Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

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E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018 No. 30 House of Representatives The House met at 9 a.m. and was THE JOURNAL RECOGNIZING HALEYVILLE, ALA- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The BAMA, AS THE BIRTHPLACE OF pore (Mr. SIMPSON). Chair has examined the Journal of the THE FIRST EVER 911 CALL last day’s proceedings and announces (Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was f to the House his approval thereof. given permission to address the House Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- for 1 minute and to revise and extend DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER nal stands approved. his remarks.) PRO TEMPORE Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on today to recognize my hometown and fore the House the following commu- agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of my home State of Haleyville, Alabama, nication from the Speaker: the Journal. as the birthplace of the first ever 911 WASHINGTON, DC, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The phone call that was placed 50 years ago February 15, 2018. question is on the Speaker’s approval tomorrow, February 16, 1968. I hereby appoint the Honorable MICHAEL K. of the Journal. This pioneering phone call remains a SIMPSON to act as Speaker pro tempore on The question was taken; and the source of great pride in our city, in our this day. Speaker pro tempore announced that State. The phone call was placed by PAUL D. RYAN, Alabama’s then-Speaker of the House, Speaker of the House of Representatives. the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I object to Rankin Fite; and my predecessor, Con- f the vote on the ground that a quorum gressman Tom Bevill. The call was is not present and make the point of made on a bright red phone that has PRAYER order that a quorum is not present. been showcased in our city hall for the last several years. The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to clause 8, rule XX, further pro- I am proud to report to my col- J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: leagues this morning that this red We thank You, O God, for giving us ceedings on this question will be postponed. phone, a piece of Haleyville history, another day. Enlighten the hearts of will be temporarily showcased as a those who are faithful and tireless in The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn. piece of American history at the securing equal justice under the law. Smithsonian. The current mayor of Fulfill the hopes of those who long for f Haleyville, Ken Sunseri, has done an peace and security for their children. outstanding job in marking this anni- Guide and protect all elected officials PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE versary for our town; and, by the way, and all who choose to serve this Nation his father-in-law, James Whitt, was the and their local communities through The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the mayor at the time the phone call was public service. gentleman from Oregon (Mr. SCHRA- made. May Your will be done in and DER) come forward and lead the House I want to personally thank the through the Members of this people’s in the Pledge of Allegiance. mayor and so many others, including House, those who trust in Your divine Mr. SCHRADER led the Pledge of Al- the National Emergency Number Asso- guidance and those, as well, who rely legiance as follows: ciation and all the 911 organizations, upon the gifts You have endowed them I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the for all their efforts to recognize this with. Even in the midst of conflicting United States of America, and to the Repub- 50th anniversary of the world’s first 911 opinions and philosophical differences, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, call. may they strive to come to mutually indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. f beneficial ends. Unite Your people and keep them fo- f PASS A DREAM ACT TO PROTECT cused on the essentials that reflect DACA RECIPIENTS Your kingdom. May the fire of divine ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER (Mr. SCHRADER asked and was love and human freedom renew the face PRO TEMPORE given permission to address the House of the Earth. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The for 1 minute and to revise and extend May all that is done today be for Chair will entertain up to five requests his remarks.) Your greater honor and glory. for 1-minute speeches on each side of Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, I Amen. the aisle. would like to share Miriam’s DACA

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 23:31 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.000 H15FEPT1 H1182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 story and continue to demand that Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, as of Bucks County for partnering with House Republicans allow a vote on the Americans, we have a responsibility to the Pennsbury School District in this Dream Act. Miriam was brought to Or- protect our environment and our public critical program. egon by her parents when she was a lit- lands for today and for tomorrow, and f tle girl. She is grown and has not al- that is why we, Congress, passed clean GUN VIOLENCE lowed her immigration status to deter air and clean water laws. That is why her from working hard or pursuing her we protected our public lands and (Ms. KELLY of Illinois asked and was dreams. treasured spaces. given permission to address the House When DACA was established in 2012, President Trump has a different set for 1 minute.) it opened a path that was unknown to of priorities. With his dirty budget and Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I her and has allowed her passion to his infrastructure scam, President rise today because, on a day when flourish. Miriam is currently a sopho- Trump is attacking basic environ- schoolchildren should be thinking more in college, and her future is full mental safeguards. The Trump budget about baseball tryouts, prom, and col- of hope. She dreams of one day holding cuts environmental protections and lege selections, again they head to public office here at home and hopes to makes it impossible for the EPA to school living the reality that a gun work towards a career in either public keep American families safe and may strike them down at any moment. schools or as a computer engineer in healthy. Today 17 children will never again re- the healthcare sector. This is a young The Trump budget stops essential return to their school in Florida, casual- lady who is working hard, doing the search on climate change, slashes clean ties in America’s 18th shooting in 44 right things to better herself, and who energy development, and threatens en- days. Once again parents and coun- maintains goals that give back to her dangered species. The Trump infra- selors will have to bring the comfort community and this amazing country structure scam repeals basic environ- and security that this Congress refuses that raised her. mental safeguards and sells off our to offer. The sad reality is this Republican- public lands to Big Oil. Once again, This week in Chicago, a decorated po- controlled Congress and administration President Trump is putting polluters lice commander, Paul Bauer, was shot are holding Miriam’s dreams hostage and their profits first at the expense of and killed, another officer lost in a dis- by not allowing a vote on the Dream America’s families being healthy. turbing trend of police shootings that Act. It is inhumane to continue to en- Our air, water, and our land should we have not addressed either. tangle the lives of these young folks in never be partisan issues. Congress must Mr. Speaker, Melissa Falkowski, a partisan games. reject this dirty budget and infrastruc- teacher in that school, asked when Let’s do the right thing. Let’s get a ture scam and work to protect our en- Congress will do something. A student Dream Act passed so that our country vironment and not destroy it. said, The country needs to look in the can move forward and protect the f mirror. He said, We cannot get used to 800,000 DACA recipients. this. This cannot become the norm. RECOGNIZING PENNSBURY SCHOOL f Do you remember the terror you felt DISTRICT FOR THEIR FOCUS ON as grown men on that baseball field? THANKING STENOGRAPHERS DUR- MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Well, imagine those young people in ING NATIONAL COURT REPORT- (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was that school, in our neighborhoods, at a ING AND CAPTIONING WEEK given permission to address the House concert, in a park. (Mr. BYRNE asked and was given for 1 minute and to revise and extend Despite your words, your prayers, permission to address the House for 1 his remarks.) you have proven over and over you minute.) Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I don’t care about anyone but yourselves Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise rise today to recognize the Pennsbury and your contributions. It is sickening, today to celebrate National Court Re- School District in Bucks County, Penn- and shame on you. porting and Captioning Week. sylvania, for their focus on the mental f As an attorney, from firsthand expe- health of their students and our com- LOS HERNANDEZ TAMALES HON- rience, I can say that court reporters munity at large and their determina- ORED WITH JAMES BEARD FOUN- have had and continue to have an enor- tion to end the drug epidemic. DATION AWARD mous impact on our legal system, both Pennsbury School District recently in a practical matter but also in an im- launched an onsite mental health coun- (Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was portant historical sense. As we attor- seling program for their high school given permission to address the House neys talk away, court reporters tire- students and their families in partner- for 1 minute.) lessly capture every single word. The ship with the district’s new Addiction Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise importance of this cannot be underesti- and Mental Health Task Force. today to recognize Los Hernandez mated. Without their record, there The clinical counseling, in partner- Tamales in Union Gap, Washington, for would be no Brown v. Board of Edu- ship with St. Mary Medical Center and winning the James Beard Foundation’s cation, Miranda v. Arizona, or count- Family Service Association of Bucks 2018 America’s Classics Award. less other legal decisions of importance County, began last month at the Felipe and June Hernandez, as well to the American people. Pennsbury High School. The district as their daughter and son-in-law, Ra- Captioners also do wonderful work to hopes to continue its partnership and chel and Dion Wilburn, have operated help better the lives for millions of expand the program to students and the tamale eatery in the Yakima Val- Americans who are deaf and hard of families in the elementary and middle ley for the last three decades. Felipe hearing by providing captioning school communities. came to America from Mexico to work realtime. As the co-chair of the Bipartisan Her- in agriculture and opened Los Her- So, on National Court Reporting and oin Task Force, we have worked tire- nandez Tamales in 1990. This family- Captioning Week, I want to thank the lessly, both in Congress and in our owned establishment is well known for thousands of Americans who work in communities, to find solutions to this its pork, chicken, and seasonal aspar- this industry for their hard work and devastating epidemic. We are so en- agus tamales and, until now, remained dedication. couraged by the steps that these mem- a relatively secret spot among us f bers of our community are taking to locals. address the issues of mental health and The James Beard Foundation Amer- CONGRESS SHOULD REJECT THE addiction. ica’s Classics Award honors locally DIRTY BUDGET AND INFRA- We encourage every school district in owned restaurants that are cherished STRUCTURE SCAM Bucks County to follow the lead of for quality food that reflects the char- (Ms. MCCOLLUM asked and was Pennsbury School District in both edu- acter of their community, and Los Her- given permission to address the House cating and protecting our children, and nandez Tamales is the first restaurant for 1 minute and to revise and extend we also thank the St. Mary Medical in central Washington to be recognized her remarks.) Center and Family Service Association by the foundation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:31 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.003 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1183 I, my family, my friends, and my Act of 1990 to promote compliance A report aired on ‘‘60 Minutes’’ on staff can all attest that this award is through education, to clarify the re- December 4, 2016, for example, featured well deserved, and it is an honor to rec- quirements for demand letters, to pro- several small-business owners who ognize the Hernandezes for their hard vide for a notice and cure period before were subject to what are known as work and accomplishments. the commencement of a private civil ‘‘drive-by’’ lawsuits. In such lawsuits, action, and for other purposes, with f commonly filed by opportunistic trial Mr. SIMPSON in the chair. lawyers, the plaintiff need only drive CELEBRATING PENN STATE’S The Clerk read the title of the bill. by the property, not actually visit it, THON The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the to file a lawsuit alleging an ADA viola- bill is considered read the first time. tion. In other cases, plaintiffs can even (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania General debate shall not exceed 1 asked and was given permission to ad- use Google Earth to target alleged vio- hour equally divided and controlled by lations and, in turn, file lawsuits be- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- the chair and ranking minority mem- vise and extend his remarks.) fore even notifying a small-business ber of the Committee on the Judiciary. owner of the problem. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks one of The fact that these types of small GOODLATTE) and the gentleman from businesses are ill-equipped to defend an the finest traditions on Penn State’s New York (Mr. NADLER) each will con- campus, a 46-hour dance marathon ADA lawsuit is the reason why they trol 30 minutes. are sued. Indeed, opportunistic attor- called THON. THON is the grand finale The Chair recognizes the gentleman neys are more often willing to settle of a year-long fundraising campaign from Virginia. that Penn State students undertake for for just less than it would cost those the kids. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Fri- b 0915 mom-and-pop businesses to defend day, more than 700 recognized dancers Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I themselves in court. According to a will put their stamina to the test and yield myself such time as I may con- 2017 op-ed published in The Hill, a con- dance for 46 hours, without sleep, at sume. servative estimate of the average set- the Bryce Jordan Center. Private enforcement of title III of tlement amount is $7,500. But it is much more than that. THON the Americans with Disabilities Act is Given that plaintiff attorneys’ mo- is the largest student-run philanthropy a critical tool for disabled individuals tive is often to line their own pockets, in the world, and it raises money to to gain access to places like res- there is little or no incentive to work fight pediatric cancer. The proceeds taurants and shopping centers. Most with businesses to cure a violation be- raised go directly to Four Diamonds, businessowners, however, feel fore a lawsuit is filed. This results in which benefits the Penn State Chil- blindsided when they are sued for vio- wasted resources that could have been dren’s Hospital in Hershey. Four Dia- lations they were unaware of. used to improve access. monds ensures that families who are This has been the case even for dis- H.R. 620 is a commonsense solution battling pediatric cancer are not faced abled businessowners who have testi- because it gives businesses a fair with any costs, allowing them to fully fied before the House Judiciary Com- chance to cure title III violations be- focus on the needs of their child. THON mittee. Lee Ky testified in 2016. She fore they are forced into a lawsuit, 2017 raised more than $10 million. Since runs one of her family’s doughnut while still preserving the power of the its inception, THON has raised more shops that was sued for technical viola- threat of a lawsuit when businesses fail than $146 million. tions of the ADA because a restroom to make the required fixes in a timely Mr. Speaker, I am always in awe of sign was in the shape of a triangle in- manner. the power of our Penn State students stead of a square. H.R. 620 will create more access for and their care and concern for others. I A person who has never walked in her more Americans more quickly because wish everyone participating the best of life, Ky testified that she is proud of businesses would much rather fix an luck. this Nation’s effort to improve accessi- access problem quickly than face an We are. bility by enacting the ADA, but she unpredictable and expensive lawsuit thinks that businesses should be given that could hurt their ability to expand f an opportunity to remove barriers be- access in other ways. ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM fore getting sued. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues ACT OF 2017 Donna and David Batelaan have also to support this commonsense reform, testified. They were co-owners of a and I reserve the balance of my time. GENERAL LEAVE store that sold accessibility devices in Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I yield my- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Florida. Despite employing two people self such time as I may consume. unanimous consent that all Members who used wheelchairs, despite them- Mr. Chair, before we discuss the bill may have 5 legislative days to revise selves using wheelchairs, and despite before us today, I want to address the and extend their remarks and include the fact that virtually their entire cli- horrible school shooting in Florida yes- extraneous material on H.R. 620. entele was composed of customers who terday. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. had mobility limitations, they were We mourn the deaths of those shot NEWHOUSE). Is there objection to the sued because they had not painted lines and killed, and we support those who request of the gentleman from Vir- and posted a sign for a ‘‘handicapped’’ were injured and the families of the ginia? spot required by the ADA. victims. But we must also do more to There was no objection. Indeed, according to their testimony, prevent future shootings in our schools The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- it was later found that they had been and on our streets. ant to House Resolution 736 and rule just one of many businesses targeted There have been 18 school shootings XVIII, the Chair declares the House in by an unscrupulous, out-of-state attor- in this country so far this year, and it the Committee of the Whole House on ney. According to Mrs. Batelaan, it did is only February. According to a Wash- the state of the Union for the consider- not matter that their parking lot and ington Post analysis, over the last 19 ation of the bill, H.R. 620. store were totally accessible. It was years, more than 150,000 students at- The Chair appoints the gentleman greed that was driving these suits. tending at least 170 primary and sec- from Idaho (Mr. SIMPSON) to preside These examples are among many ondary schools have experienced a over the Committee of the Whole. shared by businesses across the coun- shooting on campus. That does not in- try. The ADA’s private right of action, clude violence outside of the class- b 0914 which was originally intended to be the room. IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE primary enforcement mechanism to We cannot allow this to continue. It Accordingly, the House resolved achieve greater access, has instead en- is long past due for the House to con- itself into the Committee of the Whole couraged a cottage industry of costly sider legislation on this floor to help House on the state of the Union for the and wasteful litigation that neither prevent gun violence. Our calls for consideration of the bill (H.R. 620) to benefits the business nor disabled indi- hearings and for action on gun violence amend the Americans with Disabilities viduals seeking more accessibility. prevention legislation have been met

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:31 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.004 H15FEPT1 H1184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 with silence. Congress did nothing sive. Rather than simply requiring an rights of people with disabilities. We after Columbine 20 years ago, and noth- aggrieved person to notify a business of should ensure access, not progress. We ing after Sandy Hook 5 years ago. Inac- the existence of an access barrier, H.R. should expect businesses to know and tion is unacceptable. Moments of si- 620 essentially requires the person to comply with their obligations, not re- lence are completely inadequate. Our plead a legal case in his or her initial quire our neighbors and colleagues citizens demand that we act without notice. with disabilities to shoulder the burden delay. For instance, a victim must cite the of informing and educating businesses Mr. Chairman, H.R. 620, the so-called specific provision of the ADA that has about those obligations. We should not ADA Education and Reform Act of 2017, been violated, describe whether the turn the business of everyday life into would undermine the civil rights of victim made a request to the business a complex and legal ordeal for people Americans with disabilities by signifi- about removing an access barrier, and with disabilities.’’ cantly weakening the key enforcement explain whether an access barrier was For the foregoing reasons, I oppose tool of the ADA Act of 1990, which is temporary or permanent. Such specific H.R. 620 and I urge the House to reject the filing of private lawsuits by disinformation may be very difficult or this deeply flawed bill. crimination victims. impossible for a discrimination victim Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of Congress passed the ADA 28 years ago to provide at the notice stage, particu- my time. with the goals of fully integrating per- larly without legal counsel. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chair, I yield sons with disabilities into the main- Finally, H.R. 620 does not even ad- myself 30 seconds to respond to the stream of American life and counter- dress the purported problem identified gentleman from New York. acting discriminatory social attitudes by his proponents who claim that a In point of fact, the United States toward the disabled. By making it pre-suit notification is needed to stop Code contains several examples in harder for persons facing such discrimi- lawyers from filing numerous similar which a potential plaintiff must provide notice before filing a lawsuit. nation to vindicate their rights in lawsuits alleging both Federal ADA For example, title I of the ADA, in court, this bill ultimately undermines claims and State law claims against fact, requires a plaintiff to first file an those goals. numerous businesses in order to force administrative complaint with the H.R. 620 would, among other things, quick settlements. EEOC. Unlike a complaint filed in Fed- institute a pre-suit notice and cure re- That is because many States allow eral court, it is a method for parties to gime under the title III of the ADA, for damages under their State dis- try to resolve the case before litigation which prohibits discrimination on the ability rights laws. But this ignores through a conciliation process. As part basis of disability in public accom- the fact that title III of the Federal of this process, the complainant is re- modations, like hotels, restaurants, ADA only permits recovery of reason- quired to fill out a form that puts the private schools, and healthcare pro- able attorneys’ fees and costs, no re- recipient on notice of the alleged viders. covery of money damages. In other issues. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Specifically, the bill would prohibit a words, it is State law, not the Federal has a similar process. disability discrimination victim from ADA, which provides the financial in- Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the filing a lawsuit to enforce his or her centive for pursuing numerous law- gentleman from California (Mr. CAL- rights under title III unless the victim suits. VERT). first notifies a business of a title III Additionally, the filing of multiple Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, the goal of violation. The victim must then wait suits alleging violations of the ADA or the American with Disabilities Act is up to 180 days to allow the business ei- State disability laws says nothing to provide access for the disabled. That ther to comply with the law or simply about the underlying merits of those goal must be pursued and protected. to make some undefined level of sub- suits or the intent of the parties in- It is important to distinguish, how- stantial progress—whatever that volved. ever, that the ADA is not intended to means—toward complying with the To the extent that lawyers actually feed drive-by lawsuits and put good law. engage in misconduct, courts already people out of business. No Federal civil rights statute im- have the tools to address such mis- Unfortunately, my State of Cali- poses such onerous requirements on conduct, including imposing sanctions, fornia has become ground zero for abu- discrimination victims before they can refusing to award attorneys’ fees, or sive ADA lawsuits. I have heard from have the opportunity to enforce their dismissing cases that have no legal or many small businesses in my congres- rights in court. Both individually and factual basis. sional district that have fallen victim cumulatively, this bill’s notice and A pre-suit notification requirement, to abusive ADA lawsuits that are not cure provisions will have the effect of together with a lack of any require- aimed at improving access to the dis- inappropriately shifting the burden of ment to actually comply with the law, abled. In fact, California accounts for compliance with the Federal civil is a virtual get-out-of-jail-free card for roughly 40 percent of ADA lawsuits na- rights statute from the alleged wrong- every public accommodation in Amer- tionwide, despite being home to just 12 doer onto the discrimination victim ica. percent of the country’s disabled popu- and perversely incentivizing businesses H.R. 620 substantially diminishes the lation. not to comply voluntarily with the primary incentive for voluntary com- Protecting small businesses from ADA. pliance with title III, which is the cred- abusive lawsuits and ensuring disabled Moreover, because H.R. 620 does not ible risk of being sued and having to Americans have adequate access are define the term ‘‘substantial progress,’’ pay reasonable attorneys’ fees and not mutually exclusive goals. That is the bill leaves it entirely to a costs. why I am an original cosponsor of H.R. businessowner’s discretion as to wheth- H.R. 620’s notice and cure require- 620 and believe its passage is critical to er he has made such progress. ments, by starkly diminishing the risk both the disabled and to our small At a minimum, this raises the pros- of litigation, would send a clear and businesses. By giving businessowners pect of expensive and protracted litiga- devastating message to every public adequate time to make appropriate tion over the question of whether the accommodation in America that there changes to provide access, we are re- business has made sufficiently substan- is no need to comply voluntarily with turning to the original spirit and in- tial progress should a lawsuit be filed. the ADA. Instead, the bill tells busi- tent of the ADA. Such a prospect, along with the need to nesses that they should simply wait I thank my friend from Texas, Rep- wait 180 days before filing a lawsuit, and see if they ever receive a notice of resentative POE, for his leadership on may be enough to deter discrimination a violation and to forget about the this issue, as well as the bipartisan victims with meritorious claims from rights and needs of people with disabil- group of cosponsors for their support. I even sending a notice of violation, ities until then. urge all of my colleagues to vote for much less filing suit to enforce their As the former Homeland Security this bill and ensure that serial liti- rights. Secretary Tom Ridge wrote recently in gants are no longer rewarded for tak- In addition, the bill’s notice require- The Hill in opposing H.R. 620: ‘‘. . . it is ing advantage of an important and ment is overly burdensome and exces- unacceptable to roll back the civil meaningful law.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.006 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1185 Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield our country, Mr. Chair, because of the Judge Brian Cogan of the Eastern 2 minutes to the gentleman from Geor- legislation that we currently have District of New York, in 2016, in his de- gia (Mr. LEWIS). under the law, some lawyers, as men- cision, said that these cases, ‘‘are Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I tioned earlier, use the legislation and brought against small bars and grills, thank my good friend, the ranking abuse the legislation under current restaurants, or bodegas or occasionally member, Mr. NADLER, for yielding. ADA to the disadvantage of the dis- corner grocery stores (and sometimes Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition abled to make a profit for themselves. their landlords), which are likely ill- to this bill. And here is the way it works, Mr. equipped financially to vigorously de- Many of my colleagues may not re- Chair. A litigant, a plaintiff, will send fend these violations, and it is to in- member when the Civil Rights Act be- a letter or sometimes file a lawsuit timidate businesses to settle before the came the law of the land in 1964, but I against a small business. We are not trial takes place.’’ remember. I was there. As a matter of talking about the big businesses—we I have parents that are in their 90s. I fact, I gave a little blood during the are talking about small mom-and-pop am concerned about access for all dis- sit-ins, during the Freedom Rides. stores—and telling them they have an abled people, and the thought that this ADA violation. The letter—the law- bill makes it worse for the disabled is b 0930 suit—may not even state what the vio- wrong. This bill makes businesses com- I remember the struggle, the fight, lation is. And the letter says: ‘‘You pay ply and puts them on notice. If they and the sacrifice of so many to protect or we will continue the lawsuit.’’ don’t comply within the time period, the dignity and the worth of every These businesses don’t have the then file the lawsuit, go after them, human being. I was here serving in this money to hire a lawyer to represent but businesses should be able to have very Chamber when the Americans them, so what do they do? They pay the notice of what the problem is so with Disabilities Act became the law of the $3,000, $5,000, the extortion, so that that they can fix it, which is the goal the land 26 years later. Yet today, it is those lawsuits are dismissed. of the ADA: to make businesses com- unbelievable; it is unreal; we are con- The problem that may be alleged in ply. sidering a bill that turns the clock that lawsuit is never required to be And that is just the way it is. backwards and strikes a devastating fixed for two reasons: one, the lawsuit Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 blow in the fight for civil rights. doesn’t require it; and second, these minutes to the gentleman from Vir- Mr. Chair, I want to make it crystal lawsuits may not state what the prob- ginia (Mr. SCOTT). clear for the record: there is no place in lem is. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I our country for the burden to be placed So, if the goal of the ADA is to make thank the gentleman for yielding. on those whose rights have and will be businesses comply, these serial plain- H.R. 620, the so-called ADA Edu- violated time and time again. tiffs that are filing multiple lawsuits cation and Reform Act of 2017, is an at- Mr. Chair, this bill is wrong, it is still don’t require that the businesses, tack on the civil rights of Americans mean-spirited, and it is a shame and a even if they get the money, have to with disabilities. The Americans with disgrace that we would bring it to the comply with the alleged violation. This Disabilities Act, or the ADA, is a civil floor. I urge each and every one of my is happening throughout the United rights law passed in 1990 to protect peo- colleagues to oppose this bill. States. ple with disabilities from discrimina- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Let me mention just a few of these. tion in all aspects of society. I recognize that the ADA falls within yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from In Florida, a plaintiff named Howard Cohan filed 529 of these lawsuits; Cali- the committee jurisdiction of the Judi- Texas (Mr. POE), a member of the Judi- ciary Committee, and I am here as the ciary Committee and the chief sponsor fornia, a person named Vogel filed 124; ranking member of the Committee on of this legislation. Pennsylvania, a plaintiff named Mielo Education and the Workforce because, Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, I want brought 21 lawsuits; and even in New York, a plaintiff named Hirsch brought if H.R. 620 were to become law, it would to thank the chairman for his long have a profound effect on students and work on this issue, and I want to thank 24 lawsuits. What are they doing? workers with disabilities who are try- a couple of the cosponsors—this is a bi- These plaintiffs may not even live in ing to learn, work, or just generally ac- partisan bill—Congressman PETERS, the State where the violation is sup- cess their community. Congresswoman SPEIER, and Mr. KEN posed to occur. These plaintiffs may Mr. Chair, prior to the ADA, people CALVERT, who have worked on this for not even be disabled themselves, but with disabilities had no recourse if years. I appreciate the words of the they will file the lawsuit against these they faced discrimination in employ- gentleman who just spoke, a great businesses, sometimes using Google ment, housing, transportation, health leader in civil rights movement, but as Maps to find a violation in the parking services, or when accessing public he probably knows, title VII of the lot, send a letter from a law firm say- schools. The ADA is nearly 28 years Civil Rights Act does require notice, as ing, ‘‘You comply with paying us, or old, and yet we still have continued well as this legislation hopefully will this lawsuit’’—or paying us this shake- gross noncompliance with the law. do. down is what it amounts to—‘‘or we H.R. 620 specifically targets title III And let me be clear. This legislation will continue the lawsuit,’’ and many of the ADA regarding access to public makes the ADA better because it re- businesses file or pay the extortion. It accommodations. Title III prohibits quires that businesses be told and be has become a profit industry. discrimination in public accommoda- given a chance to fix the problem if It doesn’t help the disabled. Contrary tions such as restaurants, shopping there is a problem. to what the other side has said, these malls, and hotels. By adding a notice Under current law, that is not the lawsuits do not help the disabled. In and cure requirement, H.R. 620 shifts case. The goal of this bill, the ADA leg- fact, I think these lawsuits are being the compliance burden to the victims islation that we have, is to have ac- filed on behalf of serial plaintiffs who of discrimination. commodations for the disabled and to want nothing else except to receive ex- H.R. 620 effectively provides that dis- make sure businesses comply with that tortion money. crimination against people with dis- accommodation. Before my time is completed, I want abilities can continue until somebody When a lawsuit is filed, many times to mention some of the Federal judges. hires a lawyer to file a legal complaint the business is never told what the One Federal judge from New York has of discrimination. Then the bill allows problem is, and it may be a year or taken notice of these cases. 6 more months to achieve some unde- longer before that lawsuit ends up in a The CHAIR. The time of the gen- fined substantial progress. So even Federal court. Under this legislation, tleman has expired. when people know they are out of com- businesses, once they are put on notice, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I pliance with the ADA, they don’t have they have 180 days to fix the problem yield an additional 1 minute to the to do anything under the bill until or make substantial progress. gentleman. somebody files a formal legal com- If the goal of the ADA is to get prob- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chair, Federal plaint. lems fixed, the legislation we have here judges have said that there are issues Mr. Chair, this bill does not help peo- helps that. But what is taking place in with these drive-by lawsuits. ple with disabilities. This is an attack

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:31 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.008 H15FEPT1 H1186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 on civil rights. That is why the dis- on compliance, redirects payouts to Mr. PETERS. Specifically, we will ability community and civil rights settle claims away from lawyers and have a provision for plain language no- communities are unanimously opposed toward actually improving access, and tice, which I think is an improvement: to H.R. 620. it protects against these cookie-cutter 120-day clarification instead of 180 There are 236 organizations that lawsuits filed by serial plaintiffs. days, and a better definition of what joined a letter, led by the Consortium Now, let me address some of the substantial progress means. for Citizens with Disabilities, opposing issues that have been raised today. We I think we can continue to improve the bill. More than 500 national and are trying to provide the same kind of the bill, and I hope to work with my State organizations signed a letter, led correction at the Federal level. colleagues and the Senate to do that. by the National Council on Inde- First, this bill doesn’t turn anyone But in the face of undisputed abuse of pendent Living, urging Congress to re- into a second-class citizen by requiring one of our Nation’s civil rights laws for ject the bill. More than 200 organiza- notice and an opportunity to cure. The personal gain, I am certain that doing tions signed a letter, led by The Lead- concept of notice and cure is not new nothing is the worst response. ership Conference on Civil and Human to private rights of action. In fact, it is Mr. Chairman, I urge support of this Rights, urging Congress to reject the very common. bill. Under the Clean Water Act in which bill. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield I practice, if a complainant has to no- The ADA was enacted to eliminate 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from tify violators of a violation, the viola- barriers of discrimination against peo- Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). tor has 60 days to fix the problem be- ple with disabilities. And so I strongly Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I fore he can file a private right of ac- urge each of my colleagues to stand thank the gentleman from New York tion. with people with disabilities: protect And in civil rights laws, too, as has for yielding. civil rights by voting ‘‘no’’ on this bill. been said, notice and opportunity to Mr. Chairman, because we are talk- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chair, I yield cure is common. Before you can file a ing about need this morning, having 4 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- lawsuit for a hostile workplace envi- seen Mr. DEUTCH in Florida, let me fornia (Mr. PETERS), the primary co- ronment, for instance, you have to file offer my deepest sympathy for the sponsor of this legislation. a claim and give the employer the tragic loss of our children. Mr. PETERS. Mr. Chairman, I want chance to fix it. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to be able to thank the chairman for yielding. And the same is true, quite iron- to speak for many of those who cannot One thing I want to agree with Mr. ically, for disability. If you want to file be on the floor today, and that is the NADLER on is his comments about the a notice on reasonable accommodation, millions of disabled Americans; and to tragedy yesterday in Florida. I com- you have to give the opportunity to fix be able to say that with all of the con- pletely endorse those comments with it. Today, we are asking that sternation and the uncomfortableness respect to that tragic event. businessowners be given the same of some of the very important people in I do rise today in support of H.R. 620, chance to fix problems that we cur- America: small businesses, the engine the ADA Education and Reform Act. rently give employers. of our economy. Today, as Members have heard, the Second, the bill does not hold harm- I have to stand and speak for the ADA is being abused by a few bad ac- less public accommodations. Under value of civil rights and the civil rights tors who are serving their own personal H.R. 620, public accommodations are of Americans with disabilities who interest, financial interest, not fight- still responsible for ensuring access waited for centuries to not be looked ing for the disabled. They file lawsuits under threat of litigation. If a property upon in distaste and disgust. and immediately settle them for a few owner fails timely and adequately to I remember preceding the passage of thousand dollars without actually re- respond to a notice, she is subject to the American with Disabilities Act. quiring that anything be fixed. Nobody the same remedies that exist today. George H.W. Bush is a Texan, and I see says this abuse is not happening. No- Third, a notice and cure period does often his passion for passing that bill. body says this advances the cause of not shift the burden of compliance There are 57 million Americans with access. from businesses to victims. Today, if a disabilities. That translates to 1 in 5 A small restaurant owner in down- public accommodation is out of compli- Americans. There are 31 million Ameri- town San Diego tells a typical story. It ance with the ADA, a plaintiff—a real cans with physical disabilities. was sued by an attorney who had filed plaintiff who had a problem with it— I heard some of their comments: ‘‘As 50 ADA suits against restaurants in would have to file a lawsuit to force an older woman with disabilities, I feel San Diego County in 1 year. The bar- compliance. Under H.R. 620, a plaintiff invisible.’’ Or ‘‘I am not living; I am riers claimed in that suit didn’t exist. would be able to file a notice that just existing.’’ The tables were at ADA compliant starts the timeline to fix the problems The ‘‘notice and cure’’ framework in- height, the bathroom was accessible, that exist. That doesn’t shift the bur- cluded in this bill would fundamentally there was access between tables, but den. change the structure of the ADA’s pub- the property owner’s attorney told him And finally, H.R. 620 does not weaken lic accommodations title and remove it could cost him upwards of $50,000 to the rights of the disabled. On the con- any reasons for business to comply prove it in court, so they settled with trary, it facilitates the removal of bar- proactively with the law. the plaintiff for $2,500. riers to ensure better access for the The same as the Voting Rights Act of The serial litigant got the quick pay- disabled within a short period of time, 1965 that we now suffer because we gut- off he wanted although there were no discouraging the quick payoffs that do ted section 4 and section 5, and we have violations that had to be fixed, and if nothing for access. voter suppression, and people are not there were violations, it wouldn’t have b 0945 having their civil rights in terms of required that they be fixed. We hear No one solution proposed by Congress voting. stories all the time of lawsuits settled is ever perfect. I have worked with my You touch this in a way that you un- without any barriers being fixed. colleagues on both sides of the aisle to dermine the very existence of people Now, some State governments have find amendments and changes to the living with disabilities. I am outraged, acted to curb this abuse. And do you law to make the timeline for fixes even though I am empathetic. know who has led the fight against the tighter and to tighten the definitions But if it is a problem of lawyers, abuse of disability laws? California of compliance. In fact, many of the de- State bars can regulate them and State Democrats. fects that are noticed by Mr. NADLER, I courts can regulate them. You can pun- In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed believe, will be addressed by amend- ish or sanction lawyers who do not S. 269, authored by a Democratic State ments today. have the proper protocols. senator and passed by a majority The CHAIR. The time of the gen- Mr. Chairman, this is wrongheaded. I Democratic legislature. It gives busi- tleman has expired. ask my colleagues to stand for civil nesses 120 days to correct violations Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I rights for Americans with disabilities. claimed by a plaintiff. It is a bipartisan yield an additional 1 minute to the This is not just an amendment. It is solution that educates businessowners gentleman from California. undermining the civil rights of those

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:31 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.010 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1187 who are living with disabilities. They I remain adamantly opposed to any effort to by a few months. But under current have a right to live. weaken the ability of individuals to enforce law, unscrupulous lawyers already Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to H.R. 620, their rights under federal civil rights laws and delay filing ADA complaints for the ‘‘ADA Education and Reform Act,’’ legisla- I am concerned that H.R. 620 would under- months after alleged violations are dis- tion that would infringe on important civil rights mine the key enforcement mechanism of the covered, simply to boost their claim of Americans who live with physical disabil- ADA and other civil rights laws, namely, the for attorneys’ fees based on hours ities. ability to file private lawsuits to enforce rights. worked. I am deeply troubled that the House of Rep- Joining me and my colleagues in opposition Here is an affidavit from a former resentatives is taking up H.R. 620, legislation is a broad coalition of 236 disability rights ADA lawyer showing his firm fraudu- that would remove any incentive businesses groups, including: lently and routinely waited months to currently have to comply with this longstanding American Foundation for the Blind, alert businessowners of potential viola- civil rights law and undermining protections the Bazelon Center for Mental Health, tions and file lawsuits so they could that allow millions to live independently and in the Christopher and Dana Reeve Founda- falsely claim many hours of work pre- the dignified manner they deserve. tion, paring the case when no such work was There are about 57 million Americans with the National Council on Independent Living, required. Here is what the lawyer testi- disabilities; that number translates to 1 in 5 the National Disability Rights Network, fied to: Americans. the Paralyzed Veterans of America, The alleged time entries at issue in this There are 31 million Americans with phys- Vietnam Veterans of America, case include authorizing discovery 6 months ical disabilities who use a wheelchair, cane, the AFL–CIO, in advance of the case being filed. I told Mr. crutches, or a walker. the Anti-Defamation League, Lopez, the real person in charge, this prac- Human Rights Campaign, And for that I commend former President tice was useless. Mr. Lopez’s response was the NAACP, and that increasing legal fees was what I was George H. W. Bush, along with many mem- the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational supposed to do. bers of Congress, for their leadership in pass- Fund. This means that, today, there are ing the Americans with Disabilities Act of Additionally, the Leadership Conference on months of unnecessary delays before 1990, legislation that made our country’s pub- Civil and Human Rights opposes the bill be- the businessowner is even notified of a lic spaces more accessible to those with dis- cause it would ‘‘remove incentives for busi- violation so they can begin working on abilities. nesses to comply with the law unless and until H.R. 620 would require disabled persons to fixing the problem. That is an addi- people with disabilities are denied access’’ tional delay of months that this bill notify businesses of a violation of the ADA’s which ‘‘would lead to the continued exclusion public accommodation provisions contained in will eliminate. of people with disabilities from the mainstream The bottom line is that, in ADA title III of the act, and wait up to 180 days to of society and would turn back the clock on cases, lawyers routinely delay filing remedy that alleged violation before a lawsuit disability rights in America.’’ lawsuits to boost their fees. This bill could be filed, presenting a direct undermining Likewise, the American Civil Liberties Union will stop that practice and let that of the civil rights of Americans with disabilities. opposes H.R. 620 because it would ‘‘fun- time and money be used instead to in- The ‘‘notice and cure’’ framework included damentally alter [the] way in which a person crease access, not pad the pockets of in this bill would fundamentally change the with a disability enforces their civil rights and unethical lawyers. structure of the ADA’s public accommodations would severely limit access to places of public This bill will provide access months title and remove any reasons for business to accommodations.’’ sooner than under current law. This is comply proactively with the law. For the foregoing reasons and those dis- a pro-civil rights bill, and I urge my H.R. 620’s notice and cure provisions will cussed below, we strongly oppose H.R. 620 colleagues to support it. have the effect of inappropriately shifting the and respectfully dissent from the Committee Ms. JACKSON LEE. Will the gen- burden of enforcing compliance with a federal report. tleman yield? civil rights statute from the alleged wrongdoer While it is very important to protect small Mr. GOODLATTE. I yield to the gen- onto the discrimination victim. and growing businesses, we can do so without tlewoman from Texas. Moreover, it would undermine the carefully jeopardizing the rights of disabled individuals Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, calibrated voluntary compliance regime that is to have a day in court. first of all, the American Bar Associa- one of the hallmarks of the ADA, a regime I do not believe that we have crossed the tion supports this legislation. formed through negotiations between the dis- T’s and dotted the I’s with all the information Secondarily, the gentleman is talk- ability rights community and the business that we should have in trying to improve our ing about lawyers, not the disabled. community when the ADA was being drafted situation and address the concerns of many Let the State bars and let the State 28 years ago. small businesses. courts regulate these lawyers. Sanc- H.R. 620 would, instead, perversely Small businesses are the heartbeat of tion them, just like we have sanctions incentivize a public accommodation to not America and the backbone of successful com- in the Federal court system. comply with the ADA unless and until it re- munities, which is why I have served as one Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, receives a notice of a violation pursuant to H.R. of their strongest advocates during my tenure claiming my time, they oppose our bill 620’s notice provision. in Congress. to increase sanctions on unethical law- Finally, the bill does nothing to address the But the reality is that H.R. 620 does not yers. problem that its proponents seek to address, help small businesses, it only hurts the dis- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance which is the purported concern with the filing abled. of my time. of meritless lawsuits by certain plaintiffs’ attor- I do, however, hope that we can achieve Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield neys, a problem (to the extent that it is actu- this balanced goal through a different avenue. 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mary- ally a problem) that is one of state law, not the So today I stand with Ranking Member NAD- land (Mr. RASKIN). federal ADA. LER, Congressman LANGEVIN and all those Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Chairman, one of This is not the first time in this Congress, or who stand for civil rights and for the rights of our great Republican Presidents, Abra- even this year, that I witness the Republicans, Americans with disabilities. ham Lincoln, who served in this body, allegedly a party for state’s rights, completely For these reasons I oppose H.R. 620. spoke of government of the people, by undermine the established idea that tort law Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, the people, and for the people. should be left for states to legislate without in- may I inquire how much time is re- We didn’t start out that way, but terference from federal mandates. maining on each side? through civil rights movements and H.R. 620’s proponents have never ade- The CHAIR. The gentleman from Vir- civil rights statutes, we have opened quately articulated why federal law must be ginia has 13 minutes remaining. The America up. The Americans with Dis- amended to address a problem driven by state gentleman from New York has 171⁄2 abilities Act has been a crucial piece of law. minutes remaining. legislation to opening America up—our Also, the bill makes no attempt to distin- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I restaurants, our hotels, all of our busi- guish between meritorious and non-meri- yield myself 11⁄2 minutes to respond to ness establishments—to tens of mil- torious lawsuits and would, instead, impose its the gentlewoman from Texas. lions of Americans who otherwise harmful and unnecessary requirements on all Opponents of this bill claim it will couldn’t fully participate fully and on ADA claims, regardless of potential merit. delay access in some cases, even if just an equal basis.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.012 H15FEPT1 H1188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 This bill would require a totally willing, and ask if he is aware of the their very best to comply with the novel requirement in the civil rights issues created by this emergence of ADA. With guidance, they will be suc- field, that in order to sue for violations technology and the predatory litiga- cessful in that effort. of public accommodations law under tion that credit unions, community Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield the ADA, the person must first notify banks, and other small mom-and-pop 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from the business of their alleged violations businesses are facing. Delaware (Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER). and then wait 180 days to allow the Mr. POE of Texas. Will the gen- Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Chair- business to remedy the violation, or tleman yield? man, I thank my friend, Mr. NADLER, make substantial progress towards Mr. WOODALL. I yield to the gen- for yielding and for his leadership on compliance. No other Federal civil tleman from Texas. this issue. rights law operates this way. They just Mr. POE of Texas. Yes, the gen- Mr. Chairman, as a former Delaware don’t work like that. The ADA has tleman from Georgia is absolutely cor- Secretary of Labor, I rise today to been in process for 27 years, and there rect, I am aware of this matter. strongly oppose H.R. 620, the ADA Edu- is no reason that any business today Also, I am aware that the gentleman cation and Reform Act of 2017. This bill should be out of compliance with a joined Chairman GOODLATTE and about on the floor today would roll back the very clear directive under the ADA. 60 Members of this Chamber last year clock on civil rights for people with The new notice and cure provisions to urge the Justice Department to fi- disabilities. will have the effect of shifting the bur- nalize a regulation in this area with Twenty-seven years ago, Congress den of enforcement from the wrongdoer the intent of providing certainty. Even passed the transformative Americans to the victim of discrimination. It still, it is not clear that there is a stat- with Disabilities Act, which prohibited would incentivize businesses not to utory obligation under the ADA for the discrimination against people with dis- comply with the ADA, unless it re- Department of Justice to act, which is abilities and mandated that they have ceives a notice of violation. why H.R. 620 doesn’t address that issue an equal opportunity to participate in Now, our colleagues raised questions specifically. society. Before the ADA, a person with of overzealous, or vexatious, or abusive Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Chairman, I a disability could be barred from a litigation by certain lawyers, and we thank the gentleman for his guidance. meaningful career, education, and, Of course, there was no opportunity know that there are cases of that. They really, to live a fulfilling life. for the ADA to anticipate the internet, are in the handful of States that have Mr. Chairman, some claim that the to anticipate websites. So it is unclear added damages under the ADA. ADA exposes businesses to exorbitant whether or not Congress intended for Understand that, under the ADA, fed- costs or damage awards, but this is not websites to fall inside the public ac- erally, there are no damages. You can the norm. It is one of the myths that just get your costs and your legal fees. commodations statute. Because of this ambiguity, though, has perpetuated. According to the De- So some States have added damages. all of the small businesses—everyone partment of Labor, 57 percent of ac- Then there are some lawyers who are with a website presence, Mr. Chair- commodations cost nothing at all, out making trouble. We agree with man—are unclear about whether or not while the rest typically cost only $500. that. Use the State bars to sanction they are violating the law. They don’t So once you peel back the myths sur- them. If there is sanctionable behavior, even have a framework of guidance so rounding the ADA, we are left with one disbar them. Deal with that problem. that they could comply with the laws simple question: Why not comply? But don’t cut the heart out of the that I know each and every one of The monetary cost is typically mini- Americans with Disabilities Act, which these credit unions, community banks, mal in comparison to the value of pro- has been central to the ability of our and small businesses wants to do. viding qualified Americans with a job people and all of our families to par- Mr. Chairman, I would ask the gen- or a shot at the American Dream; or ticipate on an equal basis in our econ- tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) if he giving an individual with a disability omy and in our society. would be willing to commit to working the means to go to the grocery store, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, it with me to encourage the Justice De- pick up their children from childcare, is my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to partment to move forward with some or travel, or work. the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. guidance in this area so that we could That is why these standards are so WOODALL). provide certainty not just to credit essential. They ensure real, fair, and Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Chairman, I unions and not just to community equal access for everyone. thank the chairman of the committee banks, but to all of these small busi- People with disabilities simply want for yielding. nesses looking to do their very best to to live an independent life, free from Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from discrimination. This bill rolls back Maryland just said that, after decades, comply with the ADA? Mr. POE of Texas. Will the gen- that progress. the ADA was well understood and the tleman yield? I will be voting against this bill, and law was easy to comply with. In many Mr. WOODALL. I yield to the gen- I urge my colleagues to do the same. cases, that may be true, but tech- tleman from Texas. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I nology has been advancing so quickly Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, as reserve the balance of my time. that there are areas where the ADA is the gentleman is aware, this legisla- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield not clear today, and we are in need of tion makes it better for the disabled to 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Il- guidance. have access under the notice and cure linois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). Mr. Chairman, in the great State of requirement. b 1000 Georgia, scores of businesses have re- The CHAIR. The time of the gen- ceived demand letters for their tleman has expired. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Chairman, I websites, that their websites should be Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 620, considered public accommodations; and yield an additional 30 seconds to the which would violate the 28-year-old demand letters to say those websites gentleman from Georgia. Americans with Disabilities Act by al- do not comply with the ADA, when Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Chairman, I lowing public places to bar access to these businesses do not know how to yield to the gentleman from Texas. people with disabilities. H.R. 620 would make their websites comply with the Mr. POE of Texas. The Judiciary actually allow barriers for the disabled ADA. Committee will continue to work with to stay in place as long as ‘‘substantial Fifty credit unions alone, Mr. Chair- the Department of Justice and stake- progress’’ is made to remove them, man—folks who are in the business of holders on this. In fact, for jurisdic- whatever that means. serving our communities—have re- tions where courts have held the ADA The ADA was a compromise, giving ceived these demand letters, unable to does apply to websites, we believe pro- the disability community access and respond. tections in H.R. 620 will be applicable helping businesses to comply by giving Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter as well. them tax credits and training. H.R. 620 into a colloquy with the gentleman Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Chairman, these undoes that compromise, making it from Texas (Mr. POE), if he would be are small businesses that want to do virtually impossible to enforce the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.013 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1189 ADA’s goal of fairness and inclusion; day’’ for people with disabilities as he People with differing abilities still and that is why the AARP, the Para- signed the historic Americans with have to fight day in and day out for the lyzed Veterans of America, the Na- Disabilities Act into law. As the House access and inclusion to which they tional Council on Independent Living, sponsor of the ADA, I shared the Presi- should already be entitled under the and the Consortium for Citizens with dent’s optimism and hope that every law as businesses continue to dismiss Disabilities oppose this bill. man, woman, and child with a dis- their obligations. It is why the National Organization ability can now pass through once- We have a colleague, Senator TAMMY of Nurses with Disabilities ‘‘believes closed doors into a bright new era of DUCKWORTH. She was a helicopter pilot. that H.R. 620 represents a downward equality, independence, and freedom. Her legs were shot off. She now serves spiral of the Americans With Disabil- I was proud to work across the aisle in the United States Senate. She is a ities Act and will impact people with on the ADA and on the ADA Amend- disabled veteran and an American hero. disabilities’ freedom of access . . . ments Act of 2008, the only time the She wrote the following in The Wash- across the United States.’’ ADA has ever been amended. We ington Post about this bill: ‘‘This of- And it is why 55 Illinois—where I am brought together outside groups from a fensive legislation would segregate the from—disability groups, led by Access broad range of affiliations to create a disability community, making it the Living, whose president, Marca Bristo, framework for policy that would vastly only protected class under civil rights my personal hero, helped enact the improve accessibility and be agreeable law that must rely on ‘education’— Americans with Disabilities Act, she to all. rather than strong enforcement—to says and they say: ‘‘H.R. 620 . . . would Unfortunately, people with disabil- guarantee access to public spaces.’’ fundamentally harm our Nation’s ities still face stubborn barriers to full I will be voting ‘‘no’’ on this legisla- progress toward an accessible and inte- inclusion. In the last year, people with tion in the name of upholding the bed- grated society. The bill telegraphs to differing abilities have had to fight for rock principles of civil rights law in individuals with disabilities that . . . access to healthcare and the services this country and the integrity of the their inclusion is not important.’’ they need to live independently and ADA that many of us worked together Let’s show people with disabilities with dignity. to enact on a bipartisan basis, an over- that they do matter, that they Now we have on the floor a bill that whelmingly bipartisan basis, 400 votes- shouldn’t be locked out of restaurants would undermine the central tenet of plus, for this legislation. Let us not re- or sporting events or job opportunities, the ADA: the right of victims of dis- treat this day. Let us not say to those that they should not be treated as sec- crimination to seek redress for exclu- with disabilities: You have got to wait ond-class citizens in the American civil sion. Requiring victims of discrimina- 180 days. justice system. Show your commit- tion to provide notice of a violation be- What if we said: If you are an African ment to the ADA and to civil rights, fore bringing a lawsuit is an improper American and you try to go into a and vote ‘‘no.’’ shift of the burden of compliance onto place of public accommodations and Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I victims, one not required of any other they wouldn’t admit you, and you said, include in the RECORD the affidavit group by any other civil rights law. ‘‘Well, I have got a complaint,’’ and that I cited in my earlier remarks. Not a single civil rights law gives this you had to wait 180 days to have that right redressed, that is not right. UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN kind of provision. Let us not treat those with disabil- DISTRICT OF FLORIDA As the Paralyzed Veterans of Amer- ities as second-rate citizens. Defeat Case No. 1:17–cv–24116–KMM ica wrote in its letter of opposition: this bill. Enrique Madrinan, Plaintiff, v. Harbour ‘‘Veterans with disabilities who honor- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Shopping Center, Inc. and Luza Corp. d/b/a ably served their country should not Donut Gallery Diner, Defendants. yield myself such time as I may con- bear the burden of ensuring that busi- sume to respond to the gentleman from DEFENDANT LUZA CORP.’S NOTICE OF FILING AF- nesses in their communities are meet- FIDAVIT IN RELATION TO DOCKET ENTRY THIR- Maryland. ing their ADA obligations. Instead, it The technical requirements of title TY-THREE, PLAINTIFF’S REPLY TO DEFEND- is the responsibility of businessowners ANTS RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO III are constantly changing. We have DISQUALIFY COUNSEL AND LAW FIRM REP- and their associations to educate them- seen numerous revisions to both regu- RESENTING DEFENDANT LUZA CORP., D/B/A selves about the law’s requirements.’’ lations and guidance, not to mention DONUT GALLERY DINER Now, this law was passed some 27 the resulting case law that affects its 7. Notably, the alleged time entries at years ago. There is no excuse for not interpretation; therefore, the regu- issue in this case, include authoring dis- knowing the obligations. Our laws do latory requirements of the ADA in 1991 covery six months in advance of the case not require such notice for women, Af- are not the same as those today. being filed. Because most cases settled upon rican Americans, Latinos, religious mi- There is no better example of these filing, and Federal Disability Advocates norities, or any other groups protected changes than the rise of the internet, wanted to bill hours before they settled, they against discrimination. which came into its current existence had their off-site team who handled the pre- I acknowledge that there are issues filing, filing, and service, serve discovery after the ADA was enacted. As people with the Complaint. I repetitively told Mr. in States that have added compen- no longer need a physical storefront to Lopez, the real person in charge of Federal satory damages to their State laws. have a business, the courts have strug- Disability Advocates, this practice was use- There are no damages in this national gled to apply the ADA’s public accom- less because a party cannot propound dis- ADA law, which was a compromise. A modation requirements. covery until after the scheduling conference. problem with State law, however, There is, for example, a current cir- I even argued that it was counter-productive should be fixed at the State level and cuit split as to whether companies op- because it led to a debate over when, and if, not with a retreat in the Federal law. erating exclusively online are subject discovery was served, which unnecessarily Lawyers who file vexatious suits may increased legal fees. Mr. Lopez’s response to these requirements. And with con- was that increasing legal fees was what I was well be in violation of their ethical ob- tinued advancements in technology, we supposed to do, and that serving discovery ligations. will continue to see changes to the reg- with the complaint was part of how to get to Sadly, we are seeing that almost 28 ulatory requirements. ten hours pre-filing. years after its passage and decades of It is perfectly reasonable for small- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I notice as to what is required, tax cred- business owners, many of whom are reserve the balance of my time. its so that you can make changes nec- disabled themselves or of minorities, to Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield essary to make your place accessible, have the opportunity to fix a problem 5 minutes to the distinguished gen- there are still those who have barriers before a predatory lawyer simply tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), to full accommodation for Americans brings an action for the purpose of re- the minority whip and one of the origi- with differing abilities, contrary to covering—not fixing the problem, but nal authors of the ADA in 1990. law. In fact, when we adopted the law, getting money that could have been Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, I rise in we didn’t have it go into effect for 24 better spent by that small business fix- strong opposition to this legislation. months—2 years—so that people could ing the problem. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush educate themselves on their respon- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance declared a long overdue ‘‘independence sibilities. of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.016 H15FEPT1 H1190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield ability, or becomes disabled due to an Mr. Chairman, they are tired, and I myself 1 minute. accident or from having served in our am tired, of defending against efforts Mr. Chairman, 28 years after the Armed Forces, the fundamental truth to weaken our rights. I urge my col- ADA’s passage, too many businesses re- is that it happened by chance, cer- leagues to see past the smoke and mir- main inaccessible to persons with dis- tainly not by choice. rors and irresponsible claims that H.R. abilities. The last thing Congress As the first quadriplegic elected to 620 is anything but an appalling effort should be doing is undermining the the United States Congress, I overcame to strip away the civil rights of a pro- civil rights of a discrete and insular many obstacles to sit beside you as a tected class of Americans. minority group by making it virtually Member of this Chamber, but I would Mr. Chairman, every vote in support impossible to enforce their rights in never have had the opportunities that I of H.R. 620 will be a message to people court. cherish today without the tireless ef- with disabilities that we are not wor- That is why more than 230 disability forts of those who came before me to thy of inclusion, acceptance, or deserve rights groups, civil rights groups, labor fight for the rights of people with dis- the same civil rights protections as unions, and veterans organizations abilities. others. strongly oppose H.R. 620, including the Mr. Chairman, I was injured in 1980, Mr. Chairman, as Members of Con- Leadership Conference on Civil and at just 16 years of age, a full 10 years gress, Americans with disabilities look Human Rights, the AARP, the NAACP, before the passage of the ADA, and I upon us to defend their rights. Let us Human Rights Campaign, the AFL– certainly remember what life was like not vote to eliminate them. Let us CIO, AFSCME, the Bazelon Center for before the ADA became law. I remem- make them proud and reject H.R. 620. Mental Health Law, the Paralyzed Vet- ber that I couldn’t go inside a public Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield erans of America, the United Spinal building that didn’t have a ramp, back the balance of my time. Association, the National Federation couldn’t travel without accessible Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, of the Blind, and the National Dis- transportation, and was excluded from may I inquire how much time I have ability Rights Network. I urge the gatherings in restaurants and libraries, remaining. House to abide by these groups’ con- movie theaters and sports venues that The CHAIR. The gentleman from Vir- cerns with H.R. 620 and reject this couldn’t accommodate a wheelchair. ginia has 6 minutes remaining. deeply problematic legislation. I struggled to wash my hands at a Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I I reserve the balance of my time. sink, access a restroom, and enter a yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I classroom. I even declined matricula- Mr. Chairman, the House Judiciary have no speakers remaining other than tion at my first-choice college because Committee, over decades, has heard myself and I am prepared to close. I re- the challenge of getting around the testimony from many disabled owners serve the balance of my time. campus would have been too difficult, of businesses, several of whom have Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield if not impossible. testified before the committee who the balance of my time to the gen- Mr. Chairman, the ADA brought themselves have been extorted by trial tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. LAN- more than just the recognition that lawyers to pay thousands of dollars to GEVIN). disability rights are civil rights. It Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise lawyers. That money could have been brought hope and opportunity to mil- spent on making small adjustments to in strong opposition to H.R. 620, the lions of people, and it brought dignity. ADA Education and Reform Act. This the premises to easily overlooked tech- misguided piece of legislation is being b 1015 nical violations. sold to my colleagues and the Amer- Mr. Chairman, after all, having a dis- Let me give you an example. Take ican public as a measure that will help ability should not limit opportunity, the testimony of Donna Batelaan, who people with disabilities, help busi- and it is with opportunity that people owned a store for the disabled, and her- nesses come into compliance with the with disabilities can lead more active, self used a wheelchair. It was a store Americans with Disabilities Act, and productive, and independent lives. devoted entirely to selling accessibility help reduce drive-by lawsuits in States The ADA was passed nearly 28 years devices and similar items. that have gone beyond the ADA to ago, and instead of holding people ac- She was made to pay $2,000 in attor- allow for monetary awards. In actu- countable to correctly implement the neys’ fees for a simple fix that cost ality, H.R. 620 doesn’t accomplish any law, especially when free resources and $100. Clearly, Mrs. Batelaan was deeply of these objectives. technical information are readily interested in accommodating the dis- What is worse, if passed, this ill-con- available, H.R. 620 weakens Federal abled, yet she, too, was caught up in a sidered bill will not only decimate the protections under the ADA, protections legal shakedown. protections that people with disabil- that prohibit discrimination on the She said the following before the ities rely on, it will turn back the basis of a disability. House Judiciary Committee: ‘‘We have clock to a more segregated society, and The ADA does not allow people to sue co-owned a mobility equipment busi- it will unravel the core promise of the for compensatory or punitive damages, ness in south Florida for the last 20 ADA that a disability, visible or other- only injunctive relief. Yet some States years. Our parking lot and our building wise, can never be grounds to justify or have gone beyond the Federal law to are totally wheelchair accessible. We tolerate discrimination. permit monetary awards. employ two people who use wheel- Mr. Chairman, I am angry. I am frus- H.R. 620 seeks to address the issue by chairs, and we ourselves use wheel- trated. I am insulted. But more than including a notice and cure period. chairs, and all of our customers have anything, I am disappointed. Further, Well, the idea that places of public mobility limitation. We had not paint- neither Mr. PETERS nor Mr. POE ever accommodation should receive a free ed the lines and posted a sign on’’—just even approached me to sit down and pass for 6 months before correctly im- one of the—‘‘handicapped spot that is have a discussion about this bill, to try plementing a law that has been a part required by ADA. An attorney from to find some common ground to try to of our legal framework for nearly three New Jersey, without notice, filed a suit actually fix the problem if it is about decades creates an obvious disincentive against us. It cost us less than $100 to drive-by lawsuits. for ADA compliance. correct the infractions and $2,000 for Has the Congress really become so di- People with disabilities, Mr. Chair- attorneys’ fees.’’ vorced from the human experience of man, still face immeasurable obstacles, ‘‘The original intent of ADA was to the disability community that we are despite the progress of our great Na- provide access and opportunity to willing to sacrifice their rights because tion since the passage of the ADA. American life for all people with dis- it is easier than targeting the root of This past year, the disability commu- abilities, not to give the legal profes- the problem? Are people with disabil- nity has had to fight to preserve access sion an opportunity to make more ities, people like me, so easily dis- to healthcare, the long-term services money.’’ regarded? and supports that are a lifeline for so As Abraham Lincoln’s name was I am here to say enough is enough. many under Medicaid, and the ability mentioned previously, I want to quote Mr. Chairman, whether someone is to maintain certain protections and him on the subject of unnecessary and born with a disability, develops a dis- credits under the Tax Code. wasteful litigation. In his notes on a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.018 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1191 law lecture he delivered, here is what their historical structures dating back to the which is the purported concern with the filing Abraham Lincoln had to say: ‘‘Discour- 1800s. These communities are proud of their of meritless lawsuits by certain plaintiffs’ attor- age litigation. Point out to them how heritage and these buildings are a source of neys, a problem (to the extent that it is actu- the nominal winner is often a real local pride and tourism. In Julian, an old gold ally a problem) that is one of state law, not the loser—in fees, expenses, and waste of mining and apple growing town, the Julian federal ADA. time. As a peacemaker, the lawyer has Town Hall was threatened by a lawsuit. A pub- This is not the first time in this Congress, or a superior opportunity of being a good lic relations stunt was held there where some- even this year, that I witness the Republicans, man. There will still be business one crawled up the steps of the town hall, allegedly a party for state’s rights, completely enough.’’ cameras rolling, despite the fact that a handi- undermine the established idea that tort law And finally, to that same point, I cap accessible ramp was located on the side should be left for states to legislate without in- have to say it is simply ethical prac- of the building. In Ramona, a predatory lawyer terference from federal mandates. tice for lawyers to give a business a targeted every business on Main St. with var- H.R. 620’s proponents have never ade- heads-up of a potential violation before ious and frivolous claims. It is for these and quately articulated why federal law must be a lawsuit is filed. other reasons I introduced similar legislation, amended to address a problem driven by state There are many other examples in H.R. 777, the ADA Notification Act of 2013. law. Federal law where that notice to the With the ‘‘notice and cure’’ provision in H.R. Also, the bill makes no attempt to distin- defendant to cure, including in civil 620, drive-by lawsuits will be eliminated, busi- guish between meritorious and non-meri- rights actions, is afforded. It should be ness will have an opportunity to remedy any torious lawsuits and would, instead, impose its afforded here as well. deficiency, and there will be increased compli- harmful and unnecessary requirements on all Indeed, the vast majority of lawyers ance and correction because property and ADA claims, regardless of potential merit. do what this bill requires as a matter business owners cannot defer the corrections. I remain adamantly opposed to any effort to of simple ethical lawyering. But many Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chair, I rise in op- weaken the ability of individuals to enforce lawyers don’t act professionally, and position to the rule which makes in order H.R. their rights under federal civil rights laws and they abuse the law to shake down busi- 620, the ‘‘ADA Education and Reform Act,’’ I am concerned that H.R. 620 would under- nesses, taking money away from com- legislation that would infringe on important civil mine the key enforcement mechanism of the pliance and putting it into their own rights of Americans who live with physical dis- ADA and other civil rights laws, namely, the pockets. abilities. ability to file private lawsuits to enforce rights. All this bill does is require those un- I am deeply troubled that the House of Rep- Joining me and my colleagues in opposition scrupulous trial lawyers to do what resentatives is taking up H.R. 620, legislation is a broad coalition of 236 disability rights ethical lawyers already do: give fair that would remove any incentive businesses groups, including: notice of a violation before thousands currently have to comply with this longstanding American Foundation for the Blind, the of dollars in attorneys’ fees are racked civil rights law and undermining protections Bazelon Center for Mental Health, the Chris- up against a small business, diverting that allow millions to live independently and in topher and Dana Reeve Foundation, the Na- money away from accessibility where the dignified manner they deserve. tional Council on Independent Living, the Na- it belongs. There are about 57 million Americans with tional Disability Rights Network, the Paralyzed Mr. Chairman, this is the right cor- disabilities; that number translates to 1 in 5 Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of rection addressing this problem. It will Americans. America, the AFL-CIO, the Anti-Defamation enhance accessibility, it will encourage There are 31 million Americans with phys- League, Human Rights Campaign, the more work to be done, and it will not ical disabilities who use a wheelchair, cane, NAACP, and the NAACP Legal Defense and deprive anybody the opportunity to no- crutches, or a walker. Educational Fund. tify people that they have a problem And for that I commend former President Additionally, the Leadership Conference on with accessibility at their business. If George H.W. Bush, along with many members Civil and Human Rights opposes the bill be- they don’t fix it, they will then be the of Congress, for their leadership in passing cause it would ‘‘remove incentives for busi- subject of that very lawsuit. the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, nesses to comply with the law unless and until But the opportunity to fix it in a legislation that made our country’s public people with disabilities are denied access’’ prompt fashion is, I think, critically spaces more accessible to those with disabil- which ‘‘would lead to the continued exclusion important to making accessibility ities. of people with disabilities from the mainstream more available and helping small busi- H.R. 620 would require disabled persons to of society and would turn back the clock on nesses in America to succeed, thrive, notify businesses of a violation of the ADA’s disability rights in America.’’ and create even more jobs for people public accommodation provisions contained in Likewise, the American Civil Liberties Union with those disabilities. title III of the act, and wait up to 180 days to opposes H.R. 620 because it would ‘‘fun- Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues remedy that alleged violation before a lawsuit damentally alter [the] way in which a person to support this important legislation, could be filed, presenting a direct undermining with a disability enforces their civil rights and and I yield back the balance of my of the civil rights of Americans with disabilities. would severely limit access to places of public time. The ‘‘notice and cure’’ framework included accommodations.’’ Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Chair, I rise today in sup- in this bill would fundamentally change the For the foregoing reasons and those dis- port of H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Re- structure of the ADA’s public accommodations cussed below, we strongly oppose H.R. 620 form Act of 2017. This is overdue legislation title and remove any reasons for business to and respectfully dissent from the Committee that will increase protections for individuals comply proactively with the law. report. with disabilities while providing business and H.R. 620’s notice and cure provisions will While it is very important to protect small property owners the opportunity to remedy have the effect of inappropriately shifting the and growing businesses, we can do so without ADA infractions before unnecessary lawsuits burden of enforcing compliance with a federal jeopardizing the rights of disabled individuals and the costs that accompany litigation. Under civil rights statute from the alleged wrongdoer to have a day in court. the current ADA law, lawyers may collect fees onto the discrimination victim. I do not believe that we have crossed the when suing businesses or property owners, Moreover, it would undermine the carefully T’s and dotted the I’s with all the information but plaintiffs cannot collect damages. The cur- calibrated voluntary compliance regime that is that we should have in trying to improve our rent system has created ‘‘drive-by’’ demand one of the hallmarks of the ADA, a regime situation and address the concerns of many letters sent by lawyers, like a bulk mailer, to formed through negotiations between the dis- small businesses. every location on Main St. or at a small mall. ability rights community and the business Small businesses are the heartbeat of In some cases it was not clear that the plaintiff community when the. ADA was being drafted America and the backbone of successful com- had even attempted to access the property or 28 years ago. munities, which is why I have served as one had even gone inside. The emphasis was on H.R. 620 would, instead, perversely of their strongest advocates during my tenure filing the lawsuit and collecting fees without re- incentivize a public accommodation to not in Congress. gard for increasing accessibility for the dis- comply with the ADA unless and until it re- But the reality is that H.R. 620 does not abled. Sometimes the infractions are easily ceives a notice of a violation pursuant to H.R. help small businesses, it only hurts the dis- corrected: signage, soap dispenser heights. 620’s notice provision. abled. In my district in east San Diego County we Finally, the bill does nothing to address the I do, however, hope that we can achieve have quaint, older towns that are notable for problem that its proponents seek to address, this balanced goal through a different avenue.

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So today I stand with Ranking Member NAD- ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM move an architectural barrier to access into LER, Congressman LANGEVIN and all those ACT OF 2017 an existing public accommodation may not who stand for civil rights and for the rights of be commenced by a person aggrieved by such The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- failure unless— Americans with disabilities. ant to House Resolution 736 and rule ‘‘(i) that person has provided to the owner For these reasons I oppose the rule gov- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in or operator of the accommodation a written erning H.R. 620. the Committee of the Whole House on notice specific enough to allow such owner Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chair, when the the state of the Union for the further or operator to identify the barrier; and Americans with Disabilities Act was first consideration of the bill, H.R. 620. ‘‘(ii)(I) during the period beginning on the signed into law, President George H.W. Bush Will the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. date the notice is received and ending 60 days after that date, the owner or operator praised this bill for its assurance ‘‘that people SIMPSON) kindly resume the chair. with disabilities [were] given the basic guaran- fails to provide to that person a written de- b 1028 scription outlining improvements that will tees for which they have worked so long and be made to remove the barrier; or IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE so hard: independence, freedom of choice, ‘‘(II) if the owner or operator provides the control of their lives, and the opportunity to Accordingly, the House resolved written description under subclause (I), the blend fully and equally into the rich mosaic of itself into the Committee of the Whole owner or operator fails to remove the barrier the American mainstream.’’ His words were House on the state of the Union for the or to make substantial progress in removing true when the ADA passed, and they are true further consideration of the bill (H.R. the barrier during the period beginning on today. 620) to amend the Americans with Dis- the date the description is provided and end- H.R. 620 would reverse decades of abilities Act of 1990 to promote compli- ing 120 days after that date. ‘‘(C) SPECIFICATION OF DETAILS OF ALLEGED progress. It would pave the way for busi- ance through education, to clarify the VIOLATION.—The written notice required nesses to delay or completely avoid complying requirements for demand letters, to under subparagraph (B) must also specify in with the ADA, and shift the onus on people provide for a notice and cure period be- detail the circumstances under which an in- with disabilities to report noncompliance. If this fore the commencement of a private dividual was actually denied access to a pub- bill were signed into law, it would effectively civil action, and for other purposes, lic accommodation, including the address of hold harmless places of public accommodation with Mr. SIMPSON in the chair. property, the specific sections of the Ameri- for willfully failing to comply with the ADA. The CHAIR. When the Committee of cans with Disabilities Act alleged to have This legislation purports to curb ‘‘drive-by’’ the Whole rose earlier today, all time been violated, whether a request for assist- for general debate pursuant to House ance in removing an architectural barrier to lawsuits, which can be a legitimate problem, access was made, and whether the barrier to but these suits have arisen predominantly in Resolution 736 had expired. access was a permanent or temporary bar- states that provide for recovery of money Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be rier.’’. damages in their state laws. The federal ADA considered for amendment under the 5- SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. does not provide for damages, only injunctive minute rule, and shall be considered as This Act and the amendments made by relief and attorney’s fees. read. this Act take effect 30 days after the date of This would be a step backwards. We have The text of the bill is as follows: the enactment of this Act. a responsibility to protect these safeguards H.R. 620 SEC. 5. MEDIATION FOR ADA ACTIONS RELATED TO ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS. and ensure that people with disabilities are Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The Judicial Conference of the United provided accessible accommodations. resentatives of the United States of America in States shall, under rule 16 of the Federal Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Congress assembled, Rules of Civil Procedure or any other appli- move that the Committee do now rise. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. cable law, in consultation with property The motion was agreed to. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘ADA Edu- owners and representatives of the disability Accordingly, the Committee rose; cation and Reform Act of 2017’’. rights community, develop a model program and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. POE SEC. 2. COMPLIANCE THROUGH EDUCATION. to promote the use of alternative dispute of Texas) having assumed the chair, Based on existing funding, the Disability resolution mechanisms, including a stay of Rights Section of the Department of Justice discovery during mediation, to resolve Mr. SIMPSON, Chair of the Committee shall, in consultation with property owners claims of architectural barriers to access for of the Whole House on the state of the and representatives of the disability rights public accommodations. To the extent prac- Union, reported that that Committee, community, develop a program to educate tical, the Federal Judicial Center should pro- having had under consideration the bill State and local governments and property vide a public comment period on any such (H.R. 620) to amend the Americans with owners on effective and efficient strategies proposal. The goal of the model program Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote for promoting access to public accommoda- shall be to promote access quickly and effi- compliance through education, to clar- tions for persons with a disability (as defined ciently without the need for costly litiga- in section 3 of the Americans with Disabil- tion. The model program should include an ify the requirements for demand let- expedited method for determining the rel- ters, to provide for a notice and cure ities Act (42 U.S.C. 12102)). Such program may include training for professionals such evant facts related to such barriers to access period before the commencement of a as Certified Access Specialists to provide a and steps taken before the commencement of private civil action, and for other pur- guidance of remediation for potential viola- litigation to resolve any issues related to ac- poses, had come to no resolution there- tions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. cess. on. SEC. 3. NOTICE AND CURE PERIOD. The CHAIR. No amendment to the Paragraph (1) of section 308(a) of the Amer- bill shall be in order except those f icans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. printed in part A of House Report 115– 12188(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows: 559. Each such amendment may be of- RECESS ‘‘(1) AVAILABILITY OF REMEDIES AND PROCE- fered only in the order printed in the DURES.— report, by a Member designated in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair (B), the remedies and procedures set forth in report, shall be considered read, shall declares the House in recess for a pe- section 204(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 be debatable for the time specified in riod of less than 15 minutes. (42 U.S.C. 2000a–3(a)) are the remedies and the report, equally divided and con- Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 22 procedures this title provides to any person trolled by the proponent and an oppo- minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- who is being subjected to discrimination on nent, shall not be subject to amend- cess. the basis of disability in violation of this ment, and shall not be subject to a de- title or who has reasonable grounds for be- mand for division of the question. lieving that such person is about to be sub- f jected to discrimination in violation of sec- b 1030 tion 303. Nothing in this section shall require b 1027 AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MR. DENHAM a person with a disability to engage in a fu- The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- tile gesture if such person has actual notice sider amendment No. 1 printed in part AFTER RECESS that a person or organization covered by this title does not intend to comply with its pro- A of House Report 115–559. The recess having expired, the House visions. Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chair, I rise to was called to order by the Speaker pro ‘‘(B) BARRIERS TO ACCESS TO EXISTING PUB- offer my amendment to H.R. 620. tempore (Mr. POE of Texas) at 10 LIC ACCOMMODATIONS.—A civil action under The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate o’clock and 27 minutes a.m. section 302 or 303 based on the failure to re- the amendment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.011 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1193 The text of the amendment is as fol- California has been ground zero for We need to give her the opportunity lows: this lawsuit abuse. Even the State leg- to do that. Page 3, line 7, strike ‘‘Based on existing islature in a State that is not consid- Mr. Chair, I ask for support of this funding’’ and insert the following: ered conservative by any means has bill, and I yield back the balance of my (a) IN GENERAL.—Based on existing funding had a number of ADA lawsuit measures time. Page 3, insert after line 18 the following: Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I (b) MATERIALS PROVIDED IN OTHER LAN- aimed at trying to curb those. GUAGES.—The Disability Rights Section of The Federal Government has a job to claim the time in opposition to the the Department of Justice shall take appro- fix this, and that is one of the reasons amendment, but I do not oppose the priate actions, to the extent practicable, to that I am a coauthor and support the amendment. make technical assistance publications re- ADA Education and Reform Act. I es- The CHAIR. Without objection, the lating to compliance with this Act and the pecially support its provisions to in- gentleman from Virginia is recognized amendments made by this Act available in crease businessowner education on for 5 minutes. all the languages commonly used by owners There was no objection. and operators of United States businesses. ADA compliance, which I believe my amendment can help to strengthen. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chair, I yield The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- In California, 75 percent of the busi- myself such time as I may consume. lution 736, the gentleman from Cali- nesses targeted by these types of law- Mr. Chair, I want to first commend fornia (Mr. DENHAM) and a Member op- suits are immigrant- or minority- the gentleman from California for ad- posed each will control 5 minutes. owned businesses. These demographics dressing this issue. He is quite right The Chair recognizes the gentleman are more unlikely to be familiar with that it is important that, in order to from California. Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chairman, my ADA standards as well as their own expeditiously make sure that accom- amendment would ensure that the De- legal rights. That is the reason for the modations for the disabled are made, partment of Justice takes appropriate shakedown of these minority-owned people have to understand what those actions to provide ADA compliance businesses. requirements are. The regulations on materials for businessowners whose One obstacle for these types of this change frequently and constantly. primary language is not English. businesspeople is that the vast major- I do not oppose this amendment. In As a Representative from California’s ity of the DOJ’s compliance resources fact, I support it. I would ask the gen- Central Valley, my district is far too aren’t readily available in other lan- tleman if he would work with us mov- familiar with the kinds of abusive law- guages that they may need to be made ing forward to make sure that this does suits H.R. 620 aims to curb. available. For example, key sections of not impose an inordinate burden on the For years, small businesses—some a Spanish-translated web page haven’t bureaucracy responsible for putting that make less than $30,000 a year— been updated for 3 years and doesn’t in- this out so as to delay getting new reg- have been targeted by ‘‘drive-by’’ law- clude close to the number of materials ulations to protect the ADA folks out. suits from people who are driving by— available in English. With a district There are many languages spoken by many of whom are from outside of our like mine that is over 40 percent His- people in various businesses in this State and, certainly, outside of our panic, this is a real problem. country. Some are very common, and community. They have been slapped If you want businesses to comply that is definitely the case, but we may with demands for thousands, even tens with the law, you have to give these not have this written in every single of thousands, of dollars for minor in- businesses the opportunity to comply. language that is spoken by every single fractions, like faded parking signs or Give them the ability to read from individual. outdated signage or stripes in the park- their own website what new laws are Mr. DENHAM. Will the gentleman ing lot. going into effect every single year. Be- yield? More often than not, the lawyer or cause if only the lawyers know, then Mr. GOODLATTE. I yield to the gen- plaintiff didn’t even enter the business the shakedowns will continue to occur tleman from California. in the first place. In too many cases, and businesses will continue to lose Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Chair, I look for- these lawsuits did not lead to compli- more of their profits and be unable to ward to working with the gentleman. ance. They led to shakedowns and provide raises and bonuses to their em- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, at shutdowns. ployees. But worse than that, you will this time I am pleased to yield 1 Throughout California and, cer- continue to see small businesses shut minute to the gentleman from Texas tainly, throughout California’s Central down. (Mr. POE). Valley, we have seen a number of mi- Let me finish on one final note. A few Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I nority businesses and businesses as a years ago I received a phone call in my thank the gentleman and I thank Mr. whole, small businesses, that have been office. We had been focused on ADA DENHAM for offering this amendment shut down by many of these shakedown lawsuit abuse for quite some time. I and letting us all know some of the lawsuits where the attorney will call talked to the lady about her concerns. drive-by lawsuit problems in Cali- back and say: I understand that you She explained how she had received a fornia. can’t pay us today, but we will put you notice in the mail and then a follow-up Mr. Chairman, the Department of on a monthly plan. notice. No attorney had ever come into Justice, for example, has come up with That doesn’t solve any problems for her restaurant—a small-business 250 pages of regulations recently about those with disabilities. It certainly owner. She was just trying to make the ADA. These regulations are sent doesn’t solve any problems for the ends meet. In fact, she was not only out to the businesses. It is important, businesses. All it does is line the pock- the proprietor of this restaurant, but as the gentleman from California has ets of some abusers that are coming she worked the kitchen. In fact, she mentioned, that these businesses be into our area that will target dozens of started the business and worked the able to understand what those regula- businesses in a day’s or week’s time, front end and the back end. She was tions are because many of these busi- only to leave our community without the first to come and the last to leave. nesses that are being targeted by un- even going into these businesses. We have heard a lot of these stories scrupulous lawyers are minority-owned In my district alone, Barnwood Res- about small businesses and the regu- businesses, some first-generation taurant in Ripon was sued and shut latory impacts that they face. But in Americans who have come into our down. Main Street Inn in Ripon was this case, I was amazed to find out country trying to make ends meet. sued. Country Ford Trucks in Ceres when I visited that she was more than So the amendment is a good idea. I was sued. The city hall in Escalon was happy to fix any ADA compliance support the amendment, and I urge all sued. issue. As she wheeled around in her Members of this body to vote for it as In Turlock, my hometown, seven wheelchair from her kitchen to the well. businesses less than a mile apart on cash register, and her Spanish lan- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I the same road were sued by the same guage being the first language that she have no further speakers. I urge my plaintiff. Forty-three businesses in the knew, she wanted to fix things for her colleagues to support the amendment, city of Modesto were all sued by the customers and fix things for those who and I yield back the balance of my same plaintiff. are coming in with disabilities. time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.022 H15FEPT1 H1194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 The CHAIR. The question is on the existing framework within the Depart- This will reduce abuses of the law by amendment offered by the gentleman ment of Justice. opportunistic lawyers. It will result in from California (Mr. DENHAM). If supporters of H.R. 620 truly believe more access for the disabled because it The amendment was agreed to. these State-based nuisance lawsuits encourages businesses to cure their ac- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. LANGEVIN are the result of a lack of knowledge of cess issues now in order to avoid costly The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- what the Federal ADA requires, and litigation later. sider amendment No. 2 printed in part that businesses need less costly ave- Mr. Chair, I would also note that A of House Report 115–559. nues to remedy violations, then why made in order is an amendment coming Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I wouldn’t they support an amendment up that would reduce this amount of have an amendment at the desk. that provides an answer to both of time by 2 months, the total amount of The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate those claims without the harm of a no- time for notice and cure. the amendment. tice and cure period that weakens the I think that is a good step to address The text of the amendment is as fol- civil rights protections of the ADA? the concerns raised, but I cannot sup- lows: Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues port an amendment that completely Page 3, strike line 19 and all that follows to consider the consequences of a bill takes away the purpose of the legisla- through page 6, line 2. that delays justice for people with dis- tion, which is to give small-business The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- abilities in a way that no other class owners the opportunity to cure a prob- lution 736, the gentleman from Rhode protected by civil rights laws must en- lem once they are made aware of it. Island (Mr. LANGEVIN) and a Member dure when asserting their civil rights. I Many of these are very technical viola- opposed each will control 5 minutes. then urge my colleagues to consider tions of the law designed primarily to The Chair recognizes the gentleman whether the delay of a notice and cure line the pockets of some unscrupulous from Rhode Island. requirement adequately addresses the lawyers, as opposed to really helping Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chair, I yield underlying issue of ‘‘drive-by’’ law- advance the cause of accessibility. myself such time as I may consume. suits. For those reasons, I oppose this Mr. Chairman, I am offering this I am hopeful that doing so will result amendment, and I reserve the balance amendment with my colleague and fel- in a decision to support this amend- of my time. low Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus co- ment to remove the harmful notice re- b 1045 chair, Representative GREGG HARPER. I quirement, while maintaining provi- want to mention that it is the only bi- sions that increase access to education Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I partisan amendment being offered to and mediation. proudly yield 1 minute to the distin- H.R. 620, and I think it is important to Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of the guished gentleman from New York (Mr. stress this point. amendment, and I reserve the balance NADLER), who is the ranking member of Mr. Chairman, two Members of Con- of my time. the House Judiciary Committee. gress from different political parties— Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I thank who represent a caucus that exists claim the time in opposition to the the gentleman for yielding. solely to inform, educate, and high- amendment. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support the light issues impacting the disability The CHAIR. The gentleman from Vir- Langevin-Harper amendment. This bi- community—have come together to ginia is recognized for 5 minutes. partisan amendment removes from the say that there is something gravely Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I bill its onerous and unjustified notice wrong with this bill. must oppose this amendment because and cure provisions while leaving in We are offering an amendment that it would completely gut the notice and place its potentially helpful edu- would make it palatable. The amend- cure provisions, which are the core pro- cational and mediation-related provi- ment would strike H.R. 620’s notice and visions of this bill. The need for a no- sions. cure requirement. As presently writ- tice and cure period has been high- As I discussed extensively during ten, the notice and cure section man- lighted in congressional hearings since general debate, the notice and cure dates that someone who claims dis- the early 2000s. provisions would have the effect of crimination on the basis of a disability In 2016, David Weiss, who testified on drastically weakening the ability of relating to an architectural barrier behalf of the International Council of discrimination victims enforcing their must provide a written notice that al- Shopping Centers, stated: rights in court. lows 60 days in order to acknowledge The problem that the private sector faces Any law, including the ADA, is only receipt of the complaint and 120 days is an increasing number of lawsuits typically effective to the extent that it is en- to demonstrate substantial progress in brought by a few plaintiffs in various juris- forceable, and civil rights statutes, removing the barrier before further dictions and often by the same lawyers for particularly, depend primarily on pri- legal action may be pursued. very technical and usually minor violations. vate rights of action for their enforce- That is 6 months of waiting without It has become all too common for property ment. By weakening enforcement, H.R. owners to settle these cases, as it is less ex- 620’s notice and cure provisions ulti- a guarantee that the architectural bar- pensive to settle them than to defend them, rier will be removed and access grant- even if the property owner is compliant. It is mately undermine the ADA’s goal of ed. So the idea that places of public ac- often too costly to prove that a property integrating people with disabilities commodation must first receive a no- owner is doing what is right or required. into the mainstream of American life. tice before correctly implementing a Therefore, the property owner makes a ra- For these reasons, I urge the House law that has been part of our legal tional business decision commonly resulting to adopt the Langevin-Harper amend- framework for nearly three decades in settlement. ment which cures most of the problems creates an obvious disincentive for Mr. Chairman, given that plaintiffs’ with this bill. ADA compliance. attorneys’ motives are often monetary, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I The proposal of a notice ignores the there is little or no incentive to work reserve the balance of my time. tenets of the ADA that support an in- with businesses to cure a violation be- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I am disputable right to inclusion and re- fore a lawsuit is filed. This unintended prepared to close. spect. No other civil rights law re- result wastes resources on the cost of The CHAIR. The gentleman from quires protected class members to hand litigation that could have been used to Rhode Island has 30 seconds remaining. a notice to people behaving in a dis- improve access sooner. This delays jus- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, criminatory manner in order to edu- tice. again, I urge support of my amend- cate them without any guarantee the H.R. 620 remedies these problems by ment. The whole point of this amend- situation will improve. allowing businesses a finite period of ment is to remove the notice and cure This amendment would keep program time, before a private enforcement law- provision. funding for the ADA education. It also suit can be filed, to fix defects on their Again, the ADA law has been around maintains language supporting alter- premises once they are notified that for nearly three decades now. People native mediation pathways relating to these premises do not comply with the should be proactive about under- architectural barriers outside of the ADA. standing what their responsibilities are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.025 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1195 to operate businesses or issues of pub- drive-by lawsuits have hit my district, never has. This amendment would lic accommodation, to understand and abusive demand letters are a prob- then, for the first time, allow such what their responsibilities are. Not, ba- lem nationwide. One of the tragedies of damages, which will drive up litigation sically, taking that responsibility the status quo is that, even after set- costs and provide even more fodder for incentivizes people to say: Well, just tlement of demand letters, the prob- trial lawyers to abuse the law. Busi- wait and see if there is an issue, and lems are often not even fixed. nesses should use their resources to fix only if we get notified will we then fix Many of my colleagues have ex- access to problems, not to pay unneces- the problem. pressed concern, however, that the un- sary and wasteful litigation costs. People need to be proactive and com- derlying text of this legislation would Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues ply with the law, and I believe, there, not provide sufficient incentive for le- to oppose this amendment, and I re- everybody wins. gitimate civil rights attorneys to take serve the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- to court businesses that offer no good Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Chairman, I would ance of my time. faith effort to solve the problem with just like to answer by saying that my Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Chairman, I ADA compliance after they have been goal in this amendment has nothing to oppose this amendment, as I indicated, pointed out. do with the plaintiff’s bar. It has to do because the ADA is a regulation-based My amendment simply would allow with getting the problems fixed with- law, and those regulations are con- courts to award punitive damages in out going to court. Unfortunately, I think without at stantly changing as new technology the cases that a business has made no good faith effort to remove a barrier to least the threat of punitive damages, I changes and as accessibility to new fea- think it is a legitimate question as to tures that businesses offer are desired access. If they cure the problem, the matter is resolved; if not, they should whether some fraction of the violations by those in the disability community. of the ADA will, in fact, not be fixed as That is a necessary thing, but it is be subject to the full force of the law, including punitive damages. part of the calculation of cost benefit. also necessary to make sure that busi- I think that is not the way we should nesses have time to accommodate as Since its enactment, the Americans with Disabilities Act has allowed mil- solve this in this country. well and learn about those new require- lions of Americans to gain access to It is a time in this country when a ments and have the opportunity to fix public accommodations that many of lot of our justice system—our courts— it before somebody can just get attor- us take for granted. The passage of the are coming under attack, and I actu- ney’s fees for something that is going ADA was a major civil rights victory. ally have faith in the judges and courts to be done anyway. Many more schools, hospitals, grocery in our country to make a reasonable So I think the better approach is to stores, and movie theaters are now ac- judgment as to whether or not there oppose this amendment and support cessible. Thanks to the ADA, many of was a good faith effort made to fix this the underlying bill with the addition of our fellow citizens are fully integrated fundamental law in our country. an amendment coming up that would Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- into the fabric of society. reduce that time by 2 months. Despite these gains, however, more ance of my time. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues still remains to be done. As people with thank the gentleman for his comment to oppose the amendment, and I yield disabilities have continued to work to about having faith in judges. As a back the balance of my time. make our public accommodations more former judge, I appreciate that com- The CHAIR. The question is on the accessible, unfortunately, some indi- amendment offered by the gentleman ment. viduals have found ways to use the cur- When the ADA legislation was de- from Rhode Island (Mr. LANGEVIN). rent system for their own financial The question was taken; and the bated here on this House floor in 1990, benefit. there was discussion about this whole Chair announced that the noes ap- The underlying bill aims to prevent issue. The purpose of the ADA legisla- peared to have it. unscrupulous individuals from taking tion that passed Congress was to fix Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I de- advantage of the law and to establish a the problems that businesses had in ac- mand a recorded vote. process leading to increased compli- cessibility for the disabled. It was not The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of ance. However, during many meetings designed for punitive damages at all. It rule XVIII, further proceedings on the with disability groups in my district was designed to fix the problem. That amendment offered by the gentleman over their concerns, some voiced fears is why the underlying legislation that from Rhode Island will be postponed. that the underlying bill would discour- we are sponsoring today makes busi- AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. FOSTER age attorneys from taking ADA cases. nesses move in a timely manner if The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- My amendment would work to create there is a violation. sider amendment No. 3 printed in part an incentive for lawyers to take ADA So this would change the whole con- A of House Report 115–559. cases, knowing that, if a business does cept of the ADA. Mr. Chairman, I op- Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to not comply, punitive damages may be pose this legislation, and I yield back speak in favor of the amendment. sought. The goal is that individuals the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate with disabilities have access to com- The CHAIR. The question is on the the amendment. petent legal representation in order to amendment offered by the gentleman The text of the amendment is as fol- bring meritorious cases against busi- from Illinois (Mr. FOSTER). lows: nesses that seek to purposely avoid The amendment was rejected. Page 4, line 10, insert after ‘‘in violation of compliance with the ADA. AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MS. SPEIER section 303’’ the following: ‘‘, except that if a Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- violation continues to occur after the expira- of my time. sider amendment No. 4 printed in part tion of the applicable period provided for Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I A of House Report 115–559. under subparagraph (B), the court may, in claim the time in opposition. Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I have addition to any other available relief, award The CHAIR. The gentleman is recog- an amendment at the desk. punitive damages in such amount as the nized for 5 minutes. court determines appropriate’’. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I the amendment. The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- oppose this amendment because it The text of the amendment is as fol- lution 736, the gentleman from Illinois would defeat the whole purpose of the lows: (Mr. FOSTER) and a Member opposed bill, which is to resolve access issues Page 5, line 12, insert after ‘‘barrier or’’ the each will control 5 minutes. under title III without the need for ex- following: ‘‘, in the case of a barrier, the re- The Chair recognizes the gentleman pensive litigation. The private enforce- moval of which requires additional time as a from Illinois. ment provisions provided in title III of result of circumstances beyond the control Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Chairman, since the ADA are already a powerful tool to of the owner or operator, fails’’. the start of the debate on this legisla- achieve greater accessibility through The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- tion, I have been laser-focused on get- injunctive relief. lution 736, the gentlewoman from Cali- ting the problems with ADA compli- Importantly, the ADA does not pro- fornia (Ms. SPEIER) and a Member op- ance actually fixed. The problems of vide for damages in private lawsuits; it posed each will control 5 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.027 H15FEPT1 H1196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 The Chair recognizes the gentle- tlements and sometimes even bank- This clarifying amendment further woman from California. ruptcy for some businesses. Given re- defines the term ‘‘substantial Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, the ADA cent laws to address this in my home progress’’ to make clear that cir- is a powerful and important law that State, trial lawyers are rushing to cumstances beyond the business’ con- we all respect and embrace. Unfortu- States like Texas, New York, and Flor- trol—owner—are the only allowable nately, in States like California, it has ida, where they can make a profit. justifications for not making substan- created a cottage industry of unscrupu- In 2014, a bar owner living in Tor- tial progress within the required time. lous attorneys abusing title III of the rance, California, was handed five law- The amendment will help provide ADA. suits in the past 2 years and needed to more access for the disabled. I support The amendment I am offering is very save up to $30,000 to remodel. She was it because it makes this legislation simple. The current language in the the target of a small group of attor- better. bill permits a business notified of non- neys who took aim at businesses in Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chair, let me close compliance with the ADA to simply shopping centers for a quick profit. by saying this: I wholeheartedly sup- make substantial progress in rem- What we need to do, Mr. Chairman, is port the letter and the spirit of this edying the violation. Frankly, this lan- take the profit out of making these fa- law. I recognize how important it is. guage is too loose. My amendment cilities accessible. We all want them to This law is powerful, but it has been strengthens this language to only per- be accessible. We want to give them no- weaponized by lawyers who are trying mit the language of ‘‘substantial tice and a couple of months to cure the to make a quick buck. progress’’ where they cannot complete problem or else the lawsuit can con- Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of the work because of extenuating cir- tinue. I think this makes a lot of sense. my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I yield back cumstances. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, this amendment proof my time. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. WOMACK). motes basic fairness. It does not allow Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I claim The question is on the amendment of- dishonest property owners to abandon the time in opposition. fered by the gentlewoman from Cali- responsibility by claiming they have The CHAIR. The gentleman from fornia (Ms. SPEIER). made substantial progress. The mes- New York is recognized for 5 minutes. The amendment was agreed to. sage is still clear: businesses must fix Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, this AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. BERA their ADA violations. amendment does not appear to make The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Today is a chance to pass something any substantive change to H.R. 620. to consider amendment No. 5 printed in that addresses the real problem. Let’s Whether or not the amendment is part A of House Report 115–559. not let the lack of a perfect solution adopted, it still would be the case Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, I have an get in the way of real progress. under the bill that a businessowner amendment at the desk. I want to speak to some of the issues who fails to make substantial progress The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will that we have had in California. in removing an access barrier would be designate the amendment. In California, this particular law has subject to a lawsuit. The text of the amendment is as fol- created an industry that allows for The amendment, however, does not lows: lawyers to make a lot of money off of address the fundamental concerns with Page 5, line 15, strike ‘‘120’’ and insert small businesses. It has basically al- H.R. 620’s notice and cure provisions ‘‘60’’. lowed shady law firms to make a profit that I expressed in general debate, in- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to out of abusing the ADA, often resulting cluding the fact that the bill does not House Resolution 736, the gentleman in high legal bills and no fix to the al- require a business to comply with the from California (Mr. BERA) and a Mem- legations presented. ADA, only to make ‘‘substantial ber opposed each will control 5 min- In many cases, businesses are forced progress’’ toward compliance within utes. into settlements because the cost of the bill’s 180-day cure period. The Chair recognizes the gentleman fighting an allegation is so great. The While the amendment does not make from California. average cost of a settlement is $16,000, the bill worse, it also does not make Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, the Americans but the cost of fighting the allegation the bill better. Regrettably, therefore, with Disabilities Act is landmark civil is sometimes four to six times the av- I must oppose the amendment. rights legislation. Americans with dis- erage $75,000 income generated by the Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance abilities face real challenges every day. business. of my time. We should strive to support them every In California, a simple fix—putting Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield way we can. up a sign or moving a door a few such time as he may consume to the When Congress passes a law, we have inches—can carry a $4,000 penalty, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE). an obligation to make sure that legis- minimum amount of damages, which f lation is working and see if improve- will still be in place when the bill ments can be made. Under the ADA, passes. This is no small sum if you are b 1100 business owners are responsible to a local bakery, a neighborhood grocery Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I make sure their business is fully acces- store, or a barber shop. thank the gentlewoman for offering sible to those with disabilities. How- California is ground zero for this this amendment and being the original ever, in some cases, business owners problem. It is home to 12 percent of the sponsor of this legislation. I support are unaware they are in violation of disabled population but 40 percent of the amendment. The substantial the ADA. ADA lawsuits nationwide. From 2012 to progress provision in H.R. 620 provides Most Americans can agree: rather 2014, 54 percent of all related com- needed flexibility in cases in which re- than immediately face lawsuits for vio- plaints in California were filed by just moving a barrier is halted for reasons lations, business owners should be two law firms. beyond the business’ control. given time to actually fix what is The law firms sometimes recruit For example, a business may not be wrong. This solution advances our plaintiffs who are not directly im- able to pour concrete in Alaska during shared goal of improved access for all pacted by the ADA or even living in the winter to fix a ramp. Likewise, a members of the community. But in lis- the same State. Fourteen plaintiffs business may find that getting a build- tening to my constituents in Sac- brought 46 percent of all these law- ing permit from their local government ramento County, many are concerned suits. One of them, Robert McCarthy, is taking longer than expected. that the timeframe for fixing these vio- filed more than 400 suits against Cali- In these cases, as well as other unex- lations was too long. And I agree. fornia businesses, and he doesn’t even pected events, the substantial progress In response, my amendment would live in the State. provision provides judges with a discre- cut the time businesses have to fix vio- One infamous example is the Cali- tionary standard to determine whether lations in half. This means, after the fornia-based Moore Law Firm, which the improvements and progress by the notification period, a business has 60 filed more than 700 lawsuits over the business are both material and mean- days to fix violations, instead of 120 past few years, resulting in large set- ingful. days in the current bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.032 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1197 In some cases, these barriers can and to wait for justice or provide a written AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MR. POE OF should be immediately addressed. But notice before taking legal action. Why TEXAS in a State like California, which is should people with disabilities be The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order prone to earthquakes, construction treated any differently? to consider amendment No. 6 printed in permits can take time. Small busi- Further, what are the incentives to part A of House Report 115–559. nesses should be given a reasonable comply with the ADA in the first place Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I amount of time to make changes and if businesses can wait to be told what rise as the designee of Mrs. MCMORRIS better serve their customers. is wrong and then maybe fix the issue? RODGERS, and I have an amendment at Having heard both sides of this de- After all, even with a reduction in the desk. bate, I believe we can, and should, find the notice and cure timeframe, there is The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will a compromise that works for both. I still no clear requirement that a bar- designate the amendment. have seen how hard Sacramento small rier actually be removed. The text of the amendment is as fol- businesses work and how important Again, I appreciate my colleague’s lows: they are for growing our economy and desire to find a compromise, but this is Page 5, beginning on line 22, strike ‘‘the creating good-paying jobs. As a doctor, not the answer. specific sections of the Americans with Dis- I have seen firsthand the challenges of Whether the notice and cure period is abilities Act alleged to have been violated,’’. those with disabilities. This amend- 120 days or 180 days, it does nothing to The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to ment seeks the middle ground and is a address the underlying issue of drive- House Resolution 736, the gentleman commonsense improvement. by lawsuits. That is the crux of the from Texas (Mr. POE) and a Member op- Americans with disabilities deserve problem happening in States that have posed each will control 5 minutes. to live full, healthy lives, unafraid of gone beyond the requirements of the The Chair recognizes the gentleman barriers that restrict their movement. ADA and merely delays access and cre- from Texas. Now, let me be clear: if a business ates a national policy of apathy on Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, does not make the modifications to ob- ADA implementation. this amendment will make it easier for structions once notified, they should be Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to a disabled American to provide a busi- held accountable and there should be oppose this amendment, and I reserve ness with a notice of an ADA violation. consequences. the balance of my time. Violations of the ADA can be very When we work across the aisle, Wash- Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, I yield such technical. The Department of Justice ington can get things done for the time as he may consume to the gen- has hundreds, if not thousands, of American people. This amendment is a tleman from Texas (Mr. POE). pages of regulations and guidance doc- commonsense fix that makes the bill Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I uments on complying with the public better. support the amendment. accommodation requirements of title Mr. Chair, I urge support of my The goal of the bill is to provide III of the ADA. Given that the Depart- amendment, and I reserve the balance more access for Americans more quick- ment of Justice will not certify wheth- of my time. ly. Absent circumstances beyond a er a business’ property is ADA compli- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chair, I rise in business’ control, 120 days is sufficient ant, these ADA requirements are often opposition to the amendment. time to remove a barrier. Under this left to the interpretation of plaintiffs’ The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman amendment offered by the gentleman, lawyers. from Rhode Island is recognized for 5 instead of 180 days total, a business The notice provisions of H.R. 620 re- minutes quire that those who allege a business Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I would have up to 120 days, instead, to is violating the ADA must provide the yield myself such time as I may con- fix access problems. I believe this amendment improves business with a description of ‘‘the spe- sume. Mr. Chairman, I rise, again, in oppo- the bill. I urge its support, and I thank cific sections of the Americans with sition to this amendment. the gentleman for offering this amend- Disabilities Act alleged to have been While I thank the gentleman from ment. violated.’’ This provision was designed California for stressing the importance Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Chairman, to ensure that businesses have a clear of providing opportunities for places of again, while I appreciate my col- picture of the alleged violation with public accommodation to learn that league’s attempt to find somewhat of a the business. they are in violation of the ADA, I dis- common ground on this issue, it does However, this requirement may go agree with the premise that the onus of not address the underlying problem. too far. Accordingly, the amendment enforcement should be placed on people The issue of the ADA being around for removes this requirement, making with disabilities by requiring them to 30 years—it is well-known now. People clear that written notices provided by issue arduous and detailed notices. are even proactive about finding out disabled individuals can be written in There are free resources available what their responsibilities are under plain English, without legalese. that provide information and technical the ADA, as opposed to just waiting Removing this requirement will also assistance to the public on the require- until they are notified of a problem and facilitate a dialogue between the indi- ments of the ADA. then perhaps complying with. vidual and the business. Additionally, I can’t stress this enough: when No, we should not treat people with it may avoid any need for a disabled in- someone owns a business, they have to disabilities any differently than any- dividual to hire a lawyer. balance a variety of regulations and re- one else who is protected under civil Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to quirements at both the State and Fed- rights laws. That is why we have them join me in supporting this amendment, eral Government level. Why should the in the first place. and I reserve the balance of my time. requirements that their business be ac- I would urge my colleagues to oppose Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I rise in op- cessible to people with disabilities, re- this amendment. Let’s work together position to the amendment. quirements that have been in existence on finding a better common-ground so- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman for decades, be weakened or viewed as lution. But this amendment and the from New York is recognized for 5 min- less important? underlying bill is not the answer. utes. Why should business owners be given Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I appreciate a free pass until someone catches a vio- my time. the intent behind this amendment to lation before they comply? Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, this amend- make the notice provision of H.R. 620 The suggestion that we can reduce ment makes the bill better. I urge my slightly less onerous, and I acknowl- the timeframe of a notice and cure pe- colleagues to support the amendment, edge that it does so by eliminating the riod misses the point. There is nothing and I yield back the balance of my requirement that an aggrieved person that can be done to improve a notice time. cite in his or her initial notice to a requirement that shouldn’t exist in the The Acting CHAIR. The question is business the specific ADA provision first place. on the amendment offered by the gen- being violated. No other civil rights law requires tleman from California (Mr. BERA). The amendment, however, still leaves people who experience discrimination The amendment was agreed to. in place the basic problem with the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.035 H15FEPT1 H1198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 bill, the basic problem with the notice fore the commencement of a private [Roll No. 79] and cure provision, and that is the no- civil action, and for other purposes, AYES—188 tice and cure provision. Therefore, it had come to no resolution thereon. Adams Green, Al Norcross does not alleviate any of the real con- f Aguilar Green, Gene O’Halleran cerns with the underlying bill. Barraga´ n Grijalva O’Rourke Again, the basic notice and cure pro- RECESS Beatty Hanabusa Pallone Beyer Harper Panetta visions of the bill turn on its head the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Blumenauer Hastings Pascrell normal practice of any civil rights ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Blunt Rochester Heck Payne statute in which the burden of compli- declares the House in recess for a pe- Bonamici Higgins (NY) Pelosi riod of less than 15 minutes. Boyle, Brendan Himes Perlmutter ance is on the actor, not on the victim. F. Hoyer Peterson Here, we put the burden of compliance Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 15 Brady (PA) Huffman Pingree on the victim. minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- Brown (MD) Jackson Lee Pocan The debate has been as if people have cess. Brownley (CA) Jayapal Polis Bustos Jeffries Price (NC) not had 28 years to come into compli- f Butterfield Johnson, E. B. Quigley ance, only to find out they are not in Capuano Kaptur Raskin 1120 compliance when someone complains b Carbajal Katko Reichert AFTER RECESS Ca´ rdenas Keating Richmond about it, some victim is victimized. Carson (IN) Kelly (IL) Ros-Lehtinen That is just wrong. This goes in ex- The recess having expired, the House Cartwright Kennedy Rosen actly the wrong direction. was called to order by the Speaker pro Castor (FL) Khanna Roybal-Allard Although this amendment would Castro (TX) Kihuen Ruiz tempore (Mr. MITCHELL) at 11 o’clock Chu, Judy Kildee Ruppersberger slightly alleviate the provision, it is and 20 minutes a.m. Cicilline Kilmer Rush putting lipstick on a pig. For this rea- Clark (MA) Kind Ryan (OH) son and in deference to the disability f Clarke (NY) King (NY) Sa´ nchez rights community, which opposes this ADA EDUCATION AND REFORM Clay Krishnamoorthi Sarbanes Cleaver Kuster (NH) Schakowsky amendment and the pre-suit notice and ACT OF 2017 Clyburn Lance Schiff cure requirements, I must oppose the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Cohen Langevin Schneider amendment. Comstock Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) ant to House Resolution 736 and rule Connolly Larson (CT) Scott, David Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of XVIII, the Chair declares the House in Costello (PA) Lawrence Sensenbrenner my time. the Committee of the Whole House on Crist Lawson (FL) Serrano Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I the state of the Union for the further Crowley Lee Sewell (AL) appreciate the gentleman’s comments. Davis (CA) Levin Shea-Porter consideration of the bill, H.R. 620. Davis, Danny Lewis (GA) Sherman I want to remind folks that notice re- Will the gentleman from Arkansas DeFazio Lieu, Ted Sires quirement is required even under title (Mr. WOMACK) kindly assume the chair. DeGette Lipinski Slaughter VII of the Civil Rights Act. It is also Delaney Loebsack Smith (NJ) b 1121 DeLauro Lofgren Smith (WA) required under title I of the original DelBene Lowenthal Soto ADA legislation. So this is not a new IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Demings Lowey Suozzi phenomena. Accordingly, the House resolved DeSaulnier Lujan Grisham, Swalwell (CA) This legislation and this amendment Dingell M. Takano itself into the Committee of the Whole Doggett Luja´ n, Ben Ray Thompson (CA) gives potential plaintiffs the ability to House on the state of the Union for the Doyle, Michael Lynch Thompson (MS) advise and put a business on notice further consideration of the bill (H.R. F. Maloney, Thompson (PA) without even having to hire a lawyer Ellison Carolyn B. Titus 620) to amend the Americans with Dis- Engel Maloney, Sean Tonko with the legalese requirements that are abilities Act of 1990 to promote compli- Eshoo Matsui Tsongas written by the Department of Justice, ance through education, to clarify the Espaillat McCollum Upton which constantly updates what re- requirements for demand letters, to Esty (CT) McEachin Vargas quirements are under the ADA. Evans McGovern Veasey provide for a notice and cure period be- Fitzpatrick McNerney Vela The intention is to simply have the fore the commencement of a private Frankel (FL) Meeks Vela´ zquez violation described in a way that is suf- civil action, and for other purposes, Frelinghuysen Meng Visclosky ficient to put the business on notice of Fudge Moore Walz with Mr. WOMACK (Acting Chair) in the Gabbard Moulton Waters, Maxine what the ADA violation is. chair. Gallego Murphy (FL) Watson Coleman Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I would ask The Clerk read the title of the bill. Garamendi Nadler Welch that all Members support this amend- The Acting CHAIR. When the Com- Gomez Napolitano Wilson (FL) ment, and I yield back the balance of Gonzalez (TX) Neal Yarmuth mittee of the Whole rose earlier today, Gottheimer Nolan Yoder my time. amendment No. 6 printed in part A of The Acting CHAIR. The question is House Report 115–559 offered by the NOES—226 on the amendment offered by the gen- gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE) had Abraham Budd Duffy tleman from Texas (Mr. POE). been disposed of. Aderholt Burgess Duncan (TN) The amendment was agreed to. Allen Byrne Dunn AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. LANGEVIN Amash Calvert Emmer The Acting CHAIR. The Chair under- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Amodei Carter (GA) Estes (KS) stands that amendment No. 7 will not Arrington Carter (TX) Farenthold clause 6 of rule XVIII, the unfinished be offered. Babin Chabot Faso business is the demand for a recorded Bacon Coffman Ferguson b 1115 vote on amendment No. 2 printed in Banks (IN) Cole Fleischmann part A of House Report 115–559 offered Barletta Collins (GA) Flores Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I Barr Collins (NY) Fortenberry move that the Committee do now rise. by the gentleman from Rhode Island Barton Comer Foster The motion was agreed to. (Mr. LANGEVIN) on which further pro- Bera Conaway Foxx ceedings were postponed and on which Bergman Cook Gallagher Accordingly, the Committee rose; Biggs Cooper Garrett and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. the noes prevailed by voice vote. Bilirakis Correa Gianforte MOONEY of West Virginia) having as- The Clerk will redesignate the Bishop (MI) Cramer Gibbs sumed the chair, Mr. WOMACK, Acting amendment. Bishop (UT) Crawford Gohmert The Clerk redesignated the amend- Black Cuellar Goodlatte Chair of the Committee of the Whole Blackburn Culberson Gosar House on the state of the Union, re- ment. Blum Curbelo (FL) Gowdy ported that that Committee, having RECORDED VOTE Bost Curtis Granger Brady (TX) Davidson Graves (GA) had under consideration the bill (H.R. The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Brat Davis, Rodney Graves (LA) 620) to amend the Americans with Dis- has been demanded. Bridenstine Denham Graves (MO) abilities Act of 1990 to promote compli- A recorded vote was ordered. Brooks (AL) Dent Griffith ance through education, to clarify the The vote was taken by electronic de- Brooks (IN) DeSantis Grothman Buchanan DesJarlais Guthrie requirements for demand letters, to vice, and there were—ayes 188, noes 226, Buck Diaz-Balart Handel provide for a notice and cure period be- not voting 16, as follows: Bucshon Donovan Harris

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.038 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1199 Hartzler McCaul Russell and cure period before the commence- Meadows Rogers (AL) Stivers Hensarling McClintock Rutherford ment of a private civil action, and for Meehan Rohrabacher Taylor Herrera Beutler McHenry Sanford Messer Rokita Tenney Hice, Jody B. McKinley Scalise other purposes, and, pursuant to House Mitchell Rooney, Francis Thornberry Higgins (LA) McMorris Schrader Resolution 736, he reported the bill Moolenaar Rooney, Thomas Tipton Hill Rodgers Schweikert back to the House with sundry amend- Mooney (WV) J. Torres Holding McSally Scott, Austin ments adopted in the Committee of the Mullin Ros-Lehtinen Trott Hollingsworth Meadows Sessions Newhouse Ross Turner Hudson Meehan Shimkus Whole. Noem Rothfus Upton Huizenga Messer Shuster The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Norman Rouzer Valadao Hultgren Mitchell Simpson Royce (CA) Wagner Hunter Moolenaar Sinema the rule, the previous question is or- Nunes Hurd Mooney (WV) Smith (MO) dered. Olson Russell Walberg Issa Mullin Smith (NE) Is a separate vote demanded on any Palazzo Rutherford Walden Palmer Sanford Walker Jenkins (KS) Newhouse Smith (TX) amendment reported from the Com- Jenkins (WV) Noem Smucker Paulsen Scalise Walorski Johnson (LA) Norman Speier mittee of the Whole? If not, the Chair Perry Schrader Walters, Mimi Johnson (OH) Nunes Stefanik will put them en gros. Peters Schweikert Weber (TX) Johnson, Sam Olson Stewart The amendments were agreed to. Peterson Scott, Austin Webster (FL) Jones Palazzo Stivers Pittenger Sessions Wenstrup Jordan Palmer Taylor The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Poe (TX) Shimkus Westerman Joyce (OH) Paulsen Tenney question is on the engrossment and Poliquin Shuster Williams Kelly (MS) Perry Thornberry third reading of the bill. Posey Simpson Wilson (SC) Kelly (PA) Peters Tipton The bill was ordered to be engrossed Ratcliffe Smith (MO) Wittman King (IA) Pittenger Torres Reed Smith (NE) Womack Kinzinger Poe (TX) Trott and read a third time, and was read the Renacci Smith (TX) Woodall Knight Poliquin Valadao third time. Rice (NY) Smucker Yoho Kustoff (TN) Posey Wagner Rice (SC) Speier Zeldin Labrador Ratcliffe Walberg The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Roby Stefanik LaHood Reed Walden question is on the passage of the bill. LaMalfa Renacci Walker The question was taken; and the Roe (TN) Stewart Lamborn Rice (NY) Walorski Speaker pro tempore announced that Latta Rice (SC) Walters, Mimi NAYS—192 the ayes appeared to have it. Lewis (MN) Roby Weber (TX) Adams Green, Al Norcross Long Roe (TN) Webster (FL) Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, on that I Barletta Green, Gene O’Halleran Loudermilk Rogers (AL) Wenstrup demand the yeas and nays. Barraga´ n Grijalva O’Rourke Love Rohrabacher Westerman Beatty Hanabusa Pallone Lucas Rokita Williams The yeas and nays were ordered. Beyer Harper Panetta Luetkemeyer Rooney, Francis Wilson (SC) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Blumenauer Hastings Pascrell MacArthur Rooney, Thomas Wittman ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 5- Blunt Rochester Heck Marchant J. Womack Payne Bonamici Higgins (NY) Marino Roskam Woodall minute vote on passage of the bill will Pelosi Marshall Ross Yoho be followed by a 5-minute vote on Boyle, Brendan Himes Perlmutter Massie Rothfus Young (AK) agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of F. Hoyer Pingree Brady (PA) Huffman Mast Rouzer Young (IA) the Journal, if ordered. Pocan McCarthy Royce (CA) Zeldin Brown (MD) Jackson Lee Polis The vote was taken by electronic de- Brownley (CA) Jayapal Price (NC) NOT VOTING—16 vice, and there were—yeas 225, nays Bustos Jeffries Quigley Bass Deutch Pearce 192, not voting 13, as follows: Butterfield Johnson (GA) Raskin Bishop (GA) Duncan (SC) Rogers (KY) Capuano Johnson, E. B. Reichert Cheney Gaetz Turner [Roll No. 80] Carbajal Kaptur Richmond Costa Gutie´rrez Wasserman YEAS—225 Ca´ rdenas Katko Rosen Courtney Johnson (GA) Carson (IN) Keating Schultz Abraham Crawford Hill Roskam Cummings LoBiondo Cartwright Kelly (IL) Roybal-Allard Aderholt Cuellar Holding Castor (FL) Kennedy Aguilar Culberson Hollingsworth Ruiz b 1146 Castro (TX) Khanna Allen Curbelo (FL) Hudson Ruppersberger Chu, Judy Kihuen Messrs. KELLY of Pennsylvania, Amash Curtis Huizenga Rush Cicilline Kildee WITTMAN, FOSTER, COFFMAN, Amodei Davidson Hultgren Ryan (OH) Clark (MA) Kilmer Arrington Davis, Rodney Hunter Sa´ nchez DENT, and YOHO changed their vote Clarke (NY) Babin Denham Hurd Kind Sarbanes from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Bacon Dent Issa Clay Krishnamoorthi Schakowsky Cleaver Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, Ms. Banks (IN) DeSantis Jenkins (KS) Kuster (NH) Schiff Clyburn DELAURO, Messrs. LANCE and Barr DesJarlais Jenkins (WV) Lance Schneider Cohen Barton Donovan Johnson (LA) Langevin Scott (VA) PETERSON changed their vote from Comstock Larsen (WA) Bera Duffy Johnson (OH) Scott, David ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Connolly Larson (CT) Bergman Duncan (TN) Johnson, Sam Sensenbrenner Costello (PA) Lawrence So the amendment was rejected. Biggs Dunn Jones Serrano Bilirakis Emmer Crist Lawson (FL) The result of the vote was announced Jordan Sewell (AL) Bishop (MI) Estes (KS) Joyce (OH) Crowley Lee as above recorded. Shea-Porter Bishop (UT) Farenthold Kelly (MS) Davis (CA) Levin Sherman The Acting CHAIR. There being no Black Faso Kelly (PA) Davis, Danny Lewis (GA) Sinema further amendments, under the rule, Blackburn Ferguson King (IA) DeFazio Lieu, Ted Sires the Committee rises. Blum Fleischmann King (NY) DeGette Lipinski Slaughter Bost Flores Kinzinger Delaney Loebsack Accordingly, the Committee rose and Smith (NJ) Brady (TX) Foster Knight DeLauro Lofgren the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Smith (WA) Brat Foxx Kustoff (TN) DelBene Lowenthal Soto HULTGREN) assumed the chair. Bridenstine Gaetz Labrador Demings Lowey Suozzi ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Brooks (AL) Gallagher LaHood DeSaulnier Lujan Grisham, Brooks (IN) Garrett LaMalfa Diaz-Balart M. Swalwell (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Buchanan Gianforte Lamborn Dingell Luja´ n, Ben Ray Takano Buck Gibbs Latta Chair notes a disturbance in the gal- Doggett Lynch Thompson (CA) Bucshon Gohmert Lewis (MN) lery, in contravention of the law and Doyle, Michael Maloney, Thompson (MS) Budd Goodlatte Long F. Carolyn B. Thompson (PA) rules of the House. The Sergeant at Burgess Gosar Loudermilk Ellison Maloney, Sean Titus Arms will remove those persons re- Byrne Gowdy Love Engel Matsui Tonko sponsible for the disturbance and re- Calvert Granger Lucas Tsongas Carter (GA) Graves (GA) Luetkemeyer Eshoo McCollum store order to the gallery. Vargas Carter (TX) Graves (LA) MacArthur Espaillat McEachin Veasey Mr. WOMACK, Acting Chair of the Chabot Graves (MO) Marchant Esty (CT) McGovern Vela Committee of the Whole House on the Coffman Griffith Marino Evans McMorris ´ state of the Union, reported that that Cole Grothman Marshall Fitzpatrick Rodgers Velazquez Collins (GA) Guthrie Massie Fortenberry McNerney Visclosky Committee, having had under consider- Collins (NY) Handel Mast Frankel (FL) Meeks Walz ation the bill (H.R. 620) to amend the Comer Harris McCarthy Frelinghuysen Meng Waters, Maxine Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Conaway Hartzler McCaul Fudge Moore Watson Coleman to promote compliance through edu- Cook Hensarling McClintock Gabbard Moulton Welch Cooper Herrera Beutler McHenry Gallego Murphy (FL) Wilson (FL) cation, to clarify the requirements for Correa Hice, Jody B. McKinley Garamendi Nadler Yarmuth demand letters, to provide for a notice Cramer Higgins (LA) McSally Gomez Napolitano Yoder Gonzalez (TX) Neal Young (AK) Gottheimer Nolan Young (IA)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.017 H15FEPT1 H1200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 NOT VOTING—13 clared their independence and marked Montana State University is a cor- Bass Cummings Pearce their beginnings as new republics and nerstone of the Bozeman community, Bishop (GA) Deutch Rogers (KY) their emergence as modern democratic and we are fortunate to have such an Cheney Duncan (SC) Wasserman societies. institution in our State. Costa Gutie´rrez Schultz Courtney LoBiondo Despite a history of turmoil, the peo- The fact is that the success of my ple of the Baltics have always stood up business, as well as that of many oth- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE for their values and worked to main- ers, would not have been possible with- The SPEAKER pro tempore (during tain their independence, freedom, and out Montana State University. the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- sovereignty. Go, Cats, go. ing. Today, 100 years later, the three Bal- f b 1156 tic States are strong allies of NATO and full-fledged members of the Euro- WE NEED SENSIBLE GUN LAWS So the bill was passed. pean Union. They are committed to (Mr. CARBAJAL asked and was given The result of the vote was announced making the transatlantic community permission to address the House for 1 as above recorded. an area of cooperation, partnership, minute.) A motion to reconsider was laid on and prosperity. The United States is Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I the table. proud to be strong allies of the Baltic rise with a heavy heart, imagining the f States, and our nations stand together pain felt in Parkland, Florida. No parent should have to send their children PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY to defend our shared values of freedom and democracy. to school each day wondering if they Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I extend sincere con- will return home. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. gratulations and send best wishes to While details of the shooting in Flor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia on ida are still emerging, it is clear this tleman will state his parliamentary in- their centennial observations and anni- horrific act of violence was perpetrated quiry. versary. by an individual in crisis. Mr. THOMPSON of California. Can I lost my older sister to suicide with f the Chair tell us when the House may a firearm at a young age. What I have muster the courage to take up the WHAT WILL IT TAKE learned since is that helping to prevent issue of gun violence? (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given people in crisis from temporarily hav- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- permission to address the House for 1 ing a gun saves lives. tleman has not stated a proper par- minute.) Today, I urge my colleagues to sup- liamentary inquiry. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, what will port the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act, allowing family members or f it take? What will it take for this body to finally grapple with this issue? law enforcement officials to petition a THE JOURNAL Columbine wasn’t enough. West Vir- judge to temporarily remove firearms The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- ginia wasn’t enough. Colorado, in a from an individual in crisis. finished business is the question on movie theater, wasn’t enough. A night- For those who keep repeating after agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of club in Orlando wasn’t enough. New- each mass shooting that it is too soon the Journal, which the Chair will put town wasn’t enough. to discuss gun violence reform, please de novo. Mr. Speaker, this has become a na- consider that for many families, in- The question is on the Speaker’s ap- tional disgrace. Ninety-five percent of cluding my own, it is far too late. proval of the Journal. the American people say that they be- We owe these families more than just Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- lieve in sensible gun reform, gun laws our thoughts and prayers. We owe them nal stands approved. that make sense. Ninety-five percent. sensible gun laws that protect our chil- The minority party does not represent dren from needless gun violence. f 95 percent of this Nation. f APPOINTMENT AS INSPECTOR You are in that number as well, yet JENNIFER’S STORY OF GENERAL FOR U.S. HOUSE OF you still turn your back on the Amer- TRAFFICKING REPRESENTATIVES ican people. The NRA stands for ‘‘no Republican action.’’ (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was The SPEAKER pro tempore. The given permission to address the House f Chair announces, on behalf of the for 1 minute.) Speaker, majority leader and minority MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, leader, their joint appointment, pursu- MARKS ITS 125TH ANNIVERSARY Jennifer’s childhood was violently cha- ant to clause 6 of rule II, and the order (Mr. GIANFORTE asked and was otic. By her early twenties, she was liv- of the House of January 3, 2017, of Mr. given permission to address the House ing on the streets, begging and stealing Michael Ptasienski, McLean, Virginia, for 1 minute and to revise and extend to survive. as Inspector General for the U.S. House his remarks.) After a local gang member suspected of Representatives. Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise that she may have stolen his money, f today as a proud Bobcat to recognize her life became even more horrific and hellish. The gangster beat her merci- BALTIC STATES CELEBRATE Montana State University, which is lessly with a baseball bat until she col- THEIR CENTENNIAL celebrating its 125th anniversary tomorrow on Founders’ Day. lapsed, and then he and other gang (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given Montana State University, a land- members pistol-whipped her and permission to address the House for 1 grant university in my hometown of burned her with cigarettes. They minute and to revise and extend his re- Bozeman, was formed in 1893. Origi- tattooed their names all over her body, marks.) nally, the agricultural college of the branding her as property. For 6 years, Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise State of Montana, the school started they held her in slavery, forcing her to today to acknowledge the upcoming with eight students in a small class- have sex with countless men for centennial anniversaries of the state- room in a local high school. money. hood and independence of the three The college quickly grew to include Desperate, Jennifer tried to kill her- Baltic States. many other degree paths, including en- self, but when the rope broke, she re- This year marks 100 years since the gineering and nursing; two programs solved to escape. Luckily for Jennifer, restoration of the state of Lithuania on for which the school is particularly she found a shelter and was able to re- February 16, and the proclamations of known. build her life. She covered up the traf- independence of Estonia on February Today, Montana State University fickers’ names with flowers and the 24, and Latvia on November 18. Thus, in serves over 16,000 students each year. words ‘‘free yourself.’’ the aftermath of World War I, in 1918, This year’s spring enrollment set a new We, as a society, owe it to Jennifer Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia de- record for the tenth year in a row. and survivors like her to protect them

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.018 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1201 and put the slave masters in the jail- THE CFPB—HOW TO KILL A GOOD Mr. BEYER. Madam Speaker, 26 per- house, where they belong. THING cent—that is how much Trump and And that is just the way it is. (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of Pruitt want to cut the EPA’s budget, a f New York asked and was given permis- starved agency cut again by a full one- sion to address the House for 1 minute.) quarter. That is massive cuts of staff, DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR massive cuts to our health and safety, JAPANESE INTERNMENT Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, a leader must massive cuts to the EPA’s ability to do (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given believe in the mission of the organiza- its job. permission to address the House for 1 tion he or she heads. The day after they proposed those minute.) But Donald Trump turned this prin- cuts, we learned that Mr. Pruitt likes Ms. GABBARD. Madam Speaker, ciple on its head by appointing Mick to fly first class on the taxpayer’s over 120,000 Japanese Americans were Mulvaney to head the Consumer Finan- dime. Over one stretch last June, taxpayer-funded travel for Scott Pruitt incarcerated on American soil during cial Protection Bureau. World War II. Mr. Mulvaney doesn’t believe in the and his aides cost at least $90,000. If the On the annual Day of Remembrance, agency’s mission to protect consumers. administration wants to look for cuts, maybe Scott Pruitt shouldn’t be flying we are reminded of the brave men, In fact, he once said that he doesn’t first class to his meetings. Maybe he women, and children who lost every- ‘‘like the fact that the CFPB even ex- should have to sit next to the constitu- thing. They lost their homes, their be- ists.’’ ents he represents. longings, their businesses, really keep- When he was a Member of Congress, Madam Speaker, the EPA’s mission ing only what they could carry with he cosponsored legislation to eliminate them. is to protect our environment. Presi- it. Now, as Director of the CFPB, he dent Trump’s dirty budget wants to cut But their spirits were not broken. wants to zero out its budget for this Countless stories of bravery, courage, its budget by $3 billion. year. Madam Speaker, we need to be able and resilience defined an entire genera- He eviscerated the CFBP’s rules to protect our health and environment tion, including the Nisei-only ‘‘Go For against predatory payday lending, and and prioritize funding to do so. It Broke’’ 442nd Infantry Regiment, be- then dropped all the lawsuits against doesn’t look like Mr. Pruitt is capable coming the most highly decorated unit them. He halted its investigation into of doing that, even from 40,000 feet in in Army history. Equifax. the air. The anniversary of this shameful As Senator ELIZABETH WARREN point- f blight on our history remains a power- ed out, you should not put someone in ful reminder of the fragility of civil charge of an agency when they want to AMERICANS ARE THRIVING rights and the threat that prejudice destroy it. He is running it into the BECAUSE OF TAX REFORM and divisiveness and bigotry continue ground, and we must stop it. Con- (Mr. FERGUSON asked and was to pose to our way of life today. sumers will pay dearly. given permission to address the House We must follow in the footsteps of f for 1 minute and to revise and extend those Japanese Americans who volun- his remarks.) teered to serve this country, even with b 1215 Mr. FERGUSON. Madam Speaker, I their loved ones incarcerated on Amer- CONGRATULATING GREGORY rise today to share just a few examples ican soil, and find the light and love of OLSEN of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is al- the Aloha spirit to stand up and fight (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given ready helping businesses in Georgia’s against intolerance, bigotry, and ha- permission to address the House for 1 Third District. It is helping them to tred. minute and to revise and extend his re- grow, and it is helping them to reinvest f marks.) in their workers. Last month, I had the opportunity to TY MUSE IS BROOME COUNTY’S Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Gregory visit such a business, Custom Truck DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN OF THE and Body Works, in Woodbury, Geor- Olsen from Chaska who was recently YEAR gia. This is a unique company that appointed to serve on the National builds specialty vehicles for first re- (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given Honey Board by the Secretary of Agri- sponders. Because of the changes made permission to address the House for 1 culture. by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, this minute and to revise and extend her re- Greg will serve a 3-year term along- small business has been able to hire marks.) side 19 other members as the importer- new workers, is beginning a facility ex- Ms. TENNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise handler representative. The National pansion, and, in fact, told me they are today to recognize Ty Muse, the CEO of Honey Board is one of the 22 industry- Visions Federal Credit Union, who was still looking for folks to fill positions funded boards authorized by Congress today. recently honored by the Boy Scouts of under USDA’s Agricultural Marketing America and the Baden-Powell Council This isn’t the only business in the Service. Its purpose is to expand do- Third District that is thriving because as the Broome County Distinguished mestic markets for honey and honey Citizen of the Year. of tax reform. Another small business, products. Shred-X, which is a small business that Each year, this award is given to an The National Honey Board is respon- individual in the Broome County com- has 10 employees and provides recy- sible for research and development, ad- cling and shredding services to 3,000 munity who sets a positive example for vertising and promotion, consumer clients throughout Atlanta and west others and demonstrates concern and education, and industry information of central Georgia, plans to use the addi- significant care for their community. the honey industry. tional savings to buy a new truck and Mr. Muse moved to the Broome Coun- Madam Speaker, Greg brings impor- potentially hire a new employee. For a ty area 5 years ago and hit the ground tant industry experience to the table company of 10 people, this is a huge dif- running. He has been honored for his and will assist the National Honey ference. commitment to helping young leaders Board in their mission of successful in- Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to see throughout the region by sponsoring a novative research, education, and pro- our Main Street job creators thriving free track program, donating to several motional work for honey products that because of tax reform, and I look for- local school districts and colleges, and many people rely on in Minnesota and ward to seeing our economy continue working to raise awareness in financial across the world. to thrive as Americans reap the bene- literacy. Congratulations again to Greg Olsen. fits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Madam Speaker, I extend both my f f congratulations and my thanks to Mr. Ty Muse for his hard work and dedica- CUTTING EPA’S BUDGET ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE tion to the Broome County community (Mr. BEYER asked and was given (Ms. SHEA-PORTER asked and was and for his commitment to inspiring permission to address the House for 1 given permission to address the House leaders of the future. minute.) for 1 minute.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.047 H15FEPT1 H1202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Madam Speak- able energy research and cutting crit- are economic engines supporting thou- er, children and families across the ical enforcement tools and public safe- sands of jobs. But Donald Trump’s country rely on their leaders in Con- ty regulations. dirty budget and infrastructure scam gress for much more than thoughts and It also lacks the foresight to produce would bulldoze right through this prayers. They need us to take action to a forward-thinking plan that will en- American success story. keep them safe. sure a stable and resilient infrastruc- Trump is proposing a 7 percent cut to Gun violence in this country is a hor- ture future. In fact, it seeks to elimi- the National Park Service, meaning rifying epidemic. There have been 18 nate essential programs like ARPA–E, even less maintenance and visitor serv- school shootings in the past 71⁄2 weeks. which supports early stage energy re- ices, and a 17 percent cut to the De- It is even hard to talk about this. search and development. partment of the Interior overall, while It is difficult to argue, though, with Nationwide infrastructure systems giving Secretary Ryan Zinke free rein people who are looking at Congress and like the electric grid must be updated to continue his drilling spree on our wondering whether too many Members to anticipate severe weather and cli- public lands. in Congress are too close to the NRA mate conditions. We have seen the toll These cuts, combined with Trump’s and the gun manufacturers. Congress that national disasters take on our ongoing effort to hike entry fees for actually passed a law to prevent the electric grid. working families, threaten access to CDC from even studying gun violence. Smart planning and investment is es- these places that drive millions of visi- In difficult times, I, too, seek sential to ensuring that we have the tors to our communities and small thoughts and prayers from friends, proper resources to maintain and oper- businesses each year, while generating clergy, and family, but this is not stop- ate these essential structures. hundreds of millions of dollars in eco- ping the slaughter. I agree with police The President has spoken at length nomic activity. officers across the country who say: about investing in our infrastructure. Underfunding our national parks Get the AR–15s out of the hands of dan- Now let’s see some action. puts visitor access at risk. We should gerous people now. Our children are f reject this budget and work together. being massacred in their schools. WORKING WITH ASIA DURING f Madam Speaker, Speaker RYAN must YEAR OF THE DOG put bills on the floor to address gun vi- ADA IMPROVEMENTS (Mr. YOHO asked and was given per- olence or his party will go down in his- (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given mission to address the House for 1 tory as the party that blocked solu- permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his re- tions to this crisis. minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) marks.) f Mr. YOHO. Madam Speaker, this Mr. LAMALFA. Madam Speaker, the HONORING SHELAGH SWEENEY week commences the Lunar New Year, Americans with Disabilities Act has a time of thankfulness and new begin- (Mr. FASO asked and was given per- played an important role in improving nings for the United States and many mission to address the House for 1 accessibility for many years. of our Asian partners. minute and to revise and extend his re- Unfortunately, it is often taken ad- Reflecting upon last year’s Year of marks.) vantage of by dishonest attorneys who the Rooster, we have enjoyed tremen- Mr. FASO. Madam Speaker, it is with file drive-by lawsuits against small dous political, social, and economic great pride that I rise today to recog- businesses in order to get a quick pay- achievements. Filled with enthusiasm nize Hurley Fire Department member day. This entails coercing a business for diplomacy and cooperation, we con- Shelagh Sweeney. owner into paying expensive settle- tinue to look to our partners in Asia to Shelagh was named Hurley Fire De- ments or legal fees for unintended or promote peaceful international rela- partment’s first female Firefighter of technical violations and vague inter- tions. the Year. Her service and dedication to During the Year of the Dog, I believe pretations of the ADA. This practice her community as a firefighter, EMT, that our friends will continue to em- has risen dramatically. From just 2013 and field training officer for mobile life body loyalty, honesty, and integrity, to 2017, ADA lawsuits in Federal courts support services is most admirable. working with us to craft mutually ben- have increased by 182 percent, and it Her inspiration to join the fire de- eficial international policies. In turn, goes beyond that for many years pre- partment came from her attendance of the United States will encourage effec- viously as well. a first-aid class during her time at tive diplomatic behaviors among all of This practice violates the spirit of SUNY Ulster. Continuing her edu- our Asian counterparts. the law and hurts small businesses cation by taking classes at Marist Col- As lawmakers, we have an obligation without really improving access. One lege is a testament to the dedication to protect the interests of the United example, a small business, a she reflects with her service to her States, as well as those of our strong minimarket in my district, went community. allies around the globe, especially in through a renovation. They put in a Shelagh’s selfless service to the com- the Asia-Pacific region. nice ramp there on the front of their munity, while striving for further per- Madam Speaker, I urge my col- business, a concrete structure that had sonal growth, is greatly appreciated, leagues to continue to work toward been inspected, and they were working and I wish her the best in continuing policies that will positively shape with the county all along. Then, when on her journey. strong, multinational Asian foreign re- they were done, someone came and f lations in 2018. said: This is 1 degree off on incline. How is a small business supposed to f INVESTING IN THE NATION’S deal with issues like that when the reg- INFRASTRUCTURE UNDERFUNDING NATIONAL PARKS ulators themselves can’t even keep (Mr. MCNERNEY asked and was (Mr. HUFFMAN asked and was given track of what they are supposed to be given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1 doing? This only benefits corrupt at- for 1 minute and to revise and extend minute and to revise and extend his re- torneys. That is why I support the ADA his remarks.) marks.) Education and Reform Act which will Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, end this shady practice and give prop- this week, the President unveiled a from the mighty redwoods to the erty owners a reasonable chance to fix budget proposal that would not only headlands and beaches of the Golden potential issues. endanger the health and safety of the Gate National Recreation Area in my f American people and our environment, bay area, backyard to the ancient se- but also jeopardize the long-term sta- quoias of Yosemite, to the scorching COMMONSENSE GUN SAFETY bility of our infrastructure systems. deserts of Death Valley, we know our LEGISLATION It completely ignores what we know national parks are worth protecting. (Ms. FRANKEL of Florida asked and about climate change, proposing a 61 Parks not only protect nature and was given permission to address the percent reduction in funding for renew- wildlife but our history, too. And they House for 1 minute.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.050 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1203 Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Madam business marketing. While in college, Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, we Speaker, a person sends their child to she interned with the Arizona Wildcats have 4 legislative days before those school and expects that they are going and was a member of the sorority protected by DACA will be at risk. The to come home safely. Sigma Kappa. After graduation Speaker has said he was going to ad- I am so sad for the grieving families Christiana worked for the Los Angeles dress this issue. He has not at this of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High Kings as a fan services associate. point in time. School in Parkland. Innocent chil- Friends and family remember The Speaker said on 9/23/2010: We will dren—gone in a blink. I am thankful Christiana as a bright, beautiful young advance major legislation one issue at for the first responders, but foremost, woman who was full of life and energy. a time. my thoughts are with the grieving fam- I would like to extend my condo- He said: We will not duck the tough ilies, the students, and the teachers af- lences to Christiana Duarte’s family issues. We will take them head-on. fected by this horrific shooting. and friends. Please know that the city In that light, I urge the Speaker to We see this carnage over and over of Las Vegas, the State of Nevada, and put on the floor the three bills that are again. We know there is no magic solu- the whole country grieve with you. pending in this House: a clean Dream tion, but that doesn’t mean that there f Act; the USA Act, sponsored by Rep- are no solutions. We need more re- PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET resentatives AGUILAR and HURD, a bi- sources for mental health, not tax cuts partisan bill; and a Republican bill, the (Mr. GOMEZ asked and was given Securing America’s Future Act, spon- for billionaires. And, yes, Mr. Presi- permission to address the House for 1 dent, are you listening? We need com- minute.) sored by Representative GOODLATTE. monsense gun safety legislation, not Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, a budg- Madam Speaker, let the people’s these idiotic bills that expand gun et reflects one’s values. President House speak. Let them vote. Put these usage. Trump’s budget shows he values pol- three bills on the floor, and let the ma- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. luters and profits over people. jority rule. That is democracy. Let de- HANDEL). Members are reminded to With the ink barely dry on the Re- mocracy prevail in this House. please address their remarks to the publican tax scam, Trump’s budget f Chair and not to a viewing audience. proposes we pay for their corporate IMMIGRATION f giveaway by gutting public health and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under CALLING FOR SENSIBLE GUN environmental programs. One of the budget’s largest targets is the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- REFORM the EPA, which will suffer a 25 percent uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Ari- (Mr. SOTO asked and was given per- cut. This means cuts to grants that zona (Mr. GALLEGO) is recognized for 60 mission to address the House for 1 help States like California implement minutes as the designee of the minor- minute.) the Clean Air and Clean Water Act. ity leader. Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I do not That means cuts to Superfund pro- Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, in rise today for another moment of si- grams that clean up sites where toxic June, seven American heroes died on a lence for Parkland, Florida, for the chemicals from factories and landfills dark night when a ship collided with an semiautomatic weapon and shooter were dumped for decades, polluting the American destroyer, the USS Fitz- who wielded it already silenced 17 Flo- surrounding soil, water, and air. gerald. Among the dead were immi- ridians and injured countless others at We simply cannot afford a dirty grants from Vietnam and the Phil- Marjory Stoneman Douglas High budget that prioritizes polluters and ippines, as well as sons of workers who School. profits over people. journeyed north from Guatemala. Instead, I rise to make their voices f As one of the sailors who survived ex- heard. I rise to call for action on sen- plained: You are crammed in with all sible gun reform. The Parkland shooter AMERICAN SCHOOLCHILDREN ARE sorts of cultures on the ship, but when likely got his semiautomatic weapon AT RISK you are on the Fitzgerald, you are fam- through a private sale or a gun show (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- ily. without a background check, in spite mission to address the House for 1 Just like the Fitzgerald, my unit in of a record of mental health issues. minute.) Iraq included men of many races and It is time to close that loophole. The Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, this religions. We were a family, too, and it Las Vegas shooter used a bump stock House generally jumps into action once made us stronger. to convert a semiautomatic weapon there has been a mass shooting by hav- Madam Speaker, what is true of our into an automatic weapon—which is al- ing a moment of silence. Today we military is also true of our country. ready illegal. Bump stocks should also didn’t even have a moment of silence Lots of nations have democratic insti- be illegal. because the House knows that those tutions, plenty of countries have good Why is nothing happening? In my are meaningless acts that don’t have schools, and all too many, as we know, own home of Orlando, the shooter at any effect on our schoolchildren who wield powerful weapons; but what the Pulse nightclub was on the FBI have been the victims of 18 school mass makes America great, what makes watch list. Imagine if we passed no fly, shootings this year. America powerful, and what makes no buy and stopped that from hap- It is shameful this Congress has not America America is that, since our pening. dealt with no fly, no buy. If you are on founding, we have thrown our doors Now is not the time for silence. Now a terrorist list, you can still buy a gun. open to the world, and we have kept is the time for action, and now is time It is a shame this Congress passed a them open to the strivers and the for solutions. law that takes away from individuals dreamers from every corner of the who get Social Security who may be f globe. mentally ill the ability to buy a gun. We didn’t become the greatest, most 1230 We don’t even have studies on what b powerful country in the world because has been happening in trying to protect HONORING THE LIFE OF we let in a certain group of people and CHRISTIANA DUARTE schoolchildren. It is a shame. We need to act. American school- then slammed the door behind them. (Mr. KIHUEN asked and was given children are at risk, and I am ashamed No, Madam Speaker, we built this permission to address the House for 1 at what this Congress has failed to do: country by making America the only minute.) take action. country in the world where anyone from anywhere can accomplish any- Mr. KIHUEN. Madam Speaker, today f I rise to remember the life of thing. Christiana Duarte. Christiana attended LET DEMOCRACY PREVAIL ON President Reagan may have summed the Route 91 Festival in Las Vegas on IMMIGRATION it up best when he explained that: October 1. (Mr. HOYER asked and was given You can go to Japan to live but you She had recently graduated from the permission to address the House for 1 cannot become Japanese. You can go to University of Arizona with a degree in minute.) France to live and not become a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.052 H15FEPT1 H1204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 Frenchman. Anyone can come to under our flag dishonors the service of In fact, when Patrick Henry spoke America to live and become an Amer- all of us who risked our lives for this about liberty one day in a separate ican. country. speech, from the back of the room, Unfortunately, our current President We must find a way to protect someone shouted, ‘‘Treason,’’ and and his friends in Congress want to Dreamers and immigrant families, in- Henry responded eloquently: ‘‘If this be turn their backs on what made Amer- cluding brave immigrants who served treason, make the most of it.’’ ica great. Their anti-immigrant agenda in uniform. The American people are What has happened to our leaders? will lead to the deportation of millions on our side. They know that Trump’s So that day I spoke to a group of a and drastic cuts in legal immigration. fearful vision for our future is incom- couple of dozen new Americans from The last time Congress restricted im- patible with who we are as Americans. every corner of the world—from Asia, migration in this way was almost 100 They are proud to live in a country Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and years ago. Back then, conservatives that attracts the brightest minds and South America—who had, in some in- were worried that there were too many the hardest workers from all around stances, worked decades to become Italians and Jews who were arriving on the world. They understand that exclu- Americans and to earn those blessings our shores. Now, they are concerned sion and hate are the exact opposite of of liberty gained for us by people like about Mexican, Nigerian, and Chinese what makes America America. Patrick Henry, like 1 million nameless immigrants. The rhetoric may have This Nation did not become great by faces who died of combat death, dis- shifted, the targets may have changed, kicking out immigrants who fight hard ease, or starvation during a war to end like Miguel or who dream big like but it is the same kind of backward, the horrific institution of slavery, and Suny. Unlike every other country on un-American thinking that existed like Abraham Lincoln and Dr. Martin Earth, we aren’t defined by where we then. Luther King, Jr. The American people are too smart come from, but we are defined by what So they, indeed, looked like Amer- for this. We don’t fear people who don’t we believe. ica—Brown people, White people, Black Donald Trump may not understand speak like us or look like us or even people, Asian people, American peo- that, but the American people do. ple—and they earned it. But what is pray the way we do. Time and time Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- coming out of the Senate now essen- again, we have rejected the racists and ance of my time. the nativists of this country. We have tially throws aside the sacrifices of so done it before, and we will do it again. f many in order to score political points. Madam Speaker, I don’t have to look IMMIGRATION REFORM It was, indeed, one of the greatest at the polls to tell you that there are a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under honors of my life to welcome those new lot more Americans like Aaron the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- brothers and sisters to our American Chamberlin from Phoenix than like uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Vir- family. Yet the process through which Donald Trump. ginia (Mr. GARRETT) is recognized for they pained and labored does not in Aaron is a restaurant owner in Phoe- 60 minutes as the designee of the ma- any way mirror the process that we nix. When he learned that a young prep jority leader. would continue by kicking the can chef named Suny Santana was undocu- Mr. GARRETT. Madam Speaker, it is down the road under the proposed Sen- mented, Aaron said Suny could stay as a somber time to come into this Cham- ate ‘‘compromise.’’ long as he found a way to fix his un- ber as we have colleagues at the other I could really, literally, do this all documented status. end of the building who formed someday, all week, all month, and all year if Thankfully, Suny qualified for thing they call the Common Sense Coa- I wanted to highlight the cases of indi- DACA. He worked hard and thrived. In lition, which is, I think, a gentle eu- viduals who had lost their lives because fact, he did so well that Aaron offered phemism like so many things in this our Federal Government is completely to partner with him in opening his very town are, which might well be called unwilling to enforce the laws that it own new restaurant in downtown Phoe- the ‘‘kick the can down the road’’ coa- currently has on the books. nix. But then, cruelly and without lition, the ‘‘doing the same thing again b 1245 warning, President Trump terminated and again and again and again and ex- DACA and stripped away Suny’s status, pecting a different result’’ coalition, or Many of you recognize the lovely face throwing his entire life into limbo. the ‘‘those who do not learn from the of Kate Steinle, who was enjoying a Democrats are fighting for Dreamers past are doomed to repeat it’’ coali- beautiful afternoon in the Embar- like Suny and for businessowners like tion. cadero district of San Francisco on pier Aaron who believe in them. The photo that is to my left and to 14 with her dad. A graduate of Cal We are also fighting for veterans like your right if you are viewing at home Poly, San Luis Obispo, she worked in Miguel Perez of Chicago. Miguel has is of me at a ceremony at Red Hill the medical field and had recently lived in this country since he was 8 Farm in the Fifth District of Virginia, moved in with her boyfriend when an years old. He served two tours in Af- where a man named Patrick Henry illegal who had been deported 5 times, ghanistan and suffers from PTSD as a lived. who the local government refused to result of his service. Unfortunately, as Patrick Henry is notable as an early turn over to Federal authorities, dis- is too often the case with us, this led to patriot who sought to ensure the bless- charged a weapon that he stole from a problems with addiction. Miguel de- ings of self-determination and liberty member of law enforcement at what he serves our support. Instead, he is facing for a fledgling nation that determined said was a sea lion—which is bad deportation. that it was unjust that they should be enough—and killed this lovely young As I speak, Miguel is currently sit- governed by edict from across the sea woman whom her friends say loved ting in an ICE detention center in Ke- and most notably said the words: ‘‘I yoga and helping others. nosha, Wisconsin, which happens to be know not what course others may take; Reports indicate that among her last in the district of our Speaker, PAUL but as for me, give me liberty or give words was a plea to her father to please RYAN. me death.’’ help. She passed away because we Miguel isn’t alone. Hundreds of im- Indeed, anyone who signed the Dec- refuse to enforce our law. migrants who served our country in laration of Independence understood at Edwin Jackson, a linebacker for the uniform could now be deported at the that time that they were literally sign- Indianapolis Colts, was born in the behest of a President who has never ing their own death warrant, yet they same town that I was: Atlanta, Geor- served one day in service to this coun- did because it was the right thing to gia. He didn’t have big-time football of- try. These are men and women who do. fers out of high school. Indeed, instead took an oath to protect and defend this Today we have degenerated into a po- of the University of Georgia or Florida Nation. They have earned the right to litical class that knows pandering and or Clemson, he matriculated to Georgia call this country home. They have efforts to placate individuals without Southern University. But he worked, earned the right to call themselves the interests of the mass constituency and he worked with an optimism that Americans. To deport these brave men that we all unitedly serve, and that is radiated from the very smile on his and women after they have fought the American people. face.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.054 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1205 And not long ago, Edwin Jackson be- make this Nation the beacon of free- I will tell you what. If we can just se- came one of nearly 1,000 people per dom that it is. And no nation of laws cure the Southern border and stop the year who die in alcohol-related acci- can perpetuate itself so long as it looks inflow of illegals, we could reduce our dents involving people in this country the other way as its laws are selec- Federal and State prison expenditures illegally; as well as his Uber driver, tively enforced and not enforced. by about $9.5 billion a year, and I’ll get Jeffrey Monroe, who should also be Tessa Tranchant, from Virginia you your $18 billion in 2 years. noted. Edwin Jackson’s obituary indi- Beach, Virginia, was riding with a In other words, you want to pay for cated that his greatest goal in life was girlfriend and killed by a drunk driver this wall? to be a positive role model for young here illegally. Build it; it will pay for itself. And people to overcome challenges. Danny Oliver and Michael Davis were that is in dollars and cents. The individual who was detained had law enforcement professionals from But, folks, how do you quantify the a blood alcohol content of .239, or near- Sacramento, California. They were lives of these people? ly three times the legal limit. He had murdered by a frequently deported in- How do you put a dollar value on the been deported twice before, tried to run dividual who swears that he will find a life of a woman who spent her entire from the scene, and lied to police offi- way to kill more police officers. life serving our country and was tor- cers about his name upon his apprehen- Dominic Durden was killed while tured, raped, and murdered by someone sion. riding his motorcycle by an illegal who had been arrested just 6 days be- Edwin Jackson and Jeffrey Monroe drunk driver. fore and, under the Federal law, should are dead because we refuse to enforce Jamiel Shaw was brutally shot and have been reported to Federal authori- our laws. murdered by an illegal. ties, but they didn’t think it was nec- Denise Mosier, in my home State of Marilyn Pharis, who devoted her life essary in California? Or Jamiel, is there a dollar value you Virginia, in 2010, was riding in a van to the service of this Nation in the United States Air Force, was beaten, can put on this young man’s life? with two other nuns from the 33-women How do you quantify these lives? tortured, raped, and murdered by an il- monastery where she made her home, How about these law enforcement pro- legal who had been arrested 6 times in aspiring to help people. Her two dear fessionals? How about this teenage girl 15 months, the most recent time being friends were horrifically injured in an from Virginia Beach, Virginia? How 8 days before this crime was per- accident that took Miss Mosier’s life. about a firefighter and father of a 22- This Benedictine nun had devoted her petrated but not reported to Federal month-old and a 4-year-old? How about life to the service of others. Quite lit- authorities because the sanctuary com- a nun who devoted her entire life to erally, you could find nothing bad that munity that she was in did not deem it serving others? How about a football anyone could say about this woman. worthy to report. player who worked his way up from the The driver who took her life was ulti- I want to see a healthy and robust bottom and only wanted to motivate mately charged with DUI third or sub- immigration system into this country, and inspire young people who faced sequent offense. He had arrived ille- legally. I want to live in a nation that challenging circumstances? gally in this country and was only enforces the very laws that these bod- I genuinely love my brothers and sis- weeks away from a deportation hear- ies pass to protect those people who we ters of all races, creeds, and origins; I ing, which he was only having because are tasked with serving, the American genuinely do. I welcome them to apply of his multiple prior arrests for driving people, be they naturalized or native to a process to allow them to avail under the influence. born. themselves of the benefits of, I believe, Tragically, our unwillingness to en- I literally could keep telling these the greatest Nation the Earth has ever force our own laws cost about 10 per- stories for weeks and weeks and weeks. seen. Winston Churchill said: ‘‘Democ- cent of the community at the mon- So we now find fiscal responsibility a racy was the worst form of govern- astery where Denise Mosier made her rallying cry from individuals who don’t ment, except for all the others.’’ This home dearly and cost about 4 percent seem to care about that at any point in is the worst country in the world, ex- their life. time except for when it is convenient cept for all the others. In fact, 13 percent of all drunk driv- to their political agenda. We have a But if we won’t enforce the laws that ers arrested in the United States every President in the White House who sug- we pass, who are we? What have we be- year are here illegally—13 percent of gested that we would build a border come? And if we won’t protect those 1.5 million. And the death toll of wall and we would have those who are people who protect us—firefighters, po- drunk-driving-related offenses in this responsible for the immigration prob- lice officers, nuns, and mothers—how country is about 10,000 per year. So ex- lem pay for it. We have a media that can we look at ourselves? trapolating those numbers, nearly 1,000 glowingly and gleefully pokes fun and Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman people per year are killed in alcohol-re- asks: How is that plan going for you? from North Carolina (Mr. BUDD). lated accidents involving those here il- Well, I have a proposal. About 92 per- Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my legally. And we refuse to enforce our cent of foreign nationals in U.S. Fed- friend and colleague from Virginia for own laws. eral prisons are here illegally. That is yielding. I really thank him for his Peter Hacking was a volunteer fire over 9 out of 10. That comes out to leadership on this issue. department captain in Texas. One about 34,500 inmates in our Federal The last time I spoke on this floor on afternoon not long ago, Peter stopped prison system here illegally. And they immigration, I talked about three prin- off Highway 78 to pick up his children, are not here for immigration viola- ciples: One, Americans have the right which included 4-year-old Ellie and a tions. They are here for robbery; they to determine who becomes citizens son who was 2, when they were killed are here for rape; they are here for through laws; two, the people who do by a previously deported drunk driver, murder. come here should be in the best inter- who ultimately received a sentence of The cost to incarcerate one indi- est of American citizens; and three, about 2 years, and who was here be- vidual in the Federal prison system an- that we have the right to enforce those cause we will not secure our border and nually is about $32,500. I’m not that choices. we will not enforce our laws. good at math, but that comes out to The people who do come here should Let me be clear: those two dozen or about $1.1 billion per year. If you move be in the best interest of American so individuals whom I had the great away from the Federal prison system citizens. That is key. What we are honor—of all faiths and all creeds from and extrapolate those numbers across doing now isn’t there yet. We allow, around the world—of welcoming into the State prison systems, you are look- today, one individual to get a green our American family are American just ing at something like $9.5 billion per card. Then he is able to sponsor his im- like everyone watching this today. But year to incarcerate illegals here con- mediate family and relatives. And then those who are not here legally, who victed of violent crimes, felonies. We the relatives can sponsor their rel- will not go through the processes pre- are talking about prisons, not jails. atives. Then the relatives of those rel- scribed by this very body, are a dis- Now, the Senate plan says: Okay. atives can sponsor their relatives and credit to those who work so hard and Well, what we are going to do is we are so on, until there is no one in the fam- those who have sacrificed so much to going to spend $18 billion over 10 years. ily left to sponsor or no one left who

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:31 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.056 H15FEPT1 H1206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 even wants to come to the United does not also include additional border he also went on to say and talk about States. security and protections against those the values of America, that we, being a Potentially, this could go on forever. migrating this way, they could really land of immigrants, understand this: This is called chain migration, and 65 see a similar crisis. There is but room for one flag. It is the percent of our green cards are awarded Madam Speaker, the Securing Amer- American flag. You need to honor it. through this chain migration. That is ica’s Future Act is an incredible piece There is room but for one language. It about 700,000 people every year gaining of legislation. And while I have dwelt is English. You need to learn it. permanent residence in our country on its chain migration provisions—and Immigration without assimilation is through no other criteria than that there are many more worthy reforms— an invasion, and that is really what we they happen to be related to someone this bill cracks down on sanctuary cit- have, an invasion, because we don’t who lives here. ies, which my colleague mentioned ear- know who is here. We don’t know We have no idea whether these indi- lier. It includes Kate’s Law to toughen where they came from. viduals are going to be economically penalties against those who are de- And Dreamers who were brought here successful. We have no idea whether ported, come back to the United to this country, I think we are all sym- they will contribute to our country. We States, and commit crimes. It includes pathetic. They were brought here to don’t even look at those characteris- mandatory E-Verify to crack down on this country at no fault of their own tics for chain migration. The impor- businesses that break the law. It ends and registered with DHS under DACA. tant question is who the immigrant is the diversity visa lottery, one of the There is a program where they could related to, not whether or not he might most senseless Federal policies that I have registered. They are a different help America be a safer or a more pros- can think of. class, but they can be handled in a sys- perous country. Chain migration does I thank Chairman GOODLATTE for his tematic manner, whether it starts off not meet that key principle. American efforts on this; I thank Representative with probationary periods, running immigration should be in the best in- LABRADOR, one of our staunchest con- background checks, ensuring all fines terest of Americans. servative leaders in the House, for his are paid for outstanding traffic tickets The Securing America’s Future Act leadership in crafting this bill; and I or other, among other things. And I ends this chain migration. It stops it thank Representative GARRETT for or- stand with and I am a cosponsor of the for everyone except the children and ganizing this opportunity to discuss Goodlatte-Labrador bill. I think it is a spouses of immigrants. But those rel- the bill. great start. As immigration policies or atives cannot bring in additional immi- Mr. GARRETT. Madam Speaker, I as policies up here in Washington, we grants, so the chain is broken. The Se- thank Representative BUDD for his know they change over time, and so I curing America’s Future Act, in turn, comments. think this is a good start. We need to strengthen our border— replaces those immigrants with skilled At this time, I yield 5 minutes to the that needs to be paramount—and tight- workers, workers who could help us gentleman from Florida, (Mr. YOHO). en our borders through what the Cus- build a better future. Mr. YOHO. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my good colleague from toms and Border Patrol tell us to do. I think about it this way: there are You know, there are people who want Virginia (Mr. GARRETT) and everybody 150 million people around the world to build a wall from sea to shining sea. else who has participated in this im- who would say that they would emi- I think we should build a wall where portant topic. grate to the United States if they were the experts say we need to build a wall just given the opportunity. What a For far too long, Washington has allowed our broken immigration system and do other forms of security, but the great country. We could do what we do bottom line is we have to have a secure to fester. Since 1986, when safeguards now and let those people enter on the border. And it is not just our southwest were put in place to protect our Nation basis of who they are related to. That border; it is all of our borders. And I from illegal immigration, we have seen is what we are doing. Or we could let in think every American should be con- the rule of law not followed, and it has the best engineers, doctors, nurses, cerned about this, and you would think led to the situation we have today. teachers, and businessmen. We can let they would want this. in those who could speak English well, This is not an overnight sensation that We also should allow Customs and who know our system of government, just has happened. Border Patrol to survey and make rec- who have gone to university. But that If you look at the number one role of ommendations for how they think best can only happen if we end chain migra- government, it is to provide for the we can increase the security of, again, tion. common defense of our Nation and the not just our southern border but, The chain migration proposal in the security of our Nation. Madam Speak- again, all the borders. Securing America’s Future Act be- er, you cannot have a secure nation if Sanctuary cities who openly defy comes even more crucial when we look you don’t have secure borders. That is Federal immigration law place Amer- at the DACA issue. If we allow DACA one of the reasons we lock our car ican citizens at risk, and I would hope recipients to get some form of resi- doors. That is one of the reasons we the people in those cities, the citizens dency, past history tells us that they lock our house doors is to secure our of those cities, would rise up and hold will potentially sponsor around 31⁄2 im- family. their elected officials accountable so migrants each. That is a 2- to 3-mil- Well, the government’s role is to se- that it is not a political platform that lion-person increase in the immigrant cure their Nation and the people within a party wants to promote. All you have population. That is a huge incentive it so that we can have a secure nation, to do is look at the many people who for future immigrants to come here il- the peace of mind that our families are have been killed by people here ille- legally. protected from people that shouldn’t be gally, and they rush for the protection here in the first place. We need to re- of a sanctuary city. b 1300 form our system so that we have legal And these are cities, again, that are The notion that you will get to bring immigration that is not burdensome to breaking the Federal law. They defy your whole family over here if you the point where it doesn’t work, and Federal law without consequence. Con- manage to enter illegally is part of that is what Washington has been well gress does have the power to hold these what led to the 2013–2014 border crisis. known for. We need to seek real re- people accountable, these States. And, When the previous administration was forms that cut down on illegal immi- again, it will be the citizens of those rumored to be granting amnesty, tens gration while protecting and bolstering cities, hopefully, who will rise up and of thousands of Latin American fami- the legal immigration system. say enough is enough. lies sent their minor children north. Our Nation is a nation of immi- The Goodlatte-Labrador bill, H.R. It was a national emergency, and it grants, and Theodore Roosevelt ad- 4760, the Securing America’s Future overwhelmed the Border Patrol and the dressed this, I think, very succinctly in Act, I cosponsored because it lays out a immigrant processing facilities there 1907 in a speech when he talked about plan to address many of the immigra- in the Southwest. We had to pass emer- our land being a land of immigrants, tion reform priorities: It eliminates gency appropriations just to process how we have come over from other the diversity visa, which is just a hap- these individuals. Any DACA fix that countries from around the world. But penstance. If you are the lucky one

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.057 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1207 who pulls the right number, you get In 42 years, 3,037 Americans have I know that you came to Congress the lottery ticket, and the lottery tick- been killed on U.S. soil by foreign-born with the same optimism that I came to et is coming here to America. It elimi- terrorists. There have been 182 foreign- Congress with, and that is, if only we nates the diversity visa to increase the born terrorists, to be precise, who have work hard enough together, if only we number of skilled worker visas. It cre- taken the lives of almost 3,050 Ameri- commit ourselves with earnestness to ates a new agriculture guest worker cans, and 63 of those 182, or greater one another, we will be able to make a program. than a third, came here legally on difference for folks. I still believe that, And I am proud because some of the visas, to include the diversity visa and I hope you still believe that, too, recommendations we have are in that scheme. In fact, our office has tried rel- after your time here. bill, and so we want to see that pass. atively diligently to calculate the ac- I still believe that, if only we work This is one of the things that has to tual death toll of native-born Ameri- hard enough, we are going to be able to happen. cans by recipients of diversity visas, serve the American people as we prom- But before we can go forward, we unsuccessfully. These are difficult data ised we would. But occasionally—occa- have to make sure that the borders are points. sionally—I don’t want to vilify the en- secured, that the rule of law is en- But just in the last few years, the tire fourth estate today, Madam forced, and that we have a good guest name Sayfullo Saipov has been in the Speaker. There is not enough time to worker program. It also requires em- American news. This jihadist who had go through that today. But occasion- ployers to utilize the E-Verify system an admiration for terrorists, to include ally, the fourth estate seems to suggest to ensure their employees are legally the murderous raping, intolerant thugs that we are failing the American peo- able to work in this country. of ISIS, took the lives of eight Ameri- ple when, in fact, we are succeeding on The good thing about the E-Verify cans and injured many more in a truck their behalf, and that is what I want to system, it also gives protection to the attack on Halloween, just last October. talk about this afternoon. employer, knowing that they went He was the recipient of a diversity lot- We just came through a difficult through the process that the govern- tery visa. budget time, Madam Speaker. We came ment says they must go through and Before that, Abdurasul Hasanovich through that not because of any fail- they have hired people that the govern- Juraboev from Uzbekistan was also the ures of any man or woman in this insti- ment says are okay. So it gives protec- recipient of a diversity lottery visa, tution. I want to make that clear. This tion not just to our employers, but it and he was arrested in 2015 for con- House came together as a body back in gives protection to the people here, spiring to ‘‘kill as many Americans as July of last year and passed every sin- who come here for the privilege of com- he could.’’ He wrote: gle national security appropriations ing to America to work. I am in the USA now. We don’t have the bill that was upon us. It invests in a new security measure weapons we need. Is it possible to commit for our borders, gives registered DACA ourselves as dedicated martyrs anyway while b 1315 recipients a renewable 3-year legal sta- here? What I am saying is, to get guns, to July of last year—3 months before shoot Obama, and then maybe get shot our- tus, while ensuring individuals who the end of the fiscal year—this body could cause harm are not eligible for it. selves. Would that do? That would strike fear into the hearts of the infidels. came together and did its job to fund It withholds grants and Federal fund- This legal diversity visa recipient our men and women in uniform, fund ing from sanctuary cities and gets rid border security, and fund those incred- of the chain migration. from Brooklyn said: If this is not successful, maybe bomb ibly important national security items So this, I think, is a very strong bill. that every single American family I think it is a very good bill, that it ac- Coney Island. Fortunately, he was arrested before cares about. complishes the goal. It could always be The Senate had been unable to get better. It is not comprehensive immi- he could bring to fruition his plans to assault individuals in the very Nation any of those bills passed. That brought gration reform, but it is a great start. us to just a week ago, when the Presi- You know, working in the agricul- that had so graciously opened its dent finally signed into law a funding tural sector for 35 years of my life as a doors. bill for the United States Government veterinarian working on the farms, I It is incredibly interesting to me the to cover the remainder of fiscal year talked to a lot of the immigrants, and results that I learned when my wife 2018. a lot of the immigrants that I talked to and I engaged in that which is all the I mentioned the House passed, in were here illegally. And I asked them: rage these days and looked at our DNA. July of last year, all of the national se- Do you want to be a citizen of the I found out I had relatives from mul- curity appropriations bills. In Sep- United States? tiple continents, and I am proud of They said: No. The majority of them that. But I am an American just like tember of last year, Madam Speaker, didn’t. They wanted the opportunity— those people who stood with me that the House passed all the rest of the ap- the opportunity—to come here to make day at the home of the great American propriations bills. So the entire Fed- some money to go back home, and I patriot Patrick Henry, from Africa and eral Government, from the perspective think we should accommodate that. Asia, the Middle East, South America, of the 435 men and women who serve in And then if you talk to other immi- Europe, Oceania. They are my Amer- the House, that work was completed on grants who are here and they migrated ican brothers and sisters. They did ev- time before the end of the fiscal year. here legally, I asked them: Why did erything by the numbers and availed But, again, the Senate was unable to you come here? Why did your parents themselves of a dream that we all take up any appropriations bills, for a come here? share. Those who do not, cheapen the variety of different reasons—and I am And do you know what it always sacrifice made by so many who have not interested in assigning that blame comes down to? They wanted oppor- come before them. today. I am interested in figuring out tunity, and they wanted security, and Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- what we can do about it going for- they wanted a better life for their fam- ance of my time. ward—took until just a week ago for the Senate to sign an appropriations ily. f So our broken system does not ac- bill, craft a plan, and do what we call complish that, and it is time to fix the SUCCEEDING ON BEHALF OF THE raising the caps so that we can get a broken system, and this is the time to AMERICAN PEOPLE funding agreement that will take us do it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under over the next 18 months. With that, I thank the gentleman for the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Madam Speaker, you can’t see it bringing up this great topic, this pas- uary 3, 2017, the Chair recognizes the here, but I have a chart of defense sionate topic, and with your work, gentleman from Georgia (Mr. spending going back over the last few your help, we can accomplish this. WOODALL) for 30 minutes. years. In fact, I started the chart the Mr. GARRETT. Madam Speaker, I Mr. WOODALL. Madam Speaker, I year that I was running for Congress thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. very much appreciate that, and I ap- for the very first time. It was 2010. I YOHO), my friend and colleague, for his preciate you being here with us on a came in in that big class of freshmen. comments. Thursday afternoon. There were 100 of us. Imagine that: 100

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.059 H15FEPT1 H1208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 out of 435 Members, coming in for the came together. But what you can see I don’t believe there is a man or first time, together, in January of 2011, on this chart, Madam Speaker, is the woman in this Chamber, Madam and many of us came here with a desire black line indicates the path we took Speaker, who would disagree with that, to balance budgets. of funding national security, each year, ‘‘an overstretched and underresourced Among the many data points that spending less and less and less. military,’’ or ‘‘the longest continuous get shared, Madam Speaker, one was Now, mind you, nobody thought this stretch of combat in our Nation’s his- shared with me when I was doing C– was the right plan for how to fund na- tory.’’ This is not an issue that divides SPAN’s Washington Journal this week. tional security. This was designed to be this Chamber, this is an issue that The host said: ROB, do you think the a driver to force folks to come together unites this Chamber, Madam Speaker. I era of fiscal conservatism is over? and deal with those larger entitlement am proud that we came together, as a I thought that was odd. I am think- programs that actually are the drivers House and a Senate, as Republicans ing: No, I serve in a body full of men of the debt. It didn’t work. and Democrats, to address that failure. and women, both sides of the aisle, fis- In fact, we had an entire Presidential In fact, I will quote from General cal conservatives, who want to make election cycle that just went on 15 Mattis. Just two days after that mo- sure the American taxpayer is getting months ago, Madam Speaker, where rale quote, after this body had acted, a dollar’s worth of value for a dollar’s you can’t name the candidate who ran after the Senate had finally acted, worth of taxes, who want to make sure on either the Republican or the Demo- after the President had put his signa- we are not balancing the budget on the cratic side of the aisle, who made debt ture on the bill, General Mattis said backs of our children and grand- and deficits their priority. this: ‘‘I am very confident that what children, and who want to make sure Who was that? Who was that leader the Congress has now done and the we are not mortgaging the future of running for the White House, the last President is going to allocate to us in our children and our grandchildren. time around, who focused on debt and the budget is what we need to bring us Why would the era of fiscal conserv- deficits as their priorities? For what- back to a position of primacy.’’ atism be over? Well, the suggestion was ever reason, it slipped from the na- ‘‘What the Congress has done and made it is because we just signed a tional stage, probably because we had what the President will allocate will budget deal, and that budget deal been successfully curbing the needle on bring us back to a position of pri- raises levels of discretionary spending spending. macy,’’ I mention that again, Madam So, fast forward, to just a week ago, in this country; and if we are raising Speaker, because, among the many Madam Speaker, where we raised de- levels of discretionary spending, conversations we have here about mili- fense spending by $100 billion a year. mustn’t that mean that our commit- tary readiness, General Mattis has ex- Now, if you calculate where the caps ment to fiscal responsibility is over? pressed confidence that, in a time of That led me to come to the floor were going to go and how the sequester was going to happen, you actually turn war, the Congress would fund the mili- today, Madam Speaker, because what out to have about a $150 billion in- tary. you can’t see on this chart, but I have In fact, in that same testimony that crease over where folks expected us to displayed here, are two lines. One is a I quoted from earlier before the Armed be. red line. Oftentimes, Madam Speaker, Well, golly, Madam Speaker, even in Services Committee, he said: ‘‘I know folks bring charts to the floor that Washington, D.C., when you raise a $550 that in time of a major war, Congress only show you a part of the picture, so billion budget to $700 billion, that is an will provide our military with what it the amplitude is exaggerated. It looks enormous increase. That is why I was needs. But money at the time of crisis like things are worse or better than asked: Is the era of fiscal conservatism fails to deter war. . . .’’ they actually are. over? I know the Congress will provide I have grounded my chart at zero. I direct you to this chart, I show you what we need in a time of crisis, but This is zero dollars in spending, going this enormous increase in defense money at a time of crisis fails to deter all the way up to $1 trillion in spend- spending, and I show you that we are that crisis. We could have avoided that ing. The year I got here, we were still $100 billion a year lower than conflict had only we been properly spending about $689 billion a year on Barack Obama, NANCY PELOSI, and funded. defense. Harry Reid had anticipated before I We came together with White House Well, we got together as a body, was elected to Congress in 2010. leadership. The President said: I need Madam Speaker. And, I will remind All of this area, between the red line $700 billion for 2018; I need $716 billion you, Republicans controlled the U.S. and the black line, Madam Speaker, for 2019. That is what General Mattis House at that time. President Obama are dollars saved for the American peo- said as well. That is what we are hear- controlled the White House, Harry Reid ple. Now, those dollars came at a price. ing from the entire administration. controlled the United States Senate, I reference testimony that Defense That is what we came together and and the House was in minority hands, Secretary Jim Mattis, former General gave. being led by Republicans. But we got Jim Mattis, gave in the Armed Serv- But the era of fiscal conservatism, together, Republicans and Democrats— ices Committee—this was just a week Madam Speaker, is not over. The era of House, Senate, White House—and we and 2 days ago—and he said this: ‘‘I shortchanging our military, in the crafted a budget plan forward that re- cannot overstate the impact to our hopes that we might come together on duced spending. troops’ morale from all this uncer- a bigger deal, the gridlock that was Now, the plan was that we were going tainty.’’ created by that, that gridlock is over. to reduce spending on both the defense He is talking about these continuing That uncertainty that General Mattis side of the ledger and the nondefense resolutions that get passed. Again, the bemoaned, that is over. But fiscal con- side of the ledger, and then we were House passed its bills back last July, servatism continues. going to come together and deal with the Senate hasn’t been able to pass any It is not just on the defense side. It is those major healthcare entitlement of its bills, so we were funding the gov- easy to talk about the defense side be- programs that are driving the debt far ernment one short-term bill at the cause I know that is something that out into the future, deal with the trust time, creating havoc on the American unites everyone in the Chamber, funds for Medicare and Social Security military. Madam Speaker. But let’s look at the that are underfunded today that can- ‘‘I cannot overstate the impact to nondefense side. not sustain the promises that have our troops’ morale from all this uncer- Nondefense, as you know, Madam been made to generations today, that tainty. The combination of rapidly Speaker, is, well, everything else that we would repair those programs and changing technology, the negative im- the Federal Government does—it is not make them solvent long into the fu- pact on military readiness resulting an income support program—from ture. from the longest continuous stretch of parks to roads to courts, from prisons It was a worthwhile goal. It was a combat in our Nation’s history, and in- to education, from investments in NIH goal worthy of this body, men and sufficient funding have created an and the CDC, from our involvement women—Republicans, Democrats, overstretched and underresourced mili- overseas in hunger programs and ref- House Members, Senate Members—who tary.’’ ugee programs. Absolutely everything

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.061 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1209 else the Federal Government does is in value for the American taxpayer out of erational transportation outcome that the nondefense discretionary side. every dollar that we spend. is going to change the way that we deal I point you to two lines, once again, The net result of that, Madam Speak- with congestion in America. Madam Speaker. The red line is what er—that and a collection of economic There are 1,000 different ways to President Obama, Speaker PELOSI, AND outcomes that have been desirable— spend each and every one of those dol- MAJORITY LEADER HARRY REID ANTICI- has led to a decrease in net interest lars. It does not matter where you be- PATED SPENDING BEFORE I ARRIVED. THE spending: money that was not bor- lieve that dollar ought to go. It is a BLACK LINE IS WHAT WE HAVE ACTUALLY rowed, interest that does not have to worthwhile purchase to make sure we SPENT SINCE I ARRIVED. be paid—money that was not borrowed. are using that dollar, either with the Among the many changes made in Thus it didn’t drive interest rates up. American citizen in their pocket, with the law, when the President signed the Those interest rates are lower on all the DOD in the pursuit of national se- caps deals into effect last week, is that the other money that has already been curity, or with one of our great re- we raised nondefense discretionary borrowed, not just trillions of dollars search institutions in pursuit of the spending, too. In fact, over the 2-year in savings on spending that was fore- next healthcare discovery, rather than deal that the President signed, we are gone, Madam Speaker, but trillions of paying it in interest to someone talking about an additional $300 bil- dollars in savings of interest that was around the globe who lent us money in lion—billion with a B—in additional not paid. our time of need. spending. We need to restrain those dollars b 1330 Well, by golly, Madam Speaker, if today, Mr. Speaker, so that when we you care about budgets, if you care Why do I take the time to come down have a time of need in the future, we about deficits, isn’t $300 billion a to the floor to tell that story, Mr. will be able to access them. The era of frighteningly large figure to increase Speaker? fiscal responsibility is not behind us; it spending in a time of already existing It is because I grow weary, as I know is upon us. deficits? Of course, it is. Of course, it all of my colleagues do, of reading the We have an opportunity each and is. defeatist headlines that show up on the every day together to squeeze those But let me say, once again, that does paper day after day after day: Congress dollars until they scream; squeeze the not mean the era of fiscal conservatism failing; gridlock prevailing; bipartisan- value out of every nickel that comes is over. We had a choice. We could con- ship dead; cooperation extinct. through this institution. We have done tinue to keep the military in that It is not true. it together, Mr. Speaker. space of uncertainty that General What we have done together is worth This isn’t an aspirational goal. This Mattis cited as being so dangerous, or bragging about back home. What we is a certain fact, that we have done it we could cut the deal that we had to have done together is worth cele- together year after year after year cut to break that cycle of uncertainty. brating when we are together. What we after year. This isn’t something that I don’t know what kind of negoti- have done together is worth using as a maybe one day, if only we work hard ating experience you have had, Madam model for thinking about what we can enough, we can do. This is something Speaker, but it turns out that when do together again tomorrow. we have achieved year after year after you walk into a negotiation and say, ‘‘I It doesn’t matter whether you sit on year after year. have got to have what I have got to the furthest right in this Chamber or Let’s not stop. Let’s not stop. And have, and I will give you whatever you the furthest left in this Chamber, Mr. let’s not let folks tell us that we can’t need in order to get it,’’ you are not in Speaker. That dollar worth of taxes get it done together. Let’s not give in a particularly strong negotiating spot. raised from that American citizen is a to that devil on the left shoulder that That is the position the President valuable thing. It is a trust. There is a says we should go down and run each found himself in. He was 100 percent stewardship obligation to each and other out and talk about why the insti- committed to our troops, he was 100 every one of those dollars. tution fails. percent committed to national secu- What do you want to use it for? Let’s give in to that angel on the rity, he was 100 percent committed to Maybe you want to give it back to right shoulder that talks about how, if that pay raise that we had promised those American citizens. I am particu- we put our minds together, if we com- our troops, but we had not funded, and larly pleased with the tax bill we mit ourselves to one another, there is he said: I am going to do whatever it passed that did exactly that. Again, genuinely no limit to what we can do takes to get $700 billion in 2018 and $716 passed it in the House, passed it in the together. billion in 2019, to make sure national Senate, moved it to the White House; I am not just talking about what we security is protected and our troops are done in a bicameral way. can do together as the body here in the served. I think the American citizen can gen- United States House, Mr. Speaker. And Well, what that led to was an in- erally spend their dollar better than we I am not just talking about what we crease in nondefense discretionary can spend it on their behalf. I know can do together as a House and a Sen- spending as well, Madam Speaker. But they trust themselves to spend their ate and a White House. I am talking still look at these lines. That delta be- dollar more than they trust us to spend about what we can do together as the tween the top line of where we were it on their behalf. American people. going to go and the black line of where We could take that dollar, we could The strength of this institution has we have actually gone is trillions of put it back in an American citizen’s never been the 435 Members who are in dollars’—trillions with a T—worth of pocket. Leave it with them to begin it. It has been the 300 million Ameri- savings. with and never even take it. That is cans who have sent us here. The Between the defense spending, what we did with the tax cuts. strength of this institution has never Madam Speaker, which changed dra- We could invest that dollar in na- come from the Members. It has come matically after that big freshman class tional security. We could look to see from the Nation that lends us its in 2011 arrived, and nondefense spend- what is that additional training an air- power. ing, which changed dramatically after man might need; what is that addi- I genuinely believe there is no limit that big class in 2011 arrived, trillions tional equipment that a marine might to what we can do together. I am genu- of dollars in debt has not occurred. need; what is that additional item that inely disappointed in those days that Trillions of dollars in spending of we could research, purchase, improve, we give in to that devil on the left American taxpayer dollars has not oc- repair, that would make a difference in shoulder that tells us that running curred. the life of a man or a woman who is each other out, running each other We have squeezed those budgets: the serving this country. down, denigrating the institution, security budget and the nonsecurity We could spend that dollar on na- denigrating the Nation, denigrating budget, the defense budget and the tional security. We could spend that one another is the pathway to success. nondefense budget. We have squeezed dollar on nondefense needs; research in But we have had enough victories to- each of those budgets to make sure Alzheimer’s; research at our major uni- gether. We have come through enough that we are getting a dollar’s worth of versities; research into that next gen- challenges together. When they said we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.062 H15FEPT1 H1210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 would fail, we have succeeded together Amdt. No.: 3777] received February 14, 2018, tives; Airbus Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA- enough that I have great optimism not pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 2017-0627; Product Identifier 2017-NM-037-AD; just about the next 10 months in this 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Amendment 39-19127; AD 2017-25-13] (RIN: Chamber, but about the next decade, mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- 2120-AA64) received February 14, 2018, pursu- ture. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- the next generation, the next hundred 4014. A letter from the Management and 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee years for this country. Program Analyst, FAA, Department of on Transportation and Infrastructure. We don’t know when the economy is Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4022. A letter from the Management and going to fail us, Mr. Speaker. We have ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of to plan for that rainy day. We have proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Transportation, transmitting the Depart- been doing that. We have been doing it and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- with spending at every single level in cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31169; tives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes [Docket Amdt. No.: 3778] received February 14, 2018, No.: FAA-2017-0513; Product Identifier 2016- the government, and it has made the pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law NM-152-AD; Amendment 39-19125; AD 2017-25- biggest difference in debt and deficits 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- 11] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received February 14, that I have seen in my lifetime. mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Let’s build on that success. Let’s re- ture. Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the commit ourselves to that goal. Let’s 4015. A letter from the Management and Committee on Transportation and Infra- surprise the naysayers about the things Program Analyst, FAA, Department of structure. that we do together. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4023. A letter from the Management and ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Transportation, transmitting the Depart- of my time. and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- f cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31170; tives; ATR — GIE Avions de Transport Re- Amdt. No.: 3779] received February 14, 2018, gional Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2017-1170; LEAVE OF ABSENCE pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law Product Identifier 2013-NM-054-AD; Amend- By unanimous consent, leave of ab- 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- ment 39-19129; AD 2017-25-15] (RIN: 2120-AA64) sence was granted to: mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- received February 14, 2018, pursuant to 5 ture. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia (at the request 4016. A letter from the Management and 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on of Ms. PELOSI) for today. Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. f Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4024. A letter from the Management and ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ADJOURNMENT proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I move and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31171; tives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters [Docket No.: that the House do now adjourn. Amdt. No.: 3780] received February 14, 2018, FAA-2017-1173; Product Identifier 2017-SW- The motion was agreed to; accord- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 030-AD; Amendment 39-19131; AD 2017-25-17] ingly (at 1 o’clock and 36 minutes 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- (RIN: 2120-AA64) received February 14, 2018, p.m.), the House adjourned until to- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law morrow, Friday, February 16, 2018, at 9 ture. 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- a.m. 4017. A letter from the Management and mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of ture. f Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 4025. A letter from the Management and EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class E Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Airspace; Greenwood/Wonder Lake, IL Transportation, transmitting the Depart- ETC. [Docket No.: FAA-2017-0459; Airspace Docket ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive No.: 17-AGL-14] received February 14, 2018, tives; Airbus Helicopters (Previously communications were taken from the pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law Eurocopter France) [Docket No.: FAA-2017- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- 0671; Product Identifier 2016-SW-072-AD; mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Amendment 39-19135; AD 2017-26-04] (RIN: 4009. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ture. 2120-AA64) received February 14, 2018, pursu- ment of the Treasury, transmitting a six- 4018. A letter from the Management and ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- month periodic report on the national emer- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee gency with respect to Libya that was de- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- on Transportation and Infrastructure. clared in Executive Order 13566 of February ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class E 4026. A letter from the Management and 25, 2011, pursuant to 50 U.S.C. 1641(c); Public Airspace; Eaton Rapids, MI [Docket No.: Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Law 94-412, Sec. 401(c); (90 Stat. 1257) and 50 FAA-2017-0209; Airspace Docket No.: 17-AGL- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- U.S.C. 1703(c); Public Law 95-223, Sec 204(c); 9] received February 14, 2018, pursuant to 5 ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- (91 Stat. 1627); to the Committee on Foreign U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. tives; The Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Affairs. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Helicopters [Docket No.: FAA-2017-1191; 4010. A letter from the Acting Director, Transportation and Infrastructure. Product Identifier 2017-SW-046-AD; Amend- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 4019. A letter from the Management and ment 39-19134; AD 2017-26-03] (RIN: 2120-AA64) transmitting the Bureau’s Fiscal Year 2016 Program Analyst, FAA, Department of received February 14, 2018, pursuant to 5 FAIR Act Inventory, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 501 note; Public Law 105-270, Sec. 2(c)(1)(A); ment’s final rule — Amendment of Class D 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on (112 Stat. 2382); to the Committee on Over- and Class E Airspace; Truckee, CA [Docket Transportation and Infrastructure. sight and Government Reform. No.: FAA-2017-0565; Airspace Docket No.: 17- 4027. A letter from the Management and 4011. A letter from the Executive Analyst AWP-1] received February 14, 2018, pursuant Program Analyst, FAA, Department of (Political), Department of Health and to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Human Services, transmitting one action on Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- nomination, and one discontinuation of serv- Transportation and Infrastructure. tives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation ice in acting role, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4020. A letter from the Management and Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2017-0910; Prod- 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 Stat. Program Analyst, FAA, Department of uct Identifier 2017-CE-027-AD; Amendment 2681-614); to the Committee on Oversight and Transportation, transmitting the Depart- 39-19136; AD 2017-26-05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) re- Government Reform. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- ceived February 14, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4012. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- tives; The Boeing Company Airplanes [Dock- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 ment of the Interior, transmitting the De- et No.: FAA-2017-0807; Product Identifier Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- partment’s draft bill, titled the ‘‘Reclama- 2017-NM-080-AD; Amendment 39-19126; AD tation and Infrastructure. tion Title Transfer Act of 2018’’; to the Com- 2017-25-12] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Feb- f mittee on Natural Resources. ruary 14, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4013. A letter from the Management and 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Transportation, transmitting the Depart- tation and Infrastructure. ment’s final rule — Standard Instrument Ap- 4021. A letter from the Management and Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of proach Procedures, and Takeoff Minimums Program Analyst, FAA, Department of committees were delivered to the Clerk and Obstacle Departure Procedures; Mis- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- for printing and reference to the proper cellaneous Amendments [Docket No.: 31168; ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- calendar, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15FE7.064 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1211 Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- ernment Reform, for a period to be subse- ural Resources. H.R. 717. A bill to amend the tation and Infrastructure. quently determined by the Speaker, in each Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require re- By Mr. LIPINSKI: case for consideration of such provisions as view of the economic cost of adding a species H.R. 5033. A bill to set aside certain funds fall within the jurisdiction of the committee to the list of endangered species or threat- for supplementary safety measures and al- concerned. ened species, and for other purposes (Rept. ternative safety measures for railway-high- By Mr. BANKS of Indiana (for himself 115–560). Referred to Committee of the Whole way grade crossings, and for other purposes; and Mr. ROKITA): House on the state of the Union. to the Committee on Transportation and In- H.R. 5039. A bill to designate the National Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- frastructure. Airmail Museum at Smith Air Field in Fort ural Resources. H.R. 1274. A bill to amend By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, Mr. Wayne, Indiana; to the Committee on Trans- the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require ENGEL, Mrs. LOWEY, Ms. WASSERMAN portation and Infrastructure. making available to States affected by deter- SCHULTZ, Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. TSONGAS, By Mr. ROYCE of California (for him- minations that species are endangered spe- Ms. MOORE, Mr. SMITH of Washington, self and Mr. ENGEL): cies or threatened species all data that is the Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. H.R. 5040. A bill to authorize the President basis of such determinations, and for other BROWNLEY of California, Mr. CART- to control the export, reexport, and transfer purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 115–561). WRIGHT, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, Ms. of commodities, software, and technology to Referred to the Committee of the Whole JUDY CHU of California, Ms. CLARK of protect the national security, and to pro- House on the state of the Union. Massachusetts, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CROW- mote the foreign policy, of the United Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- LEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Ms. DEGETTE, States, and for other purposes; to the Com- ural Resources. H.R. 2603. A bill to amend Ms. DELAURO, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mrs. mittee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to pro- DINGELL, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. ELLISON, the Committee on Oversight and Govern- vide that nonnative species in the United Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. ESTY of Con- ment Reform, for a period to be subsequently States shall not be treated as endangered necticut, Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, determined by the Speaker, in each case for species or threatened species for purposes of Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. consideration of such provisions as fall with- that Act; with an amendment (Rept. 115–562). GRIJALVA, Ms. HANABUSA, Mr. HECK, in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Referred to the Committee of the Whole Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. cerned. House on the state of the Union. KEATING, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. KIHUEN, By Mr. WALBERG (for himself, Mrs. Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. LANGEVIN, DINGELL, and Mr. HUDSON): ural Resources. H.R. 3131. A bill to amend Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mrs. H.R. 5041. A bill to amend the Controlled the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to con- LAWRENCE, Ms. LEE, Ms. LOFGREN, Substances Act to authorize the employees form citizen suits under that Act with other Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of a hospice program to handle controlled existing law, and for other purposes (Rept. of New Mexico, Mrs. CAROLYN B. substances in the residence of a deceased 115–563, Pt. 1). Referred to the Committee of MALONEY of New York, Mr. SEAN hospice patient to assist in disposal; to the the Whole House on the state of the Union. PATRICK MALONEY of New York, Ms. Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- MATSUI, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. MCGOV- addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, ural Resources. H.R. 3225. A bill to allow the ERN, Ms. MENG, Mr. MOULTON, Ms. for a period to be subsequently determined Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, NORTON, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PAYNE, by the Speaker, in each case for consider- and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes Ms. PINGREE, Mr. POCAN, Mr. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, QUIGLEY, Mr. RASKIN, Miss RICE of risdiction of the committee concerned. the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of New York, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself, Mr. Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Warm DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Ms. SHEA- TONKO, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. Springs, and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua PORTER, Mr. SIRES, Mr. SOTO, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. POCAN, Tribe of Indians to lease or transfer certain SPEIER, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. THOMPSON Ms. WILSON of Florida, Ms. NORTON, lands (Rept. 115–564). Referred to the Com- of California, Ms. TITUS, Ms. Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire, Mr. mittee of the Whole House on the state of VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. WELCH, Ms. WILSON KHANNA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. RASKIN, the Union. of Florida, and Mr. YARMUTH): Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- H.R. 5034. A bill to prevent international Mr. CONNOLLY, Ms. LEE, Mr. WELCH, ural Resources. H.R. 3607. A bill to authorize violence against women, and for other pur- Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. the Secretary of the Interior to establish poses; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. CROWLEY, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, fees for medical services provided in units of By Mr. BUDD (for himself and Mr. Mr. WALZ, and Ms. HANABUSA): H.R. 5042. A bill to establish the Financing the National Park System, and for other ZELDIN): Energy Efficient Manufacturing Program at purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 115–565). H.R. 5035. A bill to require the President to the Department of Energy to provide finan- Referred to the Committee of the Whole determine whether Hezbollah should be des- cial assistance to promote energy efficiency House on the state of the Union. ignated as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker or a transnational criminal orga- and onsite renewable technologies in manu- DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE nization, and for other purposes; to the Com- facturing facilities, and for other purposes; Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the mittee on Foreign Affairs. to the Committee on Science, Space, and Committee on the Judiciary discharged By Mr. BUDD (for himself and Mr. Technology, and in addition to the Com- from further consideration. H.R. 3131 LYNCH): mittee on Energy and Commerce, for a pe- referred to the Committee of the Whole H.R. 5036. A bill to establish an Inde- riod to be subsequently determined by the pendent Financial Technology Task Force, House on the state of the Union. Speaker, in each case for consideration of to provide rewards for information leading to such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- f convictions related to terrorist use of digital tion of the committee concerned. currencies, to establish a FinTech Leader- By Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. BLU- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ship in Innovation Program to encourage the MENAUER, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public development of tools and programs to com- CUMMINGS, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. HAS- bills and resolutions of the following bat terrorist and illicit use of digital cur- TINGS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. titles were introduced and severally re- rencies, and for other purposes; to the Com- MOORE, and Ms. NORTON): mittee on Financial Services. H.R. 5043. A bill to permit expungement of ferred, as follows: By Mr. MACARTHUR (for himself, Mr. records of certain nonviolent criminal of- By Mr. HARPER: DAVIDSON, Ms. TENNEY, and Mr. fenses, and for other purposes; to the Com- H.R. 5030. A bill to amend the Federal MCHENRY): mittee on the Judiciary. Water Pollution Control Act to provide for H.R. 5037. A bill to provide for exclusive By Mr. CHABOT (for himself and Mr. technical assistance for small treatment Federal jurisdiction over civil securities BERGMAN): works; to the Committee on Transportation fraud actions, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 5044. A bill to amend title 38, United and Infrastructure. Committee on Financial Services. States Code, to clarify the treatment of cer- By Mr. LIPINSKI (for himself, Mr. By Mr. PALAZZO (for himself and Mr. tain surviving spouses under the contracting FASO, Mr. CRIST, Mr. CURBELO of WALZ): goals and preferences of Department of Vet- Florida, Mrs. MURPHY of Florida, and H.R. 5038. A bill to amend titles 5, 10, and erans Affairs; to the Committee on Veterans’ Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN): 37 of the United States Code to ensure that Affairs. H.R. 5031. A bill to direct the Secretary of an order to serve on active duty under sec- By Ms. BARRAGA´ N (for herself and Energy to provide for prize competitions re- tion 12304b of title 10, United States Code, is Mrs. NAPOLITANO): lating to climate and energy, and for other treated the same as other orders to serve on H.R. 5045. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- purposes; to the Committee on Science, active duty for determining the eligibility of enue Code of 1986 to allow taxpayers to des- Space, and Technology. members of the uniformed services for cer- ignate overpayments of tax as contributions By Mr. LIPINSKI: tain benefits, and for other purposes; to the and to make additional contributions to the H.R. 5032. A bill to establish a pilot toll Committee on Armed Services, and in addi- Stop Homelessness Fund, and for other pur- credit marketplace program, and for other tion to the Committee on Oversight and Gov- poses; to the Committee on Ways and Means,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.008 H15FEPT1 H1212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 and in addition to the Committee on Finan- for other purposes; to the Committee on Ag- 10565 Steuben Street in Remsen, New York, cial Services, for a period to be subsequently riculture. as the ‘‘Erin Hamlin Post Office’’; to the determined by the Speaker, in each case for By Mr. MCEACHIN (for himself, Mr. Committee on Oversight and Government consideration of such provisions as fall with- GRIJALVA, Mr. BROWN of Maryland, Reform. in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Mrs. NAPOLITANO, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: cerned. GOMEZ, Ms. LEE, Mr. POCAN, Mrs. H.R. 5064. A bill to authorize aboriginal By Mr. BIGGS: WATSON COLEMAN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. subsistence whaling pursuant to the regula- H.R. 5046. A bill to provide that none of the JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. BASS, Mr. tions of the International Whaling Commis- funds made available to the National Endow- HASTINGS, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. sion and for other purposes; to the Com- ment for the Humanities for any fiscal year WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Ms. WILSON mittee on Foreign Affairs. may be used to carry out section 7 of the Na- of Florida): By Mr. ZELDIN: tional Foundation on the Arts and the Hu- H.R. 5056. A bill to direct the Secretary of H.R. 5065. A bill to amend the Immigration manities Act of 1965; to the Committee on the Interior, Secretary of Defense, and Sec- and Nationality Act to provide that individ- Education and the Workforce. retary of Veterans Affairs to inventory Con- uals who naturalized under title III of that By Mr. BILIRAKIS (for himself, Ms. federate commemorative works on certain Act, who are affiliated with a criminal gang, KUSTER of New Hampshire, Mr. Federal lands, and for other purposes; to the are subject to revocation of citizenship, and ARRINGTON, Mr. COFFMAN, and Mr. Committee on Natural Resources, and in ad- for other purposes; to the Committee on the PETERS): dition to the Committees on Armed Services, Judiciary. H.R. 5047. A bill to direct the Secretary of and Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be sub- By Mr. LIPINSKI (for himself, Mr. FOS- Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstra- sequently determined by the Speaker, in TER, Mr. MCKINLEY, Ms. EDDIE BER- tion program to provide expanded access to each case for consideration of such provi- NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. KENNEDY, medical services through partnerships be- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Mr. KILMER, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- tween Department of Veterans Affairs med- committee concerned. ington, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. RASKIN, ical centers and Federally qualified health By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida (for her- Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. SLAUGHTER, centers, and for other purposes; to the Com- self, Mr. MOULTON, and Mr. PANETTA): and Mr. TONKO): mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. H.R. 5057. A bill to amend the Intelligence H. Res. 739. A resolution supporting the By Mr. BOST (for himself and Mr. Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 goals and ideals of Engineers Week; to the to limit access to classified information, and SOTO): Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- H.R. 5048. A bill to amend the Food Secu- for other purposes; to the Committee on nology, and in addition to the Committee on rity Act of 1985 with respect to eligibility to Oversight and Government Reform. Education and the Workforce, for a period to become a third-party provider, and for other By Mr. PANETTA (for himself, Ms. be subsequently determined by the Speaker, purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. JAYAPAL, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. SCHA- in each case for consideration of such provi- KOWSKY, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. By Mr. CORREA (for himself, Mr. JODY sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the POLIS, Mr. CORREA, Miss RICE of New B. HICE of Georgia, Ms. JACKSON LEE, committee concerned. York, Ms. MOORE, Mr. KILMER, Mr. and Ms. MOORE): By Mr. MCKINLEY (for himself and Mr. HECK, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. H.R. 5049. A bill to amend title 10, United THOMPSON of California): ´ States Code, to ensure that each member of GUTIERREZ, Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALO- H. Res. 740. A resolution expressing support the Armed Forces who is discharged or sepa- NEY of New York, Mr. VARGAS, Ms. for the designation of March 3, 2018, as World rated from the Armed Forces receives docu- LOFGREN, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, Mr. Hearing Day; to the Committee on Energy mentation regarding the training and experi- O’HALLERAN, Mr. SOTO, Mr. BLU- and Commerce. MENAUER, Mr. SWALWELL of Cali- ence of the member; to the Committee on f Armed Services. fornia, and Ms. ESHOO): By Mr. CORREA (for himself, Mr. H.R. 5058. A bill to amend the Immigration CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY and Nationality Act to eliminate the annual GAETZ, and Mr. BLUMENAUER): STATEMENT H.R. 5050. A bill to direct the Attorney numerical limitation on U visas, to require General, in enforcing the provisions of the the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Controlled Substances Act relating to mari- work authorization to aliens with a pending the Rules of the House of Representa- application for nonimmigrant status under juana, to focus on certain enforcement prior- tives, the following statements are sub- subparagraph (U) or (T) of section 101(a)(15) ities; to the Committee on the Judiciary. mitted regarding the specific powers of such Act, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. DUFFY: Committee on the Judiciary. granted to Congress in the Constitu- H.R. 5051. A bill to amend the Securities By Mr. ROTHFUS (for himself and Mrs. tion to enact the accompanying bill or Exchange Act of 1934 to revise the share- BEATTY): joint resolution. holder threshold for registration under such H.R. 5059. A bill to amend the Home Own- By Mr. HARPER: Act, and for other purposes; to the Com- ers’ Loan Act with respect to the registra- mittee on Financial Services. H.R. 5030. tion and supervision of insurance savings Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. JOYCE of Ohio (for himself, Ms. and loan holding companies, and for other lation pursuant to the following: DELBENE, Ms. GABBARD, and Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Financial Article 1, Section 8, General Welfare BONAMICI): Services. Clause H.R. 5052. A bill to amend title XVIII of the By Mr. RUIZ (for himself and Mr. Social Security Act to provide for patient By Mr. LIPINSKI: COOK): H.R. 5031. protection by establishing safe nurse staffing H.R. 5060. A bill to amend the Omnibus Congress has the power to enact this legis- levels at certain Medicare providers, and for Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to lation pursuant to the following: other purposes; to the Committee on Energy make reforms to the benefits for Public Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the U.S. and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- Service Officers, and for other purposes; to Constitution. mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. LIPINSKI: subsequently determined by the Speaker, in By Mr. SANFORD: H.R. 5032. each case for consideration of such provi- H.R. 5061. A bill to amend title 46, United Congress has the power to enact this legis- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the States Code, to limit recovery for certain in- lation pursuant to the following: committee concerned. juries incurred in shellfish aquaculture ac- U.S. Constitution, Article I, Sec. 8. By Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire: tivities if a remedy is available; to the Com- By Mr. LIPINSKI: H.R. 5053. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- H.R. 5033. cation Act of 1965 to support innovative ture, and in addition to the Committee on Congress has the power to enact this legis- technology partnerships; to the Committee the Judiciary, for a period to be subse- lation pursuant to the following: on Education and the Workforce. quently determined by the Speaker, in each U.S. Constitution, Article I, Sec.8. By Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee: case for consideration of such provisions as By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY: H.R. 5054. A bill to provide an exemption fall within the jurisdiction of the committee H.R. 5034. for emerging growth companies and other concerned. Congress has the power to enact this legis- smaller companies from the requirements to By Mr. SWALWELL of California (for lation pursuant to the following: use Extensible Business Reporting Language himself, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. PETERS, Article 1, Section 7 (XBRL) for financial statements and other Mr. PAULSEN, and Mr. VARGAS): By Mr. BUDD: periodic reporting, and for other purposes; to H.R. 5062. A bill to provide for a study by H.R. 5035. the Committee on Financial Services. the National Academy of Medicine on the Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- use of genetic and genomic testing to im- lation pursuant to the following: ico (for himself and Ms. MICHELLE prove health care, and for other purposes; to Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, providing the LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico): the Committee on Energy and Commerce. power to ‘‘regulate commerce with foreign H.R. 5055. A bill to amend the Food Secu- By Ms. TENNEY: nations, and among the several states.’’ rity amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to H.R. 5063. A bill to designate the facility of By Mr. BUDD: make acequias eligible for assistance, and the United States Postal Service located at H.R. 5036.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L15FE7.100 H15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1213 Congress has the power to enact this legis- gress with the ability to enact legislation By Mr. RUIZ: lation pursuant to the following: necessary and proper to effectuate its pur- H.R. 5060. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, providing the pose in taxing and spending. Congress has the power to enact this legis- power to ‘‘regulate commerce with foreign By Mr. CORREA: lation pursuant to the following: nations, and among the several states.’’ H.R. 5049. clause 18 of section 8 of article I of the By Mr. MACARTHUR: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution H.R. 5037. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. SANFORD: Congress has the power to enact this legis- The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, H.R. 5061. lation pursuant to the following: Section 8. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, clause 3 By Mr. CORREA: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. PALAZZO: H.R. 5050. Under Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 which H.R. 5038. Congress has the power to enact this legis- deals with interstate commerce. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: By Mr. SWALWELL of California: lation pursuant to the following: The U.S. Constitution including Article 1, H.R. 5062. Section 8 of Article I of the United States Section 8. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution. By Mr. DUFFY: lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. BANKS of Indiana: H.R. 5051. Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 and 8 H.R. 5039. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. TENNEY: Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5063. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, section 8, clause 1 (relating to Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, clause 18 the general welfare of the United States); lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, clause 3 and Article I, section 8, clause 3 (relating to Article I, Section 8, clause 18 of the United By Mr. ROYCE of California: the power to regulate interstate commerce). H.R. 5040. States Constitution. By Mr. JOYCE of Ohio: By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5052. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5064. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, in- lation pursuant to the following: cluding Clause 18 of that Section. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 By Mr. WALBERG: States Constitution. H.R. 5041. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 By Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. ZELDIN: H.R. 5053. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5065. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause I and Article I, Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution lation pursuant to the following: Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitu- By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: Article 1, Section 8 of the United States tion, Congress has the power ‘‘to make all H.R. 5042. Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Laws which shall be necessary and proper for f lation pursuant to the following: carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. To regulate ADDITIONAL SPONSORS commerce with foreign nations, and among stitution in the Government of the United the several states, and with the Indian States, or any Department or Officer there- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors tribes. of’’ were added to public bills and resolu- By Mr. COHEN: By Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee: tions, as follows: H.R. 5054. H.R. 5043. H.R. 15: Mr. O’ROURKE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: H.R. 233: Mr. CAPUANO. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 754: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Article I, Section 8 Under Article I, Section 8, the Necessary and Proper Clause. Congress shall have H.R. 846: Mr. DONOVAN and Mr. TAKANO. By Mr. CHABOT: H.R. 850: Mr. HARPER, Mr. DESANTIS, Mr. H.R. 5044. power to make all Laws which shall be nec- KNIGHT, Mr. THOMAS J. ROONEY of Florida, Congress has the power to enact this legis- essary and proper for carrying into Execu- and Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. lation pursuant to the following: tion the foregoing Powers and all Powers H.R. 878: Mr. BYRNE. Article 1, Section 8 vested by this Constitution in the Govern- H.R. 967: Mr. DELANEY. By Ms. BARRAGA´ N: ment of the United States, or in any Depart- H.R. 1267: Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 5045. ment or Officer thereof. H.R. 1529: Mr. YOHO and Mr. BUDD. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- H.R. 1553: Mr. COHEN. lation pursuant to the following: ico: Article 1 Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution H.R. 5055. H.R. 1612: Mr. LAWSON of Florida. ‘‘All legislative powers herein granted Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1651: Mr. DEUTCH. shall be vested in a Congress of the United lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1683: Mr. MACARTHUR, Mrs. CAROLYN States, which shall consist of a Senate and Article 1, Section 8 B. MALONEY of New York, Ms. MENG, Mrs. House of Representatives.’’ By Mr. MCEACHIN: BUSTOS, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. By Mr. BIGGS: H.R. 5056. NOLAN. H.R. 5046. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1832: Mr. PERLMUTTER. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1903: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. lation pursuant to the following: Article 4, Section 3, Clause 2 H.R. 1972: Mr. GROTHMAN. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida: H.R. 2133: Mr. NORMAN and Mr. KINZINGER. tion H.R. 5057. H.R. 2215: Ms. MOORE and Mr. CRIST. By Mr. BILIRAKIS: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2309: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 5047. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2318: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 14: To make H.R. 2327: Mr. CRAWFORD. lation pursuant to the following: Rules for the Government H.R. 2380: Mr. LYNCH. This bill is enacted pursuant to Article I, Article I, Section 8, Clause 18: The Nec- H.R. 2472: Ms. CLARKE of New York. Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the essary and Proper Clause H.R. 2478: Mr. CRAWFORD. United States and Article I, Section 8, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2: The Needful H.R. 2633: Mr. RUIZ. Clause 7 of the Constitution of the United Rules Clause H.R. 2670: Mr. LAWSON of Florida. States. By Mr. PANETTA: H.R. 2710: Ms. TITUS. Article I, section 8 of the United State H.R. 5058. H.R. 2740: Mr. PAULSEN. Constitution, which grants Congress the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2840: Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois power to raise and support an Army; to pro- lation pursuant to the following: and Mr. KENNEDY. vide and maintain a Navy; to make rules for Clause 4 of Section 8 of Article I of the H.R. 2862: Ms. MCSALLY. the government and regulation of the land Constitution H.R. 2952: Mr. DESAULNIER. and naval forces; and provide for organizing, By Mr. ROTHFUS: H.R. 2957: Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. arming, and disciplining the militia. H.R. 5059. H.R. 2991: Mr. MACARTHUR. By Mr. BOST: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3197: Mr. BUCHANAN. H.R. 5048. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3356: Ms. JAYAPAL. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, relating to H.R. 3459: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. lation pursuant to the following: the general welfare of the United States; and H.R. 3530: Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Clause 1 of Article Section I of the United Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, relating to and Mr. SWALWELL of California. States Consititution, which provides Con- the power to regulate interstate commerce. H.R. 3586: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.023 H15FEPT1 H1214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 15, 2018 H.R. 3642: Mr. MACARTHUR. H.R. 4897: Mr. RASKIN. PETITIONS, ETC. H.R. 3738: Mr. CUMMINGS. H.R. 4912: Ms. KAPTUR. H.R. 3742: Mr. DESAULNIER. H.R. 4919: Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Under clause 3 of rule XII, petitions H.R. 4044: Mr. JONES, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, H.R. 4932: Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. KUSTER of and papers were laid on the clerk’s Mr. COLE, and Mr. CUELLAR. New Hampshire, Mr. SOTO, Mr. BLUMENAUER, desk and referred as follows: H.R. 4147: Mr. SIRES. and Mr. QUIGLEY. H.R. 4207: Mr. LAMBORN. H.R. 4954: Mr. FITZPATRICK and Mr. KILMER. 80. The SPEAKER presented a petition of H.R. 4240: Mr. BUTTERFIELD and Mr. H.R. 4977: Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto CARBAJAL. H.R. 4980: Ms. SLAUGHTER. Rico, relative to Senate Concurrent Resolu- H.R. 4256: Mr. NUNES, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mrs. H.R. 4981: Mr. GIANFORTE. DINGELL, and Mr. THOMAS J. ROONEY of Flor- H.R. 4982: Mr. RASKIN and Mr. DEUTCH. tion 28, to express the firm and unequivocal ida. H.R. 4995: Mr. PALLONE. repudiation and opposition of the Legislative H.R. 4274: Mr. RICE of South Carolina. H.R. 5001: Mr. ESPAILLAT and Mr. BLU- Assembly of Puerto Rico to HR 4202 of the H.R. 4296: Mr. SESSIONS. MENAUER. United States House of Representatives that H.R. 4548: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 5012: Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. proposes the application of the ‘‘Animal Wel- H.R. 4549: Mr. MEEKS. H.R. 5013: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. fare Act’’ to United States territories and, H.R. 4556: Mr. HULTGREN and Mr. LIPINSKI. H.J. Res. 32: Mr. LUETKEMEYER. consequently, prohibits cockfights in Puerto H.R. 4575: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. H. Con. Res. 89: Mr. MCGOVERN. H.R. 4659: Mr. EMMER and Mr. RODNEY H. Con. Res. 105: Mr. COLE and Mr. PRICE of Rico; to the Committee on Agriculture. DAVIS of Illinois. North Carolina. 81. Also, a petition of the Senate of the H.R. 4688: Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- H. Res. 188: Mr. O’HALLERAN. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, relative to ico. H. Res. 244: Mr. ISSA. Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, to request H. Res. 274: Mr. KIHUEN. H.R. 4706: Mr. DESAULNIER. the United States Congress and the United H.R. 4760: Mr. CARTER of Georgia. H. Res. 621: Mr. HUFFMAN. States Department of the Interior to take H.R. 4770: Mr. DESANTIS. H. Res. 652: Mr. MCNERNEY. H.R. 4820: Mr. HECK. H. Res. 699: Ms. SLAUGHTER and Mr. the necessary administrative and legislative H.R. 4827: Mr. PETERSON. DESAULNIER. actions in order to provide for the updating H.R. 4844: Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida H. Res. 707: Mr. GOMEZ. of various topographic and hydrographic and Mr. FLEISCHMANN. H. Res. 720: Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. DENT, Mr. maps of our Island; and for other related pur- H.R. 4869: Mrs. RADEWAGEN and Ms. GUTHRIE, Mr. JONES, and Mr. SANFORD. poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- BORDALLO. H. Res. 728: Mr. DUNN. sources. H.R. 4884: Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. H. Res. 737: Mrs. HARTZLER.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:23 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE7.020 H15FEPT1 E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2018 No. 30 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable ROY BLUNT, a Senator States before reaching the age of 18, called to order by the Honorable ROY from the State of Missouri, to perform the improve border security, foster United BLUNT, a Senator from the State of duties of the Chair. States engagement in Central America. ORRIN G. HATCH, Missouri. RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER President pro tempore. f The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Mr. BLUNT thereupon assumed the pore. The majority leader is recog- PRAYER Chair as Acting President pro tempore. nized. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f PARKLAND, FLORIDA, SCHOOL SHOOTING fered the following prayer: RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I wish to begin this morning by sharing Let us pray. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Our Father in Heaven, thank You for the shock and sorrow that all of us in pore. Under the previous order, the this body felt as we learned of yester- Your mighty love. Today, empower our leadership time is reserved. Senators to pass the test You permit day’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman them to experience. Give them the wis- f Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. dom to believe that You will not per- CONCLUSION OF MORNING To say that such brutal, pointless vio- mit them to be tested beyond their BUSINESS lence is unconscionable is an under- ability to prevail. Lord, provide them statement. Schools should be places The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- where children can learn, and faculty with a path of escape from life’s vicis- pore. Morning business is closed. situdes. Help them to strive to be faith- and staff can work without fear of vio- ful servants of Your Kingdom, thereby f lence. My colleagues from Florida will leaving behind a legacy that will bless BROADER OPTIONS FOR carry home the prayers of the whole generations yet unborn. Use them for AMERICANS ACT Senate for victims and their families, Your glory. And, Lord, sustain those The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- for the community of Parkland, and for who are dealing with the Parkland, FL, pore. Under the previous order, the the first responders who bravely school shooting. Senate will resume consideration of charged into harm’s way on behalf of We pray in Your sovereign Name. H.R. 2579, which the clerk will report. others. Amen. The senior assistant legislative clerk For the information of all Senators, f read as follows: the Senate will observe a moment of silence at 12 noon. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE A bill (H.R. 2579) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium Now, Mr. President, on an entirely The Presiding Officer led the Pledge tax credit with respect to unsubsidized different matter, the entire week has of Allegiance, as follows: COBRA continuation coverage. been set aside, as I assured it would be, I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Pending: for votes on the DACA issue, border se- United States of America, and to the Repub- Grassley amendment No. 1959, in the na- curity, and other issues pertaining to lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ture of a substitute. the subject of immigration. At this indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. McConnell (for TOOMEY/CRUZ) amendment point, we should be wrapping up a live- f No. 1948 (to amendment No. 1959), to ensure ly week of debate, amendments, and that State and local law enforcement may numerous votes, but that is not what APPOINTMENT OF ACTING cooperate with Federal officials to protect has happened. Instead, we are here on PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE our communities from violent criminals and Thursday morning and have yet to vote suspected terrorists who are illegally present on a single amendment—not one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The in the United States. clerk will please read a communication amendment all week on what was of- Schumer modified amendment No. to the Senate from the President pro fered: an open debate. 1958 (to the language proposed to be tempore (Mr. HATCH). Remember, our Democratic friends stricken by amendment No. 1959), of a The senior assistant legislative clerk wanted this debate. They actually shut perfecting nature. read the following letter: down the Federal Government for 300 Durbin (for COONS/MCCAIN) amend- million Americans, unnecessarily, to U.S. SENATE, ment No. 1955 (to amendment No. 1958), PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, guarantee that we could have this de- Washington, DC, February 15, 2018. to provide relief from removal and ad- bate and at this particular time—this To the Senate: justment of status of certain individ- week. Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, uals who are long-term United States They have spent months insisting of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby residents and who entered the United that DACA is a top priority for them

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.000 S15FEPT1 S1132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 and telling their constituents they raises, and new benefits for millions of The senior assistant legislative clerk would do everything they could to re- American workers, and the long-term proceeded to call the roll. solve it. But when the rubber meets the signs are just as promising. Hundreds Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask road, they have yet to bring forward a of companies have announced signifi- unanimous consent that the order for single proposal that gives us a realistic cant commitments to plant deeper the quorum call be rescinded. chance to make law; that is, to pass roots in the American economy. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the Senate, pass the House, and earn We know the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act pore. Without objection, it is so or- the President’s signature. All they is pro-worker and pro-business, but tax dered. have done so far is to slow the process reform is also, at its core, pro-family. RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER as much as possible. It turns out that It doubles the standard deduction, The Democratic leader is recognized. they didn’t want a fair, open, free- meaning a young married couple effec- PARKLAND, FLORIDA, SCHOOL SHOOTING wheeling amendment process after all. tively gets a new zero-percent tax Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I rise Yesterday evening, I filed cloture on bracket for the first $24,000 they earn. with a heavy heart for the people of all four pending amendments. At a If that couple decides to purchase a Parkland, FL, and Stoneman Douglas minimum, under regular order, we home, their mortgage interest will be High School, where yesterday 17 Amer- could make sure that at least they re- eligible for a deduction. Contrary to icans were killed in the deadliest ceive a vote by Friday morning. I hope what many predicted, the historic tax school shooting since Sandy Hook. It the Democratic leader will finally con- cuts we delivered didn’t jeopardize the was the 18th school shooting this year, sent to hold these votes on amend- middle-class deduction. We preserved and we are only halfway through Feb- ments today. it. ruary. Our Democratic friends say they When that couple starts a family, Again, yesterday the scourge of gun want resolution for illegal immigrants they will benefit from the fact that we violence visited an American school, a who were brought into the country as doubled the child tax credit, thanks to place where our kids should be able to children. The President put forward a the fine work of Senator HELLER and learn free from the shadow of violence framework that would do exactly that. others throughout the committee proc- and mayhem. Again, we all watched His reasonable proposal offers a more ess. the scenes with children running for than generous resolution for 1.8 million At its new level, that credit will save their lives. Again, a twisted soul got individuals in that category. a two-child household $4,000 every ahold of an assault rifle and unleashed But the DACA issue is just a symp- year—$4,000—to help them with back- carnage on the innocent. tom of our broken immigration sys- to-school costs, to kick off a college Even though we didn’t see it, in mil- tem. So the President has made clear, fund, or to help them afford summer lions of bedrooms and living rooms in and I strongly agree, that any legisla- camp tuition and a family vacation in- Americans’ homes last night, 10-year- tion must also treat the root causes stead of choosing one or the other. old, 8-year-old, 12-year-old children Thanks to the tireless work of my and reform legal immigration, and it were saying: Mom, Dad, what hap- colleague from Nebraska, Senator must also include commonsense steps pened? What do I do if this happens in FISCHER, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act en- to ensure the safety of the American my school? courages more employers to provide people. I address this Chamber knowing Several Senators, led by Senator paid family leave. That is good news there are no words that could ease the for millions of American families who anguish and the sorrow felt by the par- GRASSLEY, the chairman of the Judici- ary Committee, have crafted legisla- will welcome a child this year. ents of those 17 Americans, by their My Democratic colleagues like to tion that accommodates the major in- friends and siblings, their neighbors speak about the importance of paid terests of all sides. It fulfills the stated and teachers. leave, but not a single one of them As we remember the words of Scrip- goals of our Democratic colleagues voted with us—not one. Every Demo- ture that tell us ‘‘Blessed are those and—and—conforms to the President’s crat in the House and in the Senate who mourn, for they will be com- requirements. voted against the bill that included forted,’’ let us resolve to do some- Their bill provides funding to secure Senator FISCHER’s paid family leave in- thing—something—about the epidemic the border. It reforms extended chain centives. Every one of them voted of gun violence in this country. migration and the visa lottery pro- against a bill that included a bigger Mr. President, on an entirely dif- gram. It fixes the loophole that forces standard deduction and the doubling of ferent matter, Senators from both par- us to release thousands of criminal the childcare credit and lower income ties engaged in negotiations for aliens who were rejected by their own tax rates. Fortunately, we passed this months to find a solution that would home countries. It enacts Kate’s Law historic achievement despite their ef- allow the Dreamers to stay in the to put criminals who illegally and re- forts to stop it. United States as well as provide border peatedly cross our borders behind bars. Thanks to every Republican who security. On several occasions, those It gets tougher on violent and dan- voted for tax reform, both Walmart and discussions have yielded results, in- gerous criminals such as drug smug- Lowe’s have announced expansions of cluding last night, when a bipartisan glers, human traffickers, repeat drunk both maternity and paternity leave. group of moderate Senators reached a drivers, gang members, and sex offend- CVS is creating an entirely new paren- breakthrough agreement. ers. And, yes, it offers a generous—ex- tal leave program. In Wisconsin, where The spotlight now turns to the rest of tremely generous—resolution to the only one of two Senators voted for re- the Senate and especially to President DACA issue. form, American Family Insurance is Trump, who throughout these negotia- The President, in my view, has gone expanding its family leave benefits. So tions has not been constructive. Presi- more than half way to meet the Demo- is Broadridge Financial Solutions in dent Trump has shown a remarkable crats and resolve this matter. If they New York, despite both Senators from ability to snatch defeat from the jaws are actually interested in finding a so- New York voting against it. This is of victory. President Trump, since he lution, it is time they take yes for an only the beginning. created the problem by terminating answer so that 1.8 million people are el- My Democratic colleagues said tax DACA last August, has stood in the igible for citizenship. reform would bring about ‘‘Armaged- way of every single proposal that has Because my Democratic friends were don.’’ They said nothing in our bill had a chance of becoming law. He stalling for time, they spent 3 full days would help American workers. But the turned his back on not one but two bi- making political points instead of proof is in the pudding. The evidence is partisan immigration proposals earlier making law. I hope today can be dif- piling up. Middle-class families all over this year. I went so far as to put the ferent. the country are glad their Congress President’s wall on the table, and still TAX REFORM and their President made tax reform a the President would not take yes for an Mr. President, on a final subject, it reality. answer. has only been 55 days since the Presi- I suggest the absence of a quorum. Now President Trump seems eager to dent signed historic tax reform into The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- spike the latest bipartisan com- law. Already, it has led to bonuses, pore. The clerk will call the roll. promise, potentially with a veto. Why?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.001 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1133 Because it isn’t 100 percent of what the been hard. People have anguished. In the past several months, the White President wants on immigration? That the past, the Senate has risen to the House has moved away from a lot of is not how democracy works. You don’t occasion. Can it do it today? I say that things. get 100 percent of what you want in a to my colleagues on both sides of the First, it moved from legal status to democracy—maybe in a dictatorship. aisle. No one else seems willing to do saying: OK, let’s do citizenship. It is You have to give and take. You have to it—not the House, not the President. It not citizenship for just the 690,000 indi- compromise in order to make progress. is the Senate—what President Wash- viduals who are currently in DACA, but We have tried to do that in Congress, ington famously called the cooling sau- the White House opened this up—and I to solve a problem the President has cer for our politics—that can show the agree—to 1.8 million individuals who created. Yet, time and again, he has Nation how to lead, that can show the are not only DACA students but to frustrated our efforts. Nation what bipartisanship looks like, those who are also DACA-eligible, If the American people want to know what compromise looks like, what those who did not sign up for the proc- why Congress can look so dysfunc- progress looks like. The Senate can do ess but who could have been eligible for tional, they ought to look to the other that today. it. end of Pennsylvania Avenue. If the Let’s do our job. Let’s rise to the oc- Interestingly enough, the President President had been quiet, if the Presi- casion. And by the end of today, let’s even moved from President Obama’s dent had let us do our work, a bipar- say to the Dreamers that the Senate position. President Obama’s position tisan compromise would have already believes America has a place for them for DACA was that you had to be in the passed this Chamber with 65 votes, too. country by 2007. President Trump has maybe more, and we would have a solu- I yield the floor. moved that and said he will be more tion to protect the Dreamers. But here The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- open. You will have had to have been in we are. Let’s hope it happens. pore. The Senator from Oklahoma. the country by the time President If President Trump rejects another PARKLAND, FLORIDA, SCHOOL SHOOTING Obama announced the program in 2012. bipartisan compromise, there is no Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I That was a significant concession question that the American people will join with many others who are praying which has opened up the program for blame President Trump and no one else for the families in Florida today as almost 1 million more individuals. for the failure to protect Dreamers. they grieve—an overwhelming grief The trade-off was pretty straight- With an obstinate President and a frac- that most parents would never con- forward. He had a long list of items to tious House, I hope today the Senate template—because they do not have be able to provide border security— rises to the occasion. the opportunity to take their kids to both interior enforcement and border The Dreamers are watching this de- school today because their lives were security. Yet, over the past couple of bate right now because their futures taken yesterday. I continue to pray months, the President has backed up depend on it. If we don’t succeed, they for, engage in, and help in any way and said OK. The Democrats have said face deportation to countries they that we can through this process. they absolutely do not want any inte- don’t remember. They have lived in I know so many of the schools in my rior enforcement of any immigration this country their entire lives, pledged State have taken active steps over the laws added in any way, so the Presi- allegiance to our flag, built families, past many years to provide greater se- dent backed up and said: Let’s start careers, served in our military. They curity in the schools, with lockdown with border security. We want to do in- didn’t break any laws. They were access and other things that they have terior enforcement in the days ahead, brought here through no fault of their done intentionally to provide greater but let’s start with border security. own. And despite their status, despite and greater security. There is no expla- The President wanted to address the the fear that comes with living in the nation for an individual who is a issue of sanctuary cities, but that is shadows, they strived hopefully to former student of a school to return to not addressed in this bill. He has make a successful life in this country, the school with a gun and with who dropped that. The President wanted to which they love. What can be more knows what motivation. deal with asylum reform, but he has American than that? We owe it to So we will continue to pray, engage, dropped that issue from his proposal. them to find a solution that can pass and work with schools on security, as There is no conversation about refu- this body of Congress. we have done from this body in the gees and changing how that structure The only solution, unfortunately, past, as well as to provide financial re- would work. There is no conversation that my friend the Republican leader sources to help schools and their secu- about the H visa programs. He has has offered is the very partisan Grass- rity systems, to help provide advice dropped a lot of issues that were impor- ley bill—no input from Democrats, no and counsel—to do what can be done. tant to the White House and has said: effort to compromise. We Democrats, We will pray along with the families OK. We will deal with those on a dif- on the other hand, have supported sev- who struggle deeply, and we will walk ferent day. Let’s limit the issues to eral bipartisan agreements on the with them through their incredible, in- this narrow group of four issues, and table. We are ready to vote on them, explicable grief. that is all we will deal with. including the genuine, bipartisan com- Mr. President, this is a week that has He dropped a lot of other issues for promise that moderates, Democratic been set aside for the immigration de- it. Border security, dealing with citi- and Republican, reached last night. bate, but today is the first day there zenship for those individuals who are in There are plenty of things for every- has been any real immigration debate DACA or who are DACA-eligible, deal- body not to like in this bill. There is a on the floor. It is Thursday. All week, ing with the issue of family migration lot I don’t like in it, believe me. I this floor has sat mostly empty. For and how that works together, and then think the wall will not accomplish any- months, there has been the preparation dealing with the issue of the diversity thing. It will be an enormous waste of to put immigration bills on the floor, lottery—that is it. Everything else money and will be a terrible symbol of but as of earlier this week, there had dropped away. our America, replacing the beautiful only been one bill that had actually It is not comprehensive—it is small— lady who stands in the harbor I rep- been proposed—the President’s bill—to but border security had very clear defi- resent. But compromise is compromise. be able to say: Here is a middle-ground nitions. Border security is not just a Democrats and Republicans will find position. wall. I have heard some individuals provisions they don’t want and After months of negotiation and the say, even on this floor today, that a wouldn’t include if they had written it. White House meeting with everybody— wall will not accomplish anything. I But we have to do our jobs today. We both sides of the aisle from the House would say the President agrees with have to rise above our differences, and the Senate—the White House laid that. A wall by itself doesn’t accom- admit that no one will get everything out a proposal and said: Here is a mid- plish anything. A wall is needed in they want, and accept the painful com- dle ground. I would say that the White some sections of the border to slow promises that come with democratic House has moved a tremendous amount down illegal crossings, especially in government. That is what the Senate in this and has dropped a tremendous urban areas, where there are urban has done through the centuries. It has number of issues. Over the course of areas on both sides of the border. It is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.002 S15FEPT1 S1134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 needed in those areas, but a wall by ity of them do not appear for their another part say that it is actually 5 to itself doesn’t accomplish anything. court dates, but they are somewhere, 7 years. Say what you mean. Don’t try You can go around it, and you can go at a location unknown, in the country. to say two different things and have over it eventually. What you need are It is not unreasonable to resolve this two different paths. additional agents. What you need are issue; yet it is unresolved in all of I was also interested in a change that additional enforcement authorities. these bipartisan proposals. was slipped in at the very back of the What is needed is to be able to break There is no fix to deal with criminal bipartisan bill that makes an enormous down some of the legal loopholes. aliens or those individuals who come change to the status of every single in- Some proposals that have come out into the country who are gang mem- dividual in the country. Let me just in the last few hours have said they bers. It is a small minority, but there read this. It is being said that this bill want to strike a bipartisan compromise are those individuals, and there seems is just about a wall and just about and say: OK, we will provide for wall to be no fix for those things at all. DACA, but let me read this section in funding, and we will allow for the large There is no dealing with the issue of the back of the bill: In carrying out im- legalization and naturalization of indi- the hiring process for the Department migration enforcement activities, the viduals who are DACA and DACA-eligi- of Homeland Security. If you are in re- Secretary shall prioritize available im- ble. That is a fair trade-off, they say. mote areas on the northern border— migration enforcement resources to The problem is when you read the fine there are requests to add additional aliens who have been convicted of a fel- print of what that means. I go back to compensation to some of these areas or ony, a significant misdemeanor, three the same statement: If they say a wall to give additional benefits to some of or more misdemeanor offenses, pose a doesn’t accomplish anything, and all these Customs and Border Protection threat to national security or public they provide is really a wall and a few folks because they work in very remote safety, or are unlawfully present in the technical things around it, then the areas along the border. They ask for United States, and—that is an impor- question remains, What is missing? this year after year after year, and tant word in there, ‘‘and’’—they ar- What would make the difference? there is nothing addressed in the bipar- rived in the United States after June What would make the difference are tisan agreement. It is just the wall and 30, 2018. some very basic things to be able to asking: Shouldn’t that be enough? It is Do you know what that says? That close legal loopholes. That is what is in not. says the Department of Homeland Se- the President’s proposal—none of them There is no dealing with drugs like curity can’t go after anyone in the onerous, none of them out of line. They fentanyl and trying to interdict those country illegally who arrives here be- are just dealing with the basic legal in the border areas. fore June 30, 2018. In other words, the loopholes. It doesn’t provide any deterrence for race is on. If you can get into the coun- We all have to admit, when you see the visa overstays. About 40 percent of try and across the border before June the records from the Department of the individuals who are illegally in this 30 of this year, you are in, and you Homeland Security and from Customs country right now came on a tourist have amnesty—for millions. That is and Border Protection, that there are visa or on some other kind of visa and not about DACA; that is every single individuals who cross the border, both just overstayed it. We have to resolve individual in the country unlawfully adults and unaccompanied minors, who those issues as well. That seems to be present. If you are in the country un- are coached by coyotes as they move an obvious issue. lawfully present before June 30 of this through Mexico: When you cross the There is no dealing with some of the year, according to this bill, you are in border, here is what to say. If you say basic statements. What do I mean by until you commit a felony. As long as these things, then you will get access that? Under some of the bipartisan you don’t do that, you will never have into the government. bills that are coming out, you prove any enforcement of any type. I was They know that if they say certain yourself to be a DACA-eligible indi- stunned to see that slipped into the phrases, they are in. I hate to say that vidual by your own verbal statement back of the bill. is actually true, and it is unaddressed that you are eligible. No documenta- This was dropped last night, and we in any of these bipartisan com- tion is required. I think that is an obvi- still have the opportunity to go promises. I don’t think it is unrealistic ous loophole. If you are DACA-eligible, through it, but I am quite surprised at to say that if you go around one of the even, in fact, under President Obama’s the number of people who have pushed barriers or even through one of the proposal, you have to show documenta- back on the President and have either gated entrances and cross through and tion that you are DACA-eligible. Yet, not read his proposal or have ignored immediately get caught by someone on in these new proposals, you don’t. You what he put on the table. It is not an the other side but say the magic just have to say that you are eligible, unreasonable proposal. It is a straight- phrases, you are in. We have to resolve and suddenly you are eligible. That is a forward, commonsense proposal. I that, and there are some basic ways to major problem. would encourage those folks who op- resolve it. The structure of how some of the bi- pose it to read it first and to see what If you come in and have a credible partisan agreements have come out has it actually says. claim of fear or a claim of asylum and also become a big issue for me because There has been pushback on the issue cross the border and immediately it doesn’t really deal with just this 10- of chain migration or family reunifica- speak those words, currently you are year. In one section of the bill, it says tion. Let me set this in context. Right allowed into the country for 2 or 3 it is a 10-year path toward citizenship. now, we have a 20-year backlog for in- years while your trial goes through the I have no issue, if we can do border se- dividuals coming into the country le- process. Only about 30 percent of those curity, with having a 10-year path to- gally. That is an incentive not to do are actually successful. That 30 percent ward citizenship. It allows us to have legal immigration because if you are number is significant. 10 years to deal with the basic border going to wait in the line 20 years long, What do we do to resolve it? Why security things. It gives certainty to many are just not going to go through don’t we add additional judges and ad- those individuals who are in the coun- the process. Unless we reform how we ditional courts, and instead of waiting try that they are headed toward citi- do the family integration, once 2 mil- 3 years before you have that hearing, zenship. I have absolutely no problem lion additional people are added to this you have that hearing within 3 weeks? with that, but the bipartisan agree- in the 10-year time period, I have no No evidence has changed in that time ment that has come out doesn’t do question we will move from a 20-year period. You are still allowed to have that. In one section, it says a 10-year backlog to a 25-year backlog as family counsel, and you are still allowed to path to citizenship. In another section, members also reconnect with those in- have insight. But we actually resolve it it gives the recipients the opportunity dividuals coming in. What happens at instead of allowing people to come into to get legal permanent residency— that point? A bad situation gets even the country for 3 years and telling green cards—much faster, which then worse in our immigration policy. them ‘‘Here is a court date and a court moves them on to a much faster track. The issue of family reunification and location to appear,’’ and you do not It is a little bit of a sleight of hand the proposals that were laid out have know if they appear. In fact, the major- that we say 10 years in one part and in not been partisan proposals in the past,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.004 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1135 but suddenly because President Trump the age of 65. That number is growing. I go to Lansing each year for Advocacy put it out there, it is suddenly an unre- To put that in perspective, that is Day—I will talk to anyone and everyone alistic partisan proposal. May I remind about the same number of people who about this disease that is ruining millions of everyone that this issue was also dealt live in Wisconsin or Minnesota or Colo- lives, including mine. Alzheimer’s unfortu- rado. nately isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, with in the 2013 Gang of 8 bill that got but neither am I. around 70 votes in the Senate—this By 2050, it is estimated that as many very similar issue of family reunifica- as 16 million Americans may be living This fighting spirit is what keeps tion and how this would work. In 1995, with Alzheimer’s. That is more people caregivers like Lauren going, and they during the Clinton administration, a than live in Pennsylvania or Illinois. deserve to know that we are, in fact, proposal was made by Democratic From Alaska to Alabama, to New Mex- fighting alongside them. That is why House Member Barbara Jordan, leading ico, to Maine, no State is immune, as Senator CAPITO and I have introduced the Commission on Immigration that we know. In my own State of Michigan, legislation that will help give families made almost the exact same proposal the number of people living with Alz- in West Virginia, Michigan, and all in 1995. heimer’s disease is expected to rise across the country new tools to cope This was just not a partisan issue from about 180,000 today to 220,000 in with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the until now. For some reason, because the year 2025, which is not very far life that follows. President Trump wants to propose it, away. That is an increase of about 22 I would like to thank my friend from it is an angry Republican issue. It has percent in less than 7 years. West Virginia for partnering with me been a bipartisan, commonsense issue The cost of providing healthcare and on this important bill. The CHANGE for a long time on how to deal with an long-term care for people affected by Act builds on my HOPE for Alzheimer’s obvious issue in our immigration re- Alzheimer’s is astronomical and grow- Act, which was implemented beginning form. ing. In fact, one out of every five Medi- last year and supports parents and I would encourage my colleagues to care dollars goes to Alzheimer’s dis- their families by requiring Medicare to read the bill and see what is in it, not ease. It is estimated that last year, for pay for an individual care plan when a what is being said in the media about the first time, the United States spent family member is diagnosed. This en- it. See what is really in it, and if there more than a quarter of a trillion dol- courages more doctors to feel there is a is a question and a dialogue about it, lars on Alzheimer’s-related care. With- reason to have early diagnosis because let’s amend it. Let’s go through it be- out better treatments or a cure, those there is something they can do for peo- cause it is a very unique and powerful costs could surpass $1.1 trillion by 2050. ple. It is certainly something that fam- Of course, much higher than the dol- opportunity to set it right for those in- ilies need in order to have a plan, an lar cost is the human cost. As anyone dividuals who are in the DACA and action plan, once they receive that di- who has lived with the disease or any- DACA-eligible population to finally agnosis. one who has had a family member live not be in limbo but to finally have per- The CHANGE Act approaches this with the disease can tell you—and this disease from a number of different di- manence and to know they are home in really is the ultimate family disease— this country where most of them have rections and builds on the HOPE for Alzheimer’s and related dementias are Alzheimer’s Act. grown up; that they are not just long- thieves. They steal everything—memo- term guests, they are home. First, it encourages early assessment ries, personalities, even lives. No price and diagnosis. This is not happening as This is the way to resolve this but at tag could ever be put on the suffering the same time do what Americans have much as we would like. The Alz- they cause patients and their families heimer’s Association polling has indi- cried for, for a long time—actually se- and the strain they place on caregivers. cure our borders and start the process cated that a very high number—35 per- There are 15 million people in the cent to 40 percent—of physicians are of reforming our immigration system United States caring for a family mem- in a way that makes sense for every- not doing early diagnosis. Oftentimes, ber with Alzheimer’s. While many of they have said it is because they don’t body—for the immigrant, for the born them consider caring for a loved one a citizen of the United States, for the know what to do about it. There is no sacred duty, this duty still exacts a cure. There is not something to offer naturalized citizen, and to make sure it physical and mental toll on them. families other than fear. is fair for everyone. That is not unrea- Caregivers suffer higher rates of heart We want to make sure there is early sonable. In fact, it is a good idea. disease, cancer, and depression than diagnosis because there is a lot going If it were only proposed by someone those in the broader population, and on right now with medications that ac- else, I think a lot of folks on both sides many are forced to quit their jobs or tually will help early. We want to of the aisle would agree with it. Take reduce the hours they work, creating make sure that patients have more the politics out of it and look at the additional personal and financial time to make their own healthcare de- policy. Let’s resolve this for the coun- stresses. try. Lauren Kovach of Brighton, MI, cisions, to access community-based I yield back. learned what that is like when her support services for their family truly I suggest the absence of a quorum. grandma—she calls her Chupe—was di- to be able to plan. Through HOPE for The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- agnosed with Alzheimer’s. Lauren’s Alzheimer’s, we now have a caregiving pore. The clerk will call the roll. mom was a caregiver. She and Lauren plan that the physician will be reim- The senior assistant legislative clerk made a pact that they would never put bursed for coordinating and bringing proceeded to call the roll. Chupe in a nursing home because she, together. But there is much more that Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I ask in Lauren’s words, ‘‘lived her life for we need to do. unanimous consent that the order for her family and to take care of us—of Early diagnosis also gives patients the quorum call be rescinded. course we were going to do the same and their families additional opportu- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- for her.’’ nities to participate in clinical trials. LIVAN). Without objection, it is so or- That required a lot of sacrifices. There is great research going on in dered. Lauren’s mom retired early. Lauren Michigan and across the country that The Senator from Michigan. withdrew from college and moved in really does provide hope. CHANGE ACT with her mom to provide a ‘‘loving I am encouraged and hopeful about Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, we home full of laughter,’’ as she said. the additional dollars we just agreed to have so many issues in front of us that They received no help with caregiving in the budget agreement last week. I are critically important to families. I or living expenses. Lauren wrote: was proud to be one of those pushing want to speak about an issue today My mom is single-handedly the best person for additional research dollars for the that is extremely important to so I know. She needs help. We need help. Many National Institutes of Health. Hope- many Michigan families and to fami- hundreds of families like mine need help. fully, those opportunities and cures lies across the Nation. Lauren’s beloved grandma passed will come even faster. It is estimated that 5.5 million Amer- away last June, but Lauren is still Second, the CHANGE Act would im- icans are living with Alzheimer’s dis- fighting, and I am proud to be fighting prove care by testing what types of ease, including 1 out of 10 people over alongside her. She wrote: programs most help patients, their

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.005 S15FEPT1 S1136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 families, and caregivers. We know that MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE To those who say now is not the time case management, coordination of VICTIMS OF THE FLORIDA to talk about gun violence because it is care, and caregiver support services SCHOOL SHOOTING too soon, we don’t want to politicize can make a big difference both in the Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I ask right after a tragedy—that is what is quality of life for patients and care- unanimous consent that the Senate ob- said over and over—I would ask: When givers and in participation in clinical serve a moment of silence for the vicis the time? If now is not the right trials. tims of the school shooting in Florida. time, when is the right time—after the In addition, the CHANGE Act would The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without next shooting or after the one that is offer States the opportunity to test objection, it is so ordered. going to come after that? Because programs that help Alzheimer’s pa- The Senate will now observe a mo- these are not going to stop unless we tients to remain in the community— ment of silence for the victims of the change ourselves as a culture. How which is so important—by reducing the Florida school shooting. many more times do we have to do financial burden on family caregivers. (Moment of silence.) this? How many more folks have to Finally, the CHANGE Act would help The Senator from Florida. die? When is enough going to be uncover regulatory and legislative Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, those enough? Let’s not hide from it. Let’s changes that would help accelerate were all our children. Those of us who have a conversation about this right Alzheimer’s disease research, which is are parents, you can imagine the par- now, not just about mental illness— so critical right now. Families in ents of those children wondering what that is part of it—and not just about Michigan and across the country have else can be done because yesterday a protection in our schools, and that is been waiting long enough. They have former student at Marjory Stoneman part of it. Let’s get to the root cause. been waiting too long. They need a Douglas High School in Northern Let’s come together and help end this cure. Until that day comes, they need Broward County, Parkland, FL, walked violence. Let’s talk about that 19-year- better treatments and more support. onto the campus with a gas mask, old carrying an AR–15. Let’s do what Just ask Nora Ann Reid-LeZotte of smoke grenades, carrying an AR–15 as- needs to be done. Let’s get these as- Kalamazoo. Only a few months after sault rifle. He pulled a fire alarm, wait- sault weapons off our streets. Let’s ac- her father’s death, her mom started to ed for students to come out into the complish something on background show signs of Alzheimer’s. Nora Ann hallway, and he opened fire. As a re- checks. was determined to care for her mom at sult, 17 families are grieving. Their My State passed a constitutional home. Given that she is a nurse practi- worst fears have become reality. More amendment—Florida, 1998—background tioner, Nora Ann figured she was per- than a dozen other students who were checks have to be done in the purchase fectly prepared to assume the role of injured are in the hospital, and some of of a gun. It has never been imple- caregiver—and then, she says, she them are in critical condition. mented totally, and it has never been wasn’t. At some point, we have to say enough enforced—a simple background check. ‘‘My days, then weeks, then years be- is enough. At some point, we as a soci- The terrorist who killed 49 people in came more overwhelming than I could ety have to come together and put a Orlando at the Pulse Nightclub had have imagined,’’ Nora Ann said of the 6 stop to this. This Senator grew up on a been on the terrorist watch list. If we years she spent caregiving. Nora Ann ranch. I have hunted all my life. I have had a background check there—he and her husband moved in with her had guns all my life. I still hunt with wasn’t on it, but maybe in a back- mom to care for her and rented out my son, but an AR–15 is not for hunt- ground check we ought to include their own house to make ends meet. ing; it is for killing. Despite these hor- those who have been on the terrorist Caregiver support would have made a rific events that are occurring over and watch list. Let’s have a conversation huge difference, Nora Ann said, yet over, these tragedies have led so many about this. none was available until her mom’s of us to come to the floor and beg our Do you remember a couple of years condition deteriorated enough that she colleagues to take commonsense ac- ago there was a proposal on the floor needed IV infusions to stay hydrated. tions that we all know will help pro- that if you are on the terrorist watch Nora Ann said: tect our children and our fellow citi- list, you can’t buy a gun? That is pret- I was exhausted. I lost my own identity, zens from these kinds of tragedies, and ty common sense. We will not let them my friends, and my life for that timeframe. we get nowhere. get on an airplane because we don’t My family suffered and sacrificed so I could When is enough going to be enough? want them taking down a commercial care for my mom with dignity and safety. Sandy Hook Elementary, 20 students airliner, but they don’t have a restric- She added: killed—that wasn’t enough. The Pulse tion on buying a gun. I would do it all again because she was my nightclub in Orlando, 49 people killed Let’s get at the root cause of this mom. by a terrorist—that wasn’t enough. Las issue. Let’s do what we all know needs I can certainly identify with that, as Vegas, 58 people killed—that wasn’t to be done. Let’s do it now, not later. I know all of us can. Nora Ann put her enough. Just a year ago in the same Let’s not just talk about it, let’s do own life on hold to make her mom’s county as the Parkland murders, something about it. Let’s make what final years as comfortable as possible. Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale air- happened at Marjory Stoneman Doug- People like Nora Ann deserve our port, five people killed—that wasn’t las High School a pivotal moment in praise. Even more than that, they de- enough. Now this high school, 17 were this country’s history, not because it serve our support and action on their killed. Some were as young as 14 years was one of the largest mass shootings behalf. old. but, hopefully, because it was the last. It is time for a change. Let’s pass When is enough going to be enough? It is with a heavy heart I yield the this legislation as quickly as possible This Senator has spoken to local offi- floor. to help patients, support caregivers, cials on the ground. I have spoken to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. and find better treatments and a cure. the superintendent of the school, who, FISCHER). The Senator from Florida. Families across Michigan and the in his own way, is going through the Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, I join country are waiting. grieving process; I have spoken to the my colleague, the senior Senator from I yield the floor. FBI; and I have spoken to the sheriff’s Florida, with a broken heart, as does I suggest the absence of a quorum. department to make sure they have ev- most of the Nation due to the events of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The erything they need. When we are fin- yesterday. clerk will call the roll. ished with the Dreamer legislation There, indeed, was a time in the his- The legislative clerk proceeded to today, I am headed there. When I go to tory of our country where after an call the roll. the hospital and see the families and event such as this there was a mourn- Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I ask the hospital victims, all I can think is, ing period that followed with a policy unanimous consent that the order for How many more times are we going to debate, but today, that time is inter- the quorum call be rescinded. have to go through this? And those related and intermixed. I don’t blame The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without families are going to ask me: When is it. I am not upset about it. In fact, I objection, it is so ordered. enough enough? think there have been too many of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.006 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1137 these events now. That is why we con- needed. In many cases, they carefully thought was dangerous. We know now tinue to face it. studied the outline of the target they from press accounts that both teachers I think it is legitimate to say that were going to go after. They specifi- and students did not act surprised that even as we mourn, we have an obliga- cally planned soft targets. There is evi- he was the assailant. In fact, many of tion to ask ourselves, Is there some- dence of that in this case. They them said there was a running joke— thing we could have done or should do planned to maximize the loss of life. obviously not a joke anymore—that, to ensure that we don’t see these They acquired the weapon they needed, one day, he would do something like things happening? and they used tactics they needed to this. We know the media and others It is cliche to say, but I think it is kill as many people as they could. have discovered social media posts that important to say: I am the father of By the way, that premeditation and are, in hindsight, deeply disturbing, as two young ladies who happen to be in planning is one of the reasons why they point to the glorification of gun high school. I cannot imagine, but I these laws that have been proposed violence and murder and even animal can only envision, what it would be wouldn’t have prevented it. When cruelty, apparently. We saw reports like if one day walking through the someone is planning and premeditating this morning of a post on YouTube a Capitol I get a text or one of those an attack, they will figure out a way to year ago on which he posted that he news alerts that says there has been a evade those laws or, quite frankly, to wanted to be a school shooter. The FBI shooting in the high school they at- comply with them in order to get was alerted to this and had followed tend. I can only imagine how fearful it around them. up, by the way, in an interview with would be when suddenly those texts are That may be an argument for new the person who had alerted them. not being answered, and those calls are laws of a different kind, but it is what They all have this premeditation in not being returned. I thought about makes it hard, though not impossible. common, and we sit here in hindsight, that last night and what it must feel The second thing they have in com- in seeing all of these little points and like to be one of those parents at the mon is, almost all of these attacks say, taken together, those are warning hotel waiting for word because you were preceded by clear signs of what signs. The problem is, they are not hadn’t heard from your children in was to come. A cursory review this taken together because the people who hours or how painful it must have been morning of just a handful of the recent might have known about his being ex- for those whose job it was to go to cases points that out. pelled may not have known about the these parents and inform them that We are all familiar with the loss of social media posts, and the people who their child’s life—whom they had sent life of over 20 people at a Texas church knew about the social media posts may off to school in the morning, perhaps not long ago. This was a case of a killer not have known what he wrote on just weeks away from graduation—had whose wife had said he had tried to kill YouTube, and the people who knew ended senselessly in an event such as her. He was an individual who had been about the YouTube may not have this. Because of what happened yester- arrested and convicted for domestic vi- known about the fact that the police day and because it is happening so olence, which had, unfortunately, had been called several times for dif- often, people from across the political never been reported to the background ferent reasons and so forth—hence, the spectrum are arguing, there has to be check system. He was an individual challenge in finding something that something we can do; you have to be who had escaped a mental health facil- works. able to do something. ity, who had been caught sneaking There are a lot of proposals, and I I agree with that sentiment. I under- guns onto an Air Force base while on will share them because I have heard stand it. I would add, though, that if Active Duty, who had been discharged them before, and I hear them today. I we do something, it should be some- from the military for bad conduct, who am not diminishing them. I don’t want thing that works. The struggle up to had had social media posts that had this to be taken as ‘‘because it will not this point has been that most of the bragged about buying dogs so as to work, I don’t even want to hear your proposals that have been offered would shoot them, and who had actually ex- argument.’’ I understand. I really do. not have prevented not just yesterday’s pressed admiration for the South Caro- You read in the newspaper that they tragedy but any of those in recent his- lina killer in that church killing a few used certain kinds of guns; therefore, tory. years ago. He was an individual who let’s make it harder to get those kinds I am going to say now what I am had actually been charged with animal of guns. I don’t have some sort of de going to really emphasize at the end. mistreatment just a few years earlier. facto religious objection to that or Just because these proposals would not At Sandy Hook, we know the killer some ideological commitment to that have prevented these events does not had a spreadsheet with details of the per se. There are all kinds of guns that mean we raise our hands and say, previous school shootings. He was also are outlawed and weaponry that is out- therefore, there is nothing we can do. an individual whose mental state had lawed and/or a special category. The It is a tough issue. Part of the reason rapidly deteriorated to the point at problem is, we did that once, and it it is so hard to prevent these events is which he had spoken to no one but his didn’t work for a lot of reasons. One of because if someone decides they are mother, whom he ultimately had killed them is that there are already millions going to take it upon themselves to before having carried out the horrific of them on the streets, and those kill people, whether it is a political as- massacre. He had been someone who things last 100 years. sassination of one person or the mass had been isolated in a room all day, You could pass a law that makes it killing of many, if one person decides who had largely played video games. hard to get this kind of gun in a new to do it, and they are committed to The Pulse attack was precipitated condition, but you are going to strug- that task, it is a very difficult thing to and inspired by an adherence to the gle to keep it out of the hands of some- stop. Again, that does not mean we jihadist ideology. As Senator NELSON one who has decided that is what he should not try to prevent as many of has already pointed out, this individual wants to use because there are so many them as we can. not once but twice had been on the of them out there already that would Perhaps the answer to how to prevent FBI’s radar screen and both times had be grandfathered in. them begins by asking ourselves, What been cleared. They had interviewed You could do a background check. do these things have in common? They him, and they had asked him ques- The truth is, in almost all of these have two things in common. The first tions. He hadn’t met the standard for cases I have cited, the individuals ei- is that every single one of them was staying on the list, and he had gone off. ther erroneously passed background premeditated and planned. None of We are still learning facts about yes- checks or would have passed them or these shootings were an act of passion, terday’s killer. Unlike these others, we did. Even if they couldn’t pass the where someone got up in the morning, may learn more because he was appre- background checks, they could buy the was upset, and decided to do something hended alive. Authorities have had an guns the way MS–13 does and other out of rage. They all involved careful opportunity to question him, and that gangs and other street elements do— planning and premeditation. They de- will continue. Here is what we know: from the black market. liberately took steps to get the guns, We know he was expelled from school Again, it is not that we shouldn’t the weapons, the ammunition they for behavior the administrators often have the background check. I am just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.008 S15FEPT1 S1138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 trying to be clear and honest here. If people at a dance club on a Saturday it goes to the very core of why we someone has decided ‘‘I am going to night. These are all places at which we exist. There is no greater obligation of commit this crime,’’ he will find a way should be enjoying the general welfare our government than to keep our peo- to get the gun to do it. That doesn’t and domestic tranquility. ple safe from threats, both foreign and mean you shouldn’t have a law that Even as we recognize that the Second domestic, and we must acknowledge makes it harder. It just means, to be Amendment gives Americans the right that this is a threat. For whatever rea- honest, that it is not going to stop this to bear arms and protect themselves— son, we now live in a society in which from happening. You could still pass a right I strongly support and will con- someone, at 19 years of age, in the the law per se, but you are still going tinue to support—we must also recog- freest and the most prosperous Nation to have these horrible attacks. nize that same Constitution places in all of human history, has decided to That is why I do think that in some upon this government an obligation to take it upon himself to take the lives circles, it is not fair or right to create ensure domestic tranquility and proof 17 individuals and severely injure 14 this impression that somehow this at- mote the general welfare. others—and to actually, probably, try tack happened yesterday because there We must confront the fact that, over to kill even more. is some law out there that we could the last 20 years, these attacks have What is happening in our country, in have passed to have prevented it. If accelerated. We must recognize the evi- our culture, in our society? there had been such a law that could dence that they are not isolated from If there is something to be done with have prevented what happened yester- one another and are building upon one our laws, we should do that too. I am day, I think a lot of people would have another. We must recognize the scary not saying don’t focus on the gun part, supported it, but I also want to be hon- reality that even as the Nation mourns but we also have to focus on the vio- est with the people who share my point and the parents grieve, there is a high lence part, for to talk about gun vio- of view on these issues. probability, if not a certainty, that lence requires you to talk about both, I think it is also wrong to say there somewhere in America right now, some and the violence part is the one that is nothing we can do. I would admit equally troubled, deranged, and violent goes well beyond an easy government that, perhaps, even I in the past, in the individual is reading and watching cov- solution and entails all kinds of dif- way I have addressed this issue or have erage of this attack and gaining from ferent aspects of modern life that we spoken about it, may have come off as it not sorrow but inspiration. Even as are still grappling with. dismissive in the argument that since we speak here now, even as we stand I hope we can start to figure it out. I none of these laws would have worked, here in mourning, and even as the days haven’t had the time, frankly, in less there is just nothing we can do, and we go by, there are probably some people than 18 hours, to bring to the floor a will just have to deal with it. Just be- out there who are going to try to do proposal for how we will move forward cause I don’t have a quick or an easy this because of what happened yester- or what the forum will be for this con- answer for how to prevent these day. That is a frightening thought, but versation to even begin. I know we can doesn’t mean we don’t have an obliga- it is a reality. It challenges us to find no longer just chalk it up to just iso- tion to try and find one, and by finding an answer to a very difficult issue of lated incidents because it has happened one, I don’t mean a quick and easy an- all of these bits and pieces of informa- too often. Sadly, I believe it will hap- swer. I mean an answer that would tion out there. pen again until we confront it and try work. How do we in this society confront to solve it. I hope we will, and I believe When I took office here, I swore to those who do things about which in an- we can. I believe we must, for, as I said uphold the Constitution of the United other era we would just say, ‘‘Well, at the outset and will say in conclu- States—every element of it. I didn’t they are just strange people. They are sion, it goes to the core of why we even write the Constitution, but I agree just weird. They are just going through exist to begin with—to keep our people with it, and I support it. The Second a phase’’? safe no matter how new, how different, Amendment is in the Constitution, and We cannot do it anymore. There is no or how unique the threat may be. you can debate what the outlines of the longer such a thing as just innocent I yield the floor. Second Amendment are or how far it postings online that you just look at f goes, but it is in there, and I happen to and say, ‘‘Well, that is just them. They support it. Oftentimes, I happen to are just strange. They don’t mean any- BROADER OPTIONS FOR point to the Second Amendment and thing by it’’ or ‘‘they are harmless.’’ AMERICANS ACT—Continued say it is the Second Amendment that is We cannot assume that anymore—none The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- right after free speech, which tells you of us. ator from Oregon. how important it was to those who How do we create a system in which Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, right wrote those words. I still believe every all of these disconnected pieces and now it is estimated that 700,000 Dream- bit of that. bits of data could somehow be tied to- ers face the very real threat that they If it is fair to say the Second Amend- gether so whenever it was that this may be ripped from the only life and ment is so important—and I reiterate killer got ahold of these weapons and the only country they have ever it because of how high up it is in the before conducting this attack, someone known. These are young people who ranking from first to second, its being would say, ‘‘Hold on a second. This per- have grown up in America. They go to the second one—then I have to recog- son is the person who got expelled from school here. They work hard here. nize there is a part of the Constitution school, who had these social media Often, they work at multiple jobs. that was written even before the Sec- posts, who said he wanted to be a They get terrific grades. They give ond Amendment. It is the preamble. school shooter, who had his adopted back to their communities. They have That preamble lays out why we have a mother pass away in November and done everything right. Constitution and, ultimately, why we who is now living, isolated, whose fel- I have met with them at home. My have a government. In it, it reads that low students had all suspected him of colleague Senator MERKLEY and I have two of the reasons we have a govern- being a person who could, one day, be met with many of them at joint meet- ment and, therefore, two of the reasons violent’’? ings. A number of them say point we have a Senate is to ensure domestic How do you take these bits and blank: We like to serve America. We tranquility and to promote the general pieces of information and turn them believe in America. welfare. into a usable source of data that per- That is all they have known. They These school shootings and mass haps either prevents the acquisition of serve in the military. They want to do shootings and murders we are seeing a weapon or, preferably, intervenes in police work. They want to be first re- now at an accelerated pace are, by defi- that person’s life before he carries this sponders. nition, a threat to our domestic tran- out? If anyone here tells you he has In fact, to earn their DACA status, quility and a threat to our general wel- that one figured out, he is not being they had to come forward, give their fare—the murder of children in schools, honest. information to our government, and the murder of moviegoers, the murder This is hard, but we need to do it. We then submit to a background check. of people at a church, the murder of need to somehow figure it out because Now they are living under this cloud of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.009 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1139 uncertainty because the President, on Maybe it is easy for people in Wash- plan—Democrats and Republicans— his own, stamped an expiration date on ington, DC, to forget that these de- that would bring this DACA crisis to a the DACA Program. bates are about real people. They are close, invest in border security, make What I wish to do for a few minutes not just about acronyms and numbers. some changes to our legal immigration is to talk about these terrific young Daniel and Esli are the types of young system, and particularly do justice to people—these special young people, the people this debate is about—a soldier the Dreamers, like young Esli Becerra. Dreamers—and what they contribute on the frontlines defending our coun- The reality is that when we are doing to our country. try, a young man working hard at something like that, it is pretty obvi- I was very pleased recently to have home in Oregon and supporting his ous that nobody gets the bill they Esli Becerra join me at this year’s family. These are the young people would have written. Nobody gets the State of the Union speech because in whose lives have been turned upside bill they would have written for them- my view he and his younger brother down by a Presidential decision, and selves if they were to go back to their Kevin embody the very best about our they are just pawns in this raging po- office and take out a sheet of paper and country. Esli came to Oregon when he litical battle. write down from A to Z, but that is was 8 months old. He got his first job Young people like Esli and Daniel pretty much what we have to recognize before he was 10 in order to support his signed up for DACA so they could work if we are going to find some common family. I am going to talk a little bit and give back to the country. Dream- ground. That is how the bipartisan about these two terrific young people ers are integral parts of their commu- process is supposed to work. because, literally, for years now, each nities. They pitch in and help those Colleagues, bipartisanship is not of them would take turns working to communities grow. If all DACA recipi- about taking each other’s dumb ideas. support the other, so that between ents lost their protections, it would be Anybody can do that. Bipartisanship is them they were always saying: We a massive economic hit to our coun- about taking each other’s good ideas. want to do it the American way. We try—$280 billion lost. Even going be- That is where we have a big group of want to do it by dint of hard work and yond the humanitarian impact of Senators—Democrats and Repub- thrift and in the spirit we have in this breaking up families, that is what licans—working together on this issue. country, where if you work hard, there DACA recipients mean from a dollars- Unfortunately, it seems that recent aren’t any limits to what you can and-cents standpoint. reports indicate that the President and achieve. They are two very, very spe- The crisis Dreamers are facing began his team are working to derail this bi- cial young men. last year when the President made the partisan solution. They are insisting Esli wanted to get a higher edu- decision to terminate the program. on some kind of approach that will cation. So his younger brother put in Senators from both parties have now make radical changes to the legal im- the sweat equity to make it happen. been working to fix it. Time after time, migration system, for example. Kevin, who is a U.S. citizen, worked Senators have brought bipartisan ideas I wish to note for a second that this more than 80 hours a week after he forward, and I would like to note at is very important in the Wyden house- graduated from high school to help pay this point that Senator SCHUMER went hold. My parents fled the Nazis in the for Esli to go to Lane Community Col- to the President and put the border 1930s. Not all got out. My dad basically lege in Eugene. wall on the table for discussion, mak- talked his way into the Army. They Let me repeat that. Kevin, a U.S. cit- ing it clear that this was something weren’t all that interested in my dad. izen, who worked in our office, as well, that he didn’t support but that he He was overweight, and he had health worked more than 80 hours a week would put it out there just to try to problems. But my dad convinced them after he got out of high school because generate some goodwill and to try to that he was a German kid, and he could he said: I want to help my brother get find a way to get folks working to- write propaganda pamphlets that we ahead. gether. Throughout this discussion, could drop on the Nazis, telling them Esli has now built a real professional sometimes it seems the President just that they were going to die and they career. He is a visual effects artist in will not take yes for an answer. were going to freeze. My dad was the Portland. So he has turned around, and So Senators from both sides keep most patriotic person I ever met. We he is stepping up to help pay for working in the best tradition of this are better because of legal immigration Kevin’s college education. We have body. On the healthcare front, we sure in this country. Yet in order to get this these two remarkable brothers who, showed here recently what could be compromise, we have now seen pro- year after year, were either working or done when there is bipartisanship and posals to radically change the legal im- going to school in order to help each Senators are working together. He sits migration system. other get ahead in the way that we right over there—Chairman HATCH of I see my colleague, an outstanding hope young people will do by dint of the Finance Committee. He and I member of the Finance Committee, hard work and discipline and sup- worked together. I am the ranking who knows so much about these immi- porting each other. They are brothers, Democrat on the committee. We now gration issues on the floor, and I look and they have been in each other’s cor- have a 10-year authorization to the forward to his remarks. ner and supportive of their families Children’s Health Insurance Program. The fact is, the President is demand- their whole lives. We need more people Nobody would have ever imagined that ing an approach that goes way beyond in America like the Becerra brothers. a year and a half ago. We have made a DACA and border security, which are They are not alone. Another of Or- transformative set of changes in Medi- two natural bookends for bipartisan- egon’s estimated 11,000 Dreamers is a care to update the Medicare guarantee ship, and it is where this debate begins. young man named Daniel Kim. He im- to cover chronic illness, cancer, diabe- Unfortunately, what the President is migrated legally to Beaverton, OR, tes, heart disease, and stroke—where really pushing breaks up families and from South Korea, but he learned that most of the healthcare spending is. We severely cuts back legal immigration, his immigration lawyer never filed the got that done, as well as the biggest and I just noted that I have seen why paperwork needed to get permanent change in child welfare policy in the legal immigration makes our country legal status. So without this informa- Families First Program, an approach better and stronger. What the Presi- tion, he found out very abruptly that that Democrats and Republicans had dent is talking about would, on top of he was considered undocumented. been dreaming about for 30 years. I this, do enormous economic harm to Thanks to DACA and a special mili- bring it up only by way of saying that this country and is certainly not going tary recruitment program, Daniel had bipartisanship can break out here in to get the votes here in the Senate to the opportunity to serve our country. the Senate. proceed with 60 votes. The bipartisan He seized the opportunity and joined Right now, as I am on the floor, I solution on which both sides have the U.S. Army the first chance he got. know we still have a big group of worked hard together is the best oppor- I will state that I just find it painful Democrats and Republicans who are tunity that the Chamber has to end the to hear the disparaging talk about im- saying that this is too important to DACA crisis. migrants. Unfortunately, the President just have another political food fight. The Senate really cannot come up uses that kind of language too often. They are working on a compromise with sustainable solutions when we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.011 S15FEPT1 S1140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 just play to those who take the most simple majority in the House, and the not too distant future, Congress extreme view. We can’t get a sustain- maybe the forced signature of Donald will return to our American values and able solution. By the way, that is how Trump’s pen. Therefore, it is the only stand proudly for the principles of fam- debates in the Senate are supposed to deal with any hope of protecting more ily reunification—the family unit as work—two parties, hand in hand, bring- than a million Dreamers across Amer- the core of American society, commu- ing their ideas forward and finding so- ica from the President’s mass deporta- nities, and our country—that have lutions both sides can agree on. That is tion agenda. guided U.S. immigration policies for why I mentioned Chairman HATCH and To my fellow Democrats, to my the last century. It is the very family our finally getting the major health re- friends and fellow leaders in the His- reunification that ultimately allowed forms recently that people never panic community, to those in the im- Donald Trump’s grandfather to come dreamed were possible. migration advocacy community, and to to the United States and have his prog- On this debate at hand, the question the millions of Americans in New Jer- eny come from there and ultimately of justice for the Dreamers and reason- sey and across the Nation who stood by rise to be the President of the United able border security—two bookends Dreamers throughout this ordeal, I will States. that I happen to think could fit and not sugarcoat things. This deal is not I am going to fight for the parents of produce principled bipartisanship the fairness that we would want. It is Dreamers and the comprehensive im- through this group of Senators who are not as fiscally responsible as it should migration reform we need when that working together—this is our oppor- be. To be honest, if my Republican col- day comes, but for the moment, I am tunity. Millions of families across the leagues truly wanted to protect Amer- under no illusions. The cold, hard re- country are following this debate, and ica’s Dreamers in good faith, they ality is that in 2 weeks the dreams of they are hoping to get some good news would have done so months ago. In- hundreds of thousands of innocent chil- on this issue where there has been grid- stead, they refused to address this cri- dren and promising young people will lock for so long. sis for months. be extinguished, and that is why we Passing the bipartisan proposal is Republicans chose to treat Dreamers must act. our opportunity to give it to them. like bargaining chips, pawns that could To my friends in the immigration ad- This is the time for the Congress to be used to advance far-right restric- vocacy community, as well as my come up with a permanent solution for tions on lawful, family-sponsored im- Democratic colleagues, I remind you Dreamers. This is not something to be migration to the United States and to that legislating is the art of the pos- deferred any longer. It is time to act deliver President Trump a big, fat $25 sible. We are in the minority in both now. I urge my colleagues in the billion kiss in the form of border wall Chambers of Congress. The opposing strongest way possible to support the funding. The only thing more prepos- party occupies the White House. We bipartisan proposal—Democrats and terous than asking Mexico to pay for a may not enjoy this reality—I certainly Republicans coming together—when border wall is asking the American don’t—but it is a reality nonetheless. there is an opportunity to vote on it, people to pay $25 billion for a border And in this reality, we do not have the which I believe will be shortly. wall. That is $25 billion that could be power to make anything happen unless I yield the floor. going to repairing the walls of our we get support from some of our col- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- crumbling public schools, outdated air- leagues on the other side of the aisle. ator from New Jersey. ports, and aging highway tunnels. That We have the power to try and stop ter- Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, I is $25 billion Americans will have to rible things from happening, but we come to the floor today, fully aware pay for Donald Trump’s broken prom- can make things happen only if we that time is running out for America’s ise that Mexico would foot the bill. have others join us in common cause. Dreamers. Their fates rest in our In case you couldn’t tell by now, I am So I ask my fellow Democrats to hands. Their futures hang in the bal- not the biggest fan of this deal. It is a please hold the line for the hundreds of ance of our votes, and what Dr. King bitter pill to swallow. So when I hear thousands of innocent children and called ‘‘the fierce urgency of now’’ is my Republican colleagues say that this bright, young people who belong in this officially upon us. legislation isn’t tough enough, I en- country and need our votes to stay in If we fail to take action today, the courage them to take a closer look. this country. We have to remember dreams of 800,000 young people pro- Look at the hard choices that I—and that compromise is the oil that keeps tected under the Deferred Action for the community that I come from and the wheels of Congress running, and, Childhood Arrivals Program, known as others in this country—have to make without it, Dreamers who have become DACA, and thousands of others like to support this deal, as the most senior integral to communities across the Na- them will turn to nightmares. It is Hispanic-American in the Congress, as tion may very well be forcibly re- truly a terrifying prospect that Dream- the son of immigrants whose thirst for moved. We know they belong here with ers face—the prospect that at any mo- freedom brought them to these shores, us, strengthening the diverse threads ment after they fall out of status, they as the senior Senator from New Jersey, that bind us together as one people. could be snatched up by President one of the most ethnically and racially To my Republican colleagues, I ask Trump’s deportation forces, torn away diverse States in America. you to remember the tough concessions from their families, and sent away to Many of the concessions Democrats we have had to make so that Dreamers countries they consider foreign lands. agreed to were supposed to have died in have a chance to earn citizenship in a Well, I refuse to be complicit in that the proposal that we and the Gang of 6 country they love and the only country nightmare. brought to the President weeks ago— they know. I refuse to be complicit in the depor- only to have him reject it under the ad- I again close by quoting the always tation of innocent children. I refuse to vice of the ethnocentric voices in his relevant and forever wise Dr. King, who be complicit in the deportation of ear. For example, legal, permanent said: 800,000 DACA recipients and the 22,000 residents will no longer be able to We are now faced with the fact that tomor- Dreamers living, studying, and work- sponsor their adult children to join row is today. We are confronted with the ing in my home State of New Jersey. It them in this country, and that is not fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding co- is only out of compassion for them and the only hard choice we had to make in nundrum of life and history there is such a commitment to them that I am pre- order to protect Dreamers from depor- thing as being too late. pared to vote for the bipartisan deal tation. While we grant them the oppor- My friends, the fierce urgency of now reached last night, the Rounds-King tunity to earn a 12-year pathway to looms over us today. The fate of our version. citizenship, we pay a dear price by lim- Dreamers grows more uncertain with Let me be very clear. This is not the iting the right to sponsor the parents each passing second. I, for one, refuse deal I would have drafted. It is far from they love so dearly, although other to let their dreams die here on the Sen- the deal I would want, but I know for a U.S.-citizen families will be able to do ate floor. fact that it is the only deal with a shot so. Let’s pass the Rounds-King amend- at becoming law. It is the only deal I take solace in the possibility that ment and pass it fast. There is no time with any hope of earning 60 votes, a someday in the future, hopefully, in for further delay. If we want Dreamers

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:37 Feb 15, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.012 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1141 to have a tomorrow here in this coun- by crimes committed by undocumented Senate, takes a majority in the House, try, then we must act today. immigrants? and takes a Presidential signature. I With that, I yield the floor. This bipartisan plan falls miserably hope you are serious about working for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- short of providing real border security things that can actually become law. ator from Iowa. and doesn’t do anything to make That is what we have promised the Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I Americans safer. Dreamers. That is what we can deliver come to the floor now to offer brief re- Worse than the border security prob- if we get those 60 votes. We can do it in marks on the introduction of the latest lems, this bipartisan plan massively a way that is sound immigration pol- so-called bipartisan proposal. There is expands the number of individuals who icy, not something that is going to en- simply no way to say it, but to say it: are eligible for citizenship. The way courage more people to cross our bor- This proposal fails to meet the mark, this plan is written, more than 3 mil- ders without documentation. will result in massive amnesty, and lion individuals could become eligible I yield the floor. will result in a surge of illegal immi- for citizenship, and many of these peo- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. gration, even encouraging the illegal ple wouldn’t be the very same people SASSE). The Senator from Colorado. crossing of our borders. It has abso- we have been trying to deal with all HONORING SHERIFF’S DEPUTY MICAH FLICK lutely no chance of becoming law be- week—DACA and Dreamers. Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, yes- cause we have been reminded of what The way this bill is written, people as terday America witnessed another the President has said he would sign, old as 43 could benefit. I thought when great tragedy in the State of Florida, and he has said that this bill we are we began this debate we were talking and of course our souls ache with what talking about now would not be signed about protecting young people, not must be unimaginable grief. As we turn by the President of the United States. middle-aged adults. This is clearly be- to comfort those who lost so much in It would be vetoed. yond the pale and is just another exam- Florida, I come to the floor of the Sen- In my mind, the Department of ple of moving the amnesty yardstick. ate again, for the third time in a little Homeland Security, when they com- But the worst thing in this plan, the more than a month, to share the grief mented on this bill, has this one point most egregious thing, is that it effec- of Colorado, as well as to honor the life right. This bill will absolutely destroy tively suspends immigration enforce- and legacy of a fallen Colorado sheriff’s our ability—meaning the ability of ment until June 2018. Think about deputy. DHS—to enforce our laws, secure our that. Why would you effectively sus- El Paso County Sheriff’s Deputy borders, and then, consequentially, not pend immigration enforcement at any Micah Flick was shot and killed last protect the American people. The time? If my colleagues look at the last week while investigating a stolen car American people expect our govern- page of this amendment, it clearly says when he threw himself in front of his ment to fulfill their No. 1 responsi- that any person who illegally enters fellow officers to shield them from gun- bility, which is to protect the Amer- our country before the end of June 2018 fire. Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Stone, ican people. will never be a priority for deportation. Sheriff’s Sergeant Jacob Abendschan, It is hard to decide where to start Think of the invitation that comes for and Colorado Springs Police Officer when you dissect this ill-conceived pro- people between now and June 30 to get Marcus Yanez, along with a bystander, posal, but to quote, I think, J.R.R. to this country because they won’t be a were also wounded in the attack. Tolkien, I guess the best place to begin priority for deportation. Isn’t that A total of 10 law enforcement officers in Colorado have been wounded or is at the beginning. This proposal quite an invitation to violate our laws, killed since December 31. On January claims to have border security meas- to violate our sovereignty? I can’t 24, Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy ures, but the simple fact is that it imagine that people in the States of Gumm was fatally wounded. Another doesn’t have border security measures. Montana, North Dakota, South Da- assault on law enforcement officers on This proposal does something that kota—any State, for that matter, but New Year’s Eve in Douglas County re- Democrats and Republicans agreed last particularly in some of these really sulted in the death of Jefferson County year isn’t sufficient border security, conservative States—that they would Sheriff’s Deputy Parrish and wounded and we have all agreed that simply be thinking about voting for something four other law enforcement officers. throwing money at the border is not that would actually be inviting people These three attacks left four children border security. So what does that lead to this country because they won’t be a without fathers and countless loved you to, other than just what you do at priority for deportation. Let that point ones with a loss they will never forget. the border? sink in. Micah Flick was killed on his 11th Everyone in this Chamber knows how The authors of this plan are telling anniversary with the El Paso County hard Senators CORNYN and JOHNSON everyone in the world—not just south Sheriff’s Department and leaves behind have worked on border security. Their of our border—no matter who they are, a wife and 7-year-old twins. hard work has shown all of us that real what they have done, that if they get Micah was a hero who, according to border security isn’t just about infra- here before June, they will never be an the Colorado Springs Gazette, was re- structure and money; it is about legal enforcement priority. Isn’t that immi- membered by his brother-in-law as authority policy changes, as well, gration madness? I can’t, for the life of someone who ‘‘never wanted to do any- which may be more important. Like it me, understand why my colleagues thing else but protect this commu- or not, the simple fact is that our cur- would want to end immigration en- nity.’’ His fellow sheriff’s deputies rent laws contain numerous loopholes forcement. What justification do they would always tease him that he was that actually prevent our law enforce- have? ‘‘the poster boy of the sheriff’s office.’’ ment officers from apprehending, de- I would urge them that if they have Micah’s wife Rachel captured her taining, and speedily deporting dan- justification, please come to the floor husband’s heroism perfectly when she gerous criminal aliens. and please explain to the American explained how she would always tell Professional staffers at the Depart- people why you want people who aren’t him to just do his job and not be a hero ment of Homeland Security—and I em- already here to come illegally. What but understands that was not in his phasize the words ‘‘professional staff- could be the reason for that? DNA. ‘‘Micah was a hero, and he ers,’’ not political employees—all agree I urge my colleagues to oppose this couldn’t help it,’’ she said. Micah’s fel- we need these authority changes. amendment. It just isn’t serious and low deputy who was wounded in the at- I ask my colleagues: What is the will totally undermine our Nation’s tack confirmed Micah’s heroism. Dep- point of throwing money at the border border security and immigration laws. uty Stone told Sheriff Bill Elder: if sex offenders, terrorists, gang mem- This should not pass. I hope it doesn’t ‘‘Micah saved my life, and I will be for- bers, child molesters, and war crimi- pass. The President has proposed a ever grateful.’’ Micah was a hero that nals can continue getting into our veto. day, and no one will ever forget that. country? What is the point if we can’t For the people who introduced it, it Unfortunately, I have come to this actually remove people who are enter- is a good bill, but are you interested in Chamber far too many times just this ing illegally? What is the point if a good bill or are you interested in get- year to honor a fallen Colorado law en- Americans continue to be victimized ting a law passed? That takes 60 in the forcement officer and repeat the words

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.014 S15FEPT1 S1142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 for the third time of LTC Dave Gross- traordinarily generous in his offer to for the first year. It can’t be spent on man, who wrote that American law en- our Democratic colleagues. He didn’t physical barriers. Then, every year forcement is the loyal and brave sheep say a legal status for 690,000 people who after that, it makes that money con- dog, always standing watch for the are enrolled in the Obama-era DACA tingent on a report and a certification wolf that lurks in the dark. Program. He said citizenship. He said a by the Department of Homeland Secu- We owe so much to Micah and his full opportunity for citizenship for 1.8 rity that is purposefully onerous, dif- brothers and sisters in blue who pro- million people—1.8 million people—who ficult to achieve, and therefore means tect our communities each and every were not just enrolled in the program the money likely will not be available day. I know that all of our families to- but would have been eligible for the in future years. And, of course, if a gether sleep better at night knowing program had they enrolled. Democratic President comes into office these heroes are out protecting every This amendment would expand that during the 10 years of this bill, we single one of us. to almost 3 million to 4 million people know that his Department of Home- Thank you, Micah, for answering the by lifting the age limits and by lifting land Security will never submit that call. You protected your community. the age caps—a vast amnesty, just report certification, and that money You saved your fellow officers. You are among those younger people, of a quar- will never be spent. a hero. And I, along with Coloradans ter of the people who are here in this Finally, No. 5, this amendment has across the State, am forever grateful. country illegally. no chance of becoming law—zero Like your fellow officers who have It gets even worse than that. chance. It shouldn’t pass this Chamber made the ultimate sacrifice, we will re- No. 3, the entire rationale of the to begin with, but even if that were to member your heroism for eternity and DACA Program is that children ought happen, President Trump issued a veto honor you and your family for your not pay for the sins of their parents. threat just minutes ago. The House of sacrifice. How about the parents pay for the sins Representatives is not going to pass Mr. President, I yield the floor. of the parents? This bill would allow this bill. They probably will not even I suggest the absence of a quorum. the effective legalization of the very The PRESIDING OFFICER. The take it up, as they didn’t take it up the parents who created this problem in last time the Senate passed a terrible clerk will call the roll. the first place. The sponsors of this The legislative clerk proceeded to immigration bill. amendment will say: No, no, we pro- call the roll. My friends, this Democratic bill de- Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I ask hibit the parents from getting legal serves to be roundly defeated. unanimous consent that the order for status. Let’s look at how they do that. There is one bill that has a chance to the quorum call be rescinded. They say that no person can receive pass the House of Representatives and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without legal status if the Department of get the President’s signature; that is, objection, it is so ordered. Homeland Security can show they the President’s framework proposal, Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I wish knowingly assisted the entry of a which, in a very generous and humane to speak today about the so-called minor into this country. Tell me how fashion, gives citizenship—not just Schumer amendment. Now, that is not the Department of Homeland Security legal status but citizenship—to 1.8 mil- the name that some people give it, but is supposed to make that showing. How lion young people who were brought I will give it that name. Abraham Lin- are they supposed to go back 10, 15, 20, here or came here before the age of ac- coln said: If you call a dog’s tail a leg, 25 years and show that this illegal im- countability. how many legs has a dog? Five? No, it migrant knowingly brought that per- On the other hand, it mitigates the has four, because calling something son into this country? It is prepos- negative consequences of that decision, doesn’t make it that. terous. It is the exact reason why so which we all know will happen. In the same way, you can call a bill many immigration bills have failed for First, to control the increased incen- bipartisan because there are some Re- so many years in this body—the Demo- tives for illegal immigration, it pro- publicans on that bill, but if the Re- crats write bills they claim do one vides the money and closes the loop- publicans have simply acquiesced to thing; in reality, they do the exact op- holes necessary to secure our southern the Democrats’ position, it is a Demo- posite. border. cratic bill. Calling it bipartisan doesn’t No. 4, they say that it reforms chain Second, to prevent that newly legal- make it so. migration or at least makes a down- ized class of citizens from sponsoring Let’s just walk through a few of the payment on it. Here is what it actually the very parents who created this prob- weaknesses of this bill. does. It briefly delays a tiny, tiny class lem in the first place and their siblings No. 1 is the enforcement holiday for of persons from being sponsored by and ultimately their grandparents, illegal immigration. You might call it newly legalized immigrants—only their aunts and uncles, cousins, and the ‘‘olly olly oxen free’’ position. That about 25,000 per year of the adult chil- their nieces and nephews, it ends the is because it declares to anyone, world- dren of green card holders. It takes practice of extended family chain mi- wide, if you get to the United States in those and applies them to the other gration and says that American citi- the next four months, or before June adult children, and when those immi- zens can always sponsor their spouses 30, 2018, olly olly oxen free, the Depart- grants become citizens—guess what— and their minor kids, but anyone else, ment of Homeland Security will not they get to sponsor their adult children any other adult, should stand on their enforce our laws against you. again. So it does not make a single own two feet if they want to immigrate Don’t take my word for it. Look at it change to the practice of extended fam- to this country. right here. In fact, it was done in hand- ily chain migration, which is respon- That is what the President said he writing last night. I suspect some of sible for so much of the unskilled and will sign. That is, therefore, what the my Republican colleagues on this bill low-skilled immigration we have had House of Representatives can pass. didn’t even know that this change was in this country over the last 40 years. That is the bill that should pass made. It used to be January 1, 2018, and It makes no changes whatsoever to today—the bill that is sponsored by you had to be present for at least 51⁄2 the diversity lottery, not a single one, Chairman GRASSLEY of the Judiciary years. That is not great, but it is better even though every other provision Committee. than a prospective enforcement holi- under serious consideration has at Mr. President, I yield the floor. day that says that if you get to this least eliminated that lottery and re- I suggest the absence of a quorum. country illegally in the next 4 months, allocated those green cards toward The PRESIDING OFFICER. The we will not make you an enforcement other purposes, such as clearing out clerk will call the roll. priority. So come on in, everyone. If the family-based backlog and clearing The bill clerk proceeded to call the you get here by June 30, under this out the high-skilled backlog. roll. amendment, the Department of Home- Some people say that it appropriates Mrs. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask land Security will not make it a pri- $25 billion—$2.5 billion a year for 10 unanimous consent that the order for ority to enforce our laws against you. years—for the border wall. It does no the quorum call be rescinded. No. 2, let’s look at the amnesty that such thing. Again, it says one thing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it provides. The President has been ex- and does another. It gives $2.5 billion objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.015 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1143 Mrs. ERNST. Mr. President, I want people at the Marjory Stoneman Doug- now. It may be we will find out there to take a moment to emphasize why las High School near Fort Lauderdale, are some clues that this shooter had the Secure and Succeed Act is the right FL. We are reminded that when we are been sending well in advance of this bill for the Senate to pass this week. I asked to do something, there are terrible tragedy that might have pre- chose to join my colleagues, who have things we can do to help lessen the vented it from occurring. worked hard on this bill for months, likelihood of such terrible tragedies, There is no reason we cannot advance for a few important reasons. recognizing that each of these cir- this bipartisan legislation, the Fix First, this bill provides a way for- cumstances is unique, and we don’t yet NICS legislation, which has already ward for our DACA recipients. I have know everything that there is to know passed in the House. I, personally, am said time and again that I appreciate or that we should know about this par- unwilling to face another family mem- the contributions our DACA recipients ticular shooter. Suffice it to say, he ber who has lost a loved one as a result are making in our communities. They telegraphed on social media, according of one of these mass shootings that are our friends, our neighbors, and our to reports, his intention to do what he could have been prevented by making churchgoers. I support finding them a ultimately did. sure the background check system had way forward. Our bill does this. It does We in Congress, the policymakers, worked as Congress had intended. it in a fair and humane way. But im- need to come up with tools to be avail- Mr. President, on a separate note, portantly, it also adds strong eligi- able to law enforcement and the social bility requirements to ensure the safe- this week, a group led by Chairman media platforms to be able to monitor GRASSLEY of the Senate Judiciary ty and security of the program and these sort of terroristic threats much stops future illegal immigration. For Committee formally introduced a bill in the same way we monitor social to address the Deferred Action for instance, it does not reward the par- media for al-Qaida and ISIS and other ents who came here illegally by giving Childhood Arrivals issue and border se- terrorists abroad who try to recruit them any type of lawful status and sets curity. It is a good starting point be- people in the United States in order to reasonable time limits and restrictions cause it could actually be signed into kill our fellow citizens in place. We on who can apply. law and solve the challenge we have Second, it provides immediate and need to not only think about and pray promised to address in providing these significant investments in our border. for the families and teachers and sup- young people who, through no fault of We cannot allow this problem to hap- port staff who have been affected by their own, find themselves in a box. Be- pen again. We have a duty and an obli- this terrible act but conduct hearings cause they cannot become American gation to keep our borders secure and and talk to the experts and find out citizens due to the fact that their par- our citizens safe. Our bill recognizes what kind of tools might be available ents brought them into the country il- that spending money on the border to us. legally, it would provide them a pre- without giving law enforcement strong I will mention another example of dictable and productive future. I am authorities is like buying a boat with- something we could do that would, I glad to be a cosponsor of this legisla- out an engine. We need both to keep am confident, save lives. tion, which is called the Secure and our borders and our communities se- In my home State of Texas only a Succeed Act. few months ago, we saw a mass shoot- cure. As the President has promised, it ing in a small town called Sutherland Third, our bill recognizes that you does provide a pathway to citizenship Springs, which is near San Antonio. cannot view immigration in a silo—it for an estimated 1.8 million people who The gunman there killed 26 people and is a bulky issue that represents many are DACA-eligible. That is an extraor- wounded 20 more. He was a convicted legal, economic, and security concerns. dinary offer by the President of the felon. Under existing law, he could not Many of these issues are deeply inter- United States. Who would have ever legally purchase or possess firearms, connected. Addressing DACA and ad- thought this President would say to but that didn’t stop him from getting dressing the border without addressing these young people, ‘‘We are going to some of the other issues plaguing our the weapons he used to murder those 26 give you a chance to become American system is a half solution. We must people and shoot 20 more. Part of the citizens’’? That number is far more have the President’s four principles to reason was, his criminal history had than those who were covered by the make this work. not been uploaded to the National In- Executive order that was signed by Finally, this is the President’s plan. stant Criminal Background Check Sys- President Obama because, right now, The White House has endorsed this pro- tem, which is maintained by the FBI. there are only about 690,000—I say posal. The President’s pen is ready to So the gun retailer, when he had gone ‘‘only’’—DACA recipients. President sign it. in and lied on the background check Trump would make it 1.8 million. I urge my colleagues, let’s pass the document, hadn’t known he had been bill that addresses the right issues in legally disqualified from purchasing a Just as importantly, this bill pro- this debate and can actually become firearm. vides a real plan to strengthen border law. Let’s pass the Secure and Succeed I have introduced legislation to try security by utilizing more boots on the Act. to fix that specific problem. It is called ground, better technology, and addi- Mr. President, I suggest the absence the Fix NICS Act. The House has al- tional infrastructure, and it enhances of a quorum. ready passed it, but it is awaiting ac- and modernizes our ports of entry The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tion in the Senate. through which many of the illegal PERDUE). The clerk will call the roll. Our churches and schools should be drugs come that flow into this country The bill clerk proceeded to call the refuges—places where parents and chil- from the south. roll. dren, especially, feel safe and secure. This bill reallocates visas from the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I diversity lottery system, which is just ask unanimous consent that the order Many of these shootings can be prevented, perhaps not all, but we need to sort of like a roll of the dice, but it will for the quorum call be rescinded. do it in a way that is fair, and it con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without do everything we can. Part of the way tinues the family-based immigration objection, it is so ordered. we can ensure that our children are categories until the current backlog is Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I protected is to enforce current law— ask unanimous consent that notwith- and not just our children but adults as cleared. standing rule XXII, the cloture mo- well, as we saw in Sutherland Springs. I know other colleagues have been tions filed during yesterday’s session of We can fix our broken background working hard on their own ideas, some the Senate ripen at 2:30 p.m. today. check system and prohibit dangerous of which were introduced yesterday The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there individuals who have been convicted of and earlier this morning, but one group objection? serious crimes from acquiring firearms I haven’t heard much from so far is Without objection, it is so ordered. legally. that of our colleagues across the aisle The majority whip. As I said, we don’t know all of the who shut down the government over SOUTH FLORIDA SCHOOL SHOOTING facts of the Florida shooting, and the the weekend a couple of weeks ago be- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, today circumstances, as is almost always the cause they insisted we provide a time we mourn the loss of life of at least 17 case, appear to be a little cloudy right to address this issue.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.017 S15FEPT1 S1144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 Indeed, in response, once they agreed that been the case before her untimely that encompasses the President’s pro- to reopen the government, the major- death. posal and gives them a pathway to citi- ity leader offered them that time and I don’t know why our Democratic zenship. How do you look them in their that opportunity, and that is this colleagues refuse to vote for these and faces and say we squandered this gold- week. Yet, so far, none of our Demo- other related proposals. I really don’t en opportunity, maybe a once-in-a-life- cratic colleagues have even produced a get it. Yet I do know one thing that is time opportunity? bill. Rather, the bill has been produced worth highlighting: Their unwilling- That is what this week is about. by Senator GRASSLEY and his working ness to support reforms represents a There are about 124,000 DACA recipi- group I mentioned. There is another stark departure from what they have ents in my State of Texas, and I will bill by Senator COLLINS and Senator said in the past. proudly cast a vote soon to ensure that ROUNDS, which we will be voting on For example, in 2006, the senior Sen- they stay here and contribute to our here shortly. Then, I believe, Senator ator from California said: ‘‘Democrats schools, our churches, and our commu- GARDNER and Senator BENNET have an- are solidly behind controlling the bor- nities. We are a nation of immigrants, other proposal. The very folks who der, and we support the border fence. but we are also a nation of laws, and shut down the government over this . . . We’ve got to get tough on the bor- you cannot have one without the other. issue have failed to produce a plan in der.’’ She was then joined by then-Sen- What this week is about is finding a response to this demand that we have a ator Harry Reid, who had made similar bipartisan permanent solution for debate and that we have a vote to try statements. these young adults but doing more to address the problem. The senior Senator from Colorado than just that. I, certainly, respect On Tuesday, the majority leader has said the Democrats still believe in that some of our colleagues have intro- tried twice to open the debate and border security. That is good to hear. I duced thoughtful ideas, but we have to start voting, but, both times, there wish their actions reflected that. remember that, ultimately, we need to were objections heard by our Demo- In recent years, the junior Senator move a bill through the Senate that cratic colleagues—this despite their re- from New Mexico has said: ‘‘It is crit- can pass not only this body but the peated promises over the years to ad- ical we have the personnel, equipment, House and be signed into law by the dress the DACA issue once and for all. and policies in place that focus en- President. Now the clock has run so we can fi- forcement on the most significant pub- This is not about grandstanding or nally get started, and we will start vot- lic safety threats along the border.’’ I making a political point. The idea is to ing, as I understand the majority lead- could not have said that better myself, produce a result, one that we have all er’s unanimous consent request, at but when it comes time to vote, said we want. So let’s not waste any about 2:30 today. We are just getting strangely, almost uniformly, our col- more time. Let’s send the House and started in our voting due to the stall- leagues vote no. then the President something that can ing and the lack of, really, much de- I agree with our colleague from Indi- become law and provide certainty to bate. Certainly, there have been no ana as well, who went down to the bor- these young people who are worried substantive offers up until this point der a while back and said he had seen about their future and regain our leg- from our colleagues across the aisle. for himself just how bad the situation acy as a nation that believes in the I believe sincerely that Republicans was in certain areas. That is why he rule of law and security for all. and Democrats alike want to provide voted to hire more border agents, pe- I yield the floor. certainty to these DACA recipients, nalize businesses that hire illegal im- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- but we have to address the underlying migrants, and deport those who com- ator from Texas. problems with our border security and mit felonies. Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, in the late our flawed immigration system as well. My point is, we should all remember 1980s, Congress debated and adopted I know our colleague from Pennsyl- we are not as far apart as the press amnesty legislation for 3 million peo- vania has introduced an amendment to would seem to make it. Now it is time ple who were here illegally. It did so end dangerous sanctuary city policies. to advance the bill to that effect—not promising the American people that in It is simply unacceptable for local ju- next time, not next month, not next exchange for amnesty, the Federal risdictions to decide they are not going year. We know the clock is ticking. Government would finally, finally, fi- to cooperate with Federal law enforce- The President has given us until March nally secure the border. We all know ment agencies. We are a nation, and we 5 to get this done, but if this week is what happened. That amnesty oc- are a nation of laws, so the idea that any indication, our colleagues on the curred, and the border never got se- some local group could decide not to other side don’t seem to be in any par- cured. At the time, there were 3 mil- cooperate with Federal law enforce- ticular hurry. lion people living here illegally. Today, ment authorities ought to worry all of As the majority leader said earlier estimates are that there are in excess us. this week, we need to stop making po- of 12 million people living here ille- Even though this amendment has litical points and start making a law. gally. been endorsed by the Federal Law En- That means passing it out of the Sen- Five years ago, in 2013, this body forcement Officers Association and the ate, passing it out of the House, and again debated amnesty. The so-called National Association of Police Organi- getting the President to sign it into Gang of 8 again failed to secure the zations, many of our colleagues across law. That is how you make law. Sev- border but once again made the same the aisle will probably vote against it. eral weeks ago, as I said, the majority promise of amnesty for millions here That is especially odd since some of leader made a commitment to hold this illegally in exchange for an ephemeral, them voted to advance a similar sanc- debate and to hold it this week. He has never-to-come promise to secure the tuary city measure themselves in 2015. lived up to that commitment, and now border. The Senate ultimately passed Even more of our Democratic col- we can’t let it all just go to waste and the Gang of 8 bill. As it was being leagues voted to advance what is squander this opportunity. voted on, Senate Democrats bragged on known as Kate’s Law in 2016. It is I am really shocked by that after the television that they believed they had named for Kate Steinle, the young President made this offer of a pathway north of 70 votes—that now was the woman who was murdered in San Fran- to citizenship for 1.8 million young time, again, to pass amnesty. cisco by an illegal immigrant who had adults who were brought into this Yet the American people rose up and been released from custody. Kate’s Law country as children illegally by their said: Amnesty is not what we want. It would stiffen penalties for illegal im- parents. I have always said we don’t is inconsistent with the rule of law. We migrants who have been caught enter- hold children responsible for their par- saw Senators at the last minute jump- ing the country repeatedly, as her kill- ents’ mistakes. That is why we should ing ship. At the end of the day, it er had done. What is controversial embrace this proposal by the Presi- passed this body by 68 votes and then about that? If you break the law re- dent. I don’t know how you tell these went nowhere in the House of Rep- peatedly and we find you, there should young people we had the opportunity resentatives. be very serious consequences. Perhaps to address their anxiety and the uncer- So again, today, we are here having Kate Steinle would be alive today had tainty in their futures by passing a bill the same debate. I feel like Bill Murray

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.018 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1145 in ‘‘Groundhog Day,’’ waking up and millions of legal immigrants whose My call to our colleagues, both reliving the same day over and over wages are driven down by those here il- Democrats and Republicans, is listen and over, and the result is the same. legally. It is inconsistent with the to the people. Listen, I don’t know how these votes promises made by virtually every Re- There are many things we can and will occur this afternoon. It may be publican in this body. should be doing. We should be passing that nothing gets 60 votes. That is pos- Every Republican who went out and Kate’s Law. I authored and introduced sible. But it may also be that the Sen- campaigned against Executive amnesty Kate’s Law in this body. Kate’s Law ate embraces one of the various am- said: We will not have amnesty. Well, provides that for an aggravated felon nesty plans that is put on the table. If now is the time to choose. If this body who has been repeatedly entering this that is the case, it will be every bit as chooses to grant citizenship to 2, 3, 4 country illegally and who has been de- big a mistake as the Gang of 8 was a million people here illegally, those ported repeatedly, that that aggra- mistake and as the amnesty in the promises will have been directly bro- vated felon have a mandatory min- 1980s was a mistake. I must say that I ken. That is a mistake. It is wrong. Not imum prison sentence. Kate’s Law is find myself flabbergasted at where my only that, but the legislation this body known for Kate Steinle, that beautiful own party is in this debate, because is preparing to consider not only would woman in California murdered on a every proposal that has Republican grant citizenship, but it would make pier by an illegal alien deported over support that has been submitted begins those here illegally eligible for Federal and over with multiple felony convic- from a place markedly to the left of welfare—Federal welfare benefits. Not tions. Had Kate’s Law been on the that of President Obama. only do people come here illegally, but books, I believe it is very likely that President Obama, as we all know, it drives up the cost. Kate Steinle would still be alive. That Every one of us has been asked by issued DACA, which was otherwise is the sort of commonsense legislation American citizens: Why are we spend- known as Executive amnesty. Execu- on which we ought to be coming to- tive amnesty was illegal and unconsti- ing vast sums of money providing welfare benefits? Why would we want to do gether and passing. Yet there is the old tutional. The President has no author- that to those here illegally? adage: Those who fail to learn from ity to refuse to enforce the law. Yet We are a nation of immigrants. My history are doomed to repeat it. President Obama decreed that he would father came as an immigrant in 1957 This body made a grievous mistake not enforce Federal immigration laws, with nothing—$100 in his underwear in passing the Gang of 8 bill. Thank- and that is exactly what he did. and not speaking English—but he came fully, the House saved us from our At the time, virtually every Repub- legally. We should be embracing legal error. We may be on the verge of mak- lican denounced Executive amnesty as immigrants rather than excusing and ing the same grievous mistake. It is al- unconstitutional, as lawless, as wrong. condoning illegal immigration. most as if elections don’t penetrate. We Yet today, far too many Senate Repub- I do not believe we should be grant- need to be listening to the voters. licans are staking out a place well to ing citizenship to anyone here ille- I do not know a single Republican— the left of President Obama on DACA gally, nor should we be providing Fed- not one in this body, not one in the on numerous axes. No. 1, DACA itself eral welfare benefits to anyone here il- House of Representatives—who was covered 690,000 people. Yet what is the legally, nor should we be expanding the elected on a promise: I will go to the proposal being considered by this body? pool of DACA recipients beyond that in left of Barack Obama on immigration. Under the mildest of the proposals, we the Obama program. Yet Republicans If one of us campaigned promising are considering a path to citizenship seem eager to do so. It is possible that that, knock yourself out. Vote for this. for 1.8 million people. Why on Earth our Democratic friends will save us But if you didn’t say that Obama’s Ex- would we more than double—nearly tri- from this foolishness—that even ecutive amnesty didn’t go far enough, ple—the DACA population? If there are though Republicans are proposing a that we need to double or triple the 690,000 people who received illegal and profoundly foolhardy immigration pro- pool, that we need to grant citizenship unconstitutional Executive amnesty, posal, the Democrats will decide they because Obama was too much of a con- then, it seems to me that, at the very want even more. There is not enough servative on immigration—if you most, the population we should con- amnesty that the Democrats could didn’t say that—then the only vote sider is those 690,000. take. If they do that, that will save the consistent with what we told the vot- The argument is made that they have day for now. But if not, if this body ers is to vote no today. We can come relied on this promise, even though the gets 60 votes for one of these amnesty together and find commonsense solu- promise was illegal and even though it proposals, then it is incumbent on the tions on immigration. We can secure was unconstitutional. The people who House to stop it, much like with the the border. We can triple the Border relied on this promise are the 690,000, Gang of 8. Patrol. We can end catch and release. not the 1.1 million who never even ap- In the Gang of 8, the Senate couldn’t We can implement a strong E-verify. plied. stop it. The Senate has always, unfor- We can use strong tools and tech- So I would ask why Republicans— tunately, been very liberal on immi- nology. We can continue to embrace and, indeed, why Democrats—are near- gration. It has been very willing to and celebrate legal immigrants, and we ly tripling what President Obama did make promises to the voters and can do all of that while respecting the in DACA. But that is not the only re- promptly come down here and vote rule of law. gard. DACA never included citizenship. very differently from those promises. What I would urge my colleagues to Nothing in President Obama’s DACA But the House of Representatives—the do is very simple. Ask yourself what allowed citizenship. Nothing in it al- People’s House—is designed to be re- you told the voters before election, and lowed a path to citizenship. DACA was sponsive to the people. So it is my hope let your conduct after election day a work permit, nothing more than a that House conservatives, facing the match what you told the voters. work permit—an illegal work permit, people and listening to the people, will As for the Democrats, the Democrats mind you—but it did not allow citizen- recognize that we had an election in campaigned as the party of amnesty. ship. Yet today far too many Repub- 2014 in response to the Gang of 8. The They are at least being true to their licans are eager to embrace the Demo- American people said: We don’t want promises. They promised amnesty. crats’ demands that 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 mil- the Gang of 8. They elected the largest That is their priority. They are being lion people here illegally should be House majority of Republicans in 70 true. But for Republicans, we promised granted a path to citizenship. That is years. They elected 9 new Republicans something different. We promised to wrong. That is plain and simple wrong. in the Senate and retired Harry Reid as stand with the working men and It is unfair to the millions of working majority leader. Yet, somehow, Repub- women, the union members, the steel- men and women. It is unfair to the licans in this body didn’t hear the vot- workers, the men and women with cal- steelworkers, the truckdrivers, and the ers in 2014. We had an election in 2016 luses on their hands. mechanics. It is unfair to millions of that the media was ready to call for I urge every one of us to listen to the American citizens, working men and Hillary Clinton. Yet, front and center working men and women, to respect women, who faced stagnant wages in the 2016 election, was the American the rule of law, and to vote against under President Obama. It is unfair to people saying: We don’t want amnesty. these misguided proposals.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.020 S15FEPT1 S1146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 I yield the floor. but we can take a historic step for- NAYS—47 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ward, and with new technology, new Alexander Ernst Perdue ator from Delaware. manpower, a new pathway to citizen- Barrasso Fischer Portman Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I ask Blunt Grassley Risch ship, address Dreamers and allow them Boozman Hatch unanimous consent to speak for 2 min- Roberts to succeed in American schools and in Burr Heller Rounds utes before we proceed to the cloture the American military and to enrich Capito Hoeven Rubio vote scheduled at 2:30 p.m. American communities without fear of Cassidy Inhofe Sasse The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cochran Isakson Scott deportation. These are tough issues, Collins Johnson Shelby objection, it is so ordered. but the solution is simple. I hope my Corker Kennedy Sullivan AMENDMENT NO. 1955 Cornyn Lankford colleagues will join me in voting for Thune Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I was Cotton Lee the McCain-Coons bill. Crapo Manchin Tillis honored when my good friend Senator I yield the floor. Cruz McConnell Toomey Wicker JOHN MCCAIN reached out to me 2 CLOTURE MOTION Daines Moran Enzi Paul Young weeks ago to suggest that we introduce The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant bipartisan legislation here in the Sen- to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the NOT VOTING—1 ate that would attempt to solve two of Senate the pending cloture motion, McCain our most pressing immigration issues which the clerk will state. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- and keep our country and Congress The senior assistant legislative clerk SIDY). On this vote, the yeas are 52, the moving forward. The bill we have in- read as follows: nays are 47. troduced—and which the Senate will CLOTURE MOTION Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- soon proceed to vote on—doesn’t solve sen and sworn not having voted in the every immigration issue we face, and it We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the affirmative, the motion is rejected. doesn’t try to. What our bill does is Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The majority leader. focus on the issues on which we can move to bring to a close debate on amend- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I agree. It is an attempt to break ment No. 1955 to H.R. 2579, an act to amend ask unanimous consent that there now through the messy political debates the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow be 2 minutes of debate, equally divided, and substantive disagreements here the premium tax credit with respect to un- prior to each remaining vote in this se- and find compromise. subsidized COBRA continuation coverage. ries; finally, that any further vote in Our bill would do two simple things: Angus S. King, Jr., Christopher A. Coons, the series be 10 minutes in length. Move to secure our border, and finally Heidi Heitkamp, Joe Donnelly, Tim The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there give Dreamers the path to citizenship Kaine, Mark R. Warner, Sheldon objection? Whitehouse, Debbie Stabenow, Mar- Without objection, it is so ordered. they deserve. garet Wood Hassan, Jeanne Shaheen, First, to address border security, our Jack Reed, Tammy Baldwin, Patty CLOTURE MOTION bipartisan bill would ensure that we Murray, Edward J. Markey, Amy Klo- Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays gain operational control of the border buchar, Richard J. Durbin, Brian before the Senate the pending cloture by 2020 with new investments, new Schatz, Charles E. Schumer. motion, which the clerk will state. technology, new resources for Federal, The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The senior assistant legislative clerk State, and local law enforcement. It imous consent, the mandatory quorum read as follows: would also reduce current immigration call has been waived. CLOTURE MOTION court backlogs by funding new judges The question is, Is it the sense of the We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- and attorneys, while addressing one of Senate that debate on amendment No. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby the root causes of immigration from 1955, offered by the Senator from Illi- Central America. move to bring to a close debate on Senate nois, Mr. DURBIN, for the Senator from amendment No. 1948 to H.R. 2579, an act to Second, our bill would give legal cer- Delaware, Mr. COONS, to H.R. 2579, an amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to tainty to 1.8 million Dreamers who are act to amend the Internal Revenue allow the premium tax credit with respect to American in every way but the paper- Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage. work—young Americans who have credit with respect to unsubsidized Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Chuck known no other country but this one. COBRA continuation coverage, shall be Grassley, John Cornyn, David Perdue, Dreamers who continue to play by the John Thune, Cory Gardner, Lindsey brought to a close? Graham, Bob Corker, James Lankford, rules by going to school, serving in our The yeas and nays are mandatory military, and maintaining consistent John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Lamar under the rule. Alexander, Steve Daines, Shelley employment can become lawful perma- The clerk will call the roll. Moore Capito, Dan Sullivan. nent residents and, 5 years later, U.S. The bill clerk called the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- citizens. Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator imous consent, the mandatory quorum Senator MCCAIN and I aren’t the only is necessarily absent: the Senator from call has been waived. ones who think this bipartisan solution Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). The question is, Is it the sense of the makes sense; 54 Members of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Senate that debate on amendment No. House—an even split of 27 Republicans any other Senators in the Chamber de- 1948, offered by the Senator from Ken- and 27 Democrats—have cosponsored siring to vote? tucky, Mr. MCCONNELL, for the Senator and led this effort. It has been cham- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 52, from Pennsylvania, Mr. TOOMEY, to pioned by Republican Congressman nays 47, as follows: H.R. 2579, an act to amend the Internal WILL HURD of Texas, whose district has [Rollcall Vote No. 33 Leg.] Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the pre- 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, YEAS—52 mium tax credit with respect to unsub- and Democratic Congressman PETE Baldwin Graham Nelson sidized COBRA continuation coverage, AGUILAR of California. shall be brought to a close? Our bill is more than just a set of Bennet Harris Peters Blumenthal Hassan Reed There is 2 minutes of debate. policies. It is a way for us to agree Booker Heinrich Sanders Who yields time? when we can agree and not let our dis- Brown Heitkamp Schatz The Senator from Pennsylvania. agreements get in the way of making Cantwell Hirono Schumer Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, Kate Cardin Jones progress. There have been misrepresen- Shaheen Steinle didn’t have to be shot and Carper Kaine Smith Casey King tations and half-truths said in attack- Stabenow killed on a pier in San Francisco. A 13- Coons Klobuchar ing this bill, and I will simply say this: Tester year-old child didn’t have to be raped Cortez Masto Leahy Udall Would a true American hero and pa- Donnelly Markey in the city of Philadelphia by Ramon triot like Senator MCCAIN have lent his Duckworth McCaskill Van Hollen Ochoa. Both of those crimes were com- name to this bill if all these attacks Durbin Menendez Warner mitted by people who were in this Warren were true? I think not. Feinstein Merkley country illegally after previously com- Flake Murkowski Whitehouse Our message is simple. We may not Gardner Murphy Wyden mitting multiple crimes and after hav- fix every immigration issue right now, Gillibrand Murray ing been deported. In both cases, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:33 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.021 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1147 cities in which these crimes occurred— Cassidy Grassley Perdue 4 months, olly olly oxen free—you can Cochran Hatch Portman the police departments—had these Collins Heller Risch stay forever. criminals in custody shortly prior to Corker Hoeven Roberts That is right. This bill directs the the commission of these crimes. But in Cornyn Inhofe Rounds Department of Homeland Security not both cases, when the Department of Cotton Isakson Rubio to prioritize enforcement action not Crapo Johnson Sasse Homeland Security asked for a tem- Cruz Kennedy Scott only against illegal immigrants here porary detention until they could take Daines Lankford Shelby today but anyone who gets here over these people into custody and deport Donnelly Lee Stabenow the next 4 months. them, that was not allowed because Enzi Manchin Sullivan Second, it is an amnesty that is far Ernst McCaskill Thune broader than the DACA Program—not these were sanctuary cities. These Fischer McConnell Tillis sanctuary cities systematically forbid Flake Moran Toomey 700,000, not 1.8 million, but over 3 mil- the local police from even sharing in- Gardner Murkowski Wicker lion people. Graham Paul Young formation or cooperating with Federal Third, it is even worse than that be- immigration officials, even in the case NAYS—45 cause it includes their parents as well. of criminals. Baldwin Harris Nelson The bill purports to prohibit parents My amendment is a bipartisan Bennet Hassan Peters from being legalized, but it requires Blumenthal Heinrich Reed amendment. I want to thank the Sen- the Federal Government to show that Booker Heitkamp Sanders the parents did not knowingly assist ator from West Virginia for cospon- Brown Hirono Schatz soring it. This is an amendment that Cantwell Jones Schumer the entry of a minor into this country. Cardin Kaine Shaheen How can the government show that 15, will ensure that any legal liability for Carper King Smith 20, 25 years later? And to say nothing wrongful detention is held by the Fed- Casey Klobuchar Tester of the fact that it puts onerous condi- eral Government, and nonsecurity Coons Leahy Udall tions on the spending of any money for funds—CDBG grants and some other Cortez Masto Markey Van Hollen Duckworth Menendez Warner security. It does virtually nothing for categories—will be withheld from sanc- Durbin Merkley Warren chain migration and nothing at all to tuary cities. Feinstein Murphy Whitehouse the diversity lottery. That is why The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who Gillibrand Murray Wyden President Trump has issued a veto yields time? NOT VOTING—1 threat, and that is why every one of my Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, the McCain colleagues should vote no. Toomey amendment will withhold crit- The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ical funding from cities, counties, and vote, the yeas are 54, the nays are 45. ator from South Dakota. States whose police departments refuse Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, while I to deploy their police officers as immi- sen and sworn not having voted in the enjoy the humor that my colleague gration agents for the Federal Govern- affirmative, the motion is rejected. from Arkansas has expressed, this is an ment. important bill. What we have done is CLOTURE MOTION Listen to what the two chiefs of po- what the President has asked for. lice in Storm Lake and Marshalltown, Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays No. 1, this provides $25 billion for a IA, wrote last week to the Des Moines before the Senate the pending cloture border security system. Register: motion, which the clerk will state. No. 2, it addresses the issue of DACA. Most significant, the proposed bill would The assistant bill clerk read as fol- It takes care of 1.8 million young peo- diminish the trust that keeps our cities safe lows: ple who want to be citizens of the in the first place. We depend on residents, in- CLOTURE MOTION United States 10 to 12 years from now. cluding immigrants, to come to us when We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- It does not provide a citizenship oppor- they see something suspicious or potentially ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the tunity for their parents. criminal. If they hear of a looming ‘‘crack- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby I yield at this time to my colleague, down’’ that could affect their families and move to bring to a close debate on Senate the Senator from Maine. friends, they are less likely to come [for- amendment No. 1958, as modified, to H.R. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ward] to report and prevent actual crimes. 2579, an act to amend the Internal Revenue ator from Maine. This is from Iowa chiefs of police in Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax credit Mr. KING. Mr. President, on January the Midwest. It is common sense. with respect to unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage. 9 of this year, the President of the My superintendent in Chicago, EDDIE Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Chuck United States said: We are going to JOHNSON, said: Grassley, John Cornyn, David Perdue, come up with DACA. We are going to I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Un- John Thune, Cory Gardner, Lindsey do DACA, and then we can start imme- documented immigrants are not driving vio- Graham, Bob Corker, James Lankford, diately on phase two, which will be lence in Chicago. That’s why I want our offi- Lisa Murkowski, John Hoeven, Rob comprehensive. I think we have to do cers focused on community policing and not Portman, Lamar Alexander, Steve DACA first. Later that evening, he trying to be immigration police. Daines, Shelley Moore Capito. tweeted and said that in addition to Vote for our men and women in uni- The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- DACA, we need to do the border. This form. Vote against the Toomey amend- imous consent, the mandatory quorum is that bill. ment. call has been waived. Much of the criticism are for things The PRESIDING OFFICER. All time The question is, Is it the sense of the not in this bill. They weren’t intended has expired. Senate that debate on amendment No. to be. This is a narrow bill dealing with The yeas and nays are mandatory 1958, as modified, offered by the Sen- DACA and border security. This is under the rule. ator from New York, Mr. SCHUMER, to what the American people want us to The clerk will call the roll. H.R. 2579, an act to amend the Internal do, and they are going to be puzzled if The assistant bill clerk called the Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the pre- anyone in this body votes against a bill roll. mium tax credit with respect to unsub- that will deal with DACA and border Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator sidized COBRA continuation coverage, security. is necessarily absent: the Senator from shall be brought to a close? Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). There will now be 2 minutes of debate to join my colleagues, Senator ROUNDS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there equally divided. and Senator KING, in clarifying the in- any other Senators in the Chamber de- Who yields time? tent of a provision from the Immigra- siring to vote? The Senator from Arkansas. tion Security and Opportunity Act, The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 54, Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I know which has been offered as an amend- nays 45, as follows: there is some dispute about the name ment. What this provision seeks to do [Rollcall Vote No. 34 Leg.] of this amendment, so let’s just call it is send a strong message to people who YEAS—54 the ‘‘olly olly oxen free’’ amendment come to the country after the bill is Alexander Blunt Burr because it says to the entire world: If enacted that they are going to be a pri- Barrasso Boozman Capito you can get to our country in the next ority for deportation just like a person

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:28 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.027 S15FEPT1 S1148 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 who has committed a felony is NOT VOTING—1 There is only one reason the Senate prioritized for deportation. I commit to McCain will be unable to reach a bipartisan so- changing this date from June 30, 2018, The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this lution to DACA—President Trump. back to the beginning of the calendar vote, the yeas are 54, the nays are 45. President Trump created this problem year, January 1, 2018, in conference Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- by terminating the DACA Program last should the amendment be adopted by sen and sworn not having voted in the August. Since that decision, President the Senate. affirmative, the motion is rejected. Trump has stood in the way of every Mr. KING. Mr. President, I agree CLOTURE MOTION single proposal that could have become with the senior Senator from Maine on Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays law. the intent of this provision and support before the Senate the pending cloture In conclusion, immigration is always working with her and our colleagues to motion, which the clerk will state. a contentious issue. There are intense move this date to January 1, 2018. I The legislative clerk read as follows: feelings on both sides of the aisle. If would also offer that to prioritize some CLOTURE MOTION there were ever a time for Presidential actions does not mean to do so at the We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- leadership, this was it. President exclusion of others, nor does it mean ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Trump has failed his test of leader- that DHS is prohibited in any way Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby ship—spectacularly. from enforcing the law. move to bring to a close debate on Senate I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. amendment No. 1959 to H.R. 2579, an act to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I, too, amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to and nays are mandatory under the rule. would like to echo the comments by allow the premium tax credit with respect to The clerk will call the roll. Senator COLLINS and Senator KING on unsubsidized COBRA continuation coverage. The senior assistant legislative clerk the intent of the provision and our Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Chuck Grassley, John Cornyn, David Perdue, called the roll. commitment to move this date back to Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator the beginning of the year. This provi- John Thune, Cory Gardner, Lindsey Graham, Bob Corker, James Lankford, is necessarily absent: the Senator from sion is needed to ensure that we are John Hoeven, Rob Portman, Lamar Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). providing a deterrent. Individuals who Alexander, Steve Daines, Shelley The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there come to the U.S. after a particular date Moore Capito, Dan Sullivan. any other Senators in the Chamber de- must know that we are going to focus The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- siring to vote? resources on their deportation just like imous consent, the mandatory quorum The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 39, we will focus on felons and other crimi- call has been waived. nays 60, as follows: nals and those who pose a threat to our The question is, Is it the sense of the [Rollcall Vote No. 36 Leg.] Nation’s security or public safety. Senate that debate on amendment No. YEAS—39 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I thank 1959, offered by the Senator from Iowa, Alexander Fischer Perdue my colleagues, and I yield the floor. Mr. GRASSLEY, to H.R. 2579, an act to Blunt Gardner Portman The PRESIDING OFFICER. The yeas amend the Internal Revenue Code of Boozman Graham Risch 1986 to allow the premium tax credit Burr Grassley Roberts and nays are mandatory under the rule. Capito Hatch Rounds The clerk will call the roll. with respect to unsubsidized COBRA Cassidy Heitkamp Rubio continuation coverage, shall be Cochran Heller Scott The senior assistant legislative clerk brought to a close? Corker Hoeven Shelby called the roll. There will now be 2 minutes of debate Cornyn Isakson Sullivan Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator Cotton Johnson Tillis equally divided. Crapo Lankford Toomey is necessarily absent: the Senator from Who yields time? Donnelly Manchin Wicker Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). The Senator from Iowa. Ernst McConnell Young The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, we NAYS—60 offer you commonsense reforms. More any other Senators in the Chamber de- Baldwin Gillibrand Murray siring to vote? than half of the Senators on that side Barrasso Harris Nelson The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 54, just voted for a massive amount of Bennet Hassan Paul nays 45, as follows: funding that we need for border secu- Blumenthal Heinrich Peters rity. We offer that as well, but we also Booker Hirono Reed [Rollcall Vote No. 35 Leg.] Brown Inhofe Sanders make it easier for authorities to re- Cantwell Jones Sasse YEAS—54 move criminals. We end chain migra- Cardin Kaine Schatz Alexander Gardner Murphy tion. We end the diversity visa. We also Carper Kennedy Schumer Baldwin Gillibrand Murray have a path to citizenship for 1.8 mil- Casey King Shaheen Bennet Graham Nelson Collins Klobuchar Smith Blumenthal Hassan Peters lion DACA recipients and Dreamers. Coons Leahy Stabenow Booker Heitkamp Reed In a sense, this is it. It is the only Cortez Masto Lee Tester Brown Hirono Rounds plan that can become law because the Cruz Markey Thune Cantwell Isakson Sanders President has said he would sign it. Daines McCaskill Udall Cardin Jones Schatz Duckworth Menendez Van Hollen Carper Kaine Schumer This is it. This is one’s last chance to Durbin Merkley Warner Casey King Shaheen vote for a path to citizenship for all of Enzi Moran Warren Collins Klobuchar Smith the people we have been talking about Feinstein Murkowski Whitehouse Coons Leahy Stabenow giving justice to and being compas- Flake Murphy Wyden Cortez Masto Manchin Tester NOT VOTING—1 Donnelly Markey Van Hollen sionate about and bringing out of the Duckworth McCaskill Warner dark. So here we are with an oppor- McCain Durbin Menendez Warren tunity to do it. I hope you will vote yes The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Feinstein Merkley Whitehouse Flake Murkowski Wyden and support it. vote, the yeas are 39, the nays are 60. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- NAYS—45 Democratic leader. sen and sworn not having voted in the Barrasso Fischer Perdue Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, we affirmative, the motion is rejected. Blunt Grassley Portman have waited a long time and worked The Senator from North Carolina. Boozman Harris Risch very hard for the chance to vote on a Burr Hatch Roberts f Capito Heinrich Rubio bill to protect Dreamers. I regret that Cassidy Heller Sasse the only bipartisan effort of the group MORNING BUSINESS Cochran Hoeven Scott of moderate Senators to come up with Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask Corker Inhofe Shelby Cornyn Johnson Sullivan a bipartisan compromise couldn’t get unanimous consent that the Senate Cotton Kennedy Thune the necessary 60 votes, and I expect the proceed to a period of morning busi- Crapo Lankford Tillis Grassley proposal will not get 60 ei- ness, with Senators permitted to speak Cruz Lee Toomey ther. I salute the eight brave Repub- therein for up to 10 minutes each. Daines McConnell Udall Enzi Moran Wicker licans who voted for the bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Ernst Paul Young compromise. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.003 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1149 Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I suggest but they just couldn’t take yes for an EXECUTIVE SESSION the absence of a quorum. answer. They turned away from a gold- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The en opportunity to solve the issue. They clerk will call the roll. decided they would rather come away EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The senior assistant legislative clerk emptyhanded, with no resolution what- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I proceeded to call the roll. soever for the 1.8 million individuals move to proceed to executive session to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I they say they are championing, than consider Calendar No. 153, Russell ask unanimous consent that the order accept a reasonable compromise with Vought. for the quorum call be rescinded. the President of the United States. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. KEN- Even though this week has been question is on agreeing to the motion. NEDY). Without objection, it is so or- squandered, this does not have to be The motion was agreed to. dered. the end of our efforts to resolve these The PRESIDING OFFICER. The f matters. I would encourage Members to clerk will report the nomination. IMMIGRATION put away the talking points and get se- The senior assistant legislative clerk rious about finding a solution that can read the nomination of Russell Vought, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I actually become law. of Virginia, to be Deputy Director of think it is safe to say it has been a dis- I remain eager to improve our immi- the Office of Management and Budget. appointing week. I kept my commit- gration policy. If a solution is devel- CLOTURE MOTION ment and set aside the entire week for oped in the future that can pass both Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I a broad and productive debate over the House and the Senate and be signed send a cloture motion to the desk. DACA, border security, and other im- into law by the President, it should be The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- portant immigration issues. My friend considered. But for that to happen, ture motion having been presented the Democratic leader, the assistant Democrats will need to take a second under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Democratic leader, the Congressional look at these core elements of nec- clerk to read the motion. Hispanic Caucus—everyone agrees that essary reform. The senior assistant legislative clerk I held up my end of the bargain. read as follows: Back in December, I stated that if a f bill that stood a chance of becoming CLOTURE MOTION law were ready in January, I would EXECUTIVE SESSION We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- bring it to the floor. No such proposal ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby was produced. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Then, in January, when Democrats EXECUTIVE CALENDAR nation of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to be shut down the government over this Deputy Director of the Office of Management issue, I offered to dedicate this week— Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and Budget. this week that we have been in—to an move to proceed to executive session to Mitch McConnell, Pat Roberts, Roy immigration debate and a fair amend- consider Calendar No. 623, Elizabeth Blunt, Shelley Moore Capito, Thom ment process. I just did that, but the Branch. Tillis, Richard Burr, Roger F. Wicker, same Democrats failed to produce a so- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mike Crapo, Orrin G. Hatch, John Bar- question is on agreeing to the motion. rasso, Johnny Isakson, Michael B. lution and, instead, spent the better Enzi, John Boozman, Mike Rounds, part of the week objecting to any votes The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The James M. Inhofe, John Thune, Lindsey in the Senate. Graham. I thought we might be able to resolve clerk will report the nomination. this. I was hoping we could reach a bi- The senior assistant legislative clerk f partisan solution that could pass the read the nomination of Elizabeth L. LEGISLATIVE SESSION Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Senate, pass the House, and earn Presi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. dent Trump’s signature. But, once move to proceed to legislative session. again, when the hour came to actually CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The make law instead of just making polit- Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture question is on agreeing to the motion. ical points, our friends across the aisle motion to the desk. The motion was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- were either unable or unwilling to get f something done. After all the talk—all ture motion having been presented the talk—they hardly came to the under rule XXII, the Chair directs the EXECUTIVE SESSION table at all. clerk to read the motion. I supported the plan introduced by The senior assistant legislative clerk EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Chairman GRASSLEY and several other read as follows: cosponsors. It fleshed out the Presi- CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I dent’s framework, pairing a more than We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- move to proceed to executive session to generous solution for 1.8 million illegal ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the consider Calendar No. 437, Marvin immigrants with commonsense steps to Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Quattlebaum. reform legal immigration, secure the move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The border, and help law enforcement keep nation of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to question is on agreeing to the motion. Americans safe. be United States Circuit Judge for the Elev- The motion was agreed to. In my view, the President came a enth Circuit. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mitch McConnell, Pat Roberts, Roy clerk will report the nomination. very long way—clearly, more than Blunt, Tim Scott, Todd Young, Richard halfway—to meet the Democrats on C. Shelby, John Boozman, Roger F. The senior assistant legislative clerk this issue. In exchange for a pathway Wicker, Marco Rubio, Mike Crapo, read the nomination of A. Marvin to citizenship—not just legal status, Steve Daines, Jerry Moran, Tom Cot- Quattlebaum, Jr., of South Carolina, to but a pathway to citizenship—for near- ton, Chuck Grassley, David Perdue, be United States District Judge for the ly 2 million individuals, he sensibly John Cornyn, John Thune. District of South Carolina. wanted to reform pieces of our broken CLOTURE MOTION immigration system, secure our border, f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and make it harder for violent crimi- send a cloture motion to the desk. nals and repeat offenders to prey on LEGISLATIVE SESSION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- American citizens. That is more than a Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ture motion having been presented fair bargain—more than a fair bargain. move to proceed to legislative session. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the I thought our friends across the aisle The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk to read the motion. would jump at this opportunity to ful- question is on agreeing to the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk fill what they say is their top priority, The motion was agreed to. read as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.039 S15FEPT1 S1150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 CLOTURE MOTION consider Calendar No. 439, Tilman Eu- be United States District Judge for the West- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- gene Self. ern District of Louisiana. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Thom Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby question is on agreeing to the motion. Tillis, Tom Cotton, David Perdue, John Kennedy, Pat Roberts, Johnny Isakson, move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The motion was agreed to. nation of A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., of Mike Crapo, Roger F. Wicker, Mike South Carolina, to be United States District The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Rounds, Steve Daines, Richard Burr, Judge for the District of South Carolina. clerk will report the nomination. John Boozman, Lindsey Graham, Bill Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, John Cor- The senior assistant legislative clerk Cassidy, John Barrasso. nyn, John Kennedy, Richard Burr, read the nomination of Tilman Eugene Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mike Lee, David Perdue, Steve Daines, Self III, of Georgia, to be United States ask unanimous consent that the man- James Lankford, Pat Roberts, Johnny District Judge for the Middle District datory quorum calls for the cloture Isakson, Jeff Flake, Lindsey Graham, of Georgia. Patrick J. Toomey, Marco Rubio, Tom motions be waived. Cotton, James E. Risch. CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. f Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I send a cloture motion to the desk. f LEGISLATIVE SESSION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ture motion having been presented move to proceed to legislative session. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk to read the motion. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- question is on agreeing to the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk ate proceed to the en bloc consider- The motion was agreed to. read as follows: ation of the following nominations: Ex- f CLOTURE MOTION ecutive Calendar Nos. 617 and 667. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there EXECUTIVE SESSION We, the undersigned Senators, in accordance with the provisions of rule XXII of the objection? Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Without objection, it is so ordered. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The clerk will report the nomina- nation of Tilman Eugene Self III, of Georgia, tions en bloc. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I to be United States District Judge for the The senior assistant legislative clerk move to proceed to executive session to Middle District of Georgia. read the nominations of Joel Danies, of consider Calendar No. 438, Karen Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Thom Maryland, a Career Member of the Sen- Scholer. Tillis, Tom Cotton, David Perdue, John ior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Kennedy, Pat Roberts, Johnny Isakson, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and question is on agreeing to the motion. Mike Crapo, Roger F. Wicker, Mike The motion was agreed to. Rounds, Steve Daines, Richard Burr, Plenipotentiary of the United States of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The John Boozman, Lindsey Graham, Bill America to the Gabonese Republic, and clerk will report the nomination. Cassidy, John Barrasso. to serve concurrently and without ad- The senior assistant legislative clerk f ditional compensation as Ambassador read the nomination of Karen Gren Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of LEGISLATIVE SESSION Scholer, of Texas, to be United States the United States of America to the District Judge for the Northern Dis- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and trict of Texas. move to proceed to legislative session. Principe; and Peter Hendrick Vrooman, CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of New York, a Career Member of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I question is on agreeing to the motion. Senior Foreign Service, Class of Coun- send a cloture motion to the desk. The motion was agreed to. selor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- f and Plenipotentiary of the United ture motion having been presented States of America to the Republic of EXECUTIVE SESSION under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Rwanda. clerk to read the motion. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to The senior assistant legislative clerk EXECUTIVE CALENDAR consider the nominations en bloc. read as follows: Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I CLOTURE MOTION ask unanimous consent that the Sen- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- move to proceed to executive session to ate vote on the nominations en bloc ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the consider Calendar No. 536, Terry with no intervening action or debate; Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Doughty. that if confirmed, the motions to remove to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The consider be considered made and laid nation of Karen Gren Scholer, of Texas, to be question is on agreeing to the motion. upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- United States District Judge for the North- The motion was agreed to. dent be immediately notified of the ern District of Texas. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate’s action; that no further mo- Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, John Cor- clerk will report the nomination. nyn, John Kennedy, Richard Burr, tions be in order; and that any state- Mike Lee, David Perdue, Steve Daines, The senior assistant legislative clerk ments relating to the nominations be James Lankford, Pat Roberts, Johnny read the nomination of Terry A. printed in the RECORD. Isakson, Jeff Flake, Lindsey Graham, Doughty, of Louisiana, to be United The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Patrick J. Toomey, Marco Rubio, Tom States District Judge for the Western objection, it is so ordered. Cotton. District of Louisiana. The question is, Will the Senate ad- f CLOTURE MOTION vise and consent to the Danies and LEGISLATIVE SESSION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Vrooman nominations en bloc? send a cloture motion to the desk. The nominations were confirmed en Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- bloc. move to proceed to legislative session. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ture motion having been presented f under rule XXII, the Chair directs the question is on agreeing to the motion. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The motion was agreed to. clerk to read the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I f read as follows: ask unanimous consent that the Sen- EXECUTIVE SESSION CLOTURE MOTION ate proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following nominations: Ex- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ecutive Calendar Nos. 590, 591, 643, 644, EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby 682, and 683. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without move to proceed to executive session to nation of Terry A. Doughty, of Louisiana, to objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:05 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.045 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1151 The clerk will report the nomina- The question is, Will the Senate ad- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR tions en bloc. vise and consent to the Jacobs nomina- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The senior assistant legislative clerk tion? ask unanimous consent that the Sen- read the nominations of Norman Euell The nomination was confirmed. ate proceed to the consideration of the Arflack, of Kentucky, to be United f following nomination: Executive Cal- States Marshal for the Eastern District endar No. 359. of Kentucky for the term of four years; EXECUTIVE CALENDAR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Ted G. Kamatchus, of Iowa, to be objection? United States Marshal for the South- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Without objection, it is so ordered. ern District of Iowa for the term of ask unanimous consent that the Sen- The clerk will report the nomination. four years; Michael T. Baylous, of West ate proceed to the consideration of the The senior assistant legislative clerk Virginia, to be United States Marshal following nomination: Executive Cal- read the nomination of John Marshall for the Southern District of West Vir- endar No. 661. Mitnick, of Virginia, to be General ginia for the term of four years; Daniel The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Counsel, Department of Homeland Se- R. McKittrick, of Mississippi, to be objection, it is so ordered. curity. United States Marshal for the North- The clerk will report the nomination. Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to ern District of Mississippi for the term The senior assistant legislative clerk consider the nomination. of four years; David G. Jolley, of Ten- read the nomination of Holly W. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I nessee, to be United States Marshal for Greaves, of the District of Columbia, to ask unanimous consent that the Sen- the Eastern District of Tennessee for be Chief Financial Officer, Environ- ate vote on the nomination with no in- the term of four years; and Thomas M. mental Protection Agency. tervening action or debate; that if con- Griffin, Jr., of South Carolina, to be Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to firmed, the motion to reconsider be United States Marshal for the District consider the nomination. considered made and laid upon the of South Carolina for the term of four Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I table; that the President be imme- years. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- diately notified of the Senate’s action; Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to ate vote on the nomination with no in- that no further motions be in order; consider the nominations en bloc. tervening action or debate; that if con- and that any statements relating to CCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. M firmed, the motion to reconsider be the nomination be printed in the ask unanimous consent that the Sen- considered made and laid upon the RECORD. ate vote on the nominations en bloc table; that the President be imme- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without with no intervening action or debate; diately notified of the Senate’s action; objection, it is so ordered. that if confirmed, the motions to re- that no further motions be in order; The question is, Will the Senate ad- consider be considered made and laid and that any statements relating to vise and consent to the Mitnick nomi- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- the nomination be printed in the nation? dent be immediately notified of the RECORD. The nomination was confirmed. Senate’s action; that no further mo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without f tions be in order; and that any state- objection, it is so ordered. ments relating to the nominations be The question is, Will the Senate ad- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR printed in the RECORD. vise and consent to the Greaves nomi- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nation? ask unanimous consent that the Sen- objection, it is so ordered. The nomination was confirmed. ate proceed to the en bloc consider- The question is, Will the Senate ad- ation of the following nominations: Ex- vise and consent to the Arflack, f ecutive Calendar Nos. 645, 646, 647, 648, Kamatchus, Baylous, McKittrick, 662, 684, 685, and 687. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Jolley, and Griffin nominations en The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there bloc? Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection? The nominations were confirmed en ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Without objection, it is so ordered. bloc. ate proceed to the consideration of the The clerk will report the nomina- f following nomination: Executive Cal- tions en bloc. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR endar No. 465. The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there read the nominations of John Hender- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection? son, of South Dakota, to be an Assist- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Without objection, it is so ordered. ant Secretary of the Air Force; Michael ate proceed to the consideration of the The clerk will report the nomination. D. Griffin, of Alabama, to be Under following nomination: Executive Cal- The senior assistant legislative clerk Secretary of Defense for Research and endar No. 472. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without read the nomination of John C. Engineering; William Roper, of Geor- objection, it is so ordered. Demers, of Virginia, to be an Assistant gia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the The clerk will report the nomination. Attorney General. Air Force; Phyllis L. Bayer, of Mis- The senior assistant legislative clerk Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to sissippi, to be an Assistant Secretary read the nomination of Neil Jacobs, of consider the nomination. of the Navy; John H. Gibson II, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Sec- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Texas, to be Chief Management Officer retary of Commerce. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- of the Department of Defense; Lisa Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to ate vote on the nomination with no in- Gordon-Hagerty, of Virginia, to be consider the nomination. tervening action or debate; that if con- Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I firmed, the motion to reconsider be Department of Energy; Kevin Fahey, of ask unanimous consent that the Sen- considered made and laid upon the Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Sec- ate vote on the nomination with no in- table; that the President be imme- retary of Defense; and Thomas E. tervening action or debate; that if con- diately notified of the Senate’s action; Ayres, of Pennsylvania, to be General firmed, the motion to reconsider be that no further motions be in order; Counsel of the Department of the Air considered made and laid upon the and that any statements relating to Force. table; that the President be imme- the nomination be printed in the Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to diately notified of the Senate’s action; RECORD. consider the nominations en bloc. that no further motions be in order; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and that any statements relating to objection, it is so ordered. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- the nomination be printed in the The question is, Will the Senate ad- ate vote on the nominations en bloc RECORD. vise and consent to the Demers nomi- with no intervening action or debate; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without nation? that if confirmed, the motions to re- objection, it is so ordered. The nomination was confirmed. consider be considered made and laid

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.054 S15FEPT1 S1152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- lowing his speaking, I be recognized Senator from Delaware is a former dent be immediately notified of the again. Governor, so he knows about this. He Senate’s action; that no further mo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and I had an executive job when we tions be in order; and that any state- objection, it is so ordered. were Governors. I did my job this way ments relating to the nominations be f as Governor. A President’s job is to see printed in the RECORD. an urgent need, to develop a strategy IMMIGRATION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to meet the need, and to persuade at objection, it is so ordered. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, least half the people you are right. The question is, Will the Senate ad- today the Senate voted on immigra- That is what George Reedy said the vise and consent to the Henderson, tion. President’s job was, and I think Presi- Griffin, Roper, Bayer, Gibson, Gordon- Immigration is a passionate issue. It dent Trump in this case has done his Hagerty, Fahey, and Ayres nomina- affects the lives of people. It affects the job. He saw an urgent need. He saw a tions en bloc? American creed, which involves the need of the Dreamers, the DACA people The nominations were confirmed en rule of law, which involves the fact who are here. He saw an urgent need to bloc. that we are a nation of immigrants. It deal with the border. He saw an urgent goes to the heart of our country, and need to deal with some other holes in f we have very strong opinions about it. our system of legal immigration. He EXECUTIVE CALENDAR All of us know that. saw a need to deal with the fact that Of course, that is the reason we have we have kind of slipped into a situation Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I a U.S. Senate. This is not an issue that ask unanimous consent that the Sen- where the million people a year who the Shreveport City Council or the ate proceed to the consideration of the come here legally, unlike most coun- Nashville Metro Council can solve. We following nomination: Executive Cal- tries in the world, are brought here by can’t solve the problem of our Nation’s endar No. 663. cousins just because they are cousins. borders. We can’t solve the problem in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without They are not brought here because our communities about what to do objection, it is so ordered. they are part of the immediate family about people who were brought here as The clerk will report the nomination. or because they add something special children illegally through no fault of The senior assistant legislative clerk to our country, either skilled or un- their own. That is our job. That is the read the nomination of Melissa F. skilled, and he sought to change that. job of the President of the United The President recognized the fact Burnison, of Kentucky, to be an Assist- States. That is the job of the Senate, that once we give someone legal status ant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and it is the job of the Congress. in this country, once we say to them: and Intergovernmental Affairs). We tried before. We tried in 2007, and We have decided we want you to be Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to we failed. We tried in 2013, and this here permanently or nearly perma- consider the nomination. body passed a bill with 68 or 69 votes. I nently. We want you at least one day Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I voted for it. If we had passed that bill, to dream of becoming a citizen of the ask unanimous consent that the Sen- as for all the issues we debated today, United States—I agree with the Presi- ate vote on the nomination with no in- we wouldn’t have them anymore be- dent on that. I don’t want millions of tervening action or debate; that if con- cause we dealt then with border secu- people living in this country perma- firmed, the motion to reconsider be rity in 2013. We would have added 20,000 nently who are pledging their alle- considered made and laid upon the border agents, 700 miles of fencing, bio- giance to Afghanistan and Russia and table; that the President be imme- metric detection at our ports of exit China and Japan and every other coun- diately notified of the Senate’s action; and entry, and E-Verify for all of the try in the world; I want them to stand that no further motions be in order; employers in the country. We would up in the Federal court or wherever and that any statements relating to have dealt with the issue of legal sta- they have the naturalization cere- the nomination be printed in the tus for people illegally here, people mony—or to be able to dream of stand- RECORD. overstaying their visas, temporary ing there—and take the same oath of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without workers. We would have done all of allegiance to this country that George objection, it is so ordered. that in 2013, but we did not do it. Washington’s soldiers took at Valley The question is, Will the Senate ad- So we are left with this problem of a Forge, which is the same allegiance vise and consent to the Burnison nomi- large number of people living in this today that it was then, where you re- nation? country—some for a long period of nounce your allegiance to any other The nomination was confirmed. time—who were brought here as chil- country and you pledge your allegiance f dren through no fault of their own, to the United States. I want anyone LEGISLATIVE SESSION which is one problem. We have another who we have decided deserves legal sta- problem on the border, which is that tus on a permanent basis to have that the border isn’t secure. People coming in the back of their mind, not the MORNING BUSINESS across the border is one problem, but in pledge of allegiance to Korea or Af- my view, the drugs coming across the ghanistan or Bangladesh or Chile or Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I border are the biggest problem. We any other country in the world. ask unanimous consent that the Sen- have had a lot of hearings in the HELP I think the President did his job. He ate resume legislative session for a pe- Committee about opioid addiction. A made a reasonable proposal. I think he riod of morning business, with Sen- lot of the heroin and a lot of the illegal did something that most Democrats ators permitted to speak therein for up drugs that are devastating our commu- and many Americans—maybe many to 10 minutes each. nities are coming across our southern Republicans—did not expect him to do. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without border. It is just a fact, and we need to He said: Let’s take care permanently of objection, it is so ordered. deal with it. these 1.8 million children who were The Senator from Tennessee. So we are dealing with and we voted brought here through no fault of their f today on what to do about the children own. As long as they don’t get in trou- brought here illegally by their parents ble and follow the law, are law-abiding, ORDER OF PROCEDURE through no fault of their own and what let’s give them the dream of citizen- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, the to do about border security. The Presi- ship after 10 or 12 years. Let’s deal with Senator from Delaware is somewhere dent of the United States did his job on merit-based immigration. Let’s make in the neighborhood, and he has a train this one. some changes in our legal system. to catch in a few minutes. So I ask He did what a President is supposed Let’s plug some of the holes in the bor- unanimous consent that after I make a to do. der so these drugs don’t come in. few remarks about today’s events and I read a book by George Reedy, who The President made a very strong the voting today, the Senator from was Lyndon Johnson’s Press Secretary. proposal. Now we are doing what we Delaware be recognized, and that fol- He said that a President’s job—the are supposed to do. We are supposed to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:32 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.055 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1153 react to that. Well, we did today. Sen- should be 70, not 60. We are not going I would like to say to my Democratic ator GRASSLEY offered the President’s to get there with a situation that has friends that in this case the other fel- proposal, and it got 39 votes. A bipar- 47 or 48 Democrats and 8 or 9 Repub- low might be named Trump. They tisan group offered a narrower version licans—that doesn’t make 60 in the might not like that. They may not like of what the President wanted, and it public schools of Tennessee—and we it, but I think we should give the Presi- only included the border security won’t get it with almost all the Repub- dent credit for seeing an urgent need, part—$25 billion—and a permanent fix licans and just a few Democrats. That recommending a strategy, and doing for the DACA or Dreamers, who are is not a majority. That is not a con- his best to persuade half of the Ameri- here because of that provision in the sensus. That is not going to persuade cans that he is right about that. law. It got 54 votes. But neither got 60. the people of this country that we have I think we need some Members on the Neither got to 60, which we need. come up with something lasting that other side to do what eight of us on the Why do we need 60 votes? Because we most people can accept. I have no Republican side did this day, which is are the U.S. Senate. The House of Rep- doubt we can get there. move the other direction, recognize resentatives only needs a majority. We There were 36 Senators of both par- that the other fellow might be right, get 60 because we want a consensus. ties who came to a meeting 3 weeks come to a conclusion, and do our job. I Why do we need a consensus? When we ago at which we said to our two think we made a start this week, but take on a big, difficult, passionate whips—Senators DURBIN and CORNYN, we are not there yet. I look forward to issue like this, we want the people of on each side—we would like for the two the opportunity to finish the job, and this country to accept it. We want of you to help us find a consensus on remembering Howard Baker’s advice them to turn around and look—well, if this. There were 36 of us. There have that the other fellow might be right that many Democrats and that many been 20 or 25 meetings—about equal might be a good way to start. Republicans thought it was a good number in both parties—trying to find Mr. President, I yield the floor to my idea, then maybe I should rethink my some solution here. I think we are distinguished colleague, the Senator own view and think it is a good idea. making some pretty good progress. We from Delaware. That is why President Trump has a just didn’t get there today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- chance to be Nixon to China on the im- I am glad the majority leader said ator from Delaware. migration issue. He won his election to that this is not the end of it. It can’t be Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I am a large extent because he promised a the end of it. We can’t just leave this grateful to my colleague from Ten- wall and he talked about immigration. here. I can’t go back to Tennessee and nessee for yielding to me. Now he is saying: Here is a solution tell Memphis or Nashville or Knoxville: One of the reasons Howard Baker was that has to do with border security, Sorry, we can’t do it, so the mayor or one of the great leaders in this place is citizenship, and the DACA children, the city council will now decide what he had good staff, and one of those and people will pay attention to that. to do about these children who are ille- folks, who was maybe the senior mem- And they will pay attention to us if we gally here and about the drugs coming ber of his staff lo those many years get more than a bare majority to vote across the southern border and about ago, was LAMAR ALEXANDER, now Sen- for some version of what the President legal immigration. I can’t do that. ator ALEXANDER. Howard Baker would has recommended. Well, we are up to I need to say: I am going to go back. be very proud of the kind of Senator he 54. The President has done his job. The has become—a great Governor, Sec- I can give you an example of what I Senate worked on it for a week. We got retary of Education. He is someone just said. In the late 1960s, the debate up to 54 votes. We need 70. We need 70. who speaks, more often than not, with was civil rights. Everett Dirksen was So my hope is that the President will great wisdom. He and I agree on not ev- the minority leader of the Senate; he continue to advocate; do his job; see an erything but pretty much everything. was the Republican leader. Lyndon urgent need—he did; recommend a I am mister glass half full. My wife Johnson was the President; he was a strategy to deal with the need—he did; says to me that I need to be more of a Democratic President. They worked to- and try to persuade at least half the realist. She says I am too much of an gether to get 68 votes for the civil people he is right. He is a good per- optimist. I am not an optimist today. I rights bill of 1968. It was opposed by suader. And then we will do our job, feel like we leave here—get on a train, Senator Richard Russell of Georgia, and that is not to stand in the corners go home—feeling like we have not done but when Senator Russell lost, he flew and throw things at each other. Let’s our job. back to Atlanta and said: It is the law, see where we can agree and do what we The Senator from Tennessee has said and we should follow it. did on civil rights and fixing No Child that the President did his job, but I That is what we did with civil rights. Left Behind. This is not any harder just don’t agree. I just don’t agree. He That is what we did with Social Secu- than those issues. We ought to be able served as Governor; I served as Gov- rity. That is what we did with Medi- to do it; otherwise, we shouldn’t be ernor. if we had an impasse on a dif- care. That is what we did more re- here. ficult issue in Delaware—we are lucky; cently with fixing No Child Left Be- I tell my colleagues often that it is we are a small state—we can pull peo- hind. That is what we did with 21st pretty hard to be a Senator. It is hard ple together to resolve just about any- Century Cures. When we take on a to get here. It is hard to stay here. And thing and figure out what we call the tough, complicated issue and we talk while you are here, you might as well four c’s. One of those is close to Dela- about it long enough and we get amount to something, and amounting ware. No. 1 is communicate. No. 2 is enough of us on both sides of the aisle to something means getting a result. compromise. No. 3 is collaborate. No. 4 to agree on it, we get a consensus, the We didn’t get a result today, but I am is civility. Those are the four c’s. That country accepts it, and you don’t have convinced that we can. is the reason why we had some success to worry about the next Congress com- In conclusion—and then I will go to in our State. ing in and passing it, repealing it, and my friend from Delaware—how do we I am not sure we really demonstrated changing it. get to 70? Well, I came up here years enough of those today. I am not sure When we don’t do that, it is like ago and worked for a Senator named the President did as much as he could ObamaCare. It passes with a partisan Howard Baker. He was very successful have done and should have done. We vote, and then we have a permanent in this body. He ended up as the major- have a Bible study that meets here on political battle trying to repeal it or ity leader. He stood right over there Thursdays, as the Senator from Ten- replace it. That has been going on for 8 next to Senator Byrd when he was the nessee knows. Seven or eight of us that years. We are still not through it yet. Democratic leader. They had great dif- need the most help meet with the We hope to be, but we are not through ferences of opinion, but they ran this Chaplain of the Senate, Barry Black, it yet. body very well. Howard Baker had a retired rear admiral and chief of chap- So we need 60 votes for a solution for saying. He said that it helped to be an lains for the Navy and Marine Corps. the DACA children who were brought eloquent listener, and he said that you Today in our Bible study, he men- here and the border security position. have to remember that sometimes the tioned the golden rules: Treat people Actually, I would suggest our goal other fellow might be right. the way we want to be treated. Love

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.057 S15FEPT1 S1154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 thy neighbor as thyself. And ask the think it was Perdue. She said: We are was the Collins, King, et al. Included in question: Who is our neighbor? He told trying to fill positions. We have 100 that package were a number of what I the parable about the Good Samaritan. people who offer to come in for an call force multipliers. They would ac- Oftentimes, he mentioned Matthew 25, interview. She said that out of the 100, tually make the border more secure. which deals with the least of these. they actually have 20 that reach the There is someplace along the border When I was hungry, did you feed me? second step because they can pass the where a wall makes sense, like in San When I was naked, did you clothe me? blood test and meet other challenges Diego. I was stationed in the Navy in When I was thirsty, did you give me a they have, or obstacles, in order to San Diego. There are some places drink? When I was sick and in prison, reach the next rung on the ladder for there, and there are other places where did you visit me? When I was a strang- an interview. They start with 100 and a wall makes sense. I heard more than er in your land, did you welcome me? are down to 20 almost like that. Out of a few times: If you build a 15-foot wall, I think there is a moral imperative those 20, she said, eventually 5 will be someone will come along with an 18- here. In the case where young people able to pass the drug test and have the foot ladder, or come along with a tun- were brought here when they were very work experience and the willingness to nel to go under it. young from another country by their work. She said they end up with five to There are a lot of things we can do to parents, have grown up here, were edu- hire. Out of those five they hire, a assist the 20,000 Border Patrol men and cated here, and are working here in all number of them stop coming to work a women we have. We are having a hard kinds of jobs—jobs that need to be month later. She said that is what they time filling those 20,000 positions. We filled—to say by our actions today that face; that is reality. And then she said: have hundreds of those jobs vacant sometime in March—maybe March 5—a Please help us. In fact, all the poultry today. lot of them will be facing the prospect industry people we met on Monday Do you know where we could put peo- of being rounded up and sent back to said: Please help us with this. ple to work on the border? At ports of where they were born, I think, there is As it turns out, it is not just land- entry, where hundreds of millions of a moral imperative that says that is scaping businesses that need people to dollars of commerce are coming not right. work. It is not just food processors— through every week—coming up from In Delaware State University, we Mexico and going down into Mexico. have any number of Dreamers who are poultry in this case. When we received the monthly jobs report earlier this There is a crying need for 3,000 people students there. They are the most im- to work as Customs officers at the pressive young people I have met in my month for the month of January, we were told that the unemployment rate ports of entry. life. They are smart. They work hard. My colleague talks, as he should, is about 4.1 percent—steady where it They are good students. They are going about concern about drugs coming into was. We are still under way with the to go off and be great employees. They our country. Right now, the biggest are going to start businesses of their longest running economic expansion. I threat is from China. They are coming own. For us to say that there is a good think we are past 8 years now. When over here ordered by the internet. chance that you will be sent back to people went to work today, there were There is stuff coming in by the mail about 2 to 3 million jobs that were not where you were born, doesn’t make a service. Senator PORTMAN and I are whole lot of sense to me. I think it is filled. When folks went to work in this working to do a much tighter job in morally wrong. country today across America, for that regard to stop the importation of I think it is also economically wrong. about 2 to 3 million jobs, nobody fentanyl through the Postal Service. Today, a bunch of folks in the land- showed up to do the job. It makes no There are a bunch of things that we scaping business came to see me. They sense to me that we face the prospect can do on the border that were in- wanted to talk about the problems of 700,000, 800,000 people who were cluded in the bipartisan proposal they have getting people to come to raised here, were educated here, work today. I will mention a couple of them. work for their firms, to work for their here, want to work here, and want to It is not just enough to have drones. companies, and to do landscaping contribute, could do those jobs, and You have to have drones that you can work. It is not easy work. It is hard to they may not get a chance to do them. fly. You have to have good surveillance find people to do it. In many cases, the Employers have risen up with one systems. You have to have people who folks that will do it come day after voice, from the U.S. Chamber of Com- maintain them. And they don’t just fly day—a day’s work for a day’s pay. They merce, the National Association of 8 hours out of every 24. They are able are people who have come here from Manufacturers, the Business Round- to be up in the sky throughout the day other countries. The landscapers table, the National Federation of Inde- and throughout the week with the kind today—I don’t know if they are Demo- pendent Businesses, and the Farm Bu- of surveillance systems that are need- crats or Republicans—are frustrated reau—you name it—to say: We have a ed. because they have a good business and problem on the human resources side It is not just enough to have a couple customers need their work to be done, with getting people to come to work. of helicopters that can fly every day, and they have a hard time getting I think it is economic insanity for us but they have to be able to go 24/7 and Americans born and raised here to do to say that for 700,000 or 800,000 people have the same kind of surveillance sys- the work. and maybe a couple hundred thousand tems that are good. With fixed-wing Earlier this week, on Monday, I was people that came here from El Sal- aircraft, the same is true. I was a naval in Georgetown, DE. We raise more vador: We are going to send you home. flight officer of a P–3 air mission com- chickens in Sussex County, DE, than It makes no sense. mand. We did a lot of surface surveil- anywhere in America. There are 400 I hope my friend is right. I hope we lance and chased submarines all over chickens for every person who lives in leave here, come back in a week or so, the world. They would send us out in my State. Poultry is a big business. We and say: How do we get to an agree- the ocean to look for somebody’s ship met with folks from the Delmarva Pe- ment? that had sunken or a sailboat that had ninsula who are very much involved in The last thing I will say is this. Bor- sunken. Sometimes all we would have the poultry industry. They said basi- der security is really important. I was in the middle of the ocean was a pair of cally the same thing we heard today chairman of the Homeland Security binoculars—good luck finding anybody. from the landscapers: We have a hard Committee for a while. I am still the We don’t have to just use binoculars time finding people who will work in senior Democrat on the committee. If on the border, with drones, fixed-wing poultry plants. We have done a lot of you compare border security in this aircraft, helicopters, fixed-wing towers, things we can to enhance the pay and country today to what it was 10, 20 or mobile towers. We have surveillance the benefits. We have wellness centers. years ago, it is a more secure border. It systems that can enable us to see 15, 20, We provide incentives for people who should be. We spent a fortune. We have 25 miles into Mexico. We should use want to improve themselves, go on, and 20,000 people down in border security. them and make sure they are main- have a chance to move up the ladder of We are doing a lot of smarter things. tained and that people are trained to success. I will conclude with this point. In- operate them. But there was one lady who said that cluded in the proposal today that, I When you have hundreds of miles of she is from a major poultry company. I think, got the most votes—54 votes— river, building a wall there doesn’t

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.059 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1155 make sense. Boats do and boat ramps floor of the junior Senator from Ala- Throughout February and early make sense. In places where the wall bama, Mr. JONES, who has been waiting March, negotiations continued, and on may not make sense, a fence may make patiently. He and I were working to- March 28, 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther sense. Roads along the fence may make gether on something that I am about King, Jr., and Rev. James Lawson led a sense. In some places, Border Patrol on to speak about, a resolution that has to march from the Clayborn Temple that horses makes sense. In some places, we do with an event that happened 50 ended with rioting, arrests, and the have high grasses. Put a Border Patrol years ago, the Memphis sanitation death of 16-year-old Larry Payne. Civil officer up on a horse and he can see for workers strike. rights leaders vowed to march again, miles and miles. That makes sense. He has plenty to say about it, but he focusing on the principles of non- This and more was included in the has not yet made what we call his violence. proposal that drew 54 votes. It is the maiden speech on the Senate floor. We On April 3, 1968, Dr. King addressed a kind of thing we ought to do. It doesn’t usually reserve that moment for a sin- rally of 10,000 African-American work- cost $25 billion, but it will be cost-ef- gular opportunity to speak. So he is ers and residents, members of the cler- fective and make our border more se- waiting until that time to speak. I re- gy, and union members at the Mason cure. spect that. I told him the little story of Temple—the Memphis headquarters of I have great affection for our col- what happened to Senator Baker when the Church of God in Christ. His speech league from Tennessee. I appreciate his he was in Senator JONES’ position. included these lines: encouraging tone that this is not the Baker’s father-in-law, Senator Dirksen, I have been to the mountain top. . . . I’ve end. What did Churchill say when he whom I mentioned, was the leader. Ev- seen the Promised Land. I may not get there got bounced out of office at end of erybody assembled to hear Baker’s with you. But I want you to know tonight World War II? He was asked 6 months maiden speech. Baker spoke a little too that we, as a people, will get to the Promised after the war, when he really carried long. Dirksen came over to congratu- Land. Britain through on his back. The war is late him. Baker looked up and said to That was Dr. Martin Luther King. over. He gets beaten. He is asked by a his father-in-law, Senator Dirksen: The next day, April 4, 1968, Dr. King reporter after he lost: For you, Mr. How did I do? was assassinated as he stood on a bal- Churchill, is this the end? Dirksen said: Howard, perhaps you cony at the Lorraine Motel. He said: It is not the end. It is not should occasionally enjoy the luxury of On April 8, 1968, 4 days later, 42,000 the beginning of the end. It is the end an unexpressed thought. people marched in Memphis. The strike of the beginning. So I congratulate Senator JONES on was resolved on April 16. The 1,300 sani- I hope this is the end of the begin- his sticking with tradition here. I tation workers in Memphis took a ning—maybe with the help of God and value the fact that we are working to- stand for freedom, and they displayed maybe with a little bit better leader- gether on civil rights, as well as the courage in their pursuit of equality. ship from the folks down at 1600. fact that we will be in Memphis to- In his speech on April 3, Dr. King The last thing is this. The Depart- said: ment of Homeland Security—which I gether on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage, Now we’re going to march again, and we’ve worked for years to strengthen, to which he is taking a part in leading early next month. I thank him for got to march again, in order to put the issue make something we can all be proud where it is supposed to be—and force every- of—apparently has put out a statement being on the floor today while I make these remarks. body to see that there are 1,300 of God’s chil- today. I asked to read it. I am told by dren here suffering, sometimes going hungry, all kinds of people that it is riddled f going through dark and dreary nights won- with inaccuracies and falsehoods. I am 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MEM- dering how this thing is going to come out. going to read it tonight on the way PHIS SANITATION WORKERS That’s the issue. And we’ve got to say to the going home. I hope that is not true. nation: We know how it’s coming out. For STRIKE when people get caught up with that which is What we need to operate here is the Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, truth. 1968 was a tumultuous year. Violent there is no stopping point short of victory. I will close with the words of Thomas protests erupted in cities across the Now, 50 years later, this resolution Jefferson: If the people know the truth, country. Both Dr. Martin Luther King, that I, Senator JONES, Senator CARDIN, we will not make a mistake. I heard Jr., and then-Senator and Presidential and Senator CORKER submitted seeks that what the Department of Homeland candidate Robert F. Kennedy were as- to recognize their sacrifice and con- Security put out today was not truth- sassinated, and American soldiers were tributions to the civil rights move- ful. It is hard, with that kind of infor- fighting in the Vietnam war. ment. mation, to do the right thing. I wish to thank my colleague for giv- In Memphis, TN, African-American It is important that our children ing me this much time and for being so sanitation workers had faced years of grow up learning about how these 1,300 patient with me. We will be back here hazardous working conditions and dis- Memphis sanitation workers and many in 10 days or so, and we will have a crimination in pay and benefits. Their others struggled for racial justice in chance to reconnect and see if we can strike would become a historic event in the midst of all that chaos. That is pull a victory out of the jaws of defeat. the civil rights movement. why, on Tuesday, I submitted the Sen- I thank the Senator for yielding. In January 1968, the workers began ate resolution to which I referred. I did The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- negotiating with Memphis Mayor it, along with U.S. Senator BOB ator from Tennessee. Henry Loeb and the Memphis City CORKER, my colleague from Tennessee; Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I Council to improve pay and working Senator DOUG JONES from Alabama; thank the Senator from Delaware for conditions. and Senator BEN CARDIN from Mary- his remarks and his comments. I cer- On February 1, 1968, two sanitation land, to recognize the 50th anniversary tainly hope that when we come back, workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walk- of the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers we can get a result. That is what the er, sought shelter from the pouring strike. job is about. I cosponsored and voted rain and were crushed to death in their Representative STEVE COHEN has sub- for the President’s legislation. I co- garbage truck when the compactor on mitted the same resolution in the U.S. sponsored and voted for the bipartisan the truck malfunctioned. Their deaths House of Representatives. He recruited legislation. My hope is that I have a galvanized the 1,300 African-American 76 cosponsors. chance to cosponsor and vote for legis- sanitation workers who decided to I would like to thank Representative lation that gets 65 or 70 votes and begin their strike to protest working COHEN for taking the lead in the House. solves the problem. conditions on February 12, 1968. I would like to thank my Tennessee f The workers demanded recognition of colleagues, Representatives BLACK, their union, increased pay, and safer BLACKBURN, COOPER, DESJARLAIS, DUN- THANKING THE JUNIOR SENATOR working conditions. Mayor Loeb and CAN, FLEISCHMANN, KUSTOFF, and ROE FROM ALABAMA the city council responded by threat- for their support as well. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ening to replace the striking workers I hope my colleagues will join me in would like to note the presence on the unless they returned to work. supporting this resolution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.060 S15FEPT1 S1156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 The majority leader has asked me to riod of morning business, with Sen- threatening that the risks of migration pale make some concluding remarks. ators permitted to speak therein for up in comparison to more certain risks at home. to 10 minutes each. They leave their homes, other family mem- f bers, schools, churches and familiar commu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without EXECUTIVE SESSION nities because they feel they must. objection, it is so ordered. In December 2017, the Trump Administra- f tion proposed a new policy of separating immigrant children from parents entering the EXECUTIVE CALENDAR FORCED SEPARATION AT THE U.S. illegally, as a means of discouraging or Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I BORDER deterring immigrant families from Central ask unanimous consent that the Sen- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the ac- America and other countries from coming to the U.S. ate proceed to executive section for the tions by the Trump administration re- Although the administration has already en bloc consideration of the following garding undocumented immigrants in engaged in this practice in some cases, this nominations: Executive Calendar Nos. this country have been ineffective and policy would alter the current standard, 588, 589, 642, 677, 678, 679, 680, and 681. nothing short of heartless. Their prior- which has attempted to keep families intact The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ities have abandoned long-held prac- while asylum issues are considered and ad- objection, it is so ordered. tices such as the need to focus limited dressed. As a former psychotherapist, I saw first- The clerk will report the nomina- enforcement resources on those who hand the long-lasting effects of traumatic tions en bloc. actually present a public safety risk. experience and disrupted attachments on The senior assistant legislative clerk These changes are being felt by fami- children, adolescents and families. Having read the nominations of Joseph D. lies across the country. Last fall, Rosa taught courses in child development, I know Brown, of Texas, to be United States Maria Hernandez, a 10-year-old girl that development of the brain and the child Attorney for the Eastern District of with cerebral palsy who was taken to are inextricably linked to environmental op- Texas for the term of four years; Mat- the hospital for urgent surgery was portunities and dangers, and to the continuing presence of important relationships thew D. Krueger, of Wisconsin, to be forcibly taken into custody by ICE to mediate the environment. United States Attorney for the Eastern when she was discharged, instead of Recovery from trauma and attachment District of Wisconsin for the term of being released into the care of her par- loss is possible, but requires enormous time, four years; John H. Durham, of Con- ents as recommended by her doctors. A effort and care. This knowledge tells me that necticut, to be United States Attorney few months ago, Jose Fuentes who was a policy of separating families should sound an alarm for us all. for the District of Connecticut for the fleeing El Salvador with his 1-year-old Advocates, immigration experts, aca- term of four years; John C. Anderson, son, Mateo, was detained at the border demics and lawyers have voiced concerns re- of New Mexico, to be United States At- and transferred to a facility in San garding the issues of constitutionality, de- torney for the District of New Mexico Diego while Mateo was held in Texas. terrence, negative effects and unanticipated for the term of four years; Brandon J. These actions are appalling and run consequences, alongside the undermining of Fremin, of Louisiana, to be United counter to the time honored values in the core American value of family unity. The United Nations Convention on the States Attorney for the Middle District this country. No child should be sepa- Rights of the Child—ratified by every coun- of Louisiana for the term of four years; rated from their parents in this way. try on the planet except Somalia, Sudan and Joseph P. Kelly, of Nebraska, to be The effect of such a traumatic experi- the United States—specifies that children, United States Attorney for the District ence and disrupted attachments on including immigrant and refugee children, of Nebraska for the term of four years; children, adolescents and families is should be treated with dignity and respect Scott W. Murray, of New Hampshire, to longlasting. The cost of these failed and should not be exposed to conditions that may harm or traumatize them. be United States Attorney for the Dis- policies will not be fully realized for Family unity and reunification is one of trict of New Hampshire for the term of years to come. the primary stated goals of the U.S. immi- four years; and David C. Weiss, of Dela- Under current policy, families are gration system, found in many sections of ware, to be United States Attorney for supposed to be kept intact while await- the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) the District of Delaware for the term of ing a decision on whether they will be of 1952. It is also a central theme of Amer- four years. deported and held in special family de- ican identity. In Moore v. City of East Cleve- Thereupon, the Senate proceeded to tention centers or released with a land, the Supreme Court held that ‘‘the Con- stitution protects the sanctity of the family consider the nominations en bloc. court date. The Trump administra- precisely because the institution of the fam- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I tion’s proposed policy change sends ily is deeply rooted in this nation’s history ask unanimous consent that the Sen- parents to adult detention facilities, and tradition.’’ ate vote on the nominations en bloc while their children would be placed in The constitution does not allow the gov- with no intervening action or debate; shelters designed for juveniles or with ernment to detain one asylum-seeking fam- that if confirmed, the motions to re- a relative in the United States. ily for the sole purpose of deterring that action on the part of other families. And fi- consider be considered made and laid Wendy Smith recently wrote an arti- nally, through both United Nations conven- upon the table en bloc; that the Presi- cle in the Chronicle of Social Change tions and protocols and U.S. law, migrants dent be immediately notified of the on the Trump administration’s pro- have rights not to be returned where their Senate’s action; that no further mo- posed policy of separating immigrant life or freedom would be threatened on the tions be in order; and that any state- children from parents entering the basis of race, religion, nationality, social ments relating to the nominations be United States illegally, as a means of group or opinion. If these factors exist, migrants can seek asylum if they can show printed in the RECORD. deterring immigrant families from ‘‘well-founded’’ fear of persecution. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without coming to the United States. I ask The impact of such policies on children is objection, it is so ordered. unanimous consent that this January severe. Stress is defined as the result of The question is, Will the Senate ad- 29, 2018, article entitled ‘‘Separating events or circumstances in which physical or vise and consent to the Brown, Families at the Border Will Multiply psychological demands exceed our ability to Krueger, Durham, Anderson, Fremin, Child Trauma’’ be printed in the cope. A critical buffer to the detrimental ef- Kelly, Murray, and Weiss nominations RECORD. fects of stress is a protective relationship, en bloc? There being no objection, the mate- such as with a parent who can provide comfort and a sense of safety. The nominations were confirmed en rial was ordered to be printed in the Prolonged exposure to stress in the ab- bloc. RECORD, as follows: sence of a protective relationship causes the f [From the Chronicle of Social Change, Jan. human stress response system to remain ac- 29, 2018] tivated, preventing rest and recovery of the LEGISLATIVE SESSION SEPARATING FAMILIES AT THE BORDER WILL coping system, and the child’s ability to MULTIPLY CHILD TRAUMA manage or regain the sense of safety necessary to move forward in life is severely MORNING BUSINESS (By Wendy Smith) compromised. Parents do not uproot their children to Trauma, the most extreme form of toxic Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I make a long and dangerous journey to an un- stress, is the occurrence of events or situa- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- certain future in the U.S. unless the cir- tions in which one’s physical or psycho- ate resume legislative session for a pe- cumstances in their home country are so logical integrity is threatened (such as a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.061 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1157 natural disaster, an assault, or the violent or ‘‘You didn’t even need a high school diploma after because we didn’t have anyone else to sudden loss of a loved one). to become a nurse. A bachelor’s degree for do it. The head nurse was mopping beside Leaving home, making a difficult journey, nursing was very new,’’ Murphy said. ‘‘Get- you. Everyone worked together to accom- and arriving in a new country are cir- ting a degree wasn’t a big deal to me, but plish what needs to be done,’’ she recalled. cumstances that profoundly affect children. there weren’t a lot of choices (for women). I ‘‘Some of the time it was boring, but we Separation from parents on the heels of liked math and was pretty good at it.’’ learned what you do when you don’t have these overwhelming experiences can be terri- Murphy comes from a family full of UVM what you need, and how to do it if a lot of fying, and may have long-lasting effects. graduates and working professionals: Her fa- stuff is not available. It makes for an excel- Trauma exposure and disrupted attach- ther, Jerome Tennien ’15, majored in agri- lent adult life. I know my responsibility to ment can have similar negative outcomes; culture and served on the UVM student my patients.’’ when the two are combined, the negative ef- council. He managed a U.S. government farm SHOWING GRATITUDE fects on children’s development and func- in Panama before settling on his family farm Murphy passed the Vermont Board of tioning may be compounded. in Pittsford, Vermont, where he taught agri- Nurse Registration exam to become an R.N. Adversity early in life is associated with culture at the local high school. Uncles Jim in 1947. She received a gold seal and second deficits in such important functions as cog- Tennian ‘10 and Bill Tennian ‘17 studied en- highest honors with 94 points, just one point nitive performance, executive functions, and gineering. Murphy’s brother, Jim ‘43, a me- less than Ruby Sanderson. ‘‘I didn’t mind. the processing of social and emotional stim- chanical engineer at Wright Field in Ohio, Ruby was a nice person and a hard worker,’’ uli, among others. The nature and severity died in a test flight crash shortly after grad- Murphy said. of deficits is related to the nature of the uating. Her mother, Mary, was a nurse, and After graduating, Murphy taught nursing trauma, the presence or absence of protec- sister, Mary, attended the College of St. at Barre City Hospital, a forerunner to Cen- tive relationships, and the age and vulner- Rose and taught high school in Windsor, tral Vermont Medical Center, and then ability of the child. Vermont. worked at the Boston Children’s Hospital. In A 2010 study that examined effects of im- Murphy entered UVM in 1942, before UVM this period, she experienced an event that migration raids on children ages 0–17—during offered a nursing degree. ‘‘I started in home shaped her outlook on life and informed her the first six months after the enforcement economics. I was not in love with it. The future relationships. activities, and again after nine months— next year the nursing program began. I im- The polio epidemic was in full swing in the noted problems with basic functions such as mediately knew that was what I wanted,’’ late 1940s, and the young nurse Tennien was eating and sleeping, constant crying, and she recalled. ‘‘I wanted to use my brain to assigned to manage the hospital’s polio widespread changes to behavior, school per- make my hands work, and they very nicely ward. Her unit included the infectious dis- formance, and developmental reversal, or opened the doors to a degree in nursing. I ease laboratory where microbiologist John loss of developmental milestones that had felt very comfortable with it, I felt com- Franklin Enders cultivated poliovirus for been achieved prior to the separation from plete.’’ vaccine development (for which he received parents. In other words, the sudden and un- COMPASSION AND FOCUS the 1954 Nobel Prize for Medicine). He grew expected loss of parents not only impeded Murphy admired her mother, who went on the virus in human cells—fecal matter—and forward development, but sent children medical calls in Pittsford with the town doc- it was Nurse Tennien’s job to collect stool backwards on the developmental trajectory. tor and occasionally cared for patients in the specimens, prepare them properly and send Traumatized and suffering children, dis- Tennien home. One patient, a little girl them to the lab. ‘‘One day, someone bumped into me in the rupted or delayed development, long-term about six years old, affected her deeply. educational and behavioral problems—these ‘‘Her leg had been cut off by a mowing ma- hall—I thought it was one of the are neither reasonable nor morally accept- chine on a farm. They hacked it off and gave underlings,’’ she recalled. ‘‘He said, ‘I know able trade-offs for the unproven possibility her a metal prosthesis to wear on her leg. I who you are Miss T. I couldn’t do my job if that future families will be persuaded not to was 17, and I felt that I wanted to take care you didn’t do yours so well.’ It was John enter our country illegally. of her,’’ Murphy remembered. ‘‘It was a com- Enders!’’ His praise resonated with the young The policy of separating families at the passion, for her and for others who needed nurse, and she never forgot that feeling. ‘‘He admitted that other people under him border must be abandoned in favor of alter- people to care for them. My mother cared for doing the scut work are equally important natives that are humane, constitutional and people. She went to the neighbors and took because they keep him going. It wasn’t an supportive of family unity. care of things for them. Nobody talked about inspiring thing to do, collecting smelly f it, it’s just what we did. It was what I want- stools, but he couldn’t have grown the polio ed.’’ virus without me. I’ve always tried to make TRIBUTE TO BARBARA TENNIEN While at UVM, Murphy participated in the sure the people under me knew they were ap- MURPHY All Sports Club and lettered in Rifle, an ac- preciated.’’ Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, the Uni- tivity taught by an army sergeant at a firing She married William Murphy, an aircraft versity of Vermont’s College of Nursing range on campus. ‘‘I liked shooting,’’ she ex- engineer she met on a blind date arranged by has so much of which to be proud. My plained. ‘‘I also played badminton and her assistant head nurse. Eventually they bowled. The university had bowling allies wife, Marcelle, who serves on the col- settled in Connecticut where Bill worked at with duckpins.’’ Pratt & Whitney, and together they raised lege’s advisory board, recently showed World War II was underway, and most five children, a girl followed by four boys. me a touching article about Barbara young American men were off to war, so She attended graduate school at Boston Tennien Murphy. It speaks so much to UVM students were predominantly female. University, studying for a Masters degree in the value of nurses and the education The men’s dormitories became sorority hous- nursing. She completed all of the they received in Vermont, just as ing. Murphy lived in Slade Hall. The work- coursework, but never wrote her thesis. ‘‘I Marcelle did. I ask unanimous consent load was intense, she said, so she had little had all the knowledge and I always worked, time for sororities. but I never tried to establish a big career be- that this article, which was published ‘‘That first year, you didn’t get credit for on the university’s website last year, cause I had six others I was taking care of.’’ nursing classes, and so you had to take a lot Murphy worked in a nursing home at night be printed in the RECORD. of classes. One year I carried 22 credit hours, so she could care for her children during the There being no objection, the mate- which was completely insane. But if you day. ‘‘People would say to me, ‘How do you rial was ordered to be printed in the wanted to do it, that’s what you had to do. take care of an eight-room house and five Record, as follows: We were the first class, they were experi- kids and volunteer in the school library and menting on us,’’ she quipped. ‘‘I liked the UVM NURSING THROUGH THE DECADES: 1940S work nights in a nursing home?’ Well, you work at school, and I liked the work at the Taking the Lead: Barbara Tennien Murphy put one foot in front of the other and keep hospital.’’ slogging along—it’s all good,’’ she said. ’47 Murphy did her nursing clinicals at Mary In June 1947, the first students to achieve Fletcher Hospital, a predecessor to the Uni- A FULL HEART a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Uni- versity of Vermont Medical Center. With the Working with elders in a nursing home am- versity of Vermont crossed the lawn in front war in progress, most of the male staff and plified Murphy’s great appreciation for the of the Waterman Building to accept their di- hospital supplies had gone to the front lines. power of love in healing. She recalled, ‘‘We plomas. Of the 267 students graduating UVM ‘‘It was war time, and all the porters and had two old ladies in adjoining beds. One was that day, only two were in the new five-year help were in the army, so we did everything. dying, and the woman in the bed next to her nursing program: Ruby Sanderson of We did the cooking of the baby’s formulas, said, ‘Move that bureau so that I can be next Winsted, Connecticut and Barbara Tennien, scraping the meat of gristle for baby food to her.’ Margaret held her hand all night and of Pittsford, Vermont. At 92 years old, in the and washing the linens. We made sure the pulled her through it. She didn’t die. We year of her 70th college reunion, Barbara babies, children and old people taken care of. gave her the oxygen, and she gave her the Tennien Murphy ’47 reflected on her time at We washed diapers and bed pans.’’ love.’’ UVM with fondness and gratitude for being She believes that the hard work and long Murphy also taught math at Saint Francis part of something important. days helped her become a better nurse. School of Nursing in Hartford, Connecticut, Few women attended college in the 1940s ‘‘I finished my 8 hours and then at 7:00 teaching students how to calculate percent- and most nurses lacked academic degrees. when we went off-duty, we mopped the floors ages for solutions and medications. ‘‘In those

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.043 S15FEPT1 S1158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 days, the nurses on the floor mixed up their yond the statistics, however, for she would never be officially inducted into the own IV’s, it didn’t come out of the phar- understood that the organization’s NASCAR Hall of Fame, I had my doubts. macy,’’ she explained. ‘‘We didn’t have IV strength comes from the voices of Squier had just returned home from a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he and teams or drip machines. Now that seems like those who believe access to healthcare ancient history.’’ Barney Hall were presented with the first an- She retired from Manchester Memorial for all women is a right. Those who up nual Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR Media Hospital in Manchester, Connecticut, in 1987 until recently believed that there was Excellence, an honor for which they were co- at age 62, when her husband became ill and nothing they could do or say that namesakes. He felt at the time that he had required constant care. She and Bill moved would make a difference. Those who reached the pinnacle of his career. to Putney, Vermont, and when he passed she simply went on with their lives as if NASCAR had just unveiled an exhibit in moved in with her children. She only re- they had no other options. It is those its Hall of Fame museum that featured audio cently stopped volunteering for her church, from his famous broadcast of the 1979 Day- same people who have taken to the tona 500. Each year since then, a media visiting the sick and washing alter linens. streets—in Washington, in Vermont, Murphy stays fit and spry with daily walks member has been honored with an award on a treadmill, healthy diet, reading books and across the world—to let their named after him. and playing board games with her eight voices be heard. Cecile’s unwavering Last weekend, Ken Squier returned to the grandchildren. She enjoys keeping up with passion and commitment to advocating Hall of Fame in Charlotte—this time to ac- health science news and reading scholarly for these voices is one of her greatest cept an even more prestigious honor: being articles online. She’s honored to represent strengths as a leader. the first journalist ever inducted into the the first generation of college-educated NASCAR Hall of Fame itself. While Planned Parenthood is strong- ‘‘Because the panel is made up of a major- nurses, and delighted to watch the profes- er than ever, Cecile leaves a legacy ity of drivers and media guys, there were two sion’s evolution and progress. that will be hard to follow. Her ability or three who said, ’You just have to be ‘‘I follow nursing and the sciences. There there.’ So there I went,’’ Squier said. are so many things in my life now that peo- to lead with grace and courage has Around Vermont, as the former owner of ple speak of so routinely, that didn’t exist given hope to those who need it most. WDEV Radio and Thunder Road, Squier has before. I’ve done it all, from prenatal to old She has truly been inspiration to us been a prominent public figure. But at people’s homes, and I’ve had a ball,’’ she re- all. NASCAR events, fans worship the ground he flected. ‘‘Nursing is what I am. I’m proud to Marcelle and I wish Cecile Richards walks on. Why? see the young women who work in labs or go all the best as she moves into the next It’s simple: NASCAR wouldn’t be the sport into other countries and use their edu- chapter. it is today without him. cation.’’ As auto racing rose in prominence during f f the 1960s and early ’70s, the sport began ap- TRIBUTE TO KEN SQUIER pearing on television. But it was never given TRIBUTE TO CECILE RICHARDS the treatment that baseball, basketball, Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, it is my football or hockey got: live, start-to-finish like to take a moment to recognize the honor and privilege to recognize the coverage. In 1979, Squier changed that. inspiring and dedicated work of Cecile achievements of a great Vermont broadcaster and friend, Ken Squier. At the direction of NASCAR co-founder Richards, who has recently announced Bill France Sr., Squier convinced skeptical she is stepping down as president of Ken recently became the first jour- CBS–TV executives to air flag-to-flag cov- Planned Parenthood after 12 years. nalist ever to be enshrined in the erage of the Daytona 500. Throughout her tenure as president NASCAR Hall of Fame. While his roots It was a smashing success—literally. The of Planned Parenthood, Cecile has been are at WDEV Radio in Waterbury, VT, race ended in thrilling fashion, with Cale Ken is known nationally as the coun- Yarborough and Donnie Allison spinning out a passionate advocate for healthcare and getting in a fistfight on the infield. Ken for women and men across the country. try’s most recognizable voice of auto racing. Without question, Ken’s voice and color commentator David Hobbs vividly Despite the constant attacks leveled at captured the excitement and delivered a live Planned Parenthood in recent years, and calls of the most memorable auto broadcast to 15.1 million viewers, many of the organization managed to grow races were key to the rise in promi- whom were snowed into their homes after a stronger with Cecile at the helm. nence of the sport. blizzard buried the Northeast. Today Planned Parenthood has more Still, with all of the national rec- That date—Feb. 18, 1979—was when racing volunteers, supporters, and donors than ognition, Ken has always made went from being a Southern fringe-sport to a nationwide phenomenon. it ever has had before. None of that Vermont his home. His radio station, WDEV, is strongly committed to com- Squier served as the lap-by-lap commen- would have been possible without tator for the next 20 Daytona 500s. He fa- Cecile’s exemplary leadership. munity service and serves the people of mously nicknamed the event ‘‘The Great Millions of Americans depend on his hometown and the greater Vermont American Race.’’ Planned Parenthood for their community with distinction. Ken ‘‘The beaches of Daytona, in Ormond— healthcare, and for many, Planned Par- Squier is, without question, a Vermont that’s the history of American motorsports,’’ Squier said. ‘‘They were racing there over 100 enthood is their only source of care. As treasure. In honor of Ken’s induction into the years ago. . . . This wasn’t just another president, Cecile maintained Planned race—this was Daytona.’’ Parenthood’s mission, and she never NASCAR Hall of Fame and his contin- Squier expresses hesitation about being in stopped fighting for the millions of ued outstanding service to Vermont, I the same Hall of Fame as the racing legends American women and men—including ask unanimous consent that the article who he covered. tens of thousands of Vermonters—that by Jasper Goodman, from the January ‘‘There was still that catch in my throat,’’ he said. ‘‘Guys like Neil Bonnett and Tiny have trusted and depended on Planned 24, 2018 edition of the Barre Montpelier Times Argus, ‘‘Profile: Squier a living Lund and so many of those guys who were so Parenthood for their basic healthcare good—they all died doing what they wanted legend,’’ be printed in the RECORD. needs, including annual health exams, to do, which is not the same as any other cervical and breast cancer tests, and There being no objection, the mate- sport. If you are dedicated to racing, it can HIV screenings. Because of her dedica- rial was ordered to be printed in the cost you your life. I just felt they needed to tion to helping low-income women, she RECORD, as follows: be represented far more than announcers or worked to ensure free birth control [From the Times Argus, Jan. 24, 2018] promoters or sponsors.’’ Squier’s hesitation is unsurprising. Unlike coverage was included in the Afford- PROFILE: SQUIER A LIVING LEGEND many modern-day broadcasters who enjoy di- able Care Act. Cecile is leaving as (By Jasper Goodman) recting the spotlight at themselves, Squier president when the teen pregnancy rate ‘‘Guys like Neil Bonnett and Tiny Lund has never been one to place himself at the is at a historical low and unintended and so many of those guys who were so center of attention. Vermont Governor and pregnancies overall are at a 30-year good—they all died doing what they wanted three-time Thunder Road track champion low. None of that would have been pos- to do, which is not the same as any other Phil Scott noted last Friday that in the first sible without Cecile’s relentless deter- sport. If you are dedicated to racing, it can draft of Squier’s acceptance speech, there mination to her mission of helping cost you your life. I just felt they needed to was ‘‘not one single mention of himself.’’ be represented far more than announcers or ‘‘He’s been telling us the great American those that do not have the resources to promoters or sponsors’’—Ken Squier. story his whole life,’’ Scott said in his intro- help themselves. Seldom is Ken Squier wrong in his prog- duction of Squier at the Hall of Fame induc- The true measurement of Cecile’s nostications about the motorsports industry. tion ceremony. ‘‘But we never hear his work at Planned Parenthood goes be- But when he told me five years ago that he story.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.045 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1159 The line about Squier not wanting to talk The same can be said of Squier, an ordi- 251(b)(2)(A)(i) of BBEDCA. CBO esti- about himself was repeated over and over nary, down-to-earth Vermonter who changed mates that this budget authority will again last weekend. And in a 90–minute a sport in extraordinary ways. increase discretionary outlays by interview for this story, it proved to be Squier has given much of his life to $11,185 million in 2018. largely true. Squier managed to eloquently NASCAR. Last weekend, the sport gave back brush off questions about his career accom- to him. As a result of the aforementioned designations, I am revising the alloca- plishments. Instead, he chronicled the his- f tory of motorsports—as he so often does in tion to the Committee on Appropria- conversation. BUDGETARY REVISIONS tions by increasing the revised security But make no mistake: The fact that Squier Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, section 251 and nonsecurity budget authority lim- rarely speaks of himself isn’t a character of the Balanced Budget and Emergency its and the amount of allowable out- flaw. It’s what makes him the best at what lays by the amounts listed above. Fur- he does. Deficit Control Act of 1985, BBEDCA, establishes statutory limits on discre- ther, I am increasing the budgetary ag- He is a storyteller—not of his own life, but gregates for 2018 by those same of others’. And without his innate ability to tionary spending and allows for various deliver those stories, NASCAR would have adjustments to those limits, while sec- amounts. never enjoyed the national prominence that tions 302 and 314(a) of the Congres- I ask unanimous consent that the ac- it does today. sional Budget Act of 1974 allow the companying tables, which provide de- Squier grew up in Waterbury and worked chairman of the Budget Committee to tails about the adjustment, be printed throughout his adolescence at WDEV, which establish and make revisions to alloca- in the RECORD. his father, Lloyd, founded in 1931. tions, aggregates, and levels consistent There being no objection, the mate- ‘‘I was lucky,’’ Squier said. ‘‘(WDEV) was with those adjustments. The Senate re- rial was ordered to be printed in the always full of kids—young, young guys. And RECORD, as follows: Rusty (Parker) ran it fluidly. It gave me an cently considered and passed H.R. 1892 with S. Amdt. 1930, the text of the Bi- opportunity that a lot of people wouldn’t REVISION TO BUDGETARY AGGREGATES have had to go out and do something that I partisan Budget Act of 2018, which pro- (Pursuant to Sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of really desired, which was the racing. It was vided emergency funding for disaster 1974) big and it was growing and every year it got relief. bigger and bigger. But I could always come This legislation includes language $s in millions 2018 home.’’ that increases security discretionary Even as he rose to national prominence, Current Spending Aggregates: budget authority by $1,170 million and Budget Authority ...... 3,085,147 Squier always called Vermont home. Outlays ...... 3,101,424 ‘‘I loved Verniont and everything it stood nonsecurity discretionary budget au- Adjustments: thority by $83,266 million this year. Budget Authority ...... 84,436 for,’’ he said. Outlays ...... 11,185 Squier once described NASCAR drivers as This measure contains provisions that Revised Spending Aggregates: ‘‘ordinary people doing extraordinary designate these appropriations as Budget Authority ...... 3,169,583 Outlays ...... 3,112,609 things.’’ emergency funding pursuant to section REVISION TO SPENDING ALLOCATION TO THE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 (Pursuant to Sections 302 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974)

$s in millions 2018

Current Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 553,743 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 552,266 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,188,350 Adjustments: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 1,170 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 83,266 General Purpose Outlays ...... 11,185 Revised Allocation: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 554,913 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 635,532 General Purpose Outlays ...... 1,199,535 Program Disaster OCO Integrity Relief Emergency Total

Memorandum: Detail of Adjustments Made Above: Revised Security Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 0 1,170 1,170 Revised Nonsecurity Category Discretionary Budget Authority ...... 0 0 0 83,266 83,266 General Purpose Outlays ...... 0 0 0 0 11,185

ANNIVERSARY OF PROTESTS IN tions, that the regime has not upheld intention of upholding its commit- BAHRAIN this fundamental commitment. ment. In fact, the situation has only grown The State Department last certified Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, in a worse over the past 12 months as the in 2013 that the regime had fully imple- truly dubious distinction, this week regime has actually taken a number of mented a mere handful of the BICI rec- marks the 7th year since tens of thou- huge steps back. ommendations. The last State Depart- sands of Bahraini citizens took to the ment update, in 2016, failed to identify streets of Manama in protest. In January of 2017, the regime restored arrest and detainment powers to any further progress taken. These brave men and women put Bahrain’s National Security Agency, Last year a panel of UN human rights themselves at great risk to demand despite that agency’s past involvement experts noted a ‘‘sharp deterioration of greater access to their political system in torture and coercion of political the human rights situation in the and more accountability from their prisoners. country . . . aimed at muzzling any government. Later in the year, the King approved discordant voice and suppressing dis- Rather than engage these protestors a constitutional amendment allowing sent.’’ in meaningful dialogue, the regime re- military courts to try Bahraini citi- The State Department’s most recent sponded with violence, tear gas, and zens, a move Amnesty International Human Rights Report details the Bah- rubber bullets. called ‘‘disastrous’’ and warned would raini regime’s willingness to revoke After much international attention, be used to crack down on political op- citizenship as a punishment, often Bahrain’s King agreed to set up the position. without providing a concrete justifica- Bahrain Independent Commission of In- These policies are fundamentally at tion and without an opportunity for quiry, or BICI, and to fully implement odds with the BICI recommendations basic due process. its recommended reforms. and make clear what folks in inter- A Washington Post story from last I say to the Senate today, on the sev- national human rights community year indicated the regime revoked citi- enth anniversary of the demonstra- have long said, that the regime has no zenship from more than 100 Bahrainis

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.053 S15FEPT1 S1160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 in the first half of 2017, and reports in- her time, a sentiment that is widely vealing fraud in government wartime dicate the regime issued deportation shared in this body. I thank her for her spending. Few Presidents after Presi- orders to eight Bahrainis just last service. dent Truman have faced the hardships month after stripping them of citizen- f he had awaiting him following the ship. death of President Roosevelt and his 2018 WHITE HOUSE HISTORICAL AS- A number of organizations, including succession to the Presidency in the SOCIATION CHRISTMAS ORNA- Human Rights Watch and Americans spring of 1945. MENT HONORING PRESIDENT for Democracy & Human Rights in President Truman ended the largest HARRY S. TRUMAN Bahrain, have echoed these observa- and most devastating war in world his- tions. Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I tory and began to rebuild the defeated Regrettably, the Trump administra- wish to ask the Senate to join me Axis Powers shortly after. Rebuilding tion has done almost nothing to push today in recognizing, celebrating, and war-torn countries of former enemies Bahrain’s leaders to fulfill their com- highlighting the upcoming presen- had never been completed; however, mitments and do better by their own tation of the 2018 White House Histor- President Truman did so successfully citizens. ical Association Ornament that honors through the Truman Doctrine and Mar- Why would they when the Embassy of Missouri native and 33rd U.S. Presi- shall Plan. He was a strong negotiator Bahrain is throwing lavish parties at dent, Harry S. Truman. in international affairs and oversaw the Trump Hotel right here in DC? The 2018 White House Historical As- the founding of the United Nations. As I try to make clear every year, sociation Christmas Ornament will be President Truman left behind a high- these observations, which have become presented this President’s Day in ly respected legacy, and because of a sad tradition of mine, are not an at- President Truman’s hometown, Inde- leaders like him, who fought hard and tempt to undermine Bahrain’s govern- pendence, MO, at the Harry S. Truman made difficult decisions, our country ment. Presidential Library and Museum. The Bahrain has been a longtime U.S. and world is a better place. ornament is designed to highlight the I ask that the Senate join me in cele- ally and a partner in a region where positive changes President Truman partnership can be difficult to come by, brating the 2018 White House Historical made to the White House while in of- but precisely because of our close ties, Association Christmas Ornament hon- fice. oring President Harry S. Truman. I feel compelled to speak out when I The front side of the ornament fea- f see such blatant repression of basic tures the Truman balcony added in human rights. 1947–48 to the south portico that al- TRIBUTE TO NANCY R. MAZZA Oregonians—indeed, Americans—ex- lowed his family outdoor access from pect their elected officials to hold our Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, today I international partners to a higher their upstairs living area and is still a wish to recognize Nancy R. Mazza and standard. And that is what I am doing popular location for First Families and congratulate her on her dedicated serv- here today. their guests. The back side features the ice to the people of North Carolina. I renew my call on the Bahrain’s renovated Blue Room, home to the offi- Nancy previously worked for es- monarchy to halt its deliberate cam- cial White House Christmas Tree. teemed Congressman Howard Coble, a paign of silencing peaceful opposition, President Truman’s White House alter- dear friend who served North Carolina to stop the indefensible revocation of ations and restorations were the most for three decades and passed away in citizenships, and to release political work done since President George 2015. After Congressman Coble’s retire- prisoners like Nabeel Rajab and Washington built the Executive man- ment in 2014, I was fortunate enough to Abdulhadi al-Khawaja. sion and Presidents James Madison and hire Nancy in my High Point office. I fear that only then will Bahrain be James Monroe restored it after it was Nancy’s addition to my team was in- able to move forward together in peace damaged by fire in the War of 1812. strumental in getting our constituent and prosperity, and I look forward to The Presidential Seal, located at the service operation off the ground and that day. top of the ornament, was implemented running. Nancy has been an absolutely by President Truman in 1945. Origi- f indispensable mentor and leader on our nally, the American eagle looked left team. She has trained many of our TRIBUTE TO JANET YELLEN towards its talons that held a cluster staff members, generously sharing her Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, today I of spears, representing weapons of war. wealth of casework experience and ex- wish to say a few words about Janet President Truman redesigned the seal pertise. Yellen, an outstanding public servant, so the American eagle faced towards Over the course of her distinguished who recently completed her term as its right talons, which hold the olive career, Nancy has helped expedite Chair of the Board of Governors of the branches of peace. thousands of passports, assisted count- Federal Reserve System and stepped I am so proud to hold the seat that less veterans who were struggling to down from the Board. At different Senator Truman held for 10 years. get answers and service from the VA, times, over 42 years, she served the Fed President Truman lived in Missouri and inquired on behalf of many other as staff economist, member of the his entire life, with exception to his North Carolinians when they needed Board, president of the San Francisco years in government service. His assistance and had nowhere else to Fed, Vice Chair, and then Chair. Under strong work ethic and taste for politics turn. her leadership, the Fed began the proc- developed early, working as a clerk for Anyone who has ever interacted with ess of normalizing monetary policy by his father who was an election judge Nancy can immediately tell that she winding down its balance sheet and and participating in farming, bank has a heart of gold and a dedicated pas- raising interest rates after years at the clerking, and timekeeping. His strong sion for public service that is driven by zero lower bound. sense of patriotism led him to join the kindness and compassion. Twice yearly, Ms. Yellen reported to Missouri Army National Guard in 1905 While Nancy Mazza will be sorely the Banking Committee on monetary and later return to Active Duty when missed by our office, I am eternally policy, conscientiously answering ques- World War I began in 1917, where he grateful for the work that she did on tions from members and was helpful in served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. behalf on North Carolinians. I wish her enlisting Federal Reserve staff to re- Army field artillery. After the war, he the very best in retirement. spond to inquiries from committee married Bess and was elected county f members and staff. I have appreciated judge of the eastern district of Jackson her willingness to engage construc- County. In 1934, he was elected to the ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS tively with me and members of the U.S. Senate and reelected by large committee as we have worked on legis- margins in 1940. lation to tailor regulations and pro- In 1944, then-Senator Truman was TRIBUTE TO DR. REED L. MOSHER mote a healthy economy. chosen to be the Vice Presidential can- ∑ Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I wish Over the years, I found Ms. Yellen to didate to President Franklin Roosevelt to commend Dr. Reed L. Mosher for be serious, engaging, and generous with after a successful career in Congress re- over 38 years of service to the Nation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.038 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1161 Dr. Mosher will soon retire as the di- broadly admired for her giving spirit, formerly known as Jamestown College, rector of the Information Technology and many credit Sheila with her help in Jamestown, ND, on his outstanding Laboratory, ITL, of the Corps Engineer in advancing them on their career tenure. Since 2002, Dr. Badal’s leader- Research and Development Center, paths. ship has brought strengthened aca- ERDC, headquartered in Vicksburg, While she was deeply principled and demic programs, increased enrollment, MS. His astonishing list of accomplish- committed to her religious faith, she greater financial strength, and signifi- ments range from leading research and worked extensively with and greatly cant expansion and renovation of the development for the Corps, the Army, valued working with others of differing campus. These efforts and new offer- the Department of Defense, and mul- faiths and backgrounds. She sought ings of graduate programs led to the tiple Federal agencies, to leading the common ground and held high regard change of status from college to uni- transformation of DOD’s research and for bridging faiths, races, and back- versity under Dr. Badal, who will be re- acquisition communities through the grounds. We echo the descriptions of tiring on February 28, 2018. strategic application of high-perform- Sheila esteemed by her family and In addition to jumpstarting graduate ance computing, high-speed networks, many friends: joyful, positive, engaged, programs, Dr. Badal has also more computational expertise, system engi- compassionate, kind, fair, good, patri- than doubled the endowment of the neering, large-scale data analytics, and otic, and well-respected. Her attributes university and expanded academic of- technology transfer. He instilled a cul- and hard work have received many rec- ferings and extracurricular offering, ture of innovation, adaptability, and ognitions including ‘‘National MS and it currently celebrates a multi- shared knowledge. Dr. Mosher created Mother of the Year’’ by President year high enrollment of 1,136 students. a visionary atmosphere where team George H.W. Bush, Brigham Young Additionally, the university has members are empowered to expand the University’s ‘‘Service to Family reached to other parts of North Dakota breadth and depth of data analytics ca- Award,’’ ‘‘Exemplary Citizen’’ by the by establishing a campus in Fargo with pabilities and explore the future of in- Rotary Club, and many more. three graduate programs. To quote Dr. formation management and informa- Sheila Olsen will be remembered as Badal, he has taken ‘‘a small, but his- tion technology. someone who set an enduring example toric institution to a higher level.’’ During his more than 38-year service of service to others. She was a mother The University of Jamestown was to the Nation, Dr. Reed L. Mosher ex- of 10 children and a wife to the late truly fortunate to have a president uded extraordinary leadership with un- Dennis Olsen. She was a grandmother whose unwavering passion and dedica- paralleled vision, compassion, com- to 39 grandchildren and great-grand- tion to student success led to extraor- petence, and determination, culmi- mother to 23 great-grandchildren. She dinary growth and advancement. While nating with his tenure as the director overcame the complications of mul- his departure marks a new era for the of the ITL, the premier defense labora- tiple sclerosis to give extensively. Her university, he has left it in a very tory for information technology. His legacy of devotion to her family, her strong position for the future and for initiative and selfless service in the religion, and serving will carry on in his successor. I thank Dr. Badal for his successful execution of a broad range of the many lives positively influenced by time and leadership at the University decisive research, development, stud- this great leader. We express our deep of Jamestown and wish him a very en- ies, and operational programs in sup- condolences to her family and friends joyable retirement.∑ port of military engineering and Army and thank Sheila for her friendship and f civil works have resulted in lasting lasting service.∑ 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BE- contributions to the Corps of Engi- f NEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE neers, the Department of the Army, RECOGNIZING BLACKFEET ORDER OF THE ELKS the Department of Defense, and the Na- COMMUNITY COLLEGE tion. ∑ Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, Feb- I am pleased to commend Dr. Mosher ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this ruary 16, 2018, marks the 150th anniver- for his many years of service and to week I have the honor of recognizing sary of the Benevolent and Protective wish him well in the years ahead.∑ Blackfeet Community College, BCC. By Order of the Elks. The Elks is an Amer- f 2020, BCC hopes to produce 40 certified ican fraternal society dedicated to teachers for Montana, and these teach- serving and caring for our citizens, REMEMBERING SHEILA ANN ers will be able to integrate Blackfeet communities, and country. The order OLSEN culture into their classrooms. continues to grow and thrive with a ∑ Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my col- BCC is operated exclusively for non- membership of nearly 1 million mem- league Senator JIM RISCH joins me profit purposes, ensuring that postsec- bers and 2,000 lodges nationwide. today in honoring the extraordinary ondary and higher educational services The Elks is dedicated to the ideals of life of Sheila Ann Olsen, of Idaho Falls, are provided to the community. BCC charity, justice, and patriotism and ID, a dear friend and leader. students, staff and board of trustees has invested millions of hours annually Sheila cared deeply for others as was have adopted core values that recog- in building stronger communities, as- clear from her community involve- nize the way our interactions with oth- sisting homeless veterans, and sup- ment. She devoted countless hours to ers effect our value and thought sys- porting youth substance abuse preven- assisting fellow Idahoans and bettering tems. The first core value is the Black- tion initiatives. our communities. Some of the organi- feet Way of Knowing, which means Patriotism is central to the order’s zations and efforts she led and served Blackfeet culture/spirituality in phi- principles and is demonstrated in some in include the Idaho Commission on losophy, thought, and action. of the organization’s charitable en- Human Rights, the Development Work- BCC is raising up leaders of tomor- deavors. In 1907, the Elks first adopted shop Foundation, the Mayor’s Com- row who are rooted in the Blackfeet June 14 as Flag Day out of reverence mittee on Race Relations, the Mayor’s culture and heritage, a heritage that is for the American flag and the sacrifices Cultural Awareness and Human Rela- known for traditional singing, drum- made in honor of it. Almost 40 years tions Committee, the Idaho Falls ADA ming, and dancing, as well as stick later, Congress officially recognized Accessibility Commission, the ‘‘Unity games and rodeos. June 14 as the national holiday hon- in the Community’’ Prayer-a-Thon, the Thank you, BCC, for your continued oring the American flag. Elks members Governor’s Workforce Development dedication to creating the thoughtful donated over 1 million for the renova- Council, Brigham Young University and values-driven Montana teachers tion of the Statue of Liberty, which Alumni Board member, Idaho Depart- and leaders of tomorrow.∑ helped to restore this important sym- ment of Labor Employment Security f bol of freedom. Elks members also con- Advisory Council, and the Electoral tributed nearly 2 million for the build- College. She was a dedicated member TRIBUTE TO ROBERT BADAL ing of the National World War II Me- of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- ∑ Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, I morial in honor of the more than day Saints and a leader in the local and wish to congratulate President Robert 16,000,000 people who served in the Sec- State Republican Party. Sheila is Badal of the University of Jamestown, ond World War.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.035 S15FEPT1 S1162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 The Order of the Elks has dem- to defend our State’s environmental MEASURES REFERRED onstrated a strong commitment to preservation regulations before the Su- The following bills were read the first serving our county’s veterans. The preme Court. More recently, Mike and the second times by unanimous Elks are deeply engaged in the Vet- helped file lawsuits in 2016 against doz- consent, and referred as indicated: erans Affairs medical facilities by pro- ens of big oil companies over the haz- H.R. 3299. An act to amend the Revised viding support and friendship to vet- ardous messes they were making in Statutes, the Home Owners’ Loan Act, the erans at VA facilities. Furthermore, Rhode Island wells and reservoirs and Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal the Elks answered the call of the De- pursued $65 million for the cleanup. Deposit Insurance Act to require the rate of partment of Veterans Affairs to better In addition to his good work in the interest on certain loans remain unchanged address veteran homelessness by found- attorney general’s office, Mike has after transfer of the loan, and for other pur- ing the Welcome Home Program. contributed a great deal to our commu- poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- ing, and Urban Affairs. Providing mentorship and instilling nity. I know he will remain a com- H.R. 3542. An act to impose sanctions good character and moral values in our mitted leader in our State. I wish him against Hamas for violating universally ap- country’s youth is another important health and much happiness in his days plicable international laws of armed conflict facet of the Elk’s mission. Our youth to come. Here is to less time writing by intentionally using civilians and civilian are the leaders of tomorrow, and the briefs and more time enjoying Rhode property to shield military objectives from Elks are committed to helping them Island’s natural beauty, whether that lawful attack, and for other purposes; to the succeed by supporting scholarships be on your bike, in your kayak, or on Committee on Foreign Relations. that allow more children to pursue H.R. 3978. An act to amend the Real Estate your ice-skates. Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify their dreams. Further, the order edu- On behalf of all Rhode Islanders, requirements related to mortgage disclo- cates parents and their children about thank you for your work, Mike. You sures, and for other purposes; to the Com- the dangers of using illegal substances, have made our State proud. Godspeed.∑ mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- tobacco products, alcohol, and abusing fairs. prescription drugs. These prevention f f and awareness programs help give EXECUTIVE AND OTHER young people the tools and information MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS they need to make good decisions when Messages from the President of the The following communications were faced with negative social pressures. United States were communicated to I encourage my colleagues in the laid before the Senate, together with the Senate by Ms. Cuccia, one of his Senate to join me in recognizing and accompanying papers, reports, and doc- secretaries. congratulating the Benevolent and uments, and were referred as indicated: EC–4336. A communication from the Board Protective Order of the Elks on its f 150th anniversary. The Order of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Farm Credit Administration, transmitting the Ad- Elks has been and will continue to be a EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED shining example of honor and service ministration’s proposed fiscal year 2019 Budget and Performance Plan; to the Com- to neighbor, community, and nation.∑ As in executive session the Presiding Officer laid before the Senate messages mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- f estry. from the President of the United EC–4337. A communication from the Acting TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL RUBIN States submitting sundry nominations Director, Bureau of Consumer Financial Pro- ∑ Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, which were referred to the appropriate tection, transmitting, pursuant to law, the today, I pay tribute to Rhode Island’s committees. Bureau’s strategic plan for fiscal years 2018– assistant attorney general Michael (The messages received today are 2022; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, Rubin, who will retire this year after printed at the end of the Senate pro- and Urban Affairs. ceedings.) EC–4338. A communication from the Gen- serving our State for more than three eral Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory decades. I had the pleasure of working Commission, transmitting, pursuant to law, alongside Mike during my time as at- f the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Emergency torney general and during my time on Preparedness and Operations Reliability the attorney general office staff. I am MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE Standards’’ (Docket No. RM11–12–000; Order No. 840) received in the Office of the Presi- proud to call him my friend. He is a At 3:24 p.m., a message from the House of dent of the Senate on February 13, 2018; to skilled leader in the Rhode Island legal Representatives, delivered by Mr. Novotny, the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- community. He will be missed. one of its reading clerks, announced that the sources. House has passed the following bills, in Mike piled up a strong record of ac- EC–4339. A communication from the Chief which it requests the concurrence of the Sen- complishments during his time as the of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ate: assistant attorney general of Rhode Is- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the land and chief of the Rhode Island At- H.R. 3299. An act to amend the Revised Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the torney General’s environmental unit. Statutes, the Home Owners’ Loan Act, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Modified Safe Har- He was an advocate for every commu- Federal Credit Union Act, and the Federal bor for Deteriorating Concrete Foundations Deposit Insurance Act to require the rate of Caused by the Mineral Pyrrhotite’’ (Rev. nity in the State and worked every day interest on certain loans remain unchanged to promote a safe, clean environment Proc. 2018–14) received in the Office of the after transfer of the loan, and for other pur- President of the Senate on February 13, 2018; for our kids and preserve public access poses. to the Committee on Finance. to our beautiful shores. Just this past H.R. 3542. An act to impose sanctions EC–4340. A communication from the Chief year, Save the Bay Rhode Island against Hamas for violating universally ap- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, awarded Mike with its Environmental plicable international laws of armed conflict Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Achievement Award for his important by intentionally using civilians and civilian Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the work as the head of the environmental property to shield military objectives from report of a rule entitled ‘‘Exemption Appli- lawful attack, and for other purposes. cation Rules for Corporate Restructurings’’ unit. ‘‘Without the efforts of advocates H.R. 3978. An act to amend the Real Estate such as Mike, who tirelessly work not (Rev. Proc. 2018–15) received in the Office of Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to modify the President of the Senate on February 13, only for the good of the environment, requirements related to mortgage disclo- 2018; to the Committee on Finance. but for our ability as a citizenry to ac- sures, and for other purposes. EC–4341. A communication from the Chief cess and enjoy our coastline, the qual- The message further announced that of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ity, and in some cases, quantity, of the House has agreed to the following Internal Revenue Service, Department of the publicly accessible coastal lands and Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the concurrent resolution, in which it re- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Qualified Oppor- waters would be significantly depre- quests the concurrence of the Senate: ciated,’’ the organization announced. tunity Zones Designation Procedures’’ (Rev. H. Con. Res. 103. Concurrent resolution au- Proc. 2018–16) received in the Office of the I got to see his determination first- thorizing the use of Emancipation Hall for a President of the Senate on February 13, 2018; hand when I was attorney general. In ceremony as part of the commemoration of to the Committee on Finance. 2001, Mike had been trial counsel in the the days of remembrance of victims of the EC–4342. A communication from the Execu- State proceedings when I argued a case Holocaust. tive Analyst (Political), Department of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.052 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1163 Health and Human Services, transmitting, Officer, Department of Homeland Security, POM–172. A resolution adopted by the pursuant to law, two (2) reports relative to received in the Office of the President of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of vacancies in the Department of Health and Senate on February 14, 2018; to the Com- Miami Beach, Florida, urging the United Human Services, received in the Office of the mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- States Congress to reject the proposed elimi- President of the Senate on February 13, 2018; mental Affairs. nation of the 20 percent investment tax cred- to the Committee on Finance. EC–4355. A communication from the Chair- it provided under the United States tax code EC–4343. A communication from the Direc- man of the Occupational Safety and Health for projects that rehabilitate, restore, or pre- tor, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, Review Commission, transmitting, pursuant serve historic structures; to the Committee transmitting, pursuant to law, the fiscal to law, the Commission’s Buy American Act on Finance. year 2017 annual report of Military Assist- Report for fiscal year 2017; to the Committee POM–173. A resolution adopted by the Lau- ance and Military Exports; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- derdale Lakes City Commission, Lauderdale on Foreign Relations. fairs. Lakes, Florida memorializing its opposition EC–4344. A communication from the Sec- EC–4356. A communication from the Dep- to all expressions of hatred and bigotry, es- retary of Health and Human Services, trans- uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of pecially those made by public officials rel- mitting, pursuant to law, the report of a pe- Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- ative to immigration; to the Committee on tition to add workers who were employed at cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, the Judiciary. pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled the Ames Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, to the f Special Exposure Cohort; to the Committee ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Place- on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ment of MT–45 Into Schedule I’’ (Docket No. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES EC–4345. A communication from the Acting DEA–451) received in the Office of the Presi- dent of the Senate on February 13, 2018; to The following reports of committees Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Depart- were submitted: ment of Health and Human Services, trans- the Committee on the Judiciary. mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled EC–4357. A communication from the Dep- By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on ‘‘The Management of Traumatic Brain In- uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of Homeland Security and Governmental Af- jury in Children’’; to the Committee on Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- fairs, without amendment: H.R. 294. A bill to designate the facility of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, EC–4346. A communication from the Chair- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled the United States Postal Service located at man of the Council of the District of Colum- ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- 2700 Cullen Boulevard in Pearland, Texas, as bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report porary Placement of 4-Fluoroisobutyryl the ‘‘Endy Nddiobong Ekpanya Post Office on D.C. Act 22–241, ‘‘Controlled Substance Fentanyl Into Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA– Building’’. H.R. 452. A bill to designate the facility of Testing Temporary Amendment Act of 2018’’; 452) received in the Office of the President of the United States Postal Service located at to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Senate on February 13, 2018; to the Com- 324 West Saint Louis Street in Pacific, Mis- Governmental Affairs. mittee on the Judiciary. EC–4358. A communication from the Dep- EC–4347. A communication from the Chair- souri, as the ‘‘Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of man of the Council of the District of Colum- Post Office’’. Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- S. 931. A bill to designate the facility of bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, the United States Postal Service located at on D.C. Act 22–242, ‘‘Medical Necessity Re- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 4910 Brighton Boulevard in Denver, Colorado, view Criteria Temporary Amendment Act of ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- as the ‘‘George Sakato Post Office’’. 2018’’; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- porary Placement of ortho-Fluorofentanyl, By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on rity and Governmental Affairs. Tetrahydrofuranyl, Fentanyl, and Homeland Security and Governmental Af- EC–4348. A communication from the Chair- Methoxyacetyl Fentanyl Into Schedule I’’ fairs, with an amendment: man of the Council of the District of Colum- (Docket No. DEA–473) received in the Office H.R. 1207. A bill to designate the facility of bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report of the President of the Senate on February the United States Postal Service located at on D.C. Act 22–243, ‘‘Personal Delivery De- 13, 2018; to the Committee on the Judiciary. 306 River Street in Tilden, Texas, as the vice Pilot Program Extension Temporary EC–4359. A communication from the Dep- ‘‘Tilden Veterans Post Office’’. Amendment Act of 2018’’; to the Committee uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- fairs. cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, fairs, without amendment: EC–4349. A communication from the Chair- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled H.R. 1208. A bill to designate the facility of man of the Council of the District of Colum- ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- the United States Postal Service located at bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report porary Placement of FUB–AMB Into Sched- 9155 Schaefer Road, Converse, Texas, as the on D.C. Act 22–244, ‘‘Homeless Shelter Re- ule I’’ (Docket No. DEA–472) received in the ‘‘Converse Veterans Post Office Building’’. placement Temporary Amendment Act of Office of the President of the Senate on Feb- H.R. 1858. A bill to designate the facility of 2018’’; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- ruary 13, 2018; to the Committee on the Judi- the United States Postal Service located at rity and Governmental Affairs. ciary. 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsyl- EC–4350. A communication from the Chair- EC–4360. A communication from the Dep- vania, as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott man of the Council of the District of Colum- uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of Ostrom Post Office’’. bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- H.R. 1988. A bill to designate the facility of on D.C. Act 22–245, ‘‘Master Development cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, the United States Postal Service located at Plan Recognition Temporary Act of 2018’’; to pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled 1730 18th Street in Bakersfield, California, as the Committee on Homeland Security and ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- the ‘‘Merle Haggard Post Office Building’’. Governmental Affairs. porary Placement of Acryl Fentanyl Into S. 2040. A bill to designate the facility of EC–4351. A communication from the Chair- Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA–460) received the United States Postal Service located at man of the Council of the District of Colum- in the Office of the President of the Senate 621 Kansas Avenue in Atchison, Kansas, as bia, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report on February 13, 2018; to the Committee on the ‘‘Amelia Earhart Post Office Building’’. on D.C. Act 22–246, ‘‘Defending Access to the Judiciary. H.R. 2254. A bill to designate the facility of Women’s Health Care Services Amendnent EC–4361. A communication from the Dep- the United States Postal Service located at Act of 2018’’; to the Committee on Homeland uty Assistant Administrator of the Office of 2635 Napa Street in Vallejo, California, as Security and Governmental Affairs. Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Agen- the ‘‘Janet Capello Post Office Building’’. EC–4352. A communication from the Archi- cy, Department of Justice, transmitting, H.R. 2302. A bill to designate the facility of vist of the United States, National Archives pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled the United States Postal Service located at and Records Administration, transmitting, ‘‘Schedules of Controlled Substances: Tem- 259 Nassau Street, Suite 2 in Princeton, New pursuant to law, the Administration’s stra- porary Placement of Six Synthetic Jersey, as the ‘‘Dr. John F. Nash, Jr. Post tegic plan for fiscal years 2018 - 2022; to the Cannabinoids (5F–ADB, 5F–AMB, 5F– Office’’. Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- APINACA, ADB–FUBINACA, MDMB– H.R. 2464. A bill to designate the facility of ernmental Affairs. CHMICA and MDMB–FUBINACA) Into the United States Postal Service located at EC–4353. A communication from the Archi- Schedule I’’ (Docket No. DEA–446) received 25 New Chardon Street Lobby in Boston, vist of the United States, National Archives in the Office of the President of the Senate Massachusetts, as the ‘‘John Fitzgerald Ken- and Records Administration, transmitting, on February 13, 2018; to the Committee on nedy Post Office’’. pursuant to law, the Administration’s stra- the Judiciary. H.R. 2672. A bill to designate the facility of tegic plan for fiscal years 2018 - 2022; to the the United States Postal Service located at Committee on Homeland Security and Gov- f 520 Carter Street in Fairview, Illinois, as the ernmental Affairs. PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS ‘‘Sgt. Douglas J. Riney Post Office’’. EC–4354. A communication from the Asso- H.R. 2815. To designate the facility of the ciate General Counsel for General Law, De- The following petitions and memo- United States Postal Service located at 30 partment of Homeland Security, transmit- rials were laid before the Senate and East Somerset Street in Raritan, New Jer- ting, pursuant to law, a report relative to a were referred or ordered to lie on the sey, as the ‘‘Gunnery Sergeant John vacancy in the position of Chief Financial table as indicated: Basilone Post Office’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.011 S15FEPT1 S1164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 H.R. 2873. A bill to designate the facility of munity, Office of the Director of National In- S. 2438. A bill to conduct or support further the United States Postal Service located at telligence . comprehensive research for the creation of a 207 Glenside Avenue in Wyncote, Pennsyl- *Jason Klitenic, of Maryland, to be Gen- universal influenza vaccine; to the Com- vania, as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant Peter Taub eral Counsel of the Office of the Director of mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and Post Office Building’’. National Intelligence. Pensions. H.R. 3109. A bill to designate the facility of *Nomination was reported with rec- By Mrs. SHAHEEN: the United States Postal Service located at ommendation that it be confirmed sub- S. 2439. A bill to establish a pilot toll cred- 1114 North 2nd Street in Chillicothe, Illinois, ject to the nominee’s commitment to it marketplace program, and for other pur- as the ‘‘Sr. Chief Ryan Owens Post Office respond to requests to appear and tes- poses; to the Committee on Environment and Building’’. Public Works. H.R. 3369. A bill to designate the facility of tify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate. By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and the United States Postal Service located at Ms. HARRIS): 225 North Main Street in Spring Lake, North (Nominations without an asterisk S. 2440. A bill to combat the opioid epi- Carolina, as the ‘‘Howard B. Pate, Jr. Post were reported with the recommenda- demic by reforming existing laws and pro- Office’’. tion that they be confirmed.) viding for the public’s safety, and for other H.R. 3638. A bill to designate the facility of f purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- the United States Postal Service located at ary. 1100 Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida, as INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND By Mr. CASEY: the ‘‘Rutledge Pearson Post Office Build- JOINT RESOLUTIONS ing’’. The following bills and joint resolu- S. 2441. A bill to amend the Steel Industry American Heritage Area Act of 1996 to repeal H.R. 3655. A bill to designate the facility of tions were introduced, read the first the United States Postal Service located at the funding limitation; to the Committee on 1300 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, as and second times by unanimous con- Energy and Natural Resources. the ‘‘Dr. Walter S. McAfee Post Office Build- sent, and referred as indicated: By Ms. STABENOW: ing’’. By Mr. PETERS (for himself, Mr. COR- S. 2442. A bill to establish a Federal tax H.R. 3821. To designate the facility of the NYN, and Ms. STABENOW): credit approximation matching program for United States Postal Service located at 430 S. 2431. A bill to ensure that certain inci- State new jobs training tax credits, and for Main Street in Clermont, Georgia, as the dents involving a covered employee that are other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- ‘‘Zach T. Addington Post Office’’. reported to the title IX coordinator at an eli- nance. H.R. 3893. To designate the facility of the gible institution of higher education have By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and United States Postal Service located at 100 been reviewed by the president of the insti- Mr. PERDUE): tution and not less than 1 additional member Mathe Avenue in Interlachen, Florida, as the S. 2443. A bill to amend the Elementary of the institution’s board of trustees, and for ‘‘Robert H. Jenkins, Jr. Post Office’’. and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to es- other purposes; to the Committee on Health, H.R. 4042. A bill to designate the facility of tablish a new career counseling program, and Education, Labor, and Pensions. the United States Postal Service located at for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. YOUNG (for himself, Mr. DON- 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. NELLY, Mr. LANKFORD, and Mr. as the ‘‘Borinqueneers Post Office Building’’. By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and H.R. 4285. A bill to designate the facility of JONES): Mr. HEINRICH): the United States Postal Service located at S. 2432. A bill to amend the charter of the 123 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, New Jer- Future Farmers of America, and for other S. 2444. A bill to provide for enhanced en- sey, as the ‘‘James C. ‘Billy’ Johnson Post purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- ergy grid security; to the Committee on En- Office Building’’. ary. ergy and Natural Resources. By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself and Ms. By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. f MURKOWSKI): HEINRICH, and Ms. HIRONO): S. 2433. A bill to amend title 38, United S. 2445. A bill to provide for the moderniza- EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF States Code, to deem certain service in the COMMITTEES tion of the electric grid, and for other pur- organized military forces of the Government poses; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- The following executive reports of of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and ural Resources. nominations were submitted: the Philippine Scouts to have been active By Mr. MERKLEY: service for purposes of benefits under pro- S. 2446. A bill to amend title XVIII of the By Mr. HATCH for the Committee on Fi- grams administered by the Secretary of Vet- Social Security Act to provide for patient nance. erans Affairs, and for other purposes; to the protection by establishing safe nurse staffing Dennis Shea, of Virginia, to be a Deputy Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. levels at certain Medicare providers, and for United States Trade Representative (Geneva By Mr. ALEXANDER: Office), with the rank of Ambassador. S. 2434. A bill to amend the Federal Food, other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- C. J. Mahoney, of Kansas, to be a Deputy Drug, and Cosmetic Act to reauthorize user nance. United States Trade Representative (Invest- fee programs relating to new animal drugs By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and ment, Services, Labor, Environment, Africa, and generic new animal drugs; to the Com- Ms. SMITH): China , and the Western Hemisphere), with mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and S. 2447. A bill to accelerate smart building the rank of Ambassador. Pensions. development, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. GRASSLEY for the Committee on By Mr. CASEY: Committee on Energy and Natural Re- the Judiciary. S. 2435. A bill to amend title 5, United sources. Michael B. Brennan, of Wisconsin, to be States Code, to limit the number of local By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself, Mr. United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh wage areas allowable within a General CARPER, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. COONS, Ms. Circuit. Schedule pay locality; to the Committee on COLLINS, and Mr. MERKLEY): Daniel Desmond Domenico, of Colorado, to Homeland Security and Governmental Af- S. 2448. A bill to provide for the issuance of be United States District Judge for the Dis- fairs. a rule to advance next-generation tech- trict of Colorado. By Mr. DAINES (for himself and Ms. nologies to provide alternatives to Susan Paradise Baxter, of Pennsylvania, to STABENOW): hydrofluorocarbons, and for other purposes; be United States District Judge for the West- S. 2436. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- to the Committee on Environment and Pub- ern District of Pennsylvania. enue Code of 1986 to limit the amount of cer- lic Works. Marilyn Jean Horan, of Pennsylvania, to tain qualified conservation contributions; to By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and be United States District Judge for the West- the Committee on Finance. Ms. HIRONO): ern District of Pennsylvania. By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mrs. Adam I. Klein, of the District of Columbia, SHAHEEN, Ms. SMITH, Ms. HEITKAMP, S. 2449. A bill to require the Secretary of to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy Mr. BROWN, Ms. HASSAN, Mr. Energy to establish the 21st Century Energy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a MANCHIN, Ms. WARREN, Ms. KLO- Workforce Advisory Board, and for other term expiring January 29, 2024. BUCHAR, Ms. STABENOW, Mr. NELSON, purposes; to the Committee on Energy and McGregor W. Scott, of California, to be Mr. KING, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. TESTER, Natural Resources. RUZ United States Attorney for the Eastern Dis- Mr. KAINE, and Mr. UDALL): By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mr. C , and trict of California for the term of four years. S. 2437. A bill to reauthorize and improve Mr. RUBIO): Gary G. Schofield, of Nevada, to be United the 21st Century Cures opioid grant program; S. 2450. A bill to require the Bureau of the States Marshal for the District of Nevada for to the Committee on Health, Education, Census to conduct a survey to determine in- the term of four years. Labor, and Pensions. come and poverty levels in the United States By Mr. BURR for the Select Committee on By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Ms. in a manner that accounts for the receipt of Intelligence. BALDWIN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Ms. KLO- Federal means-tested benefits, and for other Michael K. Atkinson, of Maryland, to be BUCHAR, Mr. NELSON, Mr. VAN HOL- purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Se- Inspector General of the Intelligence Com- LEN, Mr. KING, and Ms. SMITH): curity and Governmental Affairs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.014 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1165 SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND cial Needs Plan demonstration pro- (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- SENATE RESOLUTIONS gram to target home and community- sponsor of S. 1871, a bill to amend title The following concurrent resolutions based care to eligible Medicare bene- 38, United States Code, to clarify the and Senate resolutions were read, and ficiaries. role of podiatrists in the Department of referred (or acted upon), as indicated: S. 382 Veterans Affairs, and for other pur- At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. poses. TILLIS): name of the Senator from Missouri S. 1917 S. Res. 407. A resolution recognizing the (Mr. BLUNT) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the critical work of human rights defenders in of S. 382, a bill to require the Secretary name of the Senator from California promoting human rights, the rule of law, de- of Health and Human Services to de- (Ms. HARRIS) was added as a cosponsor mocracy, and good governance; to the Com- velop a voluntary registry to collect of S. 1917, a bill to reform sentencing mittee on Foreign Relations. data on cancer incidence among fire- laws and correctional institutions, and By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mrs. FEIN- fighters. for other purposes. STEIN, and Mr. CRUZ): S. 428 S. Res. 408. A resolution commemorating S. 2072 the 59th anniversary of Tibet’s 1959 uprising At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the as ‘‘Tibetan Rights Day’’, and expressing name of the Senator from Rhode Island name of the Senator from Maryland support for the human rights and religious (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a co- (Mr. CARDIN) was added as a cosponsor freedom of the Tibetan people and the Ti- sponsor of S. 428, a bill to amend titles of S. 2072, a bill to amend the Toxic betan Buddhist faith community; to the XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act Substances Control Act to require the Committee on Foreign Relations. to authorize States to provide coordi- Administrator of the Environmental By Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. nated care to children with complex WICKER, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. Protection Agency to take action to medical conditions through enhanced eliminate human exposure to asbestos, MENENDEZ, Mr. COONS, Mr. TILLIS, pediatric health homes, and for other Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. and for other purposes. purposes. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BOOKER, Ms. S. 2095 S. 946 DUCKWORTH, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the BROWN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. CARDIN, At the request of Mr. FLAKE, the name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. Mr. COTTON, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. SCOTT, name of the Senator from Michigan NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor 2095, a bill to regulate assault weapons, CARPER, Mr. NELSON, Mr. SANDERS, of S. 946, a bill to require the Secretary Mr. BENNET, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, and Mr. to ensure that the right to keep and of Veterans Affairs to hire additional bear arms is not unlimited, and for PETERS): Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists S. Res. 409. A resolution honoring the dedi- other purposes. to provide treatment court services to cation and courage of the Buffalo Soldiers; S. 2127 justice-involved veterans, and for other to the Committee on Armed Services. At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the purposes. By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. name of the Senator from South Da- VAN HOLLEN): S. 1086 kota (Mr. ROUNDS) was added as a co- S. Res. 410. A resolution commemorating At the request of Mr. HATCH, the sponsor of S. 2127, a bill to award a the life of Luis Alejandro ‘‘Alex’’ Villamayor name of the Senator from Montana and calling for justice and accountability; to Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, (Mr. DAINES) was added as a cosponsor to the United States merchant mari- the Committee on Foreign Relations. of S. 1086, a bill to amend title 10, By Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. ners of World War II, in recognition of United States Code, to remove the pro- BURR, and Mr. NELSON): their dedicated and vital service during hibition on eligibility for TRICARE S. Res. 411. A resolution recognizing the World War II. 50th anniversary of the first 9-1-1 call in the Reserve Select of members of the re- S. 2136 United States; to the Committee on Com- serve components of the Armed Forces merce, Science, and Transportation. who are eligible to enroll in a health At the request of Mr. WHITEHOUSE, By Mr. MORAN: benefits plan under chapter 89 of title the name of the Senator from New S. Res. 412. A resolution expressing the 5, United States Code. Hampshire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as sense of the Senate regarding the 6888th Cen- a cosponsor of S. 2136, a bill to expand S. 1091 tral Postal Directory Battalion and cele- the monthly payments that may be eli- brating Black History Month; to the Com- At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the names of the Senator from West Vir- gible for public service loan forgive- mittee on Armed Services. ness. By Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. ginia (Mr. MANCHIN), the Senator from S. 2155 COCHRAN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. North Dakota (Ms. HEITKAMP) and the SCOTT, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. JONES, Ms. Senator from New Hampshire (Ms. HAS- At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the CANTWELL, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, Ms. COR- SAN) were added as cosponsors of S. names of the Senator from Nebraska TEZ MASTO, Mr. MURPHY, Mrs. FEIN- 1091, a bill to establish a Federal Task (Mr. SASSE) and the Senator from Ala- STEIN, Ms. SMITH, Mr. KAINE, Mr. Force to Support Grandparents Raising bama (Mr. JONES) were added as co- NELSON, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. UDALL, Ms. Grandchildren. sponsors of S. 2155, a bill to promote MURKOWSKI, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. economic growth, provide tailored reg- RUBIO, Mr. PAUL, and Mr. ALEX- S. 1403 ulatory relief, and enhance consumer ANDER): At the request of Mr. DAINES, his S. Res. 413. A resolution celebrating Black name was added as a cosponsor of S. protections, and for other purposes. History Month; considered and agreed to. 1403, a bill to amend the Public Lands S. 2184 f Corps Act of 1993 to establish the 21st At the request of Mr. MORAN, the name of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Century Conservation Service Corps to place youth and veterans in national ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 266 service positions to conserve, restore, 2184, a bill to amend title 38, United At the request of Mr. HATCH, the and enhance the great outdoors of the States Code, to improve veterans’ name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. United States, and for other purposes. health care benefits, and for other pur- WYDEN) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1730 poses. 266, a bill to award the Congressional At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the S. 2270 Gold Medal to Anwar Sadat in recogni- names of the Senator from Ohio (Mr. At the request of Mr. DAINES, the tion of his heroic achievements and PORTMAN) and the Senator from New name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. courageous contributions to peace in Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH) were added as MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. the Middle East. cosponsors of S. 1730, a bill to imple- 2270, a bill to make improvements to S. 309 ment policies to end preventable ma- the account for the State response to At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the ternal, newborn, and child deaths glob- the opioid abuse crisis to improve trib- name of the Senator from Rhode Island ally. al health. (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) was added as a co- S. 1871 S. 2271 sponsor of S. 309, a bill to establish a At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the At the request of Mr. REED, the name Community-Based Institutional Spe- name of the Senator from Connecticut of the Senator from Virginia (Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.017 S15FEPT1 S1166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 KAINE) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. CORKER) was added as a cosponsor as may be necessary to carry out, and pre- 2271, a bill to reauthorize the Museum of amendment No. 1959 proposed to vent the avoidance of, the purposes of this and Library Services Act. H.R. 2579, a bill to amend the Internal paragraph.’’. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall S. 2324 Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the pre- apply to contributions made after December At the request of Mr. HELLER, the mium tax credit with respect to unsub- 23, 2016. No inference is intended as the ap- name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. sidized COBRA continuation coverage. propriate treatment of contributions made NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. AMENDMENT NO. 2010 on or before such date or as to any activity 2324, a bill to amend the Investment At the request of Mr. ROUNDS, the not described in section 170(h)(7) of the Inter- Company Act of 1940 to change certain names of the Senator from Missouri nal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section. requirements relating to the capital (Mrs. MCCASKILL), the Senator from structure of business development com- New Hampshire (Ms. HASSAN) and the f panies, to direct the Securities and Ex- Senator from Alabama (Mr. JONES) SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS change Commission to revise certain were added as cosponsors of amend- rules relating to business development ment No. 2010 intended to be proposed companies, and for other purposes. to H.R. 2579, a bill to amend the Inter- SENATE RESOLUTION 407—RECOG- S. 2329 nal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the NIZING THE CRITICAL WORK OF At the request of Mr. HOEVEN, the premium tax credit with respect to un- HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN name of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. subsidized COBRA continuation cov- PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS, ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. erage. THE RULE OF LAW, DEMOCRACY, 2329, a bill to reauthorize and amend f AND GOOD GOVERNANCE the Water Infrastructure Finance and Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. Innovation Act of 2014, and for other STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED TILLIS) submitted the following resolu- purposes. BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS tion; which was referred to the Com- S. 2372 By Mr. DAINES (for himself and mittee on Foreign Relations: At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the Ms. STABENOW): name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. S. 2436. A bill to amend the Internal S. RES. 407 HATCH) was added as a cosponsor of S. Revenue Code of 1986 to limit the Whereas the Declaration on the Right and 2372, a bill to amend title 38, United amount of certain qualified conserva- Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Or- tion contributions; to the Committee gans of Society to Promote and Protect Uni- States Code, to provide outer burial re- versally Recognized Human Rights and Fun- ceptacles for remains buried in Na- on Finance. damental Freedoms (referred to in this pre- tional Parks, and for other purposes. Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, I ask amble as the ‘‘Declaration on Human Rights S. 2421 unanimous consent that the text of the Defenders’’)— At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the bill be printed in the RECORD. (1) was adopted by the United Nations Gen- name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. There being no objection, the text of eral Assembly on December 9, 1998; and (2) states that, ‘‘Everyone has the right RISCH) was added as a cosponsor of S. the bill was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows: . . . to promote and to strive for the protec- 2421, a bill to amend the Comprehen- tion and realization of human rights and fun- sive Environmental Response, Com- S. 2436 damental freedoms at the national and inter- pensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- national levels’’; provide an exemption from certain no- resentatives of the United States of America in Whereas the Department of State defines tice requirements and penalties for re- Congress assembled, ‘‘human rights defenders’’ as ‘‘individuals, leases of hazardous substances from SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. working alone or in groups, who non-vio- animal waste at farms. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Charitable lently advocate for the promotion and protection of universally recognized human AMENDMENT NO. 1953 Conservation Easement Program Integrity Act of 2018’’. rights and fundamental freedoms’’; At the request of Mr. HELLER, the Whereas the Senate supports the right of name of the Senator from Louisiana SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON PARTNER’S DEDUCTION FOR QUALIFIED CONSERVATION human rights defenders all over the world to (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a cospon- CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY PART- promote the fundamental freedoms en- sor of amendment No. 1953 intended to NERSHIP. shrined in— be proposed to H.R. 2579, a bill to (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 170(h) of the In- (1) the Universal Declaration of Human amend the Internal Revenue Code of ternal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by Rights, adopted at Paris on December 10, 1986 to allow the premium tax credit adding at the end the following new para- 1948; and with respect to unsubsidized COBRA graph: (2) human rights treaties; ‘‘(7) LIMITATION ON PARTNERSHIP ALLOCA- Whereas human rights defenders protect continuation coverage. TION OF CONTRIBUTIONS.— the rights of vulnerable individuals and AMENDMENT NO. 1954 ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any quali- groups; At the request of Mr. HELLER, the fied conservation contributions of any part- Whereas, according to Amnesty Inter- name of the Senator from Louisiana nership (whether directly or as a distributive national, an estimated 3,500 human rights (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a cospon- share of such contributions of another part- defenders have been murdered since the sor of amendment No. 1954 intended to nership), no amount of such contributions adoption of the Declaration on Human be proposed to H.R. 2579, a bill to may be taken into account under this sec- Rights Defenders; tion by any partner of such partnership as a Whereas, in certain parts of the world, the amend the Internal Revenue Code of distributive share of such contributions if work of human rights defenders is threat- 1986 to allow the premium tax credit the aggregate amount so taken into account ened through— with respect to unsubsidized COBRA by such partner for the taxable year would (1) restrictions on— continuation coverage. (but for this paragraph) exceed 2.5 times such (A) the press; and AMENDMENT NO. 1958 partner’s adjusted basis in such partnership (B) the freedoms of expression, assembly, At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the (determined as of the close of such taxable and association; names of the Senator from Missouri year and without regard to such contribu- (2) smear campaigns; tions). The preceding sentence shall apply (3) arbitrary detentions; (Mrs. MCCASKILL), the Senator from only with respect to the first 5 taxable years (4) laws restricting the funding and reg- New Hampshire (Ms. HASSAN) and the of such partner which end after the date on istration of human rights organizations; Senator from Alabama (Mr. JONES) which such partner first became a partner in (5) physical attacks; were added as cosponsors of amend- the partnership. (6) enforced disappearances; ment No. 1958 proposed to H.R. 2579, a ‘‘(B) EXCEPTION FOR FAMILY PARTNER- (7) impunity with respect to crimes com- bill to amend the Internal Revenue SHIPS.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply mitted against human rights defenders; and Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax with respect to any partnership if substan- (8) abuses of— credit with respect to unsubsidized tially all of the partnership interests in such (A) antiterrorism legislation; and COBRA continuation coverage. partnership are held by individuals who are (B) states of emergency; and related within the meaning of section Whereas, in the Country Reports on AMENDMENT NO. 1959 152(d)(2). Human Rights Practices for 2016 of the De- At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the ‘‘(C) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall partment of State, Secretary of State Rex name of the Senator from Tennessee prescribe such regulations or other guidance Tillerson noted the commitment of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.019 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1167 United States to ‘‘the human rights guaran- tors calling for freedom for Tibet and the re- community, in accordance with the inalien- teed to all individuals around the world’’: turn of the Dalai Lama; able right to religious freedom; Now, therefore, be it Whereas, in 1991, Congress resolved its (5) expresses its sense that any attempt by Resolved, That the Senate— sense that Tibet is an occupied country the Government of the People’s Republic of (1) commends human rights defenders for under the established principles of inter- China to identify or install its own candidate their critical work in promoting human national law whose true representatives are as a Tibetan Buddhist religious leader, in- rights, the rule of law, democracy, and good the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government cluding a future 15th Dalai Lama, is invalid governance; in exile as recognized by the Tibetan people; interference in the right to religious freedom (2) recognizes the rights of human rights Whereas, in 1961, with the support of the of Tibetan Buddhists around the world, in- defenders to the freedoms of association, as- United States, the United Nations General cluding in Tibet as well as the United States sembly, and expression, including the rights Assembly recognized the Tibetan people’s and elsewhere; and of those individuals to collect and publish ‘‘fundamental human rights and freedoms, (6) calls on the Secretary of State to fully data on government abuses; including the right to self-determination’’; implement the provisions of the Tibetan Pol- (3) condemns all threats to— Whereas, on October 18, 2007, Congress icy Act of 2002 (subtitle B of title VI of Pub- (A) human rights defenders; and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the lic Law 107–228; 22 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), in co- (B) the work of human rights defenders in Dalai Lama, finding that he is recognized operation with like-minded states where ap- promoting universally recognized human around the world as a leading figure of moral propriate, including that— rights; and religious authority, and is the unrivaled (A) representatives of the United States (4) welcomes the imposition of sanctions spiritual and cultural leader of the Tibetan Government in exchanges with officials of by the President, on December 21, 2017, and people; the Government of the People’s Republic of under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Whereas Buddhists in Tibet, the United China should call for and otherwise promote Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of States, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Rus- the cessation of all interference by the Gov- Public Law 114–328; 22 U.S.C. 2656 note), with sia, and other countries where followers of ernment of the People’s Republic of China or respect to human rights abusers and corrupt Tibetan Buddhism reside look to the Dalai the Chinese Communist Party in the reli- actors; Lama for religious leadership and spiritual gious affairs of the Tibetan people; (5) encourages all countries to recognize guidance; (B) the United States Ambassador to the their duties under the Declaration on the Whereas, in its 2017 annual report, the People’s Republic of China should meet with Right and Responsibility of Individuals, United States Commission on International the 11th Panchen Lama, who was arbitrarily Groups and Organs of Society to Promote Religious Freedom noted that ‘‘[t]he Chinese detained on May 17, 1995, and otherwise as- and Protect Universally Recognized Human government claims the power to select the certain information concerning his where- Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted next Dalai Lama with the help of a law that abouts and well-being; and by the United Nations General Assembly on grants the government authority over rein- (C) the Secretary of State should make December 9, 1998, to ‘‘protect, promote and carnations,’’ which purports to require all best efforts to establish an office in Lhasa, implement all human rights and funda- Tibetan Buddhist leaders to obtain the ap- Tibet, to monitor political, economic, and mental freedoms’’; and proval of the Government of the People’s Re- cultural developments in Tibet. public of China in order to reincarnate; (6) calls on the President and Secretary of Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I am State to maintain leadership by the United Whereas the Government of the People’s pleased to join Senators FEINSTEIN and States in promoting human rights. Republic of China has interfered in the identification and installation of reincarnated CRUZ in cosponsoring a resolution rec- f leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, as part of its ognizing the 59th anniversary of the Ti- SENATE RESOLUTION 408—COM- efforts to maintain control over Tibet, in- betan uprising against Chinese rule— MEMORATING THE 59TH ANNI- cluding in 1995 arbitrarily detaining the re- March 10, 2018 as ‘‘Tibetan Rights cently identified 11th Panchen Lama, then a VERSARY OF TIBET’S 1959 UPRIS- Day.’’ six-year-old boy, and purporting to install Fifty-nine years ago, Tibetans took a ING AS ‘‘TIBETAN RIGHTS DAY’’, China’s own candidate as Panchen Lama; AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR Whereas, in 2011, the 14th Dalai Lama de- stand, together, for the freedom of THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELI- clared that the responsibility for identifying their homeland. The people of the Ti- GIOUS FREEDOM OF THE TI- a future 15th Dalai Lama will rest with offi- betan capital, Lhasa, fearing for the BETAN PEOPLE AND THE TI- cials of the Dalai Lama’s private office and life of the Dalai Lama, surrounded his BETAN BUDDHIST FAITH COMMU- that ‘‘apart from the reincarnation recog- residence, organized a guard, and called NITY nized through such legitimate methods, no for the withdrawal of Chinese forces recognition or acceptance should be given to from Tibet and the restoration of Ti- Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mrs. FEIN- a candidate chosen for political ends by any- bet’s freedom. Chinese statistics esti- STEIN, and Mr. CRUZ) submitted the fol- one, including those in the People’s Republic mate 87,000 Tibetans were killed, ar- lowing resolution; which was referred of China’’; rested, or deported to labor camps dur- to the Committee on Foreign Rela- Whereas, in 1981, the United Nations Gen- ing the suppression of the 1959 uprising, tions: eral Assembly passed the Declaration on the Elimination of all Forms of Intolerance and which also led to the forced exile of the S. RES. 408 of Discrimination Based on Religion or Be- Dalai Lama and tens of thousands of Whereas March 10, 2018, marks the 59th an- lief, which provides that freedom of religion other Tibetans. niversary of the 1959 uprising in Tibet, dur- shall include the freedom to ‘‘train, appoint, Today, 59 years later, the Govern- ing which the people of Lhasa, fearing for elect or designate by succession appropriate ment of the People’s Republic of China the life of the Dalai Lama, surrounded his leaders called for by the requirements and remains engaged in the severe repres- residence, organized a guard, and called for standards of any religion or belief’’; and the withdrawal of Chinese forces from Tibet Whereas Congress has long held that the sion of Tibet’s unique religious, cul- and the restoration of Tibet’s freedom; right to freedom of religion undergirds the tural, and linguistic heritage, and is Whereas Chinese statistics estimate 87,000 very origin and existence of the United engaged in gross violations of human Tibetans were killed, arrested, or deported to States, and that freedom of religious belief rights in Tibet, including extrajudicial labor camps during the suppression of the and practice is a universal human right and detentions, disappearances, and tor- 1959 uprising, which also forced the Dalai fundamental freedom: Now, therefore, be it ture. At least 152 Tibetans in Tibet are Lama and tens of thousands of other Tibet- Resolved, That the Senate— known to have self-immolated in pro- ans to flee into exile; (1) recognizes March 10, 2018, as ‘‘Tibetan test in the past decade. Yet the Ti- Whereas March 10, 2018, also marks the Rights Day’’; 10th anniversary of a series of protests in (2) affirms its recognition of His Holiness betan people have not given up their Lhasa, which spread across Tibet, and which the 14th Dalai Lama for his outstanding con- struggle for fundamental human rights were suppressed by Chinese forces; tributions to peace, nonviolence, human and freedoms. We stand by the Tibetan Whereas, according to the Department of rights, and religious understanding; people, who have long been our unwav- State, the Government of the People’s Re- (3) affirms its support for the Tibetan peo- ering friends. public of China is engaged in the severe re- ple’s fundamental human rights and free- We also stand by the rights of Ti- pression of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural, doms, including their right to self-deter- betan Buddhists, not just in Tibet but and linguistic heritage, and is engaged in mination and the protection of their distinct around the world, who should be able gross violations of human rights in Tibet, in- religious, cultural, linguistic, and national to determine their own religious lead- cluding extrajudicial detentions, disappear- identity; ership in accordance with their inalien- ances, and torture; (4) expresses its sense that the identifica- Whereas, in the ten years since the 2008 tion and installation of Tibetan Buddhist re- able right to religious freedom. Accord- protests, at least 152 Tibetans in Tibet are ligious leaders, including a future 15th Dalai ing to the U.S. Commission on Inter- known to have self-immolated, with state- Lama, is a matter that should be determined national Religious Freedom, the Chi- ments or records left by these self-immola- solely within the Tibetan Buddhist faith nese government claims the power to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.021 S15FEPT1 S1168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 select the next Dalai Lama with the ated National Park Service under President Whereas Alex Villamayor moved with his help of a law that grants the govern- Theodore Roosevelt; family at the age of six to Paraguay, where ment authority over reincarnations. Whereas Buffalo Soldiers from the 9th, he was a devoted member of his church and That is absurd. The identification and 10th, 24th, and 25th regiments served in Yo- always had attention for those less fortu- semite National Park and Sequoia National nate; installation of Tibetan Buddhist reli- Park and helped arrest poachers, fight forest Whereas Alex Villamayor graduated with gious leaders, including a future 15th fires, and preserve the natural resources of honors from Paraguay’s Pan American Inter- Dalai Lama, is a matter that should be the United States; national School (PAIS) and was accepted to determined solely within the Tibetan Whereas, serving nobly as park rangers, attend Montgomery College in Maryland in Buddhist faith community. Buffalo Soldiers— the Fall of 2015; We can foster closer, cooperative re- (1) constructed in Yosemite National Park Whereas Alex Villamayor aspired to study lations with China, but until China one of the first arboretums in the United business management and return to Para- States; works with Tibetan leaders to pursue a guay to pursue a career that would help and (2) cleared miles of forest; support the Paraguayan people; new way forward, their reputation in (3) built trail roads into national parks for Whereas Alex Villamayor was murdered on the community of nations, and their the enjoyment of all people in the United June 27, 2015, in the City of Encarnacio´ n in States; and ability to act as a global power, will re- Paraguay; main deeply tarnished. I urge other (4) helped build the first trail to the sum- mit of Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Whereas Alex Villamayor’s death was Senators to join in support of this reso- Park; wrongfully ruled a suicide by Paraguayan lution, and to pass it before the impor- Whereas Buffalo Soldiers were subjected to authorities before a comprehensive inves- tant anniversary commemoration on racial prejudice but continued— tigation was carried out; March 10, 2018. (1) to serve honorably and bravely in the Whereas, in the initial weeks of the investigation, Paraguayan authorities failed to f United States Army; and (2) to fulfill the duties conferred on them collect blood and DNA samples from individ- SENATE RESOLUTION 409—HON- with pride and distinction; uals present at the scene of the crime, con- ORING THE DEDICATION AND Whereas, earning a reputation for being duct gunshot residue analysis on individuals COURAGE OF THE BUFFALO SOL- courageous and daring— present at the crime scene, and collect cel- DIERS (1) more than 200,000 African Americans lular phone records and data from individ- served in World War I; and uals present at the crime scene; Ms. HARRIS (for herself, Mr. WICKER, (2) more than 1,000,000 African Americans Whereas, in August 2015, Alex Villamayor’s Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. served in World War II; body was exhumed for additional forensic ex- COONS, Mr. TILLIS, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. Whereas during World War II, Buffalo Sol- amination, which found that he had been diers branched out and formed other famous WHITEHOUSE, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. raped and physically assaulted prior to his units, including the famed Tuskegee Airmen BOOKER, Ms. DUCKWORTH, Mrs. FEIN- death; and the Fighter ‘‘Red Tails’’ Group; Whereas, in August 2015, Paraguayan pros- STEIN, Mr. BROWN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Whereas 23 Buffalo Soldiers have received ecutor Olga Wilma Araujo Ayala was sus- Mr. CARDIN, Mr. COTTON, Mr. WYDEN, the highest military distinction of the Con- pended from the investigation into and legal Mr. SCOTT, Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. MCCAS- gressional Medal of Honor; case related to Alex Villamayor’s death due KILL, Mr. CARPER, Mr. NELSON, Mr. Whereas, in 1948, President Harry Truman to mismanagement of the case; SANDERS, Mr. BENNET, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, signed Executive Order 9981, which— Whereas, in September 2015, Mathias Wilbs, and Mr. PETERS) submitted the fol- (1) stipulated equal treatment and oppor- an employee at the property where Alex tunity for all African American service Villamayor was murdered, admitted in a lowing resolution; which was referred members; and to the Committee on Armed Services: public interview that he had removed the (2) brought an end to the Buffalo Soldiers; murder weapon from the crime scene and S. RES. 409 Whereas Buffalo Soldiers have honorably placed another firearm in Alex Villamayor’s Whereas by the Act of July 28, 1866 (14 answered the call to duty, serving with great hand; Stat. 332, chapter 299), after the end of the valor and distinction in the armed forces of Whereas, in September 2015, Alex Civil War, African American men were al- the United States; Villamayor’s death was ruled a homicide and lowed to serve in segregated units of the Whereas the Buffalo Soldiers are a signifi- Rene´ Hofstetter and Mathias Wilbs were United States Army; cant part of the history of the United States; charged with crimes in relation to Alex Whereas the first Buffalo Soldiers were and Villamayor’s murder; former slaves and former African American Whereas there are currently over 20 chap- Whereas, in October 2015, Paraguayan au- soldiers that fought in the Civil War; ters of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Association thorities opened a formal investigation of Whereas the first Buffalo Soldiers com- in the United States and 1 in Germany: Now, Alain Jacks Dı´az de Bedoya for his role in prised the 9th and 10th cavalry regiments therefore, be it Alex Villamayor’s murder; Resolved, That the Senate— and were the first African Americans to Whereas, in November 2016, Paraguayan (1) honors the dedication and courage of serve in the United States Army during authorities dropped the charges against the Buffalo Soldiers; peacetime; Alain Jacks Dı´az de Bedoya related to Alex (2) recognizes the legacy of the Buffalo Sol- Whereas, in the history of the United Villamayor’s murder; diers; and States, Buffalo Soldiers have made many Whereas Members of the United States (3) recognizes the contributions that the significant military contributions and have Congress have urged the Government of Buffalo Soldiers have made to the National fought to preserve and protect the United Paraguay to invite the United States Fed- Park System and to military history in the States; eral Bureau of Investigation to provide tech- United States and throughout the world. Whereas Buffalo Soldiers fought shoulder- nical assistance for the investigation into to-shoulder with white soldiers in many bat- f Alex Villamayor’s death and the United tles; SENATE RESOLUTION 410—COM- States Embassy in Asuncio´ n, Paraguay has Whereas Buffalo Soldiers were instru- MEMORATING THE LIFE OF LUIS offered such assistance to Paraguayan au- mental in the exploration and settlement of thorities; land in the West; ALEJANDRO ‘‘ALEX’’ Whereas, to date, the Government of Para- Whereas Buffalo Soldiers participated in VILLAMAYOR AND CALLING FOR guay has not invited the Federal Bureau of the tragic history of removing Native Ameri- JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Investigation to provide technical assistance cans from the land on which Native Ameri- Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. for the investigation into Alex Villamayor’s cans lived; VAN HOLLEN) submitted the following death; Whereas Native Americans in the Midwest resolution; which was referred to the Whereas the United States embassy in bestowed the nickname ‘‘Buffalo Soldiers’’ Asuncio´ n, Paraguay, and the Department of to the members of the 9th and 10th cavalry Committee on Foreign Relations: State have not issued any formal public regiments for— S. RES. 410 statements about Alex Villamayor’s murder (1) the bravery and courage that the mem- Whereas United States citizen Luis and the many irregularities in the investiga- bers exhibited; and Alejandro ‘‘Alex’’ Villamayor was born on tion into his death; (2) the jackets of buffalo fur that the mem- July 3, 1998, to parents Puning Luk Whereas, in February 2017, outgoing United bers wore during the cold winter months; Villamayor and Luis Felipe Villamayor in States Ambassador Leslie A. Basset told Whereas the Buffalo Soldiers rode along- Rockville, Maryland; media outlets that Alex Villamayor ‘‘died side Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Rid- Whereas Alex Villamayor is remembered under dark circumstances’’ and that ‘‘the in- ers in Cuba during the Spanish-American by his family as a smart, loving, and compas- vestigation and the handling of this case has War; sionate young man with a good sense of been worrisome’’; and Whereas Buffalo Soldiers were among the humor, who was committed to his parents, Whereas, as of February 15, 2018, those re- first park rangers to serve in the newly cre- siblings, and friends; sponsible for Alex Villamayor’s murder have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.023 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1169 yet to be brought to justice; Now, therefore, tributions to the safety and security of the en’s Army Corps assigned to the 6888th Cen- be it general public, as well as first responders: tral Postal Directory Battalion during World Resolved, That the Senate— Now, therefore, be it War II, who served honorably and are mem- (1) commemorates the life of United States Resolved, That the Senate— bers of the ‘‘Greatest Generation’’. citizen Luis Alejandro ‘‘Alex’’ Villamayor (1) honors the 50th anniversary of the first and offers condolences to his family and 9–1–1 call and the establishment of 9–1–1 as f friends; the nationwide emergency number; (2) expresses profound concern about the (2) praises public safety telecommunica- SENATE RESOLUTION 413—CELE- lack of justice achieved in Alex Villamayor’s tors for their lifesaving work; BRATING BLACK HISTORY case, more than two and one half years after (3) recognizes the importance of the 9–1–1 MONTH his rape and murder; systems of the United States and the need (3) urges Paraguayan authorities to invite for robust and reliable access to those sys- Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. COCH- the Federal Bureau of Investigation to pro- tems; and RAN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. SCOTT, Ms. vide technical assistance for the investiga- (4) encourages the people of the United HARRIS, Mr. JONES, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. tion into Alex Villamayor’s death; States to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 9– WHITEHOUSE, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. (4) calls on the Department of State to 1–1 and the lifesaving contributions of public MURPHY, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Ms. SMITH, prioritize justice for Alex Villamayor in its safety telecommunicators and first respond- Mr. KAINE, Mr. NELSON, Mr. DURBIN, diplomatic engagement with the Govern- ers facilitated by 9–1–1 systems. Mr. UDALL, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mr. ment of Paraguay; and f GRASSLEY, Mr. RUBIO, Mr. PAUL, and (5) calls on the Department of State to review its procedures for providing services to SENATE RESOLUTION 412—EX- Mr. ALEXANDER) submitted the fol- the families of United States citizens slain PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE lowing resolution; which was consid- or assaulted abroad. SENATE REGARDING THE 6888TH ered and agreed to: f CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY S. RES. 413 BATTALION AND CELEBRATING Whereas, in 1776, people envisioned the SENATE RESOLUTION 411—RECOG- BLACK HISTORY MONTH United States as a new nation dedicated to NIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY the proposition stated in the Declaration of OF THE FIRST 9–1–1 CALL IN THE Mr. MORAN submitted the following Independence that ‘‘all men are created UNITED STATES resolution; which was referred to the equal, that they are endowed by their Cre- Committee on Armed Services: Ms. KLOBUCHAR (for herself, Mr. ator with certain unalienable Rights, that S. RES. 412 among these are Life, Liberty and the pur- BURR, and Mr. NELSON) submitted the Whereas, since 1976, the United States has suit of Happiness . . .’’; following resolution; which was re- Whereas Africans were first brought invol- ferred to the Committee on Commerce, celebrated Black History Month each Feb- ruary to seize the opportunity to honor the untarily to the shores of the United States Science, and Transportation: accomplishments of African Americans in as early as the 17th century; S. RES. 411 every area of endeavor throughout the his- Whereas African Americans suffered en- Whereas, prior to the 1960s, the United tory of the United States; slavement and subsequently faced the injus- States did not have a single designated tele- Whereas the people of the United States tices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial phone number for the people of the United honor the 6888th Central Postal Directory of the basic and fundamental rights of citi- States to call for help in times of emergency; Battalion (referred to in this preamble as the zenship; Whereas, in late 1967 and early 1968, the ‘‘6888th’’), which was the first and only Afri- Whereas, in 2018, the vestiges of those in- Federal Communications Commission and can-American unit in the Women’s Army justices and inequalities remain evident in the American Telephone and Telegraph Com- Corps to deploy overseas during World War the society of the United States; pany developed a proposal to make the digits II; Whereas, in the face of injustices, people of 9–1–1 the emergency code throughout the Whereas the 6888th served honorably dur- good will and of all races in the United United States; ing World War II from January 1945 to March States have distinguished themselves with a Whereas, on February 16, 1968, the first 9– 1946; commitment to the noble ideals on which 1–1 call was placed in Haleyville, Alabama; Whereas the 6888th trained at Fort the United States was founded and have Whereas, in 1999, Congress passed the Wire- Oglethrope, Georgia, and deployed overseas fought courageously for the rights and free- less Communications and Public Safety Act to operate in Birmingham, England, Rouen, dom of African Americans and others; of 1999 (47 U.S.C. 615 et seq.), designating 9– France, and Paris, France; Whereas African Americans, such as Lieu- 1–1 as the national emergency telephone Whereas, while in Europe, the 6888th tenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, Maya number; worked around-the-clock sorting millions of Angelou, Arthur Ashe, Jr., James Baldwin, Whereas, by the end of the 20th century, pieces of mail; James Beckwourth, Clara Brown, Blanche nearly 93 percent of the population of the Whereas a new monument honoring the Bruce, Ralph Bunche, Shirley Chisholm, Holt United States, and 96 percent of the land women of the 6888th will be erected in the Collier, Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du area of the United States, was covered by Buffalo Solider Memorial Park in Fort Leav- Bois, Ralph Ellison, Medgar Evers, Alex some type of 9–1–1 service; enworth, Kansas; Haley, Dorothy Height, Jon Hendricks, Lena Whereas the availability of 9–1–1 as a na- Whereas the monument will— Horne, Charles Hamilton Houston, Mahalia tional emergency number has contributed to (1) feature the commanding officer of the Jackson, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, B.B. King, the saving of an untold number of lives in 6888th, Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, the United States; Earley; Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Mot- Whereas the people of the United States (2) list the names of more than 700 soldiers ley, Rosa Parks, Walter Payton, Bill Pick- are educated from a young age to rely upon in the Women’s Army Corps assigned to the ett, Homer Plessy, Bass Reeves, Hiram Rev- the 9–1–1 systems of the United States to 6888th; and els, Amelia Platts Boynton Robinson, Jackie reach help in an emergency; (3) celebrate the deeds of and sacrifices Robinson, Aaron Shirley, Sojourner Truth, Whereas the takers of 9–1–1 calls, known as made by those who served in the 6888th; and Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, the public safety telecommunicators, dedicate Whereas Black History Month provides all Greensboro Four, the Tuskegee Airmen, their lives to answering 9–1–1 calls and help- individuals in the United States an oppor- Prince Rogers Nelson, Recy Taylor, Fred ing others; tunity to celebrate the contributions of Afri- Shuttlesworth, Duke Ellington, Langston Whereas those public safety telecommu- can Americans, including the remarkable Hughs, Muhammad Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, nicators are critical to ensuring the safety of service of the 6888th: Now, therefore, be it Mamie Till, and Edith Savage-Jennings, the general public and first responders; Resolved, That the Senate— along with many others, worked against rac- Whereas, every day, public safety tele- (1) expresses support for— ism to achieve success and to make signifi- communicators— (A) the monument recognizing the service cant contributions to the economic, edu- (1) help to save and to protect lives; of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Bat- cational, political, artistic, athletic, lit- (2) direct help to where it is needed most; talion; and erary, scientific, and technological advance- and (B) the mission of the Buffalo Soldier Edu- ment of the United States; (3) provide medical instruction, comfort, cational and Historical Committee; Whereas the contributions of African and reassurance; and (2) during Black History Month and Americans from all walks of life throughout Whereas ongoing efforts to modernize 9–1– throughout 2018, encourages all individuals the history of the United States reflect the 1 systems— in the United States to celebrate the history greatness of the United States; (1) will ensure the 9–1–1 infrastructure of of the United States and the important ac- Whereas many African Americans lived, the United States remains resilient, robust, complishments and contributions of African toiled, and died in obscurity, never achieving and innovative; and Americans; and the recognition those individuals deserved, (2) will empower public safety telecommu- (3) appreciates the contributions of and and yet paved the way for future generations nicators to make increasingly critical con- sacrifices made by the soldiers of the Wom- to succeed;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.025 S15FEPT1 S1170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 Whereas African Americans continue to tax credit with respect to unsubsidized SA 2037. Mr. UDALL submitted an amend- serve the United States at the highest levels COBRA continuation coverage; which was ment intended to be proposed by him to the of business, government, and the military; ordered to lie on the table. bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln SA 2019. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and on the table. and Frederick Douglass inspired the creation Mr. UDALL) submitted an amendment in- SA 2038. Mr. UDALL submitted an amend- of Negro History Week, the precursor to tended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. ment intended to be proposed to amendment Black History Month; 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie on the SA 1959 proposed by Mr. GRASSLEY (for him- Whereas Negro History Week represented table. self, Mrs. ERNST, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. LANKFORD, the culmination of the efforts of Dr. Carter SA 2020. Mr. MORAN submitted an amend- Mr. COTTON, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. G. Woodson, the ‘‘Father of Black History’’, ment intended to be proposed by him to the ALEXANDER, and Mr. ISAKSON) to the bill to enhance knowledge of Black history bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie on through The Journal of Negro History, pub- on the table. the table. lished by the Association for the Study of SA 2021. Mr. MORAN submitted an amend- SA 2039. Mr. CARPER (for himself, Mr. African American Life and History, which ment intended to be proposed by him to the HEINRICH, and Mr. UDALL) submitted an was founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie amendment intended to be proposed to Jesse E. Moorland; on the table. amendment SA 1958 proposed by Mr. SCHU- Whereas Black History Month, celebrated SA 2022. Mr. MORAN submitted an amend- MER (for himself, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. KING, Ms. during the month of February, originated in ment intended to be proposed by him to the COLLINS, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie KAINE, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. COONS, Mr. GARDNER, special period in February to recognize the on the table. Ms. HEITKAMP, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. SHA- heritage and achievements of Black people SA 2023. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself, HEEN, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. in the United States; Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. CARPER, Ms. ISAKSON, and Mr. WARNER) to the bill H.R. Whereas Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated, HIRONO, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie on the ‘‘We have a wonderful history behind us. . . BOOKER, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, and Ms. WARREN) table. SA 2040. Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. WHITE- . If you are unable to demonstrate to the submitted an amendment intended to be pro- HOUSE, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, and Ms. SMITH) sub- world that you have this record, the world posed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; mitted an amendment intended to be pro- will say to you, ‘You are not worthy to enjoy which was ordered to lie on the table. posed by him to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; the blessings of democracy or anything SA 2024. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted which was ordered to lie on the table. else.’ ’’; an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- SA 2041. Mr. CASSIDY submitted an Whereas since its founding, the United amendment intended to be proposed by him States has imperfectly progressed toward dered to lie on the table. SA 2025. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- noble goals; dered to lie on the table. Whereas the history of the United States is an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- SA 2042. Mr. ALEXANDER (for Mr. FLAKE) the story of people regularly affirming high proposed an amendment to the bill S. 946, to ideals, striving to reach those ideals but dered to lie on the table. SA 2026. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to often failing, and then struggling to come to hire additional Veterans Justice Outreach terms with the disappointment of that fail- an amendment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- Specialists to provide treatment court serv- ure, before committing to try again; ices to justice-involved veterans, and for Whereas, on November 4, 2008, the people of dered to lie on the table. SA 2027. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for herself other purposes. the United States elected Barack Obama, an SA 2043. Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. and Mrs. GILLIBRAND) submitted an amend- African-American man, as President of the PORTMAN, and Mr. MORAN) submitted an United States; and ment intended to be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie amendment intended to be proposed by him Whereas, on February 22, 2012, people to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the Internal across the United States celebrated the on the table. SA 2028. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO submitted Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium groundbreaking of the National Museum of an amendment intended to be proposed by tax credit with respect to unsubsidized African American History and Culture, her to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- COBRA continuation coverage; which was which opened to the public on September 24, dered to lie on the table. ordered to lie on the table. 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, SA 2029. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself and f District of Columbia: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— Mr. UDALL) submitted an amendment in- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS tended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. (1) acknowledges that all people of the Mr. CORNYN submitted an United States are the recipients of the 2579, supra; which was ordered to lie on the SA 2018. wealth of history provided by Black culture; table. amendment intended to be proposed by (2) recognizes the importance of Black His- SA 2030. Mr. CARPER submitted an amend- him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the tory Month as an opportunity to reflect on ment intended to be proposed to amendment Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the complex history of the United States, SA 1958 proposed by Mr. SCHUMER (for him- the premium tax credit with respect to self, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. KING, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. while remaining hopeful and confident about unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- the path ahead; MANCHIN, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. KAINE, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. COONS, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. erage; which was ordered to lie on the (3) acknowledges the significance of Black table; as follows: History Month as an important opportunity HEITKAMP, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. SHAHEEN, At the appropriate place, insert the fol- to commemorate the tremendous contribu- Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. ISAK- lowing: tions of African Americans to the history of SON, and Mr. WARNER) to the bill H.R. 2579, the United States; supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. SEC. ll. EXPEDITED REMOVAL FOR ALIENS IN- SA 2031. Mr. CARPER (for himself, Ms. ADMISSIBLE ON CRIMINAL OR SECU- (4) encourages the celebration of Black HEITKAMP, and Mr. LEAHY) submitted an RITY GROUNDS. History Month to provide a continuing op- amendment intended to be proposed by him (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 238 of the Immi- portunity for all people in the United States to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1228) is to learn from the past and understand the dered to lie on the table. amended— experiences that have shaped the United SA 2032. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself and Mr. (1) in the section heading, by adding at the States; and COONS) submitted an amendment intended to end the following: ‘‘or who are subject to ter- (5) agrees that, while the United States be proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2579, rorism-related grounds for removal’’; began as a divided country, the United supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. (2) in subsection (b)— States must— SA 2033. Ms. WARREN submitted an (A) in paragraph (1)— (A) honor the contribution of all pioneers amendment intended to be proposed by her (i) by striking ‘‘Attorney General’’ and in- in the United States who have helped to en- to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- serting ‘‘Secretary of Homeland Security, in sure the legacy of the great United States; dered to lie on the table. the Secretary’s sole and unreviewable discre- and SA 2034. Ms. WARREN submitted an tion,’’; and (B) move forward with purpose, united tire- amendment intended to be proposed by her (ii) by striking ‘‘set forth in this sub- lessly as a nation ‘‘indivisible, with liberty to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- section or’’ and inserting ‘‘set forth in this and justice for all.’’. dered to lie on the table. subsection, in lieu of removal proceedings f SA 2035. Ms. WARREN submitted an under’’; AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND amendment intended to be proposed by her (B) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- ‘‘Attorney General’’ each place that term ap- PROPOSED dered to lie on the table. pears and inserting ‘‘Secretary’’; SA 2018. Mr. CORNYN submitted an SA 2036. Ms. WARREN submitted an (C) in paragraph (5)— amendment intended to be proposed by him amendment intended to be proposed by her (i) by striking ‘‘described in this section’’ to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the Internal to the bill H.R. 2579, supra; which was or- and inserting ‘‘described in paragraph (1) or Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium dered to lie on the table. (2)’’; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.028 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1171 (ii) by striking ‘‘the Attorney General may the proceeding under this section is served tablish that the offense involved at least 1 grant in the Attorney General’s discretion.’’ (either in person or by mail) is, in fact, the firearm that is not an antique firearm. and inserting ‘‘the Secretary or the Attorney alien named in such notice; ‘‘(L) AGGRAVATED FELONS.—Any alien who General may grant, in the sole and ‘‘(E) a record is maintained for judicial re- has been convicted of an aggravated felony unreviewable discretion of the Secretary or view; and at any time is inadmissible. the Attorney General, in any proceeding.’’; ‘‘(F) the final order of removal is not adju- ‘‘(M) HIGH SPEED FLIGHT.—Any alien who (D) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), dicated by the same person who issues the has been convicted of a violation of section and (5) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respec- charges. 758 of title 18, United States Code (relating tively; and ‘‘(4) LIMITATION ON RELIEF FROM RE- to high speed flight from an immigration (E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol- MOVAL.—No alien described in this sub- checkpoint) is inadmissible. lowing: section shall be eligible for any relief from ‘‘(N) FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OF- ‘‘(3) The Secretary of Homeland Security, removal that the Secretary may grant in the FENDER.—Any alien convicted under section in the exercise of discretion, may determine Secretary’s discretion.’’. 2250 of title 18, United States Code, is inad- inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2) and (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of missible. issue an order of removal pursuant to the contents of the Immigration and Nationality ‘‘(O) CRIMES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, STALK- procedures set forth in this subsection, in Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by ING, OR VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDERS; lieu of removal proceedings under section striking the item relating to section 238 and CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN.— 240, with respect to an alien who— inserting the following: ‘‘(i) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, STALKING, AND ‘‘(A) has not been admitted or paroled; CHILD ABUSE.—Except as provided in sub- ‘‘Sec. 238. Expedited removal of aliens con- ‘‘(B) has not been found to have a credible section (v), any alien who at any time is or victed of aggravated felonies or fear of persecution pursuant to the proce- has been convicted of a crime involving the who are subject to terrorism-re- dures set forth in 235(b)(1)(B); and use or attempted use of physical force, or ‘‘(C) is not eligible for a waiver of inadmis- lated grounds for removal.’’. threatened use of a deadly weapon, a crime sibility or relief from removal.’’; (c) EFFECTIVE DATE AND APPLICATION.—The of domestic violence, a crime of stalking, or (3) by redesignating the first subsection (c) amendments made by this section shall take a crime of child abuse, child neglect, or child as subsection (d); effect on the date of the enactment of this abandonment is inadmissible. For purposes (4) by redesignating the second subsection Act, but shall not apply to aliens who are in of this clause, the term ‘crime of domestic (c), as so designated by section 617(b)(13) of removal proceedings under section 240 of the violence’ has the meaning given the term in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immi- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. section 237(a)(2)(E)(i). grant Responsibility Act of 1996 (division C 1229a) on such date of enactment. ‘‘(ii) VIOLATORS OF PROTECTION ORDERS.— of Public Law 104–208; 110 Stat. 3009–720)), as SEC. ll. BARRING AGGRAVATED FELONS, BOR- Except as provided in subsection (v), any subsection (e); and DER CHECKPOINT RUNNERS, AND alien who at any time is or has been enjoined (5) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- SEX OFFENDERS FROM ADMISSION under a protection order issued by a court lowing: TO THE UNITED STATES. and whom the court determines has engaged ‘‘(c) REMOVAL OF ALIENS WHO ARE SUBJECT (a) INADMISSIBILITY ON CRIMINAL AND RE- in conduct that violates the portion of a pro- TO TERRORISM-RELATED GROUNDS FOR RE- LATED GROUNDS; WAIVERS.—Section 212 of tection order that involves protection MOVAL.— the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 against credible threats of violence, repeated ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- U.S.C. 1182) is amended— harassment, or bodily injury to the person or land Security— (1) in subsection (a)(2)— persons for whom the protection order was ‘‘(A) notwithstanding section 240, shall— (A) in subparagraph (A)(i)— issued is inadmissible. For purposes of this ‘‘(i) determine the inadmissibility of every (i) in subclause (I), by striking ‘‘, or’’ at clause, the term ‘protection order’ has the alien under subclause (I), (II), or (III) of sec- the end and inserting a semicolon; meaning given the term in section tion 212(a)(3)(B)(i), or the deportability of (ii) in subclause (II), by striking the 237(a)(2)(E)(ii).’’; the alien under section 237(a)(4)(B) as a con- comma at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and (2) in subsection (h)— sequence of being described in 1 of such sub- (iii) by inserting after subclause (II) the (A) in paragraph (1)— clauses; and following: (i) in subparagraph (A), by redesignating ‘‘(ii) issue an order of removal pursuant to ‘‘(III) a violation of (or a conspiracy or at- clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) as subclauses (I), the procedures set forth in this subsection to tempt to violate) any statute relating to sec- (II), and (III), respectively; every alien determined to be inadmissible or tion 208 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), deportable on a ground described in clause 408) (relating to social security account num- (B), and (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), re- (i); and bers or social security cards) or section 1028 spectively; ‘‘(B) may— of title 18, United States Code (relating to (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) ‘‘(i) determine the inadmissibility of any fraud and related activity in connection with as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; alien under subparagraph (A) or (B) of sec- identification documents, authentication (C) in the matter preceding subparagraph tion 212(a)(3) (other than subclauses (I), (II), features, and information)’’; and (A), as redesignated— and (III) of section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)), or the de- (B) by adding at the end the following: (i) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘The Attorney portability of the alien under subparagraph ‘‘(J) CITIZENSHIP FRAUD.—Any alien con- General’’; and (A) or (B) of section 237(a)(4) (as a convicted of, or who admits having committed, (ii) by striking ‘‘, and (E)’’, and inserting sequence of being described in subclause (I), or who admits committing acts which con- ‘‘(E), and (K)’’; (II), or (III) of section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)); and stitute the essential elements of, a violation (D) in the matter following subparagraph ‘‘(ii) issue an order of removal pursuant to of, or an attempt or a conspiracy to violate, (B), as redesignated— the procedures set forth in this subsection to subsection (a) or (b) of section 1425 of title 18, (i) by striking the first 2 sentences and in- every alien determined to be inadmissible or United States Code (relating to the procure- serting the following: deportable on a ground described in clause ment of citizenship or naturalization unlaw- ‘‘(2) A waiver may not be provided under (i). fully), is inadmissible. this subsection to an alien— ‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may not ‘‘(K) CERTAIN FIREARM OFFENSES.—Any ‘‘(A) who has been convicted of (or who has execute any order described in paragraph (1) alien who at any time has been convicted admitted committing acts that constitute)— until 30 days after the date on which such under any law of, admits having committed, ‘‘(i) murder or criminal acts of torture; or order was issued, unless waived by the alien, or admits committing acts which constitute ‘‘(ii) an attempt or conspiracy to commit to give the alien an opportunity to petition the essential elements of, any law relating murder or a criminal act involving torture; for judicial review under section 242. to, purchasing, selling, offering for sale, ex- ‘‘(B) who has been convicted of an aggra- ‘‘(3) PROCEEDINGS.—The Secretary shall changing, using, owning, possessing, or car- vated felony; or prescribe regulations to govern proceedings rying, or of attempting or conspiring to pur- ‘‘(C) who has been lawfully admitted for under this subsection, which shall require chase, sell, offer for sale, exchange, use, own, permanent residence and who since the date that— possess, or carry, any weapon, part, or acces- of such admission has not lawfully resided ‘‘(A) the alien is given reasonable notice of sory which is a firearm or destructive device continuously in the United States for at the charges and of the opportunity described (as defined in section 921(a) of title 18, United least 7 years immediately preceding the date in subparagraph (C); States Code) in violation of any law, is inad- on which proceedings were initiated to re- ‘‘(B) the alien has the privilege of being missible. For purposes of this subparagraph move the alien from the United States.’’; and represented (at no expense to the Govern- the term ‘any law’ includes State laws that (ii) by striking ‘‘No court’’ and inserting ment) by such counsel, authorized to prac- do not contain an exception for antique fire- the following: tice in such proceedings, as the alien shall arms. If the State law does not contain an ‘‘(3) No court’’; choose; exception for antique firearms, the Sec- (3) by redesignating subsection (t), as ‘‘(C) the alien has a reasonable opportunity retary or the Attorney General may consider added by section 1(b)(2)(B) of Public Law 108– to inspect the evidence and rebut the documentary evidence related to the convic- 449, as subsection (u); and charges; tion, including, but not limited to, charging (4) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(D) a determination is made on the record documents, plea agreements, plea colloquies, ‘‘(v) WAIVER FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIO- that the individual upon whom the notice for jury instructions, and police reports, to es- LENCE.—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.030 S15FEPT1 S1172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary or the At- unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- (7) any warning or citation that was issued torney General is not limited by the crimi- erage; which was ordered to lie on the as a result of such contact and the basis for nal court record and may waive the applica- table; as follows: such warning or citation; tion of subsection (a)(2)(O)(i) (with respect to (8) if an arrest or detention was made as a At the appropriate place, insert the fol- crimes of domestic violence and crimes of result of such contact, the justification for lowing: stalking) and subsection (a)(2)(O)(ii), in the such arrest or detention; case of an alien who has been battered or SEC. ll. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECU- (9) the immigration status of the indi- RITY ENFORCEMENT TRANS- vidual and whether removal proceedings subjected to extreme cruelty and who is not PARENCY. and was not the primary perpetrator of vio- were subsequently initiated against the indi- (a) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be vidual; lence in the relationship, upon a determina- cited as the ‘‘Department of Homeland Secu- (10) if force was used by the law enforce- tion that— rity Enforcement Transparency Act’’. ment official and if force was used, the type ‘‘(A) the alien was acting in self-defense; (b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: of force and justification for using force; ‘‘(B) the alien was found to have violated a (1) BORDER SECURITY.—The term ‘‘border (11) any complaint made by the individual protection order intended to protect the security’’ means the prevention of unlawful and any follow-up made regarding the com- alien; or entries into the United States, including en- plaint; ‘‘(C) the alien committed or was convicted tries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, in- (12) the badge number of law enforcement of committing a crime— struments of terrorism, narcotics, and other official involved in the complaint; and ‘‘(i) that did not result in serious bodily in- contraband. (13) if the action was initiated by a State jury; and (2) CHECKPOINT.—The term ‘‘checkpoint’’ or local law enforcement agency— ‘‘(ii) where there was a connection between means a location— (A) the reason for involvement of a Federal the crime and the alien’s having been bat- (A) at which vehicles or individuals trav- law enforcement official; tered or subjected to extreme cruelty. eling through the location are stopped or (B) the duration of the stop prior to con- ‘‘(2) CREDIBLE EVIDENCE CONSIDERED.—In boarded by an officer of U.S. Customs and tact with any Federal law enforcement offi- acting on applications for a waiver under Border Protection for the purposes of en- cial; this subsection, the Secretary or the Attor- forcement of United States laws and regula- (C) the method by which a Federal law en- ney General shall consider any credible evi- tions and making border security stops; and forcement official was informed of the stop; dence relevant to the application. The deter- (B) that is not located at a port of entry and mination of what evidence is credible and along an international border of the United (D) if the individual was being held by the weight to be given that evidence shall be States. State or local officials on State criminal within the sole discretion of the Secretary or (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL.—The term charges at the time of such contact. the Attorney General.’’. ‘‘law enforcement official’’ means— (d) REQUIREMENT FOR U.S. CUSTOMS AND (b) DEPORTABILITY; CRIMINAL OFFENSES.— (A) an officer or agent of U.S. Customs and BORDER PROTECTION DATA COLLECTION RE- Section 237(a)(2) of the Immigration and Na- Border Protection; tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)) is amended GARDING CHECKPOINTS.—The Commissioner of (B) an officer or agent of U.S. Immigration U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall by adding at the end the following: and Customs Enforcement; or ‘‘(G) IDENTIFICATION FRAUD.—Any alien collect data on— (C) an officer or employee of a State or a (1) the number of permanent and tem- who is convicted of a violation of (or a con- political subdivision of a State who is car- spiracy or attempt to violate) an offense re- porary checkpoints utilized by officers of rying out the functions of an immigration U.S. Customs and Border Protection; lating to section 208 of the Social Security officer pursuant to an agreement entered Act (42 U.S.C. 408) (relating to social security (2) the location of each such checkpoint; into under section 287(g) of the Immigration and account numbers or social security cards) or and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1357(g)), pursu- section 1028 of title 18, United States Code (3) a description of each such checkpoint, ant to authorization under title IV of the including the presence of any other law en- (relating to fraud and related activity in Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1401 et seq.), or connection with identification) is deport- forcement agencies and the use of law en- pursuant to any other agreement with the forcement resources such as canines. able.’’. Department of Homeland Security. (c) DEPORTABILITY; CRIMINAL OFFENSES.— (e) RULEMAKING.—Not later than 180 days (4) PATROL STOP.—The term ‘‘patrol stop’’ Section 237(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and after the date of the enactment of this Act, means seizure or interrogation of a motorist, Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(3)(B)) is the Secretary of Homeland Security, after passenger, or pedestrian initiated anywhere, amended— consultation with stakeholders, including re- except as part of an inspection at a port of (1) in clause (i), by striking the comma at search, civil and human rights organizations, entry or a primary inspection at a check- shall issue regulations for the collection and the end and inserting a semicolon; point. reporting of data required under subsections (2) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘, or’’ at the (5) PRIMARY INSPECTION.—The term ‘‘pri- (c) and (d) that— end and inserting a semicolon; mary inspection’’ means an initial inspec- (1) specify all data to be reported; and (3) in clause (iii), by striking the comma at tion of a vehicle or individual at a check- (2) provide standards, definitions, and tech- the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and point. nical specifications to ensure uniform re- (4) by inserting after clause (iii) the fol- (6) SECONDARY INSPECTION.—The term ‘‘sec- porting. lowing: ondary inspection’’ means a further inspec- (f) COMPILATION OF DATA.— ‘‘(iv) of a violation of, or an attempt or a tion of a vehicle or individual that is con- (1) DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY conspiracy to violate, subsection (a) or (b) of ducted following a primary inspection. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS.—The Secretary section 1425 of title 18, United States Code (c) REQUIREMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION RE- of Homeland Security shall compile— (relating to the unlawful procurement of GARDING STOPS AND SEARCHES INTENDED TO (A) the data recorded under subsection (c) citizenship or naturalization),’’. ENFORCE BORDER SECURITY.—A law enforce- by officers of U.S. Immigration and Customs (d) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made ment official who initiates a patrol stop or Enforcement and by officers of U.S. Customs by this section shall apply to— who detains any individual beyond a brief and Border Protection; (1) any act that occurred before, on, or and limited inquiry, such as a primary in- (B) the data collected under subsection (d) after the date of the enactment of this Act; spection at a checkpoint, shall record— by the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and (2) all aliens who are required to establish (1) the date, time, and location of the con- Border Protection; and admissibility on or after such date of enact- tact; (C) an analysis of all incidents investigated ment; and (2) the law enforcement official’s basis for, by the Office of Inspector General or the Of- (3) all removal, deportation, or exclusion or circumstances surrounding, the action, in- fice of Professional Responsibility of U.S. proceedings that are filed, pending, or re- cluding if such individual’s perceived race or Customs and Border Protection or of U.S. opened, on or after such date of enactment. ethnicity contributed to such basis; Immigration and Customs Enforcement to (e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The amend- (3) the identifying characteristics of such determine— ments made by this section may not be con- individual, including the individual’s per- (i) whether the data required to be col- strued to create eligibility for relief from received race, gender, ethnicity, and approxi- lected under this section were properly removal under section 212(c) of the Immigra- mate age; corded; and tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(c)), as (4) the duration of the stop, detention, or (ii) if such date were not properly recorded, in effect on the day before the date of the en- search, whether consent was requested and what corrective measures were or will be actment of this Act, if such eligibility did obtained for detention and any search; taken. not exist before such date of enactment. (5) a description of any articulable facts (2) OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS.— SA 2019. Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for her- and behavior by the individual that justify The head of each agency, department, or initiating a stop or probable cause to justify other entity that employs law enforcement self and Mr. UDALL) submitted an any search pursuant to such contact; officials other than officers referred to in amendment intended to be proposed by (6) a description of any items seized during paragraph (1) shall— her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the such search, including contraband or money, (A) compile the data recorded by such law Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow and a specification of the type of search con- enforcement officials pursuant to subsection the premium tax credit with respect to ducted; (c); and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.030 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1173 (B) submit the compiled data to the Sec- section on that date that is 4 years after the (D) the types of commercial enterprises retary of Homeland Security. date on which such visa was issued if such that such qualified alien entrepreneurs have (g) USE OF DATA.—The Secretary of Home- visa was not revoked pursuant to subsection established; and land Security shall consider the data com- (c). (E) the types and number of jobs created piled under subsection (f) in making policy ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: by such qualified alien entrepreneurs. and program decisions related to enforce- ‘‘(1) FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE.—The term ‘full- ment of border security. time employee’ means a United States cit- SA 2021. Mr. MORAN submitted an (h) ANNUAL REPORT.— izen or legal permanent resident who is paid amendment intended to be proposed by (1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 1 year by the new business entity registered by a him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the after the effective date of the regulations qualified alien entrepreneur at a rate that is Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow issued pursuant to subsection (e), and annu- comparable to the median income of employ- the premium tax credit with respect to ees in the region. ally thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- ‘‘(2) QUALIFIED ALIEN ENTREPRENEUR.—The Security shall submit a report to Congress erage; which was ordered to lie on the that summarizes all of the data compiled term ‘qualified alien entrepreneur’ means an under subsection (f) during the previous alien who— table; as follows: year. ‘‘(A) at the time the alien applies for an At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (2) AVAILABILITY.—Each report submitted immigrant visa under this section— lowing: under paragraph (1) shall be made available ‘‘(i) is lawfully present in the United SEC. ll. CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT to the public, except for particular data if States; and STATUS FOR IMMIGRANTS WITH AN the Secretary— ‘‘(ii)(I) holds a nonimmigrant visa pursu- ADVANCED DEGREE IN A STEM FIELD. (A) explicitly invokes an exemption under ant to section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b); or (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 2 of title II of the paragraphs (1) through (9) of section 552(b) of ‘‘(II) holds a nonimmigrant visa pursuant to section 101(a)(15)(F)(i); Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. title 5, United States Code; and 1181 et seq.) is amended by inserting after (B) provides a written explanation for the ‘‘(B) during the 1-year period beginning on the date the alien is granted a visa under section 216A the following: exemption’s applicability. ‘‘SEC. 216B. CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESI- (3) PROTECTION OF PRIVACY.—The Secretary this section— ‘‘(i) registers at least 1 new business entity DENT STATUS FOR ALIENS WITH AN of Homeland Security may not disclose ADVANCED DEGREE IN A STEM unique personal identifying information of in a State; FIELD. persons stopped, searched, or subjected to a ‘‘(ii) employs, at such business entity in ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any property seizure that was recorded or col- the United States, at least 2 full-time em- other provision of this Act, the Secretary of lected under this section. The report sub- ployees who are not relatives of the alien; Homeland Security may adjust the status of mitted under paragraph (1) shall be available and not more than 50,000 aliens who have earned to the public to the extent the release of the ‘‘(iii) invests, or raises capital investment a master’s degree or a doctorate degree at an date contained in the report is permissible of, not less than $100,000 in such business en- institution of higher education in a STEM under Federal law. tity; and field to that of an alien conditionally admit- ‘‘(C) during the 3-year period beginning on ted for permanent residence and authorize SA 2020. Mr. MORAN submitted an the last day of the 1-year period described in each alien granted such adjustment of status amendment intended to be proposed by paragraph (2), employs, at such business en- to remain in the United States— tity in the United States, an average of at him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the ‘‘(1) for up to 1 year after the expiration of least 5 full-time employees who are not rel- the alien’s student visa under section Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow atives of the alien.’’. 101(a)(15)(F)(i) if the alien is diligently the premium tax credit with respect to (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of searching for an opportunity to become ac- unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- contents in the first section of the Immigra- tively engaged in a STEM field; and erage; which was ordered to lie on the tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et ‘‘(2) indefinitely if the alien remains ac- table; as follows: seq.) is amended by adding after the item re- tively engaged in a STEM field. lating to section 210 the following: ‘‘(b) APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL PERMA- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- NENT RESIDENT STATUS.—Every alien apply- lowing: ‘‘Sec. 210A. Qualified alien entrepreneurs.’’. ing for a conditional permanent resident sta- SEC. ll. IMMIGRANT ENTREPRENEURS. (b) CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STA- TUS.—Section 216A of the Immigration and tus under this section shall submit an appli- (a) QUALIFIED ALIEN ENTREPRENEURS.— Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186b) is amended— cation to the Secretary of Homeland Secu- (1) ADMISSION AS IMMIGRANTS.—Chapter 1 of (1) by striking ‘‘Attorney General’’ each rity before the expiration of the alien’s stu- title II of the Immigration and Nationality place such term appears and inserting ‘‘Sec- dent visa in such form and manner as the Act (8 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.) is amended by add- retary of Homeland Security’’; Secretary shall prescribe by regulation. ing at the end the following: (2) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking ‘‘(c) INELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL GOVERN- ‘‘SEC. 210A. QUALIFIED ALIEN ENTREPRENEURS. ‘‘203(b)(5),’’ and inserting ‘‘203(b)(5) or 210A, MENT ASSISTANCE.—An alien granted condi- ‘‘(a) ADMISSION AS IMMIGRANTS.—The Sec- as appropriate,’’; tional permanent resident status under this retary of Homeland Security, in accordance (3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘alien section shall not be eligible, while in such with the provisions of this section and of sec- entrepreneur must’’ each place such term ap- status, for— tion 216A, may issue a conditional immi- pears and inserting ‘‘alien entrepreneur ‘‘(1) any unemployment compensation (as grant visa to not more than 75,000 qualified shall’’; defined in section 85(b) of the Internal Rev- alien entrepreneurs. (4) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by striking the enue Code of 1986); or ‘‘(2) any Federal means-tested public ben- ‘‘(b) APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL PERMA- period at the end and inserting ‘‘or 210A, as efit (as that term is used in section 403 of the NENT RESIDENT STATUS.—Every alien apply- appropriate.’’; and ing for a conditional immigrant visa under (5) in subsection (f)(1), by striking the pe- Personal Responsibility and Work Oppor- this section shall submit an application to riod at the end and inserting ‘‘or 210A.’’. tunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1613)). the Secretary of Homeland Security in such (c) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE ‘‘(d) EFFECT ON NATURALIZATION RESIDENCY form and manner as the Secretary shall pre- STUDY.— REQUIREMENT.—An alien granted conditional (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years scribe by regulation. permanent resident status under this section ‘‘(c) REVOCATION.—If, during the 4-year pe- after the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be deemed to have been lawfully admit- riod beginning on the date on which an alien the Comptroller General of the United States ted for permanent residence for purposes of shall submit a report to Congress regarding is granted a visa under this section, the Sec- meeting the 5-year residency requirement retary of Homeland Security determines the qualified alien entrepreneurs granted im- under section 316(a)(1). that such alien is no longer a qualified alien migrant status under section 210A of the Im- ‘‘(e) REMOVAL OF CONDITION.—The Sec- entrepreneur, the Secretary shall— migration and Nationality Act, as added by retary of Homeland Security shall remove ‘‘(1) revoke such visa; and subsection (a). the conditional basis of an alien’s condi- ‘‘(2) notify the alien that the alien— (2) CONTENTS.—The report described in tional permanent resident status under this ‘‘(A) may voluntarily depart from the paragraph (1) shall include information re- section on the date that is 5 years after the United States in accordance to section 240B; garding— date such status was granted if the alien or (A) the number of qualified alien entre- maintained his or her eligibility for such sta- ‘‘(B) will be subject to removal proceedings preneurs who have received immigrant status during the entire 5-year period. under section 240 if the alien does not depart tus under section 210A of the Immigration ‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: from the United States not later than 6 and Nationality Act, as added by subsection ‘‘(1) ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN A STEM FIELD.— months after receiving notification under (a), listed by country of origin; The term ‘actively engaged in a STEM this paragraph. (B) the localities in which such qualified field’— ‘‘(d) REMOVAL OF CONDITIONAL BASIS.—The alien entrepreneurs have initially settled; ‘‘(A) means— Secretary of Homeland Security shall re- (C) whether such qualified alien entre- ‘‘(i) gainfully employed in a for-profit busi- move the conditional basis of the status of preneurs generally remain in the localities ness or nonprofit organization in the United an alien issued an immigrant visa under this in which they initially settle; States in a STEM field;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:44 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.031 S15FEPT1 S1174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 ‘‘(ii) teaching 1 or more STEM field (2) by striking ‘‘(3), (4), and (5),’’ and in- percent (in the case of a single foreign state) courses at an institution of higher edu- serting ‘‘(3) and (4),’’; or 2 percent (in the case of a dependent area) cation; or (3) by striking ‘‘subsections (a) and (b) of of the total number of such visas. ‘‘(iii) employed by a Federal, State, or section 203’’ and inserting ‘‘section 203(a)’’; (B) UNRESERVED VISAS.—With respect to local government entity; and (4) by striking ‘‘7’’ and inserting ‘‘15’’; and the immigrant visas made available under ‘‘(B) includes any period of up to 6 months (5) by striking ‘‘such subsections’’ and in- each of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section during which the alien does not meet the re- serting ‘‘such section’’. 203(b) of the Immigration and Nationality quirement under subparagraph (A) if such pe- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Section 202 Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) and not reserved under riod was immediately preceded by a 1-year of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 paragraph (1), for each of fiscal years 2019, period during which the alien met the re- U.S.C. 1152) is amended— 2020, and 2021, not more than 85 percent shall quirement under subparagraph (A). (1) in subsection (a)— be allotted to immigrants who are natives of ‘‘(2) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘both sub- any single foreign state. The term ‘institution of higher education’ sections (a) and (b) of section 203’’ and in- (3) SPECIAL RULE TO PREVENT UNUSED has the meaning given the term in section serting ‘‘section 203(a)’’; and VISAS.—If, with respect to fiscal year 2019, 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 (B) by striking paragraph (5); and 2020, or 2021, the operation of paragraphs (1) U.S.C. 1001(a)). (2) by amending subsection (e) to read as and (2) would prevent the total number of ‘‘(3) STEM FIELD.—The term ‘STEM field’ follows: immigrant visas made available under para- means any field of study or occupation in- ‘‘(e) SPECIAL RULES FOR COUNTRIES AT graph (2) or (3) of section 203(b) of the Immi- cluded on the most recent STEM-Designated CEILING.—If the total number of immigrant gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) Degree Program List published in the Fed- visas made available under section 203(a) to from being issued, such visas may be issued eral Register by the Department of Home- natives of any single foreign state or depend- during the remainder of such fiscal year land Security (as described in section ent area will exceed the numerical limita- without regard to such paragraphs (1) and 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C)(2) of title 8, Code of Federal tion specified in subsection (a)(2) in any fis- (2). Regulations).’’. cal year, in determining the allotment of im- (4) RULES FOR CHARGEABILITY.—Section (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of migrant visa numbers to natives under sec- 202(b) of the Immigration and Nationality contents of the Immigration and Nationality tion 203(a), visa numbers with respect to na- Act (8 U.S.C. 1152(b)) shall apply in deter- Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by in- tives of that state or area shall be allocated mining the foreign state to which an alien is serting after the item relating to section (to the extent practicable and otherwise con- chargeable for purposes of this subsection. 216A the following: sistent with this section and section 203) in a manner so that, except as provided in sub- SA 2023. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for ‘‘Sec. 216B. Conditional permanent resident section (a)(4), the proportion of the visa herself, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. status for aliens with an ad- numbers made available under each of para- vanced degree in a STEM graphs (1) through (4) of section 203(a) is CARPER, Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. field.’’. equal to the ratio of the total number of BLUMENTHAL, Mr. BOOKER, Mrs. GILLI- (c) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE visas made available under the respective BRAND, and Ms. WARREN) submitted an STUDY.— paragraph to the total number of visas made amendment intended to be proposed by (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years available under section 203(a).’’. her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the after the date of the enactment of this Act, (c) COUNTRY-SPECIFIC OFFSET.—Section 2 of the Comptroller General of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 (8 the premium tax credit with respect to shall submit a report to Congress regarding U.S.C. 1255 note) is amended— the alien college graduates granted immi- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘sub- unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- grant status under section 216B of the Immi- section (e))’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (d))’’; erage; which was ordered to lie on the gration and Nationality Act, as added by and table; as follows: subsection (a). (2) by striking subsection (d) and redesig- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (2) CONTENTS.—The report required under nating subsection (e) as subsection (d). lowing: paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments SEC. ll. RESCISSION OF EXECUTIVE ORDER the aliens described in such paragraph— made by this section shall take effect on 13768. (A) the number who have earned a master’s September 30, 2018, and shall apply to fiscal The provisions of Executive Order 13768 (82 degree, broken down by the number of such years beginning with fiscal year 2019. Fed. Reg. 8799; January 25, 2017), entitled degrees in science, technology, engineering, (e) TRANSITION RULES FOR EMPLOYMENT- ‘‘Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of and mathematics; BASED IMMIGRANTS.— the United States’’, are rescinded and shall (B) the number who have earned a doc- (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to of this sub- not have any legal effect. torate degree, broken down by the number of section and notwithstanding title II of the such degrees in science, technology, engi- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. SA 2024. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO sub- neering, and mathematics; 1151 et seq.), the following rules shall apply: mitted an amendment intended to be (C) the number who have founded a busi- (A) For fiscal year 2019, 15 percent of the proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, to ness in the United States in a STEM field; immigrant visas made available under each amend the Internal Revenue Code of (D) the number who are employed in the of paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 203(b) of United States in a STEM field, broken down such Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)) shall be allotted to 1986 to allow the premium tax credit by employment sector (for profit, nonprofit, immigrants who are natives of a foreign with respect to unsubsidized COBRA or government); and state or dependent area that was not one of continuation coverage; which was or- (E) the number who are employed by an in- the 2 states with the largest aggregate num- dered to lie on the table; as follows: stitution of higher education. bers of natives obtaining immigrant visas At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (3) DEFINITIONS.—The terms ‘‘institution of during fiscal year 2017 under such para- lowing: higher education’’ and ‘‘STEM field’’ have graphs. SEC. lll. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION the meaning given such terms in section (B) For fiscal year 2020, 10 percent of the SUBMITTED FOR TEMPORARY PRO- 216B(f) of the Immigration and Nationality immigrant visas made available under each TECTED STATUS PROGRAM. Act, as added by subsection (a). of such paragraphs shall be allotted to immi- (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: grants who are natives of a foreign state or (1) TPS PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘TPS Pro- SA 2022. Mr. MORAN submitted an dependent area that was not one of the 2 gram’’ means temporary protected status amendment intended to be proposed by states with the largest aggregate numbers of under section 244 of the Immigration and Na- him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the natives obtaining immigrant visas during tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a). Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow fiscal year 2018 under such paragraphs. (2) INDIVIDUAL APPLICATION INFORMATION.— the premium tax credit with respect to (C) For fiscal year 2021, 10 percent of the The term ‘‘individual application informa- immigrant visas made available under each unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- tion’’ means any information, including per- of such paragraphs shall be allotted to immi- sonally identifiable information, submitted erage; which was ordered to lie on the grants who are natives of a foreign state or to the Secretary as part of a request for con- table; as follows: dependent area that was not one of the 2 sideration or reconsideration for the TPS At the appropriate place, insert the fol- states with the largest aggregate numbers of Program. lowing: natives obtaining immigrant visas during (3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ SEC. ll. MODIFICATION OF PER COUNTRY NU- fiscal year 2019 under such paragraphs. means the Secretary of Homeland Security. MERICAL LIMITATION FOR EMPLOY- (2) PER-COUNTRY LEVELS.— (b) PROTECTION OF CONFIDENTIALITY OF IN- MENT-BASED VISAS. (A) RESERVED VISAS.—With respect to the FORMATION.—The Secretary shall protect in- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 202(a)(2) of the visas reserved under each of subparagraphs dividual application information from disclo- Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (A) through (C) of paragraph (1), the number sure to U.S. Immigration and Customs En- 1152(a)(2)) is amended— of such visas made available to natives of forcement or U.S. Customs and Border Pro- (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking any single foreign state or dependent area in tection for any purpose other than imple- ‘‘AND EMPLOYMENT-BASED’’; the appropriate fiscal year may not exceed 25 menting the TPS Program.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.031 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1175 (c) REFERRALS PROHIBITED.—The Secretary (1) 88 percent of children with immigrant with respect to unsubsidized COBRA may not refer any individual who previously parents were born in the United States and continuation coverage; which was or- held Temporary Protected Status under the are United States citizens. dered to lie on the table; as follows: TPS Program to U.S. Immigration and Cus- (2) Children with at least one immigrant At the appropriate place, insert the fol- toms Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border parent account for 26 percent of all children lowing: Protection, the Department of Justice, or in the United States. any other law enforcement agency. SEC. ll. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON BIRTHRIGHT (3) 9,100,000 children with immigrant par- CITIZENSHIP. (d) LIMITED EXCEPTION.—Individual appli- ents live in low-income families. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- cation information may be shared with na- (4) Federally funded programs, including tional security and law enforcement agen- lowing findings: Head Start and the Children’s Health Insur- (1) The Fourteenth Amendment to the Con- cies— ance Program, are critical in delivering (1) to identify or prevent fraudulent stitution of the United States states, ‘‘All quality health care and comprehensive early persons born or naturalized in the United claims; childhood education, health, and nutrition to (2) for particularized national security pur- States, and subject to the jurisdiction there- children from low-income families. of, are citizens of the United States and of poses relating to an individual application; (5) State and local governments have made or the State wherein they reside.’’. their own determinations with respect to (2) Since the ratification of the Fourteenth (3) for the investigation or prosecution of what State and local resources immigrant any felony not related to immigration sta- Amendment, the United States has been en- families can utilize. gaged in a long struggle to live up to its tus. (6) The Trump Administration has written promise: that all people are equal under law. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO sub- a draft rule regarding the definition of ‘‘pub- (3) As a national community, the people of SA 2025. lic charge’’ that would limit the ability of mitted an amendment intended to be the United States have to confront the hard United States citizen children to access pub- truth that the United States sometimes fall proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, to lic resources without threatening the immi- short of that idea, and that the United amend the Internal Revenue Code of gration status of their family members. States has not always kept that promise. 1986 to allow the premium tax credit (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of (4) Though the United States has been with respect to unsubsidized COBRA Congress that— humbled by past failures, the Nation’s char- continuation coverage; which was or- (1) United States citizen children born to acter will be measured by the strength of its dered to lie on the table; as follows: immigrant parents should be entitled to the continually renewed commitment to the fun- same access to public resources as children At the appropriate place, insert the fol- damental national values of equality and born to United States citizen parents; and lowing: dignity before the law. (2) any attempt to limit the access of (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ll SEC. . ENFORCEMENT AGAINST DACA RECIPI- United States citizens to public benefits and ENTS PROHIBITED. Congress that— resources based on the immigration status of (a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in (1) it would be a gross violation of the spir- subsection (b), the Secretary of Homeland their parents would be discriminatory and it of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Con- Security (referred to in this section as the create second-class citizens. stitution of the United States and to the national values of the United States for this or ‘‘Secretary’’) shall not return, remove, or de- Ms. CORTEZ MASTO (for tain an alien who meets the requirements for SA 2027. any future Congress to adopt any interpreta- deferred action status described in the herself and Mrs. GILLIBRAND) submitted tion that some individuals who are born on memorandum of the Secretary of Homeland an amendment intended to be proposed United States soil are less deserving than Security entitled ‘‘Exercising Prosecutorial by her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend others of the privileges of United States citi- Discretion with Respect to Individuals Who the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to zenship and the equal protection of the laws Came to the United States as Children’’ and allow the premium tax credit with re- of the United States; dated June 15, 2012, or the requirements for (2) the United States must protect, pre- spect to unsubsidized COBRA continu- serve, and honor the longstanding legal prin- such status described in the memorandum of ation coverage; which was ordered to the Secretary entitled ‘‘Exercising Prosecu- ciple of birthright citizenship; torial Discretion with Respect to lie on the table; as follows: (3) the tradition of birthright citizenship is Inidividuals Who Came to the United States At the appropriate place, insert the fol- rooted in the ancient international legal as Children and with Respect to Certain Indi- lowing: principle of jus soli; and viduals Who Are the Parents of U.S. Citizens SEC. ll. REPORT ON DETAINED AND DEPORTED (4) honoring citizenship by birth reflects or Permanent Residents’’ and dated Novem- DACA RECIPIENTS. the heritage of the United States as a coun- ber 20, 2014 (referred to in this section as (a) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the try of immigrants, who choose to adopt the ‘‘DACA status’’), including an alien whose term ‘‘DACA status’’ means the status United States as their homeland, and whose DACA status has expired. granted to an alien who has been granted de- diverse cultures and experiences are woven (b) EXCEPTION.—The Secretary may carry ferred action for childhood arrivals in ac- into the tapestry of the Nation’s history. out return, removal, or detention activity cordance with the memorandum issued by with respect to an alien described in sub- the Secretary of Homeland Security on June SA 2029. Mr. HEINRICH (for himself section (a)— 15, 2012. and Mr. UDALL) submitted an amend- (1) for a particularized national security (b) WEEKLY REPORT.—Not less frequently ment intended to be proposed by him purpose relating to the alien; or than weekly, the Secretary of Homeland Se- to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the In- (2) if the alien has been convicted of a fel- curity shall submit to the chairman and ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow ony (except an offense relating to the immi- ranking member of the Committee on the the premium tax credit with respect to gration status of the alien). Judiciary of the Senate and of the Com- unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- (c) EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION.— mittee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep- (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in resentatives, and post on a public website, a erage; which was ordered to lie on the paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not decline report that identifies— table; as follows: to adjudicate, delay adjudication of, or deny (1) the number of individuals apprehended, At the appropriate place, insert the fol- employment authorization to an alien de- detained, or arrested by U.S. Immigration lowing: scribed in subsection (a). and Customs Enforcement or U.S. Customs SEC. ll. TRADE FACILITATION AND SECURITY (2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not and Border Protection during the reporting ENHANCEMENT. apply to an alien described in subsection (b). period who have ever been granted DACA (a) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the status; term ‘‘designated port of entry’’ means any SA 2026. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO sub- (2) the number of individuals removed by land port of entry on the Southern border mitted an amendment intended to be immigration officials during the reporting that has— proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, to period who have ever been granted DACA (1) expanded growth in cross-border traffic; amend the Internal Revenue Code of status; (2) engaged in binational innovative pilot programs; and 1986 to allow the premium tax credit (3) the location of apprehension, detainment, or arrest of such individuals; and (3) relied on private-public partnership with respect to unsubsidized COBRA agreements for added staffing or extended continuation coverage; which was or- (4) the reason for the apprehension, detainment, or arrest, including whether it was the hours. dered to lie on the table; as follows: result of targeted enforcement or a collat- (b) PRIVATE VEHICLES.—Not later than 180 At the appropriate place, insert the fol- eral arrest. days after the date of the enactment of this lowing: Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security SEC. ll. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON AVAILABILITY SA 2028. Ms. CORTEZ MASTO sub- shall facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient OF PUBLIC RESOURCES TO UNITED mitted an amendment intended to be cross border movement of people, motor ve- STATES CITIZEN CHILDREN BORN hicles, cargo, and lawful and legitimate TO IMMIGRANT PARENTS. proposed by her to the bill H.R. 2579, to trade travel by extending the hours of oper- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- amend the Internal Revenue Code of ation to 24 hours per day for private vehicles lowing findings: 1986 to allow the premium tax credit at designated ports of entry.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.034 S15FEPT1 S1176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 (c) COMMERCIAL VEHICLES.—Not later than SA 2031. Mr. CARPER (for himself, Subtitle C—Creating New Penalties for Hin- 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Ms. HEITKAMP, and Mr. LEAHY) sub- dering Immigration, Border, and Customs Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security mitted an amendment intended to be Controls shall facilitate the safe, secure, and efficient proposed by him to the bill H.R. 2579, Sec. 10231. Hindering immigration, border, cross border movement of people, motor ve- and customs controls. hicles, cargo, and lawful and legitimate to amend the Internal Revenue Code of TITLE XIII—MINIMIZING BORDER CROSS- trade travel by ensuring that commercial ve- 1986 to allow the premium tax credit INGS BY EXPANDING PROCESSING OF hicles may cross through designated ports of with respect to unsubsidized COBRA REFUGEE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN- entry— continuation coverage; which was or- COUNTRY AND IN THE REGION (1) anytime between 6:00 am and midnight, dered to lie on the table; as follows: Subtitle A—Providing Alternative Safe Monday through Friday; and At the end, add the following: (2) anytime between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm on Havens in Mexico and the Region Saturday. DIVISION B—SECURING THE NORTHERN Sec. 10311. Strengthening internal asylum TRIANGLE (d) RESOURCES.—The Secretary of Home- systems in Mexico and other land Security shall ensure that sufficient re- SEC. 10001. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. countries. sources are dedicated to designated ports of (a) SHORT TITLE.—This division may be Subtitle B—Expanding Refugee Processing entry— cited as the ‘‘Secure the Northern Triangle in Mexico and Central America for Third (1) to carry out the functions of commer- Act’’. Country Resettlement (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- cial operations, including accepting entries Sec. 10321. Expanding refugee processing in tents for this division is as follows: of merchandise, collecting duties, and en- Mexico and Central America for forcing the customs, immigration, and trade DIVISION B—SECURING THE NORTHERN third country resettlement. laws of the United States; and TRIANGLE (2) to perform the functions described in Subtitle C—Improving the Efficiency of the Sec. 10001. Short title; table of contents. Central American Minors Program paragraph (1) during the hours set forth in Sec. 10002. Findings. subsection (c) beginning not later than the Sec. 10003. Sense of Congress. Sec. 10331. Expansion. date set forth in subsection (c). Sec. 10004. Definitions. Sec. 10332. Expedited processing. OORDINATION.—The Secretary of Home- Sec. 10333. Referral to UNHCR. (e) C TITLE XI—ADVANCING REFORMS IN CEN- land Security shall coordinate with the ap- TRAL AMERICA TO ADDRESS THE FAC- TITLE XIV—MONITORING AND SUP- propriate officials of the Government of TORS DRIVING MIGRATION PORTING UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN Mexico to implement this section. CHILDREN AFTER PROCESSING AT THE Subtitle A—Strengthening the Capacity of BORDER SA 2030. Mr. CARPER submitted an Central American Governments To Protect and Provide for Their Own People Sec. 10401. Definitions; authorization of ap- amendment intended to be proposed to propriations. amendment SA 1958 proposed by Mr. Sec. 10111. Authorization of appropriations for United States strategy for Subtitle A—Strengthening the Government’s SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. engagement in Central Amer- Ability To Oversee the Safety and Well- KING, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. MANCHIN, Mr. ica. Being of Children GRAHAM, Mr. KAINE, Mr. FLAKE, Mr. Sec. 10112. Strengthening the rule of law and Sec. 10411. Background checks to ensure the COONS, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. HEITKAMP, combating corruption. safe placement of unaccom- Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Mr. Sec. 10113. Combating criminal violence and panied alien children. ALEXANDER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. ISAK- improving citizen security. Sec. 10412. Responsibility of sponsor for immigration court compliance SON, and Mr. WARNER) to the bill H.R. Sec. 10114. Tackling extreme poverty and advancing economic development. and child well-being. 2579, to amend the Internal Revenue Sec. 10413. Monitoring unaccompanied alien Code of 1986 to allow the premium tax Subtitle B—Conditions, Limitations, and Certifications on United States Assistance children. credit with respect to unsubsidized Subtitle B—Funding to States and School COBRA continuation coverage; which Sec. 10121. Assistance funding available without condition. Districts; Supporting Education and Safety was ordered to lie on the table; as fol- Sec. 10122. Conditions on assistance related Sec. 10421. Funding to States to conduct lows: to smuggling, screening, and State criminal checks and child In section 4(c) of the amendment, strike safety of migrants. abuse and neglect checks. paragraphs (2) and (3) and insert the fol- Sec. 10123. Conditions on assistance related Sec. 10422. Funding to school districts for lowing: to progress on specific issues. unaccompanied alien children. (2) For domain awareness, $658,000,000, in- Subtitle C—Effectively Coordinating United Sec. 10423. Immediate enrollment of unac- cluding $147,700,000 for border surveillance States Engagement in Central America companied alien children in technology, as follows: schools. Sec. 10131. United States Coordinator for (A) $46,200,000 for Remote Video Surveil- Engagement in Central Amer- TITLE XV—ENSURING ORDERLY AND HU- lance System (RVSS). ica. MANE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN (B) $1,600,000 for Mobile Video Surveillance AND FAMILIES SEEKING PROTECTION System (MVSS). Subtitle D—United States Leadership for Subtitle A—Providing a Fair and Efficient (C) $2,500,000 for Small Unmanned Aerial Engaging International Donors and Partners Legal Process for Children and Vulnerable Systems (UAS). Sec. 10141. Requirement for strategy to se- Families Seeking Asylum (D) $16,200,000 for Motion Sensor Capability cure support of international (MSC). donors and partners. Sec. 10511. Court appearance compliance and (E) $17,400,000 for Integrated Fixed Towers TITLE XII—CRACKING DOWN ON SMUG- legal orientation. (IFT) to the Tucson Sector. GLERS, CARTELS, AND TRAFFICKERS Sec. 10512. Fair day in court for kids. (F) $34,800,000 for tactical aerostats. EXPLOITING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Subtitle B—Reducing Significant Delays in (G) $9,000,000 for Cross-border tunnel tech- Subtitle A—Strengthening Cooperation Immigration Court nology (CBTT). Among Law Enforcement Agencies To Tar- Sec. 10521. Eliminate immigration court (H) $20,000,000 for Unattended Ground Sen- get Smugglers and Traffickers backlogs. sors (UGS). Sec. 10522. Improved training for immigra- (3) For access and mobility, $143,000,000, in- Sec. 10211. Enhanced international cooperation to combat human smug- tion judges and members of the cluding $172,900,000 for Air & Marine Oper- Board of Immigration Appeals. ations assets, as follows: gling and trafficking. Sec. 10212. Enhanced investigation and pros- Sec. 10523. New technology to improve court (A) $55,500,000 for Multi-Enforcement Air- ecution of human smuggling efficiency. craft (MEA). and trafficking. Subtitle C—Reducing the Likelihood of (B) $11,000,000 for MEA-Based Vehicle And Sec. 10213. Information campaign on dangers Remigration Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER). of migration. (C) $14,000,000 for UH–60 helicopter conver- Sec. 10531. Establishing reintegration and sion. Subtitle B—Strengthening the Ability of the monitoring services for repa- (D) $7,800,000 for Aircraft Sensor Upgrades United States Government To Crack Down triating children. (EO/IR). on Smugglers, Traffickers, and Drug Car- SEC. 10002. FINDINGS. (E) $41,200,000 for Tethered Aerostat tels Congress finds the following: (TARS) and explore PTDS (Persistent Threat Sec. 10221. Enhanced penalties for organized (1) Since 2006, incidents of murder, other Detection Systems) to improve situational smuggling schemes. violent crime, and corruption perpetrated by awareness. Sec. 10222. Expanding financial sanctions on armed criminal gangs and illicit trafficking (F) $43,400,000 for Light Enforcement Heli- narcotics trafficking and organizations have risen alarmingly in El copters (LEH). money laundering. Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras (referred

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.032 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1177 to in this division as the ‘‘Northern Tri- Guatemalan president Otto Perez Molina on (7) the CAM Program provides a safe, legal, angle’’). corruption charges. and orderly alternative to children fleeing (2) In 2013, Honduras had the highest per (14) Human rights defenders, journalists, violence in the Northern Triangle; capita homicide rate of any nation in the trade unionists, social leaders, and LGBT ac- (8) the United States must— world, with 90.4 murders for every 100,000 tivists in the Northern Triangle face dire (A) expand the CAM Program to ensure the people in the country. El Salvador and Gua- conditions, as evidenced by the March 2016 safe and orderly processing of refugee chil- temala were in the top 5 countries with the murder of Honduran activist Berta Ca´ ceres dren in the region; highest per capita homicide rates. and the targeted killing of more than 200 (B) strengthen internal asylum systems in (3) Since 2013, El Salvador’s murder rate such civil society leaders since 2006. Almost Mexico and other countries in the region to rose sharply to become the highest of any none of these cases have resulted in convic- protect and process eligible children and country in the world in 2015 at 108.5 homi- tions. families, including establishing and expand- cides for every 100,000 people, following a (15) The Northern Triangle struggles with ing in-country reception centers; dramatic escalation of violence between the high levels of economic insecurity. In 2014, (C) expand access to legal representation country’s 2 largest armed criminal gangs, more than 62 percent of Hondurans, more for unaccompanied alien children facing Mara Salvatrucha (commonly known as than 59 percent of Guatemalans, and more United States immigration proceedings; and ‘‘MS–13’’) and Barrio 18. than 31 percent of Salvadorans lived below (D) reduce delays in immigration courts, (4) According to the United Nations Inter- the poverty line. which contribute to misinformation that mi- national Children’s Emergency Fund (16) Weak investment climates and low lev- grants who come to the United States will (UNICEF), the per capita homicide rate for els of educational opportunity are barriers to not be removed; and children in El Salvador and Guatemala is inclusive economic growth and social devel- (9) it is imperative for the United States to higher than any other country in the world. opment in the Northern Triangle. sustain a long-term commitment to address- In 2014, 27 out of every 100,000 children were (17) Although the CAM Program has ap- ing the factors causing Central Americans to murdered in El Salvador. proval rates of nearly 98 percent, due to lim- flee their countries by strengthening citizen (5) According to the United Nations High ited resources, of the 8,920 children that have security, the rule of law, democratic govern- Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Hon- applied for humanitarian protection, only 626 ance, the protection of human rights, and in- duras and El Salvador have the highest per have been conditionally approved and only clusive economic growth in the Northern capita female homicide rates in the world. In 368 have entered the United States. Triangle. 2014, 90 out of every 100,000 females were (18) Approximately 50 percent of unaccom- SEC. 10004. DEFINITIONS. murdered in Honduras. panied minors facing United States immigra- In this division: (6) In April 2016, UNHCR’s spokesperson tion proceedings receive legal representa- (1) CAM PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘CAM Pro- stated, ‘‘The number of people fleeing vio- tion. Children with legal counsel appeared at gram’’ means the Central American Minors lence in Central America has surged to levels their hearings more than 95 percent of the Refugee/Parole Program administered by not seen since the region was wracked by time. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. armed conflicts in the 1980s. Action is ur- (19) As of May 2016, 492,978 cases were pend- (2) INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY.—The term gently needed to ensure that unaccompanied ing before immigration courts, with such ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the meaning children and others receive the protection to cases taking an average of 553 days to reach given the term in section 3(4) of the National which they are entitled.’’. a final decision. Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003(4)). (7) Since 2013, individuals fleeing the SEC. 10003. SENSE OF CONGRESS. (3) NORTHERN TRIANGLE.—The term ‘‘North- Northern Triangle have sought sanctuary in It is the sense of Congress that— ern Triangle’’ means El Salvador, Guate- neighboring countries and there has recently (1) the United States must address the vio- mala, and Honduras. been a 1,185 percent increase in the number lence and humanitarian crisis resulting in (4) PLACEMENT.—The term ‘‘placement’’ of asylum applications from citizens of El the elevated numbers of unaccompanied chil- means the placement of an unaccompanied Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to the dren, women, and refugees from the North- alien child with a sponsor. Governments of Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, ern Triangle arriving at the Southwestern (5) PLAN.—The term ‘‘Plan’’ means the Costa Rica and Belize. border of the United States; Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the (8) Unaccompanied minors from the North- (2) the violence and humanitarian crisis Northern Triangle. ern Triangle now make up the majority of has been prompted by the severe challenges (6) SPONSOR.—The term ‘‘sponsor’’ means a unaccompanied minors encountered at the posed by— sponsor referred to in section 462(b)(4) of the international border between the United (A) high rates of homicide, sexual violence, Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. States and Mexico, with the fastest increase and violent crime perpetrated by armed 279(b)(4)). occurring among children younger than 12 criminal actors; (7) UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILD.—The term years of age. (B) endemic corruption; and ‘‘unaccompanied alien child’’ has the mean- (9) Human smugglers are increasingly re- (C) the limited ability and the lack of po- ing given the term in section 462(g) of the sponsible for the transit of migrants from litical will on the part of governments to Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. the Northern Triangle to the United States. protect their citizens and uphold the rule of 279(g)). According to the Government Account- law in the Northern Triangle; TITLE XI—ADVANCING REFORMS IN CEN- ability Office, human smugglers frequently (3) the United States must work with TRAL AMERICA TO ADDRESS THE FAC- use aggressive and misleading marketing to international partners— TORS DRIVING MIGRATION recruit migrants. (A) to address the complicated conditions Subtitle A—Strengthening the Capacity of (10) Many female migrants face rape and in the Northern Triangle that contribute to Central American Governments To Protect sexual violence during the journey, either the violence and humanitarian crisis; and and Provide for Their Own People from smugglers or others encountered on the (B) to protect vulnerable populations, par- SEC. 10111. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA- route, or risk being trafficked for sex or ticularly women and children, fleeing vio- TIONS FOR UNITED STATES STRAT- labor. lence in the region; EGY FOR ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL (11) Challenges to the rule of law in the (4) the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity AMERICA. Northern Triangle have been exacerbated by in the Northern Triangle, which was devel- (a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to the limited ability and lack of political will oped by the Governments of El Salvador, be appropriated $1,040,000,000 for fiscal year on the part of governments to investigate Guatemala, and Honduras, with the tech- 2019 to carry out the United States Strategy and prosecute those responsible for murder. nical assistance of the Inter-American De- for Engagement in Central America, as de- In 2014, approximately 95 percent of murders velopment Bank, represents a comprehensive fined by the objectives set forth in sub- remained unresolved in Honduras and El Sal- approach to address the complex situation in section (b). Amounts appropriated pursuant vador. the Northern Triangle; to this subsection shall remain available (12) The presence of major drug trafficking (5) the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in until expended. organizations in the Northern Triangle con- Central America, as articulated by President (b) USE OF FUNDS.—Amounts appropriated tributes to violence, corruption, and crimi- Obama and Vice President Biden, provides pursuant to subsection (a) may be made nality. The 2016 International Narcotics Con- important support for the Alliance for Pros- available for assistance to Central American trol Strategy Report prepared by the Depart- perity and other United States national se- countries to implement the United States ment of State estimated that ‘‘approxi- curity priorities, including rule of law and Strategy for Engagement in Central America mately 90 percent of the cocaine trafficked anti-corruption initiatives; in support of the Plan, including efforts— to the United States in the first half of 2015 (6) combating corruption in the Northern (1) to strengthen the rule of law and bol- first transited through the Mexico/Central Triangle must remain a critical priority and ster the effectiveness of judicial systems, America corridor’’. the United Nation’s Commission Against Im- public prosecutors’ offices, and civilian po- (13) Widespread public sector corruption in punity in Guatemala (CICIG) and the Organi- lice forces; the Northern Triangle undermines economic zation of American States’ Mission to Sup- (2) to combat corruption and improve pub- and social development and directly affects port the Fight Against Corruption and Impu- lic sector transparency; regional political stability, as demonstrated nity in Honduras (MACCIH) are important (3) to confront and counter the violence by the indictment and resignation of former contributions to this effort; and crime perpetrated by armed criminal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 S1178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 gangs, illicit trafficking organizations, and (D) local governments and their capacity gangs, illicit trafficking networks, human organized crime; to provide critical safety, education, health, smugglers, and organized crime; (4) to disrupt money laundering operations and sanitation services to citizens; and (B) financial intelligence units, including and the illicit financial networks of armed (4) defending human rights by providing the establishment and enhancement of anti- criminal gangs, illicit trafficking organiza- support for— money laundering programs; and tions, and human smugglers; (A) human rights ombudsman offices; (C) the reform of bank secrecy laws; and (5) to strengthen democratic governance (B) government protection programs that (4) improving crime prevention by pro- and promote greater respect for internation- provide physical protection to human rights viding support for— ally recognized human rights, labor rights, defenders, journalists, trade unionists, and (A) programs that address domestic vio- fundamental freedoms, and the media; civil society activists at risk; lence and violence against women; (6) to enhance the capability of Central (C) civil society organizations that pro- (B) the enhancement of programs for at- American governments to protect and promote and defend human rights, freedom of risk and criminal-involved youth, including vide for vulnerable and at-risk populations; expression, freedom of the press, labor the improvement of community centers; and (7) to address the underlying causes of pov- rights, and LGBT rights; and (C) alternative livelihood programs. erty and inequality; and (D) civil society organizations that address (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of (8) to address the constraints to inclusive sexual, domestic, and inter-partner violence Congress that— economic growth in Central America. against women and protect victims of such (1) operational technology transferred to (c) PRIORITIZATION.—The Secretary of violence. governments in Central America for intel- State and the Administrator of the United SEC. 10113. COMBATING CRIMINAL VIOLENCE ligence or law enforcement purposes should States Agency for International Develop- AND IMPROVING CITIZEN SECURITY. be used solely for the purposes for which the ment shall prioritize the provision of assist- (a) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- technology was intended; and ance authorized under this section to address priated pursuant to section 10111(a), (2) the United States should take all nec- the key factors in Central American coun- $260,000,000 may be made available to the essary steps to ensure that the use of oper- tries that contribute to the flight of unac- Secretary of State and the Administrator of ation technology described in paragraph (1) companied alien children and other individ- the United States Agency for International is consistent with United States law, includ- uals to the United States. Development to counter the violence and ing protections of freedom of expression, crime perpetrated by armed criminal gangs, freedom of movement, and freedom of asso- SEC. 10112. STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW illicit trafficking organizations and human AND COMBATING CORRUPTION. ciation. smugglers. SEC. 10114. TACKLING EXTREME POVERTY AND (a) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- (b) ASSISTANCE FOR CENTRAL AMERICA.— priated pursuant to section 10111(a), ADVANCING ECONOMIC DEVELOP- The Secretary and the Administrator may MENT. $260,000,000 may be made available to the use the amounts made available under sub- (a) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- Secretary of State and the Administrator of section (a) to provide assistance for Central priated pursuant to section 10111(a), the United States Agency for International American countries through the activities $230,000,000 may be made available to the Development to strengthen the rule of law, described in subsection (c). Secretary of State and the Administrator of combat corruption, consolidate democratic (c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Activities de- the United States Agency for International governance, and defend human rights. scribed in this section include— Development— (b) ASSISTANCE FOR CENTRAL AMERICA.— (1) professionalizing civilian police forces (1) to address the underlying causes of pov- The Secretary and the Administrator may by providing support for— erty and inequality; and use the amounts made available under sub- (A) the reform of personnel vetting and dis- (2) to improve economic development. section (a) to provide assistance for Central missal processes, including the enhancement (b) ASSISTANCE FOR CENTRAL AMERICA.— American countries through the activities of polygraph capability for use in such proc- The Secretary and the Administrator may described in subsection (c). esses; use the amounts made available under sub- (c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Activities de- (B) inspectors general and oversight of- section (a) to provide assistance for Central scribed in this section include— fices, including relevant training for inspec- American countries through the activities (1) strengthening the rule of law in Central tors and auditors; described in subsection (c). American countries by providing support (C) community policing policies and pro- (c) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Activities de- for— grams; scribed in this section include— (A) the Office of the Attorney General and (D) the establishment of special vetted (1) strengthening human capital by pro- public prosecutors in each such country, in- units; viding support for— cluding the enhancement of their forensics (E) training on the appropriate use of force (A) workforce development and entrepre- and communications interception capabili- and human rights; neurship training programs that are driven ties; (F) training on civilian intelligence collec- by market demand, specifically programs (B) reforms leading to independent, merit- tion, investigative techniques, forensic anal- that prioritize women, at-risk youth, and based, selection processes for judges and ysis, and evidence preservation; and minorities; prosecutors, and relevant ethics and profes- (G) equipment, such as nonintrusive in- (B) improving early-grade literacy and the sional training; spection equipment and communications improvement of primary and secondary (C) the improvement of victim and witness interception technology; school curricula; protection; and (2) countering illicit trafficking by pro- (C) relevant professional training for (D) the reform and improvement of prison viding assistance to the civilian law enforce- teachers and educational administrators; facilities and management; ment and armed forces of Central American and (2) combating corruption by providing sup- countries, including support for— (D) educational policy reform and improve- port for— (A) the establishment of special vetted ment of education sector budgeting; (A) inspectors general and oversight insti- units; (2) enhancing economic competitiveness tutions, including relevant training for in- (B) the enhancement of intelligence collec- and investment climate by providing support spectors and auditors; tion capacity; for— (B) international commissions against im- (C) the reform of personnel vetting and dis- (A) small business development centers punity, including the International Commis- missal processes, including the enhancement and programs that strengthen supply chain sion Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) of polygraph capability for use in such proc- integration; and the Support Mission Against Corruption esses; and (B) trade facilitation and customs harmo- and Impunity in Honduras (MACCIH); (D) port, airport, and border security nization programs; (C) civil society watchdogs conducting equipment, including— (C) reducing energy costs through invest- oversight of executive branch officials and (i) computer infrastructure and data man- ments in clean technologies and the reform functions, police and security forces, and ju- agement systems; of energy policies and regulations; dicial officials and public prosecutors; and (ii) secure communications technologies; (D) the improvement of protections for in- (D) the enhancement of freedom of infor- (iii) communications interception tech- vestors, including dispute resolution and ar- mation mechanisms; nology; bitration mechanisms; and (3) consolidating democratic governance by (iv) nonintrusive inspection equipment; (E) the improvement of labor and environ- providing support for— and mental standards, in accordance with the (A) the reform of civil services, related (v) radar and aerial surveillance equip- Dominican Republic–Central America Free training programs, and relevant career laws ment; Trade Agreement (CAFTA–DR); and processes that lead to independent, (3) disrupting illicit financial networks by (3) strengthening food security by pro- merit-based selection processes; providing support for— viding support for— (B) national legislatures and their capacity (A) finance ministries, including the en- (A) small-scale agriculture, including tech- to conduct oversight of executive branch hancement of the capacity to use financial nical training and programs that facilitate functions; sanctions to block the assets of individuals access to credit; (C) the reform of political party and cam- and organizations involved in money laun- (B) agricultural value chain development paign finance laws; and dering and the financing of armed criminal for farming communities;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1179 (C) nutrition programs to reduce childhood (2) combat corruption, including inves- organizations on vulnerable Central Amer- stunting rates; and tigating and prosecuting government offi- ican populations, including women and chil- (D) investment in scientific research on cials, military personnel, and civil police of- dren; climate change and climate resiliency; and ficers credibly alleged to be corrupt; (3) coordinating with the Department of (4) improving the state of fiscal and finan- (3) implement reforms and strengthen the State, the Department of Homeland Secu- cial affairs by providing support for— rule of law, including increasing the capacity rity, and international partners regarding (A) domestic revenue generation, including and independence of the judiciary and public United States efforts to counter human programs to improve tax administration, prosecutors; smugglers illegally transporting Central collection, and enforcement; (4) counter the activities of armed criminal American migrants to the United States; (B) strengthening public sector financial gangs, illicit trafficking networks, and orga- (4) coordinating with the Department of management, including strategic budgeting nized crime; State, the Department of Homeland Secu- and expenditure tracking; and (5) establish and implement a plan to cre- rity, the United States Agency for Inter- (C) reform of customs and procurement ate a professional, accountable civilian po- national Development, and international policies and processes. lice force and curtail the role of the military partners, including the United Nations High Subtitle B—Conditions, Limitations, and in internal policing; Commissions for Refugees, to increase pro- Certifications on United States Assistance (6) investigate and prosecute, through the tections for vulnerable Central American civilian justice system, military and police populations, improve refugee processing, and SEC. 10121. ASSISTANCE FUNDING AVAILABLE WITHOUT CONDITION. personnel who are credibly alleged to have strengthen asylum systems throughout the The Secretary of State may obligate up to violated human rights, and to ensure that region; 25 percent of the amounts appropriated pur- the military and the police are cooperating (5) coordinating with the Department of suant to section 10111(a) to carry out the in such cases; State, the Department of Defense, the De- United States Strategy for Engagement in (7) cooperate with international commis- partment of Justice (including the Drug En- Central America in support of the Plan. sions against impunity, as appropriate, and forcement Administration), the Department with regional human rights entities; of the Treasury, the intelligence community, SEC. 10122. CONDITIONS ON ASSISTANCE RE- LATED TO SMUGGLING, SCREENING, (8) implement reforms related to improv- and international partners regarding United AND SAFETY OF MIGRANTS. ing the transparency of financing political States efforts to combat illicit narcotics (a) NOTIFICATION AND COOPERATION.—In ad- campaigns and political parties; traffickers, interdict transshipments of il- dition to the amounts authorized to be obli- (9) protect the right of political opposition licit narcotics, and disrupt the financing of gated under sections 10121 and 10123, the Sec- parties, journalists, trade unionists, human the illicit narcotics trade; retary of State may obligate an additional 25 rights defenders, and other civil society ac- (6) coordinating with the Department of percent of the amounts appropriated pursu- tivists to operate without interference; State, the Department of the Treasury, the ant to section 10111(a) for assistance to the (10) increase government revenues, includ- Department of Justice, the intelligence com- Government of El Salvador, the Government ing by enhancing tax collection, strength- munity, the United States Agency for Inter- of Guatemala, and the Government of Hon- ening customs agencies, and reforming pro- national Development, and international duras after the Secretary of State, in con- curement processes; partners regarding United States efforts to sultation with the Secretary of Homeland (11) implement reforms to strengthen edu- combat corruption, money laundering, and Security, certifies and reports to Congress cational systems, vocational training pro- illicit financial networks; that such governments are taking effective grams, and programs for at-risk youth; (7) coordinating with the Department of steps, in addition to steps taken during pre- (12) resolve commercial disputes, including State, the Department of Justice, the United vious years, to— the confiscation of real property, between States Agency for International Develop- (1) combat human smuggling and traf- United States entities and the respective ment, and international partners regarding ficking, including investigating, prosecuting, governments; and United States efforts to strengthen the rule and increasing penalties for individuals re- (13) implement a policy by which local of law, democratic governance, and human sponsible for such crimes; communities, civil society organizations (in- rights protections; and (2) improve border security and border cluding indigenous and marginalized groups), (8) coordinating with the Department of screening to detect and deter illicit smug- and local governments are consulted in the State, the Department of Agriculture, the gling and trafficking, while respecting the design, implementation and evaluation of United States Agency for International De- rights of individuals fleeing violence and the activities of the Plan that affect such velopment, the Overseas Private Investment seeking humanitarian protection asylum, in communities, organizations, or governments. Corporation, the United States Trade and accordance with international law; Subtitle C—Effectively Coordinating United Development Agency, the Department of (3) cooperate with United States Govern- States Engagement in Central America Labor, and international partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank, to ment agencies and other governments in the SEC. 10131. UNITED STATES COORDINATOR FOR region to facilitate the safe and timely repa- ENGAGEMENT IN CENTRAL AMER- strengthen the foundation for inclusive eco- triation of migrants who do not qualify for ICA. nomic growth and improve food security, in- refugee or other protected status, in accord- (a) DESIGNATION.—Not later than 30 days vestment climate, and protections for labor ance with international law; after the date of the enactment of this Act, rights. (4) improve reintegration services for repa- the President shall designate a senior offi- (d) CONSULTATION.—The official designated triated migrants in a manner that ensures cial to coordinate all of the Federal Govern- under subsection (a) shall consult with Con- the safety and well-being of the individual ment’s efforts and the efforts of inter- gress, multilateral organizations and institu- and reduces the likelihood of remigration; national partners to strengthen citizen secu- tions, foreign governments, and domestic and rity, the rule of law, and economic pros- and international civil society organiza- (5) cooperate with the United Nations High perity in Central America and to protect vul- tions. Commissioner for Refugees to improve pro- nerable populations in the region. Subtitle D—United States Leadership for tections for, and the processing of, vulner- (b) SUPERVISION.—The official designated Engaging International Donors and Partners able populations, particularly women and under subsection (a) shall report directly to SEC. 10141. REQUIREMENT FOR STRATEGY TO SE- children fleeing violence. the President. CURE SUPPORT OF INTERNATIONAL SEC. 10123. CONDITIONS ON ASSISTANCE RE- (c) DUTIES.—The official designated under DONORS AND PARTNERS. LATED TO PROGRESS ON SPECIFIC subsection (a) shall coordinate all of the ef- (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days ISSUES. forts, activities, and programs related to after the date of the enactment of this Act, (a) EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION.—In addi- United States engagement in Central Amer- the Secretary of State shall submit a 3-year tion to the amounts authorized to be obli- ica, including— strategy to the appropriate congressional gated under sections 10121 and 10122, the Sec- (1) coordinating with the Department of committees that— retary of State may obligate an additional 50 State, the Department of Justice (including (1) describes how the United States will se- percent of the amounts appropriated pursu- the Federal Bureau of Investigation), the De- cure support from international donors and ant to section 10111 for assistance to the partment of Homeland Security, the intel- regional partners (including Colombia and Government of El Salvador, the Government ligence community, and international part- Mexico) for the implementation of the Plan; of Guatemala, and the Government of Hon- ners regarding United States efforts to con- (2) identifies governments that are willing duras after the Secretary consults with, and front armed criminal gangs, illicit traf- to provide financial and technical assistance subsequently certifies and reports to, the ap- ficking networks, and organized crime re- for the implementation of the Plan and a de- propriate congressional committees that sponsible for high levels of violence, extor- scription of such assistance; and such governments are taking effective steps tion, and corruption in Central America; (3) identifies the financial and technical in their respective countries, in addition to (2) coordinating with the Department of assistance to be provided by multilateral in- steps taken during the previous calendar State, the United States Agency for Inter- stitutions, including the Inter-American De- year, to— national Development, and international velopment Bank, the World Bank, the Inter- (1) establish an autonomous, publicly ac- partners regarding United States efforts to national Monetary Fund, the Andean Devel- countable entity to provide oversight of the prevent and mitigate the effects of violent opment Corporation—Development Bank of Plan; criminal gangs and transnational criminal Latin America, and the Organization of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 S1180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 American States, and a description of such sultation with the Director of U.S. Immigra- cluding through maximizing the use of the assistance. tion and Customs Enforcement, shall in- Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (b) DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT AND COORDI- crease the resources available to Homeland (21 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.). NATION.—The Secretary of State, in coordi- Security Investigations to facilitate the ex- (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of nation with the Secretary of the Treasury, pansion of its smuggling and trafficking in- Congress that the Senate should imme- as appropriate, shall— vestigations. diately confirm pending nominations to key (1) carry out diplomatic engagement to se- (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— national security positions, including Mr. cure contributions of financial and technical There are authorized to be appropriated such Adam Szubin, who was nominated by Presi- assistance from international donors and sums as may be necessary to carry out sub- dent Obama on April 16, 2015, to the position partners in support of the Plan; and sections (a) and (b). of Undersecretary for Terrorism and Finan- (2) take all necessary steps to ensure effec- SEC. 10213. INFORMATION CAMPAIGN ON DAN- cial Crimes within the Department of the tive cooperation among international donors GERS OF MIGRATION. Treasury, a critical position focused on iden- and partners supporting the Plan. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- tifying and confronting illicit financial net- (c) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after land Security, in consultation with the Sec- works. submitting the strategy submitted under retary of State, shall design and implement (c) FINANCIAL SANCTIONS EXPANSION.— subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall public information campaigns in El Sal- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the submit a report to the appropriate congres- vador, Guatemala, and Honduras— Treasury, the Attorney General, the Sec- sional committees that describes— (1) to disseminate information about the retary of State, the Secretary of Defense, (1) the progress made in implementing the dangers of travel across Mexico to the and the Director of Central Intelligence shall strategy; and United States; and expand investigations, intelligence collec- (2) the financial and technical assistance (2) to combat misinformation about United tion, and analysis pursuant to the Foreign provided by international donors and part- States immigration law or policy. Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act to in- ners, including the multilateral institutions (b) ELEMENTS.—The information cam- crease the identification and application of listed in subsection (a)(3). paigns implemented pursuant to subsection sanctions against— (d) BRIEFINGS.—Upon a request from one of (a) shall, to the greatest extent possible— (A) significant foreign narcotics traf- the appropriate congressional committees, (1) be targeted at populations and local- fickers, their organizations and networks; the Secretary of State shall provide a brief- ities with high migration rates; and ing to the committee that describes the (2) employ a variety of communications (B) the foreign persons who provide mate- progress made in implementing the strategy media; and rial, financial, or technological support to submitted under subsection (a). (3) be developed in consultation with pro- such traffickers, organizations, and net- (e) DEFINED TERM.—In this section, the gram officials at the Department of Home- works. term ‘‘appropriate congressional commit- land Security, the Department of State, or (2) TARGETS.—The efforts described in tees’’ means— other government, nonprofit, or academic paragraph (1) shall specifically target foreign (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of entities in close contact with migrant popu- narcotics traffickers, their organizations and the Senate; lations from El Salvador, Guatemala, and networks, and the foreign persons who pro- (2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Honduras, including repatriated migrants. vide material, financial, or technological Senate; Subtitle B—Strengthening the Ability of the support to such traffickers, organizations (3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the United States Government To Crack Down and networks that are present and operating House of Representatives; and on Smugglers, Traffickers, and Drug Car- in Central or South America. (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the tels (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— House of Representatives. SEC. 10221. ENHANCED PENALTIES FOR ORGA- There are authorized to be appropriated such TITLE XII—CRACKING DOWN ON SMUG- NIZED SMUGGLING SCHEMES. sums as may be necessary to carry out sub- GLERS, CARTELS, AND TRAFFICKERS (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 274(a)(1)(B) of the section (c). EXPLOITING CHILDREN AND FAMILIES Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Subtitle C—Creating New Penalties for Hin- Subtitle A—Strengthening Cooperation 1324(a)(1)(B)) is amended— dering Immigration, Border, and Customs Among Law Enforcement Agencies To Tar- (1) by redesignating clauses (iii) and (iv) as Controls get Smugglers and Traffickers clauses (iv) and (v), respectively; SEC. 10231. HINDERING IMMIGRATION, BORDER, SEC. 10211. ENHANCED INTERNATIONAL CO- (2) by inserting after clause (ii) the fol- AND CUSTOMS CONTROLS. OPERATION TO COMBAT HUMAN lowing: (a) IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT.— SMUGGLING AND TRAFFICKING. ‘‘(iii) in the case of a violation of subpara- The Immigration and Nationality Act (8 (a) PARTNERSHIP EXPANSION.—The Sec- graph (A)(i) during and in relation to which U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended by inserting retary of Homeland Security, in coordina- the person, while acting for profit or other after section 274D the following: tion with the Secretary of State, shall ex- financial gain, knowingly directs or partici- ‘‘SEC. 274E. HINDERING IMMIGRATION, BORDER, pand partnership efforts with law enforce- pates in an effort or scheme to assist or AND CUSTOMS CONTROLS. ment entities in El Salvador, Guatemala, cause 10 or more persons (other than a par- ‘‘(a) ILLICIT SPOTTING.— Honduras, and Mexico seeking to combat ent, spouse, or child of the offender) to enter ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall be unlawful to human smuggling and trafficking in those or to attempt to enter the United States at knowingly surveil, track, monitor, or trans- countries, including— the same time at a place other than a des- mit the location, movement, or activities of (1) the creation or expansion of ignated port of entry or place other than des- any officer or employee of a Federal, State, transnational criminal investigative units to ignated by the Secretary, be fined under title or tribal law enforcement agency— identify, disrupt, and prosecute human 18, United States Code, imprisoned not more ‘‘(A) with the intent to gain financially; smuggling and trafficking operations; than 15 years, or both;’’; and and (2) participation by U.S. Immigration and (3) in clause (iv), as redesignated, by in- ‘‘(B) in furtherance of any violation of the Customs Enforcement and the Department of serting ‘‘commits or attempts to commit immigration laws, the customs and trade Justice in the Bilateral Human Trafficking sexual assault of,’’ after ‘‘section 1365 of title laws of the United States (as defined in sec- Enforcement Initiative with their Mexican 18, United States Code) to,’’. tion 2 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade law enforcement counterparts; and (b) BULK CASH SMUGGLING.—Section Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public Law 114– (3) advanced training programs for inves- 5332(b)(1) of title 31, United States Code, is 125)), any other Federal law relating to tigators and prosecutors from El Salvador, amended— transporting controlled substances, agri- Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking culture, or monetary instruments into the (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘TERM OF IMPRISONMENT’’ and inserting ‘‘IN United States, or any Federal law relating to There are authorized to be appropriated such GENERAL’’; and border controls measures of the United sums as may be necessary to carry out sub- (2) by inserting ‘‘, fined under title 18, or States. section (a). both’’ after ‘‘5 years’’. ‘‘(2) PENALTY.—Any person who violates SEC. 10212. ENHANCED INVESTIGATION AND SEC. 10222. EXPANDING FINANCIAL SANCTIONS paragraph (1) shall be fined under title 18, PROSECUTION OF HUMAN SMUG- ON NARCOTICS TRAFFICKING AND United States Code, imprisoned for not more GLING AND TRAFFICKING. MONEY LAUNDERING. than 5 years, or both. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- ‘‘(b) DESTRUCTION OF UNITED STATES BOR- and the Secretary of Homeland Security lowing: DER CONTROLS.— shall expand collaborative programs aimed (1) In July 2011, President Obama released ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall be unlawful to at investigating and prosecuting human ‘‘Strategy to Combat Transnational Orga- knowingly and without lawful authoriza- smugglers and traffickers targeting Central nized Crime’’, which articulates a multi- tion— American children and families and oper- dimensional response to combat ‘‘(A) destroy or significantly damage any ating at the Southwestern border, including transnational organized crime, including fence, barrier, sensor, camera, or other phys- the continuation and expansion of anti-traf- drug trafficking networks, armed criminal ical or electronic device deployed by the ficking coordination teams. gangs, and money laundering. Federal Government to control an inter- (b) HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS.— (2) The Strategy calls for expanded efforts national border of, or a port of entry to, the The Secretary of Homeland Security, in con- to dismantle illicit financial networks, in- United States; or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1181 ‘‘(B) otherwise seek to construct, excavate, Subtitle B—Expanding Refugee Processing in TITLE XIV—MONITORING AND SUP- or make any structure intended to defeat, Mexico and Central America for Third PORTING UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN circumvent or evade such a fence, barrier, Country Resettlement CHILDREN AFTER PROCESSING AT THE sensor camera, or other physical or elec- SEC. 10321. EXPANDING REFUGEE PROCESSING BORDER tronic device deployed by the Federal Gov- IN MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA SEC. 10401. DEFINITIONS; AUTHORIZATION OF ernment to control an international border FOR THIRD COUNTRY RESETTLE- APPROPRIATIONS. of, or a port of entry to, the United States. MENT. (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this title: ‘‘(2) PENALTY.—Any person who violates (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State, (1) DEPARTMENT.—Except as otherwise in- paragraph (1) shall be fined under title 18, in consultation with the Secretary of Home- dicated, the term ‘‘Department’’ means the United States Code, imprisoned for not more land Security, shall coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services. than 5 years, or both.’’. United Nations High Commissioner for Refu- (2) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means gees to support and provide technical assist- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of the Director of the Office of Refugee Reset- ance to the Government of Mexico and the contents of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is tlement of the Department. governments of other countries in the region amended by inserting after the item relating (3) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY.—The term to increase access to global resettlement for to section 274D the following: ‘‘local educational agency’’ has the meaning eligible children and families with protec- given the term in section 8101 of the Elemen- ‘‘Sec. 274E. Hindering immigration, border, tion needs by— tary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 and customs controls.’’. (1) establishing and expanding in-country U.S.C. 7801). refugee reception centers to meet the hu- (4) RESIDENT ADULT.—The term ‘‘resident TITLE XIII—MINIMIZING BORDER CROSS- manitarian needs of those seeking inter- INGS BY EXPANDING PROCESSING OF adult’’ means any individual age 18 or older national protection; who regularly lives, shares common areas, REFUGEE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN- (2) improving the refugee registration sys- COUNTRY AND IN THE REGION and sleeps in a sponsor or prospective spon- tem to ensure that all refugees— sor’s home. Subtitle A—Providing Alternative Safe (A) are properly screened for security, in- (5) SECRETARY.—Except as otherwise indi- Havens in Mexico and the Region cluding biographic and biometric capture; cated, the term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Sec- (B) receive due process and meaningful ac- retary of Health and Human Services. SEC. 10311. STRENGTHENING INTERNAL ASYLUM cess to existing legal protections; and (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— SYSTEMS IN MEXICO AND OTHER (C) receive proper documents in order to COUNTRIES. There are authorized to be appropriated such prevent fraud and ensure freedom of move- sums as may be necessary to carry out this (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of State, ment and access to basic social services; title. in consultation with the Secretary of Home- (3) creating or expanding a corps of trained Subtitle A—Strengthening the Government’s land Security, shall work with international refugee officers capable of evaluating and de- Ability To Oversee the Safety and Well- partners, including the United Nations High ciding individual claims for protection, con- Being of Children Commissioner for Refugees, to support and sistent with international law and obliga- provide technical assistance to strengthen tions; and SEC. 10411. BACKGROUND CHECKS TO ENSURE the domestic capacity of Mexico and other (4) developing the capacity to conduct best THE SAFE PLACEMENT OF UNAC- COMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN. countries in the region to provide asylum to interest determinations for unaccompanied (a) CRIMINAL AND CIVIL RECORD CHECKS.— eligible children and families by— alien children to ensure that— (1) REQUIREMENT.—In carrying out the (1) establishing and expanding temporary (A) such children with international pro- and long-term in-country reception centers functions transferred to the Director under tection needs are properly registered; and section 462(a) of the Homeland Security Act and shelter capacity to meet the humani- (B) their needs are properly met, which tarian needs of those seeking asylum or of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(a)), from amounts appro- may include family reunification or resettle- priated pursuant to section 10401(b) to carry other forms of international protection; ment based on international protection (2) improving the asylum registration sys- out this section, the Director shall perform, needs. consistent with best practices in the field of tem to ensure that all individuals seeking (b) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after child welfare, and a prospective sponsor and asylum or other humanitarian protection— the date of the enactment of this Act, the all resident adults in the home of the pro- (A) are properly screened for security, in- Secretary of State, in consultation with the spective sponsor shall submit to the fol- cluding biographic and biometric capture; Secretary of Homeland Security, shall sub- lowing record checks (which shall be com- (B) receive due process and meaningful ac- mit a report to the committees listed in sec- pleted as expeditiously as possible): cess to existing legal protections; and tion 10311(b) that describes the plans of the (A) Fingerprint-based checks (except as de- (C) receive proper documents in order to Secretary of State to assist in developing the scribed in paragraph (2)) in national crime prevent fraud and ensure freedom of move- refugee processing capabilities described in information databases, as defined in section ment and access to basic social services; subsection (a). 534(e)(3) of title 28, United States Code. (3) creating or expanding a corps of trained (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— asylum officers capable of evaluating and de- There are authorized to be appropriated such (B) A search of the State criminal registry ciding individual asylum claims consistent sums as may be necessary to carry out sub- or repository for any State (except as de- with international law and obligations; and section (a). scribed in paragraph (3)) in which the prospective sponsor or resident adult has re- (4) developing the capacity to conduct best Subtitle C—Improving the Efficiency of the interest determinations for unaccompanied sided during the 5 years preceding the Central American Minors Program search. alien children to ensure that their needs are SEC. 10331. EXPANSION. properly met, which may include family re- (C) A search of the National Sex Offender The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immi- Registry established under section 119 of the unification or resettlement based on inter- gration Services shall increase the resources national protection needs. Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act directed to the CAM Program, including— of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16919). (b) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after (1) increasing the number of refugee offi- (D) A search (except as described in para- the date of the enactment of this Act, the cers available for in-country processing; and graphs (2) and (3)) of State-based child abuse Secretary of State, in consultation with the (2) establishing additional site locations. and neglect registries and databases for any Secretary of Homeland Security, shall sub- SEC. 10332. EXPEDITED PROCESSING. State in which the prospective sponsor or mit a report that describes the plans of the Not later than 180 days after receiving a resident adult has resided during the 5 years Secretary of State to assist in developing the completed application from an unaccom- preceding the search. asylum processing capabilities described in panied alien child seeking protection under (2) PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.—For purposes subsection (a) to— the CAM Program, the Director of U.S. Citi- of paragraph (1), if the prospective sponsor is (1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of zenship and Immigration Services shall the parent or guardian of the child involved, the Senate; make a final determination on such applica- the Director shall have discretion to deter- (2) the Committee on Homeland Security tion unless the security screening for such mine whether the Director shall perform, and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; child cannot be completed during the 180-day and the prospective sponsor and resident (3) the Committee on the Judiciary of the period. adults described in paragraph (1) shall sub- Senate; SEC. 10333. REFERRAL TO UNHCR. mit to, a check described in subparagraph (4) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the The Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immi- (A) or (D) of paragraph (1). House of Representatives; gration Services or the Assistant Secretary (3) WAIVERS.— (5) the Committee on Homeland Security of State for the Bureau of Population, Refu- (A) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary deter- of the House of Representatives; and gees, and Migration shall refer any child who mines that it is not feasible to conduct the (6) the Committee on the Judiciary of the is the proposed beneficiary of an application check described in subparagraph (B) or (D) of House of Representatives. under the CAM Program and is facing imme- paragraph (1) for a State, including infeasi- (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— diate risk of harm to the United Nations bility due to a State’s refusal or nonresponse There are authorized to be appropriated such High Commissioner for Refugees for registra- in response to a request for related informa- sums as may be necessary to carry out sub- tion and safe passage to an established emer- tion, or that the average time to receive re- section (a). gency transit center for refugees. sults from a State for such a check is more

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 S1182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 than 10 business days, the Secretary may a crime. The Director, in making a deter- (6) file a complaint, if necessary, with the waive the requirements of that subparagraph mination about whether to approve or deny Secretary or the Secretary of Homeland Se- with respect to the State involved for a pe- the placement, shall consider all of the fac- curity regarding treatment of unaccom- riod of not more than 1 year. The Secretary tors described in subsection (b)(2). panied alien children while under the care of may renew the waiver in accordance with (d) APPEALS PROCESS.— the Office of Refugee Resettlement or the this subparagraph. (1) INFORMATION.—The Secretary shall pro- Department of Homeland Security, respec- (B) PROHIBITION ON DELEGATION.—The Sec- vide information to each prospective sponsor tively. retary may not delegate the responsibility on how such sponsor may appeal— SEC. 10413. MONITORING UNACCOMPANIED under subparagraph (A) to another officer or (A) a placement determination under this ALIEN CHILDREN. employee of the Department. section, including— (a) RISK-BASED POST-PLACEMENT SERV- (C) STATES WHERE WAIVERS APPLY.—The (i) prompt notice of the opportunity to so ICES.— Secretary shall make available, on a website appeal; and (1) IN GENERAL.—Using amounts appro- of the Department, the list of States for (ii) instructions about how to participate priated pursuant to section 10401(b) to carry which the requirements of subparagraph (B) in the appeals process; and out this section, the Secretary shall, to as- or (D) of paragraph (1) are waived under this (B) the results of a record check performed sist each unaccompanied alien child in a paragraph. pursuant to this section or the accuracy or placement with a sponsor— (4) USE OF RECORD CHECKS.—The informa- completeness of the information yielded by (A) complete an individualized assessment tion revealed by a record check performed the record check, as provided in paragraph of the need for services to be provided after pursuant to this section shall be used only (2), including— placement; and by the Director for the purpose of deter- (i) prompt notice of the opportunity to so (B) provide such post-placement services appeal; and mining whether a potential sponsor is a suit- during the pendency of removal proceedings (ii) instructions about how to participate able sponsor for a placement for an unaccom- or until no longer necessary. in the appeals process. panied alien child. (2) MINIMUM SERVICES.—For the purposes of (b) PLACEMENT DETERMINATIONS GEN- (2) APPEAL.—Each Federal agency respon- paragraph (1), the services shall, at a min- ERALLY.— sible for administering or maintaining the imum, include— (1) DENIALS REQUIRED FOR CERTAIN information in a database, registry, or repos- (A) for the unaccompanied alien child, at CRIMES.—The Director shall deny any place- itory used in a record check performed pur- least one post-placement case management ment for a prospective sponsor (other than suant to this section or responsible for the services visit within 30 days after placement the parent or guardian of the child involved), accuracy or completeness of the information with a sponsor and the referral of unaccom- and may deny any placement for a prospec- yielded by the record check shall— panied alien children to service providers in tive sponsor who is the parent or guardian of (A) establish a process for an appeal con- the community; and the child involved subject to subsection (c), cerning the results of that record check, or (B) for the family of the child’s sponsor, if the record checks performed pursuant to that accuracy or completeness; and orientation and other functional family sup- this section reveal that the prospective spon- (B) complete such process not later than 30 port services, as determined to be necessary sor or a resident adult in the home of the days after the date on which such an appeal in the individualized assessment. prospective sponsor was convicted at age 18 is filed. (b) EFFECTIVE USE OF CHILD ADVOCATES or older of a crime that is a felony consisting (e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE UNACCOMPANIED of any of the following: this section shall be construed to prohibit ALIEN CHILDREN.—The Secretary shall— (A) Domestic violence, stalking, child the Director from establishing additional (1) direct the Director— abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment, checks or procedures (besides the checks re- (A) to identify and track the referral rates if the prospective sponsor or resident adult quired in this section) for sponsors, to enable of unaccompanied alien children to child ad- served at least 1 year imprisonment for a the Director to— vocates by care providers and investigate in- crime specified in this subparagraph, or if (1) oversee and promote the health, safety, stances in which such a rate is low; the prospective sponsor or resident adult was and well-being of unaccompanied alien chil- (B) to ensure that the referral criteria es- convicted of 2 or more crimes specified in dren; or tablished by the Director are appropriately this subparagraph, not arising out of a single (2) prevent the exploitation, neglect, or applied when a care provider determines if scheme of criminal misconduct. abuse of unaccompanied alien children. such a child is eligible for referral to a child (B) A crime against a child involving por- SEC. 10412. RESPONSIBILITY OF SPONSOR FOR advocate; nography. IMMIGRATION COURT COMPLIANCE AND CHILD WELL-BEING. (C) to provide technical assistance to care (C) Human trafficking. (a) IN GENERAL.—Using amounts appro- providers to ensure compliance with such (D) Rape or sexual assault. priated pursuant to section 10401(b) to carry criteria; and (E) Homicide. out this section, the Secretary, in consulta- (D) to establish a process for stakeholders (2) DENIALS CONSIDERED FOR CERTAIN OF- tion with the Attorney General, shall estab- and the public to refer unaccompanied alien FENSES.—The Director may deny a place- lish procedures to ensure that legal orienta- children, including those placed with a spon- ment for a prospective sponsor if the record tion programs regarding immigration court sor, to the child advocate program to deter- checks performed pursuant to this section and rights and responsibilities for the well- mine if such child meets the referral criteria reveal that the prospective sponsor or a resi- being of unaccompanied alien children are for appointment of a child advocate; and dent adult in the home of a prospective spon- provided to all prospective sponsors of unac- (2) ensure that each child advocate for an sor was adjudged guilty of a civil offense or companied alien children prior to an unac- unaccompanied alien child shall— was convicted of a crime not covered by companied alien child’s placement with such (A) be provided access to materials nec- paragraph (1). The Director, in making a de- a sponsor. essary to advocate effectively for the best in- termination about whether to approve or (b) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—The procedures terest of the child, including direct access to deny the placement, shall consider all of the described in subsection (a) shall include a re- significant incident reports, home studies, following factors: quirement that each legal orientation pro- and similar materials and information; and (A) The type of offense. gram described in such subsection shall pro- (B) be notified when new materials and in- (B) The number of offenses the sponsor or vide information on the sponsor’s rights and formation described in subparagraph (A) re- resident adult has been adjudged guilty or responsibilities to— lating to the child are created or become convicted of. (1) ensure the unaccompanied alien child available. (C) The length of time that has elapsed appears at immigration proceedings and since the adjudication or conviction. communicate with the court involved re- Subtitle B—Funding to States and School (D) The nature of the offense. garding the child’s change of address and Districts; Supporting Education and Safety (E) The age of the individual at the time of other relevant information; SEC. 10421. FUNDING TO STATES TO CONDUCT the adjudication or conviction. (2) immediately enroll the child in school, STATE CRIMINAL CHECKS AND (F) The relationship between the offense and shall provide information and resources CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT and the capacity to care for a child. if the sponsor encounters difficulty enrolling CHECKS. (G) Evidence of rehabilitation of the indi- such child in school; (a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term vidual. (3) provide access to health care, including ‘‘State’’ means each of the 50 States of the (H) Opinions of community and family mental health care as needed, and any nec- United States and the District of Columbia. members concerning the individual. essary age-appropriate health screening to (b) PAYMENTS TO STATES TO CONDUCT (c) PLACEMENT DETERMINATIONS CON- the child; STATE CRIMINAL REGISTRY OR REPOSITORY CERNING PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.—The Direc- (4) report potential child traffickers and SEARCHES AND TO CONDUCT CHILD ABUSE AND tor may deny a placement for a prospective other persons seeking to victimize or exploit NEGLECT CHECKS.— sponsor who is the parent or guardian of the unaccompanied alien children, or otherwise (1) IN GENERAL.—Using amounts appro- child involved if the record checks performed engage such children in criminal, harmful, priated pursuant to section 10401(b) to carry pursuant to this section reveal that the pro- or dangerous activity; out this section, the Secretary shall, in ac- spective sponsor or a resident adult in the (5) seek assistance from the Department cordance with this subsection, make pay- home of a prospective sponsor was adjudged regarding the health, safety, and well-being ments to States, through each agency in guilty of a civil offense or was convicted of of the child placed with the sponsor; and each State tasked with administering the

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State criminal registry or repository re- (b) ELIGIBLE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGEN- tact list of potential legal resources and pro- quired under section 10411(a)(1)(B) or the CIES.— viders. State child abuse and neglect registry re- (1) IN GENERAL.—A local educational agen- (3) ELIGIBILITY.—An alien shall be given acquired under section 10411(a)(1)(D), to assist cy, or a consortium of neighboring local edu- cess to legal orientation programs under this with searches of such registries, repositories, cational agencies, is eligible for a grant subsection regardless of the alien’s current or databases for prospective sponsors of un- under subsection (a) if, during the fiscal year immigration status, prior immigration his- accompanied alien children and resident for which a grant is awarded under this sec- tory, or potential for immigration relief. adults in the home of such prospective spon- tion, there are 50 or more unaccompanied (b) PILOT PROJECT FOR NONDETAINED sors, in accordance with section 10411. alien children enrolled in the public schools ALIENS IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS.— (2) ALLOTMENTS.— served by the local educational agency or the (1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General (A) STATE CRIMINAL REGISTRY AND REPOSI- consortium, respectively. shall develop and administer a 2-year pilot TORY SEARCHES.—In each fiscal year, using (2) DETERMINATIONS OF NUMBER OF UNAC- program at not fewer than 2 immigration amounts appropriated pursuant to section COMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN.—The Secretary courts to provide nondetained aliens with 10401(b) to carry out this section with re- of Education shall determine the number of pending asylum claims access to legal infor- spect to the program providing payments to unaccompanied alien children for purposes of mation. States to assist with criminal registry or re- paragraph (1) based on the most accurate (2) REPORT.—At the conclusion of the pilot pository searches, the Secretary shall allot data available that is provided to the Sec- program under this subsection, the Attorney to each State participating in such program, retary of Education by the Director or the General shall submit a report to the Com- through the agency in each such State Department of Homeland Security. mittee on the Judiciary of the Senate and tasked with administering the State crimi- (c) APPLICATIONS.—A local educational the Committee on the Judiciary of the House nal registry or repository described in sec- agency, or a consortia of neighboring local of Representatives that describes the extent tion 10411(a)(1)(B), an amount that bears the educational agencies, desiring a grant under to which nondetained aliens are provided same relationship to such funds as the num- this section shall submit an application to with access to counsel. the Secretary of Education at such time, in (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ber of searches of such State criminal reg- such manner, and containing such informa- There is authorized to be appropriated to the istry or repository conducted in accordance tion, as the Secretary of Education may re- Executive Office of Immigration Review of with section 10411(a)(1)(B) in the State bears quire, including a description of how the the Department of Justice such sums as may to the total number of such searches in all grant will be used to enhance opportunities be necessary to carry out this section. States participating in the program. for, and provide services to, immigrant chil- SEC. 10512. FAIR DAY IN COURT FOR KIDS. (B) CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT CHECKS.—In dren and youth (including unaccompanied (a) IMPROVING IMMIGRATION COURT EFFI- each fiscal year, using amounts appropriated alien children) and their families. CIENCY AND REDUCING COSTS BY INCREASING pursuant to section 10401(b) to carry out this SEC. 10423. IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT OF UNAC- ACCESS TO LEGAL INFORMATION.— section with respect to the program pro- COMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN IN (1) APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL IN CERTAIN viding payments to States to assist with SCHOOLS. CASES; RIGHT TO REVIEW CERTAIN DOCUMENTS child abuse and neglect registry and data- To be eligible for funding under the Ele- IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS.—Section 240(b) of base searches, the Secretary shall allot to mentary and Secondary Education Act of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 each State participating in such program, 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.), a local edu- U.S.C. 1229a(b)) is amended— through the agency in each such State cational agency shall— (A) in paragraph (4)— tasked with administering the State child (1) ensure that unaccompanied alien chil- (i) in subparagraph (A)— abuse and neglect registries and databases dren in the area served by the local edu- (I) by striking ‘‘, at no expense to the Gov- described in section 10411(a)(1)(D), an amount cational agency are immediately enrolled in ernment,’’; and that bears the same relationship to such school following placement with a sponsor; (II) by striking the comma at the end and funds as the number of searches of such child and inserting a semicolon; abuse and neglect registries and databases (2) remove barriers to enrollment and full (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and conducted in accordance with section participation in educational programs and (C) as subparagraphs (D) and (E), respec- 10411(a)(1)(D) in the State bears to the total services offered by the local educational tively; number of such searches in all States par- agency for unaccompanied alien children (in- (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) ticipating in the program. cluding barriers related to documentation, the following: (C) TRANSITION RULE.—In the first fiscal age, and language), which shall include re- ‘‘(B) the Attorney General may appoint or year in which funds are made available under viewing and revising policies that may have provide counsel to aliens in immigration this title to carry out this section, the Sec- a negative effect on such children. proceedings; retary shall make allotments to each State TITLE XV—ENSURING ORDERLY AND HU- ‘‘(C) at the beginning of the proceedings or participating in the programs under this sec- MANE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN AND as expeditiously as possible, the alien shall tion in accordance with subparagraphs (A) FAMILIES SEEKING PROTECTION automatically receive a complete copy of the and (B), based on the Secretary’s estimate of Subtitle A—Providing a Fair and Efficient alien’s Alien File (commonly known as an the number of the searches described in each Legal Process for Children and Vulnerable ‘A-file’) and Form I–862 (commonly known as such subparagraph, respectively, that each of Families Seeking Asylum a ‘Notice to Appear’) in the possession of the the States are expected to conduct in such SEC. 10511. COURT APPEARANCE COMPLIANCE Department of Homeland Security (other fiscal year. AND LEGAL ORIENTATION. than documents protected from disclosure by (3) STATE APPLICATIONS.—Each State agen- (a) ACCESS TO LEGAL ORIENTATION PRO- privilege, including national security infor- cy described in paragraph (1) desiring an al- GRAMS TO ENSURE COURT APPEARANCE COM- mation referred to in subparagraph (D), law lotment under subparagraph (A) or (B) of PLIANCE.— enforcement sensitive information, and in- paragraph (2) shall submit an application at (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- formation prohibited from disclosure pursu- such time, in such manner, and containing land Security, in consultation with the At- ant to any other provision of law) unless the such information as the Secretary may re- torney General, shall establish procedures, alien waives the right to receive such docu- quire, which shall include an assurance that consistent with the procedures established ments by executing a knowing and voluntary the State agency will respond promptly to pursuant to section 10412, to ensure that written waiver in a language that he or she all requests from the Director, within a rea- legal orientation programs are available for understands fluently;’’; and sonable time period determined by the Direc- all aliens detained by the Department of (iv) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, tor, to conduct a search required under sec- Homeland Security. by striking ‘‘, and’’ and inserting ‘‘; and’’; tion 10411 in a timely manner, and a descrip- (2) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—Programs under and tion of how funds will be used to meet such paragraph (1) shall inform aliens described in (B) by adding at the end the following: assurance. such paragraph regarding— ‘‘(8) FAILURE TO PROVIDE ALIEN REQUIRED SEC. 10422. FUNDING TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS FOR (A) the basic procedures of immigration DOCUMENTS.—In the absence of a waiver UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN. hearings; under paragraph (4)(C), a removal proceeding (a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—Using amounts (B) their rights and obligations relating to may not proceed until the alien— appropriated pursuant to section 10401(b) to such hearings under Federal immigration ‘‘(A) has received the documents as re- carry out this section, the Secretary of Edu- laws to ensure appearance at all immigra- quired under such paragraph; and cation shall award grants, on a competitive tion proceedings; ‘‘(B) has been provided meaningful time to basis, to eligible local educational agencies, (C) their rights under Federal immigration review and assess such documents.’’. or consortia of neighboring local educational laws, including available legal protections (2) CLARIFICATION REGARDING THE AUTHOR- agencies, described in subsection (b) to en- and the procedure for requesting such pro- ITY OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO APPOINT able the local educational agencies or con- tection; COUNSEL TO ALIENS IN IMMIGRATION PRO- sortia to enhance opportunities for, and pro- (D) the consequences of filing frivolous CEEDINGS.—Section 292 of the Immigration vide services to, immigrant children and legal claims and of failing to appear for pro- and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1362) is amend- youth, including unaccompanied alien chil- ceedings; and ed— dren, in the area served by the local edu- (E) any other subject that the Attorney (A) by striking ‘‘In any’’ and inserting the cational agencies or consortia. General considers appropriate, such as a con- following:

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‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In any’’; as may be necessary to carry out this sub- (3) methods to ensure that immigration (B) in subsection (a), as redesignated— section. judges are trained on properly crafting and (i) by striking ‘‘(at no expense to the Gov- (c) REPORT ON ACCESS TO COUNSEL.— dictating decisions and standards of review, ernment)’’; and (1) REPORT.—Not later than December 31 of including improved on-bench reference mate- (ii) by striking ‘‘he shall’’ and inserting each year, the Secretary of Homeland Secu- rials and decision templates. ‘‘the person shall’’; and rity, in consultation with the Attorney Gen- SEC. 10523. NEW TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE (C) by adding at the end the following: eral, shall prepare and submit a report to the COURT EFFICIENCY. ‘‘(b) APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL.— Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate The Director of the Executive Office for ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Immigration Review will modernize its case may appoint or provide counsel to aliens in House of Representatives regarding the ex- management and related electronic systems, any proceeding conducted under section tent to which aliens described in section including allowing for electronic filing, to 235(b), 236, 238, 240, or 241 or any other sec- 292(c) of the Immigration and Nationality improve efficiency in the processing of immi- tion of this Act. Act, as added by subsection (a)(3)(A), have gration proceedings. ‘‘(2) ACCESS TO COUNSEL.—The Secretary of been provided access to counsel. Subtitle C—Reducing the Likelihood of Homeland Security shall facilitate access to (2) CONTENTS.—Each report submitted Remigration counsel for— under paragraph (1) shall include, for the im- SEC. 10531. ESTABLISHING REINTEGRATION AND ‘‘(A) aliens in any proceeding conducted mediately preceding 1-year period— MONITORING SERVICES FOR REPA- under section 235(b), 236, 238, 240, or 241; and (A) the number and percentage of aliens TRIATING CHILDREN. ‘‘(B) any individual detained inside an im- described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), re- (a) CONSULTATION WITH UNHCR.—The Sec- migration detention facility or a border fa- spectively, of section 292(c) of the Immigra- retary of Homeland Security, in coordina- cility.’’. tion and Nationality Act, as added by sub- tion with the Secretary of Health and (3) APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL FOR UNACCOM- section (a)(3)(A), who were represented by Human Services and the Secretary of State, PANIED ALIEN CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE counsel, including information specifying— shall consult with the United Nations High ALIENS.— (i) the stage of the legal process at which Commissioner for Refugees (referred to in (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 292 of the Immi- the alien was represented; and this section as the ‘‘UNHCR’’) to develop a gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1362), (ii) whether the alien was in government child-centered repatriation process for unac- as amended by paragraph (2), is further custody; and companied children being returned to their amended by adding at the end the following: (B) the number and percentage of aliens country of origin. ‘‘(c) UNACCOMPANIED ALIEN CHILDREN AND who received legal orientation presentations. (b) COLLABORATION WITH REGIONAL GOV- VULNERABLE ALIENS.—Notwithstanding sub- Subtitle B—Reducing Significant Delays in ERNMENTS AND NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZA- section (b), the Attorney General shall ap- Immigration Court TIONS.—The Secretary of State and the Ad- point counsel, at the expense of the Govern- SEC. 10521. ELIMINATE IMMIGRATION COURT ministrator of the United States Agency for ment if necessary, at the beginning of the International Development, in coordination proceedings or as expeditiously as possible, BACKLOGS. with the Secretary of Homeland Security, to represent in such proceedings any alien (a) ANNUAL INCREASES IN IMMIGRATION shall collaborate with regional governments who has been determined by the Secretary of JUDGES.—The Attorney General shall in- and international and domestic nongovern- Homeland Security or the Attorney General crease the total number of immigration mental organizations to reduce children’s to be— judges to adjudicate pending cases and effi- need to remigrate by— ‘‘(1) an unaccompanied alien child (as de- ciently process future cases by at least— (1) establishing and expanding comprehen- fined in section 462(g) of the Homeland Secu- (1) 55 judges during fiscal year 2019; sive reintegration services for repatriated rity Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 279(g))); (2) an additional 55 judges during fiscal unaccompanied children once returned to ‘‘(2) a particularly vulnerable individual, year 2020; and their communities of origin; such as— (3) an additional 55 judges during fiscal (2) establishing monitoring and ‘‘(A) a person with a disability (as defined year 2021. verification services to determine the well- in section 3 of the Americans with Disabil- (b) NECESSARY SUPPORT STAFF FOR IMMI- being of repatriated children in order to de- ities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102)); or GRATION JUDGES.—To address the shortage of termine if United States protection and ‘‘(B) a victim of abuse, torture, or violence; support staff for immigration judges, the At- screening functioned effectively in identi- or torney General shall ensure that each immi- fying persecuted and trafficked children; and ‘‘(3) an individual whose circumstances are gration judge has sufficient support staff, (3) providing emergency referrals to the such that the appointment of counsel is nec- adequate technological and security re- UNHCR for registration and safe passage to essary to help ensure fair resolution and effi- sources, and appropriate courtroom facili- an established emergency transit center for cient adjudication of the proceedings. ties. ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (c) ANNUAL INCREASES IN BOARD OF IMMI- refugees for any repatriated children who are There is authorized to be appropriated to the GRATION APPEALS PERSONNEL.—The Attorney facing immediate risk of harm. Executive Office for Immigration Review of General shall increase the number of Board the Department of Justice such sums as may of Immigration Appeals staff attorneys (in- SA 2032. Mr. HOEVEN (for himself be necessary to carry out this section.’’. cluding necessary additional support staff) and Mr. COONS) submitted an amend- (B) RULEMAKING.—The Attorney General to efficiently process cases by at least— ment intended to be proposed by him shall promulgate regulations to implement (1) 23 attorneys during fiscal year 2019; to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the In- section 292(c) of the Immigration and Na- (2) an additional 23 attorneys during fiscal ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow tionality Act, as added by subparagraph (A), year 2020; and the premium tax credit with respect to in accordance with the requirements set (3) an additional 23 attorneys during fiscal unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- forth in section 3006A of title 18, United year 2021. erage; which was ordered to lie on the States Code. (d) GAO REPORT.—The Comptroller Gen- (b) CASE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM TO eral of the United States shall— table; as follows: INCREASE COURT APPEARANCE RATES.— (1) conduct a study of the hurdles to effi- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (1) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of cient hiring of immigration court judges lowing: Homeland Security shall establish a pilot within the Department of Justice; and SEC. lll. TREATMENT OF CONTROLLED SUB- program, which shall include the services set (2) propose solutions to Congress for im- STANCE ANALOGUES. forth in section 10413(a)(2), to increase the proving the efficiency of the hiring process. Section 203 of the Controlled Substances court appearance rates of aliens described in SEC. 10522. IMPROVED TRAINING FOR IMMIGRA- Act (21 U.S.C. 813) is amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 292(c) of the TION JUDGES AND MEMBERS OF ‘‘shall, to the extent intended for human Immigration and Nationality Act, as added THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION AP- consumption,’’ and inserting the following: by subsection (a)(3)(A), by contracting with PEALS. ‘‘that is not a chemical substance subject to nongovernmental, community-based organi- (a) IN GENERAL.—To ensure efficient and the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. zations to provide appropriate case manage- fair proceedings, the Director of the Execu- 2601 et seq.) shall’’. ment services to such aliens. tive Office for Immigration Review shall fa- (2) SCOPE OF SERVICES.—Case management cilitate robust training programs for immi- SA 2033. Ms. WARREN submitted an services provided under paragraph (1) shall gration judges and members of the Board of amendment intended to be proposed by include assisting aliens with— Immigration Appeals. her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the (A) accessing legal counsel; (b) MANDATORY TRAINING.—Training facili- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow (B) complying with court-imposed dead- tated under subsection (a) shall include— the premium tax credit with respect to lines and other legal obligations; and (1) expanding the training program for new (C) accessing social services, as appro- immigration judges and Board members; unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- priate. (2) continuing education regarding current erage; which was ordered to lie on the (3) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— developments in immigration law through table; as follows: There is authorized to be appropriated to the regularly available training resources and an At the appropriate place, insert the fol- Department of Homeland Security such sums annual conference; and lowing:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.033 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1185 SEC. lll. REPORT ON THE EFFECTS OF DEPOR- her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the (1) the item relating to Arizona is amended TATION OF ALIENS SERVING IN THE Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow to read as follows: ARMED FORCES ON MILITARY READ- INESS. the premium tax credit with respect to ‘‘Arizona ...... 13’’; Not later than 120 days after the date of unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- (2) the item relating to California is the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of erage; which was ordered to lie on the amended to read as follows: Defense shall submit to Congress a report table; as follows: ‘‘California: setting forth an assessment by the Secretary SEC. lll. PAROLE IN PLACE OF SPOUSES, CHIL- of the effects on military readiness of the de- DREN, AND PARENTS OF CITIZENS Northern ...... 14 portation of aliens who are serving in the AND LAWFUL PERMANENT RESI- Eastern ...... 9 Armed Forces, or who are about to com- DENTS SERVING IN CERTAIN PUBLIC Central ...... 35 mence initial entry training in the Armed SERVICE PROFESSIONS. Southern ...... 13’’; (a) PAROLE IN PLACE REQUIRED.—The Sec- Forces, as of the time of deportation. (3) the item relating to New Mexico is retary of Homeland Security shall, pursuant amended to read as follows: SA 2034. Ms. WARREN submitted an to section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration amendment intended to be proposed by and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(a)), ‘‘New Mexico ...... 9’’; her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the parole in place any alien who is the spouse, child, or parent of a citizen or lawful perma- and Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow nent resident serving as any of the following: (4) by striking the item relating to Texas the premium tax credit with respect to (1) Law enforcement officer, official, or and inserting the following: unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- agent. ‘‘Texas: erage; which was ordered to lie on the (2) Firefighter. Northern ...... 12 table; as follows: (3) Emergency medical technician. Southern ...... 21 At the appropriate place, insert the fol- (4) Doctor, physician assistant, nurse, or Eastern ...... 7 lowing: other healthcare provider. Western ...... 17’’. (5) First responder. SEC. lll. PAROLE IN PLACE OF SPOUSES, CHIL- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section and the (6) Teacher. DREN, AND PARENTS OF CERTAIN amendments made by this section shall take (b) EXCEPTION.—Parole is not required MEMBERS AND FORMER OF THE effect on January 21, 2021. ARMED FORCES. under subsection (a) to an alien otherwise (a) PAROLE IN PLACE REQUIRED.—The Sec- described in that subsection if the Secretary, SA 2038. Mr. UDALL submitted an retary of Homeland Security shall, pursuant in the Secretary’s discretion, determines that parole under this section is inadvisable amendment intended to be proposed to to section 212(a)(5)(A) of the Immigration amendment SA 1959 proposed by Mr. and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(a)), based on the Secretary’s determination that parole in place any alien who is the spouse, the alien— GRASSLEY (for himself, Mrs. ERNST, Mr. child, or parent of the following: (1) has been convicted of a criminal of- TILLIS, Mr. LANKFORD, Mr. COTTON, Mr. (1) A current or former member of a reg- fense; or PERDUE, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. ALEXANDER, ular component of the Armed Forces. (2) presents another serious adverse factor. and Mr. ISAKSON) to the bill H.R. 2579, (2) A current or former member of the Se- (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms to amend the Internal Revenue Code of lected Reserve of the Ready Reserve. ‘‘spouse’’, ‘‘child’’, and ‘‘parent’’ have the 1986 to allow the premium tax credit (b) EXCEPTION.—Parole is not required meaning given such terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 with respect to unsubsidized COBRA under subsection (a) to an alien otherwise continuation coverage; which was or- described in that subsection if the Secretary, U.S.C. 1101). in the Secretary’s discretion, determines dered to lie on the table; as follows: that parole under this section is inadvisable SA 2037. Mr. UDALL submitted an At the appropriate place, insert the fol- based on the Secretary’s determination that amendment intended to be proposed by lowing: the alien— him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the SEC. lll. LIMITATION ON CONSTRUCTION OF (1) has been convicted of a criminal of- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow NEW ELEMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL fense; or the premium tax credit with respect to BARRIERS ALONG THE SOUTHERN BORDER PENDING A CERTIFICATION (2) presents another serious adverse factor. unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- ON THE ACHIEVEMENT BY THE DE- (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the terms erage; which was ordered to lie on the PARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECU- ‘‘spouse’’, ‘‘child’’, and ‘‘parent’’ have the table; as follows: RITY OF CERTAIN STAFFING LEV- meaning given such terms in section 101 of ELS. At the appropriate place, insert the fol- the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 Notwithstanding any other provision of lowing: U.S.C. this Act, construction of any new element of SEC. lll. DISTRICT JUDGES FOR THE DISTRICT the physical barriers along the southern bor- COURTS. SA 2035. Ms. WARREN submitted an der (other than construction for repair or re- (a) ADDITIONAL PERMANENT DISTRICT COURT placement of existing barrier elements) may amendment intended to be proposed by JUDGESHIPS.—The President shall appoint, her to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the by and with the advice and consent of the not commence until the Secretary of Home- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Senate— land Security certifies, in writing, to Con- the premium tax credit with respect to (1) 7 additional district judges for the cen- gress that the total number of officers in the Office of Field Operations of U.S. Customs unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- tral district of California; (2) 3 additional district judges for the east- and Border Protection equals the number re- erage; which was ordered to lie on the quired for the fiscal year in which the cer- table; as follows: ern district of California; (3) 2 additional district judges for the dis- tification is submitted in the Workload At the appropriate place, insert the fol- trict of New Mexico; Staffing Model of U.S. Customs and Border lowing: (4) 2 additional district judges for the Protection. SEC. lll. PLAN ON THE HUMANE TREATMENT southern district of Texas; and SA 2039. Mr. CARPER (for himself, OF DETAINEES BY IMMIGRATION (5) 4 additional district judges for the west- AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. ern district of Texas. Mr. HEINRICH, and Mr. UDALL) sub- Not later than 90 days after the date of the (b) CONVERSIONS OF TEMPORARY DISTRICT mitted an amendment intended to be enactment of this Act, the Secretary of COURT JUDGESHIPS.—The existing judgeships proposed to amendment SA 1958 pro- Homeland Security shall, acting though the for the district of Arizona, the central disposed by Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mr. Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security trict of California, and the district of New for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ROUNDS, Mr. KING, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. Mexico authorized by section 312(c) of the MANCHIN, Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. KAINE, Mr. submit to Congress and implement a plan for 21st Century Department of Justice Appro- FLAKE, Mr. COONS, Mr. GARDNER, Ms. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to priations Authorization Act (Public Law 107– address deficiencies in its detainee classifica- 273, 28 U.S.C. 133 note), as of the effective HEITKAMP, Ms. MURKOWSKI, Mrs. SHA- tion, use of segregation and disciplinary ac- date of this Act, shall be authorized under HEEN, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, tions, compliance with grievance procedures, section 133 of title 28, United States Code, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. WARNER) to the detainee care, and other deficiencies cited in and the incumbents in those offices shall bill H.R. 2579, to amend the Internal the report of the Inspector General of the hold the office under section 133 of title 28, Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the pre- Department of Homeland Security entitled United States Code, as amended by this Act. mium tax credit with respect to unsub- ‘‘Concerns About ICE Detainee Treatment (c) TABLES.—In order that the table con- and Care at Detention Facilities’’ and dated tained in section 133(a) of title 28, United sidized COBRA continuation coverage; December 11, 2017. States Code, will, with respect to each judi- which was ordered to lie on the table; cial district, reflect the changes in the total as follows: SA 2036. Ms. WARREN submitted an number of permanent district judgeships au- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- amendment intended to be proposed by thorized as a result of subsection (a)— lowing:

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SEC. lll. PROTECTION OF CERTAIN NATIONAL (iii) has ordered, incited, assisted, or other- (B) PENDING APPLICATIONS.—If an applica- WILDLIFE REFUGES AND WILDLIFE wise participated in the persecution of any tion for adjustment of status under sub- CORRIDORS. person on account of race, religion, nation- section (a) is pending for a period exceeding (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- ality, membership in a particular social 180 days and has not been denied, the Sec- land Security may not use any funds for the group, or political opinion. retary shall authorize such employment. design and construction of physical barriers (2) RELATIONSHIP OF APPLICATION TO CER- (d) RECORD OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE.— along the border between the United States TAIN ORDERS.— Upon the approval of an alien’s application and Mexico for pedestrian barriers at any of (A) IN GENERAL.—An alien present in the for adjustment of status under subsection the following: United States who has been subject to an (a), the Secretary of Homeland Security (1) National Wildlife Refuge System land order of exclusion, deportation, or removal, shall establish a record of the alien’s admis- in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas. or has been ordered to depart voluntarily sion for permanent residence as of the date (2) The wildlife corridor in Hidalgo County, from the United States under any provision of the alien’s arrival in the United States. New Mexico, from coordinates N. 31.3331, W. of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 (e) AVAILABILITY OF ADMINISTRATIVE RE- 108.714 to N. 31.3324, W. 108.786. U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) may, notwithstanding VIEW.—The Secretary of Homeland Security (3) The wildlife corridor in the Chiricahua such order, apply for adjustment of status shall provide applicants for adjustment of Mountains, from coordinates N. 31.3324, under paragraph (1) if otherwise qualified status under subsection (a) with the same W.108.982 to N. 31.3328, W. 109.092. under such paragraph. right to, and procedures for, administrative (4) San Bernardino National Wildlife Ref- (B) SEPARATE MOTION NOT REQUIRED.—An review as are provided to— uge, Arizona. alien described in subparagraph (A) may not (1) applicants for adjustment of status (5) The wildlife corridor in the Coronado be required, as a condition of submitting or under section 245 of the Immigration and Na- National Forest, Arizona, from coordinates granting such application, to file a separate tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255); and N. 31.3336, W. 110.246 to N. 31.336, W. 110.782. motion to reopen, reconsider, or vacate the (2) aliens subject to removal proceedings (6) The wildlife corridor in the Buenos order described in subparagraph (A). under section 240 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1229a). Aires National Wildlife Refuge and the Coro- (C) EFFECT OF DECISION BY SECRETARY.—If (f) LIMITATION ON JUDICIAL REVIEW.—A de- nado National Forest, Arizona, from coordi- the Secretary of Homeland Security adjusts termination by the Secretary of Homeland nates N. 31.3322, W. 111.038 to N. 31.3992, W. the status of an alien pursuant to an applica- Security regarding the adjustment of status 111.283. tion under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall of any alien under this section is final and (7) Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, cancel the order described in subparagraph shall not be subject to review by any court. Arizona. (A). If the Secretary of Homeland Security (g) NO OFFSET IN NUMBER OF VISAS AVAIL- (8) The wildlife corridor in Jacumba, Cali- makes a final decision to deny such adjust- ABLE.—The Secretary of State shall not be fornia, from coordinates N. 32.6272, W. 115.995 ment of status, the order shall be effective required to reduce the number of immigrant to N. 32.6242, W. 116.035. and enforceable to the same extent as if the visas authorized to be issued under any pro- (b) LIMITATION.—The only physical barrier application had not been made. vision of the Immigration and Nationality that may be constructed at a wildlife refuge (b) ALIENS ELIGIBLE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) to offset the adjust- or wildlife corridor described in subsection STATUS.— ment of status of an alien who has been law- (a) shall be a vehicle barrier or other barrier (1) IN GENERAL.—The benefits provided fully admitted for permanent residence pur- that— under subsection (a) shall apply to any suant to this section. (1) meets operational needs; alien— (h) APPLICATION OF IMMIGRATION AND NA- (2) does not impede the free movement of (A) who is— TIONALITY ACT PROVISIONS.— wildlife; and (i) a national of Liberia; and (1) DEFINITIONS.—Except as otherwise spe- (3) does not create or exacerbate the poten- (ii) has been continuously present in the cifically provided in this section, the defini- tial for flooding in the area. United States between November 20, 2014, tions contained in the Immigration and Na- and the date on which the alien submits an tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) shall SA 2040. Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. application under subsection (a); or apply in this section. (B) who is the spouse, child, or unmarried WHITEHOUSE, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, and Ms. (2) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this son or daughter of an alien described in subsection may be construed to repeal, amend, SMITH) submitted an amendment in- paragraph (A). alter, modify, effect, or restrict the powers, tended to be proposed by him to the (2) DETERMINATION OF CONTINUOUS PHYSICAL duties, function, or authority of the Sec- bill H.R. 2579, to amend the Internal PRESENCE.—For purposes of establishing the retary of Homeland Security in the adminis- Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the pre- period of continuous physical presence re- tration and enforcement of the Immigration mium tax credit with respect to unsub- ferred to in paragraph (1)(A)(ii), an alien and Nationality Act or any other law relat- sidized COBRA continuation coverage; shall not be considered to have failed to ing to immigration, nationality, or natu- which was ordered to lie on the table; maintain continuous physical presence by ralization. as follows: reasons of an absence, or absences, from the (3) EFFECT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ADJUSTMENT United States for any period or periods OF STATUS.—An alien’s eligibility to be law- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- amounting in the aggregate to not more fully admitted for permanent residence lowing: than 180 days. under this section shall not preclude the SEC. lll. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF CER- (c) STAY OF REMOVAL.— alien from seeking any status under any TAIN NATIONALS OF LIBERIA. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- other provision of law for which the alien (a) ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.— land Security shall promulgate regulations may otherwise be eligible. (1) IN GENERAL.— establishing procedures through which an (A) ELIGIBILITY.—Except as provided in alien, who is subject to a final order of de- SA 2041. Mr. CASSIDY submitted an subparagraph (B), the Secretary of Homeland portation, removal, or exclusion, may seek a amendment intended to be proposed by Security shall adjust the status of an alien stay of such order based upon the filing of an him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend the described in subsection (b) to that of an alien application under subsection (a). Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow lawfully admitted for permanent residence if (2) DURING CERTAIN PROCEEDINGS.—Not- the alien— withstanding any provision in the Immigra- the premium tax credit with respect to (i) applies for adjustment not later than 1 tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et unsubsidized COBRA continuation cov- year after the date of the enactment of this seq.), the Secretary of Homeland Security erage; which was ordered to lie on the Act; and may not order an alien to be removed from table; as follows: (ii) is otherwise eligible to receive an im- the United States if the alien is in exclusion, At the appropriate place, insert the fol- migrant visa and admissible to the United deportation, or removal proceedings under lowing: States for permanent residence, except that, any provision of such Act and has applied for SEC. ll. USING ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING in determining such admissibility, the adjustment of status under subsection (a) PROCEEDS FOR BORDER SECURITY grounds for inadmissibility specified in para- unless the Secretary has made a final deter- ENHANCEMENTS. graphs (4), (5), (6)(A), and (7)(A) of section mination to deny the application. (a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality (3) WORK AUTHORIZATION.— is to authorize the use of illicit drug traf- Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) shall not apply. (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Home- ficking proceeds to pay for physical barriers, (B) INELIGIBLE ALIENS.—An alien shall not land Security may— tactical infrastructure, and technology in be eligible for adjustment of status under (i) authorize an alien who has applied for the vicinity of the United States border, this section if the Secretary of Homeland Se- adjustment of status under subsection (a) to which will achieve situational awareness and curity determines that the alien— engage in employment in the United States operational control of the border, and in- (i) has been convicted of any aggravated while a determination regarding such appli- crease the interdiction of illicit drugs enter- felony (as defined in section 101(a)(43) of the cation is pending; and ing the United States and reduce bulk cash Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (ii) provide the alien with an ‘‘employment smuggling and trade-based money laun- 1101(a)(43))); authorized’’ endorsement or other appro- dering along the border. (ii) has been convicted of 2 or more crimes priate document signifying authorization of (b) SECURE AMERICA FINANCING CORPORA- involving moral turpitude; or employment. TION.—

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(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established , (6) FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT.— ‘‘(E) is currency or contraband likely to as a special purpose, public corporate entity, (A) AUTHORITY.—The Corporation is au- belong to or used in support of a foreign, ille- the Secure America Financing Corporation thorized to sell and convey any of the assets gal trafficking organization.’’. (referred to in this subsection as the ‘‘Cor- of the Corporation, subject to the approval of (e) USE OF BOND PROCEEDS.— poration’’), which shall operate as an inde- the Board. (1) IMPROVING DATA ANALYTICS.—The Sec- pendent instrumentality of the Federal Gov- (B) EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION.—The Cor- retary of Homeland Security, in consultation ernment. poration shall be exempt from any taxation, with the Executive Associate Director for (2) BOARD.— fees, assessments, or similar charges based Homeland Security Investigations and the (A) COMPOSITION.—The Corporation shall on the real property or assets of the Corpora- Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, may use proceeds be overseen by a Board, consisting of the tion. from Secure America Bonds— Secretary of Homeland Security, the Sec- (7) EFFECT OF DISSOLUTION.—Upon the dis- (A) to improve the use of data and ad- retary of the Treasury, the Attorney Gen- solution of the Corporation, title to all as- vanced analytics to target drugs entering eral, or their respective designees, as ap- sets and properties of the Corporation shall the United States, bulk cash smugglers, and pointed by the President. vest in and become the property of the trade-based money laundering; (B) TERMS.—Members of the Board shall United States Treasury and shall be depos- (B) to prioritize the use of ‘‘big data’’ to serve, at the pleasure of the President, for 4- ited into and credited to the Asset Forfeiture enhance the analysis of information that year terms, or until a successor is appointed Fund. may lead to an increase in drug seizures near by the President. Members of the Board may (c) USE OF CERTAIN FORFEITED CRIMINAL the border, the interdiction of smuggled bulk be appointed to 1 additional 4-year term. PROCEEDS FOR BORDER SECURITY MEAS- cash, and the identification of invoice mis- representation that leads to trade-based (C) COMPENSATION.—Members of the Board URES.—Notwithstanding any other provision shall serve without additional compensation. of law, any funds that are criminally for- money laundering; (D) CHAIRPERSON.—The Board shall annu- feited to the United States pursuant to an (C) to increase the technological capacity ally elect a Chairperson from among its order relating to a sentence of a felony con- to gather and develop information about per- members. viction by a district court of the United sons, events, and cargo of interest; (E) MEETINGS.—The Board shall meet not States of an individual engaging in a con- (D) to integrate data with analytical tools capable of— less frequently than annually. tinuing criminal enterprise involving know- (i) detecting trends, patterns, and emerg- (3) PURPOSES.—The purposes of the Cor- ingly and intentionally distributing a con- ing threats; and poration shall be— trolled substance, intending and knowing (ii) identifying nonobvious relationships (A) to issue Secure America Bonds, in ac- that such substance would be unlawfully im- between persons, events, and cargo to gen- cordance with paragraph (4); ported into the United States from a place erate the necessary tools to increase sei- (B) to make the proceeds of such bonds outside of the United States shall be used for available to the Homeland Security Inves- zures; and security measures along the international tigations directorate of U.S. Immigration (E) to procure technology for advanced border between the United States and Mex- and Customs Enforcement and to U.S. Bor- analytics to target drugs coming into the ico, including the construction, installation, der Patrol to enhance technological capac- United States, bulk cash smuggling, and deployment, operation, and maintenance of ity; and trade-based money laundering. physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, (C) to manage surplus Asset Forfeiture (2) PHYSICAL BARRIERS.—The Secretary of and technology in the vicinity of such bor- Funds to redeem such bonds. Homeland Security, in consultation with the der, for the purpose of stemming the flow of (4) BONDS.— Chief, U.S. Border Patrol, may use proceeds illegal narcotics into the United States and (A) ISSUANCE AUTHORIZED.—The Corpora- from Secure America Bonds— furthering the security of the United States. tion may issue bonds (referred to in this sec- (A) to achieve situational awareness and (d) RESERVATION OF PORTION OF FORFEITS tion as ‘‘Secure America Bonds’’) in such operational control of the southwest border IN THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE CIVIL ASSET amounts and for such terms as the Board using terrain, barriers, and technological FORFEITURE FUND FOR BUILDING A PHYSICAL shall authorize to provide the necessary and human resources to force smugglers to BARRIER OR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO PRE- funding for the technological capacity en- use certain routes and border crossings; VENT ILLEGAL ENTRY ACROSS THE SOUTHERN hancements that the Homeland Security In- (B) to construct, install, deploy, operate, BORDER.— vestigations directorate determines appro- and permanently maintain physical barriers, (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 524(c) of title 28, priate. tactical infrastructure, and technology in United States Code, is amended— (B) REDEMPTION.—Bonds issued pursuant to the vicinity of the southwest border. (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘, except subparagraph (A) may only be paid from (3) STAFFING.—The Secretary of Homeland as provided in paragraph (12),’’ before ‘‘be funds managed by the Corporation, includ- Security, in consultation with the Executive available to the Attorney General’’; ing— Associate Director for Homeland Security (B) in paragraph (8)(E), in the first sen- (i) surplus amounts from the Asset For- Investigations, may use proceeds from Se- tence, by inserting ‘‘the construction, instal- feiture Fund; cure America Bonds to employ the necessary lation, deployment, operation, and mainte- (ii) proceeds of the sales of any such bonds; analysts to carry out the data analytics de- nance of physical barriers, tactical infra- (iii) earnings on funds invested by the Cor- scribed in paragraph (1). structure, and technology in the vicinity of poration or the indenture trustee; (f) RULES OF CIVIL FORFEITURE.— the United States border,’’ after ‘‘law en- (iv) income generated by the activities of (1) CIVIL FORFEITURE.—Section 983(b) of the Corporation; and forcement,’’; and title 18, United States Code, is amended by (v) such other funds as may become avail- (C) by adding at the end the following: adding at the end the following: able. ‘‘(12)(A) Not later than on December 1 of ‘‘(5) In any law enforcement action in (C) BANKRUPTCY PROHIBITED.—The Corpora- each year, the Attorney General shall sub- which assets may be seized under this sub- tion may not file for bankruptcy protection mit to Congress a report on the total of any section, the law enforcement officer may not while any of the bonds issued by the Cor- amount in the Fund as of October 1 that are barter with or otherwise pressure the owner poration remain outstanding. derived from Mexican cartels. of the assets to be seized to waive any rights (D) LIMITATION.—Bonds issued pursuant to ‘‘(B) Not later than 180 days after the date relating to the recovery of such assets.’’. subparagraph (A)— of enactment of this paragraph, and occa- (2) GENERAL RULES FOR CIVIL FORFEITURE (i) are not a debt or obligation of the Fed- sionally thereafter, the Attorney General PROCEEDINGS.—Section 983(c) of title 18, eral Government; and shall submit to Congress a report on the United States Code, is amended— (ii) are not backed by the full faith and amount in the Fund that has historically (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘a prepon- credit of the Federal Government. been derived from Mexican cartels. derance of the evidence’’ and inserting (5) STAFFING.— ‘‘(C) Of the amount described in subpara- ‘‘clear and convincing evidence’’; (A) IN GENERAL.—Employees of the Depart- graph (A), 50 percent shall be made available (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘a prepon- ment of Homeland Security and employees without fiscal year limitation to install ad- derance of the evidence’’ and inserting of the Department of the Treasury may pro- ditional physical barriers and roads (includ- ‘‘clear and convincing evidence’’; and vide administrative support to the Corpora- ing the removal of obstacles to detection of (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘, by tion. illegal entrants) in the vicinity of the United clear and convincing evidence,’’ after ‘‘estab- (B) PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.—The Attorney States border to deter illegal crossings in lish’’. General, or designee, may serve as counsel to areas of high illegal entry into the United (3) REPORTING REQUIREMENT.—The Attor- the Corporation and may employee or retain States.’’. ney General shall submit an annual report to such other attorneys as necessary. The Cor- (2) LIMITATION ON RELEASE OF PROPERTY.— the Committee on Homeland Security and poration may employ or retain any other Section 983(f)(8) of title 18, United States Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the professionals, consultants, agents, financial Code, is amended— Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, advisors, and accountants as may be nec- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘or’’ the Committee on Homeland Security of the essary to carry out the purposes set forth in at the end; House of Representatives, and the Com- paragraph (3). The Board may determine the (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- mittee on the Judiciary of the House of Rep- duties and compensation of those employed riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and resentatives that includes a detailed record, or retained under this subparagraph. (C) by adding at the end the following: for the reporting period, of all civil and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.037 S15FEPT1 S1188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 criminal asset seizures and forfeitures au- (3) maintains an affiliation with one or hired under subsection (a)(1), disaggregated thorized under chapter 46 of title 18, United more veterans treatment courts or other vet- by demographics (including discharge sta- States Code, including— eran-focused courts; and tus). (A) the specific assets seized, including the (4) either— (iii) An identification of any subgroups of quantity and value of such assets; (A) routinely provides Veterans Justice veterans who underutilize services provided (B) the alleged criminal conduct giving Outreach Specialists to serve as part of a under laws administered by the Secretary rise to the seizure or forfeiture; justice team in a veterans treatment court and to which they are referred by a Veterans (C) whether anyone was arrested or con- or other veteran-focused court; or Justice Outreach Specialist. victed of the alleged criminal conduct; (B) establishes a plan that is approved by (iv) Such recommendations as the Comp- (D) whether the forfeiture action was chal- the Secretary to provide Veterans Justice troller General may have for the Secretary lenged by the owner of the assets; Outreach Specialists employed under sub- to improve the effectiveness of the Veterans (E) the final disposition of the assets; and section (a)(1) to serve as part of a justice Justice Outreach Program. (F) if the assets were sold, how the pro- team in a veterans treatment court or other (e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ceeds of the assets were used. veteran-focused court. (1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be (g) DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY FOR- (c) PLACEMENT PRIORITY.—The Secretary appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans FEITURE FUND.—Section 9705 of title 31, shall prioritize the placement of Veterans Affairs to carry out subsection (a) $5,500,000 United States Code, is amended— Justice Outreach Specialists employed under for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2028. (1) in subsection (a)(1), by adding at the subsection (a)(1) at eligible Department of (2) IDENTIFICATION OF OFFSETS.—The Sec- end the following: Veterans Affairs medical centers that have retary shall submit to Congress a report that ‘‘(K) Payment to enhance border secu- or intend to establish an affiliation, for the identifies such legislative or administrative rity.’’; and purpose of carrying out the Veterans Justice actions as the Secretary determines will re- (2) in subsection (g)(4)(B), by inserting ‘‘, Outreach Program, with a veterans treat- sult in a reduction in expenditures by the ment court, or other veteran-focused court, including the construction, installation, de- Department of Veterans Affairs that is equal that— ployment, operation, and maintenance of to or greater than the amounts authorized to (1) was established on or after the date of physical barriers, tactical infrastructure, be appropriated by paragraph (1). the enactment of this Act; or and technology in the vicinity of such bor- (f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (2)(A) was established before the date of der,’’ after ‘‘law enforcement activities’’. (1) JUSTICE TEAM.—The term ‘‘justice the enactment of this Act; and team’’ means the group of individuals, which (B) is not fully staffed with Veterans Jus- Mr. ALEXANDER (for Mr. may include a judge, court coordinator, pros- SA 2042. tice Outreach Specialists. ecutor, public defender, treatment provider, FLAKE) proposed an amendment to the (d) REPORTS.— probation or other law enforcement officer, bill S. 946, to require the Secretary of (1) PERIODIC REPORTS BY SECRETARY OF VET- program mentor, and Veterans Justice Out- Veterans Affairs to hire additional Vet- ERANS AFFAIRS.— reach Specialist, who assist justice-involved erans Justice Outreach Specialists to (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act veterans in a veterans treatment court or provide treatment court services to other veteran-focused court. justice-involved veterans, and for other and not less frequently than once every year thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2) JUSTICE-INVOLVED VETERAN.—The term purposes; as follows: shall submit to Congress a report on the im- ‘‘justice-involved veteran’’ means a veteran Strike all after the enacting clause and in- plementation of this section and its effect on with active, ongoing, or recent contact with sert the following: the Veterans Justice Outreach Program. some component of a local criminal justice SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (B) CONTENTS.—Each report submitted system. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans under paragraph (1) shall include the fol- (3) LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.—The Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018’’. lowing: term ‘‘local criminal justice system’’ means law enforcement, jails, prisons, and Federal, SEC. 2. HIRING BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS (i) The status of the efforts of the Sec- AFFAIRS OF ADDITIONAL VETERANS retary to hire Veterans Justice Outreach State, and local courts. JUSTICE OUTREACH SPECIALISTS. Specialists pursuant to subsection (a)(1), in- (4) VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH PRO- (a) HIRING OF ADDITIONAL VETERANS JUS- cluding the total number of Veterans Justice GRAM.—The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Out- TICE OUTREACH SPECIALISTS.— Outreach Specialists hired by the Secretary reach Program’’ means the program through (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year pursuant to such subsection and the number which the Department of Veterans Affairs after the date of the enactment of this Act, that the Secretary expects to hire pursuant identifies justice-involved veterans and pro- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall hire to such subsection. vides such veterans with access to Depart- not fewer than 50 Veterans Justice Outreach (ii) The total number of Veterans Justice ment services. Specialists and place each such Veterans Outreach Specialists assigned to each De- (5) VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH SPE- Justice Outreach Specialist at an eligible partment of Veterans Affairs medical center CIALIST.—The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Out- Department of Veterans Affairs medical cen- that participates in the Veterans Justice reach Specialist’’ means an employee of the ter in accordance with this section. Outreach Program, including the number of Department of Veterans Affairs who serves (2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists hired as a liaison between the Department and the ensure that each Veterans Justice Outreach under subsection (a)(1) disaggregated by De- local criminal justice system on behalf of a Specialist employed under paragraph (1)— partment of Veterans Affairs medical center. justice-involved veteran. (A) serves, either exclusively or in addition (iii) The total number of eligible Depart- (6) VETERANS TREATMENT COURT.—The term to other duties, as part of a justice team in ment of Veterans Affairs medical centers ‘‘veterans treatment court’’ means a Fed- a veterans treatment court or other veteran- that sought placement of a Veterans Justice eral, State, or local court that is partici- focused court; and Outreach Specialist under subsection (a)(1), pating in the veterans treatment court pro- (B) otherwise meets Department hiring how many Veterans Justice Outreach Spe- gram (as defined in section 2991(i)(1) of the guidelines for Veterans Justice Outreach cialists each such center sought, and how Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act Specialists. many of such medical centers received no of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797aa(i)(1))). (3) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—The Sec- placement of a Veterans Justice Outreach retary shall ensure that the total number of Specialist under subsection (a)(1). SA 2043. Mr. THUNE (for himself, Mr. Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists em- (iv) The total number of justice-involved PORTMAN, and Mr. MORAN) submitted ployed by the Department is not less than veterans who were served or are expected to an amendment intended to be proposed the sum of— be served by a Veterans Justice Outreach by him to the bill H.R. 2579, to amend (A) the total number of Veterans Justice Specialist hired under subsection (a)(1). the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to Outreach Specialists that were employed by (2) REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF allow the premium tax credit with re- the Department on the day before the date of THE UNITED STATES.— spect to unsubsidized COBRA continu- the enactment of this Act; and (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years (B) the number of Veterans Justice Out- after the date of the enactment of this Act, ation coverage; which was ordered to reach Specialists set forth in paragraph (1). the Comptroller General of the United States lie on the table; as follows: (b) ELIGIBLE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- shall submit to Congress a report on the im- At the appropriate place, insert the fol- FAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.—For purposes of plementation of this section and the effec- lowing: this section, an eligible Department of Vet- tiveness of the Veterans Justice Outreach SEC. ll. PROVIDING LEGAL PROTECTION FOR erans Affairs medical center is any Depart- Program. CERTAIN CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS. ment of Veterans Affairs medical center (B) CONTENTS.—The report required by sub- (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: that— paragraph (A) shall include the following: (1) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘‘eligi- (1) complies with all Department guide- (i) An assessment of whether the Secretary ble individual’’ means an individual who lines and regulations for placement of a Vet- has fulfilled the Secretary’s obligations meets the eligibility criteria described in erans Justice Outreach Specialist; under this section. subsection (b)(2). (2) works within a local criminal justice (ii) The number of veterans who are served (2) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ system with justice-involved veterans; by Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists means the Secretary of Homeland Security.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.037 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1189 (b) DEFERRED ACTION STATUS.— (2) INTEREST AND PROCEEDS.—The interest hearing on the following nominations: (1) PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.—The Secretary on, and the proceeds from the sale or re- Andrea L. Thompson, of South Dakota, shall establish a program through which an demption of, any obligations held in the to be Under Secretary for Arms Con- eligible individual may apply for deferred ac- Trust Fund shall be credited to and form a trol and International Security, Susan tion status. part of the Trust Fund. (2) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—An individual (d) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS.— A. Thornton, of Maine, to be an Assist- shall be eligible for deferred action status (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), ant Secretary (East Asian and Pacific under the program established under para- amounts in the Trust Fund shall be available Affairs), and Francis R. Fannon, of Vir- graph (1) if the individual— to the Secretary of Homeland Security, ginia, to be an Assistant Secretary (A) on June 15, 2012, was under the age of without further appropriation, for— (Energy Resources), all of Department 31 years; (A) construction of not fewer than 700 of State. (B) entered the United States— miles of reinforced fencing, excluding vehicle COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY (i) on a date on which the alien was under barriers; the age of 16 years; and (B) installation of additional physical bar- The Committee on the Judiciary is (ii) without inspection or lawful status be- riers; authorized to meet during the session fore June 15, 2012; (C) construction and maintenance of access of the Senate on Wednesday, February (C) has continuously resided in the United and patrol roads; 14, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on S. States since June 15, 2007; (D) lighting; 1917 and the following nominations: Mi- (D) was physically present in the United (E) an interlocking surveillance camera chael B. Brennan, of Wisconsin, to be States— system; (i) on June 15, 2012; and (F) remote sensors; and United States Circuit Judge for the (ii) on the date on which the Secretary (G) the purchase from the Secretary of De- Seventh Circuit, Susan Paradise Bax- makes a determination with respect to the fense of surplus aircraft and unmanned air- ter, and Marilyn Jean Horan, both to eligibility of the individual for deferred ac- craft systems. be a United States District Judge for tion status; (2) LIMITATION.—Not more than the Western District of Pennsylvania, (E)(i) is in school; $5,000,000,000 of the amount in the Trust Daniel Desmond Domenico, to be (ii) has— Fund may be obligated and expended in any United States District Judge for the (I) graduated from high school; or fiscal year. (II) obtained— District of Colorado, Adam I. Klein, of SEC. lll. ANNUAL REPORT ON BORDER SECU- the District of Columbia, to be Chair- (aa) a certificate of completion from a high RITY. school; or Not less frequently than once each fiscal man and Member of the Privacy and (bb) a general education development cer- year, the Secretary of Homeland Security Civil Liberties Oversight Board, tificate; or shall submit annually to the Committee on McGregor W. Scott, to be United (iii) is— Homeland Security and Governmental Af- States Attorney for the Eastern Dis- (I) a member of the armed forces (as de- fairs of the Senate and the Committee on fined in section 101(a) of title 10, United trict of California, Gary G. Schofield, Homeland Security of the House of Rep- to be United States Marshal for the States Code), including a member of the Na- resentatives a report that describes for the tional Guard or Reserves; or District of Nevada, and Jonathan F. applicable fiscal year— Mitchell, of Washington, to be Chair- (II) a veteran, as defined in section 101 of (1) the status of the construction of fencing title 38, United States Code, except that an and security improvements at United States man of the Administrative Conference individual discharged other than honorably borders; and of the United States. is excluded; (2) the estimated number of unlawful bor- SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE (F) has not been convicted of— der crossings. (i) a felony; The Select Committee on Intel- (ii) a significant misdemeanor; or f ligence is authorized to meet during (iii) 3 or more misdemeanor offenses; AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO the session of the Senate on Wednes- (G) does not pose a threat to national secu- MEET day, February 14, 2018, at 2 p.m., to rity or public safety; and conduct a closed hearing (H) was granted deferred action status be- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I fore the date of the enactment of this Act. have 6 requests for committees to meet f (3) PERIOD OF DEFERRED ACTION STATUS.— during today’s session of the Senate. (A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph They have the approval of the Majority (B), deferred action status granted under this and Minority leaders. CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY subsection shall be valid for a period of 2 Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph MONTH years beginning on the date on which the 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- Secretary grants deferred action status to Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I the eligible individual. ate, the following committees are au- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- (B) RENEWAL.— thorized to meet during today’s session ate proceed to the immediate consider- (i) IN GENERAL.—On application to the Sec- of the Senate: ation of S. Res. 413, submitted earlier retary, deferred action status granted under COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND today. this subsection may be renewed for addi- FORESTRY The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tional 2-year periods. The Committee on Agriculture, Nu- clerk will report the resolution by (ii) RENEWAL APPLICATION.—Not more than trition, and Forestry is authorized to 120 days before the date on which the de- title. ferred action status of an eligible individual meet during the session of the Senate The senior assistant legislative clerk expires, the eligible individual may submit on Thursday, February 15, 2018, at 9:30 read as follows: to the Secretary an application for renewal a.m., to conduct a hearing. A resolution (S. Res. 413) celebrating Black of deferred action status. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES History Month. SEC. ll. BORDER SECURITY TRUST FUND. The Committee on Armed Services is There being no objection, the Senate (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established authorized to meet during the session proceeded to consider the resolution. in the Treasury of the United States a trust of the Senate on Thursday, February fund to be known as the Border Security Mr. ALEXANDER. I further ask Trust Fund (in this section referred to as the 15, 2018, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hear- unanimous consent that the resolution ‘‘Trust Fund’’), consisting of amounts appro- ing. be agreed to, the preamble be agreed priated to the Trust Fund under subsection COMMITTEE ON FINANCE to, and the motions to reconsider be (b) and any amounts that may be credited to The Committee on Finance is author- considered made and laid upon the the Trust Fund under subsection (c). ized to meet during the session of the (b) APPROPRIATION.—There are appro- table with no intervening action or de- priated to the Trust Fund $25,000,000,000, to Senate on Thursday, February 15, 2018, bate. remain available until expended. at 9 a.m., to conduct a hearing entitled The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (c) INVESTMENT OF AMOUNTS.— ‘‘The President’s Fiscal Year 2019 objection, it is so ordered. (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Budget.’’ The resolution (S. Res. 413) was Treasury shall invest such portion of the COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS agreed to. Trust Fund as is not required to meet current withdrawals in interest-bearing obliga- The Committee on Foreign Relations The preamble was agreed to. tions of the United States or in obligations is authorized to meet during the ses- (The resolution, with its preamble, is guaranteed as to both principal and interest sion of the Senate on Thursday, Feb- printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- by the United States. ruary 15, 2018, at 10 a.m., to conduct a mitted Resolutions.’’)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE6.038 S15FEPT1 S1190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 15, 2018 VETERANS TREATMENT COURT (3) maintains an affiliation with one or hired under subsection (a)(1), disaggregated IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2017 more veterans treatment courts or other vet- by demographics (including discharge sta- eran-focused courts; and tus). Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I (4) either— (iii) An identification of any subgroups of ask unanimous consent that the Com- (A) routinely provides Veterans Justice veterans who underutilize services provided mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- Outreach Specialists to serve as part of a under laws administered by the Secretary charged from further consideration of justice team in a veterans treatment court and to which they are referred by a Veterans S. 946 and the Senate proceed to its im- or other veteran-focused court; or Justice Outreach Specialist. mediate consideration. (B) establishes a plan that is approved by (iv) Such recommendations as the Comp- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the Secretary to provide Veterans Justice troller General may have for the Secretary objection, it is so ordered. Outreach Specialists employed under sub- to improve the effectiveness of the Veterans The clerk will report the bill by title. section (a)(1) to serve as part of a justice Justice Outreach Program. team in a veterans treatment court or other (e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— The senior assistant legislative clerk veteran-focused court. read as follows: (1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be (c) PLACEMENT PRIORITY.—The Secretary appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans A bill (S. 946) to require the Secretary of shall prioritize the placement of Veterans Affairs to carry out subsection (a) $5,500,000 Veterans Affairs to hire additional Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists employed under for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2028. Justice Outreach Specialists to provide subsection (a)(1) at eligible Department of (2) IDENTIFICATION OF OFFSETS.—The Sec- treatment court services to justice-involved Veterans Affairs medical centers that have retary shall submit to Congress a report that veterans, and for other purposes. or intend to establish an affiliation, for the identifies such legislative or administrative There being no objection, the Senate purpose of carrying out the Veterans Justice actions as the Secretary determines will re- proceeded to consider the bill. Outreach Program, with a veterans treat- sult in a reduction in expenditures by the ment court, or other veteran-focused court, Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I Department of Veterans Affairs that is equal that— to or greater than the amounts authorized to ask unanimous consent that the Flake (1) was established on or after the date of be appropriated by paragraph (1). substitute amendment be considered the enactment of this Act; or (f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: and agreed to, the bill, as amended, be (2)(A) was established before the date of (1) JUSTICE TEAM.—The term ‘‘justice considered read a third time and the enactment of this Act; and team’’ means the group of individuals, which (B) is not fully staffed with Veterans Jus- passed, and the motion to reconsider be may include a judge, court coordinator, pros- tice Outreach Specialists. considered made and laid upon the ecutor, public defender, treatment provider, (d) REPORTS.— table. probation or other law enforcement officer, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) PERIODIC REPORTS BY SECRETARY OF VET- ERANS AFFAIRS.— program mentor, and Veterans Justice Out- objection, it is so ordered. (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year reach Specialist, who assist justice-involved The amendment (No. 2042) in the na- after the date of the enactment of this Act veterans in a veterans treatment court or ture of a substitute was agreed to, as and not less frequently than once every year other veteran-focused court. follows: thereafter, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2) JUSTICE-INVOLVED VETERAN.—The term (Purpose: In the nature of a substitute) shall submit to Congress a report on the im- ‘‘justice-involved veteran’’ means a veteran with active, ongoing, or recent contact with Strike all after the enacting clause and in- plementation of this section and its effect on some component of a local criminal justice sert the following: the Veterans Justice Outreach Program. system. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (B) CONTENTS.—Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the fol- (3) LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.—The This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Veterans term ‘‘local criminal justice system’’ means Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018’’. lowing: (i) The status of the efforts of the Sec- law enforcement, jails, prisons, and Federal, SEC. 2. HIRING BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS State, and local courts. AFFAIRS OF ADDITIONAL VETERANS retary to hire Veterans Justice Outreach (4) VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH PRO- JUSTICE OUTREACH SPECIALISTS. Specialists pursuant to subsection (a)(1), in- GRAM.—The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Out- (a) HIRING OF ADDITIONAL VETERANS JUS- cluding the total number of Veterans Justice reach Program’’ means the program through TICE OUTREACH SPECIALISTS.— Outreach Specialists hired by the Secretary which the Department of Veterans Affairs (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year pursuant to such subsection and the number after the date of the enactment of this Act, that the Secretary expects to hire pursuant identifies justice-involved veterans and pro- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall hire to such subsection. vides such veterans with access to Depart- not fewer than 50 Veterans Justice Outreach (ii) The total number of Veterans Justice ment services. Specialists and place each such Veterans Outreach Specialists assigned to each De- (5) VETERANS JUSTICE OUTREACH SPE- Justice Outreach Specialist at an eligible partment of Veterans Affairs medical center CIALIST.—The term ‘‘Veterans Justice Out- Department of Veterans Affairs medical cen- that participates in the Veterans Justice reach Specialist’’ means an employee of the ter in accordance with this section. Outreach Program, including the number of Department of Veterans Affairs who serves as a liaison between the Department and the (2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary shall Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists hired ensure that each Veterans Justice Outreach under subsection (a)(1) disaggregated by De- local criminal justice system on behalf of a Specialist employed under paragraph (1)— partment of Veterans Affairs medical center. justice-involved veteran. (A) serves, either exclusively or in addition (iii) The total number of eligible Depart- (6) VETERANS TREATMENT COURT.—The term to other duties, as part of a justice team in ment of Veterans Affairs medical centers ‘‘veterans treatment court’’ means a Fed- a veterans treatment court or other veteran- that sought placement of a Veterans Justice eral, State, or local court that is partici- focused court; and Outreach Specialist under subsection (a)(1), pating in the veterans treatment court pro- (B) otherwise meets Department hiring how many Veterans Justice Outreach Spe- gram (as defined in section 2991(i)(1) of the guidelines for Veterans Justice Outreach cialists each such center sought, and how Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act Specialists. many of such medical centers received no of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3797aa(i)(1))). (3) SUPPLEMENT NOT SUPPLANT.—The Sec- placement of a Veterans Justice Outreach The bill (S. 946), as amended, was or- retary shall ensure that the total number of Specialist under subsection (a)(1). dered to be engrossed for a third read- Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists em- (iv) The total number of justice-involved ing, was read the third time, and ployed by the Department is not less than veterans who were served or are expected to passed. be served by a Veterans Justice Outreach the sum of— f (A) the total number of Veterans Justice Specialist hired under subsection (a)(1). Outreach Specialists that were employed by (2) REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL OF DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF the Department on the day before the date of THE UNITED STATES.— VETERANS AFFAIRS TO SUBMIT the enactment of this Act; and (A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years CERTAIN REPORTS (B) the number of Veterans Justice Out- after the date of the enactment of this Act, reach Specialists set forth in paragraph (1). the Comptroller General of the United States Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I (b) ELIGIBLE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- shall submit to Congress a report on the im- ask unanimous consent that the Com- FAIRS MEDICAL CENTERS.—For purposes of plementation of this section and the effec- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- this section, an eligible Department of Vet- tiveness of the Veterans Justice Outreach charged from further consideration of erans Affairs medical center is any Depart- Program. H.R. 1725 and the Senate proceed to its ment of Veterans Affairs medical center (B) CONTENTS.—The report required by sub- immediate consideration. that— paragraph (A) shall include the following: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (1) complies with all Department guide- (i) An assessment of whether the Secretary lines and regulations for placement of a Vet- has fulfilled the Secretary’s obligations objection, it is so ordered. erans Justice Outreach Specialist; under this section. The clerk will report the bill by title. (2) works within a local criminal justice (ii) The number of veterans who are served The senior assistant legislative clerk system with justice-involved veterans; by Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists read as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:36 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G15FE6.064 S15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S1191 A bill (H.R. 1725) to direct the Secretary of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports objection, it is so ordered. sent that it stand adjourned under the relating to medical evidence submitted in The bill (H.R. 4533) was ordered to a previous order. support of claims for benefits under the laws third reading, was read the third time, There being no objection, the Senate, administered by the Secretary. and passed. at 5:58 p.m., adjourned until Friday, There being no objection, the Senate February 16, 2018, at 12 noon. proceeded to consider the bill. f Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I APPOINTMENTS AUTHORITY f ask unanimous consent that the bill be Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I NOMINATIONS considered read a third time and passed ask unanimous consent that notwith- Executive nominations received by and the motion to reconsider be consid- standing the upcoming adjournment of the Senate: ered made and laid upon the table with the Senate, the President of the Sen- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE no intervening action or debate. ate, the President pro tempore, and the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without NAOMI C. EARP, OF MARYLAND, TO BE AN ASSISTANT majority and minority leaders be au- SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, VICE JOE LEONARD, JR. objection, it is so ordered. thorized to make appointments to com- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The bill (H.R. 1725) was ordered to a missions, committees, boards, con- THELMA DRAKE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE FEDERAL TRAN- third reading, was read the third time, ferences, or interparliamentary con- SIT ADMINISTRATOR, VICE PETER M. ROGOFF, RE- and passed. SIGNED. ferences authorized by law, by concur- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR f rent action of the two Houses, or by JAMES REILLY, OF COLORADO, TO BE DIRECTOR OF VETERANS CARE FINANCIAL order of the Senate. THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, VICE SU- PROTECTION ACT OF 2017 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ZETTE M. KIMBALL. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ask unanimous consent that the Com- f JOSEPH CELLA, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE AMBASSADOR EX- TRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- APPOINTMENT STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI, AND TO charged from further consideration of SERVE CONCURRENTLY AND WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COM- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The PENSATION AS AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND H.R. 3122 and the Senate proceed to its PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA immediate consideration. Chair announces, on behalf of the ma- TO THE REPUBLIC OF KIRIBATI, THE REPUBLIC OF jority leader, pursuant to the provi- NAURU, THE KINGDOM OF TONGA, AND TUVALU. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without DAVID B. CORNSTEIN, OF NEW YORK, TO BE AMBAS- objection, it is so ordered. sions of Public Law 93–112, as amended SADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF by Public Law 112–166, and further THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO HUNGARY. The clerk will report the bill by title. GEORGETTE MOSBACHER, OF FLORIDA, TO BE AMBAS- The senior assistant legislative clerk amended by Public Law 113–128, the re- SADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF read as follows: appointment of the following to serve THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF as a member of the National Council on POLAND. A bill (H.R. 3122) to direct the Secretary of DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Veterans Affairs to include on the internet Disability: Neil Romano of Maryland. JEAN CAROL HOVLAND, OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE COM- website of the Department of Veterans Af- f MISSIONER OF THE ADMINISTRATION FOR NATIVE fairs a warning regarding dishonest, preda- AMERICANS, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN tory, or otherwise unlawful practices tar- ORDERS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY SERVICES, VICE LILLIAN A. SPARKS. geting individuals who are eligible for in- 16, 2018, THROUGH MONDAY, FEB- THE JUDICIARY creased pension on the basis of need for reg- RUARY 26, 2018 MARK JEREMY BENNETT, OF HAWAII, TO BE UNITED ular aid and attendance, and for other pur- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE NINTH CIRCUIT, VICE poses. RICHARD R. CLIFTON, RETIRED. ask unanimous consent that when the NANCY E. BRASEL, OF MINNESOTA, TO BE UNITED There being no objection, the Senate Senate completes its business today, it STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF MIN- proceeded to consider the bill. NESOTA, VICE ANN D. MONTGOMERY, RETIRED. adjourn, to then convene for pro forma THOMAS S. KLEEH, OF WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I sessions only, with no business being STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT ask unanimous consent that the bill be OF WEST VIRGINIA, VICE IRENE M. KEELEY, RETIRED. conducted, on the following dates and ANDREW S. OLDHAM, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNITED STATES considered read a third time and passed times, and that following each pro CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT, VICE EDWARD and the motion to reconsider be consid- C. PRADO, RETIRING. forma session, the Senate adjourn until PETER J. PHIPPS, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE UNITED ered made and laid upon the table with the next pro forma session: Friday, STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT no intervening action or debate. OF PENNSYLVANIA, VICE TERRENCE F. MCVERRY, RE- February 16 at 12 noon; Tuesday, Feb- TIRED. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ruary 20 at 5 p.m.; Friday, February 23 MICHAEL Y. SCUDDER, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE UNITED objection, it is so ordered. STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT, at 2 p.m. I further ask that when the VICE RICHARD A. POSNER, RETIRED. The bill (H.R. 3122) was ordered to a Senate adjourns on Friday, February AMY J. ST. EVE, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE UNITED STATES third reading, was read the third time, CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT, VICE ANN 23, it next convene at 3 p.m., Monday, CLAIRE WILLIAMS, RETIRED. and passed. February 26, and that following the ERIC C. TOSTRUD, OF MINNESOTA, TO BE UNITED f STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF MIN- prayer and pledge, the morning hour be NESOTA, VICE DONOVAN W. FRANK, RETIRED. CHARLES J. WILLIAMS, OF IOWA, TO BE UNITED LEXINGTON VA HEALTH CARE deemed expired, the Journal of pro- STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT SYSTEM ceedings be approved to date, the time OF IOWA, VICE LINDA R. READE, RETIRED. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I for the two leaders be reserved for their f use later in the day, and morning busi- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- CONFIRMATIONS ate proceed to the immediate consider- ness be closed; further, that following Executive nominations confirmed by ation of H.R. 4533, which was received the closing of morning business, Sen- the Senate February 15, 2018: from the House. ator PETERS be recognized to deliver The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Washington’s Farewell Address; fur- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY clerk will report the bill by title. ther, that following the address, the JOHN MARSHALL MITNICK, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE GEN- The senior assistant legislative clerk Senate proceed to executive session ERAL COUNSEL, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY. read as follows: and resume consideration of the DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Branch nomination; finally, that not- JOHN C. DEMERS, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT A bill (H.R. 4533) to designate the health ATTORNEY GENERAL. care system of the Department of Veterans withstanding the provisions of rule DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Affairs in Lexington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Lex- XXII, the cloture vote on the Branch ington VA Health Care System’’ and to make nomination occur at 5:30 p.m., Monday, NEIL JACOBS, OF NORTH CAROLINA, TO BE AN ASSIST- ANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE. certain other designations. February 26. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE There being no objection, the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without JOSEPH D. BROWN, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNITED STATES proceeded to consider the bill. objection, it is so ordered. ATTORNEY FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS FOR Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I f THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. ask unanimous consent that the bill be MATTHEW D. KRUEGER, OF WISCONSIN, TO BE UNITED ADJOURNMENT UNTIL TOMORROW STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF WIS- considered read a third time and passed CONSIN FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. and the motion to reconsider be consid- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, if NORMAN EUELL ARFLACK, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT ered made and laid upon the table. there is no further business to come be- OF KENTUCKY FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS.

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TED G. KAMATCHUS, OF IOWA, TO BE UNITED STATES WILLIAM ROPER, OF GEORGIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT BRANDON J. FREMIN, OF LOUISIANA, TO BE UNITED MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF IOWA FOR SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE. STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOU- THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. PHYLLIS L. BAYER, OF MISSISSIPPI, TO BE AN ASSIST- ISIANA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANT SECRETARY OF THE NAVY. JOSEPH P. KELLY, OF NEBRASKA, TO BE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA JOEL DANIES, OF MARYLAND, A CAREER MEMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUNSELOR, HOLLY W. GREAVES, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, SCOTT W. MURRAY, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, TO BE UNITED TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENI- TO BE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, ENVIRONMENTAL STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW HAMP- POTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO PROTECTION AGENCY. SHIRE FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. THE GABONESE REPUBLIC, AND TO SERVE CONCUR- DAVID C. WEISS, OF DELAWARE, TO BE UNITED STATES RENTLY AND WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AS AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE DEMO- JOHN H. GIBSON II, OF TEXAS, TO BE CHIEF MANAGE- DAVID G. JOLLEY, OF TENNESSEE, TO BE UNITED CRATIC REPUBLIC OF SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE. MENT OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. STATES MARSHAL FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEN- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NESSEE FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. JOHN H. DURHAM, OF CONNECTICUT, TO BE UNITED THOMAS M. GRIFFIN, JR., OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BE STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT MELISSA F. BURNISON, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE AN AS- UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. SISTANT SECRETARY OF ENERGY (CONGRESSIONAL AND CAROLINA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. MICHAEL T. BAYLOUS, OF WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS). UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DIS- DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TRICT OF WEST VIRGINIA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR DEPARTMENT OF STATE YEARS. LISA GORDON–HAGERTY, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE UNDER PETER HENDRICK VROOMAN, OF NEW YORK, A CAREER DANIEL R. MCKITTRICK, OF MISSISSIPPI, TO BE UNITED SECRETARY FOR NUCLEAR SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OF MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF STATES MARSHAL FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ENERGY. COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND MISSISSIPPI FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE KEVIN FAHEY, OF MASSACHUSETTS, TO BE AN ASSIST- JOHN HENDERSON, OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE AN AS- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SISTANT SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE. ANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE. MICHAEL D. GRIFFIN, OF ALABAMA, TO BE UNDER SEC- JOHN C. ANDERSON, OF NEW MEXICO, TO BE UNITED THOMAS E. AYRES, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE GEN- RETARY OF DEFENSE FOR RESEARCH AND ENGINEER- STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO ERAL COUNSEL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR ING. FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS. FORCE.

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HONORING PAUL CLARK AS THE incorporated on February 24, 1893, becoming ta’s waters and wildlife for future generations WEST SENECA CHAMBER OF the 95th city in California. to appreciate. This incredible commitment to COMMERCE’S CITIZEN OF THE Rocklin has a vibrant history. Through grit, our region and to conservation merits our YEAR determination and hard work, the City built a highest distinction. foundation on granite mining and railroads. On behalf of the people of California’s 3rd HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Rocklin was first recognized as a destination Congressional District, I offer my sincere con- on the transcontinental railroad in 1864, about gratulations as well as my best wishes for the OF NEW YORK the same time granite mining began. By 1910, years ahead. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 22 quarries were operating and shipping near- f Thursday, February 15, 2018 ly 2,000 carloads of granite. Rocklin granite was used to build the state capitol and many THE FIGHT TO DEFEAT MALARIA Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, buildings in San Francisco. today I rise to honor Mr. Paul Clark of West Seneca as he is presented with the 2018 Cit- In 1908, Southern Pacific announced that HON. JAMIE RASKIN OF MARYLAND izen of the Year Award by the West Seneca the railyards would be moved to Roseville, Chamber of Commerce at Kloc’s Grove. Paul causing many residents to abandon their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has proven a recognized leader in his commu- homes and follow the company. The granite Thursday, February 15, 2018 nity through his extensive public service. industry also declined precipitously. The citizens persisted by starting small businesses, Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Paul has worked as a certified public ac- granite operations, agriculture, and a friendly, strong support of U.S. leadership to end ma- countant for over four decades. He belongs to communal environment until the 1950s, when laria globally, a movement driven by the Presi- the New York State Society of Certified Public signs of growth began again. The construction dent’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund to Accountants and is a partner at the firm Clark of Highway 80 beginning in 1958 began to ex- Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These & Nihill. As a member of the Construction Ex- pand the City’s potential for development. The benchmark programs have helped save the change of the New York Board of Governors, Rocklin Sierra College campus was completed lives of seven million people from this dev- he has trained local contractors in accounting in 1961, and suburban expansion led to astating disease for nearly two decades. I am and finance. growth in the housing market during the late proud to represent the 8th District of Maryland, As a leader, mentor, and engaged neighbor, 1950s and 1960s. where many of the major life-saving scientific Paul has been a Cub Scout Den Leader, discoveries have occurred, notably at the Wal- Rocklin realized the benefits of a low cost of coach of St. John Vianney’s Boys Basketball, ter Reed Army Institute of Research and the living and land that drew high technology firms and sponsor of West Seneca Girls Softball. He National Institutes of Health. and other industries to the region. This re- has belonged to the local Rotary Chapter for As a leader in the fight to eliminate malaria, sulted in an expansion of commercial and resi- over thirty years, serving in every position. the U.S. has helped create and advance life- dential development, including Stanford saving interventions like insecticide-treated Initiatives Paul has been involved with have Ranch, a 3,000 acre planned community. By bed nets, indoor residual spray, and rapid di- improved quality of life in Western New York, 2016, it was the fourth-fastest growing city in and include bringing the Koessler Center to agnostic tests throughout endemic regions in- California. In 2016, the city completed an cluding Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Canisius College, and assisting in the char- $11.3 million interchange at Highway 65 and tering and organization of the board of the and Southeast Asia. Between 2000 and 2015, Whitney Ranch Parkway, providing increased the U.S. and our global partners have driven Burchfield Nature and Art Center. As a mem- access to nearly 200 acres for development. ber of the YMCA Capital Board he advised down malaria death rates by 62 percent over- Abundant parks, trails, and open space members to create Ismailia Shrine Temple all, and by 69 percent for children under five. make Rocklin that much more enjoyable. The and to bring the Y to the Southtowns. Yet, despite this progress, more work remains: City protects its natural resources and recently the World Health Organization (WHO) re- Paul’s volunteer efforts reflect his commit- completed the purchase of approximately 184 ment to history, economic development, edu- ported 445,000 deaths in 2016 caused by this acres of land that was previously the site of preventable and treatable disease. cation, healthcare and an appreciation for an the Rocklin Golf Club. This green space at the iconic American automobile. The Pan-Am Ex- In its World Malaria Report of 2017, the heart of the city will provide an oasis for out- WHO highlighted the successes and short- position Society, West Seneca Development door activities and opportunities for expansion Corp., Bennett High School, Mercy Flight, and comings of the global community’s efforts to of recreation, parks and trails systems. combat this disease, which is still killing hun- the Western New York Mustang Car Club I am excited to celebrate Rocklin’s 125th have benefitted from his good and generous dreds of thousands of people every year. Anniversary, and look forward to the continued While annual reports have noted steady de- works. successes of the city. Mr. Speaker, I want to honor Mr. Paul Clark clines in deaths and infections caused by ma- as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce’s f laria, progress has stalled due to insecticide and drug resistance, stagnant funding from 2018 Citizen of the Year. His dedication to our COMMENDING JAY SORENSEN community is commendable, and I wish him all global and domestic partners, and political in- the best in his future endeavors. stability. For the first time since 2000, when HON. JOHN GARAMENDI the global community first came together to f OF CALIFORNIA end malaria, infection rates increased and CELEBRATING THE CITY OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES death rates did not decline. This is the stark reality of the fight against malaria: when atten- ROCKLIN, CA 125TH ANNIVERSARY Thursday, February 15, 2018 tion and funding shrink, the disease thrives Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and spreads. HON. TOM McCLINTOCK to recognize and commend Jay Sorensen I urge my colleagues to join me in con- OF CALIFORNIA upon his induction into the California Outdoors tinuing our bipartisan commitment to defeating IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Hall of Fame. This honor is a testament to his malaria, including full funding of the Presi- dedication in working to promote conservation. dent’s Malaria Initiative and the Global Fund to Thursday, February 15, 2018 As a lifelong fishing lover, his tireless advo- Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. To- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, the City of cacy for the Delta has not only inspired thou- gether, we can ensure that a day will arrive Rocklin, California celebrates its 125th Anni- sands of others to take part in the great out- when no child will ever again die from a mos- versary on February 24, 2018. The city was doors, but has also helped preserve the Del- quito bite.

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

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.001 E15FEPT1 E192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 15, 2018 RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVER- earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Univer- tional Mexican heritage, but with an inde- SARY OF MEMORIAL BAPTIST sity of Chicago Law School. Thereafter, he pendent Texas twist. CHURCH worked at a private law firm in California. San Antonio is home to five missions estab- However, he was motivated to work in public lished along the San Antonio River in the HON. BRIAN BABIN service after the events of September 11, 1700s by Catholic missionaries. The five mis- OF TEXAS 2001. He joined the Office of Anti-Terrorism at sions are all but three miles apart from each IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S. Customs Service, a legacy organization other: Mission San Antonio de Valero (The of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where Alamo), Mission Concepcion, Mission San Thursday, February 15, 2018 he was eventually named as the Director. Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Mr. McAleenan became Acting Commis- The missions served to make the American In- ognize the 100th Anniversary of Memorial sioner of CBP on January 20th, 2017. Prior to dians into Spanish citizens. By entering the Baptist Church, located in the city of Baytown his role as Acting Commissioner, Mr. missions, the Indians pledged to follow the in East Harris County. McAleenan held several leadership positions rules of Spain. They set aside their traditional This area was mainly a farming and ranch- with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in- life to learn a new language, accept a new re- ing community known as Goose Creek, until cluding Deputy Commissioner of CBP and As- ligion and pledge allegiance to a new king. oil was found there in 1907 and it quickly be- sistant Commissioner at the Office of Field Today the missions represent a connection came a rowdy and untidy camp. In 1918, Rev- Operations. Upon Mr. McAleenan’s appoint- with our past. The missions depict classic erend J. W. Anderson felt that God was calling ment to Deputy Commissioner, former CBP Spanish architecture, domes and bell towers, him to organize a church in Goose Creek. At Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske spoke of and sanctuaries that still have active parishes this time a group of Christian women held a McAleenan highly, saying, ‘‘His dedication, his and cultural centers. The missions are a part prayer meeting in their homes and the First vision to transform CBP and to ensure that we of every Texan’s history. Baptist Church of Goose Creek was organized remain the nation’s premier law enforcement Military Plaza was first established in 1722 with eight members. Reverend Anderson was agency, is truly astounding.’’ as a parade ground and market square for the named the pastor and the first building was Throughout his career, Mr. McAleenan Spanish troops stationed there. Today, the built. In 1927, the church had grown to 614 worked to increase security at the border, im- only noticeable evidence of the Spanish troops members and Reverend J. D. Fuller became proved terrorism detection and response tac- marching and living in the plaza is the Spanish the new pastor. Due to their increased size, tics, and supervised the trade and travel at Governor’s Palace. The area has been the the congregation needed a larger building. over 300 domestic ports of entry. In his cur- heart of the city and today is the commercial This building cost $50,000 and they had a rent role, he has three core missions: counter- and government center of San Antonio. hard time making payments during the depres- terrorism, border security, and trade enforce- Any Texan will tell you that water is very im- sion. On December 7, 1945, the cities of Pelly ment. Mr. McAleenan oversees 60,000 em- portant to our state, and water is what contrib- annexed Goose Creek and Baytown. At this ployees and directs the largest law-enforce- uted to San Antonio’s rich history. The San time, the church changed its name to Memo- ment agency in the federal government. For Antonio River comes from the Edwards Aqui- rial Baptist Church and built a new sanctuary his work, Mr. McAleenan received the Service fer Spring Field north of downtown San Anto- on Sterling Street. to America Medal, Call to Service Award, and nio. With this natural resource, the missions In 2008 Memorial Church and Trinity Baptist in 2015, he was honored with a Presidential and plaza were located close by. It provided a Church voted to donate their church buildings Rank Award, the nation’s highest civil service clean reliable source to the missionaries and on Highway 146 to Memorial. This new area award. soldiers. became the North Campus of Memorial Bap- Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the op- The river supported agricultural operations tist Church and Reverend Andrew McDaniel portunity to recognize Mr. Kevin McAleenan. I at the missions through an irrigation system was named pastor. On 25 August 2017, Hurri- congratulate him on receiving the prestigious created by the early settlers. Portions of this cane Harvey came ashore in Texas. It flooded LULAC No. 12 Senõr Internacional award. water system remain used today, 300 years Baytown and other areas along the coast. Me- f later. morial Baptist Church’s gym was used as a Over the years, the Tejanos prospered and shelter for over 180 people. A deacon of the SAN ANTONIO’S TERCENTENNIAL furthered their distinction from the Spanish church named Robby Davis along with a team YEAR—1718 crown and from other parts of Mexico. A failed of other church members helped to clean out attempt by the Tejanos against Spanish rule homes to be repaired. They moved furniture, HON. TED POE gained new hope when Mexico won independ- cabinets, flooring and sheet rock. Some peo- OF TEXAS ence from Spain in 1831. ple did day labor, furnished food, washed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES By this time Texas had seen a significant in- flux of settlers from the United States, and like clothes and provided places for victims of the Thursday, February 15, 2018 storm to stay. Memorial North Campus was the Tejanos, had a culture unique as the land also flooded and on November 4, 2017, they Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today it occupied. As Texas’ distinction from Mexico were able to worship at that location again. to congratulate the City of San Antonio and its grew, so did the desire for local rule and sov- On 25 February 2018, this church will cele- residents on the 300th anniversary of the city’s ereignty. brate being a century old. God has used Me- founding. San Antonio has grown from a small The passion for independence spread morial Baptist Church as an amazing witness farming community along the banks of the San throughout Texas and San Antonio and on for 100 years and I am privileged to have such Antonio River into the 7th largest city in the March 2, 1836, 54 delegates signed the Texas a place of worship in my district. United States. Declaration of Independence and the fight for Its rich history and vibrant culture is what f freedom began. 187 freedom fighters started makes it truly unique. The first flag to fly over assembling in an old beat-up mission in San RECOGNIZING KEVIN MCALEENAN Texas was the Spanish flag. Spain laid official Antonio. claim to what is now parts of Texas from 1716 Juan Seguıń and his company of Tejanos HON. HENRY CUELLAR to 1821, as part of the Viceroyalty of New rode into the Alamo and readied for battle OF TEXAS Spain, or Colonial Mexico. On May 1, 1718, alongside William Barrett Travis, Jim Bowie IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Mission San Antonio de Valero—later and Davy Crockett. This rag-tag group of re- known as the Alamo—was established. lentless patriots, made up of men from nearly Thursday, February 15, 2018 The Tejanos’ place in Texas history took every state in the Union and 13 foreign coun- Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to root in the 1700s when the land was under tries, including Mexico, readied for one of the recognize Kevin McAleenan, Acting Commis- Spanish rule. A group of mostly Spanish-Indi- most storied battles in our history. sioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection ans loyal to the Spanish crown pushed their Outnumbered by an overwhelming Mexican (CBP): Mr. McAleenan has been chosen as colonial empire north from Mexico to found a army, these Texas warriors knew that sur- the United States’ honoree for the prestigious military post and religious missions to estab- render was not an option. Retreat was never League of United Latin American Citizens lish San Antonio. As frontier people, they were on the table. Victory or death. Council No. 12 (LULAC) Senõr Internacional mainly ranchers and farmers and developed a On February 23, 1836, Santa Ana’s army of award. culture unique to them. Settling northeastern 1500 well-armed troops unleashed on the de- Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Mexico, the area of modem day San Antonio, fenders of the Alamo. During the siege, Travis Arts from Amherst College, Mr. McAleenan many of their customs reflected that of tradi- sent out his famous call for reinforcements.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15FE8.004 E15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E193 Juan Seguıń was the last messenger to leave, The State of California has the sixth largest Trumbull County being the treasurer of that or- riding through enemy lines carrying the final economy in the world and accounts for almost ganization for over 25 years. message from the beleaguered mission. Un- 15 percent of our nation’s Gross Domestic Outside of work, Jim was a member of Our fortunately, the call for help was not answered Product. Given the implementation of tax re- Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, Ohio. in time. Travis and 187 volunteers sacrificed form and elimination of State and Local Tax Additionally, he was an active participant in their lives on the altar of freedom after thirteen deductions in the coming year, coupled with various business and social organization in the glorious days at the Alamo. our limited federal budget due to sequestra- community, including The Chamber, Kiwanis, Regrouping in Gonzales, Seguıń and his tion, California and other states will experience YMCA, TAG, Butler Art, The Buckeye Club, company of Tejanos joined General Sam funding shortfalls that need to be addressed. Trumbull County Club, Ohio State Faculty Houston in the final battle for independence The economic constraints being placed on Club, and the Ohio State Alumni Association. along the marshy banks of the San Jacinto California will slow down our economy, but Jim also enjoyed spending time with his family River. This was the only Tejano unit at San marijuana sales taxes will help provide stability and friends. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, Jacinto. As not to confuse the Tejanos with and be a mechanism used to fill the funding and taking care of his home. Above all, he Santa Anna’s army, General Sam had Seguıń gaps. By 2020, marijuana sales taxes are esti- was an avid sports fan of the Indians, the put a playing card in the head band of each mated to potentially reach $1 billion annually Browns, and the Cavs. One of the highlights Tejano so they could easily be recognized. In in revenue for California. of his life was a visit to Augusta National Golf an impromptu siege on the sleeping enemy, To date, eight states have legalized rec- Course to witness the play of the Masters Golf General Sam and his boys routed the Mexican reational cannabis and twenty-nine states and Tournament. He especially enjoyed watching Army yelling, ‘‘Remember the Alamo!’’ ‘‘Re- the District of Columbia—which represent Ohio State Football games. He was a season member Goliad!’’ Most of the enemy were more than half of the American population— ticket holder for 48 years, following the Buck- killed or wounded. The rest were captured or have enacted legislation to permit the use of eyes to several bowl games across the coun- disappeared, the victory was stunning. medical marijuana. The repeal of the Cole try. Texas became a free, independent nation Memo contravenes the will of the American He will be truly missed by his wife Nancy that day and claimed what is now Texas and public. Furthermore, this decision will nega- Vennitti DeGood, the love of his life; his son, parts of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Col- tively affect numerous Americans who utilize Douglas DeGood of Charleston, South Caro- orado and Wyoming. In June of 1836, Juan marijuana for medical purposes. lina; his daughter Terri Pytlik of Warren; his Seguıń accepted the official Mexican sur- Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan brother Jerry DeGood and his wife Mary of render of San Antonio and later saw that the Sensible Enforcement of Cannabis Act with Brookville, Florida; and by so many others remains of those that perished at the Alamo Representative GAETZ. This legislation will pro- who had the pleasure of knowing Jim. I extend received an honorable burial. hibit the Attorney General from prosecuting in- my deepest and sincerest condolences. A plaque on the Alamo wall states: ‘‘The dividuals for any conduct that concerns medic- f Alamo: The Thermopylae of Texas.’’ The inal cannabis or recreational use of cannabis Alamo is a tribute to all those that are defiant in states that have authorized cannabis laws. INTRODUCTION OF THE FRESH against any form of tyranny. It is important for The bill would also include exceptions in which START ACT us to recognize all those that sacrificed for the Attorney General would be able to pros- freedom, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Re- ecute such cases involving the distribution of HON. STEVE COHEN member who we are and what we stand for— cannabis to minors, among others. OF TENNESSEE remember the Alamo. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Whether it is the river walk, historic mis- f sions, floating parades, amazing food or the REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JIM Thursday, February 15, 2018 Alamo that you love about going to San Anto- DEGOOD Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, in the wake of nio; there is something for everyone of every the release of President Trump’s outrageous age. This year as San Antonio celebrates 300 HON. TIM RYAN budget that slashes funding for programs that years of history, I encourage everyone, wheth- OF OHIO help reduce crime and reduce recidivism, I er you’re a longtime Texan or a transplant, to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rise in support of the Fresh Start Act, a bill I take the time and learn something new about reintroduced earlier today that will bring posi- San Antonio’s unique and fascinating history. Thursday, February 15, 2018 tive reform to our criminal justice system. Three centuries later, that same dogged deter- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise If enacted, the Fresh Start Act would allow mination that filled that little Spanish mission is to remember the life of Jim DeGood who certain individuals who have been convicted of what continues to set Texas apart from all the passed away peacefully on January 22, 2018 nonviolent offenses, have paid their debt to rest. in Niles, Ohio. I can’t really speak of Jim with- society, and are now law-abiding members of And that’s just the way it is. out speaking of Nancy in the same breath. the community to petition courts to have their f They were partners in every sense of the nonviolent conviction expunged from their INTRODUCTION OF SENSIBLE word. And they were a force for me when I records. ENFORCEMENT OF CANNABIS ACT first started running for political office. I am for- A criminal record, even for a minor, non- ever indebted to them for helping launch my violent offense, can pose as a barrier to em- career. ployment, education and housing opportuni- HON. J. LUIS CORREA Jim was born on May 7, 1935 in Marysville, ties—the very things necessary to start one’s OF CALIFORNIA Ohio to Max and Marjory Schoenleb DeGood. life over. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He was the oldest of four children. Jim was a This is not only bad for rehabilitated offend- Thursday, February 15, 2018 1953 graduate of Marysville High School ers, it is bad for their families and for the com- Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, in January, the where he was an honors student, president of munities in which they live. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rescinded student council, and recipient of nine varsity The Fresh Start Act would give nonviolent the Cole Memorandum, a directive which has letters in three different sports. He continued offenders a chance to start over again, a provided a framework for states to pursue rea- his education at The Ohio State University chance to become productive members of so- sonable regulation of cannabis. DOJ’s ill-con- earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in ciety. ceived decision adversely affects states, in- Business Administration in 1953. The bill allows offenders to apply for cluding the State of California, that have in He began his career with the underwriting expungement to the court where they were ‘‘good faith’’ implemented regulatory frame- division of the Glens Falls Insurance Company sentenced and allows the United States Attor- works, relying on the memo. at their Columbus office later becoming the ney for that District to submit recommenda- In November 2016, the people of California manager of that department. In 1967, he tions to the court. Applicants who are denied spoke up and voted in favor of Proposition 64, moved to Warren, Ohio and joined the Gam- could reapply once every two years. Once which legalized recreational cannabis, joining ble Insurance Agency. Some years later, Jim seven years have elapsed since an offender seven states in our nation in making rec- and his partners purchased The Gamble has completed their sentence, expungement reational cannabis legal. Currently, those laws Agency. It continued to operate in Howland as would be automatically granted. However, sex are being implemented. The recent action by the Gibson-DeGood Insurance Agency until offenders and those who commit crimes caus- the Attorney General puts the industry in jeop- Jim retired. Jim was also a member of the ing a loss of over $25,000 would not be eligi- ardy. Independent Insurance Agents Association of ble for automatic expungement.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.003 E15FEPT1 E194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 15, 2018 Finally, the bill would also encourage states terning in my office with the Uni-Capitol Wash- staff that they were able to achieve this suc- to pass their own expungement laws for state ington Program. The Uni-Capitol Washington cess. offenses. States that pass a substantially simi- Program (UCWIP) has paired some of the Once again, congratulations to Coach Bob lar law would receive a 5 percent increase in brightest Australian students with various con- Bergman and the Comets on the state cham- their Byrne funding while those that do not gressional offices for almost two decades and pionship. Great job Genoa wrestling. would lose 5 percent of their Byrne funds. I am happy to be a host again this year. Zac It is one thing to convict someone of a non- comes to us from Griffith University in f violent crime. It is quite another to condemn Queensland and is currently pursuing a de- him to a de facto life sentence for it. gree in government and international relations. INTRODUCTION OF THE STATE IN- I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Over the past month, I have found him to be SURANCE REGULATION PRESER- f outstanding in his duties and he has gone VATION ACT above and beyond our expectations. He has HONORING THE WEST SENECA attended committee hearings, drafted con- YOUTH THEATRE AS COMMUNITY stituent correspondence, and assisted me as HON. KEITH J. ROTHFUS SERVICE ORGANIZATION OF THE well as my staff with research. His Australian YEAR accent has garnered the attention of many of OF PENNSYLVANIA my constituents on tours and over the phone. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Zac’s commitment, hard work, and presence OF NEW YORK have been an asset to the office. Thursday, February 15, 2018 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The program has been in force for 19 years Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, together with Thursday, February 15, 2018 thanks to the vision of Eric Federing, its director and founder. The students who are se- my colleague Representative BEATTY, I am Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, lected come from a variety of academic dis- pleased to introduce today the State Insurance today I rise to honor the West Seneca Youth ciplines, but all have a common interest: pro- Regulation Preservation Act. This legislation Theatre, as the West Seneca Chamber of moting the U.S.-Australia relationship. These will ensure that the regulation of insurance Commerce names the group 2018 Community student placements are enhanced by the for- savings and loan holding companies reflects Service Organization of the Year during their mation of genuine friendships and the ex- our state system of insurance regulation while annual Community Awards ceremony at Kloc’s change of views and ideas between the Aus- protecting policyholders and depositors. Grove. tralian interns and their respective offices. We The Dodd-Frank Act brought insurance sav- The West Seneca Youth Theatre was are grateful for these friendships and it is our ings and loan holding companies under Fed- founded in 2005 to give children ages 10 to 17 hope that they strengthen the diplomatic ties eral Reserve Supervision for the first time. As an opportunity to perform in a theatrical set- of our great countries. such, these insurance companies are currently ting. Since its creation, the theatre has pre- I would like to thank Eric Federing for the regulated by both the states, and the Federal sented numerous productions of professional opportunity to host Zac over the past several Reserve. Consistent with the Dodd-Frank Act’s caliber, teaching children the value of hard weeks. To date, over 210 interns have come reaffirmation that insurance should be regu- work, friendship, and giving back to others. through his program representing nine dif- lated by the states, our legislation remedies In addition to performing at local schools, ferent universities. It enhances opportunities the current structural inefficiency by allowing the West Seneca Youth Theatre has enter- for the individuals who come and enlighten the Federal Reserve to ensure that the holding tained at the Kiwanis Club’s annual Christmas those who they come to. After the internship, company is well capitalized, while leaving the and Easter celebrations for adults with disabil- many receive jobs on Capitol Hill in Wash- day-to-day regulation to the states. ities, and has visited and performed at as- ington, D.C. or go to work with Federal or var- sisted living and long-term-care facilities in- ious State Parliaments in Australia. Other in- The bill accomplishes this providing that including the Garden Gate Health Care facility terns have gone on to work in the Australian surance savings and loan holding companies and Father Baker Manor. Embassy or The World Bank. Simply put, this that meet state and federal capital standards A fixture in the community, the West Sen- program selects incredibly talented individuals are regulated day-to-day by the states. The eca Youth Theatre presents Christmas carols that are a pleasure to host and work with. It Federal Reserve would remain the backstop at the Southgate Plaza annually, and has fre- was an honor to have Zac in our office, and regulator for these companies and would re- quently been invited to perform at Town of I wish him the very best in the future. I thank tain the ability to step in if capital levels were West Seneca-sponsored programs. Zac for his hard work and dedication. insufficient, and also would retain general emergency authority to step as the day-to-day Outside of bringing entertainment and joy to f many, the theatre troupe consistently gives regulator. The thrifts in these companies back to the community. Following extensive CONGRATULATIONS TO THE would continue to be regulated by the Office flood damage in 2014 to the Lexington Green GENOA HIGH SCHOOL WRES- of the Comptroller of the Currency, and Fed- neighborhood, children in the theatre raised TLING TEAM FOR WINNING THE eral Reserve would retain the ability to exam- more than $9,000 for those affected. Each OHSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ine material subsidiaries. year, students and directors volunteer their This legislation is important and helpful be- time and expertise to West Middle School pro- HON. ROBERT E. LATTA cause Dodd-Frank did not provide specific in- ductions, as well as loaning out set pieces and OF OHIO structions on how the Federal Reserve super- costumes to various school productions in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vision should complement state insurance su- area. Thursday, February 15, 2018 pervision for companies that are subject to Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity both. We believe this legislation would create Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize to recognize the West Seneca Youth Theatre. greater regulatory efficiency, without con- the Genoa High School Comets for winning I congratulate the West Seneca Youth Theatre straining the Federal Reserve’s ability to fulfill the Ohio School Athletic Association Division as the recipient of the 2018 Community Serv- its statutory mandate to protect the safety and III Team Wrestling Championship. This title ice Organization of the Year award and wish soundness of these institutions. them continued success in all their future en- was the first team state championship of any deavors. kind in the school’s history. As we developed this bill, both members of f Having placed runner-up at last year’s Congress and regulators identified potential championships, the number one seeded Com- improvements to ensure that the objectives of RECOGNIZING MR. ZACHARY LOOK ets defeated Massillon Tuslaw 40–20 in the this bill are met. In particular, we are com- final to secure the state title and cap off an mitted to preventing gaps in regulation, and HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT undefeated season. ensuring that the Federal Reserve has ade- OF ALABAMA These student-athletes gave it their all, and quate information and authority to step in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES their community should be proud of them. when needed. Our objective is to pass a bill Wrestling is a technical sport that requires at- that embodies sound public policy and enjoys Thursday, February 15, 2018 tention to detail, endurance, and toughness. broad bipartisan support. We look forward to Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, it is my privi- It’s a testament to the dedication and hard continued dialogue and hope our colleagues lege to recognize Mr. Zachary Look, who is in- work of the Genoa team and the coaching can support this needed legislation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.006 E15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E195 HONORING THE RETURN OF SAM HONORING WENDY PIASECKI AS she would meet her husband of 60 plus years, JOHNSON AND THE 45TH ANNI- EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Daniel Leavell. VERSARY OF OPERATION HOME- Once her children became school age and COMING HON. BRIAN HIGGINS began to attend Sandusky City Schools she OF NEW YORK became active in the school system as well. When her children were young she worked for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. KENNY MARCHANT the school district as a teacher’s aide, bus Thursday, February 15, 2018 driver, and served as the Treasurer for the OF TEXAS Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, Sandusky Band Parents Association. Her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today I rise to honor Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as dedication to the Sandusky City schools con- she is presented with the 2018 Educator of tinued always. Even after her children grad- Thursday, February 15, 2018 the Year award by the West Seneca Chamber uated, she continued her connection to the Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today of Commerce at Kloc’s Grove. Mrs. Pasiecki school by working as a substitute teacher. Civil rights was a cause that Lovey was to recognize and honor the 45th anniversary exemplifies dedication as an educator, and committed to as well. As a lifetime member of of my friend and hero, Congressman SAM West Seneca is fortunate to benefit from her talents. the Sandusky NAACP, she worked on a num- JOHNSON, returning home from his imprison- ber of committees for her local branch. She ment in a North Vietnamese prison camp dur- Forty years ago, Mrs. Piasecki began her career by earning her Master of Music degree would help set up meetings at which local poli- ing the Vietnam War. Operation Homecoming, in composition theory. At age 40, Mrs. ticians would be able to talk about issues which occurred from February through April in Piasecki boldly decided to go back to school dealing not only with civil rights, but also other 1973, returned 591 American prisoners of war and attain a teaching certificate. important issues that impacted the community. held during the Vietnam War. Mrs. Piasecki devoted her career to music Her commitment to civil rights was one of the During SAM’s tenure of nearly three decades education in and outside of schools. In her two main reasons she decided to become a real- in the United States Air Force, he unfortu- decades plus in the West Seneca Central tor. Throughout her life she saw the damage nately spent nearly seven years as a prisoner School District, Mrs. Piasecki has taught that was being done to minorities due to the of war in Vietnam. During his time in captivity, music education and theater at nearly every effects of redlining. It was her commitment to SAM endured various forms of torture, de- grade level and at every school. She has tu- civil rights that made her want to become a re- signed to break his will. His continuous defi- tored students outside of school in music the- altor in order to help people obtain the Amer- ance caused his Vietnamese captors to place ory and piano. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. ican dream of home ownership. Congressman JOHNSON in a notoriously cruel Pasiecki has helped students in extracurricular Lovey Leavell was on a first name basis prisoner of war camp, nicknamed the ‘‘Hanoi activities, such as preparing for the Erie Coun- with every elected official that represented the Hilton.’’ Even after being subjected to 42 ty Music Educators Association Music Festival, city of Sandusky, from local up through the months of solitary confinement and repeatedly chaperoning students’ trips to the Young Peo- federal level. It was not uncommon for politi- tortured, SAM never let his captors defeat his ple’s concert at Fantasy Island, directing musi- cians and candidates to call her and her hus- resistant spirit and will. On February 17, 1973, cals, and even presenting student performers band Dan for advice. She was a lifelong Dem- SAM was able to return home to Texas, where at the Junior Musical Theater Celebration at ocrat, her views on politics were perhaps best he was greeted by his family. Shea’s Theater, one of Buffalo’s finest per- described by Sandusky Mayor Dennis Murray formance venues. when he said this about Lovey, ‘‘She was Colonel JOHNSON retired after 29–years in Educators like Mrs. Piasecki, who invest never about the games of partisanship. She the United States Air Force, serving as a di- themselves in the children and our community, believed totally in people and in the core rector of the Air Force Fighter Weapons are part of what makes Western New York things that Democrats stand for—equality, op- School, a commander of the 31st Tactical such a special place. Because of her dedica- portunity and good government.’’ Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, tion, parents can rest assured that their kids Later in life when most people would decide a commander with an air division out of will be attending school in a supportive envi- to relax and enjoy their retirement years, Holloman Air Force Base, and a pilot in the Air ronment that allows them to explore their cre- Lovey decided it was time for her to get a col- Force Thunderbirds. Flying over 62 combat ative sides while receiving a first-rate edu- lege degree. She received two degrees, asso- missions and being a combat veteran of both cation. ciates and then bachelors, both from BGSU the Vietnam and Korean Wars, SAM encap- Mr. Speaker, once again I want to honor Firelands. Her time at Firelands was filled not sulates patriotism and dedication to his coun- Mrs. Wendy Piasecki as she receives the only with classwork but also with trips to the try. For his service, SAM was awarded two Sil- West Seneca Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 United Nations in New York, involvement with ver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distin- Educator of the Year award. Her personal de- student government, and several other groups. guished Flying Cross, and a Bronze Star, votion to teaching serves as a model for future The students there would come to know her among other well-earned awards. educators and an inspiration to all of us who as ‘‘Grandma Lovey’’. During her time there It is a privilege and an honor to serve along- believe in public service. she made such an impression on the stu- side one of my personal heroes and true f dents, staff, and faculty she was awarded the friends. We first served together in the Texas Links to Progress Award, the highest honor HONORING THE LIFE OF MRS. State Legislature from 1987 until 1991, when any person can receive from BGSU Firelands. LOVEY ANNA LEAVELL Congressman JOHNSON was elected to rep- During Lovey’s final years she served on resent Texas’ 3rd Congressional District. the Ohio 9th congressional military academy Since being elected in 2005 for the 24th Dis- HON. MARCY KAPTUR nomination committee in 2015 and 2016. She trict of Texas, I have been fortunate to con- OF OHIO continued her service on the James McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands. She never tinue to serve alongside SAM not only in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stopped being a realtor or working for civil House of Representatives, but on the Ways Thursday, February 15, 2018 and Means Committee as well. My esteemed rights with the NAACP. Even with her impres- Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to sive life accomplishments, there was one thing colleague epitomizes service and dedication to commemorate the generous, path-breaking life Lovey felt she was missing: a Sandusky High our country, with a full and accomplished ca- of Mrs. Lovey Anna Leavell of Sandusky, School diploma. It was something she had reer of public service after serving valiantly in Ohio. Lovey passed from this life on Saturday, wanted for more than half a century. In Sep- our military. January 22, 2018 after a short illness. She will tember of 2017 the Sandusky School Board Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to recognize be truly missed by her family and friends. presented her with an honorary high school di- the 45th anniversary of Congressman SAM Lovey was indefatigable. ploma for her life time commitment to edu- JOHNSON’s release, and congratulate him on Lovey’s involvement and commitment to her cation and her involvement in the community. his lifetime of service. I ask all of my col- hometown of Sandusky was known by every- Lovey is survived by her husband Dan, chil- leagues to join me in recognizing the anniver- one in the area. Her life of service to her com- dren Dan Jr., Doug and Deanna, a number of sary of SAM’s return to the United States; and munity started at the historic Second Baptist grandchildren, family, and friends. We offer in remembering this anniversary, we also re- Church where she served as Church Sec- them our prayers and hope that they comfort member all of those captured and imprisoned retary, Choir Director, teacher, and Sunday in the wonderful memories of this extraor- defending our liberty and freedom. school superintendent. It is also here where dinary woman, our dear friend Lovey. She will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.011 E15FEPT1 E196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 15, 2018 be remembered with affection and gratitude tionship we have with Serbia as co-chair of As was the case in both World Wars, Serbia for a lifetime dedicated so affectionately to the Congressional Serbia Caucus along with and the U.S. still face shared threats. making our part of the world a fairer and more EMANUEL CLEAVER of MO. About 600 foreign fighters in Syria have loving place in which to live. Serbia is a great friend of the United States. come from the Balkan states. ISIS and al- f As a Texan, I have great admiration for the Qaeda terrorists present a threat to Serbia people of Serbia. Our strong opinions and HONORING MR. LERONE BENNET, and the region just as they present a threat to habit to speak our minds make us natural al- the U.S. JR. lies. In fact, one of the first people to settle We must continue coordinating with our Ser- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Texas was a Serbian named Dorde Sagic, or bian partners to stop returning terrorists and OF MISSISSIPPI George Fischer as he was known in the U.S. neutralize networks that recruit fighters in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES After settling in Texas, Sagic went on to be- Balkans. Thursday, February 15, 2018 come a justice of the peace in my hometown The U.S. is also working with Serbia to im- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- of Houston. prove its independent judiciary and fight cor- er, I rise to honor a remarkable public servant But Serbia has contributed much more to ruption. A democratic Serbia with a strong rule and hometown hero, Mr. Lerone Bennet, Jr. the cause of justice than just Mr. Sagic keep- of law is in America’s interests. Mr. Bennet was a native of Clarksdale, Mis- ing the early streets of Houston safe. But there are others who do not support this sissippi, and was an editor at Ebony Magazine Today we honor the service of Serbia’s goal. armed forces who have fought side-by-side during the time the publication published the Russian disinformation efforts are designed with Americans to preserve justice during his- photos of Emmett Till. In addition, he was also to keep Serbia in its sphere of influence and tory’s most horrific conflicts. a journalist, author, and historian. A friend and In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gave a poison our warming friendship. Morehouse College classmate of Rev. Dr. speech marking the fourth anniversary of Aus- Nevertheless, Serbia’s integration to the Martin L. King, Jr., Mr. Bennet worked tire- tria-Hungary’s invasion of Serbia. Speaking of West has continued to move forward. lessly in the struggle for Civil Rights. In 1994, the bravery of the Serbian armed forces, In 2006, Serbia joined NATO’s Partnership Mr. Bennet was appointed to President Clin- President Wilson said: for Peace program and, in 2015, signed an In- ton’s Committee on Arts and Humanities. He ‘‘Nobly did they respond. So valiantly and dividual Partnership Action Plan with the alli- also served as an early adviser on the devel- courageous did they oppose the forces of a ance to strengthen cooperation. opment of the Smithsonian’s National Museum country ten times greater in population and re- Recently the European Union announced of African American History and Culture. sources . . . While their territory has been During the last years of his life, Mr. Bennet that Serbia could join the EU as early as devastated and their homes despoiled, the suffered from vascular dementia. Last night, at 2025. I applaud this step which will strengthen spirit of the Serbian people has not been bro- 89-years-old, he passed away. Belgrade’s political institutions and economic Today, we honor the life of Mr. Lerone Ben- ken.’’ ties with the West. As a Texan, I admire such defiance against net, Jr. and his family. Together we share the same dreams of a overwhelming odds. bright and free future for both our countries. f Like President Wilson, I am proud to share HONORING ANGELO NERO the stories of Serbia’s bravery here in Wash- We are blessed to have brave men and ington. women that ensure our futures are bright and HON. JOHN J. FASO I believe the most meaningful for Americans free. OF NEW YORK is the story of the Halyard Mission during the Thanks to the Serbian armed forces for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dark days of the Second World War. standing with America in the wars of the past Thursday, February 15, 2018 While under Nazi-occupation, the Serbian and in the challenges we will face together in people demonstrated their bravery as they the future. Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great re- played a crucial role in the largest rescue op- And that’s just the way it is. spect and honor that I rise today to recognize eration of American airmen in history. the retirement of Columbia County Coroner, In 1944, American bombers were flying fre- f Angelo Nero. quent missions to strike Germany’s vital oil Mr. Nero retired January 1 of this year, after supplies in Romania as part of the allied ad- HONORING CORA BEASLEY dedicating over forty years of his life as Co- vance into Europe. lumbia County Coroner. He is remembered for The 15th Air Force led this effort by launch- his professional, compassionate, and timely ing nearly 20,000 sorties into Eastern Europe, HON. VIRGINIA FOXX service during his career. with many of the missions flying over Nazi-oc- OF NORTH CAROLINA Angelo provided exceptional service to the cupied Yugoslavia. As many as 1,500 pilots IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES people of Columbia County, while maintaining and airmen were shot down during these cou- Thursday, February 15, 2018 a professional relationship with local law en- rageous air raids. forcement and first responders. His colleagues Serbians, who had been resisting German Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, when tragedy knew they could always depend on Angelo to forces since 1941, risked their own lives to struck in 1957, the Surry County, North Caro- respond to phone calls at all hours of the rescue American aircrews and hide them from lina community came together, honored its’ night. patrolling Nazis. own, and remained strong. During his career, Angelo served as Valatie For months these brave and noble Serbians I rise to commemorate the selfless sacrifice village trustee and mayor for ten years. Prior cared for and protected American and allied of Mrs. Cora Beasley, a third grade teacher. to his service at the local level, he served in pilots. Sixty-one years ago, a fire consumed Flat our Armed Forces during the Korean conflict. By August 1944, the Allied forces, including Rock Elementary School in Surry County. Mrs. Angelo’s selfless service to Columbia Coun- the 15th Air Force and Office of Strategic Beasley ignored the danger and helped stu- ty and our nation is greatly appreciated, and I Services, devised a daring operation to evac- dents out of a second-floor window, saving wish him and his wife Barbara the best in their uate the hundreds of Allied pilots being shel- their lives. next adventure. tered by the Serbian resistance. f American aircraft flew into enemy territory During the blaze, Mrs. Beasley attempted also to save third-grader Larry Adams, but SERBIA AND THE USA and evacuated these airmen from an air field built and protected by local Serbians near the sadly, they both perished. This month, the Flat village of Pranjani. Rock School community will rename its main HON. TED POE For over 60 years this operation was kept building the Cora F. Beasley Building, a fitting OF TEXAS secret. But now we can remember the cour- tribute to one woman’s selfless heroism. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES age of our Serbian friends and say thank you. I salute the efforts of this tight-knit commu- Thursday, February 15, 2018 The spirit of the Halyard mission still lives nity and offer my prayers for Mrs. Beasley, Mr. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is a dis- on today as a remarkable story of resistance Adams, their families and all of those affected tinct honor for me to talk about the great rela- and heroism. by the fire that day.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.013 E15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E197 RECOGNIZING AL-ROSS SCREEN Office, and Chief Clerk at the Foreign Affairs 2016 and 2017, Wauseon topped Mentor Lake PRINTING AND EMBROIDERY AS Ministry. He would later serve in Nuevo Leoń Catholic in the championship to capture the BUSINESS OF THE YEAR as head of the Governor’s Executive Office first team title of any sport in school history. and soon after, Mr. Guajardo would be elected Wauseon has a rich tradition in wrestling, HON. BRIAN HIGGINS as a congressman. In 2012, Mr. Guajardo as- winning the Northwest Ohio Athletic League OF NEW YORK sumed the office of Secretary of the Economy twelve times. Under the tutelage of coach IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Mexico, appointed by President Enrique Mike Ritter, Wauseon was able to win the title Penã Nieto. He is currently negotiating the on- by first going through Washington Court Thursday, February 15, 2018 going North American Free Trade Agreement House and Canfield High School on the way Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I (NAFTA) between Mexico, the United States, to the finals. rise today to recognize Al-Ross Screen Print- and Canada. These student-athletes gave it their all, and ing & Embroidery as the West Seneca Cham- Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the op- the Wauseon community should be proud of ber of Commerce’s choice for the 2018 Busi- portunity to recognize Mr. Guajardo’s accom- them. Wrestling tests the mettle of its competi- ness of the Year Award on Thursday, Feb- plishments and tireless service to Mexico. I tors, and it takes grit, determination, and ruary 15th at Kloc’s Grove. congratulate him on receiving the prestigious toughness to compete at a high level. In addi- For 45 years, Al-Ross has provided embroi- LULAC No. 12 Senõr Internacional award. His tion to practice, student-athletes are asked to ders and screen print clothing and apparel for dedication to others has had a very significant meet certain academic standards and exceed the Western New York area. Through their tal- impact on the lives of many citizens in Mexico them as well. These competitors deserve our ented work, Al-Ross allows people and organi- and the United States. recognition. zations of all sorts a sense of identity, profes- f Once again, congratulations to Coach Mike sionalism and an unforgettable local brand. Ritter and the rest of the Wauseon wrestling Along with Al-Ross’s strong business sense INTRODUCTION OF THE FACILI- team on a job well done. comes an equally strong sense of community TATING VETERANS’ EDUCATION and giving back. Following the 9/11 terrorist ACT f attacks, Al-Ross raised and donated more HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. than $20,000. Locally, the business founded HON. J. LUIS CORREA BILLY JOE WESTBROOK and supported the Athlete of the Month Club OF CALIFORNIA in West Seneca schools, giving students ath- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES letes t-shirts promoting their achievements. Al- HON. BRIAN BABIN Thursday, February 15, 2018 Ross consistently donates to basket raffles OF TEXAS and fundraisers for schools, clubs, churches, Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, the Department IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES benefits, and charities. of Defense provides exceptional training and Thursday, February 15, 2018 Embodying community spirit, when the Buf- experiences to our nation’s servicemembers. falo Bills made the NFL playoffs for the first For each occupation in the military, Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to time in seventeen years, Al-Ross rose to the servicemembers undergo a series of formal honor the life of World War II veteran and challenge and quickly created customized military training courses. dear friend, Dr. Billy Joe Westbrook of shirts for fans. The Seneca Street fixture saw For years, the American Council on Edu- Channelview, Texas. Dr. Westbrook went to lines out the door as excited Western New cation (ACE) has evaluated that training and be with the Lord on February 13, 2018 at the Yorkers rushed to support their team and their related experiences to provide colleges and age of 91. business. universities with guidelines and recommenda- He was born on November 8, 1926 in a Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity tions to consider when awarding credit for house three miles west of Electra, Texas. His to honor Al-Ross Screen Printing & Embroi- such training. For instance, ACE may rec- parents were caring and hardworking people dery as they receive the 2018 Business of the ommend that colleges award one semester who instilled those same qualities in their Year Award from the West Seneca Chamber credit hour of first aid for a soldier who has sons. His long life was defined by determina- of Commerce. The contributions to our com- taken basic combat training. tion and honor and like his parents, he worked munity made by this business are commend- Since 2013, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, hard and gave much. able, and I wish them much continued suc- and Coast Guard have produced the Joint He served in the U.S. Army during World cess in their future endeavors. Services Transcript (JST), an official docu- War II as a medic, which led him to dentistry. He graduated from Midwestern University with f mentation of a servicemember’s military training and their corresponding ACE credit rec- a B.S. in Chemistry then earned a D.D.S from RECOGNIZING ILDEFONSO ommendations. The JST allows veterans to the University of Texas, graduating in the top GUAJARDO VILLARREAL earn college credit for their military service, 10 percent of his class. helping them attain a college degree sooner. During the Korean War he entered the Air HON. HENRY CUELLAR While the document is available through an Force as a dental officer. After serving honor- OF TEXAS online portal, there are reports of ably, B.J. opened a dental practice in Colum- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES servicemembers leaving the military unaware bus, Texas then moved to the Northeast area of the JST. of Houston where he became heavily involved Thursday, February 15, 2018 Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan in its civic, political, medical and educational Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Facilitating Veterans’ Education Act, which di- communities. In 1958, he and a group of local recognize the Secretary of the Economy of rects the Department of Defense to issue the businessmen founded the Rotary Club of Mexico, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal. Mr. Joint Services Transcript to servicemembers North Shore, Houston, Texas. Their signature Guajardo has been chosen as Mexico’s hon- separating from the Armed Forces. event, the Rotary Club Catfish Crawfish Boil oree for the prestigious League of United Latin f currently raises over $300,000 annually. American Citizens Council No. 12 (LULAC) B.J. was passionate about serving people Senõr Internacional award. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE above himself. He served on many state and Mr. Guajardo, a Mexican economist and WAUSEON HIGH SCHOOL WRES- collegiate boards and was president of the public servant, was born April 19, 1957 in TLING TEAM FOR WINNING THE Harris County Fresh Water District 51 for fifty Monterey, Nuevo Leoń. He received his Bach- OHIO STATE CHAMPIONSHIP years. In recognition of his many contributions elor’s degree in Economics from the Autono- Westbrook Street, located in East Houston, mous University of Nuevo Leoń. Subse- HON. ROBERT E. LATTA was named after him. Though an avid hunter, quently, Mr. Guajardo pursued graduate stud- OF OHIO fisherman, scuba diver and pilot, his first love ies in Economics at Arizona State University IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was people. His vision, philanthropy and and the University of Pennsylvania. laughter made him an icon and hero to all who Mr. Guajardo began his long and successful Thursday, February 15, 2018 knew him. career in the 1980s. He would hold several Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratu- B.J. was married to Rosalie Westbrook for important positions, including Economist at the late the Ohio High School Athletic Association sixty years until she passed away in 2007. International Monetary Fund, Director of the Division II Team Wrestling State Champion Their middle daughter, Marcie, died in 2015. North American Free Trade Agreement Affairs Wauseon Indians. After finishing runner up in He is survived by his two daughters Renee´

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15FE8.018 E15FEPT1 E198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 15, 2018 and Mickie, two brothers Ken and Floyd 2018 Chamber Member of the Year. For over viding an exceptional level of quality that has Westbrook, and host of adoring nephews, a quarter of a century, Shell Fab & Design has allowed the business to thrive and expand. nieces and friends. characterized what it means to be a success- Shell Fab & Design is as generous as it is My prayers are with the family and friends ful small business and active member of the successful. The business contributes to Queen of Dr. Westbrook. He had a full life and will be community, donating to various important of Heaven Parish, the Society for the Preven- missed. causes and charities while maintaining over tion of Cruelty to Animals, the West Seneca f forty full-time employees. Shell Fab & Design has specialized in pro- Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and breast RECOGNIZING SHELL FAB & DE- viding customers in the Western New York cancer research. Frequently, they donate cut- SIGN AS THE WEST SENECA area with high quality residential and commer- ting board sets to school fundraisers, sports CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEM- cial surfacing work, cabinetry, and kitchen fundraisers, and other charitable causes. BER OF THE YEAR countertops. Because of its renowned service, Mr. Speaker, I wish again to recognize an Shell Fab & Design has gained a well-de- exceptional business, Shell Fab & Design, and served reputation in the community as a lead- HON. BRIAN HIGGINS all that their employees do for West Seneca er in the stone countertop industry. OF NEW YORK and the greater Western New York region. I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Along with consistently providing excellence in the custom and manufacturing aspects of congratulate Shell Fab & Design on their se- Thursday, February 15, 2018 the countertop business, Shell Fab & Design lection as the West Seneca Chamber of Com- Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, has kept ahead of the curve through innova- merce’s 2018 Chamber Member of the Year today I rise to recognize Shell Fab & Design tion. It is this ability to keep up with the ever- and wish the business and its employees suc- as the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce’s changing nature of the economy while process in all future endeavors.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:34 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15FE8.005 E15FEPT1 Thursday, February 15, 2018 Daily Digest Senate Fairview, Illinois, as the ‘‘Sgt. Douglas J. Riney Post Chamber Action Office’’. Routine Proceedings, pages S1131–S1192 H.R. 2815, To designate the facility of the Measures Introduced: Twenty bills and seven reso- United States Postal Service located at 30 East Som- lutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2431–2450, erset Street in Raritan, New Jersey, as the ‘‘Gunnery and S. Res. 407–413. Pages S1164–65 Sergeant John Basilone Post Office’’. H.R. 2873, to designate the facility of the United Measures Reported: States Postal Service located at 207 Glenside Avenue H.R. 294, to designate the facility of the United in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant States Postal Service located at 2700 Cullen Boule- Peter Taub Post Office Building’’. vard in Pearland, Texas, as the ‘‘Endy Nddiobong H.R. 3109, to designate the facility of the United Ekpanya Post Office Building’’. States Postal Service located at 1114 North 2nd H.R. 452, to designate the facility of the United Street in Chillicothe, Illinois, as the ‘‘Sr. Chief Ryan States Postal Service located at 324 West Saint Louis Owens Post Office Building’’. Street in Pacific, Missouri, as the ‘‘Specialist Jeffrey H.R. 3369, to designate the facility of the United L. White, Jr. Post Office’’. States Postal Service located at 225 North Main H.R. 1207, to designate the facility of the United Street in Spring Lake, North Carolina, as the ‘‘How- States Postal Service located at 306 River Street in ard B. Pate, Jr. Post Office’’. Tilden, Texas, as the ‘‘Tilden Veterans Post Office’’, H.R. 3638, to designate the facility of the United with an amendment. States Postal Service located at 1100 Kings Road in H.R. 1208, to designate the facility of the United Jacksonville, Florida, as the ‘‘Rutledge Pearson Post States Postal Service located at 9155 Schaefer Road, Office Building’’. Converse, Texas, as the ‘‘Converse Veterans Post Of- H.R. 3655, to designate the facility of the United fice Building’’. States Postal Service located at 1300 Main Street in H.R. 1858, to designate the facility of the United Belmar, New Jersey, as the ‘‘Dr. Walter S. McAfee States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Post Office Building’’. Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Staff Sergeant H.R. 3821, To designate the facility of the Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office’’. United States Postal Service located at 430 Main H.R. 1988, to designate the facility of the United Street in Clermont, Georgia, as the ‘‘Zach T. States Postal Service located at 1730 18th Street in Addington Post Office’’. Bakersfield, California, as the ‘‘Merle Haggard Post H.R. 3893, To designate the facility of the Office Building’’. United States Postal Service located at 100 Mathe H.R. 2254, to designate the facility of the United Avenue in Interlachen, Florida, as the ‘‘Robert H. States Postal Service located at 2635 Napa Street in Jenkins, Jr. Post Office’’. Vallejo, California, as the ‘‘Janet Capello Post Office H.R. 4042, to designate the facility of the United Building’’. States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak H.R. 2302, to designate the facility of the United Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the ‘‘Borinqueneers States Postal Service located at 259 Nassau Street, Post Office Building’’. Suite 2 in Princeton, New Jersey, as the ‘‘Dr. John H.R. 4285, to designate the facility of the United F. Nash, Jr. Post Office’’. States Postal Service located at 123 Bridgeton Pike H.R. 2464, to designate the facility of the United in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, as the ‘‘James C. ‘Billy’ States Postal Service located at 25 New Chardon Johnson Post Office Building’’. Street Lobby in Boston, Massachusetts, as the ‘‘John S. 931, to designate the facility of the United Fitzgerald Kennedy Post Office’’. States Postal Service located at 4910 Brighton Bou- H.R. 2672, to designate the facility of the United levard in Denver, Colorado, as the ‘‘George Sakato States Postal Service located at 520 Carter Street in Post Office’’. D171

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15FE8.REC D15FEPT1 D172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST February 15, 2018 S. 2040, to designate the facility of the United McConnell (for Toomey/Cruz) Amendment No. States Postal Service located at 621 Kansas Avenue 1948 (to Amendment No. 1959), to ensure that in Atchison, Kansas, as the ‘‘Amelia Earhart Post State and local law enforcement may cooperate with Office Building’’. Pages S1163–64 Federal officials to protect our communities from Measures Passed: violent criminals and suspected terrorists who are illegally present in the United States. Page S1131 Black History Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. Schumer Modified Amendment No. 1958 (to the 413, celebrating Black History Month. Page S1189 language proposed to be stricken by Amendment Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act: No. 1959), of a perfecting nature. Page S1131 Committee on Veterans’ Affairs was discharged from Durbin (for Coons/McCain) Amendment No. further consideration of S. 946, to require the Sec- 1955 (to Amendment No. 1958), to provide relief retary of Veterans Affairs to hire additional Veterans from removal and adjustment of status of certain in- Justice Outreach Specialists to provide treatment dividuals who are long-term United States residents court services to justice-involved veterans, and the and who entered the United States before reaching bill was then passed, after agreeing to the following the age of 18, improve border security, foster United amendment proposed thereto: Page S1190 States engagement in Central America. Alexander (for Flake) Amendment No. 2042, in Page S1131, S1146 the nature of a substitute. Page S1190 During consideration of this measure today, Senate Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act: Com- also took the following action: mittee on Veterans’ Affairs was discharged from fur- By 52 yeas to 47 nays (Vote No. 33), three-fifths ther consideration of H.R. 1725, to direct the Sec- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having retary of Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion relating to medical evidence submitted in support of to close further debate on Durbin (for Coons/ claims for benefits under the laws administered by McCain) Amendment No. 1955 (to Amendment No. the Secretary, and the bill was then passed. 1958) (listed above). Page S1146 Pages S1190–91 By 54 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 34), three-fifths of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having Veterans Care Financial Protection Act: Com- voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion mittee on Veterans’ Affairs was discharged from fur- to close further debate on McConnell (for Toomey/ ther consideration of H.R. 3122, to direct the Sec- Cruz) Amendment No. 1948 (to Amendment No. retary of Veterans Affairs to include on the internet 1959) (listed above). Pages S1146–47 website of the Department of Veterans Affairs a By 54 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 35), three-fifths warning regarding dishonest, predatory, or otherwise of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having unlawful practices targeting individuals who are eli- voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion gible for increased pension on the basis of need for to close further debate on Schumer Modified regular aid and attendance, and the bill was then Amendment No. 1958 (to the language proposed to passed. Page S1191 be stricken by Amendment No. 1959) (listed above). Lexington VA Health Care System: Senate Pages S1147–48 passed H.R. 4533, to designate the health care sys- By 39 yeas to 60 nays (Vote No. 36), three-fifths tem of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Lex- of those Senators duly chosen and sworn, not having ington, Kentucky, as the ‘‘Lexington VA Health voted in the affirmative, Senate rejected the motion Care System’’ and to make certain other designa- to close further debate on Grassley Amendment No. tions. Page S1191 1959 (listed above). Page S1148 Measures Considered: Appointments: Broader Options for Americans Act: Senate con- National Council on Disability: The Chair an- tinued consideration of H.R. 2579, to amend the In- nounced, on behalf of the Majority Leader, pursuant ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow the premium to the provisions of Public Law 93–112, as amended tax credit with respect to unsubsidized COBRA con- by Public Law 112–166, and further amended by tinuation coverage, taking action on the following Public Law 113–128, the reappointment of the fol- amendments and motions proposed thereto: lowing to serve as a member of the National Council Pages S1131–36, S1138–48 on Disability: Neil Romano of Maryland. Page S1191 Pending: Authorizing Leadership To Make Appoint- Grassley Amendment No. 1959, in the nature of ments—Agreement: A unanimous-consent agree- a substitute. Pages S1131–36, S1138–48 ment was reached providing that, notwithstanding

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15FE8.REC D15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D173 the upcoming adjournment of the Senate, the Presi- of the nomination of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Geor- dent of the Senate, the President pro tempore, and gia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Elev- the Majority and Minority Leaders be authorized to enth Circuit. Page S1149 make appointments to commissions, committees, Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- boards, conferences, or interparliamentary conferences ate took the following action: authorized by law, by concurrent action of the two Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- Houses, or by order of the Senate. Page S1191 tive Session. Page S1149 Washington’s Farewell Address—Agreement: A Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1149 that following the closing of morning business, on Quattlebaum Nomination—Cloture: Senate began Monday, February 26, 2018, Senator Peters be recog- consideration of the nomination of A. Marvin nized to deliver Washington’s Farewell Address. Quattlebaum, Jr., to be United States District Judge Page S1191 for the District of South Carolina. Pages S1149–50 Pro Forma Sessions—Agreement: A unanimous- A motion was entered to close further debate on consent agreement was reached providing that the the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Senate adjourn, to then convene for pro forma sessions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the sions only, with no business being conducted on the Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition following dates and times, and that following each of the nomination of Russell Vought, of Virginia, to pro forma session, the Senate adjourn until the next be Deputy Director of the Office of Management pro forma session: Friday, February 16, 2018 at 12 and Budget. Page S1150 noon; Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 5 p.m.; Friday, Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- February 23, 2018 at 2 p.m.; and that when the ate took the following action: Senate adjourns on Friday, February 23, 2018, it Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- next convene at 3 p.m., on Monday, February 26, tive Session. Page S1149 2018. Page S1191 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Branch Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1149 sideration of the nomination of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Scholer Nomination—Cloture: Senate began consideration of the nomination of Karen Gren Scholer, Eleventh Circuit. Page S1149 A motion was entered to close further debate on to be United States District Judge for the Northern the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- District of Texas. Page S1150 sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the A motion was entered to close further debate on Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- agreement of Thursday, February 15, 2018, a vote sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb- Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition ruary 26, 2018. Page S1149 of the nomination of A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., to Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- be United States District Judge for the District of ate took the following action: South Carolina. Page S1150 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1149 ate took the following action: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- viding that Senate resume consideration of the nomi- tive Session. Page S1150 nation after the reading of Washington’s Farewell Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Address on Monday, February 26, 2018, and, not- tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1150 withstanding the provisions of Rule XXII, vote on Self Nomination—Cloture: Senate began consider- the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m. ation of the nomination of Tilman Eugene Self III, Page S1191 to be United States District Judge for the Middle Vought Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- District of Georgia. Page S1150 sideration of the nomination of Russell Vought, of A motion was entered to close further debate on Virginia, to be Deputy Director of the Office of the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Management and Budget. Page S1149 sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the A motion was entered to close further debate on Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- of the nomination of Karen Gren Scholer, to be sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the United States District Judge for the Northern Dis- Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition trict of Texas. Page S1150

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Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- without additional compensation as Ambassador to ate took the following action: the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- John C. Anderson, of New Mexico, to be United tive Session. Page S1150 States Attorney for the District of New Mexico for Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- the term of four years. tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1150 Joseph D. Brown, of Texas, to be United States Doughty Nomination—Cloture: Senate began con- Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas for the sideration of the nomination of Terry A. Doughty, term of four years. to be United States District Judge for the Western John H. Durham, of Connecticut, to be United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut for District of Louisiana. Page S1150 A motion was entered to close further debate on the term of four years. the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Brandon J. Fremin, of Louisiana, to be United sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the States Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition for the term of four years. of the nomination of Tilman Eugene Self III, to be Melissa F. Burnison, of Kentucky, to be an Assist- United States District Judge for the Middle District ant Secretary of Energy (Congressional and Intergov- ernmental Affairs). of Georgia. Page S1150 Ted G. Kamatchus, of Iowa, to be United States Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- Marshal for the Southern District of Iowa for the ate took the following action: term of four years. Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- Joseph P. Kelly, of Nebraska, to be United States tive Session. Page S1150 Attorney for the District of Nebraska for the term Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- of four years. tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S1150 Scott W. Murray, of New Hampshire, to be Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- United States Attorney for the District of New lowing nominations: Hampshire for the term of four years. John Henderson, of South Dakota, to be an As- David C. Weiss, of Delaware, to be United States sistant Secretary of the Air Force. Attorney for the District of Delaware for the term John Marshall Mitnick, of Virginia, to be General of four years. Counsel, Department of Homeland Security. Michael D. Griffin, of Alabama, to be Under Sec- John C. Demers, of Virginia, to be an Assistant retary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Attorney General. Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, of Virginia, to be Under Norman Euell Arflack, of Kentucky, to be United Secretary for Nuclear Security, Department of En- States Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky ergy. for the term of four years. Kevin Fahey, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Michael T. Baylous, of West Virginia, to be Secretary of Defense. United States Marshal for the Southern District of William Roper, of Georgia, to be an Assistant West Virginia for the term of four years. Secretary of the Air Force. David G. Jolley, of Tennessee, to be United States Phyllis L. Bayer, of Mississippi, to be an Assistant Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee for the Secretary of the Navy. term of four years. Holly W. Greaves, of the District of Columbia, to Daniel R. McKittrick, of Mississippi, to be be Chief Financial Officer, Environmental Protection United States Marshal for the Northern District of Agency. Mississippi for the term of four years. Thomas E. Ayres, of Pennsylvania, to be General Matthew D. Krueger, of Wisconsin, to be United Counsel of the Department of the Air Force. States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin John H. Gibson II, of Texas, to be Chief Manage- for the term of four years. ment Officer of the Department of Defense. Neil Jacobs, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Pages S1150–52, S1156, S1191–92 Secretary of Commerce. Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- Thomas M. Griffin, Jr., of South Carolina, to be lowing nominations: United States Marshal for the District of South Caro- Naomi C. Earp, of Maryland, to be an Assistant lina for the term of four years. Secretary of Agriculture. Peter Hendrick Vrooman, of New York, to be Thelma Drake, of Virginia, to be Federal Transit Ambassador to the Republic of Rwanda. Administrator. Joel Danies, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the James Reilly, of Colorado, to be Director of the Gabonese Republic, and to serve concurrently and United States Geological Survey.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15FE8.REC D15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D175 Joseph Cella, of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Fiji, and to serve concurrently and Committee Meetings without additional compensation as Ambassador to (Committees not listed did not meet) the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Tuvalu. COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING David B. Cornstein, of New York, to be Ambas- COMMISSION sador to Hungary. Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Com- Georgette Mosbacher, of Florida, to be Ambas- mittee concluded a hearing to examine the state of sador to the Republic of Poland. the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, focus- Jean Carol Hovland, of South Dakota, to be Com- ing on pending rules, cryptocurrency regulation, and missioner of the Administration for Native Ameri- cross-border agreements, after receiving testimony cans, Department of Health and Human Services. from J. Christopher Giancarlo, Chairman, Com- Mark Jeremy Bennett, of Hawaii, to be United modity Futures Trading Commission. States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit. BUSINESS MEETING Nancy E. Brasel, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota. Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Com- Thomas S. Kleeh, of West Virginia, to be United mittee announced the following subcommittee as- States District Judge for the Northern District of signments: West Virginia. Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade: Senators Boozman (Chair), Cochran, Hoeven, Grassley, Andrew S. Oldham, of Texas, to be United States Thune, Daines, Perdue, Heitkamp, Brown, Bennet, Gilli- Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. brand, Donnelly, and Smith. Peter J. Phipps, of Pennsylvania, to be United Subcommittee on Rural Development and Energy: Senators States District Judge for the Western District of Ernst (Chair), Cochran, Boozman, Hoeven, Thune, Pennsylvania. Daines, Fischer, Smith, Brown, Klobuchar, Bennet, Don- Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, to be United nelly, and Heitkamp. States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit. Subcommittee on Conservation, Forestry, and Natural Re- Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, to be United States sources: Senators Daines (Chair), Cochran, McConnell, Boozman, Grassley, Perdue, Bennet, Leahy, Klobuchar, Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit. Donnelly, and Casey. Eric C. Tostrud, of Minnesota, to be United States Subcommittee on Nutrition, Agricultural Research, and Spe- District Judge for the District of Minnesota. cialty Crops: Senators Perdue (Chair), McConnell, Booz- Charles J. Williams, of Iowa, to be United States man, Hoeven, Ernst, Fischer, Casey, Leahy, Brown, Gilli- District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa. brand, and Smith. Page S1191 Subcommittee on Livestock, Marketing, and Agriculture Secu- rity: Senators Fischer (Chair), McConnell, Ernst, Grassley, Messages from the House: Page S1162 Thune, Daines, Gillibrand, Leahy, Klobuchar, Heitkamp, Measures Referred: Page S1162 and Casey. Senators Roberts and Stabenow are ex-officio members of each Executive Communications: Pages S1162–63 subcommittee. Petitions and Memorials: Page S1163 DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST AND Executive Reports of Committees: Page S1164 FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM Additional Cosponsors: Pages S1165–66 Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: hearing to examine United States Northern Com- Pages S1166–70 mand and United States Southern Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal Additional Statements: Pages S1160–62 year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program, Amendments Submitted: Pages S1170–89 after receiving testimony from General Lori J. Rob- Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S1189 inson, USAF, Commander, United States Northern Record Votes: Four record votes were taken today. Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, and Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, USN, Com- (Total—36) Pages S1146–48 mander, United States Southern Command, both of Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- the Department of Defense. journed at 5:58 p.m., until 12 noon on Friday, Feb- ruary 16, 2018. (For Senate’s program, see the re- BUDGET marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing Record on page S1191.) to examine the President’s proposed budget request

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for fiscal year 2019, after receiving testimony from S. 1917, to reform sentencing laws and correc- Alex M. Azar II, Secretary of Health and Human tional institutions; and Services. The nominations of Michael B. Brennan, of Wis- BUSINESS MEETING consin, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Susan Paradise Baxter, and Marilyn Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Dennis Shea, of Vir- Jean Horan, both to be a United States District ginia, to be a Deputy United States Trade Rep- Judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania, resentative (Geneva Office), with the rank of Ambas- Daniel Desmond Domenico, to be United States Dis- sador, and C. J. Mahoney, of Kansas, to be a Deputy trict Judge for the District of Colorado, Adam I. United States Trade Representative (Investment, Klein, of the District of Columbia, to be Chairman Services, Labor, Environment, Africa, China, and the and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Over- Western Hemisphere), with the rank of Ambassador. sight Board, McGregor W. Scott, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California, NOMINATIONS and Gary G. Schofield, to be United States Marshal Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded for the District of Nevada. a hearing to examine the nominations of Andrea L. Thompson, of South Dakota, to be Under Secretary BUSINESS MEETING for Arms Control and International Security, who was introduced by Senator Thune, Susan A. Thorn- Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in ton, of Maine, to be an Assistant Secretary (East closed session to consider pending intelligence mat- Asian and Pacific Affairs), and Francis R. Fannon, of ters. Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary (Energy Re- Committee recessed subject to the call. sources), who was introduced by Senator Gardner, all of Department of State, after the nominees testified INTELLIGENCE and answered questions in their own behalf. Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in BUSINESS MEETING closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel- Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favor- ligence matters from officials of the intelligence ably reported the following business items: community. h House of Representatives United States shall not be treated as endangered spe- Chamber Action cies or threatened species for purposes of that Act, Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 36 pub- with an amendment (H. Rept. 115–562); lic bills, H.R. 5030–5065; and 2 resolutions, H. H.R. 3131, to amend the Endangered Species Act Res. 739–740 were introduced. Pages H1211–12 of 1973 to conform citizen suits under that Act with Additional Cosponsors: Pages H1213–14 other existing law, and for other purposes (H. Rept. Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: 115–563, Part 1); H.R. 717, to amend the Endangered Species Act H.R. 3225, to allow the Confederated Tribes of of 1973 to require review of the economic cost of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Con- adding a species to the list of endangered species or federated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of threatened species, and for other purposes (H. Rept. Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of 115–560); Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, H.R. 1274, to amend the Endangered Species Act and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indi- of 1973 to require making available to States af- ans to lease or transfer certain lands (H. Rept. fected by determinations that species are endangered 115–564); and species or threatened species all data that is the basis H.R. 3607, to authorize the Secretary of the Inte- of such determinations, and for other purposes, with rior to establish fees for medical services provided in an amendment (H. Rept. 115–561); units of the National Park System, and for other H.R. 2603, to amend the Endangered Species Act purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. 115–565). of 1973 to provide that nonnative species in the Pages H1210–11

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:58 Feb 16, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15FE8.REC D15FEPT1 February 15, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D177 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he Inspector General for the U.S. House of Rep- appointed Representative Simpson to act as Speaker resentatives—Appointment: The Chair announced pro tempore for today. Page H1181 on behalf of the Speaker, Majority Leader and Minor- Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval ity Leader, the joint appointment of Mr. Michael of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H1181, H1200 Ptasienski of McLean, Virginia, as Inspector General for the U.S. House of Representatives. Page H1200 Recess: The House recessed at 10:22 a.m. and re- convened at 10:27 a.m. Page H1192 Quorum Calls—Votes: One yea-and-nay vote and one recorded vote developed during the proceedings Recess: The House recessed at 11:15 a.m. and re- of today and appear on pages H1198–99 and convened at 11:20 a.m. Page H1198 H1199–H1200. There were no quorum calls. Americans with Disabilities Act Education and Adjournment: The House met at 9 a.m. and ad- Reform Act: The House passed H.R. 620, to amend journed at 1:36 p.m. the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to promote compliance through education, to clarify the requirements for demand letters, and to provide for Committee Meetings a notice and cure period before the commencement STRATEGIC COMPETITION WITH CHINA of a private civil action, by a yea-and-nay vote of Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee held a 225 yeas to 192 nays, Roll No. 80. hearing entitled ‘‘Strategic Competition with Pages H1183–92, H1192–98, H1198–H1200 China’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Agreed to: Denham amendment (No. 1 printed in part A of EVOLUTION, TRANSFORMATION, AND H. Rept. 115–559) that ensures the Department of SUSTAINMENT: A REVIEW AND Justice’s Disability Rights Section takes action, to ASSESSMENT OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 the extent practicable, to make ADA compliance BUDGET REQUEST FOR U.S. SPECIAL publications available in languages commonly used OPERATIONS FORCES AND COMMAND by owners and operators of U.S. businesses; Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Emerg- Pages H1192–94 ing Threats and Capabilities held a hearing entitled Speier amendment (No. 4 printed in part A of H. ‘‘Evolution, Transformation, and Sustainment: A Re- Rept. 115–559) that clarifies that the defendant is view and Assessment of the Fiscal Year 2019 Budget still liable if the defendant fails to make substantial Request for U.S. Special Operations Forces and Com- progress to remove the barrier; Pages H1195–96 mand’’. Testimony was heard from General Ray- Bera amendment (No. 5 printed in part A of H. mond A. Thomas, Commander, U.S. Special Oper- Rept. 115–559) that shortens the timeline from 180 ations Command; and Owen West, Assistant Sec- to 120 total days; and Pages H1196–97 retary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Inten- McMorris Rodgers amendment (No. 6 printed in sity Conflict, Department of Defense. part A of H. Rept. 115–559) that strikes the re- THE OPIOIDS EPIDEMIC: IMPLICATIONS quirement that the written notices of alleged viola- FOR AMERICA’S WORKPLACES tion include the specific sections of the ADA alleged Committee on Education and the Workforce: Sub- to have been violated. Pages H197–98 Rejected: committee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pen- Foster amendment (No. 3 printed in part A of H. sions; and Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Rept. 115–559) that sought to allow for punitive held a joint hearing entitled ‘‘The Opioids Epidemic: damages for noncompliance after the cure period; Implications for America’s Workplaces’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. and Page H1195 Langevin amendment (No. 2 printed in part A of OVERSIGHT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF H. Rept. 115–559) that sought to remove the re- HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES quirement that a person who claims discrimination Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on must first provide written notice that allows 60 days Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the De- for an owner to acknowledge receipt of the com- partment of Health and Human Services’’. Testi- plaint and 120 days to demonstrate substantial mony was heard from Alex Azar, Secretary, Depart- progress in removing the barrier before legal action ment of Health and Human Services. may be pursued (by a recorded vote of 188 ayes to 226 noes, Roll No. 79). Pages H1194–95, H1198–99 EXAMINING DE-RISKING AND ITS EFFECT H. Res. 736, the rule providing for consideration ON ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES of the bills (H.R. 620), (H.R. 3299), and (H.R. Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Fi- 3978) was agreed to yesterday, February 14th. nancial Institutions and Consumer Credit held a

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hearing entitled ‘‘Examining De-risking and its Ef- GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION— fect on Access to Financial Services’’. Testimony was CHECKING IN WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S heard from public witnesses. ACQUISITION AND PROPERTY MANAGER INDUSTRY VIEWS OF THE CHEMICAL Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS committee on Government Operations held a hear- PROGRAM ing entitled ‘‘General Services Administration— Checking in with the Government’s Acquisition and Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Cy- Property Manager’’. Testimony was heard from the bersecurity and Infrastructure Protection held a hear- following General Services Administration officials: ing entitled ‘‘Industry Views of the Chemical Facil- Emily W. Murphy, Administrator; Alan B. Thomas, ity Anti-Terrorism Standards Program’’. Testimony Jr., Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service; Dan was heard from public witnesses. Mathews, Commissioner, Public Buildings Service; and Carol F. Ochoa, Inspector General. THE EFFECT OF SANCTUARY CITY POLICIES ON THE ABILITY TO COMBAT MENTORING, TRAINING, AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC APPRENTICESHIPS FOR STEM EDUCATION Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Immi- AND CAREERS gration and Border Security held a hearing entitled Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Sub- ‘‘The Effect of Sanctuary City Policies on the Ability committee on Research and Technology held a hear- to Combat the Opioid Epidemic’’. Testimony was ing entitled ‘‘Mentoring, Training, and Apprentice- heard from A.J. Louderback, Sheriff, Jackson County, ships for STEM Education and Careers’’. Testimony Texas; and public witnesses. was heard from Victor R. McCrary, Chair, Task THE COSTS OF DENYING BORDER PATROL Force on the Skilled Technical Workforce, National ACCESS: OUR ENVIRONMENT AND Science Board; and public witnesses. SECURITY RESTORING RURAL AMERICA: HOW Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on AGRITECH IS REVITALIZING THE Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled HEARTLAND ‘‘The Costs of Denying Border Patrol Access: Our Environment and Security’’. Testimony was heard Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Agri- from public witnesses. culture, Energy, and Trade held a hearing entitled ‘‘Restoring Rural America: How Agritech is Revital- LEGISLATIVE MEASURE izing the Heartland’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on En- ergy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. OVERSIGHT OF POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL 520, the ‘‘National Strategic and Critical Minerals IMPLEMENTATION IN THE UNITED Production Act’’. Testimony was heard from public STATES witnesses. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- LEGISLATIVE MEASURES committee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Fed- Materials held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of Posi- eral Lands held a hearing on H.R. 2591, the ‘‘Mod- tive Train Control Implementation in the United ernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomor- States’’. Testimony was heard from Representatives row’s Needs Act of 2017’’; H.R. 4429, the ‘‘Cor- Heck and Kelmer; Juan D. Reyes III, Chief Counsel, morant Control Act’’; H.R. 4609, the ‘‘West Fork Federal Railroad Administration; Robert Sumwalt, Fire Station Act of 2017’’; H.R. 4647, the ‘‘Recov- Chairman, National Transportation Safety Board; and ering America’s Wildlife Act’’; and H.R. 4851, the public witnesses. ‘‘Kennedy-King Establishment Act of 2018’’. Testi- mony was heard from Representatives Fortenberry, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Tipton, Bergman, Carson of Indiana, and Austin BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Scott of Georgia; Randy Claramunt, Lake Huron Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee held a Basin Coordinator, Department of Natural Re- hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. Department of Veterans Af- sources, Michigan; Floyd Cook, County Commis- fairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2019’’. Testi- sioner, Dolores County, Colorado; Gregory Porter, mony was heard from David J. Shulkin, M.D., Sec- State Representative, Indiana; and a public witness. retary, Department of Veterans Affairs.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 12 noon, Friday, February 16 9 a.m., Friday, February 16

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Friday: Senate will meet in a pro forma Program for Friday: House will meet in Pro Forma ses- session. sion at 9 a.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Faso, John J., N.Y., E196 McClintock, Tom, Calif., E191 Foxx, Virginia, N.C., E196 Poe, Ted, Tex., E192, E196 Aderholt, Robert B., Ala., E194 Garamendi, John, Calif., E191 Raskin, Jamie, Md., E191 Babin, Brian, Tex., E192, E197 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E191, E194, E195, E197, E198 Rothfus, Keith J., Pa., E194 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E193 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E195 Ryan, Tim, Ohio, E193 Correa, J. Luis, Calif., E193, E197 Latta, Robert E., Ohio, E194, E197 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E196 Cuellar, Henry, Tex., E192, E197 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E195

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