed to almost 17,000, yet provided resources to combat this was given permission to address the including 1,600 expecting mothers. virus that already is having real effects House for 1 minute.) Six months ago, the public health ex- on our families. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- perts told us what they needed to ad- We have delayed funds for medical er, ITT Tech, like other for-profit col- dress Zika. House Republicans have ig- research and help to our local commu- leges before it, has misled students and nored those experts’ pleas. Now the nities. The majority’s reluctance is mismanaged funds. Centers for Disease Control and State putting the health and lives of the Mr. Speaker, for-profit schools are public health agencies are running out American people at risk, and inaction often where our most vulnerable stu- of money for Zika response. now is only more costly in the long dents seek brighter futures, students The CDC Director tells us that the run. going back to their education after money to fight this disease will be gone

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.016 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 by the end of September. The NIH Di- have already been reported, and at These are the people who helped end rector has warned that congressional least 1,600 pregnant women have been the Ebola crisis. They come to Con- inaction is cannibalizing resources for infected, putting their babies at risk gress and they say: We need these re- other public health needs. for microcephaly and other devastating sources. Families in States like Florida, Lou- birth defects. Every week we fail to The call has been made, but it has isiana, and Texas are in danger. They act, more children and families will not been answered because some in this cannot wait any longer for this Con- suffer the consequences. House think that, yes, your concerns gress to act. Let’s heed the call of public health are real, but we have to continue the The House must give our public experts to launch an aggressive cam- fight about Planned Parenthood. Yes, health experts the resources that they paign against the Zika virus and pass a my pregnant friend, your concerns are need to help keep the American people funding bill immediately. real, but we have unfinished business safe. f about the Confederate flag. What must they think? f CONGRATULATING OLYMPIC GOLD Mr. Speaker, the call has been issued. CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MAS- MEDALIST RYAN HELD This is a national emergency. We need TER PATROL OFFICER FRED AR- (Mr. LAHOOD asked and was given to act not tomorrow, not next week, NOLD III permission to address the House for 1 but today to help these people with the (Mr. JOLLY asked and was given per- minute and to revise and extend his re- Zika virus. mission to address the House for 1 marks.) f minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise marks.) today to congratulate Springfield, Illi- b 1230 Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today nois, native Ryan Held on his Olympic I’M BACK to celebrate the life and honor the gold medal for swimming at the 2016 memory of Tampa Police Master Pa- Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was trol Officer Fred Arnold III. Fred The 2016 Rio Games were Ryan Held’s given permission to address the House passed away last month while scuba first Olympics, and he represented the for 1 minute and to revise and extend diving in Nevada. He was 48 years old. United States in the 4 × 100 meter free- his remarks.) For nearly three decades, Officer Ar- style relay, along with Nathan Adrian, Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, dur- nold served and protected the residents Caeleb Dressel, and Michael Phelps. ing the week of July Fourth celebra- of Tampa, Florida. When he was just 23 Ryan took over for Phelps for the third tions of our Nation’s independence, I years old, while off-duty, he jumped leg of the freestyle relay. Ryan’s fast was diagnosed with leukemia. After en- through a window into a burning house split time of 47.73 seconds maintained tering the best cancer center in the to save a mother and her two young the lead for the U.S. and helped the world, MD Anderson Hospital in Hous- children, ages 4 months and 4 years old. team swim to gold. ton, Texas, my hometown, in just 8 All three were unconscious when Ar- I know I speak for everyone in weeks, incredible progress has been nold pulled them out. For his heroism, Springfield when I say that we are very made. he was given an award for valor. proud of Ryan Held. He represented his Thanks to the good Lord, the doc- Over the years, Officer Arnold also community, his State, and his country tors, and staff at MD Anderson, I am helped mentor hundreds of teens with the strength, speed, humility, and able to be back in Washington, D.C., through the community’s Police Ex- dignity befitting an Olympic cham- and on the House floor. I will be here as plorers program. Those he helped de- pion. much as my treatment will allow. scribed Arnold as a father figure, some- This past Friday, our hometown Importantly, I want to thank the one who was easygoing, always ap- Olympian was warmly celebrated by Members and people from all over the proachable, and had a laugh that was the city of Springfield at Sacred Heart- country for their outpouring of encour- so infectious, it would brighten your Griffin, his alma mater, where hun- agement and prayers. It has been re- day. dreds from the community came out to markably overwhelming and humbling As Tampa’s mayor said: ‘‘Arnold’s congratulate him. to me. The caring concern of Members, service to the city was unparalleled, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner de- their staffs, and my staff have shown and he leaves behind a lasting legacy.’’ clared September 2, 2016, as Ryan Held proves, once again, that there are a lot Mr. Speaker, Fred Arnold III was a Day during a ceremony at Sacred of good people who work for the United well-known and well-respected man Heart-Griffin High School. I hope this States House of Representatives. who served his community with dis- day serves as a reminder to Ryan of This September during Leukemia tinction, made a lasting impact, and our support and pride in him as he pre- Awareness Month, I intend to keep will be sorely missed by the lives he pares for the rest of what will undoubt- fighting this cancer with all that I touched. edly be a decorated swimming career. have while fighting for Texans in this House. I intend to be independent and May God bless Officer Fred Arnold f III, his family, his friends, and his free from this cancer. Christopher FUNDING FOR RESPONSE TO THE Tampa Police Department colleagues. Reeve once said: ‘‘Once you choose ZIKA CRISIS f hope, anything’s possible.’’ (Mr. HIMES asked and was given per- Mr. Speaker, I choose hope. EMERGENCY FUNDS TO COMBAT mission to address the House for 1 And that is just the way it is. ZIKA VIRUS EPIDEMIC minute and to revise and extend his re- f (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given marks.) permission to address the House for 1 Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to GUN VIOLENCE minute.) ask, to beseech, really, that this House (Mr. HONDA asked and was given Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise take immediate action to fully fund permission to address the House for 1 today to urge the Republican majority our country’s response to the spreading minute.) to act immediately on the administra- horror of Zika. Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, this week tion’s request for emergency funds to Mr. Speaker, there are now thou- we return after an epic recess of House combat the Zika virus epidemic. sands of confirmed cases of Zika in the Republican inaction on stemming gun It is shameful that we have waited 7 United States. Hundreds of these cases violence, and yet gun violence does not months to act while the threat from are pregnant women. recess. Between Memorial Day and this Zika grows more and more apparent. Can you imagine the terror they ex- past weekend, 4,100 Americans died This majority is failing the most basic perience wondering whether their child from gun-related activities, and nearly function of government, to protect its will be born with horrible disabilities? 8,700 were wounded. people. What must they think as they see Mr. Speaker, this week we return to In the United States and territories, our public health experts coming to the American people’s ever-growing as many as 14,000 locally acquired cases Congress? impatience for Congress to finally take

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:51 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.017 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5111 measures that will reduce gun violence kindness, and strong dedication to REMEMBERING THOSE WHO LOST and save lives. bettering our community and our THEIR LIVES ON SEPTEMBER 11, Keeping guns out of the hands of sus- country. On behalf of CAPAC, I thank 2001 pected terrorists and criminals—what Mark for his lifetime of leadership and (Mr. YODER asked and was given can be more common sense about that? service. permission to address the House for 1 The vast majority of Americans cer- Mahalo, Mark. minute and to revise and extend his re- tainly believe such policies are com- marks.) mon sense. f Give us a vote, Mr. Speaker. Give Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Americans a vote. today in remembrance of those who AMERICANS BELIEVE THE MEDIA lost their lives on September 11, 2001. f IS BIASED This Sunday marks the 15th anniver- A BETTER WAY TO FIGHT (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was sary of that horrific day when nearly POVERTY given permission to address the House 3,000 innocent people were killed. It (Mrs. WALORSKI asked and was for 1 minute and to revise and extend was a despicable act of terrorism and given permission to address the House his remarks.) one that we will never, ever forget. for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a Mother, fathers, sisters, brothers, her remarks.) recent poll by Morning Consult found sons, and daughters who all went to Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise that only 27 percent of Americans be- work that Tuesday had their lives cut today to applaud the important work lieve the media is fair and unbiased. short by terrorists who attacked us being done in Indiana’s Second Con- Americans know that the media is not merely because we believe in the prin- gressional District to fight poverty and impartial and that objectivity is not a ciples of freedom, justice, and liberty end hunger. This August I visited the priority when reporting on current for all. Food Bank of Northern Indiana, which events. Some of those who perished were the serves six counties and church commu- For example, the media has routinely brave first responders who ran into the nity services in Elkhart. Both have ignored former Secretary of State Hil- burning buildings as others ran out. been doing incredible work fighting lary Clinton’s wrongful use of a private Their heroism showed the world Amer- poverty for decades. server, her improperly handling classi- ica’s true colors—something that no I also toured the Washington Dis- fied emails, and her using the Clinton attack can ever take away. covery Academy in Plymouth, where Foundation as a way for donors to re- President Bush said that evening in they have a garden to teach kids about ceive access to both Clinton and the his address to the Nation: ‘‘Terrorist nutrition and grow produce for a local State Department. attacks can shake the foundations of food pantry, and the Marshall County our biggest buildings, but they cannot The Associated Press recently re- Neighborhood Center, whose food pan- touch the foundation of America. ported that at least 85 of 154 donors to try serves 400 families each month. These acts shatter steel, but they can- the Clinton Foundation were granted a Mr. Speaker, hearing from those on not dent the steel of America’s re- meeting with then-Secretary of State the front lines of the fight against pov- solve.’’ Clinton. The New York Times did not erty is the best way to learn what Mr. Speaker, those words still ring find this newsworthy. works and what doesn’t. That idea is true as we thank those first responders The national media should give the central to our House Republicans’ A and mourn for all those who were lost American people the facts, not slant Better Way agenda. Too many people that fateful day. are getting trapped in a cycle of pov- the news or just give them one side. f erty. That is why A Better Way calls for innovative and evidence-based solu- f FLINT FUNDING tions. (Mr. ELLISON asked and was given ZIKA VIRUS By listening to people in our commu- permission to address the House for 1 nities and testing new ideas, we can (Mr. CA´ RDENAS asked and was minute.) build a bridge out of poverty. given permission to address the House Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, it is our f for 1 minute and to revise and extend job here in Congress to support com- HONORING THE LATE his remarks.) munities in crisis. REPRESENTATIVE MARK TAKAI Mr. CA´ RDENAS. Mr. Speaker, in the It has been a year since we learned (Ms. JUDY CHU of California asked United States, the Zika virus is spread- about the lead-contaminated water in and was given permission to address ing faster and infecting more people Flint. It is way past time to act, Mr. the House for 1 minute and to revise every single day. We are staring down Speaker. and extend her remarks.) the barrel of a new Flint water crisis, We are here to call on our Republican Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. yet we fail to act because we are argu- colleagues to do their job and to ad- Speaker, as chair of the Congressional ing over a price tag while Americans dress the urgent needs of the people of Asian Pacific American Caucus, or are truly paying the price every day. Flint. We have to consider funding a CAPAC, I rise today to honor our col- The March of Dimes estimates that the bill that will take care of the needs of league, the Honorable Mark Takai of cost of treating one child with the people in Flint. Hawaii, who passed away in July after microcephaly may be more than $10 This crisis happened when Governor a hard-fought battle with pancreatic million over that person’s lifetime. Snyder ripped democratic rights away cancer. Right now, according to the CDC, the from the people of Flint and tried to Mark was a true patriot, public serv- Centers for Disease Control, over 14,000 run the government like it was a busi- ant, and friend who truly had the aloha people have been infected with the ness. The State made decisions in the spirit. His strong commitment to im- Zika virus right here in the United name of fiscal responsibility, but when proving the lives of the people of Ha- States so far, and 20 babies have al- it comes to people’s health, the govern- waii and all Americans was integrally ready been born with birth defects. ment should not be run on the cheap woven into the fabric of his distin- Like Flint, the longer we wait, the with people’s health. guished military and public service ca- more this will cost the American pub- Funding from Congress can help reer. lic. Congress must act immediately. Flint replace corroded pipes, support In Congress, he led notable efforts to We must get ahead of this epidemic and health and education assistance for reunite Filipino World War II veterans slow the threat of the Zika virus across kids exposed to lead, and deliver eco- with their families and to assist atomic the United States. nomic development opportunities for war veterans suffering from radiation Whether you are White, Black, man, the community. exposure. woman, a doctor, or a child, the virus Earlier this year, I traveled to Flint It was a privilege to work with Mark, does not discriminate. No one is im- with Representative KILDEE and 25 and I will never forget his warmth, mune. other of my colleagues to hear directly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.019 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 from the people. Mr. Speaker, here are Rules, I call up House Resolution 843 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there a few of the things that they said: and ask for its immediate consider- objection to the request of the gen- One woman spoke about the loss of ation. tleman from Georgia? dignity she felt while waiting in line The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- There was no objection. just for water, and many others gave us lows: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- important stories which I will put into H. RES. 843 er, I am pleased today to bring forward the RECORD at a later time. Resolved, That at any time after adoption this rule on behalf of the Rules Com- of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant f mittee. The rule provides for consider- to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the ation of H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement STORMONT HOUSE AGREEMENT House resolved into the Committee of the Slush Funds Act of 2016. Whole House on the state of the Union for The rule provides for 1 hour of debate (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was consideration of the bill (H.R. 5063) to limit given permission to address the House donations made pursuant to settlement equally divided and controlled by the for 1 minute and to revise and extend agreements to which the United States is a chair and the ranking member of the his remarks.) party, and for other purposes. The first read- Judiciary Committee and also provides Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, last ing of the bill shall be dispensed with. All a motion to recommit. month the Tom Lantos Human Rights points of order against consideration of the Additionally, the rule makes in order Commission, which I co-chair, hosted a bill are waived. General debate shall be con- 7 of the 11 amendments submitted, rep- briefing by women from Belfast on the fined to the bill and shall not exceed one resenting ideas from Members on both hour equally divided and controlled by the aftermath of the Northern Ireland con- sides of the aisle. chair and ranking minority member of the Yesterday, the Rules Committee re- flict in which 3,500 people died, 90 per- Committee on the Judiciary. After general cent of them men. Women survived to debate the bill shall be considered for ceived testimony from the chairman of pick up the pieces. amendment under the five-minute rule. It the Judiciary Committee and the rank- The 1998 Good Friday agreement that shall be in order to consider as an original ing member of the Judiciary Sub- ended the war protected human rights bill for the purpose of amendment under the committee on Regulatory Reform, going forward but did not address the five-minute rule the amendment in the na- Commercial and Antitrust Law. Sub- past, so the needs of victims of human ture of a substitute recommended by the committee hearings were held on both Committee on the Judiciary now printed in rights violations committed by both H.R. 5063 and on the topic of the De- the bill. The committee amendment in the partment of Justice’s mortgage lending sides are still unmet. nature of a substitute shall be considered as Women in Northern Ireland who have read. All points of order against the com- settlements with major lending banks. supported survivors have now devel- mittee amendment in the nature of a sub- In May of this year, H.R. 5063 was oped gender principles for dealing with stitute are waived. No amendment to the marked up and reported by the Judici- the legacy of the past. The 2014 committee amendment in the nature of a ary Committee. The bill passed the Ju- Stormont House Agreement could help substitute shall be in order except those diciary Committee after the consider- victims and survivors access truth, jus- printed in the report of the Committee on ation of several amendments. The Stop Rules accompanying this resolution. Each tice, and reparations. Settlement Slush Funds Act went such amendment may be offered only in the through regular order and enjoyed Mr. Speaker, I urge all those con- order printed in the report, may be offered cerned with human rights, peace, and only by a Member designated in the report, thorough discussion at both the sub- security in Northern Ireland to encour- shall be considered as read, shall be debat- committee and full committee level. age the British and Irish Governments able for the time specified in the report H.R. 5063 is supported by the Insti- and the Northern Ireland Assembly to equally divided and controlled by the pro- tute for Legal Reform, Americans for fully implement the legacy parts of the ponent and an opponent, shall not be subject Limited Government, and Americans Stormont House Agreement incor- to amendment, and shall not be subject to a for Tax Reform because it increases ac- demand for division of the question in the porating the gender principles. countability for how settlement funds House or in the Committee of the Whole. All are spent and it helps to restore the f points of order against such amendments are balance of power between the branches COMMUNICATION FROM THE waived. At the conclusion of consideration of the bill for amendment the Committee shall of government. CLERK OF THE HOUSE rise and report the bill to the House with The Stop Settlement Slush Funds The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. such amendments as may have been adopted. Act was introduced after the nearly 20- WESTMORELAND) laid before the House Any Member may demand a separate vote in month investigation by the House Ju- the following communication from the the House on any amendment adopted in the diciary Committee found that the De- Clerk of the House of Representatives: Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the partment of Justice was systematically committee amendment in the nature of a OFFICE OF THE CLERK, circumventing Congress and directing substitute. The previous question shall be settlement money to activist groups. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, considered as ordered on the bill and amend- Washington, DC, September 7, 2016. ments thereto to final passage without inter- This bill will help address that prob- Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, vening motion except one motion to recom- lem. The Speaker, House of Representatives, mit with or without instructions. The power of the purse is one of Con- Washington, DC. gress’ greatest tools to rein in the ex- DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- b 1245 ecutive branch and exercise oversight. mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- It is no surprise, then, that this admin- the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- tives, the Clerk received the following mes- tleman from Georgia is recognized for 1 istration would want to find a way sage from the Secretary of the Senate on hour. around that oversight and grow its au- September 7, 2016 at 9:41 a.m.: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- thority. In fact, in the last 2 years Appointment: er, for the purpose of debate only, I alone, the Department of Justice has Evidence-Based Policymaking Commis- yield the customary 30 minutes to the funneled non-victim third-party groups sion. gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. as much as $880 million. National Advisory Committee on Institu- MCGOVERN), pending which I yield my- The Department of Justice does this tional Quality and Integrity. self such time as I may consume. Dur- by collecting money from parties who United States Commission on Inter- ing consideration of this resolution, all national Religious Freedom. have broken the law and then use that With best wishes, I am time yielded is for the purpose of de- money to create a slush fund, rather Sincerely, bate only. than sending the money to the victims KAREN L. HAAS. GENERAL LEAVE of the illicit activity. The Department f Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- of Justice allows the ‘‘donations’’—if er, I ask unanimous consent that all that is what they are called—required PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Members may have 5 legislative days under the settlements to count as a OF H.R. 5063, STOP SETTLEMENT to revise and extend their remarks and double credit against defendants’ pay- SLUSH FUNDS ACT OF 2016 include extraneous materials on House ment obligations. Interestingly, credit Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Resolution 843, currently under consid- for direct relief to consumers is only er, by direction of the Committee on eration. counted as dollar for dollar, indicating

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.020 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5113 the importance the Department of Jus- these ‘‘mandatory’’ donations were lob- (Mr. COLLINS), my friend, for yielding tice places on directing these funds to bying DOJ to get the money—not a me the customary 30 minutes. non-victim third-party groups. party to the case, not a party to the Mr. Speaker, this week, we return For example, the Department of Jus- victims, but wanting their cut of the from 7 weeks away from the Capitol, tice negotiated settlement agreements pie. the longest summer recess in modern to the tune of millions of dollars with In at least one case, the Department times, and House Republicans continue major banks for misleading investors of Justice restored funding to a pro- to delay action on the most pressing over mortgage-backed securities, well gram that Congress specifically cut. issues facing our country, instead fo- within what they are supposed to do. Congress cut funding in half for a cusing on issues that benefit special in- Then the Department of Justice said Housing and Urban Development pro- terests, and issues, quite frankly, that that banks, or other parties it has set- gram known as the Housing Counseling are going nowhere. tled with, could meet some of their set- Assistance Program. But after grant I had hoped that after we all spent tlement obligations by making dona- recipients of this program expressed some time with our constituents over tions to certain groups. The money their displeasure at the cuts, they re- the summer recess, the priorities of goes to these groups partially under ceived a helping hand from who else— this Republican leadership would the guise that those groups would pro- the Department of Justice. change to reflect what the American vide services to the aggrieved parties. The DOJ mortgage settlements en- people actually care about, but they In reality, this practice directs funds sured that, despite congressional ac- haven’t. During our 252 days in ses- away from victims and allows the De- tion to the contrary, eliminating fund- sion—which, by the way, includes 42 partment of Justice to steer money to ing for these groups would be restored. pro forma days where no legislative non-victim third-party groups, usually DOJ didn’t just stop at circumventing business was accomplished—we have administration friendly, politically Congress’ funding authority in that voted on countless bills to repeal the motivated organizations. case; instead, they directly violated Affordable Care Act, undermine finan- Additionally, the parties that receive the congressional intent. Again, a con- cial protections put in place by Dodd- these funds, these non-victim third- gressional oversight overstep misused Frank, and weaken environmental pro- party organizations, aren’t a part of because the agency decided it knew tections. We are back on the floor this the case, they don’t represent the vic- better than the elected representatives week to deregulate Wall Street, take tims, and aren’t subject to congres- of the people. away critical investor protections, and sional oversight for the funds they re- It is time to reassert congressional make it easier for those who break the ceive. Even if most of these groups authority over this process so that law to get away without paying a fi- weren’t activist groups, this would be a hardworking folks are protected from nancial price. concerning scenario. more executive overreach and the sepa- Today’s rule provides for the consid- The donations to third-party groups ration of powers is restored. At a Judi- eration of a bill that eliminates public allow the Department of Justice to ciary hearing in May on this bill, Her- interest protections, creates needless funnel money to friendly parties out- itage Foundation scholar Paul Larkin litigation and delay, and imposes dra- side of the appropriations process and testified that ‘‘Congress identifies pre- conian penalties on Federal officials. It outside congressional approval. Many cisely who may receive Federal funds.’’ is a misinformed response to a non- of these third-party groups are unques- That is what we do. I agree with him, existent problem, and just one more tionably political and certainly but the Department of Justice’s settle- corporate giveaway by this Republican wouldn’t be considered nonpartisan by ment process in recent years undercuts Congress. And, again, remember, it is mutual observers. In fact, the mort- that critical function of the separation going nowhere. gage settlement cases, groups like the of powers. That is why we have to act This isn’t leadership, Mr. Speaker. It National Council of La Raza received and why the underlying bill is so im- is like a recurring nightmare. While more than $1 million in Department of portant. spending time on efforts that are noth- Housing and Urban Development The Stop Settlement Slush Funds ing more than sound bites from my grants under the settlements. Act prohibits settlement terms that re- friends on the other side of the aisle to I don’t know about you, but I think quire donations to non-victim third use on the campaign trail, this Repub- that when DOJ requires a settlement, parties. Importantly, the bill clarifies lican Congress has repeatedly ignored the funds should go back to the victims that payments that provide restitution the calls of our constituents to act on involved in the case, including victims for harm caused are not donations. issues they care about—issues that im- back home in northeast Georgia. And if Additionally, H.R. 5063 restores the pact our communities, our neighbor- the victims cannot be found or if the separation of powers by establishing hoods, and our families. problem cannot be directly rectified, that settlement funds remaining after House Republicans continue to ob- then the settlement funds should go on victims have been compensated are struct meaningful action on the great- to the Treasury so that Congress can overseen by Congress. Rather than di- est public health crisis impacting our appropriately decide how to use them. recting money outside the appropria- country. Almost 17,000 Americans, in- I don’t think it is acceptable to tions process, the bill returns the funds cluding nearly 1,600 pregnant women, shortchange victims to benefit special to the Treasury to remediate damages are currently suffering from the Zika interests and politically friendly third- after victims have been taken care of. virus. This month, the Centers for Dis- party organizations, but that is exactly I urge everyone here today to think ease Control and Prevention will run what the administration has been about their constituents who one day out of resources to fight Zika. In the doing. The administration is trying to may be victims looking for restitution. words of Dr. Thomas Frieden of the usurp the power of the purse through I want to go home and tell those hard- CDC, ‘‘We need Congress to act.’’ these settlement slush funds and has working Georgians that I represent For 7 months, President Obama and only gotten more confident that they that I am making sure they are put Democrats in Congress have urged the can get away with it. first, not special interests. I hope that Republican leadership to take up and Maybe even more troubling, despite others will share that feeling by sup- pass the administration’s emergency repeated requests for more informa- porting the rule and the underlying supplemental request. But instead of tion, the Department of Justice is re- bill. considering a bipartisan Zika funding fusing to provide it. What little infor- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of bill, the Republican leadership in this mation has been provided indicates my time. House has, once again, caved to the that groups that stood to gain from the Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield most extreme faction of their con- mandatory donations actually lobbied myself such time as I may consume. ference to produce an inadequate, par- DOJ to include them in settlements. (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was tisan bill loaded with poison pill off- Mr. Speaker, listen to what that given permission to revise and extend sets. says. Actually, one of the things that his remarks.) This is an emergency. We should we have gained from this is the fact Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I want treat it as such. But Republicans have that the groups that stood to gain from to thank the gentleman from Georgia spent months making excuses about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.023 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 why we don’t need to provide the full in the Cannon House Office Building. over the 14 people who were killed in funding that our Nation’s public health Congress has spared no expense in ad- San Bernardino or over the 9 people experts say we need. We have had pub- dressing that issue, yet has failed to who were killed in a church in Charles- lic health expert after public health ex- give the Families of Flint Act a single ton, South Carolina? Is there any out- pert tell us that we need to act, and yet vote or hearing even in this Chamber. rage over that? Where is the outrage my Republican friends think they b 1300 over the 27, mostly children, who were know better. They have brought to the killed in Newtown, Connecticut, or floor legislation to undermine the This Republican Congress has failed over the 12 people who were killed in a Clean Water Act under the guise of Flint by refusing to adequately fund movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, or containing the Zika virus. They have our water infrastructure for years, and the outrage over the 6 people who were even insisted on poison pill riders that we are failing them again by not pass- killed in Tucson, Arizona, where our continue the Republican assault on ing this commonsense legislation. former colleague, Gabby Giffords, was women’s access to comprehensive While we have delayed action on a re- shot, or over the 32 people who were health care, instead of bringing legisla- sponse to the Zika virus and to the cri- killed at Virginia Tech? tion that is focused solely on pro- sis in Flint, Michigan, House Repub- Since my Republican friends have tecting American families from the licans have also refused to act on bi- been in recess, over 4,000 Americans terrible impacts of Zika. partisan, commonsense legislation to have been shot and killed in gun vio- House Republicans have blocked the keep guns out of the hands of suspected lence in this country—over 4,000. Where full emergency resources needed to terrorists and criminals. In fact, House is the outrage? The only outrage that combat the Zika virus seven times, and Republicans have voted 24 times to my Republican friends seem to have is left town for a 53-day recess without block the no-fly, no-buy measure, over the fact that Democrats have had committing a dime to address this which polls indicate is supported by 74 the audacity to raise this question growing public health crisis. It is percent of our constituents. They have about maybe we should do something, shameful. blocked debate on legislation to expand maybe we can do something to protect In addition to shirking our respon- and strengthen background checks. our constituents. sibilities on the Zika virus, this Repub- If you go to a licensed gun dealer, I say to my colleagues: We don’t need lican leadership has prevented action you have to go through a background a slap on the wrist from the Republican on other public health emergencies check, but if you go to a gun show or leadership here. We need to reform our like the opiate crisis and the terrible if you buy a gun online, you don’t have laws to ensure that guns are kept out tragedy in Flint, Michigan, and the to go through a background check. of the wrong hands. epidemic of gun violence plaguing our What sense does that make? Who could Over 32,000 people in America die communities. be against that? Yet they have voted from gun violence each year—about 89 Congress passed a bill to address the time and time again to deny us the people per day. If this isn’t a public opiate crisis and it was an important right to bring that to the floor. They health emergency, Mr. Speaker, I don’t step, but we must do more. We need to have voted five times against lifting know what is. pass a strong piece of legislation that the 19-year-long ban on Federal re- But you come back, and this is what actually funds our fight against the search on gun violence. What is the Re- we are going to be debating on the opiate crisis and gives State and local publican Congress so afraid of? House floor? Oh, my God. This is it? I partners the resources they need to We came back yesterday. I was look- mean the outrage, quite frankly, from help so many of our communities that ing through the press and was trying to the American people against the lead- have been hit hard by this epidemic. figure out if, maybe, the Republican ership of this House is over the fact Passing a bill that has all these nice leadership in this House would actually that the Republican leaders have statements in it and nice goals and not do something about gun violence in turned this place into a Congress in funding it, well, that is just a press re- order to protect the American people which trivial issues are debated pas- lease, and that is about the extent of and to make sure that people who have sionately and important ones not at what this Congress has done to deal a history of violent crime don’t have all. Enough. Let’s do the people’s busi- with this terrible opiate crisis. access to guns or that people who are ness. We are not doing it today, and I For 2 years, 100,000 people in Flint, dangerously, mentally ill don’t have hope that my colleagues will recon- Michigan, could not access safe water access to guns. I thought, maybe, some sider their agenda for the time we are from their own faucets—100,000 people. of their constituents would kind of back here and will actually do some- For 2 years, hardworking Americans knock some common sense into their thing meaningful. were denied the fundamental right of heads while they were on recess. I reserve the balance of my time. access to potable water. We are not But we come back, and what do we Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- talking about some tiny country half- read? What is the Republican leader- er, I yield myself such time as I may way around the world. This has been ship’s response to all of this? consume. happening right here in the United They want to bring a resolution to Let me just clarify, Mr. Speaker, why States of America. the floor to punish Democrats for hav- we are here. This is a rule for H.R. 5063, The Families of Flint Act, led by my ing the audacity to raise our voices in the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act. friend and colleague, Congressman DAN protest over the fact that we cannot One clarification as to what was just KILDEE, would help the people of Flint, even get a vote on any of these bills mentioned is that this bill does not Michigan, recover from this man-made that we think could save lives. They allow any company to get off the hook. disaster that they are still dealing want to punish us; they want to sanc- They are going through the process, with; but this Congress is too busy tion us; they want to condemn us be- and they are paying their fines. What wasting its time to even consider cause we said that, in the greatest de- we are trying to let off the hook here bringing this vitally important, non- liberative body in the world, we ought is the Department of Justice, which be- controversial bill up for a vote. to be able to deliberate. lieves that it is the arbitrator of the Where is the majority leadership on Apparently, the Republican leader- world to their own pet projects. this? Why are they simply sitting back ship is outraged over what they say is Let’s get back to the basics of this and allowing countless families in a breach of decorum that shut down bill. If we want to pontificate on the Flint to continue to be unable to turn the Chamber for 25 hours because world, fine, then we can pontificate on on their faucets and receive the safe Democrats had a sit-in here in protest the world; but let’s get back to the rule water that they need and, quite frank- over the fact that we can’t bring any for today, for this moment, and do not ly, that should be a basic right in this legislation up for a debate. They are tell stories that don’t exist. Congress— country, the very same safe water that outraged over that. That is where their both sides—should decide that the De- Speaker RYAN and so many of us take outrage is. partment of Justice should not be hav- for granted? My question is: Where is the outrage ing a settlement of mandatory dona- In fact, it was recently discovered over the 50 innocent civilians who were tions to pet groups because they don’t that there were elevated levels of lead killed in Orlando? Where is the outrage get enough funding. How about they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:59 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.024 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5115 just go get another job instead of living Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- is criminal. You want to know what off settlements from others when they er, the chairman of the Judiciary Com- ‘‘criminal’’ is? That is criminal. So we are not the victims? mittee has brought this issue up al- come here today, and I urge my col- I reserve the balance of my time. ready. If the gentleman does not know leagues to oppose this bill. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I just this, he needs to go back, and he can I don’t question the motivations of say to my friend from Georgia that I see it. That is why this is a bipartisan the sponsor, by the way. That is not am not pontificating; I am just ex- issue. We can be together on this. my motive. We learned in March that pressing frustration over the fact that Mr. PASCRELL. Reclaiming my the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commis- we are not doing anything of any con- time, Mr. Speaker, in all of the settle- sion—I will repeat—recommended that sequence here on the House floor. This ments, Chris Christie appointed polit- the Department of Justice criminally legislation that we are dealing with ical allies and supporters as monitors prosecute. Nothing has been done. I today—in fact, the legislation that we to oversee corporate compliance, which have also written a letter to the chair- are going to deal with later in the the gentleman is talking about, which man of the Judiciary Committee. By week—is going nowhere. Yet we have a netted those allies tens of millions of the way, this is not partisan. Our own Zika crisis; we have a crisis in Flint, dollars. These allies then served as Justice Department hasn’t done any- Michigan; and we have a crisis of peo- major donors to a political campaign thing either. ple who are dying from gun violence in account. I am being fair about this, but they this country. For some reason, the Re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The have to look into this. They can’t come publicans who run this House can’t find time of the gentleman has expired. before us and tell us they are trying to the time to spend even 1 day talking Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield save the little guy or the victims when about those things. the gentleman an additional 2 minutes. they allow this and permit this to go Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the Mr. PASCRELL. Now, these arrange- on day in and day out when the banks gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. PAS- ments were so problematic that they never were held accountable. No one CRELL). prompted the Department of Justice— has ever been brought before a court. Mr. PASCRELL. I thank the gen- we have selective memory—to issue a Eight years later, and we are here. tleman from Georgia, and I thank the new guidance limiting prosecutors’ dis- Rather than wasting time on this gentleman from Massachusetts. cretion in reaching such agreements, fishing expedition, if the House really Mr. Speaker, I am glad you had a lit- and the Judiciary Committee held an wants to ensure punishment is carried tle reference here: don’t allow compa- oversight hearing in 2009. out and that the actual victims receive nies or corporations to avoid their re- When Democrats tried to highlight compensation, we need to actually ad- sponsibilities. I want to speak to that the issue of using a public office to fun- dress the root cause of the problem. issue. I think it is very, very, very crit- nel large legal fees to cronies who then Mr. Ranking Member, my friend from ical. turned around and bankrolled cam- Georgia, we have to address the root Mr. Speaker, let’s not beat around paigns, those on the other side said problem. the bush. We are on the floor today de- they did not see it for what it was— b 1315 bating H.R. 5063 under the guise of ‘‘en- crony capitalism. They have heard the Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- suring responsibility.’’ I mean, who term before. Rather, they bent over er, I yield myself such time as I may would be against that? That is like backward to praise Mr. Christie and ac- consume. apple pie. However, this bill is nothing cused Democrats of grasping for ways I appreciate the gentleman from New more than a political exercise void of to embarrass a ‘‘rising Republican Jersey. I think the interesting thing is real reprimand for these practices, re- star.’’ Now that time has passed and a that I have listened to him—as he said, forms to the system, or redress to ac- different administration is in charge, he is on a roll—and I think we are tual victims. If that is what it did, I we are now hearing a different story, probably in more agreement than we would be here supporting it. but very real issues with these prac- are disagreeing here. We have known for years of instances tices still remain. I wasn’t here to—in fact, you said to where deferred prosecution agreements I agree that we need reforms, my ‘‘turn a blind eye.’’ This is a problem, have gotten out of hand. You don’t re- friend from Georgia. I agree. I hope and it doesn’t matter who is there. If it member those days? I will bring them that my colleagues will take a look at is a Republican, it is wrong; if it is a back to you. the deferred prosecution agreements Democrat, it is wrong, Mr. Speaker. When I tried to make modest reforms reform legislation that I, Mr. PALLONE, That is why we are here. to improve the transparency of these and Mr. COHEN have introduced. I agree with the outrage. It shouldn’t agreements, I was rebuffed by Members The issue here is not the government happen, especially when you get into on the other side of the aisle. They forcing companies to use deferred pros- the fact that the Department of Jus- have short memories. They have selec- ecution agreements to potentially di- tice is actually taking money and put- tive memories. Where was this outrage vert funds away from helping victims ting money to departments and pro- when I was screaming about seven de- when it comes to corporate malfea- grams that this Congress had cut fund- ferred prosecution agreements with sance. The more egregious issue is that ing from. That is not right. I don’t care large medical device companies that firms have avoided prosecution to who the administration is; I don’t care were negotiated by New Jersey’s begin with. The little guy gets it in the who the President is. former United States Attorney Chris neck, and the banks and the corpora- I agree with the gentleman from New Christie? There is a name. tions are never held accountable. The Jersey. He makes a passionate argu- One of the settlements allowed Bris- other side knows. The gentleman, my ment. Maybe you just need to come tol-Myers Squibb to avoid prosecution friend, has opened up a can of worms over here and help me out. We are for securities fraud in exchange for a $5 here—and I mean that sincerely. making the right argument here. million donation to Mr. Christie’s law The SPEAKER pro tempore. The So the question now becomes—no school alma mater; and I am listening time of the gentleman has again ex- matter where it comes from—and the to preaching over here and pontifi- pired. interesting issue here is this shouldn’t cating about what is going on today Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield be taking place, no matter who is over about these groups that are lined up to the gentleman an additional 2 minutes. it. The problem is, and what I would get their money from the Justice De- Mr. PASCRELL. We are on a roll love to ask is: Where has the Depart- partment. I didn’t hear one word—not here. ment of Justice been for the last 7 one word. In fact, if the gentleman has Mr. Speaker, the Financial Crisis In- years on any issue, for the most part? a word to interject, I will hold on for 10 quiry Commission made recommenda- It has been very frustrating to both seconds and listen. tions to the Department of Justice to sides of the aisle. On this one, I actu- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Will the criminally prosecute top executives at ally think we can find more agreement gentleman yield? several large financial institutions, but than we can find disagreement. Mr. PASCRELL. I yield to the gen- we have yet to see a major Wall Street I appreciate the gentleman from New tleman. executive be criminally charged. That Jersey’s remarks because, frankly, this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:47 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.025 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 is what this does. It doesn’t let them The administration requested fund- pening. The gentleman from Massachu- off the hook. It just simply goes back ing 7 months ago, and the Republican setts made this statement several to looking at these mandatory dona- majority has refused to consider legis- times, and he said ‘‘this bill is going tions which, again, party is irrelevant. lation that would adequately address nowhere.’’ I would just ask him, Mr. This is not a role for the Department of the seriousness of this situation. Due Speaker, why not? If we want to find Justice. to Republican inaction, the adminis- agreement and move forward, then, I reserve the balance of my time. tration has been forced to repurpose why not? Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, can I nearly $600 million dedicated to other Why wouldn’t a bill brought forward inquire of the gentleman from Georgia pressing public health needs to stem by this Congress that addresses a bi- (Mr. COLLINS) how many more speakers the growing tide of this disaster. Guess partisan issue of Republican and Demo- he has who want to speak on this bill what. That money is about to run out, crat abuses to a Department of Justice on his side? I know the demand has and there are now nearly 17,000 cases of settlement program, why shouldn’t it been really great. Zika in the United States and terri- move forward? Instead of saying it is a Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- tories. As CDC Director Frieden said, waste of time, instead of saying it is er, they have been pulling at my coat- ‘‘The cupboard is bare.’’ The time for something we are just doing to get tails, but I think at this time they are half measures and political posturing along and to not address real issues, going to hold back. has long since passed. The time to act this is a real issue. Why don’t we move Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield is now. it forward? Instead, we will posture. We myself the balance of my time to close. will vote ‘‘no,’’ and we will complain Mr. Speaker, let me put this in per- Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- about what we don’t want to have. Why spective for everybody. We can have sent to insert the text of the amend- not move it forward? this conversation here and maybe peo- ment in the RECORD, along with extra- We have heard from my friends ple can do press releases after we have neous material immediately prior to across the aisle, the ones who came, a vote on it, but I think we all know the vote on the previous question. two witnesses, that we agree on this. It that this bill is going nowhere, and it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there should not be happening. Instead, this is going nowhere fast. So we are essen- objection to the request of the gen- is a big issue. In fact, I believe it is the tially wasting our time, we are wasting tleman from Massachusetts? one issue right now that is percolating taxpayer dollars, and we are doing so There was no objection. Mr. MCGOVERN. In conclusion, Mr. not only in our Presidential elections, at a moment when we have some seri- Speaker, I again appeal to the leader- ous challenges and serious crises facing but in our congressional elections. It is ship of this House: Do something. Do our country. in our Senatorial elections. It is in our I mentioned gun violence. My friends something that will help somebody in State elections. don’t want to do anything about that; this country. It is this understanding of the Amer- although, according to the press, they I get it. Elections are coming up, and ican people that right now government want to bring a resolution to slap our everybody is engaged in political pos- is not working. Government is broken, wrists. That is their outrage over all turing. You know, we were elected to the government that they grew up the gun violence that we have seen, the actually try to help people and help going to school with. As school has massacres that we have seen in this solve problems. started back over the last month in country. I find that stunning, quite I have to tell you, by any objective Georgia—my home State, Mr. Speaker, frankly. I mean, it takes my breath measure, the leadership of this House and yours—up to New York where it away that, in the aftermath of all that has failed. I mean, it has failed on starts tomorrow, they go to social has gone on, that that is the best they Flint. It has failed on the Zika crisis. studies and they learn about the can do. Nonetheless, that is their solu- It has failed on gun violence. It has Founders and they learn about the tion, and it is another waste of time. failed on confronting this opiate crisis. Constitution and they learn about We have a crisis in Flint, Michigan, I can go on and on and on again. I can three branches of government and how where people still can’t turn on their point to 70-plus times that we voted to Congress does the bills and the appro- faucets. We are not talking about a repeal the Affordable Care Act. All of priating and how the executive branch country halfway around the world. We these messaging bills that were written carries those instructions out and how are talking about a community here in in the basement of the Republican Con- the judiciary comports that to the con- the United States of America where gressional Campaign Committee, I stitutionality of what we do. clean water ought to be a right, and guess you go back home and brag about I cannot think of a better way than yet we can’t seem to schedule the time those things, but at the end of the day, to live within those Founders’ frame- to do anything to help solve that prob- you haven’t done anything. work and to say, ‘‘Why isn’t this bill lem. I hope that in these few weeks that going somewhere?’’ instead of Congress We passed a bill that had some good we are back before we recess again that sitting back and letting the executive goals in it with regard to the opiate maybe some common sense can prevail branch do whatever it wants to do, crisis that we are facing, but we on the Republican side and we can ac- however it wants to do it just because haven’t passed any funding for it yet. tually do something, something that they throw a tantrum because they So people can go back home and say, will help all of our constituents, espe- don’t get their way. ‘‘Oh, we did something,’’ but really cially with this Zika crisis. This is a The bill does not protect people from they didn’t, because a bill that sets out crisis. If that doesn’t compel everybody getting away from the law. The bill nice goals that doesn’t have any fund- to do something to provide the funding does not keep people from being pros- ing really is nothing more than a press necessary to combat it, I mean, given ecuted. The bill does not keep punitive release. We are not talking about fund- what we have seen, then I don’t know damages. Just go through the long list ing for any of those priorities to deal what will move my Republican col- of what they have said, the list of with the opiate crisis. leagues. horribles, that this would not do. It Then there is the Zika crisis, which Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to does not. It simply says you can’t is getting worse and worse and worse, vote ‘‘no’’ and defeat the previous ques- stroke your pet projects with money and yet we can’t find the time this tion, and then vote ‘‘no’’ on this rule to from ‘‘mandatory donations,’’ either week to do anything about it. I find consider a bill that, quite frankly, is side, Republican or Democrat. that appalling. going nowhere and is a waste of our So tell me again, Mr. Speaker, why Mr. Speaker, I am going to urge my time. shouldn’t this bill go forward? We will colleagues to defeat the previous ques- I yield back the balance of my time. have time to debate the rest. Well, why tion. If we defeat the previous ques- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- shouldn’t this bill go forward? Because tion, I will offer an amendment to the er, I yield myself the balance of my it hits at the very frustration of the rule to bring up legislation that fully time. American people right now because funds the administration’s efforts to It is fairly amazing to me that we what they see is not what they learned mount a robust and long-term response can actually find agreement, that we in those classrooms years ago. What to the growing Zika crisis. agree that this should not be hap- they see is an executive branch that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:47 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.027 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5117 does whatever it wants to do, some- ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- [Roll No. 481] times under both parties. They see a mand for the previous question passes the YEAS—231 control of the resolution to the opposition’’ Congress that doesn’t stand up for Abraham Grothman Paulsen in order to offer an amendment. On March itself. Aderholt Guinta Pearce 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- As far as I am concerned, this Mem- Allen Guthrie Perry fered a rule resolution. The House defeated Amash Hanna Pittenger ber will stand up for this institution the previous question and a member of the Amodei Hardy Pitts and for the role that the Founders laid opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Babin Harper Poe (TX) out for us. So H.R. 5063, the Stop Set- asking who was entitled to recognition. Barletta Harris Poliquin tlement Slush Funds Act, does what it Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R-Illinois) said: Barr Hartzler Pompeo Barton Heck (NV) Posey says it will do, and I am proud to co- ‘‘The previous question having been refused, Benishek Hensarling the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- Price, Tom sponsor this bill. Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Ratcliffe gerald, who had asked the gentleman to There are many things we get a Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Reed chance to vote for. We can complain or yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to Black Hill Renacci the first recognition.’’ Blackburn Holding we can vote. My recommendation is Ribble The Republican majority may say ‘‘the Blum Hudson Rice (SC) Bost Huelskamp vote to move this forward. Vote ‘‘yes’’ Rigell vote on the previous question is simply a Brady (TX) Huizenga (MI) on this rule. Vote ‘‘yes’’ on the under- Roby vote on whether to proceed to an immediate Brat Hultgren Roe (TN) lying bill. Instead of saying it ain’t vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] Bridenstine Hunter Rogers (AL) going anywhere, then grab a hold of has no substantive legislative or policy im- Brooks (AL) Hurd (TX) Rogers (KY) the shovel and say let’s try and make plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what Brooks (IN) Hurt (VA) Buchanan Issa Rohrabacher something work in this country. they have always said. Listen to the Repub- Rokita lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative Buck Jenkins (KS) The material previously referred to Bucshon Jenkins (WV) Rooney (FL) Process in the United States House of Rep- by Mr. MCGOVERN is as follows: Burgess Johnson (OH) Ros-Lehtinen resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s Byrne Jolly Roskam AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 843 OFFERED BY how the Republicans describe the previous Carson (IN) Jones Rothfus MR. MCGOVERN question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- Carter (GA) Jordan Rouzer At the end of the resolution, add the fol- though it is generally not possible to amend Carter (TX) Joyce Royce lowing new sections: the rule because the majority Member con- Chabot Katko Salmon Sanford SEC. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this trolling the time will not yield for the pur- Chaffetz Kelly (MS) resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to Coffman Kelly (PA) Scalise pose of offering an amendment, the same re- Schweikert clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House Cole King (IA) sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- Collins (GA) King (NY) Scott, Austin resolved into the Committee of the Whole vious question on the rule. . . . When the Collins (NY) Kinzinger (IL) Sensenbrenner House on the state of the Union for consider- motion for the previous question is defeated, Comstock Kline Sessions ation of the bill (H.R. 5044) making supple- control of the time passes to the Member Conaway Knight Shimkus mental appropriations for fiscal year 2016 to who led the opposition to ordering the pre- Cook Labrador Shuster respond to Zika virus. The first reading of vious question. That Member, because he Costello (PA) LaHood Simpson Cramer LaMalfa the bill shall be dispensed with. All points of then controls the time, may offer an amend- Smith (MO) order against consideration of the bill are Crawford Lamborn Smith (NE) ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of Crenshaw Lance waived. General debate shall be confined to Smith (NJ) amendment.’’ Culberson Latta Smith (TX) the bill and shall not exceed one hour equal- In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House Curbelo (FL) LoBiondo Stefanik ly divided among and controlled by the chair of Representatives, the subchapter titled Davidson Long Stewart and ranking minority member of the Com- ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal Davis, Rodney Loudermilk Stivers mittee on Appropriations and the chair and Denham Love Stutzman to order the previous question on such a rule Dent Lucas ranking minority member of the Committee [a special rule reported from the Committee Thompson (PA) on the Budget. After general debate the bill DeSantis Luetkemeyer Thornberry on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- Diaz-Balart Lummis shall be considered for amendment under the Tiberi ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- Dold MacArthur Tipton five-minute rule. All points of order against Donovan Marchant tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- Trott provisions in the bill are waived. At the con- Duffy Marino jection of the motion for the previous ques- Turner Duncan (SC) Massie clusion of consideration of the bill for tion on a resolution reported from the Com- Upton Duncan (TN) McCarthy amendment the Committee shall rise and re- Wagner mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- Ellmers (NC) McCaul port the bill to the House with such amend- ber leading the opposition to the previous Walberg ments as may have been adopted. The pre- Emmer (MN) McClintock question, who may offer a proper amendment Farenthold McHenry Walden vious question shall be considered as ordered or motion and who controls the time for de- Fincher McMorris Walker on the bill and amendments thereto to final bate thereon.’’ Fitzpatrick Rodgers Walorski passage without intervening motion except Walters, Mimi Clearly, the vote on the previous question Fleischmann McSally one motion to recommit with or without in- Fleming Meadows Weber (TX) on a rule does have substantive policy impli- structions. If the Committee of the Whole Flores Meehan Webster (FL) cations. It is one of the only available tools Wenstrup rises and reports that it has come to no reso- Forbes Messer for those who oppose the Republican major- Westerman lution on the bill, then on the next legisla- Fortenberry Mica ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- Foxx Miller (FL) Westmoreland tive day the House shall, immediately after native views the opportunity to offer an al- Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Williams the third daily order of business under clause ternative plan. Frelinghuysen Moolenaar Wilson (SC) 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of Garrett Mooney (WV) Wittman the Whole for further consideration of the Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- Gibbs Mullin Womack bill. er, I yield back the balance of my time, Gibson Mulvaney Woodall Yoder SEC. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not and I move the previous question on Goodlatte Murphy (PA) apply to the consideration of H.R. 5044. Gosar Neugebauer Yoho the resolution. Gowdy Newhouse Young (AK) THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Granger Noem Young (IA) IT REALLY MEANS Graves (GA) Nunes Young (IN) question is on ordering the previous Graves (MO) Olson Zeldin This vote, the vote on whether to order the question. previous question on a special rule, is not Griffith Palmer Zinke merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- The question was taken; and the NAYS—177 Speaker pro tempore announced that dering the previous question is a vote Adams Butterfield Connolly against the Republican majority agenda and the ayes appeared to have it. Aguilar Capps Conyers a vote to allow the Democratic minority to Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on Ashford Capuano Cooper offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about that I demand the yeas and nays. Bass Ca´ rdenas Costa what the House should be debating. Beatty Carney Courtney Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the The yeas and nays were ordered. Becerra Cartwright Crowley House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bera Castor (FL) Cuellar Beyer Castro (TX) Cummings scribes the vote on the previous question on ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Bishop (GA) Chu, Judy Davis (CA) the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Blumenauer Cicilline Davis, Danny consideration of the subject before the House time for any electronic vote on the Bonamici Clark (MA) DeFazio being made by the Member in charge.’’ To question of adoption of the resolution. Boyle, Brendan Clarke (NY) DeGette defeat the previous question is to give the F. Clay Delaney opposition a chance to decide the subject be- The vote was taken by electronic de- Brady (PA) Cleaver DeLauro fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays Brownley (CA) Clyburn DelBene Bustos Cohen DeSaulnier ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that 177, not voting 23, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.028 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Deutch Langevin Rangel the children for school. They have been Lummis Pompeo Stewart Dingell Larsen (WA) Rice (NY) preparing to end their summer vaca- MacArthur Posey Stivers Doggett Larson (CT) Richmond Marchant Price, Tom Stutzman Doyle, Michael Lawrence Roybal-Allard tion. Marino Ratcliffe Thompson (PA) F. Lee Ruiz In our home State of Louisiana, near- Massie Reed Thornberry Edwards Levin Ruppersberger ly 500,000 of our citizens have been af- McCarthy Renacci Tiberi Ellison Lewis Ryan (OH) fected by a 1,000-year flood event, caus- McCaul Ribble Tipton Engel Loebsack Sa´ nchez, Linda McClintock Rice (SC) Trott Eshoo Lofgren T. ing extraordinary ruin for our families McHenry Rigell Turner Esty Lowenthal Sarbanes and businesses, everything inundated. McMorris Roby Upton Farr Lowey Schakowsky Rodgers Roe (TN) Foster Lujan Grisham Everything that people own—family Valadao Schiff heirlooms, photo albums, hard disk McSally Rogers (AL) Wagner Frankel (FL) (NM) Meadows Rogers (KY) Fudge Luja´ n, Ben Ray Schrader Walberg drives, and generations of work—has Meehan Rohrabacher Gabbard (NM) Scott (VA) Walden been destroyed. We lost 13 of our fellow Messer Rokita Gallego Lynch Scott, David Walker Mica Ros-Lehtinen Garamendi Maloney, Serrano citizens, at least, with more perhaps to Walorski Miller (FL) Roskam Graham Carolyn Sewell (AL) be found. Walters, Mimi Miller (MI) Rothfus Grayson Maloney, Sean Sherman Weber (TX) Today, hundreds of thousands across Moolenaar Rouzer Green, Al Matsui Sires Webster (FL) south Louisiana are sifting through Mooney (WV) Royce Green, Gene McCollum Slaughter Wenstrup Mullin Russell Grijalva McDermott Smith (WA) what remains of their belongings, fac- Westerman Mulvaney Salmon Gutie´rrez McGovern Speier ing imminent and extraordinary finan- Westmoreland Murphy (PA) Sanford Hahn McNerney Swalwell (CA) Williams cial decisions and life-altering deci- Neugebauer Scalise Hastings Meeks Takano Wilson (SC) sions. We stand here in this Chamber Newhouse Schweikert Heck (WA) Meng Thompson (CA) Noem Scott, Austin Wittman Higgins Moore Thompson (MS) today, as their representatives, and ask Nunes Sensenbrenner Womack Himes Moulton Titus you to join us in a moment of silence Olson Sessions Woodall Hinojosa Murphy (FL) Tonko and to keep them in our prayers. Palmer Shimkus Yoder Honda Nadler Torres Hoyer Napolitano The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Paulsen Shuster Yoho Tsongas Huffman Neal Pearce Simpson Young (AK) Van Hollen bers will stand for a moment of silence. Israel Nolan Perry Smith (MO) Young (IA) Vargas Without objection, 5-minute voting Jackson Lee Norcross Pittenger Smith (NE) Young (IN) Veasey Jeffries O’Rourke will continue. Pitts Smith (NJ) Zeldin Johnson (GA) Pallone Vela There was no objection. Poe (TX) Smith (TX) Zinke ´ Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Velazquez Poliquin Stefanik Visclosky The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kaptur Payne question is on the resolution. Keating Pelosi Walz NOES—178 Kelly (IL) Perlmutter Wasserman The question was taken; and the Kennedy Peters Schultz Speaker pro tempore announced that Adams Foster Meeks Waters, Maxine Aguilar Frankel (FL) Meng Kildee Peterson the ayes appeared to have it. Kilmer Pingree Watson Coleman Ashford Fudge Moore Kind Pocan Welch RECORDED VOTE Bass Gabbard Moulton Beatty Gallego Murphy (FL) Kirkpatrick Polis Wilson (FL) Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- Kuster Quigley Yarmuth Becerra Garamendi Nadler mand a recorded vote. Bera Graham Napolitano NOT VOTING—23 A recorded vote was ordered. Beyer Grayson Neal Bishop (GA) Bishop (UT) Graves (LA) Reichert Green, Al Nolan The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Blumenauer Green, Gene Boustany Johnson, Sam Ross will be a 5-minute vote. Norcross Brown (FL) Lieu, Ted Bonamici Grijalva O’Rourke Rush ´ Calvert Lipinski The vote was taken by electronic de- Boyle, Brendan Gutierrez Pallone Russell F. Hahn Clawson (FL) McKinley Sanchez, Loretta vice, and there were—ayes 231, noes 178, Pascrell DesJarlais Nugent Brady (PA) Hastings Payne Sinema not voting 22, as follows: Brownley (CA) Heck (WA) Duckworth Palazzo Valadao Pelosi Gohmert Price (NC) [Roll No. 482] Bustos Higgins Perlmutter Butterfield Himes Peters AYES—231 Capps Hinojosa b 1346 Peterson Abraham Davidson Harris Capuano Honda Pingree Aderholt Davis, Rodney Hartzler Ca´ rdenas Hoyer Mr. MOULTON, Mrs. DINGELL, and Pocan Allen Denham Heck (NV) Carney Huffman Mr. ELLISON changed their vote from Polis Amash Dent Hensarling Carson (IN) Israel Quigley ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Amodei DeSantis Herrera Beutler Cartwright Jackson Lee Rangel So the previous question was ordered. Babin Diaz-Balart Hice, Jody B. Castor (FL) Jeffries Rice (NY) Barr Dold Hill Castro (TX) Johnson (GA) The result of the vote was announced Richmond Barton Donovan Holding Chu, Judy Johnson, E. B. Roybal-Allard as above recorded. Benishek Duffy Hudson Cicilline Kaptur Ruiz Stated for: Bilirakis Duncan (SC) Huelskamp Clark (MA) Keating Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, on Bishop (MI) Duncan (TN) Huizenga (MI) Clarke (NY) Kelly (IL) Ruppersberger Bishop (UT) Ellmers (NC) Hultgren Clay Kennedy Ryan (OH) rollcall No. 481, I was detained discussing ´ Black Emmer (MN) Hunter Cleaver Kildee Sanchez, Linda flood recovery efforts in Louisiana. Had I been Blackburn Farenthold Hurd (TX) Clyburn Kilmer T. present, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ Blum Fincher Issa Cohen Kind Sarbanes Schakowsky Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Bost Fitzpatrick Jenkins (KS) Connolly Kirkpatrick Brady (TX) Fleischmann Jenkins (WV) Conyers Kuster Schiff 481 I missed the vote because my meeting Brat Fleming Johnson (OH) Cooper Langevin Schrader with constituents about very important trans- Bridenstine Flores Jolly Costa Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) portation, agriculture, air quality, and grant Brooks (AL) Forbes Jones Courtney Larson (CT) Scott, David Serrano issues went longer than scheduled. Had I Brooks (IN) Fortenberry Jordan Crowley Lawrence Buchanan Foxx Joyce Cuellar Lee Sewell (AL) been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ Buck Franks (AZ) Katko Cummings Levin Sherman Stated against: Burgess Frelinghuysen Kelly (MS) Davis (CA) Lewis Sires Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, dur- Byrne Garrett Kelly (PA) Davis, Danny Lipinski Slaughter Carter (GA) Gibbs King (IA) DeFazio Loebsack Smith (WA) ing rollcall Vote No. 481 on the previous ques- Carter (TX) Gibson King (NY) DeGette Lofgren Speier tion, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ‘‘yea’’ Chabot Gohmert Kinzinger (IL) Delaney Lowenthal Swalwell (CA) when I should have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Chaffetz Goodlatte Kline DeLauro Lowey Takano Coffman Gosar Knight DelBene Lujan Grisham Thompson (CA) b 1345 Cole Gowdy Labrador DeSaulnier (NM) Thompson (MS) Collins (GA) Granger LaHood Deutch Luja´ n, Ben Ray Titus (By unanimous consent, Mr. GRAVES Collins (NY) Graves (GA) LaMalfa Dingell (NM) Tonko of Louisiana was allowed to speak out Comstock Graves (LA) Lamborn Doggett Lynch Torres of order.) Conaway Graves (MO) Lance Doyle, Michael Maloney, Tsongas Cook Griffith Latta F. Carolyn Van Hollen MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR VICTIMS OF LOUISIANA Costello (PA) Grothman LoBiondo Edwards Maloney, Sean Vargas FLOODS Cramer Guinta Long Ellison Matsui Veasey Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Crawford Guthrie Loudermilk Engel McCollum Vela Crenshaw Hanna Love Eshoo McDermott Vela´ zquez Speaker, for the last 2 weeks, many Culberson Hardy Lucas Esty McGovern Visclosky across our Nation have been preparing Curbelo (FL) Harper Luetkemeyer Farr McNerney Walz

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:47 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.004 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5119 Wasserman Watson Coleman Wilson (FL) SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL thorities. Of that, over half a billion Schultz Welch Yarmuth PREPARATIONS. has already been disbursed or is com- NOT VOTING—22 The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe mitted to being disbursed. In some conditions for physical preparations for the Barletta Hurt (VA) Rooney (FL) event. cases, these mandatory donation provi- Boustany Johnson, Sam Ross SEC. 4. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS. sions reinstate funding Congress spe- Brown (FL) Lieu, Ted Rush cifically cut. Bucshon McKinley Sanchez, Loretta The Capitol Police Board shall provide for Calvert Nugent Sinema enforcement of the restrictions contained in The spending power is one of Con- Clawson (FL) Palazzo Waters, Maxine section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, gress’ most effective tools in reining in DesJarlais Price (NC) concerning sales, advertisements, displays, the executive branch. This is true no Duckworth Reichert and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as matter which party is in the White ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE well as other restrictions applicable to the House. A Democrat-led Congress passed The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Capitol Grounds, in connection with the the Cooper-Church amendment to end event. the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- the Vietnam War. More recently, bipar- ing. The concurrent resolution was agreed tisan funding restrictions blocked lav- to. b 1355 ish salary and conference spending by A motion to reconsider was laid on Federal agencies and grantees. This So the resolution was agreed to. the table. policy control is lost if the executive The result of the vote was announced f gains authority over spending. as above recorded. Serious people on both sides of the A motion to reconsider was laid on STOP SETTLEMENT SLUSH FUNDS aisle understand this. A former Deputy the table. ACT OF 2016 Assistant Attorney General for the Of- Stated for: GENERAL LEAVE fice of Legal Counsel in the Clinton ad- Mr. ROONEY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask ministration warned in 2009 that the rollcall No. 482, I was unavoidably detained. unanimous consent that all Members Department of Justice has ‘‘the ability Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ may have 5 legislative days within to use settlements to circumvent the Mr. BUCSHON. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. which to revise and extend their re- appropriations authority of Congress.’’ 482, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been marks and include extraneous mate- In 2008, a top Republican Department present, I would have voted ‘‘aye.’’ rials on H.R. 5063. of Justice official restricted mandatory Mr. HURT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I was The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there donation provisions because they ‘‘can not present for rollcall Vote No. 482 On Agree- objection to the request of the gen- create actual or perceived conflicts of ing to the Resolution Providing for consider- tleman from Virginia? interest and/or other ethical issues.’’ ation of H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush There was no objection. Any objections to this bill would be Funds Act of 2016. Had I been present, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- unfounded. Whether the beneficiaries would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ ant to House Resolution 843 and rule of these donations are worthy entities XVIII, the Chair declares the House in f is entirely beside the point. The Con- the Committee of the Whole House on AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE stitution grants Congress the power to the state of the Union for the consider- CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR THE DIS- decide how money is spent, not the De- ation of the bill, H.R. 5063. TRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL partment of Justice. The Chair appoints the gentleman OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT This is not some esoteric point. It from Utah (Mr. STEWART) to preside TORCH RUN over the Committee of the Whole. goes to the heart of the Constitution’s Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask separation of powers and Congress’ unanimous consent to take from the b 1400 ability to rein in executive overreach Speaker’s table the concurrent resolu- IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE in practice. tion (H. Con. Res. 131) authorizing the Accordingly, the House resolved Nor does the bill restrict prosecu- use of the Capitol Grounds for the Dis- itself into the Committee of the Whole torial discretion. That discretion per- trict of Columbia Special Olympics House on the state of the Union for the tains to the decision to prosecute. Set- Law Enforcement Torch Run, and ask consideration of the bill (H.R. 5063) to ting penalties and remedial policy is for its immediate consideration in the limit donations made pursuant to set- the proper purview of Congress. House. tlement agreements to which the Opponents’ central concern is that The Clerk read the title of the con- United States is a party, and for other there may be cases of generalized harm current resolution. purposes, with Mr. STEWART in the to communities that cannot be ad- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there chair. dressed by restitution, but this misses objection to the request of the gen- The Clerk read the title of the bill. the fundamental point. The Depart- tleman from Pennsylvania? The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the ment of Justice has authority to ob- There was no objection. bill is considered read the first time. tain redress for victims. Federal law The text of the concurrent resolution The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. defines victims to be those ‘‘directly is as follows: GOODLATTE) and the gentleman from and proximately harmed’’ by a defend- H. CON. RES. 131 Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON) each will con- ant’s acts. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the trol 30 minutes. Once those victims have been com- Senate concurring), The Chair recognizes the gentleman pensated, deciding what to do with ad- SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF CAPITOL from Virginia. ditional funds extracted from defend- GROUNDS FOR D.C. SPECIAL OLYM- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I ants becomes a policy question prop- PICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH yield myself such time as I may con- erly decided by elected Representatives RUN. sume. in Congress, not agency bureaucrats or On September 30, 2016, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Rep- Two years ago, the House Judiciary prosecutors. It is not that DOJ officials resentatives and the Committee on Rules Committee commenced a pattern or will always be funding bad projects. It and Administration of the Senate may joint- practice investigation into the Justice is that, outside of compensating actual ly designate, the 31st annual District of Co- Department’s mortgage lending settle- victims, it is not their decision to lumbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement ments. We found that the Department make. Torch Run (in this resolution referred to as of Justice is systematically subverting Rather than suspend the practice of the ‘‘event’’) may be run through the Capitol Congress’ spending power by requiring mandatory donations in response to Grounds to carry the Special Olympics torch settling parties to donate money to ac- these bipartisan concerns, the Depart- to honor local Special Olympics athletes. tivist groups. ment of Justice has doubled down. In SEC. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPITOL POLICE BOARD. In just the last 2 years, the Depart- April 2016, a major DOJ bank settle- The Capitol Police Board shall take such ment of Justice has directed nearly $1 ment required $240 million in financing actions as may be necessary to carry out the billion to third parties entirely outside and/or donations toward affordable event. of Congress’ spending and oversight au- housing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.007 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 DOJ’s June 2016 settlement with bottom line is the rich get richer and This is an emergency. We have al- Volkswagen requires a $2 billion pay- the poor get poorer; and this legisla- most 2,000 babies born having been af- ment to fund the administration’s tion would work to enforce that eco- flicted with the Zika virus. It’s going green energy agenda. This payment nomic philosophy that is held so dear to take $10 million for the remainder of cannot be justified as remedial because by my friends on the other side of the their lives, average, to take care of the settlement states explicitly that a aisle. them. That is $2 billion right there. separate $2.7 billion payment is in- So these mortgage lending settle- The President has come to us, tended to fully mitigate the harm ments, the DOJ sued the big banks. months ago, requesting $1.9 billion— caused. The big banks came to the table and less than the $2 billion—to fund oper- It is time for Congress to end this decided to settle. As a result of the set- ations to get at this Zika virus, to pre- abuse. The Stop Settlement Slush tlement, there were directives that vent it from taking hold, and we can’t Funds Act of 2016 bars mandatory do- were agreed to by the Wall Street even pass it in this Congress because nation terms in DOJ settlements. It is banks, that they would give money to we are too busy passing bills to help a bipartisan bill. It makes clear that certified HUD counseling agencies. Wall Street. payments to provide restitution for ac- Those agencies have done a good job That is not what the American peo- tual harm directly caused, including of helping people who have not lost ple want. That is not what the Amer- harm to the environment, are per- their homes continue to stay in their ican people need. I ask my colleagues mitted. homes, to get their mortgages refi- to vote against this legislation. Do not be fooled by opponents’ scare nanced, to get their situation in order, I reserve the balance of my time. tactics. They claim that the legislation to give them the ability to hold on to Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I could prohibit conduct remedies used their homes after they had lost their yield myself 30 seconds to respond to in settlements covering workplace dis- jobs and were unable to pay the mort- the gentleman from Georgia and say crimination, harassment, and con- gage for a number of months. These that no one gets off the hook; not Wall sumer privacy. The bill does not pre- housing counseling agencies were able Street, not anybody in this legislation. clude such remedies. Nothing bars DOJ to be effective at keeping people in All we are saying is that if money from requiring a defendant to imple- their homes, but my friends on the goes, as a fine, it should either be paid ment workplace training and moni- other side of the aisle, they don’t want into the general Treasury, as required toring programs. to have any part of that because it is by the law, or to actual victims of the The ban on third-party payments costing their friends on Wall Street wrongdoing by the parties. And if it is merely ensures that the defendant re- money. paid into the general Treasury, the mains responsible for performing these This same settlement that the chair- Constitution requires that it be paid, remedies itself, and is not required to man excoriated in his presentation just that it be appropriated by this Con- outsource such set sums for the work a minute ago, it gave money to State- gress, not by bureaucrats and prosecu- to third parties who might be friendly based legal aid firms that were about tors at the Department of Justice. with a given administration. helping people to avoid foreclosure, At this time, it is my pleasure to This bill addresses an institutional helping the very people that these yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from issue. That is one reason similar lan- banks stole from and hurt. So this is Texas (Mr. HENSARLING), the chairman guage passed the House last year by what they want to stop, and they cloak of the Financial Services Committee voice vote. I thank all of the bill’s co- it in the—they say that Congress and a great leader on this issue. sponsors, and I urge the bill’s passage. should be the one to appropriate b 1415 I reserve the balance of my time. money, and that is true. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- There is nothing about Article I, the Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Chairman, I man, I yield myself such time as I may legislative branch, Congress, that is a thank the gentleman for yielding. consume. part of the lawsuit that the Justice De- Mr. Chairman, our Constitution is Mr. Chair, the Stop Settlement Slush partment, an Article II body, would file under assault, so I rise today in sup- Funds Act of 2016, H.R. 5063, would re- in a Federal court, an Article III court, port of H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement move an important civil enforcement that results in a settlement. There is Slush Funds Act. A nearly 2-year-long tool available to agencies to hold cor- no legislative implication in that investigation jointly conducted by the porations accountable for the general whatsoever. There is no appropriations Financial Services Committee, which I harm caused by unlawful conduct. from the legislature. have the privilege of chairing, and the H.R. 5063 would have potentially dis- What it is is a court-enforced trans- Judiciary Committee, chaired by Mr. astrous, unintended consequences on fer of the very wealth that was stolen GOODLATTE, the sponsor of this legisla- the remediation of generalized harms from the people, back to the people, by tion, has shockingly revealed that the in civil enforcement actions like the way of these agencies, which my col- so-called Justice Department is not one that the chairman just noted at league refers to as activist, third-party only pushing, but even requiring some the very beginning of his speech. He entities. Well, these are third-party en- defendants in settlements to send the talked about mortgage lending settle- tities that are acting on behalf of the fines not to victims, not to the U.S. ments that the Department of Justice very people who have been harmed. Treasury, but, instead, to political al- had obtained after filing suit in court What this legislation seeks to do is lies of the Obama administration. against Wall Street bankers who took to take away the ability of the Justice As one commentator wrote: ‘‘Imagine billions of dollars in equity, home eq- Department to obtain a settlement to if the President of the United States uity, from Americans throughout the help people who have been harmed, and forced America’s biggest banks to fun- country by way of predatory lending then would force the money to come nel hundreds of millions—and poten- instruments, which blew up in their into the hands of the legislative branch tially billions—of dollars to the cor- faces; caused the Wall Street melt- so that the legislative branch could porations and lobbyists who supported down. Wall Street got bailed out. then appropriate it. And we know that his agenda.’’ The American people who had these this legislative branch controlled by Mr. Chairman, there is nothing to mortgages that then were underwater the other side of the aisle is not inter- imagine. It is real. It is happening. Mr. lost their homes, so the Department of ested in helping people who lost their Chairman, our committees’ investiga- Justice sued, and this is what this leg- homes due to Wall Street fraud. tion uncovered that the Obama Justice islation seeks to get at. So that is what this legislation is all Department has done exactly this. My friends on the other side of the about, and it comes at a time when we They have used mandatory—manda- aisle don’t want the common people of have people who are afflicted with the tory—donations to direct as much as this country to have the protection of Zika virus. We can’t even pass legisla- $880 million to political organizations government. They want a government tion in this Chamber that would get at that just so happen to be allies of the that is hands off; let the private sector, that public health emergency, which is Obama administration. let the free market work its will. No right here on our doorstep where it is Now, I might expect to see such a rules. Whatever will be will be. The in the House now. corrupt practice in a place like Russia,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.036 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5121 but in the United States of America? defendants, not those who may have jority was so outraged by these pay- How can this possibly be legal? been harmed on a broader level by ments that they launched a burden- These payments occur entirely out- their actions. This is unnecessarily some investigation that yielded not a side of the transparent and accountable narrow and restrictive when trying to single shred of evidence of any wrong- congressional appropriations and over- address the harm inflicted by corporate doing by anyone. I don’t know what the sight process—a clear violation of Con- wrongdoers. majority calls that, but I call it a gress’ Article I power of the purse, ac- Furthermore, the bill would restrict waste of time. cording to Article I, section 9 of our the flexibility of the government to re- Mr. Chairman, this legislation is a Constitution. By allowing for direct solve claims and make it harder to as- waste of time, too, and I urge my col- payments to nonvictim, third-party po- sist broad categories of people who are leagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ litical organizations, the Justice De- hurt by corporate malfeasance. For ex- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I partment is trampling upon the Con- ample, in the wake of the mortgage yield myself 1 minute to respond to the stitution, threatening due process, foreclosure crisis, the Department of gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- threatening separation of powers, and Justice sued several big banks respon- SON), who would not yield but who con- threatening checks and balances. Mr. sible for egregious misconduct that tinues to claim that this legislation Chairman, there is simply no justice to threw millions of people out of their helps these major financial institutions be found in the Obama Justice Depart- homes and put millions more in peril, while he defends the Justice Depart- ment. while the banks reaped massive profits. ment, which enters into agreements I also note the sheer hypocrisy of The banks agreed to resolve their with these financial institutions that what the Obama administration is claims by paying record-setting fines owe hundreds of millions of dollars—in doing while self-righteously claiming to the government in recognition of many instances, billions of dollars—to to be ‘‘tough on the big banks’’ and all the tremendous damage they had the Treasury in fines as a result of for ‘‘protecting consumers,’’ the Obama caused. Under well-established legal these settlements, but say if you give Justice Department’s special deals for authority, some of these settlements money to our preferred third-party big banks actually give the big banks also included payments to certain com- group that wasn’t even injured as a double credit or more toward their pen- munity organizations responsible for part of this process, if you give the alties for each ‘‘donation’’ made to po- assisting homeowners and the commu- money to them instead of to the gov- litical allies. This means these big nities devastated by the foreclosure ernment, instead of to the taxpayers, banks could erase, potentially, hun- crisis caused by the banks. instead of to the general Treasury, we dreds of millions of dollars in Federal These payments have had a dramatic will give you $2 off for every $1 you penalties this way, not to mention effect. In New York State, thanks to give them, $2 off the fine for every $1 avoid giving the money to actual vic- the consumer relief funds from these you give them, $2 million off the fine tims. settlements, more than 60,000 people for every $1 million you give them. Using cash to reward your political have received housing counseling and It adds up pretty quickly, but the allies instead of helping victims who legal services free of charge over the taxpayers are the ones taking a bath have been genuinely wronged is the last 4 years. Almost one-third of these here. Guess who benefits. Those big epitome of what is unfair and wrong homeowners have consequently re- banks that he says we are protecting? about this administration. Mr. Chair- ceived a mortgage modification or have No. The Justice Department is pro- man, I urge all Members—all Mem- one pending. tecting them, and this is why we need bers—to protect the Constitution and Other funds have gone to support this legislation. It is the Congress that to vote for H.R. 5063, the Stop Settle- community development institutions appropriates funds, not the bureaucrats and prosecutors in the Department of ment Slush Funds Act. like land banks, which are nonprofit Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- organizations formed by local and Justice. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to man, the last speaker spoke about how county governments. These land banks yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from the banks, Wall Street banks, are able help cities address vacant and aban- Pennsylvania (Mr. MARINO), the chair- to get a break from the executive doned properties known as zombie man of the Regulatory Reform, Com- branch when they pay out these settle- homes, zombie homes that were cre- mercial and Antitrust Law Sub- ments, but those are matters of legisla- ated by the foreclosure crisis caused by committee. tive action that has been passed by this the malfeasance of the big banks. Land Mr. MARINO. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congress which coddles the banks and banks acquire these properties, secure the chairman for the time and his lead- puts them in a position where they just them, and rehabilitate them for resale ership throughout the committee’s in- simply can’t lose. When it comes to as affordable housing, thereby increas- vestigation and as we have moved this these fines, as they call it, these are ing the tax rolls, reducing crime, and important piece of legislation to the not fines. These are settlement preserving property values for neigh- floor. amounts that are going to help the vic- boring homeowners and undoing some The Stop Settlement Slush Funds tims. They are not going to play poli- of the damage done by the malfeasance Act focuses on accountability and gov- tics anywhere. These are funds that are of the banks. In just the last 3 years, ernance. As we have heard here, this directed to entities which help the vic- land banks in New York have acquired bill is the product of a nearly 2-year- tims of the Wall Street excesses. So I more than 1,300 vacant and abandoned long House Judiciary Committee inves- want to make that clear. properties. tigation into the Department of Jus- Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Chairman, homeowners and cit- tice’s settlement practices. During the gentleman from New York (Mr. ies are still struggling with the after- that time, the Department of Justice NADLER). math of the foreclosure crisis, and the has funneled nearly $1 billion of this Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in third-party donations included in legal settlement money to third-party strong opposition to the so-called Stop settlements have proven vital in help- groups that benefit this administra- Settlement Slush Funds Act. ing those directly affected and those tion. But under Federal law—under The Republican majority likes to put secondarily harmed by the banks’ ac- Federal law—all money obtained creative names on their legislation, but tions. These payments were mutually through Department of Justice settle- what they call slush funds are really agreed-upon terms in a legal settle- ments must be deposited directly to voluntary settlements between the ment, but Republicans call them slush the Treasury. government and corporate wrongdoers. funds. They went to nationally recog- Our concerns are not with the serv- These settlements sometimes include nized community organizations or lo- ices provided by the groups receiving payments to third parties to address cally important community organiza- the money. They provide worthy serv- the generalized harms caused by cor- tions doing important work to help ices to individuals in need across the porate bad actors. But this bill would homeowners in crisis, in crisis because country. Nor are our concerns along prohibit any payments to a third party of the actions by the malefactor banks. party lines. Good governance and ac- unless the funds would be used to help The majority sneers and calls these countability apply to Republican and only the people directly harmed by the organizations activist groups. The ma- Democratic administrations alike.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.038 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 This piece of legislation focuses on legislation that has totally mis- our citizens, and it is opposed by indi- concerted and repeated actions that construed what has been done by the viduals who work with our citizens— have subverted the will of Congress, Department of Justice. clean water action, individuals who disrespected our separation of powers, It is important to note that it is not work dealing with consumers, the Na- and failed to assist the individuals di- unconstitutional. There is no breach of tional Council of La Raza, employment rectly harmed by the behavior war- the Constitution by way of what is lawyers, the National Fair Housing Al- ranting the settlements. The Judiciary going on here. liance, and the National Urban League. Committee’s investigation has revealed First of all, it is not billions of dol- These are organizations that can docu- that entities with access to high-rank- lars. It is minute in the course of help- ment that they help people in their ing Department of Justice officials re- ing individuals—$50 million—less than worst needs. ceived the funds. 1.1 percent of a total settlement of $23.5 Who is helping to assist in the Baton The Stop Settlement Slush Funds billion. Rouge floods after FEMA? It will prob- Act will end this practice without lim- We know that the Congressional Re- ably be a lot of nonprofits dealing with iting the Department of Justice’s abil- search Service must be nonpartisan. housing counseling. ity to reach settlements that directly All of us use the Congressional Re- The Acting CHAIR (Mr. SIMPSON). provide restitution to those harmed. It search Service. I would venture to say The time of the gentlewoman has ex- does not block the ability to provide that it is one of the most nonpartisan, pired. restitution for victims. Instead, it en- independent entities that we have. He Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- sures that money belonging to the U.S. has indicated twice that the settle- man, I yield the gentlewoman an addi- Treasury and, therefore, to the Amer- ments are lawful. I said, Mr. Chairman, tional 1 minute. ican people is not siphoned off for the lawful. That is my concern with this Ms. JACKSON LEE. So what I argue pet projects of political appointees. misnamed legislation. This legislation today is that we are within the con- Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues hurts the vulnerable and victims. fines of the law. It is a minute portion. to support good governance, account- It is not the billions of dollars that b 1430 ability, and the powers granted to Con- have been represented. It is certainly gress and vote ‘‘yes.’’ This legislation is not dealing with not a slush fund. Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- the crux of the issue. These are settle- Mr. Chairman, I include in the man, I just can’t believe what I heard ments engaging in agencies. These are RECORD an article from the Houston the gentleman from Virginia say about not appropriated dollars. These are Chronicle, dated Sunday, September 4, the big banks being coddled by the Jus- judgments within the context of the 2016. It involves shooting victims. tice Department, being given a break. court. What is happening is that, out of These are the survivors of the Aurora, So he is complaining that the big the settlement, the agency is attempt- Colorado, shooting. And guess what. banks are being given a break, but then ing to help people to help victims. The theater prevailed. They didn’t the purpose of this legislation is to Let me give you an example as it re- have to pay a dime. They didn’t have take the big banks off of the hook. It is lates to HUD counseling. Just a few to have any check as to whether or not ironic. days ago, we saw mention of the ongo- their doors could have been more se- Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to ing concerns involving foreclosures. cure. They could have had security, but the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Many people may think that that is a it said the shooting survivors owe JACKSON LEE). thing of the past, but it is not. It is $700,000 to the theater. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I clearly something that is important to Do you want to hear who one of the thank the distinguished ranking mem- many people. victims was? Let me just share with ber of the subcommittee. I acknowl- Working with HUD counseling orga- you a victim who just couldn’t bring edge the chairman of the full com- nizations, they are providing resources herself to accept. I feel sorry. Her suf- mittee and, as well, the ranking mem- to help individuals get out of the pit of fering had been profound. Her child was ber of the full committee. a foreclosure. It is well known that if killed in the shooting. She was left par- I am going to announce some break- individuals get counseling, they are alyzed, and the baby she was carrying ing news. The Judiciary Committee nearly three times more likely to ob- had been lost. Do you know what she gets along. We do a lot of good work to- tain a money-saving mortgage modi- got? Zero, zero, zero. I just wish the gether. I am looking forward to moving fication. Justice Department could have shared legislation dealing with a number of If an individual family all over this a resource with her or a group or the good policy suggestions and legislative Nation was to get that, they would be class action lawsuit that was thrown initiatives involving the criminal jus- more likely to receive a payment re- out of court causing them to have to tice system. I hope we can continue to duction of approximately $61 a month pay $700,000 to the theater. work together. greater, on average, than noncounseled This bill does not deal with those in But I would raise concern as to this homeowners. They would be nearly need. Vote against this bill. legislation, and I raise it in the context twice as likely to get their mortgage (The following article appeared on of all that this Congress has to do. I back on track without a modification. September 4, 2016 in the Houston Chronicle:) would also raise it in the context that Maybe, Mr. Chairman, a family of four, [From the Los Angeles Times] the administration has indicated on six, eight, or nine might not get kicked SHOOTING SURVIVORS OWE $700K TO THEATER this bill, H.R. 5063, the misnamed Stop out of their house because of HUD (By Nigel Duara) Settlement Slush Funds—totally mis- counseling resources that have been DENVER.—They had survived brain damage, named—a veto threat. We don’t know given through a settlement, not forced paralysis and the deaths of their children. whether anyone in the United States through a settlement, not oppressed For four years, they met in secret as a group. Senate, the other body, has any inter- and overbearing, but through a settle- Now, they were finally prepared to settle est in this legislation at all. ment, through a legal justified settle- with the Aurora, Colo., movie theater that So in the meantime, there are any ment. became the site of one of the deadliest mas- number of issues that should be ad- What would our friends want us to sacres in U.S. history. On a conference call, the federal judge dressed. My State of Texas is suffering do? To ignore these people. overseeing the case told the plaintiffs’ attor- under the threat of the Zika virus. The Counseling would bring about, if nec- neys that he was prepared to rule in the the- State of Florida is already in the eye of essary, an ability to complete short ater chain’s favor. He urged the plaintiffs to the storm, Puerto Rico, all of the Gulf sales faster than homeowners who settle with Cinemark, owner of the Century States, maybe as far reaching as New don’t work with housing counselors Aurora 16 multiplex where the July 20, 2012, York. That work needs to be done. The and about 60 percent less likely to re- shooting occurred. They had 24 hours. children of Flint are still asking us to default after curing a serious delin- But before that deadline, the settlement would collapse and 15 survivors of the mas- respond to their concerns. The people quency. sacre would be ordered to pay the theater of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are still That is the kind of agency that is chain more than $700,000. asking us to respond to the devastation being called some kind of slush fund. The settlement conference, corroborated that they are facing. Yet we deal with This is totally skewed into the needs of by the Los Angeles Times with four parties

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.039 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5123 present at the conference, was hastily con- other places to go in the Federal Gov- take some action. What did the body do vened after a separate set of survivors suf- ernment to get that money by simply back then? It adjourned for 7 weeks. fered defeat in state court, where a jury de- going around the Congress and going to This is a spectacle that the American cided that Cinemark could not have foreseen the Justice Department, having them people are looking at. You can’t help the events of that night in 2012, when James but to see it. You can’t help but to un- Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others take money that is supposed to go into in a 10-minute rampage at a screening of the Treasury and then be appropriated derstand it. The American people are ‘‘The Dark Knight Rises.’’ by the Congress, and say: No, no, we being adversely impacted by the poli- In the federal case, survivors agreed to will beef you back up in terms of the cies of my friends on the other side of split $150,000 among 41 plaintiffs. The deal amount of money for housing coun- the aisle. They have caught a bad case came with an implied threat: If the survivors seling and put that money, instead, to of the Trump syndrome, the Trump rejected the deal, moved forward with their you directly here without it going syndrome which causes people to forget case and lost, under Colorado law, they about the truth, forget about reality, would be responsible for the astronomical through the appropriations process in court fees accumulated by Cinemark. the people’s House. start seeing things the way that they Then one plaintiff rejected the deal. Her That is what we are trying to fix want to see them, and they don’t care suffering had been profound: Her child was here. It is a very, very important thing what impact it has on the American killed in the shooting, she was left paralyzed that we fix and a very important prin- people. All they want to do is be able and the baby she was carrying had been lost. ciple that we protect in our Constitu- to retain their positions, although they None of the plaintiffs would receive a tion. say that they hate government, they dime. Although a source close to the theater I reserve the balance of my time. want to be here so that they can shrink chain said that there is no intention to actu- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- government, make it smaller, leave ev- ally seek recovery of the court costs, the man, I yield myself such time as I may erything to the private sector, and theater chain has not issued any statement consume. leave the American people fending for about its intentions. Even though the Senate may take up themselves. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I this ill-fated measure, the President We have had that happening for yield myself such time as I may con- has promised to veto it. So what we are much too long. That is what the Amer- sume to respond to the gentlewoman doing here today is another messaging ican people are so angry about on both from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), who is bill that distracts the American people sides of the aisle. That is why the a valued member of the Judiciary Com- perhaps from the more important mainstream portion of the other side of mittee, and we do work on bipartisan issues of the day, such as the spreading the aisle has completely lost control of issues. I will say that this issue is bi- of this public health crisis, the Zika their apparatus. We have the Trump partisan as well, and she should take virus, which is afflicting almost 17,000 syndrome that has taken hold, and this note of the fact that it is also bi- Americans infected by mosquitos car- body is sick because it is being led by cameral. The United States Senate is, rying the Zika virus—17,000 people—200 folks who have fallen victim to the indeed, interested in this issue. The bill babies born, 1,600 infected women. Trump syndrome. Enough is enough. that we are considering in the House This is a crisis that is going to cost The American people are sick and tired has also been introduced in the Senate the American people from a public of it. by Senator LANKFORD from Oklahoma. health perspective. It is going to cost With respect to Congress appro- Also very, very importantly, it is im- the lives of the unborn whose mothers priating funds, this Congress still has portant to understand that when the are afflicted with this virus, giving to pass a budget. But you are talking Congress appropriates funds, it is the birth to them, and they have the virus about dealing with what is called a duty of the executive branch to carry and suffer from microcephaly, a slush fund, the Stop Settlement Slush out the appropriations made by the shrunken head and brain which renders Funds Act of 2016. They say that Con- Congress, not to go out and change them severely developmentally im- gress should be the one to allocate re- those decisions. pacted as they make it through life and sources; it shouldn’t come out of a set- The gentlewoman talks about hous- add a severe burden to the taxpayers. tlement. Well, the fact is that there are ing counseling. Well, the Congress ap- Instead of dealing with this issue, we no public dollars coming to fruition in propriates funds for housing coun- took a 7-week vacation and refused to a settlement between a big bank and seling, has and will continue to do so, come back to work to deal with the the Justice Department. Those are all I am sure. When we cut back on some Zika virus. privately held funds that are being dis- of those funds—it is still a lot of funds. At the same time as we have got the gorged from the wrongdoer and placed When we cut back on some, I guess Zika virus, a public health issue af- back in the service of the very people there were some people, some bureau- flicting the Nation, we are also seeing that were harmed by the wrongdoing of crats in the Justice Department who more and more and more people dying the big banks. There is no legislative felt that that was not the right thing from opioid abuse in this country. This appropriation there because there is no to do. Or maybe it was the organiza- Congress has been insufficient in deal- public money. It is private money, but tions that receive these funds that ing with this, applying the resources to it is being redirected to those from couldn’t get them from the Congress, deal with that issue. whom it was wrongfully taken. That is so instead they went over to the Jus- We have got the issue of Flint, Michi- what makes this legislation so hurtful tice Department and said: Well, when gan, where lead was found in the water. to the process. you get settlements from these big This Congress has done absolutely I would ask my colleagues to, again, banks, make sure that you give some nothing to address the financial impli- be in opposition to it. of those funds to us. cations of that and what we can do to Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of Well, that actually subverts the di- help remediate it and to keep it from my time to the gentleman from Michi- rect intent of the Congress in terms of happening. gan (Mr. CONYERS), my chairman—or how much money to spend. The funds Now we get East Chicago, Indiana, my ranking member. I say ‘‘chairman’’ are owed to the Treasury of the United with people living atop a lead dump, in a very hopeful way. States and to the people who are di- basically, thousands of people im- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chairman, the rectly the victims of wrongdoing. They pacted, and this Congress will do noth- gentleman from Georgia is much ap- should definitely be compensated. If ing. preciated in the clarity of his analysis they are compensated as a part of a That is not to mention anything and his commitment for us to use, if we settlement that any Justice Depart- about the other public health problem can, the right terminology when we are ment prosecutor enters into, they that afflicts the Nation, and that is the approaching these subjects, because should benefit from that. ongoing gun violence issue, which this this bill would prohibit the enforce- People who are not victims need to Congress will do nothing about other ment or negotiation of any settlement go through the appropriations process, than to hold a hearing on this coming agreement requiring donations to re- come to the Congress for funding. If Friday to censure those of us who had mediate harms that are not directly the Congress doesn’t give them the the gall to sit in the well of this House and proximately caused by a party’s funding they want, they shouldn’t have Chamber to demand that this body unlawful conduct.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.010 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 My opposition to this measure, to nancial Services Committee that the effectual,’’ and they wanted to ‘‘ensure begin with, is that the bill will prohibit donation beneficiaries were ‘‘Democrat Congress would act as the first branch the use of various types of settlement special interests.’’ These include the of government.’’ Accordingly, they un- agreements that have been successfully Neighborhood Assistance Corporation derstood Congress ‘‘would less effi- used to remedy various harms caused of America, whose director calls him- ciently and less coherently devise fis- by reckless corporate actors. For ex- self a ‘‘bank terrorist.’’ Documents cal policy than would a single ‘treas- ample, these settlement agreements show that the groups that benefited urer’ or ‘fiscal czar.’ Yet they chose, have been utilized to facilitate an ef- from mandatory donation provisions for good reason, to suffer this cost and fective response to predatory and actively lobbied the DOJ to include bear its risks.’’ fraudulent mortgage lending activities them. This bipartisan legislation is a crit- that nearly caused the economic col- The bill’s opponents have proffered a ical opportunity to marry oversight lapse of our Nation. series of specious arguments. The prin- with action and to effectuate the cipal ones I refuted earlier. The others b 1445 Founders’ vision of Congress’ spending I will address now. power as key to reining in the execu- In fact, settlement agreements with We are told that required donations tive branch. This is a commonsense two of these culpable financial institu- represent just a fraction of the overall bill, the objections to which are un- tions—Bank of America and settlement amounts. That is true, but founded; so I urge all of my colleagues Citigroup—required a donation of less irrelevant. In absolute terms, there is a to support this bill. than 1 percent of the overall settle- tremendous amount of money—nearly Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- ment amount to help affected con- $1 billion—flowing to activist groups at ance of my time. sumers. the unilateral discretion of the execu- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chair, today, I will H.R. 5063 is a dangerous measure that tive just in these financial service in- vote against H.R. 5063, a bill that would pro- would undermine the ability of civil dustry settlements and another $2 bil- hibit the federal government from entering into enforcement agencies to hold wrong- lion more for the Volkswagon settle- settlement agreements that include payments doers accountable and to provide com- ment. In any event, the $1 billion is directed to appropriate third parties. This bill, plete relief to victims. over twice the annual Congressional if enacted, would defang federal civil enforce- A broad coalition of public interest appropriation for the Legal Services ment agencies as they seek to address and organizations, including the Americans Corporation and is a huge windfall to provide restitution for illegal actions that for Financial Reform, Public Citizen, the recipient organizations. An anal- threaten a community’s health and safety and the National Fair Housing Alliance, ysis of 80 beneficiaries of the Bank of the environment, and to prevent the recur- and the National Urban League, notes America settlement revealed that, on rence of those illegal actions. that this bill is a gift to lawbreakers average, the DOJ required donations The harms caused by, for instance, viola- that comes at the expense of families accounted for more than 10 percent of tions of environmental laws, predatory lending and communities that are impacted by their 2015 budgets. Such largesse by financial institutions, and workplace expo- injuries that cannot be addressed by di- should not be conferred unilaterally. sure to toxic chemicals, harm individuals and rect restitution. The National Council Critics contend that there is insuffi- our communities. These harms can be difficult of La Raza, which is the largest na- cient evidence that the DOJ structured to adequately compensate. Settlements that tional Hispanic civil rights and advo- the settlements to direct funds to ac- only require payments to those directly cacy organization in our country, simi- tivist groups. This is disingenuous. The harmed by the wrongdoing addressed in the larly notes that H.R. 5063 is a far- opposition knows that the DOJ refuses enforcement action fails to adequately capture reaching and misguided solution to a to let the committee make the most the full cost of unlawful conduct. nonexistent problem. troubling documents it found public. For decades, the United States government I urge my colleagues to look at this Opponents also argued that manda- has entered into settlement agreements with bill clearly and to oppose this flawed tory donations are plainly lawful; but defendants to pay for the direct harms they legislation. the House Financial Services Com- have caused. In many instances, these settle- I thank the leader of this measure on mittee heard from three experts that ments also include payments to organizations the floor today, the gentleman from mandatory donations are an unconsti- that advance programs assisting with the re- Georgia. tutional subversion of Congress’ spend- covery of a community harmed by the wrong- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- ing power. That view is echoed by doing addressed in the enforcement action. man, I yield back the balance of my former President Clinton’s own head of The ability of the federal government to direct time. the Department of Justice’s Office of payments from these settlements to third par- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Legal Counsel. Yet, even if these pay- ties is often the best way to hold wrongdoers yield myself such time as I may con- ments were not unlawful, they are defi- accountable for the indirect harm done to the sume. nitely bad policy, which is precisely public at large. First, I say to my friend, the gen- why legislation should prohibit them. The Acting CHAIR. All time for gen- tleman from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS), Another unfounded objection is that eral debate has expired. of course, the National Council of La it is unrealistic for Congress to legis- Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be Raza would not like this legislation be- late redress every time a violation oc- considered for amendment under the 5- cause the National Council of La Raza curs that causes generalized harm. minute rule. is the largest beneficiary of what the In the banking settlements, the hous- It shall be in order to consider as an Justice Department is doing. They are ing groups that received donations original bill for the purpose of amend- getting the money. They are one of the were in categories that were already ment under the 5-minute rule the largest recipients. So I am not at all specifically receiving grants from Con- amendment in the nature of a sub- surprised to hear that they wouldn’t gress. This shows that the infrastruc- stitute, recommended by the Com- like us to stop this cozy relationship in ture to direct funding to community mittee on the Judiciary, printed in the which they go to the Justice Depart- projects is already in place. bill. The committee amendment in the ment and say, ‘‘Hey, we need more The Department of Justice could also nature of a substitute shall be consid- money,’’ and the Justice Department recommend to Congress, for example, ered as read. says, ‘‘Okay. In the next settlement we as part of the President’s budget, The text of the committee amend- do, we will send some of that money projects to fund that address general- ment in the nature of a substitute is as over to you.’’ This is an abuse. It is ized harm. follows: clearly a slush fund, and it needs to be Finally, as the renowned liberal legal H.R. 5063 stopped. scholar and former D.C. circuit judge, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- I prefer to focus on institutional con- Abner Mikva, has explained, on this resentatives of the United States of America in cerns with mandatory donations rather point, efficiency is outweighed by the Congress assembled, than on the nature of the recipients. principles of representative govern- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. However, there is no ignoring the trou- ment. The Founders knew the spending This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stop Settlement bling May 19, 2016, testimony to the Fi- power was ‘‘the most far-reaching and Slush Funds Act of 2016’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.042 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5125 SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON DONATIONS MADE PUR- cases typically seek payment and other ing relief. The Stop Settlement Slush SUANT TO SETTLEMENT AGREE- relief for economic losses that result Funds Act of 2016 explicitly permits re- MENTS TO WHICH THE UNITED STATES IS A PARTY. from unlawful employer conduct. These medial payments to third-party vic- (a) LIMITATION ON REQUIRED DONATIONS.—An cases often involve multiple victims tims who were wrongly and proxi- official or agent of the Government may not who are subjected to the same wide- mately harmed by the defendant’s enter into or enforce any settlement agreement spread discriminatory employment wrongdoing; nor does the bill preclude on behalf of the United States, directing or pro- practice or policy that violate the Civil wider conduct remedies used in dis- viding for a payment to any person or entity Rights Act. They also tend to affect crimination cases. Nothing in the bill other than the United States, other than a pay- the interests of persons who are not bars the Department of Justice, for ex- ment that provides restitution for or otherwise directly remedies actual harm (including to the parties to the civil action or who are ample, from requiring a defendant to environment) directly and proximately caused otherwise unlikely to receive com- implement workplace training and by the party making the payment, or constitutes pensation for unlawful conduct. monitoring programs. The ban on payment for services rendered in connection Given the often systemic nature of third-party payments merely ensures with the case. discriminatory conduct, settlement that the defendant remains responsible (b) PENALTY.—Any official or agent of the agreements should be able to provide for performing these tasks itself and is Government who violates subsection (a), shall be relief for non-identifiable victims not forced to outsource set sums for subject to the same penalties that would apply through such means as requiring pay- in the case of a violation of section 3302 of title the work to third parties that might be 31, United States Code. ments to address generalized harm or friendly with a given administration. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsections (a) and (b) to prevent future discriminatory acts. I also say to the gentleman from apply only in the case of a settlement agreement Examples include workplace moni- Michigan that former Congressman concluded on or after the date of enactment of toring and training programs. Never- Dan Lungren of California, a distin- this Act. theless, H.R. 5063 would prohibit these guished former colleague of ours on the (d) DEFINITION.—The term ‘‘settlement agree- types of payment remedies unless they House Judiciary Committee, was in- ment’’ means a settlement agreement resolving a provide restitution for actual harm di- strumental in helping us move this leg- civil action or potential civil action. rectly and proximately caused by the islation forward and is a supporter of The Acting CHAIR. No amendment party making the payment. the legislation, notwithstanding the to the committee amendment in the At last month’s hearing on the bill, comments of the gentleman’s that nature of a substitute shall be in order Professor David Uhlmann of the Uni- might confuse people as to what his po- except those printed in House Report versity of Michigan Law School testi- sition was. He strongly supports this 114–724. Each such amendment may be fied that this requirement would poten- legislation. offered only in the order printed in the tially preclude all third-party pay- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- report, by a Member designated in the ments and settlement agreements ance of my time. report, shall be considered read, shall other than restitution to identifiable b 1500 be debatable for the time specified in victims. The majority’s own witness, the report, equally divided and con- our former colleague, Daniel Lungren, The Acting CHAIR. The question is trolled by the proponent and an oppo- who previously served as California on the amendment offered by the gen- nent, shall not be subject to amend- State Attorney General, concurred. He tleman from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS). ment, and shall not be subject to a de- observed that the bill prohibits the The question was taken; and the Act- mand for division of the question. United States Government from enter- ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. CONYERS ing into a settlement agreement that peared to have it. The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order requires a defendant to donate to an Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I to consider amendment No. 1 printed in organization or individual who is not a demand a recorded vote. House Report 114–724. party to the litigation. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chair, I have an I am concerned that the bill’s broad clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- amendment at the desk. and ill-defined prohibition would effec- ceedings on the amendment offered by The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will tively deter civil enforcement agencies the gentleman from Michigan will be designate the amendment. from providing general relief in dis- postponed. The text of the amendment is as fol- crimination cases, would discourage AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. CICILLINE lows: courts from enforcing these settle- The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Page 3, line 11, insert after ‘‘settlement ments, and would invite costly and to consider amendment No. 2 printed in agreement’’ the following: ‘‘(other than an needless litigation concerning these House Report 114–724. excepted settlement agreement)’’. provisions. Accordingly, my amend- Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chairman, I Page 4, strike line 1, and insert the fol- ment would accept payments to reme- have an amendment at the desk. lowing: diate generalized harms in settlement The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act: agreements in this important category designate the amendment. (1) The term ‘‘excepted settlement agree- The text of the amendment is as fol- ment’’ means a settlement agreement that of civil rights cases. resolves a civil action or potential civil ac- I am indebted to and thank my col- lows: tion in relation to discrimination based on leagues: the gentleman from Georgia, Page 3, line 11, insert after ‘‘settlement race, religion, national origin, or any other who is leading this opposition to the agreement’’ the following: ‘‘(other than an protected category. measure—the ranking member of the excepted settlement agreement)’’. (2) The term ‘‘settlement agreement’’ Page 4, strike line 1, and insert the fol- Committee on Regulatory Reform, lowing: The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Commercial and Antitrust Law—as (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act: House Resolution 843, the gentleman well as the gentleman from New York, (1) The term ‘‘excepted settlement agree- from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and a Congressman MEEKS, for co-sponsoring ment’’ means a settlement agreement that Member opposed each will control 5 this amendment. I urge its support. pertains to the protection of the privacy of minutes. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Americans. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ance of my time. (2) The term ‘‘settlement agreement’’ from Michigan. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Chairman, my rise in opposition to the amendment. House Resolution 843, the gentleman amendment would exempt from the The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. CICILLINE) and legislation settlement agreements that from Virginia is recognized for 5 min- a Member opposed each will control 5 provide payments to third parties as utes. minutes. general relief for violations of title VII Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, the The Chair recognizes the gentleman of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. amendment would exempt certain dis- from Rhode Island. Title VII prohibits discrimination in crimination settlements from the bill’s Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chairman, my employment on the basis of race, color, ban on third-party payments, but noth- amendment would exempt settlement sex, religion, or national origin. Plain- ing in the underlying bill prevents a agreements that strengthen the per- tiffs in employment discrimination victim of discrimination from obtain- sonal privacy of Americans from the

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My amendment would simply ensure by adopting a privacy program, em- More specifically, it would preserve the that these agreements, which protect ployee training and monitoring re- ability of civil enforcement agencies to the privacy of American consumers, quirements, third-party auditing, reg- compel large corporations to adopt pro- are not endangered by this bill’s vague ular testing of privacy controls and grams to protect consumer data. and broad prohibition on payments in procedures, and other reasonable steps Under this bill, these agencies would settlement agreements. to maintain security practices con- be prohibited from reaching settlement I urge my colleagues to support my sistent with the underlying settlement. agreements that provide payments to amendment. The protection of Americans’ privacy nongovernmental parties. It would I reserve the balance of my time. is not a Democratic or a Republican only exempt payments to provide res- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I issue. Indeed, it is one of the few that titution for actual harm directly and rise in opposition to the amendment. those across the political spectrum proximately caused by the party mak- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman have long embraced, including my ing the payment. As a result, H.R. 5063 from Virginia is recognized for 5 min- friends on the other side of the aisle. would potentially prohibit payments utes. Yet, notwithstanding these shared con- for required monitoring and other pay- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I cerns, this bill could impose burden- ments for generalized harm due to pri- oppose this amendment. The amend- some requirements on settlement vacy breaches. ment would exempt settlement agree- agreements that are intended to pro- As Professor David Uhlmann of the ments pertaining to the protection of tect privacy. University of Michigan Law School Americans’ privacy, but nothing in the I voice my support for the amend- pointed out during the subcommittee underlying bill prevents victims of a ment. hearing for this bill, it could ‘‘preclude privacy invasion from obtaining relief. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the all third-party payments in settlement The Stop Settlement Slush Funds gentleman from Rhode Island has ex- agreements, other than restitution to Act of 2016 explicitly permits remedial pired. identifiable victims.’’ payments to third-party victims who Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I This is particularly problematic in are directly and proximately harmed yield back the balance of my time. the consumer privacy context where by the defendant’s wrongdoing, nor The Acting CHAIR. The question is the harms may be diffuse or systemic. does the bill preclude wider conduct on the amendment offered by the gen- In such instances, the most appropriate remedies used in privacy cases. tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. remedy may involve prescribing steps Nothing in the bill bars DOJ from re- CICILLINE). that effectively prevent future mis- quiring a defendant to implement The question was taken; and the Act- conduct rather than ones that focus ex- measures to strengthen privacy. The ing Chair announced that the ayes ap- clusively on addressing previous faults. ban on third-party payments merely peared to have it. For instance, the Federal Trade Com- ensures that the defendant remains re- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I mission has used its authority under sponsible for performing these privacy- demand a recorded vote. Section 5(a) of the FTC Act to resolve strengthening tasks and is not forced The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to complaints involving unfair or decep- to outsource set sums for the work to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- tive practices. third parties who might be friendly ceedings on the amendment offered by As part of settlement agreements for with a given administration. the gentleman from Rhode Island will these complaints, the FTC typically re- Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to be postponed. quires the offending party to adopt a oppose this amendment. AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON series of preventative privacy meas- I reserve the balance of my time. LEE ures. These requirements usually in- Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chairman, I The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order clude employee training and moni- yield the balance of my time to the to consider amendment No. 3 printed in toring requirements, third-party audit- gentleman from Georgia (Mr. JOHN- House Report 114–724. ing, regular testing of privacy control SON). Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I and procedures, and other reasonable Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- have an amendment at the desk. steps to maintain data security prac- man, with increased opportunities for The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will tices consistent with the underlying private organizations to obtain, main- designate the amendment. settlement. tain, and disseminate sensitive private The text of the amendment is as fol- These steps are not frivolous, and the information of citizens, it is critical lows: payments involved are not opaque con- that we not prevent or delay enforce- Page 3, line 11, insert after ‘‘settlement tributions to any so-called slush funds. ment of consumer protection laws de- agreement’’ the following: ‘‘(other than an To the contrary, these programs are signed to protect Americans’ privacy excepted settlement agreement)’’. carefully tailored to protect consumer rights. Page 4, strike line 1, and insert the fol- lowing: As Professor David Uhlmann of privacy. Such agreements are an im- (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act: portant and substantive component of Michigan Law noted during the hearing (1) The term ‘‘excepted settlement agree- the toolbox that enforcement agencies on H.R. 5063, this measure ‘‘fails to ade- ment’’ means a settlement agreement that have at their disposals. But under the quately address the fact that general- pertains to providing restitution for a State. terms of H.R. 5063, these programs ized harm arises in civil cases,’’ includ- (2) The term ‘‘settlement agreement’’ would be likely prohibited since they ing cases brought under consumer pro- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to do not provide restitution to an identi- tection laws under section 5 of the Fed- House Resolution 843, the gentlewoman fiable victim or a party to the litiga- eral Trade Commission Act. from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) and a tion. H.R. 5063 only exempts payments to Member opposed each will control 5 The majority claims that their bill parties other than the government to minutes. would allow for monitoring, but that is provide restitution for actual harm The Chair recognizes the gentle- unclear in the language and, at best, ‘‘directly and proximately caused by woman from Texas. would have to be litigated by the the party making the payment.’’ Con- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I courts. Moreover, any monitoring al- gress has expressly granted authority want to, again, reiterate that words do lowed by this language would be done to the Federal Trade Commission, how- matter. The naming of this bill, unfor- by the very defendant paying restitu- ever, to resolve complaints against cor- tunately, skews and distorts a legiti- tion in these cases, which defies best porations for unfair or deceptive acts mate right that agencies in litigation practices, especially in privacy cases. or practices under section 5 of the FTC have. In cases of data breaches, in which it Act. In particular, I want to take note of is frequently impossible to identify all As part of resolving potential civil li- the fact, again—I think it is always im- victims of a leak, it is common to put ability of corporations for unlawful portant to set the record straight—that funds into victim relief funds or con- conduct, FTC settlement agreements the settlement donations have been 1.1 sumer privacy funds, which would be typically require parties to address percent of $23.5 billion, that a govern- prohibited by this legislation as well. generalized harms of unlawful conduct ment-independent entity has indicated

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.048 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5127 that these settlements are lawful. The through a settlement agreement resulting from Funds Act of 2016 explicitly permits re- sledgehammer effect that has been the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, that included medial payments to third-party vic- taken in order to ensure that we stop funds to several Gulf states, including Texas, tims who are directly and proximately victims, innocent persons from getting where Texas was not party to the complaint, harmed by the defendant’s wrongdoing, some relief is unbelievable. but received $3.25 million for SEPs and other which would include States. So the Jackson Lee amendment No. 3 responsive actions. If there is no State that is a true vic- would address the problematic concern Professor Joel Mintz of Nova Southeastern tim, the defendant is not let off the with H.R. 5063, which would only ex- University College of Law, a former chief attor- hook. It still must pay. But in the ab- empt payments to third parties to pro- ney with the EPA, noted in his written state- sence of direct victims, the money goes vide restitution for actual harm di- ment on H.R. 5063, that the proposed bill to the U.S. Treasury. That is appro- rectly and proximately caused by the would prohibit these agreements. priate because if the State is not a di- party making the payment. That is, many of the important benefits now rect victim, accountable Representa- The Jackson Lee amendment No. 3 provided by EPA’s SEPs program would be tives in Congress, not agency bureau- would carve out an additional exemp- excluded by H.R. 5063. crats, should decide whether the State tion to enable States to act as third- The bill’s definition, according to Professor should receive money recovered by the party actors with the ability to remedy Mintz, excludes ‘‘any payment by a party to Federal Government. generalized harm for mass injuries provide restitution for or otherwise remedy the Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to where the actual party responsible for actual harm (including to the environment), di- oppose this amendment. directly or proximately causing the rectly and proximately caused by the alleged I reserve the balance of my time. harm is there. conduct of the party that is the basis for the Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, For example, the Jackson Lee settlement agreement.’’ quite the contrary to my dear friend, amendment No. 3 would allow for As such, this exception is too narrowly this bill is unclear. It is not clear. So States, such as Texas and other Gulf drawn to allow for numerous beneficial uses of victims are impacted positively by en- Coast States, to address the environ- SEP monies. vironmental restoration projects, in- mental harms resulting in settlement Thus, for example, the bill would appear to cluding activities to protect local eco- agreements to impacted parties such as ban the following entirely legitimate, appro- systems, facility assessments and au- those harmed by a variety of man- priate uses of SEP funds that are currently dits, including investigations of local made disasters. permitted by EPA: environmental quality, programs that I urge adoption of this particular Pollution prevention projects that improve promote environmental compliance, amendment because, again, it would plant procedures and technologies, and/or op- projects that provide technical assist- provide an opportunity for States to eration and maintenance practices, that will ance or equipment. remediate generalized harm of unlaw- prevent additional pollution at its source; Each of these types of programs pro- ful conduct beyond harms to identifi- Environmental restoration projects including vide important protections of human able victims. activities that protect local ecosystems from health and the environment in commu- I believe, in particular, the bill here actual or potential harm resulting from the vio- nities that have been harmed by envi- that we have would ban the following lation; ronmental violations and others. entirely legitimate, appropriate uses of Facility assessments and audits, including It is not clear whether or not these SEP funds that are currently per- investigations of local environmental quality, kinds of projects or programs that the mitted by EPA: pollution prevention environmental compliance audits, and inves- State may be able to utilize are, in projects that improve plant procedures tigations into opportunities to reduce the use, fact, able to be utilized in this legisla- and technologies and/or operation and production and generation of toxic materials; tion. That is why I offer amendment Programs that promote environmental com- maintenance practices that will pre- No. 3. vent additional pollution at its source. pliance by promoting training or technical sup- Again, I will raise the terrible head- I ask my colleagues to support the port to other members of the regulated com- line of victims having to pay $700,000. amendment. munity; and Let’s not make victims pay by this un- Mr. Chair, the Jackson Lee Amendment No. Projects that provide technical assistance or derlying bill, H.R. 5063. Let’s support 3 exempts from H.R. 5063 settlement agree- equipment to a responsible state or local the Jackson Lee amendment that ments that pertain to providing restitution for a emergency response entity for purposes of takes into consideration the victims State. emergency planning or preparedness. who need to be compensated and pro- Mr. Chair, H.R. 5063, as currently drafted, is Each of these types of programs provide im- vide a pathway for restoration. flawed and misguided. portant protections of human health and the This bill seeks to exempt only those pay- environment in communities that have been I urge my colleagues to support the ments to parties other than the government to harmed by environmental violations. Jackson Lee amendment No. 3. provide restitution for actual harm ‘‘directly and However, because they are unlikely to be I yield back the balance of my time. proximately caused by the party making the construed as redressing ‘‘actual (environ- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I payment.’’ mental) harm, directly and proximately yield myself the balance of my time to Mr. Chair, I urge adoption of the Jackson caused’’ by the alleged violator, the bill before say, again, that direct victims, like the Lee Amendment No. 3 which seeks to ad- this committee would prohibit every one of one that the gentlewoman has cited, in dress the additional case exception for those them. a terrible case are not in any way af- instances where funds are directed to states The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 3 would fected by this legislation because they to remediate the generalized harm of unlawful eliminate this harmful prohibition by imple- can be compensated. conduct beyond harms to identifiable victims. menting a common sense exception for these It is the reappropriating of funds, if One clear example of where such an ex- very types of cases. you will, to people who are not in any emption is needed is concerning the Deep- Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support way harmed by the underlying lawsuit water Horizon Settlement agreements direct- the Jackson Lee Amendment No. 3. that is our complaint because those ing payments to states as third parties for gen- I reserve the balance of my time. dollars should be coming to the U.S. eral remediation of harms. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Treasury to be appropriated by the Under current law, the Environmental Pro- rise in opposition to the amendment. people’s elected Representatives here tection Agency (EPA) may include Supple- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman in the House of Representatives. mental Environmental Projects (SEPs) in set- from Virginia is recognized for 5 min- For that reason, I oppose this legisla- tlement agreements to offset the harms of un- utes. tion, and I urge my colleagues to join lawful conduct by requiring parties to under- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, me in opposing this amendment. take an environmentally beneficial project or this amendment would exempt settle- I yield back the balance of my time. activity that is not required by law, but that a ments providing restitution to a State, The Acting CHAIR. The question is defendant agrees to undertake as part of the but that is unnecessary. Nothing in the on the amendment offered by the gen- settlement of an enforcement action. underlying bill prevents States that tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON In 2012, the EPA and Justice Department have been wronged from obtaining res- LEE). resolved the civil liability of MOEX Offshore titution. The Stop Settlement Slush The amendment was rejected.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.050 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON dition to paying $582,000, Suffolk Laun- have led this country—haltingly but inex- LEE dry will adopt new procedures to pre- orably—in the direction of fairness, inclusion The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order vent sexual harassment and will train and equality for all Americans.’’ to consider amendment No. 4 printed in its managers and staff on identifying Enforcing these rights is as important today House Report 114–724. and preventing sexual harassment and as they were during the enactment of the Civil Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I retaliation. The policies and staff Rights Act over fifty years ago. have amendment No. 4 at the desk. training will be available in Spanish. H.R. 5063 would prohibit remediation of The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will EEOC will monitor Suffolk Laundry’s generalized harm in civil rights cases, restrict- designate the amendment. compliance with these obligations and ing relief for non-parties to the litigation and The text of the amendment is as fol- title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 non-identifiable victims of discrimination. lows: for a period of 4 years. Professor David Uhlmann observed during Page 3, line 11, insert after ‘‘settlement Because of this consent decree, these last month’s hearing on this bill ‘‘fails to ade- agreement’’ the following: ‘‘(other than an women will receive due compensation quately address the fact that generalized harm excepted settlement agreement)’’. for the abuse they suffered; and there arises in civil cases,’’ including cases involving Page 4, strike line 1, and insert the fol- is confidence, with the consent decree ‘‘harm to our communities . . . that cannot be lowing: in place and the conditions of that con- addressed by restitution.’’ (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act: In these cases, Professor Uhlmann con- (1) The term ‘‘excepted settlement agree- sent decree, that no more employees will be victimized in the future. cluded, third-party payments are appropriate. ment’’ means a settlement agreement that Yet, the Majority witness, Daniel Lungren, resolves a civil action or potential civil ac- In another example of an EEOC sex tion in relation to sexual harassment, vio- discrimination lawsuit—and so there specifically testified on behalf of the Chamber lence, or discrimination in the workplace. will be those that will help implement that the bill should prohibit ‘‘the U.S. govern- (2) The term ‘‘settlement agreement’’ this settlement—the Cintas Corpora- ment from entering into a settlement agree- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to tion settled to pay $1.5 million. The ment requiring a defendant to donate to an or- House Resolution 843, the gentlewoman corporation entered into a further ganization or individual not a party to the liti- from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) and a agreement: to hire an outside expert to gation.’’ Member opposed each will control 5 reevaluate the criteria used to screen, The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 4 would minutes. interview, and select employees and remedy this flaw by creating an exception to The Chair recognizes the gentle- the interview guides used in employee cases where settlement funds are directed to woman from Texas. hiring; to provide training to the indi- the remediation of generalized harm other Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, viduals involved in the selection of em- than restitution to identifiable victims. For instance, in the settlement of an EEOC again, as I have indicated, there are ployees, whereby such training would sexual harassment case of female laundry victims that are not in the purview or cover record retention and an expla- workers and a consent decree resolving the even in the eyesight of this legislation nation of what constitutes an unlawful case provides that: that will be harmed by this legislation. employment practice under title VII; In addition to paying $582,000, Suffolk The Jackson Lee amendment No. 4 to continue to provide diversity, har- Laundry will adopt new procedures to prevent would address the problematic concern assment, and antidiscrimination train- sexual harassment and will train its managers with H.R. 5063, which would only pro- ing annually to employees; to post a and staff on identifying and preventing sexual vide an exemption for payments to par- notice informing employees that Fed- harassment and retaliation. ties, other than the government, to eral law prohibits discrimination; and The policies and staff training will be avail- provide restitution for actual harm di- to report to EEOC over an approximate able in Spanish. rectly and proximately caused by the 28-month period information and mate- EEOC will monitor Suffolk Laundry’s compli- party making the payment. The Jack- rials on training programs, recruiting ance with these obligations and Title VII of the son Lee amendment would provide an logs, descriptions, and explanations for Civil Rights Act of 1964 for a period of four exemption for cases where funds are any changes. years. necessary to remedy generalized harm, I would argue the point that this Because of this consent decree, these other than for restitution, to specific helps to promote the antidiscrimina- women will receive due compensation for the or immediately identifiable victims. tion necessary to correct the pathway abuse they suffered and, there is confidence, In particular, Jackson Lee amend- that some have found their way in. The with the consent decree in place and the con- ment No. 4 would allow the Federal Jackson Lee amendment No. 4 would ditions of that consent decree, that no more Government to engage with third par- create an appropriate exemption to the employees will be victimized in the future. ties that help carry out settlement absolute block and prohibition that the In another example of an EEOC sex dis- agreements—again, settlement agree- underlying legislation provides. crimination lawsuit where Cintas Corporation ments—dollars that are under the pur- Mr. Chair, the Jackson Lee Amendment No. settled to pay $1.5 million, the corporation en- view of the settlement and that are 4 exempts from H.R. 5063 settlement agree- tered into a further agreement: minute in distribution, indicated 1.1 ments that resolves a civil action or potential To hire an outside expert to revalidate the percent, in furtherance of resolution of civil action in relation to sexual harassment, vi- criteria used to I screen, interview and select the civil action or potential civil ac- olence, or discrimination in the workplace. employees and the interview guides used in tion in specific relation to sexual har- Mr. Chair, H.R. 5063 as currently drafted is employee hiring. assment, violence, or discrimination in flawed and misguided. To provide training to the individuals in- the workplace. This bill seeks to exempt only those pay- volved in the selection of employees, whereby ments to parties other than the government to such training would cover record retention and b 1515 provide restitution for actual harm ‘‘directly and an explanation of what constitutes an unlawful Jackson Lee amendment No. 4 would proximately caused by the party making the employment practice under Title VII. carve out this additional exception to payment.’’ To continue to provide diversity, harassment protect such actions and the ability to A few months ago we saw that the Justice and antidiscrimination training annually to em- provide the mediators or other third Department filed a federal civil rights lawsuit ployees. parties to intervene on behalf of civil against the state of North Carolina and other To post a notice informing employees that action litigants. parties declaring North Carolina House Bill 2’s federal law prohibits discrimination, and to re- It is clear that we have had a number restroom restriction unlawfully discriminatory. port to EEOC over an approximate 28-month of civil rights violations in this coun- Attorney General Loretta Lynch stated that period information and materials on training try. We are not yet through with over- this complaint was about ‘‘a great deal more programs; recruiting logs; descriptions and ex- coming discrimination in many aspects than just bathrooms.’’ planations for any changes made to the em- of life, particularly in workplace dis- She explained: ployee hiring process; its expert revalidation crimination. ‘‘This is about the dignity and respect we findings; unprivileged materials and reports For instance, in the settlement of an accord our fellow citizens and the laws that from any audits made of a facility’s employee EEOC sexual harassment case of fe- we, as a people and as a country, have en- hiring or recruitment methods or practices, male laundry workers, a consent decree acted to protect them—indeed, to protect all of should an audit be done; record retention and resolving the case provides that in ad- us. And it’s about the founding ideals that reporting on applicant data.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:16 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.052 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5129 According to EEOC General Counsel, David place discrimination, sexual violence, The text of the amendment is as fol- Lopez, the injunctive relief obtained provides none of these things. lows: confidence and a strong foundation for elimi- I can’t, for the life of me, understand Add at the end of the bill the following: nating barriers in recruiting and hiring women why the Jackson Lee amendment No. 4 (e) SPECIAL RULE FOR ATTORNEY FEES IN and will prevent the reoccurrence of this type would not be an acceptable affirmation ENVIRONMENTAL CASES.—In the case of a set- of situation. that it is all right for these corpora- tlement agreement which is permissible tions to engage with other entities under subsection (a), and which directs or The Jackson Lee Amendment No. 4 would provides for payment for services rendered in have a direct impact on these very types of that can do the job better than them. Let’s work together to eliminate dis- connection with a case relating to the envi- cases by providing an exception to cases ronment, the settlement agreement may not where funds are directed to the remediation of crimination in America once and for provide for payment of attorney fees in ex- generalized harm, as highlighted in the above all, and let’s work together so that we cess of $125 per hour. agreements that falls within the category of don’t read any more headlines like the The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to other than direct restitution to the identifiable Aurora, Colorado, headline victims, House Resolution 843, the gentleman where they were told to pay $700,000 victims. from Arizona (Mr. GOSAR) and a Mem- Accordingly, I urge adoption of the Jackson back to the theater. I am appalled, and ber opposed each will control 5 min- Lee Amendment No. 4. I think none of us would agree with utes. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance that. The Chair recognizes the gentleman of my time. I ask my colleagues to support the from Arizona. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Jackson Lee amendment No. 4. It is Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I rise rise in opposition to the amendment. right for justice and equality. today to offer a commonsense amend- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ment that will prevent the abuse of ance of my time. from Virginia is recognized for 5 min- Justice Department settlements to line Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I utes. the pockets of environmental lawyers. yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, The Gosar amendment caps settle- this amendment would exempt settle- The fact of the matter is that the principle here of making sure that ment payments for attorneys’ fees pro- ments resolving workplace sexual har- vided in relation to environmental assment, violence, or discrimination; when the Department of Justice goes and extracts settlement payments from cases at $125 per hour. The Equal Ac- but nothing in the underlying bill pre- cess to Justice Act, EAJA, already con- vents victims of workplace harass- defendants in lawsuits brought against them is spent to directly compensate tains a fee cap of $125 per hour for at- ment, violence, or discrimination from torney fees. Unfortunately, EAJA also obtaining relief. the victims is what this legislation is all about. We want to see them com- contains a loophole that allows special- The Stop Settlement Slush Funds ized attorneys to violate that cap with- Act of 2016 explicitly permits remedial pensated. We also want to make sure that if out explicitly defining who meets this payments to third-party victims who they are not harmed by this, it doesn’t standard. The result has been the were directly and proximately harmed matter who they are. It could be a Re- rampant abuse of this loophole by envi- by the defendant’s wrongdoing. Nor publican administration and their fa- ronmental groups who routinely argue does the bill preclude wider conduct vored groups may be a whole different that their lawyers are specialized and remedies used in discrimination cases. list of organizations that might be sit- can therefore violate the cap. Further- Nothing in the bill debars the De- more, the Endangered Species Act does partment of Justice from requiring a ting there at the door hoping to be able to get some money from the Federal not contain this cap. defendant to implement workplace As a report by the Congressional training and monitoring programs. The trough by simply applying to a Federal prosecutor or a Federal bureaucrat in- Working Group on the Endangered Spe- ban on third-party payments merely cies Act explains: ‘‘The effect is large, ensures that the defendant remains re- stead of going through the process that the United States Constitution re- deep-pocketed environmental groups sponsible for performing these tasks with annual revenues well over $100 itself and is not forced to outsource set quires, and that is that Article I of the Constitution says the Congress shall million are reaping taxpayer reim- sums for the work of two third parties bursements from a law intended for the who might be friendly with a given ad- appropriate funds. If the funds are not to go to people directly harmed, they ‘little guy.’ ministration. ‘‘These groups—and their lawyers— should come to the General Treasury; Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to are making millions of taxpayer dol- and the Congress itself, the people’s oppose this amendment, and I reserve lars by suing the Federal Government, elected representatives in the people’s the balance of my time. being deemed the ‘prevailing party’ by House, should appropriate the funds as Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I Federal courts, and being awarded fees think the chairman of the Committee they believe is most appropriate. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues either through settlement with DOJ or on the Judiciary just answered, this is to oppose this amendment. by courts. a political bill. If an independent enti- I yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘According to the documents pro- ty in the settlement wants to retain an The Acting CHAIR. The question is vided by DOJ, some attorneys rep- entity to help train, to help provide in- on the amendment offered by the gen- resenting nongovernmental entities formation, to speak Spanish, why is tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON have been reimbursed at rates as much that prohibited? LEE). as $500 per hour, and at least two law- My amendment says there should be The question was taken; and the Act- yers have each received over $2 million an affirmative affirmation through an ing Chair announced that the noes ap- in attorneys’ fees from filing ESA exemption that this is not disallowed peared to have it. cases.’’ because specifically what they are try- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I Perhaps most egregious, many of ing to go to is blocking the particular demand a recorded vote. these lawsuits are not even litigated. settlement and the parties from mak- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to These attorneys are raking in these ri- ing an informed decision as to who clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- diculously high fees by filing and set- would best implement the settlement; ceedings on the amendment offered by tling. This has massively incentivized and if that required funding to do so to the gentlewoman from Texas will be the ‘‘sue and settle’’ tactics that have an entity that may happen to be a civil postponed. become all too common in these types rights group, an NAACP, an Urban AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. GOSAR of cases. League, La Raza, then it seems that The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Again, U.S. Code section 504, sub- my friends on the other side of the to consider amendment No. 5 printed in section (b)(1) already caps attorney aisle want to make sure that those or- House Report 114–724. fees at $125 per hour. My amendment ganizations’ storied histories in civil Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, I have an simply closes the loophole that envi- rights does not get a chance to help im- amendment at the desk. ronmental groups use to violate this prove and to eliminate sexual harass- The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will cap and charge inordinate attorney ment, workplace harassment, work- designate the amendment. fees at taxpayer expense.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.016 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Similar legislation has been intro- that he has cited, but this amendment AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. TOM PRICE duced in the past, including the Endan- could also have significant, unintended OF GEORGIA gered Species Litigation Reasonable- adverse consequences. First and fore- The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order ness Act, introduced by Representative most, it could hinder the ability of to consider amendment No. 6 printed in HUIZENGA. As Representative HUIZENGA small businesses challenging govern- House Report 114–724. accurately stated in April of 2015: ‘‘The ment overreach to obtain representa- Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. goal of the Endangered Species Act is tion. This could occur, for example, in Chairman, I have an amendment at the to enhance wildlife preservation, not Fifth Amendment takings cases, many desk made in order under the rule. line the pockets of trial attorneys with of which involve the environment. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will taxpayer dollars. Every taxpayer dollar Indeed, fee recoveries under the designate the amendment. spent on litigation is a dollar that Equal Access to Justice Act, although The text of the amendment is as fol- could have been spent protecting the often abused by environmental NGOs, lows: environment.’’ as was cited by the gentleman from Ar- Add at the end of the bill the following: This amendment is endorsed by the izona, were originally intended to go to (e) REPORTS ON SETTLEMENT AGREE- MENTS.— Americans for Limited Government, small businesses and other small enti- (1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning at the end of the American Conservative Union, ties to help them sue against over- Family Farm Alliance, the Motorcycle the first fiscal year that begins after the reaching government action. The prob- date of the enactment of this Act, and annu- Industry Council, National Rural Elec- lem he cites needs to be addressed, but ally thereafter, the head of each Federal tric Cooperative Association, the Rec- not here. Accordingly, I urge my col- agency shall submit electronically to the reational Off-Highway Vehicle Associa- leagues to oppose the amendment. Congressional Budget Office a report on each tion, the Specialty Vehicle Institute of Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chairman, first of settlement agreement entered into by that America, Taxpayers Protection Alli- all, I would like to agree with the agency during that fiscal year that directs or ance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, chairman on his analysis of the Equal provides for a payment to a person or entity and the Arizona Farm Bureau. other than the United States that provides Access to Justice Act. It has been restitution for or otherwise directly rem- I commend the chairman and the abused. As I mentioned before, environ- committee for their efforts on this leg- edies actual harm (including to the environ- mental groups with well over $100 mil- ment) directly and proximately caused by islation and for recognizing that the lion in annual revenues are using the the party making the payment, or con- settlement process is in desperate need law intended to protect the little guy stitutes payment for services rendered in of reform. to siphon money from the American connection with the case, including the par- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance taxpayers. That is why my amendment ties to each settlement agreement, the of my time. is so important. By closing this loop- source of the settlement funds, and where Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- and how such funds were and will be distrib- man, I rise in opposition to the amend- hole, we can uphold the intent of the uted. ment. law and ensure its continued efficacy. (2) PROHIBITION ON ADDITIONAL FUNDING.— The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman Furthermore, line 15 of the Stop Set- No additional funds are authorized to be ap- from Georgia is recognized for 5 min- tlement Slush Funds Act contains a propriated to carry out this subsection. utes. carve-out for environmental litigation. (3) SUNSET.—This subsection shall cease to Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair- My amendment is, therefore, both ger- be effective on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. man, this amendment would limit the mane and critical to preventing attor- ability of the prevailing party to re- neys in these environmental lawsuits The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to ceive reasonable attorneys’ fees for from using the currently existing loop- House Resolution 843, the gentleman services rendered in connection with a hole to charge upwards of $500 per hour from Georgia (Mr. TOM PRICE) and a settlement agreement. for their service. Member opposed each will control 5 Where citizens, through a private en- As my colleague Representative minutes. forcement action, hold the government HUIZENGA has perviously pointed out, The Chair recognizes the gentleman or a private party accountable, Con- every dollar spent on litigation is a from Georgia. gress has authorized payments for rea- dollar that cannot go to protecting or Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. sonable attorneys’ fees. restoring the environment. Chairman, let me first commend Chair- Bringing meritorious claims to hold I also want to make clear that my man GOODLATTE for his work on the corporate wrongdoing accountable is amendment does nothing to prohibit underlying bill. I want to thank him often time consuming and expensive. In groups from engaging in litigation or and the staff of the Judiciary Com- many cases, Congress has already au- to prohibit repayments for their legal mittee for their support and assistance thorized reasonable attorneys’ fees spe- fees. The $125 cap already exists in cur- on crafting this and the following cifically to encourage these types of rent law. My amendment simply closes amendment. I also want to thank the lawsuits to ensure a level playing field the loophole that environmental chairman, staff, and members of the and an accessible justice system. groups have used to exceed that cap. Rules Committee for their help as well. This amendment would limit these Once again, I would like to thank my This amendment, Mr. Chairman, re- fees to outdated rates—$125 an hour; colleagues for their efforts on this im- quires the head of each Federal agency that is ridiculous—and that will dis- portant issue. I encourage the passage to provide an annual electronic report courage citizens from bringing these of the Gosar amendment. to the Congressional Budget Office of important lawsuits. Accordingly, I en- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- any settlement agreements entered courage my colleagues to oppose this ance of my time. into by an official or agency during the previous year, consistent with the limi- amendment. b 1530 I yield the balance of my time to the tations of the underlying bill, H.R. gentleman from Virginia (Mr. GOOD- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Chair, 5063. LATTE), the chairman of the Committee I yield back the balance of my time. This annual submission to CBO is on the Judiciary. The Acting CHAIR. The question is critical to ensure the transparency of Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I on the amendment offered by the gen- these settlements and to provide Con- thank the gentleman for yielding. tleman from Arizona (Mr. GOSAR). gress an opportunity to obtain the in- The Stop Settlement Slush Funds The question was taken; and the Act- formation on these from the agencies. Act of 2016 is intended to bolster Con- ing Chair announced that the noes ap- Further, with this information, CBO gress’ Article I institutional authority peared to have it. can begin building a database of these over all types of cases, not to carve out Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Chair, I demand a settlements, which is essential for Con- special rules for particular categories recorded vote. gress to track and to monitor the size of cases. Attorneys’ fee issues are not The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to and number of these agreements made the focus of the bill and would be bet- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- by the Federal Government. ter addressed by separate legislation. ceedings on the amendment offered by I should point out that it also in- I commend the gentleman from Ari- the gentleman from Arizona will be cludes language to ensure that no addi- zona for his concern about the abuse postponed. tional funds are appropriated for this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.057 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5131 administrative reporting requirement amendment to the one just adopted by now resume on those amendments to make certain that the amendment the House, and it requires the inspector printed in House Report 114–724 on has no budgetary impact. I want to general of each Federal agency to pro- which further proceedings were post- also state, finally, that this amend- vide an annual report to the House and poned, in the following order: ment includes a 7-year sunset provision Senate Committees on the Judiciary, Amendment No. 1 by Mr. CONYERS of to comply with the House’s CutGo pro- Appropriations, and the Budget con- Michigan. vision. cerning any settlement agreements Amendment No. 2 by Mr. CICILLINE of I want to once again thank the chair- that may violate section 2(a) of H.R. Rhode Island. man of the Judiciary Committee. 5063. Amendment No. 4 by Ms. JACKSON Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of The previous amendment identified LEE of Texas. my time. all those settlements made consistent Amendment No. 5 by Mr. GOSAR of Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I with H.R. 5063, and this is a report that Arizona. claim time in opposition to the amend- would be required that would identify The Chair will reduce to 2 minutes ment, although I am not opposed. those settlements outside the agree- the minimum time for any electronic The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- ments under H.R. 5063. vote after the first vote in this series. tion, the gentleman from Virginia is This information is vital to help en- AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. CONYERS recognized for 5 minutes. sure that the Federal agencies are not The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished There was no objection. usurping Congress’ power of the purse business is the demand for a recorded Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I by continuing past practices and to vote on the amendment offered by the support this amendment. It would re- confirm Federal agencies are fulfilling gentleman from Michigan (Mr. CON- quire Federal agencies to submit re- the requirements of the underlying YERS) on which further proceedings ports electronically to the Congres- bill. It also includes, once again, lan- were postponed and on which the ayes sional Budget Office on settlement guage to ensure that no additional prevailed by voice vote. agreements into which they enter. The funds are appropriated for the adminis- The Clerk will redesignate the amendment’s electronic reporting re- trative reporting requirement and amendment. quirement would help alert Congress to makes sure that it is budget-neutral. The Clerk redesignated the amend- problem settlements, is efficient, and I urge the adoption of the amend- ment. would aggregate information in one ment. RECORDED VOTE place, which would aid oversight. Ac- Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of cordingly, I urge my colleagues to sup- my time. The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote port this valuable amendment. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I has been demanded. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of claim time in opposition, even though I A recorded vote was ordered. my time. do not oppose the amendment. The vote was taken by electronic de- Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- vice, and there were—ayes 178, noes 234, Chairman, I want to thank the chair- tion, the gentleman from Virginia is not voting 19, as follows: man once again. I urge adoption of the recognized for 5 minutes. [Roll No. 483] amendment. There was no objection. AYES—178 Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Adams Doyle, Michael Loebsack ance of my time. yield myself such time as I may con- Aguilar F. Lofgren The Acting CHAIR. The question is sume. Bass Edwards Lowenthal Beatty Ellison Lowey on the amendment offered by the gen- Mr. Chairman, I support this amend- Becerra Engel Lujan Grisham tleman from Georgia (Mr. TOM PRICE). ment. It is another good amendment by Bera Eshoo (NM) The amendment was agreed to. the chairman of the Budget Com- Beyer Esty Luja´ n, Ben Ray mittee, who has not only a great appre- Bishop (GA) Farr (NM) AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. TOM PRICE Blumenauer Foster Lynch OF GEORGIA ciation for the issues involved here, but Bonamici Frankel (FL) Maloney, The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order has been very constructive and helpful Boyle, Brendan Fudge Carolyn in supporting this underlying legisla- F. Gabbard Maloney, Sean to consider amendment No. 7 printed in Gallego tion. Brady (PA) Matsui House Report 114–724. Brownley (CA) Garamendi McCollum Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. This amendment would require agen- Bustos Gibson McDermott cy inspectors general to report to Con- Butterfield Graham McGovern Chairman, I have an amendment at the Grayson gress annually any settlement agree- Capps McNerney desk made in order under the rule. Green, Al Meeks Capuano ments that violate the provisions of Green, Gene Meng The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will Ca´ rdenas Grijalva Moore designate the amendment. this bill. This audit requirement would Carney Gutie´rrez Moulton aid enforcement, both by deterring Carson (IN) The text of the amendment is as fol- Hahn Murphy (FL) Cartwright lows: agency noncompliance and by ensuring Hastings Nadler Castor (FL) Add at the end of the bill the following: noncompliance is reported back to Heck (WA) Napolitano Castro (TX) Higgins Neal (e) ANNUAL AUDIT REQUIREMENT.— Congress, so it can be addressed. Chu, Judy Accordingly, I thank Chairman PRICE Himes Nolan (1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning at the end of Cicilline Hinojosa Norcross the first fiscal year that begins after the for his thoughtful amendment and for Clark (MA) Honda O’Rourke date of the enactment of this Act, and annu- working with me on it. The amend- Clarke (NY) Hoyer Pallone ally thereafter, the Inspector General of each ment improves the bill, and I urge my Clay Huffman Pascrell Federal agency shall submit a report to the Cleaver Israel Payne colleagues to support it. Clyburn Committees on the Judiciary, on the Budget Jackson Lee Pelosi Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Cohen and on Appropriations of the House of Rep- Jeffries Perlmutter Connolly Johnson (GA) Pingree resentatives and the Senate, on any settle- ance of my time. Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Conyers Johnson, E. B. Pocan ment agreement entered into in violation of Costa Kaptur Polis this section by that agency. Chairman, once again, I thank the Courtney Keating Price (NC) (2) PROHIBITION ON ADDITIONAL FUNDING.— Chairman for his support and for his Crowley Kelly (IL) Quigley No additional funds are authorized to be ap- assistance in this, and I urge adoption Cuellar Kennedy Rangel Cummings propriated to carry out this subsection. of the amendment. Kildee Rice (NY) Davis (CA) Kilmer Richmond The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Davis, Danny Kind Roybal-Allard House Resolution 843, the gentleman ance of my time. DeFazio Kirkpatrick Ruiz DeGette from Georgia (Mr. TOM PRICE) and a The Acting CHAIR. The question is Kuster Ruppersberger Delaney Langevin Ryan (OH) Member opposed each will control 5 on the amendment offered by the gen- DeLauro Larsen (WA) Sa´ nchez, Linda minutes. tleman from Georgia (Mr. TOM PRICE). DelBene Larson (CT) T. The Chair recognizes the gentleman The amendment was agreed to. Dent Lawrence Sarbanes DeSaulnier Lee Schakowsky ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR from Georgia. Deutch Levin Schiff Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia. Mr. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Dingell Lewis Schrader Chairman, this is the sister or cousin clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will Doggett Lipinski Scott (VA)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:00 Nov 15, 2016 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\SEP2016\H07SE6.REC H07SE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H5132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Scott, David Thompson (CA) Vela´ zquez Ross Sanchez, Loretta Stivers Sires Tonko Walz Serrano Thompson (MS) Visclosky Rush Sinema Westmoreland Slaughter Torres Wasserman Sewell (AL) Titus Walz Smith (WA) Tsongas Schultz Sherman Tonko Wasserman Speier Van Hollen Waters, Maxine Sires Torres Schultz b 1558 Swalwell (CA) Vargas Watson Coleman Slaughter Tsongas Waters, Maxine Messrs. RATCLIFFE, WOODALL, Takano Veasey Welch Smith (WA) Van Hollen Watson Coleman Thompson (CA) Vela Wilson (FL) FITZPATRICK, and ASHFORD ´ Speier Vargas Welch Thompson (MS) Velazquez Yarmuth Swalwell (CA) Veasey Wilson (FL) changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Titus Visclosky Takano Vela Yarmuth Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of NOES—236 Texas changed her vote from ‘‘no’’ to NOES—234 Abraham Grothman Paulsen ‘‘aye.’’ Aderholt Guinta Pearce Abraham Griffith Paulsen So the amendment was rejected. Allen Hanna Perry Aderholt Grothman Pearce The result of the vote was announced Amash Hardy Peters Allen Guinta Perry as above recorded. Amodei Harper Peterson Amash Guthrie Peters Ashford Harris Pittenger Amodei Hanna Peterson AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. CICILLINE Babin Hartzler Pitts Ashford Hardy Pittenger The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Barletta Heck (NV) Poe (TX) Babin Harper Pitts Barr Hensarling Poliquin Barletta Harris Poe (TX) business is the demand for a recorded Barton Herrera Beutler Pompeo Barr Hartzler Poliquin vote on the amendment offered by the Benishek Hice, Jody B. Posey Barton Heck (NV) Pompeo gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Bilirakis Hill Price, Tom Benishek Hensarling Posey Bishop (UT) Holding CICILLINE) on which further pro- Ratcliffe Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Price, Tom Black Hudson Reed Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Ratcliffe ceedings were postponed and on which Blackburn Huelskamp Renacci Bishop (UT) Hill Reed the ayes prevailed by voice vote. Blum Huizenga (MI) Ribble Black Holding Renacci Bost Hultgren Rice (SC) Blackburn Hudson The Clerk will redesignate the Ribble Brady (TX) Hunter Rigell Blum Huelskamp amendment. Rice (SC) Brat Hurd (TX) Roby Bost Huizenga (MI) Rigell The Clerk redesignated the amend- Bridenstine Hurt (VA) Roe (TN) Brady (TX) Hultgren Roby ment. Brooks (AL) Issa Rogers (AL) Brat Hunter Roe (TN) Brooks (IN) Jenkins (KS) Rogers (KY) Bridenstine Hurd (TX) RECORDED VOTE Buchanan Jenkins (WV) Rohrabacher Brooks (AL) Hurt (VA) Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Buck Johnson (OH) Rokita Brooks (IN) Issa Bucshon Jolly Rooney (FL) Buchanan Jenkins (KS) Rohrabacher has been demanded. Rooney (FL) Burgess Jones Ros-Lehtinen Buck Jenkins (WV) A recorded vote was ordered. Byrne Jordan Roskam Bucshon Johnson (OH) Ros-Lehtinen The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2- Roskam Carter (GA) Joyce Rothfus Burgess Jolly Carter (TX) Katko Rouzer Rothfus minute vote. Byrne Jones Chabot Kelly (MS) Royce Rouzer The vote was taken by electronic de- Carter (GA) Jordan Chaffetz Kelly (PA) Russell Royce Carter (TX) Joyce vice, and there were—ayes 175, noes 236, Coffman King (IA) Salmon Russell Chabot Katko not voting 20, as follows: Collins (GA) King (NY) Sanford Chaffetz Kelly (MS) Salmon [Roll No. 484] Collins (NY) Kinzinger (IL) Scalise Coffman Kelly (PA) Sanford Comstock Kline Schweikert Cole King (IA) Scalise AYES—175 Conaway Knight Scott, Austin Collins (GA) King (NY) Schweikert Adams Duncan (TN) Lowenthal Cook Labrador Sensenbrenner Collins (NY) Kinzinger (IL) Scott, Austin Cooper LaHood Sessions Comstock Kline Sensenbrenner Aguilar Edwards Lowey Bass Ellison Lujan Grisham Costello (PA) LaMalfa Shimkus Conaway Knight Sessions Cramer Lamborn Shuster Cook Labrador Shimkus Beatty Engel (NM) Becerra Eshoo Luja´ n, Ben Ray Crawford Lance Simpson Cooper LaHood Shuster Bera Esty (NM) Crenshaw Latta Smith (MO) Costello (PA) LaMalfa Simpson Beyer Farr Lynch Culberson LoBiondo Smith (NE) Cramer Lamborn Smith (MO) Bishop (GA) Foster Maloney, Curbelo (FL) Long Smith (NJ) Crawford Lance Smith (NE) Blumenauer Frankel (FL) Carolyn Davidson Loudermilk Smith (TX) Crenshaw Latta Smith (NJ) Bonamici Fudge Maloney, Sean Davis, Rodney Love Stefanik Culberson LoBiondo Smith (TX) Denham Lucas Stewart Curbelo (FL) Long Boyle, Brendan Gabbard Matsui Stefanik F. Gallego McCollum Dent Luetkemeyer Stivers Davidson Love Stewart DeSantis Lummis Stutzman Davis, Rodney Lucas Brady (PA) Gibson McDermott Stutzman Brownley (CA) Graham McGovern Diaz-Balart MacArthur Thompson (PA) Denham Luetkemeyer Thompson (PA) Dold Marchant Thornberry DeSantis Lummis Bustos Grayson McNerney Thornberry Butterfield Green, Al Meeks Donovan Marino Tiberi Diaz-Balart MacArthur Tiberi Duffy Massie Tipton Dold Marchant Capps Green, Gene Meng Tipton Duncan (SC) McCarthy Trott Donovan Marino Capuano Grijalva Moore Trott ´ ´ Ellmers (NC) McCaul Turner Duffy Massie Cardenas Gutierrez Moulton Turner Emmer (MN) McClintock Upton Duncan (SC) McCarthy Carney Hahn Murphy (FL) Upton Farenthold McHenry Valadao Duncan (TN) McCaul Carson (IN) Hastings Napolitano Valadao Cartwright Heck (WA) Neal Fincher McKinley Wagner Ellmers (NC) McClintock Fitzpatrick McMorris Walberg Emmer (MN) McHenry Wagner Castor (FL) Higgins Nolan Walberg Castro (TX) Himes Norcross Fleischmann Rodgers Walden Farenthold McKinley Fleming McSally Walker Fincher McMorris Walden Chu, Judy Hinojosa O’Rourke Walker Cicilline Honda Pallone Flores Meadows Walorski Fitzpatrick Rodgers Forbes Meehan Walters, Mimi Fleischmann McSally Walorski Clark (MA) Hoyer Pascrell Walters, Mimi Clarke (NY) Huffman Payne Fortenberry Messer Weber (TX) Fleming Meadows Foxx Mica Webster (FL) Weber (TX) Clay Israel Pelosi Flores Meehan Franks (AZ) Miller (FL) Wenstrup Webster (FL) Cleaver Jackson Lee Perlmutter Forbes Messer Frelinghuysen Miller (MI) Westerman Wenstrup Clyburn Jeffries Pingree Fortenberry Mica Garamendi Moolenaar Westmoreland Westerman Cohen Johnson (GA) Pocan Foxx Miller (FL) Garrett Mooney (WV) Williams Williams Connolly Johnson, E. B. Polis Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Gibbs Mullin Wilson (SC) Wilson (SC) Conyers Kaptur Price (NC) Frelinghuysen Moolenaar Gohmert Mulvaney Womack Wittman Costa Keating Quigley Garrett Mooney (WV) Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Woodall Gibbs Mullin Womack Courtney Kelly (IL) Rangel Crowley Kennedy Rice (NY) Gosar Nadler Yoder Gohmert Mulvaney Woodall Gowdy Neugebauer Yoho Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Yoder Cuellar Kildee Richmond Cummings Kilmer Roybal-Allard Granger Newhouse Young (AK) Gosar Neugebauer Yoho Graves (GA) Noem Young (IA) Gowdy Newhouse Young (AK) Davis (CA) Kind Ruiz Davis, Danny Kirkpatrick Ruppersberger Graves (LA) Nunes Young (IN) Granger Noem Young (IA) Graves (MO) Olson Zeldin Graves (GA) Nunes Young (IN) DeFazio Kuster Ryan (OH) ´ Griffith Palmer Zinke Graves (LA) Olson Zeldin DeGette Langevin Sanchez, Linda Graves (MO) Palmer Zinke Delaney Larsen (WA) T. DeLauro Larson (CT) Sarbanes NOT VOTING—20 NOT VOTING—19 DelBene Lawrence Schakowsky Bishop (MI) Duckworth Ross DeSaulnier Lee Schiff Boustany Guthrie Rush Boustany Duckworth Palazzo Deutch Levin Schrader Brown (FL) Johnson, Sam Sanchez, Loretta Brown (FL) Johnson, Sam Reichert Dingell Lewis Scott (VA) Calvert Lieu, Ted Scott, David Calvert Lieu, Ted Rokita Doggett Lipinski Serrano Clawson (FL) Nugent Sinema Clawson (FL) Loudermilk Doyle, Michael Loebsack Sewell (AL) Cole Palazzo Wittman DesJarlais Nugent F. Lofgren Sherman DesJarlais Reichert

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.022 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5133 b 1603 Sires Tonko Walz b 1608 Slaughter Torres Wasserman So the amendment was rejected. Smith (WA) Tsongas Schultz So the amendment was rejected. The result of the vote was announced Speier Van Hollen Waters, Maxine The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Swalwell (CA) Vargas Watson Coleman as above recorded. Takano Veasey Welch Stated against: Stated against: Thompson (CA) Vela Wilson (FL) Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. Thompson (MS) Vela´ zquez Yarmuth Mr. HURT of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I was not 484, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been Titus Visclosky present for rollcall vote No. 485 On Agreeing present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ to the Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment No. Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. NOES—235 4 to H.R. 5063, the Stop Settlement Slush 484, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been Abraham Grothman Pearce Funds Act of 2016. Had I been present, I Aderholt Guinta Perry present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Allen Guthrie Peters would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MS. JACKSON Amash Hanna Peterson PERSONAL EXPLANATION LEE Amodei Hardy Pittenger Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, on rollcall votes The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Babin Harper Pitts Barletta Harris Poe (TX) 481, 482, 483, 484, and 485, I was unable to business is the demand for a recorded Barr Hartzler Poliquin vote as I was detained in my congressional vote on the amendment offered by the Barton Heck (NV) Pompeo district to attend the funeral of a dear friend. gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON Benishek Hensarling Posey Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Price, Tom LEE) on which further proceedings were Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Ratcliffe on rollcall votes 481, and 482. Had I been postponed and on which the noes pre- Bishop (UT) Hill Reed present, I would have voted ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vailed by voice vote. Black Holding Renacci votes 483, 484, and 485. The Clerk will redesignate the Blackburn Hudson Ribble Blum Huelskamp Rice (SC) AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. GOSAR amendment. Bost Huizenga (MI) Rigell The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished The Clerk redesignated the amend- Brady (TX) Hultgren Roby business is the demand for a recorded Brat Hunter ment. Roe (TN) vote on the amendment offered by the Bridenstine Hurd (TX) Rogers (AL) RECORDED VOTE Brooks (IN) Issa Rogers (KY) gentleman from Arizona (Mr. GOSAR) The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Buchanan Jenkins (KS) Rokita on which further proceedings were has been demanded. Buck Jenkins (WV) Rooney (FL) postponed and on which the noes pre- Bucshon Johnson (OH) Ros-Lehtinen A recorded vote was ordered. Burgess Jolly Roskam vailed by voice vote. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2- Byrne Jones Rothfus The Clerk will redesignate the minute vote. Carter (GA) Jordan Rouzer amendment. Carter (TX) Joyce The vote was taken by electronic de- Royce The Clerk redesignated the amend- Chabot Katko Russell vice, and there were—ayes 178, noes 235, Chaffetz Kelly (MS) Salmon ment. Coffman Kelly (PA) not voting 18, as follows: Sanford RECORDED VOTE Cole King (IA) Scalise [Roll No. 485] Collins (GA) King (NY) The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Schweikert Collins (NY) Kinzinger (IL) AYES—178 Scott, Austin has been demanded. Comstock Kline Sensenbrenner A recorded vote was ordered. Adams Edwards Lowey Conaway Knight Sessions Aguilar Ellison Lujan Grisham Cook Labrador The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2- Shimkus Ashford Engel (NM) Cooper LaHood ´ Shuster minute vote. Bass Eshoo Lujan, Ben Ray Costello (PA) LaMalfa Simpson The vote was taken by electronic de- Beatty Esty (NM) Cramer Lamborn Smith (MO) Becerra Farr Lynch Crawford Lance vice, and there were—ayes 155, noes 262, Smith (NE) Bera Foster Maloney, Crenshaw Latta not voting 14, as follows: Beyer Frankel (FL) Carolyn Smith (NJ) Culberson LoBiondo [Roll No. 486] Bishop (GA) Fudge Maloney, Sean Curbelo (FL) Long Smith (TX) Blumenauer Gabbard Matsui Davidson Loudermilk Stefanik AYES—155 Bonamici Gallego McCollum Stewart Davis, Rodney Love Abraham Fleming Marchant Boyle, Brendan Garamendi McDermott Stivers Denham Lucas Allen Flores Marino F. Gibson McGovern Stutzman Dent Luetkemeyer Amodei Franks (AZ) McCarthy Brady (PA) Graham McNerney Thompson (PA) DeSantis Lummis Babin Garrett McCaul Brownley (CA) Grayson Meeks Thornberry Diaz-Balart MacArthur Barletta Gibbs McClintock Bustos Green, Al Meng Tiberi Dold Marchant Barr Gibson McHenry Butterfield Green, Gene Moore Tipton Donovan Marino Barton Gohmert McMorris Capps Grijalva Moulton Trott Duffy Massie Benishek Gosar Rodgers Capuano Gutie´rrez Murphy (FL) Turner Duncan (SC) McCarthy Bishop (UT) Gowdy McSally Ca´ rdenas Hahn Nadler Upton Duncan (TN) McCaul Black Granger Meadows Carney Hastings Napolitano Valadao Ellmers (NC) McClintock Blackburn Graves (GA) Messer Carson (IN) Heck (WA) Neal Wagner Emmer (MN) McHenry Blum Graves (LA) Miller (FL) Cartwright Higgins Nolan Farenthold McKinley Walberg Brady (TX) Graves (MO) Mooney (WV) Castor (FL) Himes Norcross Fincher McMorris Walden Brat Guthrie Mullin Castro (TX) Hinojosa O’Rourke Fitzpatrick Rodgers Walker Bridenstine Harris Mulvaney Chu, Judy Honda Pallone Fleischmann McSally Walorski Brooks (AL) Hartzler Murphy (PA) Cicilline Hoyer Pascrell Fleming Meadows Walters, Mimi Buck Hensarling Neugebauer Clark (MA) Huffman Payne Flores Meehan Weber (TX) Bucshon Herrera Beutler Newhouse Clarke (NY) Israel Pelosi Forbes Messer Webster (FL) Burgess Hice, Jody B. Noem Clay Jackson Lee Perlmutter Fortenberry Mica Wenstrup Byrne Hudson Olson Cleaver Jeffries Pingree Foxx Miller (FL) Westerman Calvert Huelskamp Palmer Clyburn Johnson (GA) Pocan Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Westmoreland Carter (GA) Hultgren Paulsen Cohen Johnson, E. B. Polis Frelinghuysen Moolenaar Williams Carter (TX) Hunter Pearce Connolly Kaptur Price (NC) Garrett Mooney (WV) Wilson (SC) Chabot Jenkins (WV) Perry Conyers Keating Quigley Gibbs Mullin Wittman Chaffetz Jones Pitts Costa Kelly (IL) Rice (NY) Gohmert Mulvaney Womack Coffman Jordan Pompeo Courtney Kennedy Richmond Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Woodall Collins (GA) Kelly (MS) Price, Tom Crowley Kildee Rohrabacher Gosar Neugebauer Yoder Collins (NY) Kelly (PA) Ratcliffe Cuellar Kilmer Roybal-Allard Gowdy Newhouse Yoho Comstock King (IA) Rice (SC) Cummings Kind Ruiz Granger Noem Young (AK) Cook King (NY) Roe (TN) Davis (CA) Kirkpatrick Ruppersberger Graves (GA) Nunes Young (IA) Cramer Knight Rohrabacher Davis, Danny Kuster Ryan (OH) Graves (LA) Olson Young (IN) Crawford Labrador Rokita DeFazio Langevin Sa´ nchez, Linda Graves (MO) Palmer Zeldin Culberson LaHood Rothfus DeGette Larsen (WA) T. Griffith Paulsen Zinke Davidson LaMalfa Rouzer Delaney Larson (CT) Sarbanes DeSantis Lamborn Salmon DeLauro Lawrence Schakowsky NOT VOTING—18 Donovan Latta Sanford DelBene Lee Schiff Duffy Long Scalise DeSaulnier Levin Schrader Boustany Duckworth Rangel Duncan (SC) Loudermilk Schweikert Deutch Lewis Scott (VA) Brooks (AL) Hurt (VA) Reichert Duncan (TN) Love Scott, Austin Dingell Lipinski Scott, David Brown (FL) Johnson, Sam Ross Emmer (MN) Lucas Sensenbrenner Doggett Loebsack Serrano Calvert Lieu, Ted Rush Farenthold Luetkemeyer Sessions Doyle, Michael Lofgren Sewell (AL) Clawson (FL) Nugent Sanchez, Loretta Fleischmann Lummis Shuster F. Lowenthal Sherman DesJarlais Palazzo Sinema

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.066 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Simpson Wagner Williams Wasserman Watson Coleman Wilson (SC) Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, this is the Smith (MO) Walberg Wittman Schultz Welch Womack Smith (NE) Walden Woodall Waters, Maxine Wilson (FL) Yarmuth final amendment to the bill, which will Smith (TX) Walker Yoder not kill the bill or send it back to com- NOT VOTING—14 Smith (WA) Walorski Yoho mittee. If adopted, the bill will imme- Stefanik Weber (TX) Young (AK) Boustany Johnson, Sam Ross diately proceed to final passage as Stewart Webster (FL) Young (IA) Brown (FL) Lieu, Ted Rush Stutzman Wenstrup Young (IN) Clawson (FL) Nugent Sanchez, Loretta amended. Thompson (PA) Westerman Zeldin DesJarlais Palazzo Sinema The purpose of my motion is simple. Tipton Westmoreland Zinke Duckworth Reichert It says that the restrictions in the un- b 1612 derlying bill do not apply to settlement NOES—262 agreements that ultimately result in Mr. ROTHFUS changed his vote from Adams Gabbard Miller (MI) lower prices for lifesaving medical de- Aderholt Gallego Moolenaar ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Aguilar Garamendi Moore So the amendment was rejected. vices. Amash Goodlatte Moulton The result of the vote was announced Mr. Speaker, Americans are hurting Ashford Graham Murphy (FL) as above recorded. across this country. Far too often, Bass Grayson Nadler there have been companies that have Beatty Green, Al Napolitano The Acting CHAIR. The question is Becerra Green, Gene Neal on the committee amendment in the sought to profit off of the most vulner- Bera Griffith Nolan nature of a substitute, as amended. able among us through monopoly-like Beyer Grijalva Norcross The amendment was agreed to. action and power. Bilirakis Grothman Nunes The Acting CHAIR. Under the rule, When that happens, Mr. Speaker, Bishop (GA) Guinta O’Rourke Bishop (MI) Gutie´rrez Pallone the Committee rises. particularly when it comes to medical Blumenauer Hahn Pascrell Accordingly, the Committee rose; devices, it is the Federal Government’s Bonamici Hanna Payne and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. role to ensure that consumers are pro- Bost Hardy Pelosi WOMACK) having assumed the chair, tected, to ensure that all Americans Boyle, Brendan Harper Perlmutter Mr. SIMPSON, Acting Chair of the Com- F. Hastings Peters have access to devices they need, par- Brady (PA) Heck (NV) Peterson mittee of the Whole House on the state ticularly when it is a matter of life and Brooks (IN) Heck (WA) Pingree of the Union, reported that that Com- death. Brownley (CA) Higgins Pittenger Buchanan Hill mittee, having had under consideration In my opinion, we have to look no Pocan the bill (H.R. 5063) to limit donations Bustos Himes Poe (TX) further than the actions of the maker Butterfield Hinojosa Poliquin made pursuant to settlement agree- of EpiPens, the device every parent of Capps Holding Polis ments to which the United States is a a child with severe allergies is aware Capuano Honda Posey Ca´ rdenas Hoyer party, and for other purposes, and, pur- of. When a child goes into shock, this is Price (NC) suant to House Resolution 843, he re- Carney Huffman Quigley the device that will save his or her life. Carson (IN) Huizenga (MI) Rangel ported the bill back to the House with Unfortunately, EpiPen’s maker, Cartwright Hurd (TX) Reed an amendment adopted in the Com- Castor (FL) Hurt (VA) Mylan, has chosen to systematically Renacci Castro (TX) Israel mittee of the Whole. Ribble inflate its profits over the past several Chu, Judy Issa The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Rice (NY) years without reinvesting those profits Cicilline Jackson Lee Richmond the rule, the previous question is or- Clark (MA) Jeffries for further business activities such as Rigell dered. Clarke (NY) Jenkins (KS) research and development. Instead, we Roby Is a separate vote demanded on any Clay Johnson (GA) Rogers (AL) have seen CEO pay raised astronomi- Cleaver Johnson (OH) amendment to the amendment re- Rogers (KY) cally, and quarterly profits skyrocket, Clyburn Johnson, E. B. ported from the Committee of the Rooney (FL) Cohen Jolly all off the backs of vulnerable Ameri- Ros-Lehtinen Whole? Cole Joyce cans. Roskam If not, the question is on the com- Conaway Kaptur This is wrong. It is so wrong that we Connolly Katko Roybal-Allard mittee amendment in the nature of a Conyers Keating Royce substitute, as amended. have taken notice of these actions, and Cooper Kelly (IL) Ruiz The amendment was agreed to. Congress is investigating whether or Costa Kennedy Ruppersberger not violations of antitrust law have oc- Russell The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Costello (PA) Kildee curred with respect to Mylan. If we Courtney Kilmer Ryan (OH) question is on the engrossment and ´ Crenshaw Kind Sanchez, Linda third reading of the bill. find that it has, and DOJ or another Crowley Kinzinger (IL) T. The bill was ordered to be engrossed government agency agrees, let’s not Sarbanes Cuellar Kirkpatrick and read a third time, and was read the hamstring the settlement that may ul- Cummings Kline Schakowsky Curbelo (FL) Kuster Schiff third time. timately be reached with Mylan. Davis (CA) Lance Schrader MOTION TO RECOMMIT Clearly, we are not the jurors in this Davis, Danny Langevin Scott (VA) Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I have a mo- case, and we are not structuring the Davis, Rodney Larsen (WA) Scott, David terms of any eventual, possible deal. DeFazio Larson (CT) Serrano tion to recommit at the desk. DeGette Lawrence Sewell (AL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the But let’s not preclude the agencies Delaney Lee Sherman gentlewoman opposed to the bill? seeking to protect us from reaching a DeLauro Levin Shimkus Ms. MENG. I am opposed. deal that may solve problems for DelBene Lewis Sires The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Denham Lipinski Slaughter Americans in need, a deal that may ac- Dent LoBiondo Smith (NJ) Clerk will report the motion to recom- tually reduce the cost of lifesaving DeSaulnier Loebsack Speier mit. medical devices. Deutch Lofgren Stivers The Clerk read as follows: Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this Diaz-Balart Lowenthal Swalwell (CA) Ms. Meng moves to recommit the bill H.R. Takano motion. Dingell Lowey 5063 to the Committee on the Judiciary with Doggett Lujan Grisham Thompson (CA) I yield back the balance of my time. Dold (NM) Thompson (MS) instructions to report the same back to the Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in House forthwith with the following amend- Doyle, Michael Luja´ n, Ben Ray Thornberry opposition to the motion. F. (NM) Tiberi ment: Edwards Lynch Titus Page 3, line 11, insert after ‘‘settlement The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Ellison MacArthur Tonko agreement’’ the following: ‘‘(except as pro- tleman from Pennsylvania is recog- Ellmers (NC) Maloney, Torres vided in subsection (e))’’. nized for 5 minutes. Engel Carolyn Trott Add at the end of the bill the following: Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Eshoo Maloney, Sean Tsongas (e) EXCEPTION FOR A SETTLEMENT AGREE- myself such time as I may consume. Esty Massie Turner MENT THAT SAVES LIVES AND REDUCES Farr Matsui Upton Nothing in this bill interferes with HEALTHCARE COSTS.—The provisions of this Fincher McCollum Valadao antitrust settlement. Nothing. The bill Fitzpatrick McDermott Van Hollen Act do not apply in the case of a settlement Forbes McGovern Vargas agreement that reduces the cost of life-sav- goes to Congress’ constitutional power. Fortenberry McKinley Veasey ing medical devices through the enforcement That is why every Member of Congress Foster McNerney Vela of the antitrust laws. should oppose this motion to recom- Foxx Meehan Vela´ zquez The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mit. Frankel (FL) Meeks Visclosky Frelinghuysen Meng Walters, Mimi ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from I say this because it targets legisla- Fudge Mica Walz New York is recognized for 5 minutes. tion designed exclusively to strengthen

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.027 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5135 Congress. Serious people on both sides Cicilline Israel Pelosi MacArthur Pompeo Stewart of the aisle understand the importance Clark (MA) Jackson Lee Perlmutter Marchant Posey Stivers Clarke (NY) Jeffries Peters Marino Price, Tom Stutzman of Congress’ spending power. Clay Johnson (GA) Peterson Massie Ratcliffe Thompson (PA) A major theme of the Speaker’s A Cleaver Johnson, E. B. Pingree McCarthy Reed Thornberry Better Way Initiative is that the Clyburn Jones Pocan McCaul Renacci Tiberi McClintock Ribble spending power is one of Congress’ Cohen Kaptur Polis Tipton Connolly Keating Price (NC) McHenry Rice (SC) Trott McKinley Rigell most effective tools in reining in exec- Conyers Kelly (IL) Quigley Turner Costa Kennedy McMorris Roby utive overreach. Liberal legal scholar Rangel Upton Courtney Kildee Rodgers Roe (TN) Abner Mikva agrees: Rice (NY) Valadao Crowley Kilmer McSally Rogers (AL) Richmond Wagner To ensure that Congress would act as the Cuellar Kind Roybal-Allard Meadows Rogers (KY) first branch of government, the constitu- Cummings Kirkpatrick Meehan Rohrabacher Walberg Ruiz Walden tional Framers gave the legislature virtually Davis (CA) Kuster Messer Rooney (FL) Ruppersberger Walker exclusive power to control the Nation’s purse Davis, Danny Langevin Ryan (OH) Mica Ros-Lehtinen Miller (FL) Roskam Walorski DeFazio Larsen (WA) Sa´ nchez, Linda strings. They knew that the power of the Miller (MI) Rothfus Walters, Mimi DeGette Larson (CT) T. purse was the most far-reaching and effec- Delaney Lawrence Moolenaar Rouzer Weber (TX) Sarbanes tual of all governmental powers. DeLauro Lee Mooney (WV) Royce Webster (FL) Schakowsky DelBene Levin Mullin Russell Wenstrup This motion stems from a misunder- Schiff DeSaulnier Lewis Mulvaney Salmon Schrader Westerman standing of the governing principle of Deutch Lipinski Murphy (PA) Sanford Scott (VA) Westmoreland this bill, which is simply this: DOJ’s Dingell Loebsack Neugebauer Scalise Williams Doggett Lofgren Scott, David Newhouse Schweikert authority to settle cases requires the Serrano Wilson (SC) Doyle, Michael Lowenthal Noem Scott, Austin Wittman ability to obtain redress for actual vic- Sewell (AL) Nunes F. Lowey Sensenbrenner Womack tims—actual victims. However, once Duncan (TN) Lujan Grisham Sherman Olson Sessions Woodall Edwards (NM) Sires Palmer Shimkus direct victims have been compensated, Yoder Ellison Luja´ n, Ben Ray Slaughter Paulsen Shuster deciding what to do with additional Yoho Engel (NM) Smith (WA) Pearce Simpson funds extracted from defendants be- Eshoo Lynch Speier Perry Smith (MO) Young (AK) comes a policy question properly de- Esty Maloney, Swalwell (CA) Pittenger Smith (NE) Young (IA) cided by elected representatives in Farr Carolyn Takano Pitts Smith (NJ) Young (IN) Foster Maloney, Sean Thompson (CA) Poe (TX) Smith (TX) Zeldin Congress, not agency bureaucrats or Frankel (FL) Matsui Thompson (MS) Poliquin Stefanik Zinke prosecutors. Fudge McCollum Titus The Framers assigned this job to Gabbard McDermott Tonko NOT VOTING—16 Congress. It is in everyone’s interest to Gallego McGovern Torres Boustany Johnson, Sam Ross Garamendi McNerney Tsongas preserve the careful balance of our Brown (FL) Lieu, Ted Rush Graham Meeks Van Hollen Clawson (FL) Nugent Sanchez, Loretta Framers’ wisely struck constitutional Green, Al Meng Vargas DesJarlais Palazzo Sinema issues. If you believe in checks and bal- Green, Gene Moore Veasey Duckworth Reichert Grijalva Moulton Vela Franks (AZ) Rokita ances, oppose the motion and support Gutie´rrez Murphy (FL) Vela´ zquez this bill. If you believe that effective Hahn Nadler Visclosky b 1627 congressional oversight of the execu- Hastings Napolitano Walz tive branch is important, oppose this Heck (WA) Neal Wasserman So the motion to recommit was re- Higgins Nolan Schultz jected. motion and support this bill. If you be- Himes Norcross Waters, Maxine lieve that Congress’ ability to rein in Hinojosa O’Rourke Watson Coleman The result of the vote was announced executive overreach will be important Honda Pallone Welch as above recorded. Hoyer Pascrell Wilson (FL) Stated against: in future administrations, oppose this Huffman Payne Yarmuth motion and support this bill. Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, on I urge my colleagues to defend Con- NOES—234 rollcall No. 487, had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ gress’ institutional interest by oppos- Abraham Culberson Harris ing this motion. Aderholt Curbelo (FL) Hartzler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I yield back the balance of my time. Allen Davidson Heck (NV) question is on the passage of the bill. Amash Davis, Rodney Hensarling The question was taken; and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Amodei Denham Herrera Beutler objection, the previous question is or- Babin Dent Hice, Jody B. Speaker pro tempore announced that dered on the motion to recommit. Barletta DeSantis Hill the ayes appeared to have it. Barr Diaz-Balart Holding RECORDED VOTE There was no objection. Barton Dold Hudson The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Benishek Donovan Huelskamp Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I de- question is on the motion to recommit. Bilirakis Duffy Huizenga (MI) mand a recorded vote. The question was taken; and the Bishop (MI) Duncan (SC) Hultgren A recorded vote was ordered. Bishop (UT) Ellmers (NC) Hunter Speaker pro tempore announced that Black Emmer (MN) Hurd (TX) The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a the noes appeared to have it. Blackburn Farenthold Hurt (VA) 5-minute vote. Bost Fincher Issa RECORDED VOTE The vote was taken by electronic de- Brady (TX) Fitzpatrick Jenkins (KS) vice, and there were—ayes 241, noes 174, Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I demand a Brat Fleischmann Jenkins (WV) recorded vote. Bridenstine Fleming Johnson (OH) not voting 16, as follows: A recorded vote was ordered. Brooks (AL) Flores Jolly [Roll No. 488] Brooks (IN) Forbes Jordan The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Buchanan Fortenberry Joyce AYES—241 ant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 5- Buck Foxx Katko Abraham Brooks (AL) Cramer minute vote on the motion to recom- Bucshon Frelinghuysen Kelly (MS) Aderholt Brooks (IN) Crawford Burgess Garrett Kelly (PA) Allen Buchanan Crenshaw mit will be followed by a 5-minute vote Byrne Gibbs King (IA) Amash Buck Cuellar on passage of the bill, if ordered. Calvert Gibson King (NY) Amodei Bucshon Culberson The vote was taken by electronic de- Carter (GA) Gohmert Kinzinger (IL) Ashford Burgess Curbelo (FL) vice, and there were—ayes 181, noes 234, Carter (TX) Goodlatte Kline Babin Byrne Davidson Chabot Gosar Knight Barletta Calvert Davis, Rodney not voting 16, as follows: Chaffetz Gowdy Labrador Barr Carter (GA) Denham [Roll No. 487] Coffman Granger LaHood Barton Carter (TX) Dent Cole Graves (GA) LaMalfa Benishek Chabot DeSantis AYES—181 Collins (GA) Graves (LA) Lamborn Bilirakis Chaffetz Diaz-Balart Adams Blum Capps Collins (NY) Graves (MO) Lance Bishop (MI) Coffman Dold Aguilar Blumenauer Capuano Comstock Grayson Latta Bishop (UT) Cole Donovan Ashford Bonamici Ca´ rdenas Conaway Griffith LoBiondo Black Collins (GA) Duffy Bass Boyle, Brendan Carney Cook Grothman Long Blackburn Collins (NY) Duncan (SC) Beatty F. Carson (IN) Cooper Guinta Loudermilk Blum Comstock Duncan (TN) Becerra Brady (PA) Cartwright Costello (PA) Guthrie Love Bost Conaway Ellmers (NC) Bera Brownley (CA) Castor (FL) Cramer Hanna Lucas Brady (TX) Cook Emmer (MN) Beyer Bustos Castro (TX) Crawford Hardy Luetkemeyer Brat Cooper Farenthold Bishop (GA) Butterfield Chu, Judy Crenshaw Harper Lummis Bridenstine Costello (PA) Fincher

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.073 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Fitzpatrick Lamborn Rogers (KY) Matsui Price (NC) Swalwell (CA) EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE Fleischmann Lance Rohrabacher McCollum Quigley Takano TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF Fleming Latta Rokita McDermott Rangel Thompson (CA) Flores LoBiondo Rooney (FL) McGovern Rice (NY) Thompson (MS) GEORGIA Forbes Long Ros-Lehtinen McNerney Richmond Titus Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to Fortenberry Loudermilk Meeks Roybal-Allard Roskam Tonko suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Foxx Love Rothfus Meng Ruiz Torres Franks (AZ) Lucas Rouzer Moore Ruppersberger Tsongas lution (H. Res. 660) expressing the sense Moulton Ryan (OH) Frelinghuysen Luetkemeyer Royce Van Hollen of the House of Representatives to sup- Garrett Lummis Murphy (FL) Sa´ nchez, Linda Russell Vargas Gibbs MacArthur Nadler T. port the territorial integrity of Geor- Salmon Veasey Gibson Marchant Sanford Napolitano Sarbanes gia. Gohmert Marino Neal Schakowsky Vela The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Scalise Vela´ zquez Goodlatte Massie Schweikert Nolan Schiff tion. Gosar McCarthy Norcross Schrader Visclosky Scott, Austin Walz The text of the resolution is as fol- Gowdy McCaul Sensenbrenner O’Rourke Scott (VA) Pallone Scott, David Wasserman lows: Granger McClintock Sessions Pascrell Serrano Schultz Graves (GA) McHenry Shimkus H. RES. 660 Graves (LA) McKinley Payne Sewell (AL) Waters, Maxine Shuster Graves (MO) McMorris Pelosi Sherman Watson Coleman Whereas since 1993, the sovereignty and Simpson Griffith Rodgers Perlmutter Sires territorial integrity of Georgia have been re- Smith (MO) Welch Grothman McSally Pingree Slaughter affirmed by the international community in Smith (NE) Wilson (FL) Guinta Meadows Pocan Smith (WA) Smith (NJ) Yarmuth all United Nations Security Council resolu- Guthrie Meehan Polis Speier Smith (TX) tions on Georgia; Hanna Messer Stefanik Whereas the Government of Georgia has Hardy Mica NOT VOTING—16 Stewart pursued a peaceful resolution of the conflict Harper Miller (FL) Beyer Johnson, Sam Ross Stivers Harris Miller (MI) Boustany LaMalfa with Russia over Georgia’s territories of Stutzman Rush Hartzler Moolenaar Brown (FL) Lieu, Ted Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Thompson (PA) Sanchez, Loretta Heck (NV) Mooney (WV) Clawson (FL) Nugent Ossetia; Thornberry Sinema Hensarling Mullin DesJarlais Palazzo Whereas principle IV of the Helsinki Final Tiberi Herrera Beutler Mulvaney Duckworth Reichert Act of 1975 states that, ‘‘The participating Hice, Jody B. Murphy (PA) Tipton Trott b 1635 States will respect the territorial integrity Hill Neugebauer of each of the participating States. Accord- Holding Newhouse Turner Hudson Noem Upton So the bill was passed. ingly, they will refrain from any action in- Huelskamp Nunes Valadao The result of the vote was announced consistent with the purposes and principles Huizenga (MI) Olson Wagner as above recorded. of the Charter of the United Nations against Walberg Hultgren Palmer A motion to reconsider was laid on the territorial integrity, political independ- Hunter Paulsen Walden ence or the unity of any participating State, Hurd (TX) Pearce Walker the table. Walorski and in particular from any such action con- Hurt (VA) Perry f stituting a threat or use of force . . . and Issa Peters Walters, Mimi Jenkins (KS) Peterson Weber (TX) PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION participating States will likewise refrain Jenkins (WV) Pittenger Webster (FL) OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE from making each other’s territory the ob- Johnson (OH) Pitts Wenstrup ject of military occupation.’’; Jolly Poe (TX) Westerman RULES Whereas the Charter of the United Nations Jones Poliquin Westmoreland Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask states that, ‘‘All Members shall refrain in Jordan Pompeo Williams their international relations from the threat Wilson (SC) unanimous consent that it be in order Joyce Posey or use of force against the territorial integ- Katko Price, Tom Wittman at any time on the legislative day of Kelly (MS) Ratcliffe Womack September 9, 2016, for the Speaker to rity or political independence of any state.’’; Whereas the recognition by the Govern- Kelly (PA) Reed Woodall entertain motions that the House sus- King (IA) Renacci Yoder ment of the Russian Federation of Abkhazia King (NY) Ribble Yoho pend the rules, as though under clause and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia on Au- Kinzinger (IL) Rice (SC) Young (AK) 1 of rule XV, relating to the bill (S. gust 26, 2008, was in violation of the sov- Kline Rigell Young (IA) 2040) to deter terrorism, provide justice ereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia Knight Roby Young (IN) and contradicting principles of Helsinki Labrador Roe (TN) Zeldin for victims, and for other purposes. LaHood Rogers (AL) Zinke The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. COL- Final Act of 1975, the Charter of the United LINS of New York). Is there objection to Nations as well as the August 12, 2008, NOES—174 the request of the gentleman from Ceasefire Agreement; Whereas the United States-Georgia Char- Adams Davis (CA) Honda Texas? ter on Strategic Partnership, signed on Jan- Aguilar Davis, Danny Hoyer There was no objection. Bass DeFazio Huffman uary 9, 2009, underscores that ‘‘support for Beatty DeGette Israel f each other’s sovereignty, independence, ter- Becerra Delaney Jackson Lee ritorial integrity and inviolability of borders Bera DeLauro Jeffries APPOINTMENT OF CONFEREE ON constitutes the foundation of our bilateral Bishop (GA) DelBene Johnson (GA) S. 2012, NORTH AMERICAN EN- relations.’’; Blumenauer DeSaulnier Johnson, E. B. ERGY SECURITY AND INFRA- Whereas according to the Government of Bonamici Deutch Kaptur Boyle, Brendan Dingell Keating STRUCTURE ACT OF 2016 Georgia’s ‘‘State Strategy on Occupied Ter- ritories’’, the Government of Georgia has F. Doggett Kelly (IL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Brady (PA) Doyle, Michael Kennedy committed itself to a policy of peaceful en- Brownley (CA) F. Kildee objection, the Chair appoints the fol- gagement, the protection of economic and Bustos Edwards Kilmer lowing conferee on S. 2012 to fill the va- human rights, freedom of movement, and the Butterfield Ellison Kind cancy caused by the resignation of preservation of cultural heritage, language, Capps Engel Kirkpatrick Representative Whitfield of Kentucky: and identity for the people of Abkhazia and Capuano Eshoo Kuster Ca´ rdenas Esty Langevin Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia; Carney Farr Larsen (WA) There was no objection. Whereas the August 2008 war between the Carson (IN) Foster Larson (CT) Russian Federation and Georgia resulted in Cartwright Frankel (FL) Lawrence f civilian and military casualties, the viola- Castor (FL) Fudge Lee ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER tion of the sovereignty and territorial integ- Castro (TX) Gabbard Levin PRO TEMPORE rity of Georgia, and large numbers of inter- Chu, Judy Gallego Lewis nally displaced persons; Cicilline Garamendi Lipinski The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Clark (MA) Graham Loebsack Whereas the annual United Nations Gen- Clarke (NY) Grayson Lofgren ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair eral Assembly Resolution on the ‘‘Status of Clay Green, Al Lowenthal will postpone further proceedings Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees Cleaver Green, Gene Lowey today on motions to suspend the rules from Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali Clyburn Grijalva Lujan Grisham on which a recorded vote or the yeas region/South Ossetia, Georgia’’, recognizes Cohen Gutie´rrez (NM) the right of return of all internally displaced ´ and nays are ordered, or on which the Connolly Hahn Lujan, Ben Ray persons and refugees and their descendants, Conyers Hastings (NM) vote incurs objection under clause 6 of regardless of ethnicity, as well as their prop- Costa Heck (WA) Lynch rule XX. Courtney Higgins Maloney, erty rights, remains unfulfilled; Crowley Himes Carolyn Record votes on postponed questions Whereas the Russian Federation is build- Cummings Hinojosa Maloney, Sean will be taken later. ing barbed wire fences and installing, so-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.039 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5137 called ‘‘border signs’’ and other artificial States to not recognize territorial changes Russian tanks on the hill, and, unfortu- barriers along the occupation line and de- effected by force, and affirms that this pol- nately, many years later, those Rus- priving the people residing within the occu- icy should continue to guide the foreign pol- sian tanks are still on the hills of Geor- pied regions and in the adjacent areas of icy of the United States; their fundamental rights and freedoms, in- gia. (2) condemns the military intervention and Russia is a cancer in the area. It is cluding, but not limited to the freedom of occupation of Georgia by the Russian Fed- movement, family life, education in their na- eration and its continuous illegal activities trying to infiltrate countries in the re- tive language, and other civil and economic along the occupation line in Abkhazia and gion, trying to spread its propaganda rights; Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia; and conquering ideas to the former So- Whereas the August 12, 2008, Ceasefire (3) calls upon the Russian Federation to viet Republics. Russian troops main- Agreement, agreed to by the Governments of withdraw its recognition of Georgia’s terri- tain a stranglehold on the occupied ter- the Russian Federation and Georgia— tories of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali re- ritories of Georgia. Russians have (1) provides that all troops of the Russian gion/South Ossetia as independent countries, Federation shall be withdrawn to pre-war po- forced ethnic Georgians to leave and to refrain from acts and policies that under- have forbidden everyone who still lives sitions; mine the sovereignty and territorial integ- (2) provides that free access shall be grant- rity of Georgia, and to take steps to fulfill there from speaking the Georgian lan- ed to organizations providing humanitarian all the terms and conditions of the August guage or from traveling to Georgia. assistance in regions affected by the violence 12, 2008, Ceasefire Agreement between Geor- The illegal Russian occupation of Geor- in August 2008; and (3) launched the Geneva International Dis- gia and the Russian Federation; gia is not a simple matter of terri- cussions between Georgia and the Russian (4) stresses the necessity of progress on tory—it is an attack on ideas; it is an Federation; core issues within the Geneva International assault on the very freedoms and lib- Whereas, on November 23, 2010, Georgian Discussions, including a legally binding erties that are God given. President Saakashvili declared before the pledge from Russia on the non-use of force, Georgia is a small and young democ- the establishment of international security European Parliament that ‘‘Georgia will racy despite the rough neighborhood never use force to restore its territorial in- arrangements in the occupied regions of Georgia, and the safe and dignified return of that it lives in—surrounded by corrupt tegrity and sovereignty.’’; dictators, including Russia. In fact, Whereas, on March 7, 2013, the bipartisan internally displaced persons and refugees to Resolution of the Parliament of Georgia on the places of their origin; over the past 25 years, Georgia has be- Basic Directions of Georgia’s Foreign Policy (5) urges the United States Government to come the freest nation in the region. It confirmed ‘‘Georgia’s commitment for the declare unequivocally that the United States has championed good governance, eco- non-use of force, pledged by the President of will not recognize the de jure or de facto sov- nomic reform, and democracy while Georgia in his address to the international ereignty of the Russian Federation over any combating corruption and ensuring part of Georgia, its airspace, or its terri- community from the European Parliament press freedom. This is no small in Strasburg on November 23, 2010.’’; torial waters, including Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia under any achievement. I have met with the first Whereas, on June 27, 2014, in the Associa- Georgian Government and the second tion Agreement between Georgia and the Eu- circumstances; ropean Union, Georgia reaffirmed its com- (6) urges the United States Administration Georgian Government and have met mitment ‘‘to restore its territorial integrity to deepen cooperation with Georgia in all with many of their officials. Mostly, I in pursuit of a peaceful and lasting conflict areas of the United States-Georgia Charter have met with the people of Georgia, resolution, of pursuing the full implementa- on Strategic Partnership, including Geor- and they are freedom-loving individ- tion of’’ the August 12, 2008, ceasefire agree- gia’s advancement towards Euro-Atlantic in- uals. ment; tegration; Georgia sets up a strong contrast to (7) urges the United States Administration Whereas despite the unilateral legally the authoritarian Putin up north. binding commitment to the non-use of force to place emphasis on enhancing Georgia’s se- curity through joint military trainings and Putin does not like having a beacon of pledged by the Georgian Government, the freedom shining brightly from the Russian Federation still refuses to recip- providing self-defensive capabilities in order rocate with its own legally binding non-use to enhance Georgia’s independent statehood south with his imperial aggression of force pledge; and national sovereignty; and kingdom looking down on them. This is Whereas the European Union Monitoring (8) affirms that a free, united, democratic, exactly why Putin decided to invade Mission (EUMM) is still denied access to the and sovereign Georgia is in the long-term in- Georgia 8 years ago. Georgia represents occupied regions of Abkhazia and the terest of the United States as it promotes the democratic potential in the region. peace and stability in the region. Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, despite the Putin would like nothing more than to fact that its mandate covers the whole terri- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cause unrest and turmoil in Georgia, tory of Georgia within its internationally ant to the rule, the gentleman from like he has done in other nations, in- recognized borders; California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- Whereas the Russian Federation continues cluding in Ukraine. tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) Georgia is a strong ally of the United to enhance its military bases illegally sta- each will control 20 minutes. tioned in occupied regions of Abkhazia and States. Georgia has more troops in Af- the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia without The Chair recognizes the gentleman ghanistan who are fighting alongside the consent of the Government of Georgia or from California. our troops than any non-NATO ally, a mandate from the United Nations or other GENERAL LEAVE and it has made hard reforms in order multilateral organizations; Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- to join NATO and the European Union. Whereas the Russian Federation continues imous consent that all Members may This resolution expresses our soli- the process of aggression carried out against have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- darity with Georgia. I am proud to be a Georgia since the early 1990s and occupation of Georgia’s territories following the August tend their remarks and to include any co-chair, along with the gentleman 2008 Russia-Georgia War; extraneous material for the RECORD. from Virginia (Mr. CONNOLLY), of the Whereas the Russian Federation’s policy The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Georgia Caucus. This resolution con- vis-a` -vis Georgia and the alarming develop- objection to the request of the gen- demns Russia’s illegal occupation of ments in the region illustrate that Moscow tleman from California? Georgian territory, and it sends a clear does not accept the independent choice of There was no objection. message to Putin that the United sovereign states and strives for the restora- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 States will never recognize his control tion of zones of influence in the region, in- minutes to the gentleman from Texas over any part of Georgia. cluding through the use of force, occupation, (Mr. POE), the chairman of the Foreign Our friends in Georgia and the region factual annexation, and other aggressive acts; and Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, must know that the United States will Whereas the United States applied the doc- Nonproliferation, and Trade, and he is not waver in its longstanding support trine of non-recognition in 1940 to the coun- the author of this measure. for its allies in the face of the Napoleon tries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, and Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the chair- of Siberia. We must be clear about our every Presidential administration of the man of the committee and the ranking commitment to our friends. Instead of United States honored this doctrine until member for their support on this legis- retreating from the world stage, the independence was restored to those countries lation. United States must deepen its relation- in 1991: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. Speaker, I was in Georgia in 2008 ships with our allies. Georgia is a valu- tives— when the Russians invaded that sov- able ally threatened by the cold Rus- (1) supports the policy, popularly known as ereign country and took one-fifth of sian winds of authoritarianism. John the ‘‘Stimson Doctrine’’, of the United their nation away from them. I saw the F. Kennedy, our President 50 years ago,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.040 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 said that we would support any friend ingly challenging part of the world, I had the pleasure of going to Georgia who believes in freedom. and we continue to believe that the over the recess with Congressman DUN- It is time we step up and support the door should be open to Georgia to work CAN, and we had an incredible experi- nation of Georgia. I urge my colleagues with us. I continue to believe that the ence in that we saw firsthand the very to support this important resolution door should remain open to Georgia for thing that you are talking about with and send a signal to our enemies and both NATO and the EU membership. regard to the Russian occupation of our friends all over the world that the I am glad to support this resolution. nearly 20 percent of the landmass of United States means it when it says it I reserve the balance of my time. Georgia. It is having a real-world im- will support its allies. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- pact in terms of a threat to that part And that is just the way it is. self such time as I may consume. of the region, a threat in terms of in- Mr. Speaker, since it regained its Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- vestment, and a threat in terms of fur- independence back in 1991 with the col- self such time as I may consume. ther economic development to that lapse of the Soviet Empire at the time, I rise in support of this measure. Georgia has repeatedly proven that it country. I am glad that Mr. POE said, ‘‘That is What has been, I think, impressive is indeed a strong partner of the United just the way it is,’’ because I agree. It States. are the market reforms that have is just the way it is. I agree with every- Russian President Vladimir Putin is taken place there, the way that the thing he says, and I want to thank him trying to sever our connection in order economy has burgeoned as a con- and Mr. CONNOLLY for their work on to reestablish Russia’s domination over sequence of those market reforms, but, this very timely resolution. Georgia. That is part of the problem again, the way in which the Russian Mr. Speaker, it is clear that Russian here. Ever since he came to power in threat threatens all of that in terms of President Vladimir Putin is doing ev- 2000, President Putin has pursued an the growing democratic movement, the erything in his power to steamroll the aggressive policy toward Georgia that growing economy, and the change in efforts of the U.S. and our allies over has included economic coercion, armed people’s lives. many decades to build a Europe that is conflict, and occupation of the regions So I just want to praise the gen- whole, free, and at peace; and we of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. This is tleman from California and thank him shouldn’t forget that the illegal occu- similar to his ongoing campaign, for bringing this resolution to the floor pation of Crimea and parts of eastern frankly, against Ukraine where Russia because I think it does make a dif- Ukraine isn’t the first time he has has annexed Crimea outright. ference in terms of a signal to that trampled on his neighbors’ territorial President Putin has these territorial part of the world wherein people that integrity. ambitions in Georgia as well and is we met with and saw firsthand are see- Last month, we marked 8 years since promoting separatist forces in ing the consequence of the Russian oc- Russian troops moved into Georgia, Abkhazia and in South Ossetia with cupation. where they remain to this day. Now, I the ultimate goal of annexing those re- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- believe keeping Georgia out of NATO gions outright or in all but name. In self such time as I may consume. in 2008 was a terrible mistake, and, in- fact, Russia has already formally rec- It is clear that Vladimir Putin has no deed, then-President Medvedev cited ognized these two regions as inde- regard for his neighbor’s sovereignty, the alliance’s failure to put out the pendent countries. and I think we should be doing more to welcome mat for Georgia as a signal As part of that effort, Russia is using push back against Russia’s aggression. that Russia needed to push across the its enormous propaganda machine to We also need to take every chance we border. convince the Georgian people that the get to make clear that his past bad be- U.S. and the west have abandoned havior is not acceptable. Russia’s ille- b 1645 them and that they have no option but gal occupation, as we have said of Yet, even with its sovereignty frac- to submit to Moscow and to submit to Georgia, has gone on for too long. He tured for eight years, Georgia will soon its imperial ambitions. has occupied other places as well: write another chapter in its history of This strategy will soon be put to the Moldova, Crimea, and Ukraine, which freedom and democracy by holding par- test. It is going to be put to the test in is part of Crimea. If we just let him do liamentary elections. Georgia’s parliamentary elections on this, there will be no end in sight. The We went to a celebration—and, I be- October 8 because Moscow is hoping United States has to really be strong lieve Mr. POE was there—celebrating that its campaign of disinformation about this. the 25th anniversary of freedom from will convince the Georgian people that I am glad we are sending this mes- communism by Georgia. Your heart they are alone and helpless and that sage today that we stand with the peo- really has to go out to the Georgian they must give up close ties with the ple of Georgia. We want to see their west or they will face greater hardship. people and what they have been able to country made whole again, and we will Our broadcasts through Radio Free Eu- accomplish under very, very adverse never accept Russia’s illegal claims. rope/Radio Liberty should be an impor- circumstances. I am glad to support this measure. I tant counter to this harmful propa- Georgia was a part of the Soviet urge my colleagues to do the same. Union for so many years. It was clear ganda. By voting overwhelmingly for this Again, this is a bipartisan resolution that they didn’t wish to be, but they resolution, the House will send a pow- because we all oppose aggression, and were forced to be. Then when the So- erful message that will be heard, not Abkhazia and South Ossetia should not viet Union collapsed, Georgia, of only throughout Georgia, but in the be occupied. It should go back and be course, was an independent country Kremlin as well, and that message is part of the rest of the country in a free and declared so, but that wasn’t good the United States will not accept Rus- and independent Georgia. enough for Mr. Putin. sia’s efforts to undermine Georgia’s I urge my colleagues to support this So the resolution we are considering sovereignty and their territorial integ- measure. today reaffirms the commitment of the rity and that we will always remain a I yield back the balance of my time. United States to our partners in Geor- strong partner of this embattled de- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- gia. We believe that Georgia’s terri- mocracy and of the brave Georgian self such time as I may consume. torial integrity should be restored, just people. I would just close by acknowledging as with Ukraine. We do not recognize I reserve the balance of my time. again and thanking Judge POE, Chair- Russia’s occupation of parts of that Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve man POE, a valued member of the For- country as legitimate, and we never the balance of my time. eign Affairs Committee and author of will. I think we have to state that Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield this measure, for this resolution and again. The Russian occupation of parts such time as he may consume to the for his focus to see that we collectively of Georgia is illegal, and Georgia gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. send a clear and powerful message to should remain whole and free, and the SANFORD). the people of Georgia and to President Russians ought to get out. Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank Vladimir Putin that the U.S. is and We view Georgia’s democracy and vi- Chairman ROYCE so much for his indul- will remain a steadfast friend of this brant society as a beacon in an increas- gence in terms of time. embattled democracy.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.079 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5139 I would also add that Judge POE’s Georgians as they prepare to go to the polls RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE resolution comes at a crucial time be- that the U.S. supports them in their efforts to OF THE UNITED STATES-REPUB- cause the Kremlin is trying to convince develop a sovereign, independent, and pros- LIC OF KOREA-JAPAN TRI- the Georgian people that we have aban- perous country. LATERAL RELATIONSHIP doned them and that they have no I thank my good friend Mr. POE for intro- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to choice but to submit to Moscow. ducing this resolution in support of Georgia suspend the rules and agree to the reso- I think by passing this resolution we and urge my colleagues to support it. lution (H. Res. 634) recognizing the im- will send our own message. We will Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today portance of the United States-Republic send a powerful message of support to in support of H. Res. 660, expressing support of Korea-Japan trilateral relationship the people of Georgia and ensure that, for the territorial integrity of Georgia. to counter North Korean threats and when the Georgians cast their vote in I want to thank the Chairman and Ranking nuclear proliferation, and to ensure re- next month’s parliamentary elections, Member for shepherding this measure through gional security and human rights. they will do so confident that the the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- American people will stand by them. I introduced this resolution with my col- tion. I yield back the balance of my time. league and fellow co-chair of the Congres- The text of the resolution is as fol- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I sional Caucus on Georgia, Judge TED POE. lows: rise in strong support of this resolution (H. It serves as a clear and unequivocal state- H. RES. 634 Res. 660) to support the territorial integrity of ment in support of the sovereign territory of Whereas, on January 6, 2016, North Korea Georgia. Georgia and it reiterates the longstanding pol- conducted its fourth nuclear test and on Feb- I want to thank my good friends and col- icy of the United States to not recognize terri- ruary 6, 2016, North Korea conducted an leagues Mr. POE and Mr. CONNOLLY for intro- Intercontinental Ballistic Missile technology torial changes effected by force, as dictated by test, both constituting direct and egregious ducing this excellent resolution, which con- the Stimson Doctrine—established in 1932 by demns Russia’s ongoing illegal activities along violations of United Nations Security Coun- then Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson. cil resolutions; the occupation line in Abkhazia and South In Georgia and elsewhere in the region, Whereas each of the governments of the Ossetia. Russia has committed gross violations of United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Mr. Speaker, Russia’s invasion and occupa- these principles by fomenting unrest and aid- and Japan have condemned the tests, under- tion of Georgian territory violates the Helsinki ing separatist movements in the countries scoring the importance of a strong and Final Act, as well as the core principles of sev- along its periphery. united international response; eral multilateral agreements, the Budapest Whereas the ROK President Park Geun-hye Foundational multilateral agreements Memorandum, and the United Nations Char- and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have reached for the purpose of maintaining a ter. The United States has not recognized agreed to work with the United States both peaceful and stable international order, such to institute strong measures in reaction to Russia’s illegal attempt to separate Abkhazia as the Helsinki Final Act of 1975 and the North Korean provocations, and to prevent and South Ossetia from Georgia as legitimate Charter of the United Nations, have been will- North Korea from becoming a nuclear weap- in any way—and this resolution sends a pow- fully disregarded by Russia at Putin’s behest. ons state; erful message that in this policy the adminis- This resolution condemns strongly the forc- Whereas the United States, ROK, and tration has the full support of Congress. Japan have signed a framework to enhance ible and illegal occupation of the Abkhazia and I was in Georgia in August, 2008, arriving information sharing called the ‘‘Trilateral South Ossetia regions in Georgia, and calls on about two weeks after the Russian invasion. Information Sharing Arrangement Con- Russia to withdraw its troops from the terri- The human suffering generated by the inva- cerning the Nuclear and Missile Threats tories. sion was immense, with over 192,000 people Posed by North Korea’’; Whereas Seoul, the capital of the Republic displaced and several hundred killed. Several Russian forces continue to harass civilian communities along the administrative bound- of Korea (ROK), is 35 miles from the Demili- of my constituents found themselves trapped tarized Zone, and Japan is 650 miles from behind Russian lines in South ary line and impede the right of return of inter- nally displaced persons. North Korea, both within reach of North Ko- Ossetia—we were able to get them out rea’s weapons; with help from our very capable ambassador, This resolution is about restoring the terri- Whereas North Korea already has an esti- John Tefft, now serving as our ambassador to torial integrity of a sovereign state and uphold- mated stockpile of nuclear material that Russia, and the assistance of another coun- ing the commitments and promise of the U.S.- could be converted into 13-21 nuclear weap- try’s diplomatic mission. Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership—a ons, with clear intentions to continue build- framework founded on support for each oth- ing its nuclear arsenal; The Russian occupation of Georgian terri- Whereas North Korea consistently con- tory is a festering sore that has not healed in er’s sovereignty, the strengthening of Geor- gian democracy, and the Euro-Atlantic integra- ducts destabilizing domestic military drills, the eight years that have elapsed since the in- including firing short range missiles into the vasion. tion of Georgia. territorial waters of its neighbors; Mr. Speaker, the resolution notes: ‘‘the Rus- Support for this resolution would be con- Whereas Admiral William Gortney, Com- sian Federation is building barbed wire fences sistent with the recent Warsaw Summit Com- mander of the United States Northern Com- and installing, so-called ‘border signs’ and munique issued by the NATO Heads of State mand has assessed on October 5, 2015, that other artificial barriers along the occupation and Government on July 9, 2016 in which the North Koreans ‘‘have the capability to line and depriving the people residing within NATO reaffirmed its support for the territorial reach the [U.S.] homeland with a nuclear weapon from a rocket’’ and U.S. Forces the occupied regions and in the adjacent integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Georgia. Korea Commander General Curtis M. areas of their fundamental rights and free- Scaparrotti said on October 24, 2014, that doms.’’ I would ask that my colleagues support this North Koreans ‘‘have the capability to have Mr. Speaker, I saw this new Iron Curtain important and timely resolution. miniaturized the device [a nuclear warhead] with my own eyes in July. I was in Georgia, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. at this point, and they have the technology leading the U.S. Delegation to the OSCE Par- YODER). The question is on the motion to potentially deliver what they say they liamentary Assembly, and made a visit to what offered by the gentleman from Cali- have.’’; our embassy calls the occupation line with fornia (Mr. ROYCE) that the House sus- Whereas the United States’ deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense some of my congressional colleagues. We pend the rules and agree to the resolu- tion, H. Res 660. (THAAD) system would greatly improve the looked over Russia’s fortified line from an ob- ROK’s missile defense capabilities and the servation platform—and what we saw re- The question was taken. ability of the United States-ROK-Japan co- minded me of the old Soviet Union. The Rus- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the operative efforts to deter North Korea’s sian troops came to the checkpoint and made opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being threats and provocations; people wait upwards of 12 hours to cross over in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas from June 20, 2016, through June with foodstuffs and reach people on the other Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on 28, 2016, the United States Navy, the Japa- side. A Russian guard used a camera to film that I demand the yeas and nays. nese Maritime Self Defense Force, and the The yeas and nays were ordered. Republic of Korea Navy conducted their me and the other members who were standing third biennial Pacific Dragon exercise, a tri- on the platform. Tensions were thick. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lateral event focusing on ballistic missile de- Mr. Speaker, this resolution comes at a ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- fense; timely moment, as Georgia prepares for its ceedings on this motion will be post- Whereas the Report of the United Nations parliamentary elections in October. It reminds poned. Commission of Inquiry on human rights in

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Today, with an ever more bel- gional stability. ing continued North Korean human rights ligerent North Korea, this partnership I thank Chairman ROYCE, and I thank violations in Seoul, with the strong support has never been more crucial. Mr. SALMON for his hard work and lead- of the Governments of the United States, As we know, only weeks ago, the Kim ership. ROK, and Japanese governments; and regime test-fired a submarine-launched I reserve the balance of my time. Whereas a strong United States-Republic ballistic missile. Although the missile b 1700 of Korea-Japan trilateral relationship is a traveled only 310 miles in the direction stabilizing force for peace and security in the of Japan, clearly Pyongyang is one Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 region, with capabilities to combat future step closer to being able to target any minutes to the gentleman from Ari- provocations from North Korea: Now, there- site in the Pacific. Our governments zona (Mr. SALMON). He is chairman of fore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representa- rightly stood side by side condemning the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on tives— this act. Asia and the Pacific. He is also author (1) strongly condemns North Korea’s nu- Mr. Speaker, our defense cooperation of this measure, but I wanted to thank clear tests, missile launches, and continued with South Korea and Japan is strong, him particularly for his deep engage- provocations; but we must remain vigilant. While ment in Asia on this and so many other (2) reaffirms the importance of the United there are a seemingly inexhaustible issues as well. States-Republic of Korea (ROK)-Japan tri- number of threats around the world, I Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, today I lateral relationship to counter North Korea’s believe Navy Admiral Harry Harris, rise in support of House Resolution 634, destabilizing activities and nuclear prolifera- commander of PACOM, was fundamen- tion, and to bolster regional security; recognizing the importance of the (3) supports joint military exercises and tally correct when he identified North United States-Republic of Korea-Japan other efforts to strengthen cooperation, im- Korea, for now, and Kim Jong-un as the trilateral relationship to counter prove defense capabilities, and oppose re- greatest immediate threat to Asia, the North Korean threats and nuclear pro- gional threats like North Korea; Pacific, and the United States. liferation, and to ensure regional secu- (4) encourages the deployment and United I urge my colleagues to support our rity and human rights. States-ROK-Japan coordination of regional close alliances with South Korea and I thank Chairman ROYCE and Rank- advanced ballistic missile defense systems Japan and pass this important resolu- ing Member ENGEL for their support of against North Korea’s nuclear and missile tion. threats and provocations; this legislation as well as all of my col- I reserve the balance of my time. leagues on both sides of the aisle for (5) calls for the expansion of information Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- and intelligence sharing and sustained diplo- this bipartisan effort. self such time as I may consume. As we have all seen, North Korea matic cooperation between the United I rise in support of this measure. Let States, ROK, and Japan; and continues its provocations, which we me start by thanking the gentleman (6) underscores the importance of the tri- saw again as recently as 2 days ago, from Arizona (Mr. SALMON), the chair lateral relationship in tracking North Korea when Kim Jong-Un’s regime launched of the Subcommittee on Asia and the human rights violations and holding it ac- three more missiles during the final countable for its abuses against its citizens Pacific, for offering this resolution. day of the G20 summit. Not only did and the citizens of other countries. Mr. Speaker, this week the Kim re- this fly in the face of multiple U.N. res- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- gime in North Korea has again shown olutions, but was a calculated chal- ant to the rule, the gentleman from the world that it has no intention of lenge to the international order. California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- abandoning its destabilizing and pro- The administration’s strategy of tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) vocative pattern of behavior. The re- strategic patience with North Korea each will control 20 minutes. cent missile launches are a reminder clearly has not worked. What is also The Chair recognizes the gentleman that we must keep up the pressure on clear is that we must work proactively from California. that rogue country. with our allies to counter North Ko- GENERAL LEAVE I am glad President Obama and rean threats and nuclear proliferation. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- President Park of South Korea met The Republic of Korea-Japan rela- imous consent that all Members may this week about these latest tests, and tionship has improved dramatically in have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- I am glad they agreed that the new recent years as each partner has recog- tend their remarks and to include any U.N. sanctions against Pyongyang nized the shared interests and values of extraneous material on this resolution. should be fully implemented. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there That meeting was a reminder that the other, demonstrated by the deep objection to the request of the gen- one of our best tools for dealing with and longstanding alliances each of tleman from California? North Korea is the United States- them has with the United States. Our There was no objection. Japan-South Korea trilateral relation- three nations working together as one Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- ship. These ties allow our countries to against North Korea’s threats will fos- self such time as I may consume. coordinate more closely on security ter improved regional security and se- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. issues, to share intelligence more cure fundamental human rights for the Res. 634, recognizing the importance of quickly and effectively, and to pack a North Korean people. the United States-Republic of Korea- bigger punch as we work to hold the I have no doubt that North Korea Japan trilateral relationship to Kim regime in North Korea account- will continue its provocations, and we counter North Korean threats and nu- able for its atrocious record and dan- must stand firm with our allies to clear proliferation, and to ensure re- gerous record and terrible record on counter its aggression. This resolution gional security and human rights. human rights. puts forth congressional intent to bol- With North Korea’s continued belli- I visited North Korea twice, Mr. ster the trilateral relationship and of- cose rhetoric and their belligerent ac- Speaker, and I can tell you the people fers further support for regional bal- tions, it is critical that we stand with of that country deserve much, much listic missile defense systems. our Korean and Japanese allies to en- better. In my view, we should be look- Our alliances with Korea and Japan sure the stability of the Asia Pacific. ing for ways to work even more closely are the cornerstones of peace and secu- And this resolution expresses strong with South Korea and Japan; and we rity in northeast Asia. We enjoy robust support for not only increased tri- need to keep up the pressure on China security with both countries, from the lateral cooperation, but for the deploy- and Russia to do more to address the forward deployment of assets, to joint ment of the missile defense system, challenge of North Korea. China can military exercises, to information and THAAD, which will be deployed late put pressure on North Korea. China is intelligence sharing. In fact, Korea re- next year. the only one that can control what cently elected to deploy, as Mr. ROYCE Importantly, this bill states that a North Korea does, and yet all we get is just referred to, the U.S. Terminal strong United States-Republic of lip service. It is not acceptable. High Altitude Area Defense system,

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We know Shifting gears just a little bit, I North Korea’s ongoing nuclear tests that high-level diplomats and military would also like to take a moment to and missile launches, it is imperative leaders are defecting, recognizing that mention an American student, David that the United States work even more they will be held accountable if they Sneddon, who disappeared in 2004 with- closely with these allies to counter this continue to support Kim Jong-Un’s out explanation while hiking in south- persistent threat. barbaric regime. west China. He was fluent in Korean, I introduced this resolution to reaf- The trilateral relationship is also and some respective experts have sug- firm the importance of the trilateral critically important to ensure regional gested that he may have been abducted relationship in this tense and unstable security. North Korea’s nuclear quest by North Korea to train their intel- time. It supports regional allied re- and the multiple recent tests of missile ligence operatives in English and West- sponses to North Korean threats and technology demonstrate again that ern culture. Recently—in fact, just last human rights abuses, and calls for ex- China cannot or will not control its week—a news outlet in Japan reported pansion of information sharing and protege. Despite China’s objections, that a North Korea defector had seen other diplomatic relationships between there is need for deployment of the David and that he was alive, that he our three countries. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense was teaching English in North Korea. This is a very important measure for system and to conduct joint military I have sponsored a House resolution the security of our homeland; that of exercises to strengthen coordination that asks the State Department to in- our allies, Korea and Japan; and the and cooperation posed by the threat of vestigate the theory that David may international community at large. I the North Korean military. have been abducted by the North Ko- encourage all Members to support this I support the resolution strongly and rean regime, and I urge the House to legislation. hope the House votes unanimously for vote on this important resolution. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I will close it. That is why this resolution that we are now if there are no speakers on the Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I continue speaking about today is so important. other side. If there is a speaker, then I to reserve the balance of my time. It is one of the foundations that is nec- reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 essary in order for us to move forward Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah on these others. So I urge my col- minutes to the gentleman from New (Mr. STEWART), a member of the Com- leagues to support House Resolution Jersey (Mr. SMITH). He is the chairman mittee on Appropriations and the Per- 634, as a strong United States, Japan, of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee manent Select Committee on Intel- and South Korea relationship is crit- on Africa, Global Health, Global ligence. ical to stopping North Korea expansion Mr. STEWART. Mr. Speaker, I would Human Rights, and International Orga- and operating as a criminal enterprise. like to thank the chairman and Mr. nizations. I thank the chairman again for let- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. SALMON for letting me speak in support ting me speak on behalf of this resolu- Speaker, I want to thank the distin- of this resolution. I have worked very tion. guished chairman for yielding and for closely over the last several years with his leadership on this issue and Rank- the Embassy of Japan. I was honored, Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me say that greater stability and ing Member ENGEL, and especially for example, to host the Deputy Am- security across the Asia Pacific needs thank Chairman SALMON for authoring bassador last month in Utah. My par- this important piece of legislation. ents lived for 3 years as a military fam- to be a top priority for the United North Korea, as we know, poses an ily in Japan, and I remember growing States. Our interests in the alliances in existential threat to its neighbors and up, our house was filled with Japanese that part of the world are only growing requires constant vigilance and close art and beautiful bonsai trees. I also more and more important with each cooperation of regional allies. The alli- feel a personal connection with South passing day. ance between the United States, South Korea, where one of my sons served as So when we see a threat like North Korea, and Japan is vital to curtail a missionary for 2 years. Both Japan Korea, we need to work with our part- North Korea’s ever-worsening saber and South Korea are not only critical ners in the region to respond. That is rattling and to ensure regional secu- allies of the United States, but they why our trilateral ties with South rity and human rights. are critical to security and to peace Korea and Japan are so important. A strong relationship between the re- throughout Asia. This is an alliance that has under- gion’s leading democracies is also criti- As a member of the House Permanent pinned and will continue to underpin cally important to provide a balance to Select Committee on Intelligence, I am security in Asia for years to come, and China’s increasingly uncertain diplo- reminded every day that we live in a we are doing the right thing by voicing macy. China subsidizes North Korea’s dangerous world. On top of the list of our strong support for it. I support this bad behavior, enables the torture of dangerous challenges is North Korea, measure, and I ask all my colleagues to asylum seekers by repatriating those which is a brutal, thuggish, repressive support it. who escape to China in direct con- regime that unquestionably challenges Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance travention of the Refugee Convention, international security and stability. of my time. which they have signed and ratified, For example, as has been mentioned Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, in closing, and provides Kim Jong-Un needed cur- here a number of times now, we learned I would just point out that as Kim rency by employing thousands of traf- just within the last few weeks that Jong-Un continues to ratchet up his ficked workers. three new ballistic missiles had been aggressive actions, we need to stand Though the U.N. Commission of In- launched toward Japan. Unfortunately, shoulder to shoulder with our Korean quiry on North Korea recommended this isn’t new. Reports of similar mis- and Japanese allies, and part of this the U.N. impose targeted sanctions on sile launches from North Korea seem to also means being more proactive in im- the North Korean leaders responsible be almost routine, and that is why this plementing the North Korea sanctions for massive crimes against humanity, resolution is so important. Not only law that was passed earlier this year. China blocked effective U.N. actions. does it condemn North Korea’s nuclear It is unacceptable that no Chinese That is why the U.S., South Korea, and test and missile launches, it also reaf- companies have yet been sanctioned Japan must work together to identify firms the importance of a strong rela- under the new law by the administra- and list those North Koreans respon- tionship, once again, between Japan, tion. We are working on that, but sible for egregious human rights South Korea, and the United States. today this resolution before us sends a abuses. A strong relationship between our very strong signal that our trilateral Pyongyang’s enablers, abusers, and three countries is more important now partnership will remain a standard for nuclear customers must be identified, than it ever has been before, as we co- security in the Asia Pacific. I urge all and those responsible individuals for ordinate more advanced regional bal- Members’ support.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.085 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the United States foreign assistance ‘‘(i) early childhood development; of my time. policy, and for other purposes, as ‘‘(ii) life skills and workforce development; Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today amended. ‘‘(iii) economic opportunity; in support of H. Res. 634, expressing support The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(iv) gender parity; The text of the bill is as follows: ‘‘(v) food and nutrition security; for the U.S.-Republic of Korea-Japan trilateral ‘‘(vi) water, sanitation, and hygiene; H.R. 4481 relationship. ‘‘(vii) health and disease prevention and The United States-Republic of Korea-Japan Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- treatment; trilateral relationship is strategically vital to resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(viii) disaster preparedness; countering the provocations emanating from Congress assembled, ‘‘(ix) conflict and violence reduction, miti- North Korea, and this resolution provides guid- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. gation, and prevention; and ance for what should be our shared priorities (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as ‘‘(x) democracy and governance; and the ‘‘Education for All Act of 2016’’. ‘‘(C) monitor and evaluate the effective- in addressing the threat posed by the paranoid (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- regime in Pyongyang. ness and quality of basic education pro- tents for this Act is as follows: grams. As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. ‘‘(2) PRINCIPLES.—In carrying out the pol- on Korea, I remain deeply concerned with the Sec. 2. Sense of Congress. icy referred to in paragraph (1), the United Sec. 3. Assistance to promote sustainable, volatility and ever-present potential of conflict States shall be guided by the following prin- quality basic education. on the Korean Peninsula. ciples of aid effectiveness: Sec. 4. Comprehensive integrated United It is a specter that looms over 75 million Ko- LIGNMENT States strategy to promote ‘‘(A) A .—Assistance provided reans and, for their sake and that of the re- basic education. under this section to support programs and gion, the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Japan, Sec. 5. Improving coordination and over- activities under this subsection shall be China, and other regional stakeholders must sight. aligned with and advance United States dip- demonstrate commitment to addressing this Sec. 6. Monitoring and evaluation of pro- lomatic, development, and national security interests. threat. grams. ‘‘(B) COUNTRY OWNERSHIP.—To the greatest The Korean Peninsula is one of the most Sec. 7. Transparency and reporting to Con- gress. extent practicable, assistance provided under dangerous flashpoints on the globe. There Sec. 8. Definitions. this section to support programs and activi- have been recent developments in the North SEC. 2. SENSE OF CONGRESS. ties under this subsection should be aligned Korea saga that are profoundly troubling and It is the sense of Congress that— with and support the national education deserve an immediate response from Con- (1) education lays the foundation for in- plans and country development strategies of gress. creased civic participation, democratic gov- partner countries, including activities that North Korea’s fourth nuclear weapons test ernance, sustained economic growth, and are appropriate for and meet the needs of and ongoing ballistic missile tests confirm that healthier, more stable societies; local and indigenous cultures. ‘‘(C) COORDINATION.— the regime in Pyongyang is committed to (2) it is in the national interest of the United States to promote access to sustain- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Assistance provided defying international norms and destabilizing able, quality universal basic education in de- under this section to support programs and the Asia-Pacific region. veloping countries; activities under this subsection should be co- This resolution, sanctions passed by Con- (3) United States resources and leadership ordinated with and leverage the unique capa- gress, the United Nations Security Council should be utilized in a manner that best en- bilities and resources of local and national Resolution 2270, the R.O.K.’s decision to sures a successful international effort to pro- governments in partner countries, other do- close Kaesong Industrial Complex, and the re- vide children in developing countries with a nors, multilateral institutions, the private cent agreement to deploy the THAAD missile quality basic education in order to achieve sector, and nongovernmental and civil soci- ety organizations, including faith-based or- defense system to the Peninsula constitute a the goal of quality universal basic education; and ganizations and organizations that represent concerted effort to target North Korea’s illicit (4) promoting gender parity in basic edu- teachers, students, and parents. trade networks and protect a vital U.S. ally cation from childhood through adolescence ‘‘(ii) MULTILATERAL PROGRAMS AND INITIA- from the illicit nuclear program that has made serves United States diplomatic, economic, TIVES.—Assistance provided under this sec- North Korea a world pariah. and security interests worldwide. tion to support programs and activities The North Korean threat endangers the se- SEC. 3. ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE, under this subsection should be coordinated curity and stability of close and valued de- QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION. with and support proven multilateral edu- fense treaty allies, the R.O.K. and Japan. Section 105 of the Foreign Assistance Act cation programs and financing mechanisms, which may include the Global Partnership The U.S. has met this challenge with secu- of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151c) is amended by adding at the end the following: for Education, that demonstrate commit- rity assurances, military resources, deepened ‘‘(c) ASSISTANCE TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE, ment to efficiency, effectiveness, trans- economic ties, and an effort to marshal the QUALITY BASIC EDUCATION.— parency, and accountability. opposition of the international community ‘‘(1) POLICY.—In carrying out this section, ‘‘(D) EFFICIENCY.—The President shall seek against a nuclear armed North Korea. it shall be the policy of the United States to to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of We must continue to demonstrate the re- work with partner countries, other donors, assistance provided under this section to solve to achieve a nuclear-weapon-free Ko- multilateral institutions, the private sector, support programs and activities under this rean Peninsula. and nongovernmental and civil society orga- subsection by coordinating the related ef- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nizations, including faith-based organiza- forts of relevant Executive branch agencies tions and organizations that represent teach- and officials, including efforts to increase question is on the motion offered by ers, students, and parents, to promote sus- gender parity and to provide a continuity of the gentleman from California (Mr. tainable, quality basic education through basic education activities in humanitarian ROYCE) that the House suspend the programs and activities that, consistent responses and other emergency settings. rules and agree to the resolution, H. with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration ‘‘(E) EFFECTIVENESS.—Programs and ac- Res. 634, as amended. of Human Rights— tivities supported under this subsection shall The question was taken; and (two- ‘‘(A) align with and respond to the needs, be designed to achieve specific, measurable thirds being in the affirmative) the capacities, and commitment of developing goals and objectives and shall include appro- rules were suspended and the resolu- countries to strengthen educational systems, priate targets, metrics and indicators that expand access to safe learning environments, can be applied with reasonable consistency tion, as amended, was agreed to. ensure continuity of education, measurably across such programs and activities to meas- A motion to reconsider was laid on improve teacher skills and learning out- ure progress and outcomes. the table. comes, and support the engagement of par- ‘‘(F) TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY.— f ents in the education of their children, so Programs and activities supported under this that all children, including marginalized subsection shall be subject to rigorous moni- EDUCATION FOR ALL ACT OF 2016 children and other vulnerable groups, may toring and evaluation, which may include Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to have access to and benefit from quality basic impact evaluations, the results of which suspend the rules and pass the bill education; and shall be made publically available in a fully (H.R. 4481) to amend the Foreign As- ‘‘(B) promote education as a foundation for searchable, electronic format. sistance Act of 1961 to provide assist- sustained economic growth and development ‘‘(3) PRIORITY AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.— within a holistic assistance strategy that The President shall ensure that assistance ance for developing countries to pro- places partner countries on a trajectory to- provided under this section to support pro- mote quality basic education and to es- ward graduation from assistance provided grams and activities under this subsection is tablish the goal of all children in under this section and contributes to im- aligned with the diplomatic, economic, and school and learning as an objective of proved— national security interests of the United

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States and that priority is given to devel- ‘‘(G) GENDER PARITY IN BASIC EDUCATION.— (f) ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED.—Assistance pro- oping countries in which— The term ‘gender parity in basic education’ vided under section 105 of the Foreign Assist- ‘‘(A) there is the greatest need and oppor- means that girls and boys have equal access ance Act of 1961 (as amended by section 3 of tunity to expand access to basic education to quality basic education. this Act) should advance the strategy re- and to improve learning outcomes, including ‘‘(H) NONFORMAL EDUCATION.—The term quired by subsection (a), including through for marginalized and vulnerable groups, par- ‘nonformal education’— efforts to— ticularly women and girls, or populations af- ‘‘(i) means organized educational activities (1) ensure an adequate supply and contin- fected by conflict or crisis; and outside the established formal system, ued support for trained, effective teachers; ‘‘(B) such assistance can produce a sub- whether operating separately or as an impor- (2) design and deliver relevant curricula, stantial, measurable impact on children and tant feature of a broader activity, that are uphold quality standards, and supply appro- educational systems. intended to serve identifiable learning clien- priate teaching and learning materials; ‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: teles and learning objectives; and (3) build the capacity of basic education ‘‘(A) BASIC EDUCATION.—The term ‘basic ‘‘(ii) includes youth programs and commu- systems in partner countries by improving education’ includes— nity training offered by community groups management practices and supporting their ‘‘(i) all program and policy efforts aimed at and organizations. ability to collect relevant data and monitor, improving early childhood, preprimary edu- ‘‘(I) SUSTAINABILITY.—The term ‘sustain- evaluate, and report on the status and qual- cation, primary education, and secondary ability’ means, with respect to any basic ity of education services, financing, and stu- education, which can be delivered in formal education program that receives funding dent-learning outcomes; and nonformal education settings, and in pursuant to this section, the ability of a (4) help mobilize domestic resources to programs promoting learning for out-of- service delivery system, community, part- eliminate or offset fees for educational serv- school youth and adults; ner, or beneficiary to maintain, over time, ices, including fees for tuition, uniforms, and ‘‘(ii) capacity building for teachers, admin- such basic education program.’’. materials; istrators, counselors, and youth workers; SEC. 4. COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED UNITED (5) support education on human rights and ‘‘(iii) literacy, numeracy, and other basic STATES STRATEGY TO PROMOTE conflict-resolution while ensuring that skills development that prepare an indi- BASIC EDUCATION. schools are not incubators for violent extre- (a) STRATEGY REQUIRED.—Not later than vidual to be an active, productive member of mism; October 1, 2016, October 1, 2021, and October society and the workforce; and (6) work with communities to help girls 1, 2026, the President shall submit to the ap- ‘‘(iv) workforce development, vocational overcome relevant barriers to their receiving propriate congressional committees a com- training, and digital literacy that is in- a safe, quality basic education, including by prehensive United States strategy to pro- formed by real market needs and opportuni- improving girls’ safety in education settings, mote quality basic education in partner ties. helping girls to obtain the skills needed to countries by— ‘‘(B) PARTNER COUNTRY.—The term ‘partner find safe and legal employment upon conclu- (1) seeking to equitably expand access to country’ means a developing country that sion of their education, and countering basic education for all children, particularly participates in or benefits from basic edu- harmful practices such as child, early, and marginalized children and vulnerable groups; cation programs under this subsection pursu- forced marriage and gender-based violence; and ant to the prioritization criteria described in (7) ensure access to education for the most (2) measurably improving the quality of paragraph (3), including level of need, oppor- marginalized children and vulnerable groups, basic education and learning outcomes. tunity for impact, and the availability of re- including through the provision of appro- (b) REQUIREMENT TO CONSULT.—In devel- priate infrastructure, flexible learning op- sources. oping the strategy required by subsection ‘‘(C) RELEVANT EXECUTIVE BRANCH AGENCIES portunities, accelerated and second-chance (a), the President shall consult with— classes, and opportunities that support lead- AND OFFICIALS.—The term ‘relevant Execu- (1) the appropriate congressional commit- tive branch agencies and officials’ means— ership development; tees; (8) make schools safe and secure learning ‘‘(i) the Department of State, the United (2) relevant Executive branch agencies and States Agency for International Develop- environments without threat of physical, officials; psychological, and sexual violence, including ment, the Department of the Treasury, the (3) partner country governments; and Department of Labor, the Department of by supporting safe passage to and from (4) local and international nongovern- schools and constructing separate latrines Education, the Department of Health and mental organizations, including faith-based Human Services, the Department of Agri- for boys and girls; and organizations and organizations representing (9) support a communities-of-learning ap- culture, and the Department of Defense; students, teachers, and parents, and other ‘‘(ii) the Chief Executive Officer of the Mil- proach that utilizes schools as centers of development partners engaged in basic edu- learning and development for an entire com- lennium Challenge Corporation, the Coordi- cation assistance programs in developing nator of United States Government Activi- munity, to leverage and maximize the im- countries. pact of other development efforts, and reduce ties to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally, the Na- (c) PUBLIC COMMENT.—The President shall duplication and waste. tional Security Advisor, the Director of the provide an opportunity for public comment Peace Corps, and the National Economic Ad- on the strategy required by subsection (a). (g) ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES SUPPORTED FOR visor; and (d) INITIAL STRATEGY.—For the purposes of COUNTRIES AFFECTED BY CONFLICT AND CRI- ‘‘(iii) any other department, agency, or of- this section, the strategy entitled ‘‘USAID SES.—In addition to the activities supported ficial of the United States Government that education strategy’’, as in effect on the day under subsection (f), assistance provided participates in activities to promote quality before the date of the enactment of this Act, under section 105 of the Foreign Assistance basic education pursuant to the authorities shall be deemed to fulfill the initial require- Act of 1961 (as amended by section 3 of this of such department, agency, or official or ments of subsection (a) for 2016. Act) to foreign countries or those parts of pursuant to this Act. (e) ELEMENTS.—The strategy required by the territories of foreign countries that are ‘‘(D) NATIONAL EDUCATION PLAN.—The term subsection (a) shall be developed and imple- affected by or emerging from armed conflict, ‘national education plan’ means a com- mented consistent with the principles set humanitarian crises, or other emergency sit- prehensive national education plan devel- forth in subsection (c) of section 105 of the uations may be used to support efforts to— oped by partner country governments in con- Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as added by (1) ensure a continuity of basic education sultation with other stakeholders as a means section 3 of this Act) and shall seek to— for all children through appropriate formal for wide-scale improvement of the country’s (1) build the capacity of relevant actors in and nonformal education programs and serv- education system, including explicit, cred- partner countries, including in government ices; ible strategies informed by effective prac- and in civil society, to develop and imple- (2) ensure that basic education assistance tices and standards to achieve quality uni- ment national education plans that are of the United States to countries in emer- versal basic education. aligned with and advance country develop- gency settings shall be informed by the Min- ‘‘(E) HIV/AIDS.—The term ‘HIV/AIDS’ has ment strategies; imum Standards of the Inter-Agency Net- the meaning given that term in section (2) identify and replicate successful inter- work for Education in Emergencies (‘‘INEE 104A(h). ventions that improve access to and quality Minimum Standards’’); ‘‘(F) MARGINALIZED CHILDREN AND VULNER- of education; (3) coordinate basic education programs ABLE GROUPS.—The term ‘marginalized chil- (3) project general levels of resources need- with complementary services to protect chil- dren and vulnerable groups’ includes girls, ed to achieve stated program objectives; dren from physical harm, psychological and children affected by or emerging from armed (4) leverage United States capabilities, in- social distress, recruitment into armed conflict or humanitarian crises, children cluding through technical assistance, train- groups, family separation, and abuses related with disabilities, children in remote or rural ing and research; and to their displacement; areas (including those who lack access to (5) improve coordination and reduce dupli- (4) support, train, and provide professional safe water and sanitation), religious or eth- cation among relevant Executive branch development for educators working in emer- nic minorities, indigenous peoples, orphans agencies and officials, other donors, multi- gency settings; and children affected by HIV/AIDS, child la- lateral institutions, nongovernmental orga- (5) help build national capacity to coordi- borers, married adolescents, and victims of nizations, and governments in partner coun- nate and manage basic education during trafficking. tries. emergency response and through recovery;

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Also, Jessica Kelch, a (A) the provision of safe learning environ- (4) be planned and budgeted to include staff member here on the Committee ments with appropriate facilities, especially funding for both short- and long-term moni- on Foreign Affairs, I appreciate her ef- for girls; toring and evaluation to enable assessment forts as well in making sure that this (B) safe passage to and from school, includ- of the sustainability and scalability of as- came to the floor. ing landmine awareness, the designation of sistance programs; and We all recognize the importance of schools as conflict-free zones, the adoption (5) support the increased use and public education for economic growth. We and support of community-owned protective availability of education data for improved know the impact that it has on social measures to reduce the incidence of attacks decision making, program effectiveness, and on educational facilities and personnel by monitoring of global progress. mobility. We know that the overall stability around the globe is partly de- local actors, armed groups, and armed forces; SEC. 7. TRANSPARENCY AND REPORTING TO (C) out-of-school and flexible-hour edu- CONGRESS. pendent upon this, and as Congress- cation programs in areas where security con- (a) ANNUAL REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTA- woman NITA LOWEY would tell you, ditions are prohibitive; TION OF STRATEGY.—Not later than March 31 education raises the productivity of (D) safety plans in case of emergency with of each year through 2031, the President shall people. It empowers men, it empowers clearly defined roles for school personnel; submit to the appropriate congressional women to better care for themselves, and committees a report on the implementation better care for their families, and in- (E) appropriate infrastructure, including of the strategy developed pursuant to section creases their civic participation. Even emergency communication systems and ac- 4 and make the report available to the pub- cess to mobile telecommunications with lic. one extra year of schooling has been local police and security personnel. (b) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—The report found to significantly increase a work- SEC. 5. IMPROVING COORDINATION AND OVER- required under subsection (a) shall include— er’s earnings and their lifespan. SIGHT. (1) a description of the efforts made by rel- But despite widespread agreement (a) SENIOR COORDINATOR OF UNITED STATES evant Executive branch agencies and offi- about the benefits of education, the INTERNATIONAL BASIC EDUCATION ASSIST- cials to implement the strategy developed fact remains that an alarming number ANCE.—There is established within the pursuant to section 4 with a particular focus of children worldwide are out of school. United States Agency for International De- on the activities carried out; At present, over 120 million children velopment a Senior Coordinator of United (2) a description of the extent to which States International Basic Education Assist- each partner country selected to receive as- around the globe have never attended ance (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Senior sistance for basic education meets the pri- or have dropped out of school. More Coordinator’’), who shall be appointed by the ority criteria specified in subsection (c) of than one-third of these children come President. section 105 of the Foreign Assistance Act (as from countries suffering from war and (b) DUTIES.— added by section 3 of this Act); and suffering from conflict. With many re- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Senior Coordinator (3) a description of the progress achieved cent conflicts lasting well over a dec- shall have primary responsibility for the over the reporting period toward meeting the ade, it is easy to see how, tragically, oversight and coordination of all resources goals, objectives, benchmarks, and time- we now have entire generations of chil- and activities of the United States Govern- frames specified in the strategy developed ment relating to the promotion of inter- pursuant to section 4 at the program level, dren who are failing to receive even the national basic education programs and ac- as developed pursuant to monitoring and most basic education. tivities. evaluation specified in section 6. b 1715 (2) SPECIFIC DUTIES.—The Senior Coordi- SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS. Certainly, this is a humanitarian cri- nator shall— (a) APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMIT- sis. But there are clear implications for (A) facilitate program and policy coordina- TEES.—In this Act, the term ‘‘appropriate tion of international basic education pro- congressional committees’’ means— global stability and our national secu- grams and activities among relevant Execu- (1) the Committee on Appropriations and rity as well. tive branch agencies and officials, partner the Committee on Foreign Relations of the What opportunities are available to governments, multilateral institutions, the Senate; and children who remain out of school or private sector, and nongovernmental and (2) the Committee on Appropriations and leave school unable to read, write, or civil society organizations; the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the (B) develop and revise the strategy re- perform basic arithmetic? Sadly, we House of Representatives. know these children face a greatly in- quired under section 4; (b) OTHER DEFINITIONS.—In this Act, the (C) monitor, evaluate, and report on activi- terms ‘‘basic education’’, ‘‘partner country’’, creased risk of abuse at the hands of ties undertaken pursuant to the strategy re- ‘‘relevant Executive branch agencies and of- traffickers, early marriage or forced quired under section 4; and ficials’’, ‘‘national education plan’’, marriage, and recruitment by criminal (D) establish due diligence criteria for all ‘‘marginalized children and vulnerable or terrorist organizations. recipients of funds provided by the United groups’’, and ‘‘gender parity in basic edu- Nowhere is this harsh reality more States to carry out activities under this Act cation’’ have the meanings given such terms clear than in Syria, where an esti- and the amendments made by this Act. in subsection (c) of section 105 of the Foreign mated 4 million Syrian children are (c) OFFSET.—To offset any costs incurred Assistance Act of 1961 (as added by section 3 currently out of school. Inside Syria, by the United States Agency for Inter- of this Act). national Development to carry out the es- these children are being shaped by vio- tablishment and appointment of a Senior Co- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- lence and a lack of alternatives that ordinator of United States International ant to the rule, the gentleman from place them at a high risk of exploi- Basic Education Assistance in accordance California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- tation and of radicalization. As refu- with subsection (a), the President shall tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) gees, they are placing tremendous pres- eliminate such positions within the United each will control 20 minutes. sure on the education systems of coun- States Agency for International Develop- The Chair recognizes the gentleman tries like Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey. ment, unless otherwise authorized or re- from California. quired by law, as the President determines That is why I rise today in support of to be necessary to fully offset such costs. GENERAL LEAVE H.R. 4481, the Education for All Act. SEC. 6. MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF PRO- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- This bill increases direction and ac- GRAMS. imous consent that all Members may countability for U.S. efforts to impose The President shall seek to ensure that have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- access to basic education in developing programs carried out under the strategy re- tend their remarks and to include any and in conflict-torn countries. quired under section 4 shall— extraneous material on this measure. It requires the President to establish (1) apply rigorous monitoring and evalua- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there a strategy for, and report to Congress tion methodologies to focus on learning and objection to the request of the gen- on, how the administration will work accountability; (2) include methodological guidance in the tleman from California? with other countries and donors on how implementation plan and support systemic There was no objection. to build that capacity and how to re- data collection using internationally com- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- duce duplication, how to measure parable indicators, norms, and methodolo- self such time as I may consume. progress, and how to replicate success

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It also requires in- This is a good bill that will actually Measurable learning outcomes and creased attention to some of the spe- help to put children in classrooms updates to this strategy every 5 years, cific barriers to education that women around the world, giving them a better with feedback from local and inter- and girls face. shot at a full and successful life. national education and development Lastly, the bill establishes a senior I, again, thank my friend NITA partners, will ensure we build upon our coordinator within the U.S. Agency for LOWEY, and I thank the chairman. successes to make progress toward uni- International Development to ensure Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of versal education. accountability and oversight across all my time. Additionally, the legislation U.S. agencies that are involved in this Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue strengthens Congress’ role and en- work. to reserve the balance of my time. hances oversight of these efforts by So, again, I want to thank Represent- Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 creating a Senior Coordinator of ative LOWEY for her continued bipar- minutes to the gentlewoman from New United States International Basic Edu- tisan leadership on this issue, as well York (Mrs. LOWEY), my friend and a cation Assistance tasked with improv- as my committee’s ranking member, wonderful colleague. ing coordination, monitoring the edu- cation strategy, and reporting to Con- Mr. ENGEL, and the chair of our Africa, Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to Global Health, Global Human Rights, thank Chairman ROYCE and Ranking gress on implementation. These efforts will not only teach students the three and International Organizations Sub- Member ENGEL for their support and Rs, they will ultimately help protect committee, Mr. SMITH, for their work their enthusiasm for this bill. vulnerable children from poverty, dis- on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of ease, hunger, and, ultimately, extre- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of H.R. 4481, the Education for All Act, mism. my time. which I introduced earlier this year with our colleague DAVID REICHERT. I have long said there is no greater Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- force multiplier than education. An self such time as I may consume. Today, millions of American children are settling into new classrooms and education is the fundamental tool with Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this which girls and boys are empowered to legislation. getting back in the swing of their school routines. Despite the challenges increase their economic potential, im- Let me again thank our chairman, prove their health outcomes, provide ED ROYCE, for his leadership; and I many students and schools face, it is hard for us to imagine this time of year for their families, address cultural bi- want to acknowledge my good friend ases, and participate in their commu- not being occupied with the excitement and neighbor from New York, NITA nities. LOWEY, who authored this bill and has of new school supplies, teachers, and Children who receive a quality edu- long been a champion for expanding ac- school sporting events. Unfortunately, cation also contribute to more pros- cess to education not just here in the the ability to access education at all perous economies and healthier, peace- United States, but around the world. remains a luxury in too many areas ful, and democratic societies. That is Mr. Speaker, a recent report from the around the world. In fact, in 2014, 263 why the 9/11 Commission concluded United Nations tells us that, around million children, adolescents, and that ensuring educational opportunity the world, more than 260 million young youth were not in school. Our own U.S. is essential to defeating global ter- people are not in school. That is 260 Agency for International Development rorism. million, a staggering amount. Millions has reported: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The more are only able to gain a sub- The world is in the midst of a global learn- time of the gentlewoman has expired. standard education. ing crisis. Mr. ENGLE. I yield the gentlewoman We cannot overstate the importance As of 2014, an estimated 25 million an additional 2 minutes. of getting young people off to a good children were never expected to enroll Mrs. LOWEY. First introduced in start by getting them into the class- in school, and 758 million adults could 2004, the bill we consider today rep- room. Every year of primary school in- not read or write a simple sentence. resents many years of hard work to creases an individual’s earning poten- Women and girls represent two-thirds elevate the importance of global edu- tial by 5 to 15 percent. More educated of these staggering figures. Even dar- cation, bipartisan compromise, and the populations are healthier and more ing to attend school requires taking support of over 30 nonprofit and advo- productive, so it is a win all the way life-threatening risk for girls in many cacy organizations, including RE- around. regions. SULTS, the Basic Education Coalition, Promoting access to education isn’t Malala Yousafzai was shot by the the Global Campaign for Education, about helping young people reaching Taliban in Pakistan at the age of 15 for the Global Poverty Project, the Malala their potential. It is also about enhanc- attending school and advocating for Fund, and many other vital partners. ing security and stability. For every other girls to do so. Hundreds of girls So, in closing, I want to thank, again, Chairman ROYCE, Ranking Mem- year a young man spends in school, the have been kidnapped by Boko Haram ber ENGEL, and their hardworking likelihood of him becoming involved in for seeking a basic education and still staffs for their diligent efforts to bring violence and extremism drops by 20 remain hostage. That is why this legis- the Education for All Act before the percent. In places like Afghanistan and lation is so critical. House today. South Sudan, where roughly half of the The promotion of international basic I urge immediate passage. children are not in school, we know education must be among our chief de- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve that violent extremists and others are velopment priorities. Not only is it in the balance of my time to close. only too happy to provide a rotten al- the national security interests of the Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- ternative for these vulnerable young United States, it is simply the right self such time as I may consume. people. That is why access to basic edu- thing to do. In closing, let me say that, if chil- cation needs to be a foreign policy pri- The bill before us today prioritizes dren around the world cannot get a ority. USAID’s work with foreign govern- basic education, it will obviously be This legislation calls for a 5-year ments, NGOs, and multilateral organi- that much harder for them to get strategy for expanding opportunities zations to help nations develop and im- ahead later on in life, to contribute to for kids to go to school all over the plement quality programs, address key their economies and communities, to world, especially where children are barriers to school attendance, and in- help build stability and prosperity, and most vulnerable. It would put a new crease completion rates for the poorest to deprive violent extremists of poten- point person in charge of making sure and most vulnerable children world- tial recruits. that our efforts across government are wide. I think that is an important point. coordinated and effective. It would With a comprehensive strategy, the At a time that we are fighting extre- place a special emphasis on monitoring U.S. can lead the world in expanding mism, children who are uneducated are and evaluation so we know we are get- access to millions of children who much more vulnerable to be swayed by ting the best bang for our buck when it aren’t in school and improving the the allure of violent extremists.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.090 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 That is why we have made expanding SEC. 2. PURPOSE. (C) international organizations to increase access to education a part of our for- The purpose of this Act is to encourage the their financial support, including grants and eign policy. With this legislation, we efforts of developing countries to improve loans, and technical assistance to expand in- mobile and fixed access to the internet in are building on existing efforts and formation and communications access and order to spur economic growth and job cre- internet connectivity; making sure administrations—this one ation, improve health, education, and finan- (3) promote policy changes that encourage and ones to come—will focus on this cial services, reduce poverty and gender in- first-time affordable access to the internet priority for many, many years to come. equality, mitigate disasters, promote democ- in developing countries, including actions to So, again, I want to thank Chairman racy and good governance, strengthen cyber- encourage— ROYCE for always working with me security, and update the Department of (A) integration of universal and gender-eq- hand in hand on important measures State’s structure to address cyberspace pol- uitable internet access goals, to be informed like this in a bipartisan fashion. I want icy. by the collection of related gender disaggregated data, and internet tools into to thank Congresswoman LOWEY for SEC. 3. FINDINGS. national development plans and United her hard work. She has been cham- Congress finds the following: (1) Since 2005, the number of internet users States Government country-level strategies; pioning this for many, many years. I has more than tripled from 1,000,000,000 to (B) reforms of competition laws and spec- support this bill enthusiastically and 3,200,000,000. trum allocation processes that may impede urge all Members to do the same. (2) 4.2 billion people, 60 percent of the the ability of companies to provide internet Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance world’s population, remain offline and the services; and of my time. growth rate of internet access is slowing. An (C) efforts to improve procurement proc- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- estimated 75 percent of the offline popu- esses to help attract and incentivize invest- self such time as I may consume. lation lives in just 20 countries and is largely ment in internet infrastructure; (4) promote the removal of tax and regu- Mr. Speaker, I, again, want to thank rural, female, elderly, illiterate, and low-in- come. latory barriers to internet access; NITA LOWEY and ELIOT ENGEL. (3) Studies suggest that across the devel- (5) promote the use of the internet to in- Today, more than 65 million men, oping world, women are nearly 50 percent crease economic growth and trade, includ- women, and children around the globe less likely to access the internet than men ing— have been displaced by conflict. This is living within the same communities, and (A) policies and strategies to remove re- the highest level of displacement on that this digital gender divide carries with it strictions to e-commerce, cross-border infor- record—even more than during World a great economic cost. According to a study, mation flows, and competitive marketplaces; War II. ‘‘Women and the Web’’, bringing an addi- and (B) entrepreneurship and distance learning It is critical that we continue to tional 600,000,000 women online would con- tribute $13,000,000,000–$18,000,000,000 to annual enabled by access to technology; work with other countries and partners GDP across 144 developing countries. (6) promote the use of the internet to bol- to help address the massive education (4) Without increased internet access, the ster democracy, government accountability, deficit that so many children now face developing world risks falling behind. transparency, and human rights, including— and that our efforts be as efficient and (5) Internet access in developing countries (A) policies, initiatives, and investments, effective as possible. The Education for is hampered by a lack of infrastructure and including the development of national inter- All Act outlines clear priorities for this a poor regulatory environment for invest- net plans, that are consistent with United work, with an emphasis on sustain- ment. States human rights goals, including free- dom of expression, religion, and association; ability and alignment with U.S. diplo- (6) Build-once policies and approaches are policies or practices that minimize the num- (B) policies and initiatives aimed at pro- matic development and national secu- ber and scale of excavation and construction moting the multistakeholder model of inter- rity interests. activities when installing telecommuni- net governance; and I urge Members to support this meas- cations infrastructure in rights-of-way, (C) policies and support programs, re- ure. thereby lowering the installation costs for search, and technologies that safeguard Again, I thank my colleagues for high-speed internet networks and serve as a human rights and fundamental freedoms on- working on a bipartisan basis on the development best practice. line, and enable political organizing and ac- provisions here. SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF POLICY. tivism, free speech, and religious expression Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Congress declares that it is the policy of that are in compliance with international the United States to partner, consult, and human rights standards; of my time. (7) promote internet access and inclusion The SPEAKER pro tempore. The coordinate with the governments of foreign countries, international organizations, re- into internet policymaking for women, peo- question is on the motion offered by gional economic communities, businesses, ple with disabilities, minorities, low-income the gentleman from California (Mr. civil society, and other stakeholders in a and marginalized groups, and underserved ROYCE) that the House suspend the concerted effort to— populations; and rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4481, as (1) promote first-time internet access to (8) promote cybersecurity and data protec- amended. mobile or broadband internet for at least 1.5 tion, including international use of the Na- The question was taken; and (two- billion people in developing countries by 2020 tional Institute of Standards and Technology in both urban and rural areas; (NIST) Framework for Improving Critical In- thirds being in the affirmative) the frastructure Cybersecurity that are indus- rules were suspended and the bill, as (2) promote internet deployment and re- lated coordination, capacity building, and try-led, globally recognized cybersecurity amended, was passed. build-once policies and approaches in devel- standards and best practices. A motion to reconsider was laid on oping countries, including actions to encour- SEC. 5. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ORGANIZATION. the table. age— (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of f (A) a build-once approach by standardizing Congress that the Secretary of State should the inclusion of broadband conduit pipes redesignate an existing Assistant Secretary DIGITAL GLOBAL ACCESS POLICY which house fiber optic communications position to be the Assistant Secretary for ACT OF 2016 cable that support broadband or wireless fa- Cyberspace to lead the Department of Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to cilities for broadband service as part of State’s diplomatic cyberspace policy gen- suspend the rules and pass the bill rights-of-way projects, including sewers, erally, including for cybersecurity, internet power transmission facilities, rail, pipelines, access, internet freedom, and to promote an (H.R. 5537) to promote internet access bridges, tunnels, and roads, that are funded, open, secure, and reliable information and in developing countries and update for- co-funded, or partially financed by the communications technology infrastructure. eign policy toward the internet, and for United States or any international organiza- (b) ACTIVITIES.—In recognition of the added other purposes, as amended. tion that includes the United States as a value of technical knowledge and expertise The Clerk read the title of the bill. member, in consultation with telecommuni- in the policymaking and diplomatic chan- The text of the bill is as follows: cations providers, unless a cost-benefit anal- nels, the Secretary of State should— ysis determines that the cost of such ap- (1) update existing training programs rel- H.R. 5537 proach outweighs the benefits; evant to policy discussions; and Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (B) national and local government agencies (2) promote the recruitment of candidates resentatives of the United States of America in of developing countries and donor govern- with technical expertise into the Civil Serv- Congress assembled, ments and organizations to coordinate road ice and the Foreign Service. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. building, pipe laying, and major infrastruc- (c) OFFSET.—To offset any costs incurred This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Digital ture with the private sector so that, for ex- by the Department of State to carry out the Global Access Policy Act of 2016’’ or the ample, fiber optic cable could be laid below designation of an Assistant Secretary for ‘‘Digital GAP Act’’. roads at the time such roads are built; and Cyberspace in accordance with subsection

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.091 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5147 (a), the Secretary of State shall eliminate broadband service—as part of highway or internet deployment, competition, and adop- such positions within the Department of highway-comparable construction projects tion. State, unless otherwise authorized or re- in developing countries, in consultation with (6) Improve the affordability of internet quired by law, as the Secretary determines telecommunications providers, unless such access. to be necessary to fully offset such costs. inclusion would create an undue burden, is (7) Promote technology and cybersecurity (d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The redesigna- not necessary based on the availability of ex- capacity building efforts and consult tech- tion of the Assistant Secretary position de- isting broadband infrastructure, or a cost- nical experts for advice regarding options to scribed in subsection (a) may not be con- benefit analysis determines that the cost accelerate the advancement of internet de- strued as increasing the number of Assistant outweighs the benefits; ployment, adoption, and usage. Secretary positions at the Department of (5) provide technical assistance to the reg- (8) Promote internet freedom globally and State above the current level of 24 as author- ulatory authorities in developing countries include civil society and the private sector ized in section 1(c)(1) of the State Depart- to remove unnecessary barriers to invest- in the formulation of policies, projects, and ment Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. ment in otherwise commercially viable advocacy efforts to protect human rights on- 2651a(c)(1)). projects and strengthen weak regulations or line. SEC. 6. USAID. develop new ones to support market growth (9) Promote and strengthen the multi- It is the sense of Congress that the Admin- and development; stakeholder model of internet governance istrator of the United States Agency for (6) utilize clear, accountable, and metric- and actively participate in multistakeholder International Development should— based targets, including targets with gender- international fora, such as the Internet Gov- (1) integrate efforts to expand internet ac- disaggregated metrics, to measure the effec- ernance Forum. cess, develop appropriate technologies, and tiveness of efforts to promote internet ac- SEC. 11. CYBERSPACE STRATEGY. enhance digital literacy into the education, cess; and The President should include in the next development, and economic growth programs (7) promote and protect human rights on- White House Cyberspace Strategy informa- of the agency, where appropriate; line, such as the freedoms of speech, assem- tion relating to the following: (2) expand the utilization of information bly, association, religion, and belief, through (1) Methods to promote internet access in and communications technologies in human- resolutions, public statements, projects, and developing countries. itarian aid and disaster relief responses and initiatives, and advocating that other mem- (2) Methods to globally promote cybersecu- United States operations involving stabiliza- ber states of such bodies are held account- rity policy consistent with the National In- tion and security to improve donor coordina- able when major violations are uncovered. stitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) tion, reduce duplication and waste, capture SEC. 9. PARTNERSHIP FRAMEWORK. Framework for Improving Critical Infra- and share lessons learned, and augment dis- Not later than 180 days after the date of structure Cybersecurity. aster preparedness and risk mitigation strat- the enactment of this Act, the President (3) Methods to promote global internet egies; and shall transmit to the Committee on Foreign freedom principles, such as the freedoms of (3) establish and promote guidelines for the Affairs of the House of Representatives and expression, assembly, association, and reli- protection of personal information of indi- the Committee on Foreign Relations of the gion, while combating efforts to impose re- viduals served by humanitarian, disaster, Senate plans to promote partnerships by strictions on such freedoms. and development programs directly through United States development agencies, includ- SEC. 12. DEFINITION. the United States Government, through con- ing the United States Agency for Inter- In this Act— tracts funded by the United States Govern- national Development and the Millennium (1) BUILD ONCE POLICIES AND APPROACHES.— ment and by international organizations. Challenge Corporation, as well as inter- The term ‘‘build once policies and ap- SEC. 7. PEACE CORPS. national agencies funded by the United proaches’’ means policies or practices that Section 3 of the Peace Corps Act (22 U.S.C. States Government for partnership with minimize the number and scale of excavation 2502) is amended by— stakeholders, that contain the following ele- and construction activities when installing (1) redesignating subsection (h) as sub- ments: telecommunications infrastructure in rights- section (e); and (1) Methods for stakeholders to partner of-way. with such agencies in order to provide inter- (2) by adding at the end the following new (2) CYBERSPACE.—The term ‘‘cyberspace’’ subsections: net access or internet infrastructure in de- means the interdependent network of infor- ‘‘(f) It is the sense of Congress that access veloping countries. mation technology infrastructures, and in- to technology can transform agriculture, (2) Methods of outreach to stakeholders to cludes the internet, telecommunications net- community economic development, edu- explore partnership opportunities for ex- works, computer systems, and embedded cation, environment, health, and youth de- panding internet access or internet infra- processors and controllers in critical indus- velopment which are the sectors in which structure, including coordination with the tries, and includes the virtual environment Peace Corps currently develops positions for private sector, when financing roads and of information and interactions between peo- Volunteers. telecommunications infrastructure. ple. ‘‘(g) In giving attention to the programs, (3) Methods for early consultation with (3) STAKEHOLDERS.—The term ‘‘stake- projects, training, and other activities re- stakeholders concerning projects in tele- holders’’ means the private sector, the public ferred to in subsection (f), the Peace Corps communications and road construction to sector, cooperatives, civil society, the tech- should develop positions for Volunteers that provide internet access or internet infra- nical community that develops internet are focused on leveraging technology for de- structure. technologies, standards, implementation, op- velopment, education, and social and eco- SEC. 10. REPORTING REQUIREMENT ON IMPLE- erations, and applications, and other groups nomic mobility.’’. MENTATION EFFORTS. that are working to increase internet access SEC. 8. LEVERAGING INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT. Not later than 180 days after the date of or are impacted by the lack of internet ac- In pursuing the policy described in section the enactment of this Act, the President cess in their communities. 4, the President should direct United States shall transmit to the Committee on Foreign representatives to appropriate international Affairs of the House of Representatives and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- bodies to use the influence of the United the Committee on Foreign Relations of the ant to the rule, the gentleman from States, consistent with the broad develop- Senate a report on efforts to implement the California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gen- ment goals of the United States, to advocate policy specified in section 4 and a discussion tleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL) that each such body— of the plans and existing efforts by the each will control 20 minutes. (1) commit to increase efforts to promote United States Government in developing The Chair recognizes the gentleman gender-equitable internet access, in partner- countries to accomplish the following: from California. ship with stakeholders and consistent with (1) Develop a technical and regulatory road host countries’ absorptive capacity; map for promoting internet access in devel- (2) enhance coordination with stakeholders oping countries and a path to implementing b 1730 in increasing affordable and gender-equitable such road map. GENERAL LEAVE access to the internet; (2) Identify the regulatory barriers that (3) integrate gender-equitable affordable may unduly impede internet access, includ- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- internet access into existing economic and ing regulation of wireline broadband deploy- imous consent that all Members may business assessments, evaluations, and in- ment or the infrastructure to augment wire- have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- dexes such as the Millennium Challenge Cor- less broadband deployment. tend their remarks and to include ex- poration constraints analysis, the Doing (3) Strengthen and support development of traneous material in the RECORD. Business Report, International Monetary regulations that incentivize market growth The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Fund Article IV assessments and country re- and sector development. objection to the request of the gen- ports, the Open Data Barometer, and the Af- (4) Encourage further public and private fordability Drivers Index; investment in internet infrastructure, in- tleman from California? (4) standardize inclusion of broadband con- cluding broadband networks and services. There was no objection. duit—fiber optic cables that support (5) Increase gender-equitable internet ac- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- broadband or wireless facilities for cess and otherwise encourage or support self such time as I may consume.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07SE7.045 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, as the author of this lic health officials safely track the and the growth rate of Internet access measure, I want to particularly recog- spread of Ebola. It could have reduced is slowing down. Three-quarters of nize the invaluable contributions of the the disease’s spread. It could have those who are offline live in just 20 professional staff. I mentioned Jessica saved lives. countries. Think of what a difference it Kelch, but there is another staff mem- As NetHope explained, there is now a would make if these populations had ber here who has played an outsized new project under consideration to do access to a resource so many of us take role to help shape the work of this that same connectivity work that for granted. This bill aims to close that committee, and not just on the Digital would have cost—would have been neg- gap. GAP Act, which is before us, but ligible if it had been laid at the time Chairman ROYCE’s legislation calls Nilmini Rubin has played a critical that the road was put in. However, on the administration to ramp up ef- role in energy, in trade, in development since it is being considered after the forts around the world to expand access legislation that we have passed out of fact, it will now cost tens of millions of to the Internet. It encourages the the committee, and so I wanted to rec- dollars if it is done, and it will take State Department, USAID, and the ognize her for that contribution. years and years to complete. Peace Corps to focus on Internet access I also want to focus the attention of The build-once approach is smart ec- as a diplomatic and developmental pri- the Members on the fact that more onomics. It is smart development. We ority; and it states clearly, expanding than 60 percent of the world’s popu- simply get more bang for our buck Internet access, especially in the devel- lation still lacks access to the Inter- when we coordinate these types of in- oping world, is an American foreign net. That is 3 billion people left out of frastructure investments with the pri- policy priority. one of the largest technological trans- vate sector. So I think the case is com- I applaud Chairman ROYCE for doing formations of our time, leaving them pelling for this. this, and I am glad to support this lagging on economic growth, lagging Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of measure. on health, lagging in terms of potential my time. I want to also thank two staff per- for education. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sons for their hard work: Nilmini The dearth of global Internet access support of this bill, and I yield myself negatively impacts us here at home, Rubin on the majority’s staff, and Jan- such time as I may consume. ice Kaguyutan on our side. They both too. Sixty percent of the world’s popu- I, first of all, want to thank our lation can’t buy American goods on- worked very, very hard, and I think chairman, ED ROYCE, from California. they deserve special mention. line, if you think about it. They are He has worked very, very hard on this shut out of e-commerce. They are lim- So I urge all my colleagues to sup- bill for a long, long time, so I am very port this very important bill. I, again, ited in their ability to connect with pleased to support this bill that he has commend Chairman ROYCE for working others through social media. introduced to help expand access to the So the Digital Global Access Policy so hard on it. Internet around the world. I know how I reserve the balance of my time. Act calls on the administration to inte- strongly he feels about it. We all share Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I am pre- grate into U.S. development efforts a his goal, but he was the impetus, obvi- pared to close. ‘‘build-once’’ policy when expanding ously, for this bill, and this is really a I reserve the balance of my time. Internet access, and this is common good bill. sense. Mr. Speaker, a generation ago, few Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- If a U.S. development project sup- could have envisioned the way the self such time as I may consume. ports the construction of a rural road, Internet would open up new gateways As I said before, the way the Internet let’s invite the private sector to lay for information, connect people around has changed the world would have been down cable before our government the world, and change the global econ- hard to believe just a few decades ago. helps pay to pour the concrete. We are omy. It would also have been hard to believe maximizing U.S. taxpayer dollar assist- Today, a classroom with broadband that we would be thinking of the Inter- ance; we are providing more support to access gives students a window to the net as a foreign policy priority, but we the disadvantaged community; we are rest of the world, allowing them to can and we should. making it easier for business to invest build relationships face-to-face with Today, we know that the Internet if we change our policies to do this. has driven so much of the inter- This bill complements existing ef- people thousands and thousands of miles away. A relief worker with a connectedness that we now see across forts to promote partnerships with the the global landscape, so it is important private sector to expand Internet ac- smartphone can relay information in an instant about where help and re- that our foreign policy keep up with cess through the Global Connect Initia- these changes. We want to see this tool tive. sources are needed to deal with a crisis. A farmer with a laptop can make sure used in a positive way by as many peo- One of the many letters of support we ple as possible, while guarding against received was from NetHope, which out- his or her produce is fetching a fair abuses or exploitation by those who lined why the build-once approach in price on the global market. A jour- mean to harm us. the Digital GAP Act is so important. nalist in a closed society who can get This bill helps us move in the right As NetHope’s letter explained, years online can shine a light on abuses and direction. Again, I am grateful to the ago, a $100 million road construction corruption. chairman for bringing it forward. I am project in Liberia failed to include the And while we know this tool can be glad to support it. I urge my colleagues laying of fiber-optic lines as a part of used for harm, such as the way ISIS the project. At the time, the cost of uses social media to recruit fighters to do the same. laying this cable would have been neg- and spread propaganda, we also know I yield back the balance of my time. ligible. It would have been maybe 1 that, in the right hands, the Internet Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- percent of the total investment. It expands opportunity, drives growth, self such time as I may consume. would have been—I don’t know—prob- and makes people’s lives fuller and I would like to thank the cosponsors ably not even a million. more productive. The ripple effects of the Digital GAP Act who helped me However, you know, if you look back, help strengthen communities and coun- with this legislation, and the first this is one example of many that we tries. among them is Ranking Member ELIOT pulled out of the file where the donors But like so many resources around ENGEL, and then also CATHY MCMORRIS chose not to include the Internet infra- the world, access to the Internet often RODGERS, Representative GRACE MENG, structure in the project; and so, as a depends on where you live and what and Chairman MCCAUL for their col- result, when you go to Liberia, as I you have and if you can afford it. Liv- laboration on this bill. have, there is poor Internet access, a ing in a poor community or a rural The Digital GAP Act would increase fact that hampered Ebola response ef- area, or even being a woman in some Internet access with a relatively minor forts as community health centers places, may make it harder to take ad- communications change. It would re- struggled to coordinate their efforts. vantage of the Internet. quire that the United States-supported If that Internet access were in place, Roughly 60 percent of the world’s infrastructure projects are made trans- it would have helped the U.S. and pub- population is not able to use this tool, parent so that the private sector can

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.094 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5149 coordinate their investments in Inter- nation of information regarding the African SEC. 5. CONCURRENT COMPACTS UNDER THE net infrastructure. This is a common- Growth and Opportunity Act (in this section MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACT OF referred to as the ‘‘AGOA website’’). 2003. sense approach that we should imple- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 609 of the Millen- ment now. (2) CONTENTS.—The President shall publish on the AGOA website the information de- nium Challenge Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7708) is The Digital GAP Act also expresses scribed in paragraph (1), including— amended— the sense of Congress that the State (A) information and technical assistance (1) by striking the first sentence of sub- Department should elevate and reform provided at United States Agency for Inter- section (k); its efforts to address cyberspace policy national Development regional trade hubs; (2) by redesignating subsection (k) (as so internationally. As technological pol- and amended) as subsection (l); and (3) by inserting after subsection (j) the fol- icy issues multiply and as they become (B) a link to websites of United States em- bassies located in eligible sub-Saharan Afri- lowing: more complex, it is important to iden- ‘‘(k) CONCURRENT COMPACTS.—An eligible can countries. tify clear lines of responsibility at the country that has entered into and has in ef- (3) ACTIONS BY UNITED STATES EMBASSIES.— State Department so that problems do fect a Compact under this section may enter The Secretary of State should direct United into and have in effect at the same time not not fall between the cracks of the States embassies located in eligible sub-Sa- many different offices that touch on more than one additional Compact in accord- haran African countries to— ance with the requirements of this title if— these issues now. Cybersecurity, Inter- (A) promote the use by such countries of ‘‘(1) one or both of the Compacts are or will net freedom, and Internet access are the benefits available under the African be for purposes of regional economic integra- now core parts of our national security Growth and Opportunity Act; and tion, increased regional trade, or cross-bor- agenda and need to be treated as such (B) include on a publicly available Internet der collaborations; and by the State Department. website of such diplomatic missions a link to ‘‘(2) the Board determines that the country Lastly, I will simply close by again the AGOA website. is making considerable and demonstrable recognizing the work of Nilmini Rubin (b) AGOA FORUM.—The President should, progress in implementing the terms of the after each meeting of the United States-Sub- on this legislation. She has been with existing Compact and supplementary agree- Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Co- ments thereto.’’. the committee for over 3 years. She has operation Forum, publish on the AGOA (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section done outstanding work on technology website established under subsection (a) the 613(b)(2)(A) of such Act (22 U.S.C. and trade and other issues promoting following: 7712(b)(2)(A)) is amended by striking ‘‘the’’ development worldwide. Nilmini will (1) All outcomes of the meeting of the before ‘‘Compact’’ and inserting ‘‘any’’. be leaving us and will be greatly Forum, including any commitments made by (c) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made missed, but she will be continuing to member countries and the private sector. by this section apply with respect to Com- pacts entered into between the United States do impressive and important things, (2) An assessment of progress made with respect to any commitments made by mem- and an eligible country under the Millen- improving lives overseas and improv- ber countries and the private sector from the nium Challenge Act of 2003 before, on, or ing the welfare of Americans. previous meeting of the Forum. after the date of the enactment of this Act. Thank you, Nilmini. (c) OTHER INFORMATION.—The President The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance should disseminate information required by ant to the rule, the gentleman from of my time. this section in a digital format to the public California (Mr. ROYCE) and the gentle- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and publish such information on the AGOA woman from California (Ms. BASS) each HILL). The question is on the motion website established under subsection (a). will control 20 minutes. offered by the gentleman from Cali- (d) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term The Chair recognizes the gentleman fornia (Mr. ROYCE) that the House sus- ‘‘eligible sub-Saharan African country’’ from California. pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. means a country that the President has de- GENERAL LEAVE 5537, as amended. termined meets the eligibility requirements Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- The question was taken; and (two- set forth in section 104 of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. imous consent that all Members may thirds being in the affirmative) the have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- rules were suspended and the bill, as SEC. 4. ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF TRADE CA- tend their remarks and to include ex- PACITY BUILDING. amended, was passed. traneous material on this measure. A motion to reconsider was laid on (a) IN GENERAL.—The President should The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the table. take the following actions: objection to the request of the gen- (1) Develop and implement policies to— f (A) encourage and facilitate trans-bound- tleman from California? There was no objection. AGOA ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2015 ary cooperation among eligible sub-Saharan African countries in order to facilitate trade; Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I move to and self such time as I may consume. suspend the rules and pass the bill (B) encourage the provision of technical as- I would just begin by thanking Con- (H.R. 2845) to promote access to bene- sistance to eligible sub-Saharan African gresswoman BASS for her important fits under the African Growth and Op- countries to establish and sustain adequate work on this initiative. I am proud to portunity Act, and for other purposes, trade capacity development. have been part of the African Growth as amended. (2) Provide specific training for business in and Opportunity Act coalition. I have The Clerk read the title of the bill. eligible sub-Saharan African countries and been part of that coalition since 2000, The text of the bill is as follows: government trade officials of eligible sub-Sa- when we wrote the original bill. haran African countries on utilizing access H.R. 2845 I would also just recognize Tom to the benefits of the African Growth and Sheehy for his contribution on this, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Opportunity Act and other trade preference resentatives of the United States of America in programs. our professional staff member. Congress assembled, (3) Provide capacity building for African But AGOA allows African countries SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. entrepreneurs and trade associations on pro- that respect the rule of law and respect This Act may be cited as the ‘‘AGOA En- duction strategies, quality standards, forma- free market principles to export many hancement Act of 2015’’. tion of cooperatives, and market research goods to the United States on a duty- SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF POLICY. and market development. free basis. The program has boosted Af- It is the policy of the United States to sup- (4) Provide capacity building training to rica’s economic growth, and especially port efforts to— promote diversification of African products benefiting women. (1) improve the rule of law, promote free and value-added processing. I can tell you from my trips there and fair elections, strengthen and expand the (5) Provide capacity building and technical and seeing the results, it has strength- private sector, and fight corruption in sub- assistance funding for African businesses and ened the trade relationship between Saharan Africa; and institutions to help such businesses and in- stitutions comply with United States the United States and Africa, which is (2) promote the role of women in social, po- several multiples today of what it was litical, and economic development in sub-Sa- counter-terrorism initiatives and policies. when the bill was originally passed. haran Africa. (b) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term When Congress reauthorized AGOA SEC. 3. ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF TRANS- ‘‘eligible sub-Saharan African country’’ PARENCY. means a country that the President has de- earlier this year, I successfully pressed, (a) AGOA WEBSITE.— termined meets the eligibility requirements along with my colleague Congress- (1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall estab- set forth in section 104 of the African Growth woman KAREN BASS, for a 10-year ex- lish a website for the collection and dissemi- and Opportunity Act. tension; and this extension will provide

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.095 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 U.S. and African businesses the cer- COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, most dynamic global marketplaces. tainty needed to build supply chains U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Why? Because each of these regional and deepen their strong trade relation- Washington, DC, September 6, 2016. economic communities encompasses a ships. Hon. EDWARD R. ROYCE, number of countries that are evolving Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC. into regional economic powerhouses b 1745 DEAR CHAIRMAN ROYCE, I am writing with with huge markets of millions of respect to H.R. 2845, the ‘‘AGOA Enhance- upwardly mobile populations inter- I also championed, as well as KAREN ment Act of 2015.’’ As a result of your having ested in quality goods and services. BASS, the inclusion of country strate- consulted with us on this legislation, I agree This is why Sub-Saharan Africa is gies in AGOA’s reauthorization so that not to request a sequential referral on this currently one of the most dynamic African countries could identify and bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to global marketplaces. Countries such as make policy reforms to help them the House floor. The Committee on Ways and Means takes China, India, Turkey, and the Euro- boost trade and take advantage of this action with the mutual understanding pean Union recognize that doing busi- AGOA’s provisions. that by forgoing formal consideration of ness with Africa is increasingly critical This bill, the AGOA Enhancement H.R. 2845, we do not waive any jurisdiction and good for their bottom lines. Act, includes important measures that over the subject matter contained in this or Ironically, most African countries seek, thus, to improve trade capacity similar legislation, and the Committee will look to the U.S. to play a leading role building, to increase the ability of Af- be appropriately consulted and involved as in trade and investment with Sub-Sa- the bill or similar legislation moves forward rican companies to export to the haran Africa, yet we hear repeatedly so that we may address any remaining issues from officials, business people, and aca- United States and improve trade facili- that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. The tation, to help remove the bureaucratic Committee also reserves the right to seek demics from the region, that while sev- barriers and the needless red tape that appointment of an appropriate number of eral African countries do considerable thwarts trade. conferees to any House-Senate conference in- business with other countries, they do volving this or similar legislation, and re- so because these countries are seeking So this bill would, first, grant more quests your support for such request. to do business with Africa. These same flexibility to the Millennium Challenge Finally, I would appreciate your response observers note candidly that U.S. prod- Corporation—a U.S. development agen- to this letter confirming this understanding, ucts, maintenance arrangements, and cy—to support regional efforts to bol- and would ask that a copy of our exchange of capacity building opportunities are by ster trade; leveraging the Internet so letters on this matter be included in the far more superior. that companies on both sides of the At- Congressional Record during floor consider- ation thereof. It is with these experiences in mind lantic can learn about how to utilize that AGOA stakeholders in the House AGOA; and foster U.S.-African private Sincerely, KEVIN BRADY, under the leadership of Chairman sector engagement. It will put the Chairman. ROYCE and others supported the reau- trade hubs online, giving African busi- Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- thorization of AGOA last year. This is nesses that are not near the existing self such time as I may consume. also why the passage of the AGOA En- trade hubs the information that they I rise in support of H.R. 2845, the hancement Act—which strongly com- need to send their exports to the AGOA Enhancement Act of 2015. This plements reauthorized AGOA—is equal- United States. And, lastly, this bill critical bill complements, supports, ly as important. will increase transparency of the and empowers the reauthorized African While the reauthorization is for 10 pledges and results made by the U.S. Growth and Opportunity Act that was years, this was a giant step in the right and African leaders at the AGOA passed into law last June. direction. AGOA cannot live up to its Forum, an annual meeting of govern- I want to thank Ranking Member full potential or be implemented as ef- ment and business leaders looking to ENGEL, Chairman ROYCE, and Speaker fectively as it must be without com- increase U.S.-Africa trade. RYAN for their leadership on this. plementary legislation. AGOA will ben- So with these measures, we can help I also believe in the last piece of leg- efit from this complementary legisla- African countries and businesses fully islation I heard the chairman say that tion as it has benefited from a host of utilize the benefits offered through Nilmini Rubin is leaving us. I am very initiatives such as the administration’s AGOA. disappointed to hear that, but I do signature Power Africa initiative and Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of want to really compliment her for all Feed the Future initiative, just to my time. of her efforts not just on AGOA, but name a few. U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, also on the piece of legislation that we Arguably, AGOA cannot be fully ef- COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, just passed. She will be sorely missed. fective without an increase in access to Washington, DC, September 2, 2016. I also want to compliment Margot electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hon. KEVIN BRADY, Sullivan, who worked many, many, Chairman ROYCE led the effort to pass Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, many hours on AGOA that we reau- Electrify Africa and proactively called Washington, DC. thorized as well as the AGOA Enhance- for a multi-year strategy to assist DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for con- ment Act. countries in Sub-Saharan Africa ad- sulting with the Committee on Foreign Af- By way of background, AGOA is the dress the power deficit. Africa’s ex- fairs on H.R. 2845, the AGOA Enhancement foundation of the U.S.-Africa economic panding cities and rural areas need ac- Act, and for deciding to forgo a sequential platform. AGOA, a trade preference cess to considerable and reliable referral request on that bill. program, can help to grow and stabilize sources of electricity. I agree that your forgoing further action jobs in eligible participating countries Feed the Future is also central to on this measure does not in any way dimin- throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and in building opportunity and development ish or alter the jurisdiction of your Com- mittee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerog- the U.S. AGOA has definitely helped to throughout the region. This innovative atives on this bill or similar legislation in increase African exports to the U.S., program helps to support critical food the future. I would support your effort to and it has also helped to raise Africa’s security in several nations by sup- seek appointment of an appropriate number economic profile in this country. porting family enterprises and by sup- of conferees to any House-Senate conference Further, AGOA has helped maintain porting smallholder farmers. Local involving this legislation. and increase employment, generating farmers are able to lower risks to their I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 2845 approximately 350,000 direct jobs and 1 farms, increasing yield and produc- into the Congressional Record during floor million indirect jobs in Sub-Saharan tivity and address threats posed by consideration of the bill. I appreciate your Africa and approximately 100,000 jobs droughts, floods, and other natural dis- cooperation regarding this legislation and in the U.S. asters. look forward to continuing to work with With the tremendous potential of a The AGOA Enhancement Act helps to your Committee as this measure moves through the legislative process. growing middle class in several African implement a more effective AGOA as it Sincerely, countries, plus the growth of regional calls for the administration to estab- EDWARD R. ROYCE, economic communities on the con- lish an AGOA Web site to inform eligi- Chairman. tinent, Africa has become one of the ble AGOA-participating countries

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.097 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5151 about critical information and tech- were issues that needed to be addressed shattering the myth that Republicans nical assistance. H.R. 2845 also encour- to enable AGOA to be more effective as and Democrats really can’t work with ages the administration to support re- intended, Congress has fine-tuned this each other. gional trade development in Sub-Saha- important legislation since then and Chairman ROYCE has indicated a con- ran Africa by facilitating trans-bound- made adjustments several times to fa- cern for the world and the country, ary trade and providing crucial capac- cilitate African exports to the United which shatters the myth that parties ity building skills for entrepreneurs. States. can’t work together for the good of the One of the most important aspects of H.R. 2845 is the latest noble effort to United States of America. Certainly H.R. 2845 was originally a separate make AGOA work for more African my colleague from New York, ELIOT piece of legislation that I authored and producers primarily by enhancing the ENGEL, and the chairman have proven is now included that enables eligible technical assistance and information that in working together. countries with Millennium Challenge provided to African producers, includ- Yes, when Ms. BASS first came to the Corporation compacts in good standing ing the establishment of a Web site to Congress, she didn’t come as an ordi- to enter simultaneously into one addi- provide this information. People need nary freshman. She had earned her tional compact if the country is mak- to know what is available and how stripes in the legislature of California, ing considerable progress toward im- they can access this important treaty indeed was the speaker. I was a little plementing the terms of the existing and its subsidies. shocked when she was trying to get compacts. The other piece of this is The bill further allows for countries support for her legislative committees that compacts can be used for regional with the Millennium Challenge ac- that her interests would be foster care economic integration. count grants to foster regional eco- and Africa. That is unusual, but it is an An example of MCC projects, I was nomic integration. It also targets indication of a person who comes here recently in Liberia, and Liberia has an inter-Africa trade, which is still less to this body with the type of commit- energy project that totals $201 million than 10 percent of all Africa inter- ment that makes you proud to be a that will provide a new hydropower national trade. Member of Congress and more proud turbine to an existing facility, provide My colleagues have explained other even to be an American. There could be training to Liberia Economic Corpora- aspects of the bill in great detail, so I some connection between foster care tion employees, and help establish an won’t be redundant. But extending and Africa because if there was any independent regulator. AGOA as we did in the last Congress continent that has been treated as a In summary, by the establishment of was a laudable achievement but will foster child, it has been the developing an AGOA Web site, the prioritization of not have the full intended effect if Af- countries in Africa. capacity training, and by encouraging rican producers have limited informa- Of course, I see an old-timer sitting greater regional economic integration, tion or abilities to effectively take ad- there with his white hair, JIM H.R. 2845 helps to promote and develop vantage of international trade oppor- MCDERMOTT. I can wonder whether or a stronger economic relationship be- tunity. This is a job creator both in Af- not as a Peace Corps volunteer in Afri- tween Sub-Saharan Africa and the rica and in the United States. ca, whether among his fondest dreams, United States, creating increased jobs Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman that he would be a Member of the and a win-win for both. for his authorship. House and creating a climate where Once again, I thank Chairman ROYCE Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I also people have dignity and pride and be for his distinguished leadership on this wanted to recognize the gentleman able to be a part of the world rather crucial issue. from Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT). than just being a resource for stronger Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. JIM MCDERMOTT was also one of countries. my time. the original authors of the AGOA legis- 1800 Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I see the lation. He worked for many, many b gentleman from New York (Mr. RAN- years to see it come to fruition. I can think of nobody that has GEL) on the floor, also one of the origi- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of brought more to the committee than nal authors of the African Growth and my time. Mr. WILLIAMS and Rosa Whitfield in Opportunity Act, along with Chairman Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I have to say working with Mr. Gingrich, in working CHRIS SMITH and Ranking Member that Mr. RANGEL is one of the lions in with Mr. Crane, in working with Re- KAREN BASS, one of the most engaged this House. I have had the honor of publicans, and how the leadership not on initiatives to put Africa on the map serving with him for the last 6 years. only was able to get their sides but to for U.S. trade and investment. He knows I am upset with him because see how the African Diplomatic Corps Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the he is choosing to retire. When I came actually became the strongest lobbying gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. here and really wanted to work on Af- force that we have had in the Congress SMITH), chairman of the Africa, Global rican issues, I sought out those two as they found themselves pioneers in Health, Global Human Right, and gentlemen, both Mr. RANGEL and Mr. dealing with our great country that International Organizations Sub- MCDERMOTT. I knew of their legacy. I they loved so much and really had no committee, and I thank him for his as- knew of the work that they had done. understanding of why they didn’t seem sistance with this legislation. I went to Mr. RANGEL, and I told him I to be on our agenda. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. wanted to get involved in the reauthor- With AGOA, we knew it was just the Speaker, I thank Chairman ROYCE for ization of AGOA and would he help me. beginning, we knew it was an oppor- his leadership on AGOA in general. I We sat on the floor over there. He tunity. We take pride in the success thank KAREN BASS, who has worked called over a bunch of Members and that it has had, but we also know how doggedly for years, last year for the re- told them what I wanted to do, and the far they had to come from behind. authorization. I see Mr. MCDERMOTT, gentleman ordered them all to help me. This enhancement piece of legisla- who has also been so active over the We worked on it and were able to get it tion has a lot of fancy words, but it years on this and critical to its passage done. sends out words to our embassies that at the beginning. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the this is American foreign policy. You Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support gentleman from New York (Mr. RAN- don’t just read the words. Make it of H.R. 2845, the AGOA Enhancement GEL). work. Whether it is with the Millen- Act. When the African Growth and Op- (Mr. RANGEL asked and was given nium Challenge Corporation, whether portunity Act was enacted into law in permission to revise and extend his re- it is with AID, whether it is giving in- May of 2000, it was intended to help eli- marks.) formation, whether it is helping them gible Sub-Saharan African countries Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as I out, whether it is teaching them to increase economic growth by providing spend my final hours in this august learn, it is bringing them into the duty-free, quota-free access to U.S. body, I think of all of the fond memo- international trade. markets for more than 6,400 items from ries that I have enjoyed. I guess during And what does it do? Is this a bill meats to textiles and apparel, to petro- these political times, one of the things that just helped people in Africa escape leum, to leather goods. Because there that I am enjoying the most today is poverty and disease? No. It helps the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.099 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 United States, and it helps the world. As I look at this bill today, I read some thought that it would ever happen. So It helps people to be able to trade with of the language that the President is we called them all up and said: Do you each other, to talk with each other, to directed to provide training for busi- want to trade or do you want aid? understand each other, and have com- ness and government trade officials, They said: We want trade. passion for each other. What a wonder- provide capacity building for entre- We said: Okay. Come in here, in the ful opportunity it is for the United preneurs and trade associations, and office, and sign a paper. States of America to look at a country promote diversification of African We got them to sign a paper where that is struggling to enjoy the things products. they all asked the President of the that we believe in, to find out that now Now, I don’t know how many bills I United States to give them a trade act. they don’t have to lobby for it. Repub- have seen that in. What is missing That is the only time it has ever oc- licans and Democrats want what is here, unfortunately, in my view—I am curred around here that I know of. best for the United States of America, going to support the bill, and the ideas So it has been there, and it has and the developing countries in Africa of it are great, but what has been miss- gradually developed, but more slowly need us so badly. ing ever since 1995 or 2000 has been a than it could have. I hope that we will There are a lot of reasons why I re- commitment of the resources to actu- pass it and the message will get to the gret that I have to leave the Congress ally help the Africans figure out how to appropriators that a little bit of money and retire to go back home, but know- use our system. could make this go a long way. ing that I leave behind such people who I can give you one example. There Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue are so dedicated, that are willing to go are shrimp all over the coastline. Now, to reserve the balance of my time. to the other party and give up a lot of why don’t shrimp from Africa come Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, as Mr. their capital to make certain that the into the United States? Because they MCDERMOTT leaves, I will take his com- small countries in Africa appreciate can’t pass the phytosanitary rules of ments as my marching orders for what the fact that we consider them an im- our government. We won’t let food I am supposed to do in the next session, portant part not only of our trade pol- come into this country that we think so I thank him very much. icy, our foreign policy, but, indeed, the will be problematic for our people. So I would urge my colleagues to sup- policy of the United States of America. if we are going to actually help the Af- port H.R. 2845. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. BASS for ricans—we tried several times to get I yield back the balance of my time. the opportunity to express myself on the Department of Agriculture to base Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- this most important issue. And I thank people in some of the places along the self the balance of my time. JIM MCDERMOTT, who will be leaving— coast, Senegal and some other places, In closing, I have been to the fac- I don’t know whether he is going back in order to give them the instructions tories across Africa, and I have seen to Africa, but he won’t be going back necessary to be able to bring those the women employed. I have seen how as a Peace Corps volunteer, I will tell products in. What I hope will happen— AGOA is improving economies in Afri- you that. I thank him for his friend- and CHARLIE RANGEL and I are going to ca. AGOA is making a difference and ship. leave the scene, and we did everything could have even more impact on the Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I continue we could during the time we were continent if the measures included in to reserve the balance of my time. here—for the rest of you, you have got this AGOA Enhancement Act are im- Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, as I men- to put some money in, put some money plemented. tioned before, I have had the honor of down on the ground. This bill improves how we offer as- serving with Mr. MCDERMOTT for the I had a project in one of the bills. sistance through the Millennium Chal- last 6 years, knowing that he was a Lions are a huge issue in Africa. If you lenge Corporation to increase the abil- Peace Corps volunteer in Africa. He want to have lions, and you want to ity of people in Africa to trade, and was the one that led the effort around have people go out and hunt them, helping cut the bureaucratic barriers conflict minerals, something many well, if you kill a lion, it is only worth and needless red tape that thwarts people were concerned about in the $800. But if you leave a lion there for trade. country. They even made movies about tourism purposes, it is worth $50,000. So This bill helps unlock the potential the subject and all of the havoc that we have encouraged these countries to of AGOA so that people in Africa can was wrought in many African countries get the poachers to become game war- strengthen their markets, and so because of conflict minerals. And also dens and the women to run B&Bs out Americans can improve trade relation- my work with him on child welfare there, so we would have tourism which ships with countries in Africa. And yes, issues and his legacy on both of those would bring foreign exchange into Afri- it has been slow going, slow progress. issues. ca to give them the ability to invest We have gotten a few more staffed posi- I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman and do more. tions from the U.S. Department of Ag- from Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT). An epidemic of tuberculosis occurred riculture, a few more ag inspectors po- (Mr. MCDERMOTT asked and was in the African lions. There were only sitioned there. And JIM MCDERMOTT is given permission to revise and extend two people in all of Africa who had ever right, we need to do more. We have his remarks.) dealt with a big game animal, so we been slow going, but we have more for- Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, it is thought, let’s start a school; we will eign commercial service officers now in kind of awesome to become a myth in start a veterinary school. We couldn’t these positions in AGOA. your own time. I was not a Peace Corps get the money. There are a lot of In 2 weeks’ time, we will have the volunteer. I was in Africa in 1961 before things that we could do with very AGOA forum. We will again be bringing the Peace Corps ever existed. When we small amounts of money in terms of these issues up. In the following ses- were in Ghana in 1961, the first Peace helping them develop the capacity be- sion, the effort will continue, as JIM Corps volunteers arrived, so I was there cause the bill is filled with this capac- MCDERMOTT laid it out, to see this when it all started. ity building. Give them the oppor- through and to try to make AGOA as I also want to remind you—when you tunity to develop capacity. effective as we possibly can. In the in- know the history of something, it is But sometimes it takes a small in- terim, this legislation is a big step in kind of interesting to listen to it—this vestment on our part, and that is real- the right direction. started in 1995. We put a bill in and, ac- ly what I hope will come. Maybe the I really want to thank not only Con- tually, Speaker Gingrich got it out of bill will pass and then we can get a lit- gresswoman KAREN BASS, but also my the House. It passed the House in 2000. tle bit of money into the Foreign Oper- colleagues from their original efforts, We couldn’t get it through the Senate. ations appropriations act and use it for CHARLIE RANGEL and JIM MCDERMOTT, It had to come back under Mr. Bush. that kind of program. and urge a unanimous vote, again, in Then we finally got it through the I think this is a work in progress. It support of the extension of AGOA. House and the Senate, and it became won’t be done when I leave and CHAR- I yield back the balance of my time. law. LIE leaves. I remember the first meet- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It has been an issue that everyone ing CHARLIE and I had with the ambas- question is on the motion offered by recognizes something needs to be done. sadors from all of Africa. Nobody the gentleman from California (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.101 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5153 ROYCE) that the House suspend the Management—those are all of these entific, because we had somebody in a rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2845, as kind of light orange areas—all the way cubicle in a little office, who never amended. up here, into Montana. It is just ex- went to those areas, and he says they The question was taken; and (two- traordinary, when you look at Nevada, are threatened, so we are going to say thirds being in the affirmative) the how much land the State of Nevada they are threatened. You people who rules were suspended and the bill, as and the citizens of Nevada control and live in that area and who took pictures amended, was passed. how much the Bureau of Land Manage- of them everywhere must not know A motion to reconsider was laid on ment controls. Absolutely extraor- what you are talking about. the table. dinary. We run into the same thing Wilderness areas, we have got 765 wil- derness areas on Federal land. That is f here just north of California and get- ting into Oregon and over into Idaho, 109 million acres in 44 States. Then we COMMUNICATION FROM THE Colorado, Wyoming. It is just incred- have the Clean Air Act and Class I DEMOCRATIC LEADER ible. areas also added in here. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Then the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Then, on our last map here, we have fore the House the following commu- gets some of their land in here. Then added on the wetlands—110.1 million nication from the Honorable NANCY you also have the United States Forest acres are subject to section 404 regula- PELOSI, Democratic Leader: Service. Those are these green areas. tions of the Clean Water Act—and ma- They have got a lot of California, a lot rine protected areas. There are 13 ma- SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, of Oregon, Washington, Idaho. You rine sanctuary areas in more than Speaker of the House, United States Capitol, have got Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, 170,000 square miles of waters. Then Washington, DC. right on down. You have got even Ari- you have got the Outer Continental DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to Section zona and New Mexico. Extraordinary. Shelf at 1.712 billion acres. 4(a) of the John F. Kennedy Centennial Com- That is this light green area. Then you We will add this additional map. We mission Act (P.L. 114–215), I am pleased to have the national parks. have added Wild and Scenic Rivers. appoint The Honorable Joseph P. Kennedy Oh, by the way, the Forest Service There are 12,709 miles of 208 rivers— III of Massachusetts to the John F. Kennedy has 197.1 million acres. Twice the size amazing—that are managed by BLM, Centennial Commission. Thank you for your consideration of this of Montana is what the U.S. Forest the National Park Service, the U.S. recommendation. Service has. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Forest Best regards, Service has 89.1 million acres. That is Service. Then we have 49 heritage areas NANCY PELOSI, larger than Utah and North Carolina in 32 States. It is absolutely extraor- Democratic Leader. put together. The national parks have dinary. When you look at all of the f 84 million acres. That is larger than overlays of federally owned controlled New Mexico and New Hampshire put land, there is just not much left there. b 1815 together. Then there are other agen- Now, I love the idea that our chair- man, ROB ISHOP FEDERAL LANDS POLICY cies. We add on the Department of En- B , had for a bill. How ergy, the Department of Transpor- about if we don’t allow the Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tation, the TVA, the Bureau of Rec- Government to get any more land—to the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- lamation—extraordinary. take over any more land—west of the uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Texas When you look at how much land is Mississippi until 10 percent of all of the (Mr. GOHMERT) is recognized for 60 min- white—meaning that belongs to State, land east of Mississippi is owned by the utes as the designee of the majority local, or private owners—and how Federal Government? That might slow leader. much is owned by the Federal Govern- things down with the people who are Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, our ment, you begin to think, perhaps, the east of the Mississippi starting to have Natural Resources Committee—and Soviet Union didn’t disappear and that to lose their private property as the great work from the Natural Resources the Soviet Union is now in the Western Federal Government takes up more and Committee’s staff—has been trying to United States when a government con- more. get a handle on just how much land the trols that much of what used to be pri- I am pleased to be joined by the gen- United States—the Federal Govern- vate property, much of it. tleman from California. He knows Cali- ment—has taken over. We look at the next map, and we are fornia as well as anybody in the coun- West of the Mississippi, it is abso- adding on another overlay. With this try, certainly better, probably, than lutely extraordinary. Now, we have one, we have the endangered species’ the current Governor. I yield to the heard in recent months and over the critical habitat. That is for 704 species gentleman from California (Mr. last few years of incidents in which of plants and animals. I know, in my MCCLINTOCK). landowners, according to the media, district, we have two plants that grow Mr. MCCLINTOCK. I thank the gen- just went off and did something crazy, wild, and they are all over the place. tleman for yielding, and I particularly overreacted—maybe had a gun—but it They were notified that they are now want to thank Congressman GOHMERT bears looking into what the Federal listed as threatened, and my local gov- for organizing this discussion on Fed- Government has been doing to the ernments are already suffering because eral lands policy and for his high- landowners, to the local governments, of the Federal land, the national for- lighting of the Federal Footprint Map. to the State governments in the West- ests. They get no tax money. They are You can find that at ern United States. Our committee has not getting revenue. The Federal Gov- naturalresources.house.gov/ been able to pull together maps that ernment is not producing the renew- federalfootprint or just Google ‘‘Fed- show just how much Federal Govern- able resource of timber off of them eral Footprint.’’ When you do, you will ment property we have. anymore. Then they get notified that have a complete picture of how much On this, we have the Bureau of Indian they have got a couple of threatened land the Federal Government owns and Affairs showing in these burgundy, or plants with critical habitats there. how much of your State and your com- maroon, areas. These are areas in the The local government was saying: munity is affected. It may surprise West that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Wait a minute. These things are every- you. is in charge of. where. These plants are all over the For example, the Federal Govern- When we look at the next map here, place. Look, we have got pictures. ment owns just seven-tenths of 1 per- added to that of the Bureau of Indian They are all over the place. You can cent of the entire State of New York. It Affairs, we have the Bureau of Land find them anywhere. owns just 1.1 percent of the State of Il- Management. Those are these areas What does the Federal Government linois. It owns just 1.8 percent of the here, the pale color, the soft orange. It say? State of Texas; but then go further is 247.3 million acres. That would be Yes, but we have a scientific study west, and you will see the reason for larger than Arizona, plus Iowa, plus that says they are threatened. We don’t the Western revolt. The Federal Gov- Colorado, plus Nevada all put together care if you have got pictures that show ernment owns and controls 62 percent that is owned by the Bureau of Land they are everywhere. That is not sci- of the State of Alaska. It owns and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:07 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.103 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 controls two-thirds of the State of Service official saw her pick it up. The I, again, thank the gentleman from Utah and 81 percent of the State of Ne- next thing they knew, six armed Fed- Texas for organizing this time today vada. In my home State of California, eral law enforcement officers de- and for yielding time. the Federal Government owns nearly scended upon their home. They tore it Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank half; 48 percent is Federal land. In one apart and, ultimately, prosecuted this the gentleman from California (Mr. county in my district, Alpine County, elderly couple for removing the horse- MCCLINTOCK) so much for his in-depth the Federal Government owns 93 per- shoe, charging them criminally with observations. cent of the land. stealing from the Federal Government. I yield to the gentleman from New If you are not from one of the West- Ultimately, the Federal judge dis- Mexico (Mr. PEARCE), who knows a ern States, you need to understand missed the charges and chastised the great deal about this situation. what that means. That is all land that officials who were responsible for this Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank is completely off the local tax rolls. travesty, but only after this couple had the gentleman from Texas. Again, I ap- That is land that carries increasingly gone through hell. preciate the comments of the gen- severe restrictions on public use and Ask yourself how your local economy tleman from California. access, which means it is generating would fare if the Federal Government I am sure most of you have seen this very little economic activity to these owned 93 percent of the land in your chart, but the color red designates the regions; and, often, Federal ownership county, forbade or greatly restricted Federal ownership of land. So you can means that Federal land use policies any economic activity on it, and ig- see some of the statistics that were are in direct contravention to the wish- nored the pleas of your local city coun- quoted by the gentleman from Cali- es of the local communities that are cil or county board. fornia that, in the Eastern part of the entangled with it. U.S.—and it begins at New Mexico, Col- b 1830 Recently, the Natural Resources orado, Wyoming, and Montana—is Committee held a field hearing in In my district, the Federal Govern- where the great mass of Federal lands north Las Vegas at the request of Con- ment consigned our forests to a policy come into play. You might ask why? gressman CRESENT HARDY. Now, if you of benign neglect. We now have, rough- These are the States that came in have ever flown into Las Vegas, you ly, four times more trees per acre than after Teddy Roosevelt was President. know how vast are the empty and un- the land can support. In this over- So in the early 1900s, he began the pol- utilized lands of Nevada, stretching as crowded and stressed condition, the icy of holding many of the lands that far as the horizon. Yet the local leaders trees can no longer resist the drought were supposed to be given back to the there all complained of how the re- and beetle infestation. Today, an esti- States. He wanted the large national gion’s economy suffers from a great mated 85 percent of the pine trees in parks that we were many times enam- shortage of land—land for homes and the Sierra National Forest—that is ad- ored with, the large national forests. shops, for businesses and infrastruc- jacent to Yosemite National Park—are But they go beyond that. And that ture. What an irony and what a com- dead. And I am talking about Christ- going beyond, that holding of land that mentary about the harm that is being mas-tree-in-July dead just waiting to has productive use but will not be used done by the decisions of our Federal be consumed by catastrophic fire. productively by the government, is the land managers. The National Park Service estimates great source of economic problems in More than a century ago, we began it is facing more than $12 billion of the West. setting aside the most beautiful lands maintenance backlog, yet we keep add- Now, in New Mexico, which is the in the Nation for the ‘‘use, resort, and ing to the Federal holdings that we State here, we have many national for- recreation’’ of the American people. can’t take care of now. That is why the ests in the areas covered with red. At That was the wording of the original Federal footprint map is so important one point, New Mexico had 123 mills Yosemite Land Grant that was signed to understand and why fundamental re- that were processing timber that were by Abraham Lincoln in 1864; but some- form of our land use policy is of para- cut out of our national forests. So 20 or where along the way, public ‘‘use, re- mount importance. 30 years ago, the Fish and Wildlife sort, and recreation’’ became ‘‘look, Now, the Federal Lands Sub- Service said that we have to protect but don’t touch,’’ and the Federal Gov- committee has three principal goals: to the spotted owl and logging is the prob- ernment became indiscriminate and restore public access to the public lem. They killed 85 percent of the tim- voracious in the amount of land under lands, to restore sound management to ber industry nationwide. They killed its direct control. the public lands, and to restore the those jobs nationwide. As I said, my congressional district is Federal Government as a good neigh- In New Mexico, of the 123 mills that in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Com- bor to those communities most im- we had processing timber at one point, mon complaints from my constituents pacted by the Federal lands. But over- we have closed 122 of them. So imagine and from local government officials arching all of these imperatives is the these rural communities up in the range from abusive Federal regulatory simple fact that excessive Federal land mountains of a sparsely populated enforcement to inflated fees that have ownership in the West has become a State, they have no economic basis forced families to abandon cabins they stultifying drag on our economies and now that the Forest Service has shut have held for generations, exorbitant a direct impediment to our ability to these mills down. By the way, about 3 new fees that are closing down long-es- take good care of our public lands. years ago, they came out with a find- tablished community events, road clo- I thought Congressman GOHMERT put ing that logging was never the prob- sures, and the arbitrary denial of graz- it best in a subcommittee hearing we lem. ing permits for family ranchers who go held almost 2 years ago now when he So economic devastation occurred in back generations on that land. A small compared the Federal Government’s the areas where the national forest had town in my district that is trying to land use policies to the old miser whose stopped all logging for a lie that had install a $2 million spillway gate for great mansion has become the town come from the Fish and Wildlife Serv- their reservoir was just given a $6 mil- eyesore—overgrown with weeds, paint ice. So people in the West are under- lion estimate from the Forest Service peeling, roof dilapidated, broken win- standably irritated, they are angry, just to relocate a hiking trail and a dows—while the old miser spends all of and they are mad because their way of handful of campsites. his time and money plotting how he life has disappeared in these logging Let me relate one quick story of can buy his neighbor’s land. communities. But it goes much further what it means to be entangled in this There needs to be a proper balance beyond that. Federal morass that came to me from between Federal ownership, State and A couple of years ago, the Forest the sheriff of Plumas County, which is local stewardship, and the productive Service took a look at the grazing al- just outside of my district. private ownership of the lands. One lotments in one of the forests and said: An elderly couple goes horseback look at the Federal footprint map ‘‘Oh, we have got to eliminate you 17 riding near their home. They come should warn even the most casual ob- ranchers.’’ across an old horseshoe. The wife picks servers that we have lost that balance We asked later if they would show us it up, and an ambitious, young Forest and that we need to restore it. the science which said they have to get

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.105 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5155 the people off. They showed me a pic- ernment ownership in the West, under- I would like to highlight a few exam- ture of an orange, 5-gallon can turned stand the trauma that it brings to us in ples that were raised at this field hear- upside-down in the forest and said: our schools, in our jobs, and in our way ing and expose the stark reality. ‘‘Look, the grass height is not high of life. First, we had a chief engineer for the enough.’’ It is time for the U.S. Government to Clark County Regional Flood Control I began to ridicule their orange-buck- change its policies. It is time for the District testify that erroneous BLM re- et science in public. It embarrassed U.S. Government to begin to deal with quirements prevent the county offi- them tremendously. Meanwhile, we the fact that people need to raise fami- cials from removing excess sediment asked the scientists at New Mexico lies in rural States, they need the ac- and debris from detention basins after State University to come and study the cess to good schools, and we need to be desert flash floods. It is amazing that grazing and the height of the grass, and able to access the land which they are you would have to ask the Federal they said it is probably at historic currently curtailing at an amazing Government to return to clean out de- heights. rate. So that is the perspective from bris where you have already done EISes So we got involved in the issue. All New Mexico on the ownership of Fed- and NEPA reports; that you can’t go the ranchers were eventually rein- eral lands. remove it before the next flood comes. stated into their allotments, but these Again, I thank the gentleman from Anybody that knows the desert are private property rights. The allot- Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) for his leadership southwest knows that we don’t get ments are things that have been pur- on this issue. I thank him for the time much rain, but when we get it, we get chased and sometimes passed along that he has yielded to us on this par- it all at once. In our area, we can have ticular subject matter. I would, again, from generation to generation. 31⁄2 inches of annual rainfall, but it can Those private property rights, con- state that we can do better and we all come in a couple of floods. And if we stitutional rights, were removed with must do better. don’t get those detention basins no reason, with no understanding of Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank cleaned, we have the stark reality of the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. what they are doing from a Forest shirking the responsibility of local PEARCE). Service that was arrogant with its governments and the county govern- So often we hear from people here on power. ments by protecting for the life, safety, Again, you see the effect on our econ- this floor from the other side of the aisle talking about how much they and health of the citizens that are the omy. New Mexico is one of the lowest taxpayers. economies in the U.S.’s 50 States. So to care about the children, for the chil- dren, for the children. And I know, in He also stated that these aggres- find the U.S. Government at odds with sively lengthy and convoluted Federal the jobs in the State in this rural area my district, we have counties that have national forests. There is no tax processes poses a significant public just does not make sense to most peo- safety issue in the event of future base, as Mr. PEARCE points out. ple. So you find this budding anger You can’t tax it when they are not floods. across the entire West because the producing the renewable resource of Next we heard from a board member same policies affect everyone out timber. These aren’t sequoias. These of the Opportunity Village, a commu- there. are not redwoods. These are just pine nity organization that serves thou- Right now, we have a situation where trees that grow back every 15 or 20 sands of people with intellectual dis- one family has been fighting the U.S. years or so. And the schools are hurt- abilities. She emphasized the need of Forest Service for their water rights. ing, the local governments are hurting, making affordable land available for The court said the water rights belong but the children suffer because of the important public purposes, including to them. The Forest Service responded Federal Government’s usurping the those carried out by qualified nonprofit by putting a fence around the 23 acres. land, failing to utilize it, and leaving organizations. According to her testi- And they said: ‘‘Well, it may be his people high and dry. mony, the fundraising dollars of chari- water, but it is our 23 acres sur- We had a hearing. I learned a lot, and table community organizations would rounding the water.’’ I was pleased that my friend, Mr. be better off spent applied directly to The rancher went back to the courts. HARDY, had requested the hearing be- their mission and the people they serve The courts said, over a period of time, cause I learned a lot. instead of going into the coffers of the he does not have a right to walk his I yield to the gentleman from Nevada Federal bureaucracy. Unfortunately, cows on their 23 acres, but he does have (Mr. HARDY). these charities are forced to expend the right to move the water from the 23 Mr. HARDY. Mr. Speaker, I thank their limited dollars to acquire the acres to his cows. The Forest Service the gentleman from the great State of land from the Federal Government. responded by electrifying the fence. Texas for yielding me the time. So you see that the current Federal Now, our office has been engaged for Nowhere are the challenges of the land management is preventing com- 12 years trying to get some reasonable Federal land mismanagement more munities like ours in southern Nevada understandings between the rancher evident than in Nevada, where more from carrying out some of their most and the Forest Service, but it, again, is than 85 percent of our State is con- important responsibilities, like public this arrogance that is willing to drive trolled by the Federal Government. safety and helping individuals with dis- one of the largest ranchers in that area Land management is an issue that af- abilities. out of business over something that is, fects all Nevadans, both urban and Those of us on the committee, in- to most people, not understandable. rural. That is why I was proud to have cluding my colleague from Texas, firm- We continue to analyze the effect, the opportunity to hold a Natural Re- ly believe that there is a better way again, of these big red areas in our sources Committee field hearing in my forward to protect our public lands and States. And at the end of the day, the district examining the unique chal- natural heritage while allowing the most pressure is put on the Western lenges facing southern Nevada commu- communities to thrive. If we want to schools. Now, the gentleman from Utah nities. grow and diversify our economy to sup- (Mr. BISHOP) has done a magnificent At the hearing, we heard from local port a growing and diverse population study showing that the schools in these agencies, a nonprofit organization, a in Nevada, we cannot afford to stand States are 20 percent below in funding university professor, a private sector still. As Nevada continues to change, all of the States in the rest of the trade association, and the Federal Gov- so, too, must our land management. country. ernment. By bringing all of these dif- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman So at the end of the day, the problem ferent stakeholders to the table at from Texas for leading this important beyond the tax base, the problem be- once, one thing became abundantly conversation on the Federal footprint yond the jobs, the problem is in our clear: the status quo Federal land man- out West. schools that are starved for resources agement isn’t working, and we need to because we have no tax base on which do something about it. If we fail to act, b 1845 to fund the schools and which to fund we will not only harm the quality of Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the local governments. So as you look life for our constituents, but we will the gentleman from Nevada. It was at these footprints of the Federal Gov- also be endangering the public safety. quite a learning experience, and it was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.106 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 amazing to hear testimony about the crammed areas is unhealthy forests They would eat the grass that was Federal Government not only not being that have not been logged. more palatable, but they would also helpful when ditches needed to be Now, what you are seeing in these eat the noxious weeds, and then you cleaned out to prevent massive flood- green, beautiful areas has been logged. move them. So you continue to move ing problems, but actually being a big- So what has happened there? There has them among these 16 cells on 2,600 ger problem than the floods them- been selective logging. It has been done acres. As we grazed that way, we found selves. with the natural contours of the land- out that healthy stands of grass, palat- At this time, I yield to the gentle- scape. It has been done in the high able grass, good buffalo grass, short woman from Wyoming (Mrs. LUMMIS), ground, so you can keep some high grass, prairie grasses were thriving. my dear friend, who is going to be se- mountain meadows that help keep The noxious weeds were declining. The verely missed come next year. snow and a source of grass growing eroded draws were healing. There was Mrs. LUMMIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank below the tree canopy for wildlife, more opportunity to sequester carbon. the gentleman from Texas. Texas is a hopefully keeping them in the high When you concentrate cattle into State that has very little Federal land. country longer in the year. Further- those small areas, their manure be- And the fact that he took the reins as more, those trees can breathe; they are comes a tremendously valuable source subcommittee chairman for the Com- better resistant to disease; they are of fertilizer. The grass stand is mittee on Natural Resources Sub- healthier and better resistant to fires. healthier. This process was proven in committee on Oversight and has taken One of the big consequences of having Africa in grazing, and it is being done such an active interest in this issue is overcrowded, unhealthy, unlogged for- successfully all over the United States. something for which those of us from ests is these massive wildfires that we Please go to the Allan Savory TED the public lands States in the West are have been having these last few years. Talk. You will understand what I am very grateful. Thank you very much, That is bad public policy that was saying. What he shows on that TED Mr. GOHMERT. probably generated by people who were Talk, I have experienced on my own Now, what does this mean on the well intentioned, who thought that we land. ground? What we have told you tonight were overlogging, so their viewpoint We should be doing that on BLM is roughly 640 million acres of this was to quit logging, when, in fact, that land. We have BLM land that is over- country, or about 30 percent—1 in 3 made matters worse. Instead of quit- grazed, and some people come here to acres in this country—are owned by ting logging, we should have been more Congress and say, well, if you would the Federal Government. So we have selective and more careful using just take cattle and sheep off the pub- gotten that far. silviculture techniques and horti- lic lands, it is just being overgrazed, We have also told you that there are culture techniques that have been then we can have as many wild horses a variety of Federal agencies that own proven in the 21st century. as we want. The problem with that is, this land. The biggest one is the Bu- Let’s look at grazing, which is a wild horses have a solid hoof, so when reau of Land Management, BLM, which more common use of BLM land. What they pound the ground with their solid is under the umbrella of the Depart- we have found—and I strongly encour- hoof, they are compacting the soil. ment of the Interior. The BLM man- age you to go listen to this TED Talk. When it rains, it runs off instead of ages about 250 million acres, and 99.9 If you have ever listened to a TED seeping into the soil. If you put cattle, goats, sheep, elk, percent of that BLM land is in the 11 Talk, this is one of the best ones I have deer, moose that have split hooves on Western States and Alaska. ever heard by a man named Allan Sa- that ground, they actually knead the So this is an agency that really vory. So get on TED Talks, go to Allan soil with their hoof action, and it de- doesn’t deal with 38 of the States. It Savory, and you will finally under- velops an opportunity for more of that only deals with 12. But those States are stand what I have been saying here for rain to seep into the ground. It is a bet- so dramatically affected by this agen- 8 years about 21st century grazing ter grazing ungulate. We have learned cy, if you combine those 250 million practices. all this recently. This is not 21st cen- acres, roughly, that BLM manages, As it happens, Allan Savory, who is tury science. This is late 20th century that is like the States of Colorado, Ari- probably the preeminent global expert and now 21st century science. zona, Nevada, and Iowa combined. It is on grazing, has his ranch in Zimbabwe, The problem is our statutes were a huge geographic area. and the areas that he was working in passed in the 1970s when the thought It is not taxed. It is off the property Zimbabwe were horribly, horribly erod- was we should concentrate power and tax rolls. So that is why our schools ed. They attributed it to overgrazing. authority and public input into Wash- and other public services in our 11 They were worried that there were too ington, and we should make these graz- Western States and Alaska are so im- many elephants, so they did a massive ing policies and forestry policies out of pacted by the presence of BLM land. killing off of thousands of elephants, Washington because the people in the We are given payments in lieu of taxes, only to find out that was not the cause. States can’t be trusted. They will but they are not the equivalent of get- When they changed their grazing overlog, and they will overgraze to line ting taxes, and they are certainly not practices and put four times as many their pockets. You know, it is just not something that we can count on every split-hoofed animals, meaning cattle or true anymore, but our statutes are year. Some years Congress gives PILT sheep or goats, on that land and herded stuck in a 1970s command-and-control money and some years it does not, so it them, it actually made the grass scheme. is not a reliable source of revenue for healthier. Grass grew back in stronger So we need to update our statutes to these States. Yet they are tremen- stands of grass. They sequester more reflect our greater understanding of dously impacted by these lands. carbon, so it is good for carbon capture logging and grazing and how mankind The science has changed so much, and sequestration, and the grass stands can actually benefit and sustain these but our statutory scheme in managing were healthier. Eroded draws healed resources and improve these resources these lands has not caught up to the up; the grasses came back. well into the 21st century. We owe it to better science that we have today. For These practices were brought to the our children and grandchildren. example, let’s look at this picture. I United States. Interestingly, my fam- I thank Mr. GOHMERT so much. hope you can see it from where you are ily purchased some land on the ranch Mr. GOHMERT. I thank my friend sitting. Some of the brownish areas are next door to us that had a Savory graz- from Wyoming. Well-made points. land that has not been logged. The ing system on it. It had 2,600 acres that When you look at Wyoming on the map trees are clogged close together. They were divided into 16 smaller pastures, and you see just how much of it is col- have small diameters. They are com- with the water source in the middle, ored, meaning how much is controlled peting for moisture, for root space, for and we would move our cattle among by the Federal Government, how much the nutrients in the soil. Because they these 16 small cells; and you would put is owned by the Federal Government— are so crowded together, they become all of them in one cell for a very short I think about the movie where one law- less healthy. Bark beetles and other period of time, maybe 10 days, and they yer got upset because the judge kept forest killers are killing them out. So would graze that grass down to the interrupting, and the lawyer ulti- what you are seeing here in the nubs. mately says: Well, Judge, if you are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.108 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5157 going to try my case, just don’t lose it thousands of acres of private and State now with the issues of people who are for me. land as well where, as part of the strat- now basically in depression. More do- I think about that with regard to the egy, the Federal Government was even mestic violence happens because they Federal Government taking over all of resorting to a backfire-setting strategy don’t have a job anymore. this land. If you are going to take over on private lands, as they are doing However, the Federal footprint isn’t our land, Federal Government, at least right now to let it burn its way out. limited solely to federally owned land. just don’t ruin it, which has been going This happened partly up in my district The map identifies not just land owned on. In fact, what we have seen with the in Siskiyou County right now, thou- by the Federal Government, but also fund that has been used by the Depart- sands of acres of private land back- areas with restrictions on human ac- ment of the Interior to acquire more fired. tivities due to Federal regulations. and more land, I think we may be $9-, We know that the Forest Service and As you can see, between national for- $10 billion behind in upkeep and main- National Park Service alone have a de- ests and other Federal public lands and tenance of our national parks. Our Fed- ferred maintenance backlog, by their areas under critical habitat, wetland, eral properties as facilities are declin- own estimate, of over $16 billion—$16 or other restrictions, economic activ- ing. Where they are not getting proper billion that would have to come from ity is restricted in the vast majority of repair, it is like, as Mr. MCCLINTOCK the national Treasury. Yet both agen- my district. These colors in green and mentioned, all they can see is, wow, we cies are continually attempting to ac- orange are pretty much dominated by have got money, let’s get more land quire even more land. Federal land ownership or, supposedly, stewardship. The areas in white are and more land and more land, and they b 1900 are not properly taking care of what where the offers are still for people in they have. The result, of course, is that these private areas to carry out economic ac- At this time, I yield to the gen- agencies’ funds are stretched more and tivity. tleman from California (Mr. LAMALFA). more thinly, making the backlog even You can see from the color of that He knows all about the problems the worse. At the same time, they are also map that there are not a whole lot of Federal Government continues to cre- complaining that, with the increased options left. Indeed, by the time they ate and aggravate. amount of fire suppression, the costs establish wildlife corridors and more Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I really have shifted for the Forest Service and more of these things that are in appreciate my colleague, Mr. GOHMERT, from one-third of the budget just a few the plans, you can see our options are once again for yielding to me on so years ago to, now, two-thirds of their going to be just about zero. many of these important topics that entire budget for fire suppression, mak- This means that local voices, once we have worked on together during my ing it harder for the things they should again, are ignored. Communities have relatively short time here. be doing, with getting out harvest per- little recourse when Federal agencies This, of course, is very key to all of mits and doing their other green work arbitrarily decide to close roads, limit us in the West, and the reality of which during the nonfire season. That doesn’t economic activities like hunting, fish- needs to be pressed upon all the people happen anymore. ing, hiking, what have you, and expand of the country and all of our legislative Another impact of Federal land ac- their reach through regulations and colleagues across the country, espe- quisition is to deny the local govern- habitat designations. cially on the East Coast that really ments the property tax revenue they Rural Sierra Nevada communities can’t quite fathom how far-reaching would receive and generate and deny have long been told by environmental- this is in Western States. So it is really the rural communities the jobs and ists that they must shift to a tourism a pleasure to be able to join with my economic activity that responsible economy now that Federal and State other Western colleagues and Mr. GOH- timber, ranching, farming, and mining restrictions have nearly killed the tim- MERT who have spoken here tonight. operations would generate. ber and mining industries in those We need to raise the awareness of yet Thanks to Federal land acquisition areas. But what happens when the another new map being released by the and this administration’s refusal to same environmental agenda, extended Committee on Natural Resources. Now, properly manage national forests, rural in the form of critical habitat and the map I am illustrating here, this ac- communities are heavily reliant on the other designations, even damages the tually breaks it down into a smaller secure rural schools fund, a program fledgling tourist economy that they size. This is the First Congressional the Federal Government funds to help want to promote for these commu- District of California, this being Or- local schools, police, and local infra- nities? egon up top and Nevada on the side, structure, to the tune of about $285 The Fish and Wildlife Service re- where you have that top corner there, million last year. Counties are also cently bent to the demands of extrem- which is part of a State that is owned heavily reliant on the PILT fund—pay- ist groups and listed the Sierra Nevada approximately 45 percent by the Fed- ment in lieu of taxes—to the tune of yellow-legged frog and the Yosemite eral Government—actually, not by the about $450 million last year. toad under the Endangered Species Federal Government. It belongs to the In both cases, local governments Act, affecting much of this area on the people. It is the public’s land. Our have less funding than if they were east side in my district and extending neighboring State, Nevada, is approxi- simply allowed to have the functioning down into Mr. MCCLINTOCK’s district mately 84 percent Federal land. economies that Federal regulations south of mine there. We know how poorly they are man- have destroyed. Both of these funds are During this process, my colleagues aged as we watch them go up in flames something we have to fight for each heard from many people in the several each summer. The visible result is that budget year to make sure they stay in public meetings that Mr. MCCLINTOCK millions of acres in the West burn each place, because people seem to forget and I had on this very subject a couple year. The amount of timber and fuel these are backfills for what has been of years ago. We wanted the public to reduction is done. You see most of that taken away from rural communities be able to be part of this process to en- is done on private lands where they can and rural economies. sure that the Service heard the con- actually go out and have the incentive These rural economies don’t want cerns of our constituents directly. to take care of their assets versus the handouts. They want to have the op- The Service’s initial habitat maps other side, with U.S. Forest Service portunity to be self-sufficient, while were riddled with obvious errors, like and BLM and others that don’t seem to not having to come begging for PILT the inclusion of parking lots and other be able to get out of their own tracks funds or the secure rural schools fund. areas which contained zero amphibian on the issue. This means jobs for these economies, habitat; and over 20,000 public com- For example, last year, 576,000 acres for these local areas, versus high unem- ments were submitted, which were of Federal land burned in California— ployment and the social ills that come overwhelmingly opposed to the des- this is the public’s land—about 1.3 per- from an economy that has now dis- ignation of this so-called critical habi- cent of all Federal land in the State. appeared, the social ills that affect tat. Even worse, fires which began on na- families and affect homes, that affect However, when the final designations tional forest lands burned hundreds of local government and what you have were released just a few days ago, they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.109 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 differed little from the initial maps. growing up, and becomes the next tin- it manages it and is allowed to make a Nearly 2 million acres of Sierra Ne- derbox in 5 or 7 years. little bit of living at a time. vada, all down the east side of Cali- Indeed, the damage from these mas- So we have got a lot of work to do in fornia—about half within my district, sive fires we have these days, these cat- getting this message across on the way the other half pretty much all within astrophic fires, isn’t just to the trees. the West is dominated by poor manage- Mr. MCCLINTOCK’s district—were des- It is to the habitat, to the wildlife—the ment at the Federal level. I hope those ignated as critical habitat. very habitat they are fighting against people listening tonight will take this Again, throughout this process, the us on. to heart and give us the backing we Fish and Wildlife Service claimed there When you have these devastating need to accomplish better policy goals would be no negative impacts to Sierra fires, the next winter, what do you get? and make it so that our Western lands, communities. We learned that claim to Ash and silt all washing down into the our Western economies, our Western be false almost immediately. creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes, habitats can actually be preserved with For years, a race called the Lost Si- making it bad for the fish. You don’t wise management, not this debacle we erra Endurance Run, a 50-kilometer, have the habitat there for owls or any- see happening every fire season. has been held on existing trails and thing else that used to be there when So, again, to my colleague, Mr. GOH- roads throughout the town of Graeagle the forest was still standing. Somehow, MERT, I thank him so much for having in Plumas County, California. Run by a there are a handful of extremists that this time here tonight for us to be able local small local nonprofit, the race think this is somehow good. Oh, we to spotlight this once again for our generates thousands of dollars for trail need these burned lands. American people and for our col- maintenance and has a significant eco- California is full, at this point, with leagues. I appreciate it. nomic impact on a little town know as about 66 million dead trees, by the U.S. Mr. GOHMERT. I am grateful to Mr. Graeagle, with local hotels, res- Forest Service’s own estimates. This LAMALFA, a man that has been edu- taurants, and shops benefiting from the isn’t just an isolated tree here and cated in agriculture. He knows what it visitors the race draws to the area, as there. Now you can see entire groves is to be a farmer. He knows what it is well as people being able to enjoy the that are just waiting for the next light- to be a good steward of the land. At this point, we have someone else outdoors and see what their public ning strike or the next spark, and it is who knows something about use of the lands are all about. going to be big-time problems for those land. He is a dentist but knows about However, last year, before the crit- areas to try and put them out. use of the land. ical habitat designation was even com- The Forest Service even goes so far I yield to the gentleman from Ari- plete, the nonprofit was told they as to resist the opportunity for doing land swaps with land that has already zona (Mr. GOSAR). would need to pay to conduct a study Mr. GOSAR. I would like to thank been managed, thinned, properly left on the impacts of the race on the yel- my good friend and colleague, the gen- by private concerns. Where they can low-legged frog—an impact study. Fed- tleman from Texas, for taking the time then move on to take some trails into eral agencies were concerned that run- to lead on this important conversation public ownership, that would be bene- ners using existing trails might nega- about the size of the U.S. Federal foot- tively impact the frogs. ficial for the public as well as private print. The study the Federal agencies de- entities being able to manage the for- It is a conversation that many Amer- manded was costly enough to more merly public land. They resist these icans, specifically those living east of than wipe out any proceeds from the kind of swaps because they want to buy the Mississippi River, have never had race, and the organizers were forced to more, acquire more, with money we to think much about. However, in cancel it. Not only would runners not don’t have. Western States like my home State of be visiting the area, but now, trail con- Each new national monument, wil- Arizona, we face unfair burdens on our ditions will deteriorate without the derness, critical habitat designation, or communities due to the fact that over funding the race generated. Yes, the study area limits the tools to promote 90 percent of all Federal land is located funding that the race generated was healthy forests. With the desire and in the West. In Arizona, only 18 percent there to help keep the habit and the even mandate for new renewable elec- of the land remaining in the State is trails maintained. tricity—especially the mandates in privately held. This is the second year that the race California—forest biomass is one of the Where land is locked up by the Fed- has not occurred, and it is likely that greatest opportunity potentials we eral Government, the government con- it, with the visitors it brought to the have. It is something we need to be trols all aspects of use, development, area, is gone permanently. What is doing yesterday, in order to generate and access. Local school districts and next? Limits on walking through the the electricity and bring the jobs that businesses suffer, having no private area within a critical habitat? would come from removing that extra land base to grow or tax to support in- Colleagues, it may sound absurd, but material in a way that is good for the frastructure. Federal agencies have already ex- ecology, for the forest, and bring those Imagine the impact on corn if only 18 pressed concern that running within jobs right in the district—not building percent of the land in Iowa was pri- this designation could harm frogs. solar cells in China or wind machines vately held, or cotton production in Imagine all the other activities—using in Europe, but jobs right in our own Mississippi or oranges grown in Flor- off-road vehicles, hunting, fishing, backyard; thinning these forests, using ida. The agriculture that defines many camping, bird watching, hiking—that the material and putting it into a Eastern States would be severely lim- agencies likely view as dangerous to power plant that can generate renew- ited if they faced the same Federal frogs. able electricity to meet the mandate of footprint that Arizona and Western As we watch the West burn this time 50 percent California sees and that farmers must confront. of year, we observe the failure of Fed- other States will probably start adopt- Farmers and ranchers in the West eral ownership and nonmanagement of ing. We can be putting these jobs back face a tsunami of bureaucracy pre- the public’s lands. home, improving forest safety and fire venting them from doing their jobs. Compare private timberlands versus safety, preserving the habitat, keeping Additionally, energy development, in- the public. Private is fire-resistant and the water quality up, and, yes, bringing cluding traditional and renewable en- healthy, by and large, where they are the jobs home for those paper and wood ergy, is almost nonexistent on Federal able to manage their own lands. You products that we still all need. lands. can fly over it and see the checker- Instead, we watch them burn because I have held numerous townhall meet- board pattern of public versus private. they are unwilling to do what needs to ings and field hearings to hear from Before a fire, you see it being managed. be done. They are afraid to do what small-business owners, sportsmen, After a fire, you see the private lands, needs to be done. There is not enough farmers, ranchers, elected officials, and where they go back out there and get money in the U.S. Treasury to go out many other stakeholders who ada- the lands re-covered and replanted and try to recover all that habitat, mantly oppose furthering the reach again. Public land sits there with a plant those forests back, which is what and size of the Federal Government’s bunch of snags, dead timber, brush the private sector could be doing when footprint.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.110 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5159 Adding insult to injury is the fact Mr. GOHMERT. I thank the gen- First, the voters will have to answer that the Federal Government manage- tleman from Arizona. I yield back the yes or no whether the District should ment agencies like the BLM have iden- balance of my time. become a State. tified hundreds of thousands of acres of f Second, the District will have to an- Federal land for disposal that the agen- swer whether voters, those of us who cy admits it is not effectively and effi- STATEHOOD FOR THE DISTRICT live in the District and vote in the Dis- ciently utilizing. OF COLUMBIA trict, approve of a constitution. That Imagine for a moment that the BLM The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. constitution is being adopted as I knows it has land that it doesn’t use JODY B. HICE of Georgia). Under the speak by the Council of the District of and yet the Federal Government still Speaker’s announced policy of January Columbia. keeps the land for itself. The BLM is 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the gentle- Third, the voters will have to ap- not alone though. In April of this year, woman from the District of Columbia prove the proposed boundaries for the it was reported that the National Park (Ms. NORTON) for 30 minutes. State. That is important since the Fed- Service has a nearly $12 million de- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I appre- eral sector would continue to exist. ferred maintenance backlog. Wow. ciate this time on the House floor this That Federal sector would be the areas The Forest Service Federal footprint evening because there has been a his- where The Mall and monuments and is 192.9 million acres, and the total toric development in the District of other Federal buildings are now lo- Federal estate exceeds more than 635 Columbia. Today, a new group called cated. The new State would be the million acres. Statehood Yes announced what neighborhoods of the District of Co- When businesses and the private sec- amounts to bipartisan support for D.C. lumbia. tor don’t develop their leases quickly statehood. And the fourth question the voters enough for the extremist environ- The fact is that the Republican Party will be asked to approve is whether mental groups, they are labeled as of the District of Columbia had not al- ‘‘greedy.’’ Yet these same groups give they pledge to support an elected rep- ways—in fact, had not been officially a the Federal Government a pass and ac- resentative form of government. part of the statehood movement, which tually encourage them to acquire more I was very pleased to hear Mr. is not to say that some Republicans land. The Federal Government is sup- Vradenburg speak today at Busboys have not been for D.C. statehood. posed to represent we the people, not and Poets, one of our local meeting But today was very different. Today, the special interest groups like the Si- places, about why he supports D.C. erra Club. a D.C. resident, George Vradenburg, a statehood and why he has taken on this In order to return Federal land that philanthropist in our city, a long-term effort to be the chairman. Among the is not being used back to the State and resident, and a former AOL executive, things he discussed, of course, is how communities who desperately need it, I announced that he was chairing a cam- he intends, with the effort of Statehood am proud to have introduced a com- paign that is part of the effort of the Yes, to reach out to all parts of the monsense solution that ensures public District of Columbia to achieve state- country. lands are utilized more efficiently, hood. That effort is being led by the The District recognizes that, in spite while also yielding significant benefits Mayor and the City Council who, ear- of this bipartisan support in the Dis- for stakeholders. lier this year, launched what is called trict of Columbia, statehood remains This legislation, known as the the Tennessee Plan. an uphill climb. HEARD Act, establishes an orderly The Tennessee Plan is simply a What important change in our coun- process for the sale, conveyance, and shorthand way to get statehood. The try has not been an uphill climb? exchange of Federal lands not being way in which my statehood bill oper- We are undaunted by that prospect. utilized by public land management ates is that, yes, the House and the We recognize that the Republican agencies that have been identified for Senate would vote for statehood, and it Party nationally has certainly not disposal. would then ask the city to submit a been supportive of D.C. statehood. At The HEARD Act will yield signifi- constitution and do what is necessary its convention this year, the Repub- cant benefits for education, sportsmen, to become a State. licans did not include language sup- agriculture and natural resource users, The Tennessee plan simply reverses porting D.C. statehood. In fact, there counties and States by establishing a that process. It does what Tennessee was language that appeared to oppose revenue-sharing mechanism that en- did. What Tennessee did was what the D.C. statehood. sures a fair return for all. District is in the process of doing. But at that time we did not have b 1915 What Tennessee did was to present a what we apparently have today, and constitution to the people to be rati- that is the official support of the Re- Now the Heard Act is modeled after the Southern Nevada Public Land Man- fied. And when it had done all of the publican Party of the District of Co- agement Act. This Federal law, en- preliminaries, preliminaries that are lumbia. That official support could not acted in 1998, has a proven track record often done after the statehood vote, be more important. Present at the of success in Nevada. To date, more they simply came to the Congress and Statehood Yes announcement today than 35,000 acres identified by the BLM said: Approve us for admission to the was Patrick Mara, the Executive Direc- for disposal have been sold, conveyed, State. And, indeed, that is exactly tor of the Republican Party of the Dis- or exchanged in Nevada, and sales have what the Congress did 200 years ago. trict of Columbia. generated nearly $3 billion in revenue. The District is trying to imitate that This bipartisanship is minimally nec- The revenue-sharing mechanism in- approach to statehood. In order to do essary for us to move forward; just as stituted by this law has benefited edu- so, there needs to be a vote. You are we recognize we will have to work with cation, enhanced recreational opportu- not going to get statehood if you don’t Republicans here in the Congress in nities, public access, and achieved bet- want it. So as part of the democratic order to get the same rights they have. ter overall management of public process, the District would have to District of Columbia residents are lands. Imagine what we could do if we vote on whether or not it wants state- number one per capita, first in taxes returned public lands that were up for hood. That is what the Statehood Yes paid to support the government of the disposal back to the public and back to campaign is trying to facilitate as part United States, and yet, the City’s the State. of what is required by the Tennessee budget comes here every year. It is a It is long past time that Congress plan. local budget. That is money, $4 billion, takes action to responsibly shrink our What this means is—much like the raised in the District of Columbia. I am 635-million acre Federal footprint and State of Tennessee, it was a Federal sure my colleagues would tear their empower western States to have a territory at the time—this bill would hair out, Republican and Democrat, if voice in determining our land manage- be submitted to the President after the their local budget had to come here. ment policies. House and the Senate had voted for The reason the District has moved to I thank the gentleman from Texas D.C. statehood if the voters answered statehood is that there is no other way for giving me the time to talk about four questions. to achieve equality as American citi- this. What are these questions? zens except as a new State.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.112 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H5160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 7, 2016 Today’s effort came as every Member decided several years ago to retire Understand what we mean by that. It of this House is running for office. As I from the Congress—was here, he ap- is the same autonomy that every Mem- thought about what this first bipar- proached me about a bipartisan effort ber here not only cherishes, but insists tisan effort, the first thought that to get a vote, just a vote, in the peo- upon. It is your own money. It has crossed my mind was that D.C. is run- ple’s House. Tom, a Republican, had nothing to do with this House, which ning for statehood. It is going to the been in the Republican leadership. He contributes nothing. The only thing people and saying: We can’t move for- was in the majority. He and I worked the House contributes to the District ward with the effort the Congress- together on what was really an impor- of Columbia is what it contributes to woman has made, or with this effort tant effort. everybody else. It doesn’t give us a through the Tennessee Plan, a short- Utah had just missed getting the thing. Yet if you go out in the streets hand way to get statehood, but one vote. Utah may be the most Republican of the District of Columbia, you should that has been used by other States, un- State in the union, and the reason it be envious of what we have done with less D.C. wants statehood. missed getting the vote was heart- our economy because what you will see So in D.C. that is like second nature. breaking. Its young people fan out is building going on everywhere. People Why would you ask somebody if they every year to other countries as part of are moving into the District, not mov- wanted statehood? their missionary work. In past eras, ing out. We all know the answer, but getting those missionaries had been counted in We know how to support ourselves. an official answer, an answer through a the way they must because they have We have got more than $2 billion in vote, is very different from answer, an to come home after 2 years. surplus funds. How many Members of answer through a vote, is very different For some reason they weren’t count- this House can boast that? So you can from everyone understanding that no- ed, and Utah went all the way to the see how we object to those who dare body would choose to have Congress in Supreme Court of the United States, tell us how to run our city, particu- your local business if you had a choice, but did not prevail. So it was quite a larly as we see this House floundering particularly a Congress which has bipartisan effort. I remember working on the Zika virus, a health emergency, shown for a number of years now that not only with the Utah delegation, but and we still can’t get it done. D.C. it can’t even run itself, much less try with the Governor of the State and doesn’t have that kind of problem. We to have anything to do with running a with the House and the Senate of that can govern ourself without interference District of almost 700,000 American State, who approved that bipartisan ef- by others. The District is particularly to be citizens. fort to achieve a House vote for D.C. So, yes, we do need a strong vote residents and a House vote for Utah. complimented on this longer effort to achieve D.C. statehood. It has been from residents to move forward with b 1930 going on now for the better part of 6 statehood. I am not at all concerned That effort succeeded in the House months. Too often the city and its resi- about that vote. A poll showed that and the Senate at a time when the dents have grown angry when Congress more than three-quarters—that is a Democrats controlled both parties. did something to our city. There was poll that was taken by one of our news- What kept it from fruition is also an arrest led by the former Mayor papers, The Washington Post—support heartbreaking, and that is that there when he was Mayor and members of D.C. statehood. was a rider from the National Rifle As- the council when there was an attach- You can be assured that the District sociation attached that, in essence, ment to our budget after we had gotten is—those who are working as part of said, yes, you can give D.C. a Member every single rider or attachment re- the Tennessee Plan for the necessary of Congress if—if—the District elimi- moved that had been undemocratically vote—are trying to get an even bigger nates all of its gun safety laws. That is attached by this House. People were ar- vote than that. We haven’t had a vote an offer that had to be refused. It was rested. for statehood now for decades. This is a cynical offer. But the problem with that approach an entirely new effort on the part of How can you be in the Nation’s Cap- is not that civil disobedience is not to the City. ital and not have strong gun safety be expected when somebody takes away In fact, the best expression of where laws? Not only do 700,000 of us live rights that every American citizen the residents stand on statehood came here, but the most controversial fig- should have. The problem with it is about 4 years ago when we had our first ures in the world come here. Heads of you can’t wait for the Congress to do official Senate hearing on statehood. state frequent our streets and our res- something really horrendous to you Now, I knew there would be some resi- taurants. They come by in caravans of and then say that we are now in the dents who came. What I did not antici- cars every day. So it was an offer that mode to get our rights. It has to be a pate is that they would come in such had to be refused. sustained effort. What the District is large numbers that, after the standing- But it does show that the District doing now as it tries to use the Ten- room-only room where the hearing was has tried to find incremental ways to nessee Plan to get statehood is part of being held was filled, the Senate would statehood and been rebuffed. Even as I a sustained effort. have to open up other rooms in order speak, there is a new and important ef- Today I called for a yearlong plan to accommodate all the residents. So fort going on; and that is the District after that because I do not suffer the il- they have voted. They have voted with has moved, pursuant to a budget au- lusion that a House that can’t pass a their feet. tonomy referendum, to manage its own Zika virus is going to reach into its What the District wants now and budget without coming to the House of long lost democratic treasure house what Statehood Yes is trying its very Representatives or the Senate. and give the District statehood, but I best to get is an official recognition, an For this referendum, The District do certainly believe that it won’t hap- official voice from the residents of was sued. It lost in the U.S. district pen unless you have the kind of effort whether they want statehood or not. court and went to the court of appeals. that is going on now. What the District And the best way to get that is the way As someone who practiced constitu- is doing in its effort to achieve state- they began today, with bipartisan sup- tional law, I can tell you I had never hood, using the Tennessee Plan with port, with an AOL executive who lives seen what resulted. The U.S. court of the bipartisan effort announced today, in the District chairing the effort to appeals eliminated—the District Court to me, is particularly noteworthy. get that vote. decision, and submitted the issue of the When I come to the House floor, as I D.C. showed up. They showed up in constitutionality and the legality of often do, as I am this evening, to speak record numbers when the question was: budget autonomy to the Superior about statehood, you are within your Do you want to listen to the first offi- Court of the District of Columbia. The rights to say: Says who? My answer to cial hearing in the Senate on D.C. vot- Superior Court of the District of Co- that—when the vote comes in in No- ing rights—sorry—on D.C. statehood? lumbia held that the District’s budget vember, with this question on the bal- I am glad I mentioned D.C. voting autonomy referendum is valid. So, the lot answered by the residents of the rights there because the District didn’t irony is that the only court decision District of Columbia, I will be able to come to statehood easily. When Tom upholds budget autonomy for the Dis- say: Says who? Says the American citi- Davis—Representative Tom Davis, who trict. zens who live in your Nation’s Capital,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:27 Sep 08, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07SE7.116 H07SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE September 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5161 who also happen to pay the highest ting the Report of the Proceedings of the Ju- H.R. 5946. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- taxes per capita in the United States of dicial Conference of the United States for enue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross in- America; that is who. That is what I the March 2016 session, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. come any prizes or awards won in competi- was will say. 331; June 25, 1948, ch. 646 (as amended by Pub- tion in the Olympic Games or the lic Law 110–177, Sec. 101(b)); (121 Stat. 2534); Paralympic Games; to the Committee on I say to my Republican friends in the to the Committee on the Judiciary. Ways and Means. District of Columbia, you have sent a 6691. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- By Mr. MCDERMOTT (for himself, Mr. worthy signal to this House that bipar- ment of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a let- REICHERT, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. DANNY tisanship for D.C. statehood begins in ter reporting a violation of the K. DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. REED): the District of Columbia, and now it Antideficiency Act, in the Medical Support H.R. 5947. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- must be taken up by both parties in the and Compliance account (36–0152), pursuant enue Code of 1986 to include foster care tran- House and Senate as well. to 31 U.S.C. 1351; Public Law 97–258; (96 Stat. sition youth as members of targeted groups 926); to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. for purposes of the work opportunity credit; Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance f to the Committee on Ways and Means. of my time. By Mrs. DAVIS of California (for her- f REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON self, Mr. HUNTER, Mr. ISSA, Mr. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS PETERS, and Mr. VARGAS): LEAVE OF ABSENCE Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of H.R. 5948. A bill to designate the facility of By unanimous consent, leave of ab- committees were delivered to the Clerk the United States Postal Service located at sence was granted to: 830 Kuhn Drive in Chula Vista, California, as for printing and reference to the proper the ‘‘Jonathan ‘J.D.’ De Guzman Post Office Mr. CLAWSON of Florida (at the re- calendar, as follows: Building’’; to the Committee on Oversight quest of Mr. MCCARTHY) for September Mr. MILLER of Florida: Committee on and Government Reform. 6 and today on account of illness. Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 5178. A bill to amend By Mr. LANCE (for himself and Mr. f title 38, United States Code, to direct the KINZINGER of Illinois): Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide edu- H.R. 5949. A bill to prohibit the use of funds ADJOURNMENT cational and vocational counseling for vet- to make payments to Iran relating to the Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move erans on campuses of institutions of higher settlement of claims brought before the learning, and for other purposes; with an that the House do now adjourn. Iran-United States Claims Tribunal until amendment (Rept. 114–727). Referred to the Iran has paid certain compensatory damages The motion was agreed to; accord- Committee of the Whole House on the state awarded to United States persons by United ingly (at 7 o’clock and 37 minutes of the Union. States courts; to the Committee on Foreign p.m.), under its previous order, the f Affairs. House adjourned until tomorrow, By Mr. TIPTON: Thursday, September 8, 2016, at 10 a.m. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 5950. A bill to extend the authoriza- for morning-hour debate. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public tion of the Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act of 1978 relating to the disposal f bills and resolutions of the following titles were introduced and severally re- site in Mesa County, Colorado; to the Com- mittee on Energy and Commerce. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ferred, as follows: ETC. By Mr. LANCE (for himself, Mr. By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana (for himself, WELCH, Mr. LATTA, and Ms. CLARKE Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. MCMORRIS of New York): communications were taken from the RODGERS, and Mr. CA´ RDENAS): H. Res. 847. A resolution expressing the Speaker’s table and referred as follows: H.R. 5942. A bill to amend title XVIII of the sense of the House of Representatives about Social Security Act to establish a dem- a national strategy for the Internet of 6686. A letter from the Director, Inter- onstration program to provide integrated Things to promote economic growth and con- national Cooperation, Acquisition, Tech- care for Medicare beneficiaries with end- sumer empowerment; to the Committee on nology, and Logistics, Department of De- stage renal disease, and for other purposes; Energy and Commerce. fense, transmitting Transmittal No. 2–16, in- to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, By Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania (for forming of an intent to sign the Memo- and in addition to the Committee on Ways himself, Mr. VISCLOSKY, Mr. DENT, randum of Agreement Among the Federal and Means, for a period to be subsequently Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. BOST, Mr. RYAN of Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic determined by the Speaker, in each case for Ohio, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. JONES, Mr. of Germany, the Ministry of Defense of the consideration of such provisions as fall with- JOHNSON of Ohio, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. State of Israel, and the Department of De- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- LIPINSKI, Mr. BROOKS of Alabama, fense of the United States of America, pursu- cerned. Mr. CRAWFORD, Mr. TIPTON, Mr. ant to 22 U.S.C. 2767(f); Public Law 90–629, By Mr. DONOVAN (for himself, Mr. REED, Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania, Sec. 27(f) (as amended by Public Law 113–27 6, KATKO, Mr. KING of New York, Miss Mr. NOLAN, Mr. HARPER, Mr. Sec. 208(a)(4)); (128 Stat. 2993); to the Com- RICE of New York, Mr. PAYNE, and PITTENGER, Ms. SEWELL of Alabama, mittee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. MCCAUL): Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. BYRNE, Mr. HUD- 6687. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, H.R. 5943. A bill to amend the Imple- SON, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, menting Recommendations of the 9/11 Com- CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. transmitting the Department’s report on mission Act of 2007 to clarify certain allow- BARLETTA): progress toward a negotiated solution of the able uses of funds for public transportation H. Res. 848. A resolution calling for the Cyprus question covering the period of April security assistance grants and establish peri- maintenance of effective trade remedies for 1—May 31, 2016, pursuant to Sec. 620C(c) of ods of performance for such grants, and for United States manufacturers and producers the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as other purposes; to the Committee on Home- by ensuring that any foreign country des- amended, and in accordance with Sec. 1(a)(6) land Security. ignated as a nonmarket economy country of Executive Order 13313; to the Committee By Mr. UPTON (for himself, Mr. under the Tariff Act of 1930 retain this status on Foreign Affairs. CRAMER, and Mr. HIGGINS): until it demonstrates that it meets all of the 6688. A letter from the Deputy Director, Of- H.R. 5944. A bill to amend title 49, United criteria for treatment as a market economy fice of Presidential Appointments, Depart- States Code, with respect to certain grant set forth in section 771(18)(B) of such Act; to ment of State, transmitting a notification of assurances, and for other purposes; to the the Committee on Ways and Means. a federal vacancy and designation of acting Committee on Transportation and Infra- officer, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Public structure. f Law 105–277, 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681–614); to the By Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself, MEMORIALS Committee on Oversight and Government Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. BOU- Reform. STANY, Mr. TOM PRICE of Georgia, Mr. Under clause 3 of rule XII, memorials 6689. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. REED, Mr. were presented and referred as follows: Legislative Affairs, Department of State, KELLY of Pennsylvania, Mr. HOLDING, 292. The SPEAKER presented a memorial transmitting two notifications of change in Mr. SMITH of Missouri, Mr. RICE of of the Legislature of the State of Arkansas, previously submitted reported information South Carolina, and Mr. ROSKAM): relative to Interim Resolution 2015–007, en- and discontinuation of service in acting role, H.R. 5945. A bill to amend title III of the couraging the United States Congress to pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 3349(a); Public Law 105– Social Security Act to allow States to drug amend the Food Allergen Labeling and Con- 277, 151(b); (112 Stat. 2681–614); to the Com- test applicants for unemployment compensa- sumer Protection Act of 2004, to include mittee on Oversight and Government Re- tion to ensure they are ready to work; to the mammalian meat, dairy, and other products; form. Committee on Ways and Means. to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 6690. A letter from the Secretary, Judicial By Mr. DOLD (for himself and Mr. 293. Also, a memorial of the Legislature of Conference of the United States, transmit- FARENTHOLD): the State of West Virginia, relative to House

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Concurrent Resolution 36, requesting the dian Tribes; to define and punish Piracies H.R. 2001: Mr. LOUDERMILK and Mr. ROONEY Congress of the United States call a conven- and Felonies committed on the high Seas, of Florida. tion of the states to propose amendments to and offenses committed against the Law of H.R. 2096: Mr. HECK of Nevada. the Constitution of the United States; to the Nations. H.R. 2280: Ms. LEE. Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. TIPTON: H.R. 2294: Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina. 294. Also, a memorial of the Manville, Bor- H.R. 5950. H.R. 2429: Mrs. BEATTY. ough Council of New Jersey, relative to Res- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2500: Mr. HUNTER and Mr. TIBERI. olution 2016–135, confirming support of H.R. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2622: Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. CART- 814 known as the ‘‘Thin Blue Line Act’’ and Article 4 Section 3 Clause 2: The Congress WRIGHT and Mr. POSEY. urging the United States House of Rep- shall have Power to dispose of and make all H.R. 2628: Mr. HILL, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. TUR- resentatives and the U.S. Senate to enact needful Rules and Regulations respecting the NER, and Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. this legislation; to the Committee on the Ju- Territory or other Property belonging to the H.R. 2641: Mr. GRAYSON. diciary. United States; and nothing in this Constitu- H.R. 2738: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- sylvania. f tion shall be so construed as to Prejudice any Claims of the United States, or of any H.R. 2739: Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY particular State. PALAZZO, Mr. CARNEY, Mr. OLSON, Mr. STATEMENT GARAMENDI, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. HECK of Ne- f vada, and Mr. PETERS. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 2844: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. the Rules of the House of Representa- H.R. 2858: Mr. CLAY and Mr. RUSH. tives, the following statements are sub- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 2866: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. mitted regarding the specific powers were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 2895: Mr. COFFMAN. granted to Congress in the Constitu- tions, as follows: H.R. 2902: Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mr. COSTA, Mr. CARNEY, and Mr. DOLD. tion to enact the accompanying bill or H.R. 140: Mr. LOUDERMILK, Mr. WEBSTER of H.R. 2903: Mr. HIMES. joint resolution. Florida, Mr. DAVIDSON, and Mr. ROUZER. H.R. 3012: Mr. BROOKS of Alabama and Mrs. H.R. 213: Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. DENT, Ms. By Mr. YOUNG of Indiana: BLACK. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. POLIS, H.R. 5942. H.R. 3085: Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. RIBBLE, Mr. ROTHFUS, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3137: Mr. KENNEDY. fornia, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. DEUTCH. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3180: Ms. MCSALLY. H.R. 249: Mr. KENNEDY. The constitutional authority on which this H.R. 3229: Mrs. ROBY, Mr. KELLY of Mis- H.R. 267: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. bill rests is the power of Congress to make sissippi, and Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 333: Mr. GARAMENDI. rules for the government and regulation of H.R. 3235: Mr. NORCROSS. H.R. 335: Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ and Ms. the land and naval forces, as enumerated in H.R. 3255: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Article I, Section 8, Clause 14 of the United H.R. 3397: Mr. PEARCE and Miss RICE of States Constitution. H.R. 381: Mr. TED LIEU of California. New York. H.R. 430: Ms. LOFGREN. By Mr. DONOVAN: H.R. 3406: Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky, Ms. H.R. 449: Mr. PERLMUTTER. H.R. 5943. PLASKETT, Mr. HIGGINS, Ms. ESHOO, Mrs. H.R. 546: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Congress has the power to enact this legis- CAPPS, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, and Mr. KATKO. fornia. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3410: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. NAPOLI- H.R. 556: Ms. PINGREE. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution of TANO, Ms. KAPTUR, and Mr. CA´ RDENAS. H.R. 563: Mr. ISRAEL. the United States. H.R. 3438: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. RATCLIFFE, H.R. 605: Mr. ISRAEL. By Mr. UPTON: Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, H.R. 612: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. H.R. 5944. Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. ISSA, and Mr. H.R. 670: Mr. DONOVAN and Mr. SMITH of Congress has the power to enact this legis- TROTT. New Jersey. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3516: Mr. CRAWFORD. H.R. 836: Mr. HILL. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- H.R. 3535: Ms. JACKSON LEE. IMES gress shall have Power To . . . make all H.R. 902: Mr. H . H.R. 3589: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 918: Mr. RATCLIFFE. H.R. 3613: Ms. JACKSON LEE. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- H.R. 954: Mr. DOLD. H.R. 3706: Mr. COLE, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 971: Mr. FITZPATRICK. ZELDIN, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mrs. COMSTOCK, stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 1013: Ms. LOFGREN. Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. VIS- States, or in any Department or Officer H.R. 1095: Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. CUMMINGS, CLOSKY, and Mr. DELANEY. thereof. Ms. BASS, Mr. GRAYSON, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. H.R. 3815: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- By Mr. BRADY of Texas: ENGEL, and Mr. POCAN. sylvania. H.R. 5945. H.R. 1116: Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. H.R. 3822: Mr. THORNBERRY. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1192: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. GRAVES H.R. 3861: Mr. ROSS and Mr. BLUMENAUER. lation pursuant to the following: of Louisiana, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 3926: Ms. TITUS. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United sylvania, Mr. CARTER of Texas, Ms. MICHELLE H.R. 3991: Mr. RUSH, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, States Constitution, to ‘‘provide for the com- LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico, Mr. BYRNE, Ms. LOFGREN, and Mr. JOLLY. mon Defence and general Welfare of the and Mr. TED LIEU of California. H.R. 4027: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. United States.’’ H.R. 1220: Mr. RICHMOND and Mr. H.R. 4043: Mr. RANGEL and Ms. LOFGREN. By Mr. DOLD: WESTERMAN. H.R. 4073: Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. H.R. 5946. H.R. 1233: Mr. PERRY. HIMES, and Mr. RENACCI. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1258: Mr. BECERRA. H.R. 4204: Mr. LOBIONDO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1284: Mr. SMITH of Washington, Ms. H.R. 4298: Mr. REICHERT and Mr. JONES. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, and Mrs. H.R. 4320: Mr. SWALWELL of California. By Mr. MCDERMOTT: DAVIS of California. H.R. 4374: Mr. SWALWELL of California. H.R. 5947. H.R. 1427: Mr. BROOKS of Alabama and Mrs. H.R. 4378: Ms. JACKSON LEE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ROBY. H.R. 4381: Mr. RATCLIFFE. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1453: Mr. GARAMENDI H.R. 4456: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. MOONEY of Clause 1 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the H.R. 1532: Mr. REED. West Virginia, and Mr. STIVERS. United States Constitution H.R. 1545: Mr. COSTA. H.R. 4481: Mr. HONDA and Ms. JENKINS of By Mrs. DAVIS of California: H.R. 1559: Mr. ALLEN. Kansas. H.R. 5948. H.R. 1595: Mr. MURPHY of Florida and Mr. H.R. 4485: Mr. ROUZER and Mr. RIBBLE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- CURBELO of Florida. H.R. 4514: Mr. SESSIONS and Mr. HARPER. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1598: Ms. ADAMS. H.R. 4525: Ms. JACKSON LEE. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 1643: Mr. ROSS. H.R. 4558: Mr. ISRAEL and Ms. KAPTUR. granted to Congress under Article 1, Section H.R. 1707: Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of H.R. 4559: Mr. HILL and Mr. LAMBORN. 8 of the United States Constitution. New Mexico. H.R. 4564: Mr. BEYER. By Mr. LANCE: H.R. 1763: Ms. MCCOLLUM and Ms. ROS- H.R. 4567: Mr. MEEHAN and Mr. ENGEL. H.R. 5949. LEHTINEN. H.R. 4611: Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1779: Mr. RUSH. MCGOVERN, and Mr. SERRANO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1859: Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. H.R. 4632: Mr. PERLMUTTER and Mr. EMMER Article 1 Sec. 8, Clause 3 and Clause 10: The H.R. 1904: Ms. JACKSON LEE. of Minnesota. Congress shall have the power . . . to regu- H.R. 1905: Ms. JACKSON LEE. H.R. 4665: Mr. MEEHAN and Mr. POCAN. late Commerce with foreign Nations, and H.R. 1911: Mr. REED. H.R. 4671: Mr. LAMALFA and Mr. among the several States, and with the In- H.R. 1966: Mr. GRAYSON. PITTENGER.

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H.R. 4715: Mr. NOLAN. LIEU of California, Mr. JOYCE, Mr. HARPER, H. Con. Res. 33: Mr. WITTMAN and Mr. H.R. 4740: Mr. MCGOVERN. Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. KELLY of MULVANEY. H.R. 4773: Mr. SCALISE. Pennsylvania, Mr. FARENTHOLD, Ms. H. Con. Res. 114: Mr. NUNES and Mr. ROO- H.R. 4784: Mr. DOLD. MCSALLY, Mr. BARR, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. CUM- NEY of Florida. H.R. 4842: Ms. TITUS. MINGS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. MEEHAN, Mrs. H. Con. Res. 140: Mr. RICE of South Caro- H.R. 4907: Mr. COFFMAN and Mr. LANGEVIN. BLACK, Mr. CLAY, Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRIS- lina, Mr. SHIMKUS, and Mr. MARINO. H.R. 4919: Mr. PETERS. HAM of New Mexico, Mr. LANCE, Mr. H. Res. 12: Mr. BILIRAKIS. H.R. 4927: Mr. POCAN, Mr. CICILLINE, Mrs. CUELLAR, Mrs. COMSTOCK, Mr. COHEN, Ms. H. Res. 130: Mr. COFFMAN. BEATTY, and Mrs. DINGELL. HERRERA BEUTLER, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, H. Res. 290: Mr. CONYERS. H.R. 5015: Mrs. COMSTOCK, Mr. KNIGHT, Mrs. and Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. H. Res. 352: Ms. LOFGREN. BLACK, Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, H.R. 5513: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. H. Res. 590: Ms. PINGREE, Mr. NUGENT, Mr. and Mr. POMPEO. H.R. 5531: Mr. CUELLAR. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York, Mr. H.R. 5093: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 5532: Mr. KEATING. H.R. 5115: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 5537: Mr. KILMER. SIMPSON, Mr. HANNA, Mr. LANCE, Mr. YAR- H.R. 5116: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 5555: Mr. RANGEL. MUTH, and Mr. RIBBLE. H.R. 5136: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 5571: Mr. SWALWELL of California, Ms. H. Res. 617: Mr. BOUSTANY and Mrs. H.R. 5141: Mr. CRAMER. SLAUGHTER, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. BONAMICI, Ms. WALORSKI. H.R. 5167: Mr. RANGEL. JUDY CHU of California, and Mr. MCGOVERN. H. Res. 647: Mr. BARR. H.R. 5204: Mr. PERLMUTTER. H.R. 5584: Mr. CURBELO of Florida, Ms. LEE, H. Res. 652: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. H.R. 5205: Mr. LOWENTHAL and Mr. BLU- Mr. CONNOLLY, Mrs. RADEWAGEN, Ms. LOF- H. Res. 660: Mr. RUSH and Mr. SMITH of New MENAUER. GREN, Ms. MCSALLY, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. ESHOO, Jersey. H.R. 5213: Mr. ASHFORD. and Mr. FITZPATRICK. H. Res. 683: Ms. LOFGREN. H.R. 5226: Mr. SESSIONS. H.R. 5587: Mr. PETERS, and Mr. DAVID H. Res. 686: Mr. CUMMINGS. H.R. 5256: Mrs. TORRES, Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. H. Res. 766: Mr. SWALWELL of California. H.R. 5620: Mrs. ROBY, Mr. YOUNG of Iowa, LANGEVIN, and Mr. TONKO. H. Res. 773: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. LOFGREN, H.R. 5272: Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. Mr. COLLINS of New York, and Mr. CHAFFETZ. Ms. LEE, Ms. TITUS, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. TED WELCH, Mr. GRIJALVA, Miss RICE of New H.R. 5630: Mr. COOPER and Mr. CARTWRIGHT. LIEU of California, and Mr. SCHIFF. York, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. TED H.R. 5646: Mr. SCHWEIKERT and Mr. H. Res. 782: Mr. COFFMAN and Mr. YOUNG of LAMALFA. LIEU of California, and Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Iowa. H.R. 5292: Mr. HIMES. H.R. 5650: Ms. DELBENE and Mr. SCHIFF. H. Res. 792: Mrs. LOWEY. H.R. 5313: Ms. NORTON, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. H.R. 5668: Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. BROOKS H. Res. 810: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of MCCOLLUM, and Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New of Alabama, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. BISHOP of Mexico. Utah, Mr. BYRNE, and Mr. RATCLIFFE. New York. H.R. 5343: Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. H.R. 5683: Mr. CRAMER, Mr. OLSON, and Mr. H. Res. 811: Mr. MEEHAN and Mr. GIBSON. H.R. 5351: Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan, Mr. RUSH. H. Res. 831: Mr. PETERSON, Mr. KLINE, Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois, Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. H.R. 5685: Mr. POMPEO and Mr. LONG. POCAN, and Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. H.R. 5691: Mr. MCGOVERN. LATTA, Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mrs. H.R. 5708: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. BROOKS of Indiana, Mr. YOHO, Mr. ROTHFUS, f H.R. 5730: Ms. MCSALLY. Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of H.R. 5732: Mr. DOLD. Texas, Mr. BISHOP of Michigan, Mr. GRAVES H.R. 5734: Mrs. COMSTOCK, Mr. SHUSTER, PETITIONS, ETC. of Missouri, Mr. WALKER, Mr. ROKITA, Mr. and Mrs. ROBY. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, Mrs. BLACKBURN, H.R. 5755: Ms. MCSALLY and Mr. RODNEY Under clause 3 of rule XII, petitions and Mr. WITTMAN. DAVIS of Illinois. and papers were laid on the clerk’s H.R. 5386: Mr. HUFFMAN. H.R. 5756: Mr. CICILLINE. desk and referred as follows: H.R. 5396: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 5796: Ms. JACKSON LEE. 84. The SPEAKER presented a petition of H.R. 5415: Ms. MCSALLY. H.R. 5817: Mr. CARNEY, Mr. FARR, Mr. GRI- the City of Miami Beach, Florida, relative to H.R. 5418: Mr. BRAT, Mr. HILL, Mr. FLORES, JALVA, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. LEE, Resolution No. 2016–29483, urging the United Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. BRADY of Texas, and Ms. NORTON, and Mr. PALLONE. States Food and Drug Administration to re- Mr. POSEY. H.R. 5836: Mr. PEARCE. peal its prohibition on men who have had sex H.R. 5433: Mr. GOSAR. H.R. 5867: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. H.R. 5462: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. H.R. 5883: Mr. DESJARLAIS and Mr. BARR. with men within the past 12 months from do- H.R. 5474: Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. CLEAVER, H.R. 5904: Mr. ROUZER. nating blood; to the Committee on Energy Mr. RUSH, and Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of H.R. 5931: Mr. SALMON, Mr. BARR, Mr. and Commerce. Pennsylvania. EMMER of Minnesota, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. 85. Also, a petition of the Borough Council H.R. 5482: Ms. MOORE. GARRETT, Mr. MARINO, and Mr. GIBSON. of Sound Bound Brook, New Jersey, relative H.R. 5489: Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. H.R. 5940: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. to Supporting the H.R. 814 known as the H.R. 5499: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa and Mr. H.J. Res. 2: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. ‘‘Thin Blue Line Act’’ and urging the United ROKITA. H.J. Res. 48: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. States House of Representatives and the U.S. H.R. 5506: Mr. PETERSON, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. H.J. Res. 95: Mr. BARR and Mrs. BLACK- Senate to enact this legislation; to the Com- HECK of Washington, Mr. COFFMAN, Mr. TED BURN. mittee on the Judiciary.

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