E1440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2019 their collegiate football program on November HONORING THE MEMORY OF Mr. Heaton serves on the board of the county 15, 1890 and have played at Folsom Field GORDON SCOTT BRACE food bank and volunteers there regularly. since 1924. In 1990, CU won the National I ask my colleagues to join me today in Championship and currently has all-time HON. commending Roland Heaton for his service record of 697–479–36. OF and dedication. I extend my deepest congratulations to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f NCAA football on their 150th anniversary. Go Thursday, November 14, 2019 RECOGNIZING TREE CITY USA Buffs. Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise DESIGNATIONS f today to recognize the life of Gordon Scott Brace and his service to the House. HON. HONORING VIVECA LOHR Many dedicated public servants work behind OF TEXAS the scenes to support the vital work of this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES body and our work as Members. That is true Thursday, November 14, 2019 HON. JIMMY PANETTA for what may be the most significant charge we have: casting our vote here on the floor on Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise OF CALIFORNIA behalf of our constituents. to recognize eight cities in Texas’ Third Con- gressional District who have received this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Brace helped make that possible. Dur- ing his 17 years with the Office of the Clerk as year’s Tree City USA designation by the Arbor Thursday, November 14, 2019 a senior systems engineer, Mr. Brace was pri- Day Foundation. marily responsible for maintaining all aspects Allen, Fairview, Frisco, McKinney, Murphy, Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today of the Electronic Voting System (EVS). When- Plano, Prosper, and Wylie—all located within to recognize Viveca Lohr for her 33 years of ever the House was in session, Mr. Brace Collin County—have proven they care about service to Meals on Wheels of the Monterey made certain that the EVS was in full working ensuring the environment around them is thriv- Peninsula, including 32 years as Executive Di- order, manually checking all 54 voting sta- ing and full of life. rector. The 20th Congressional District of Cali- tions, the tally clerk station, electronic display These Collin County cities understand that fornia appreciates Viveca Lohr’s dedication to board, and the EVS equipment in the cloak- trees serve an integral purpose in our commu- her community on the central coast of Cali- rooms. nity, including improved health, clean air and fornia and the great efforts she has made to To put this in perspective, during Mr. water, and a positive impact on businesses serve seniors and disabled adults on the Mon- Brace’s tenure the House completed more and homes in the area. Not only are these terey Peninsula. than 12,300 roll call votes. Considering the in- communities dedicated to providing necessary Viveca Lohr began her work with Meals on dividual vote of each Member of the House on municipal tree care, but they are encouraging Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula in Novem- each of those roll call votes, Mr. Brace played their residents to do the same. I commend ber of 1986 and quickly became a leader in a central role on a team with the responsibility these cities for their investments in green in- the organization, rising to Assistant Executive to track more than 5,350,500 individual votes. frastructure and for creating a lasting and Director in May of 1987 and Executive Direc- Every single one of those votes had to be positive impact for generations to come. tor in November of 1987. Ms. Lohr now over- tracked swiftly, accurately, and without doubt. I ask my colleagues in the House of Rep- sees the day-to-day operations of this critically Moreover, every one of those votes represents resentative to join me in congratulating these important organization that strives to promote a small, but important, part of our nation’s his- eight communities on their efforts to maintain the well-being and independence of clients on tory. healthy and green environments in their neigh- the Monterey Peninsula by providing home-de- Mr. Brace is remembered fondly by his co- borhoods. livered meals, welfare checks, and group workers and friends here in the House not just f meals. During her 32 years as Executive Di- for his technical skills, but for his kindness and LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT FOR rector, Ms. Lohr has overseen the Meals on generosity. I know I speak on behalf of his co- H.R. 1595, THE SAFE BANKING ACT Wheels Home Delivered Meals Program as it workers and my colleagues in honoring his has grown to deliver over 190,000 meals an- memory and his important contributions to the nually to more than 500 homebound clients operations of the House. Our thoughts are HON. DENNY HECK who cannot shop or cook for themselves. with his wife, Kristin, sons Wyatt and Dillon, OF WASHINGTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Viveca Lohr has worked with a tireless team and all of his loved ones. of staff, Board Members, and volunteers who f Thursday, November 14, 2019 make this critical service possible. Through RECOGNIZING ROLAND HEATON Mr. HECK. Madam Speaker, I include in the generous donations and fundraising events in FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- Record the following letters of endorsement the community on the Central Coast, pro- GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- for H.R. 1595, the SAFE Banking Act, which grams can be administered to guarantee the MENDATION passed the House on September 25, 2019. continued health and well-being of individuals NATIONAL CANNABIS INDUSTRY who may not otherwise be able to remain ASSOCIATION, independent without Meals on Wheels. The HON. GREG GIANFORTE March 26, 2019. program not only serves food and conversa- OF MONTANA House Committee on Financial Services, tion to its clients, but also provides more than IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Washington, DC. 20,000 hours of exercise, health, and enrich- The National Cannabis Industry Associa- Thursday, November 14, 2019 tion (NCIA), the largest and oldest national ment classes at its headquarters, the Sally Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise trade association dedicated to protecting Griffin Learning Center, to promote and main- today to recognize Roland Heaton of Town- state-legal cannabis businesses, defending tain healthy aging. This facility is named after send for the Montana Congressional Veteran state laws, and advancing federal policy re- the Meals on Wheels program’s dedicated Commendation for his service to his country forms, would like to offer its support of H.R. founder, Sally Judd Griffin. 1595, the Secure and Fair Enforcement and dedication to the community. (SAFE) Banking Act of 2019. On behalf of our Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues Mr. Heaton served in the U.S. Army as a members, we thank the committee and join me in congratulating and thanking Viveca maintenance technician in Vietnam and Japan. Chairwoman Waters for the opportunity to Lohr for her 33 years of service and leader- He received multiple commendations for his markup this legislation and further discuss ship on the central coast of California. Her service, including the Good Conduct Medal providing fair access to banking and finan- tireless commitment to improving the lives of and the Vietnam Campaign award. cial services for state-licensed cannabis cul- seniors and disabled adults in California’s 20th Mr. Heaton’s heart to serve lead him to cre- tivators, processors, and retailers through- Congressional District will not be forgotten, ate a project that generates funding to assist out the country. Founded in 2010, NCIA represents nearly and her legacy in the community will certainly the community’s first responders with the pur- 2,000 member-businesses and tens of thou- be long lasting. On behalf of Central Coast chase of non-budget equipment. This allows sands of cannabis professionals committed to residents, I thank Ms. Lohr for her contribution them to better serve the community. Since it replacing criminal marijuana markets with to our community and wish her a long and was created, it has raised over $15,000 to a responsible and regulated cannabis indus- healthy retirement. purchase the needed equipment. Additionally, try.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14NO8.014 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1441 Currently, our industry supports hundreds these businesses have been unable to access tions to provide banking services to the Can- of thousands of jobs, tens of millions in tax traditional financial services, causing mas- nabis industry, it is highly likely that many revenue, and billions in economic activity. sive public safety problems and business op- of these businesses will be forced to continue In 2017, the five states that had taxed and erations challenges. operating outside of the financial main- regulated adult-use sales (Alaska, Colorado, The SAFE Act deftly rectifies this problem stream. That outcome increases the poten- Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) collected by allowing legitimate, licensed cannabis tial of lost tax revenue, increases the likeli- more than $790 million in state tax revenue businesses to access financial services. It hood of criminal thefts in our communities, that year. However, per current federal law, provides clarity for financial regulators and and deprives both state and federal law en- cannabis remains a Schedule 1 drug under opportunity to entrepreneurs by creating a forcement with important information about the Controlled Substances Act. This blocks system of accessible capital. SAFE also cannabis activity. state-licensed cannabis business and firms would allow for increased financial trans- She is correct and her observations are ob- providing ancillary products or services to parency in the cannabis industry allowing viously true. We would like to underscore the industry from accessing banking serv- law enforcement to sort out licensed busi- the importance of having cannabis-related ices, forcing them to operate in an all-cash ness from illicit actors. businesses mainstreamed into the financial environment. This situation not only creates The bill’s lead sponsors (D– system to law enforcement. In short, cash- an unnecessary public safety risk, it poses an CO), Denny Heck (D–WA), Steve Stivers (R– only businesses are more susceptible to bad undue burden on state and local tax and li- OH) and (R–OH) have devel- actors, including money laundering, than are censing authorities, which are forced to take oped broad bipartisan support for this impor- those in the banking system where all anti- large cash payments. These taxes and licens- tant legislation. The SAFE Act is supported money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act ing fees fund the enforcement of state mari- by a sweeping coalition of stakeholders. Ac- rules are followed and enforced. This is one juana laws as well as school construction, tivists in the drug policy community, busi- reason FinCEN promulgated guidance on drug education activities, and infrastructure nesses in the cannabis industry, investors, February 14, 2014, regarding ‘‘BSA Expecta- programs. state and local law enforcement, banking tions Regarding Marijuana-Related Busi- In order to operate safely and successfully, regulators, and many other groups. nesses,’’ which remains in effect today. That businesses must have access to traditional fi- Currently, 47 states, the District of Colum- guidance noted that it ‘‘should enhance the nancial services. For the cannabis industry, bia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Is- availability of financial services for, and the which conducts hundreds of millions of dol- lands, the Northern Mariana Islands and sev- financial transparency of, marijuana-related businesses.’’ lars in transactions across the majority of eral Indian tribes have some form of legal- As important as that guidance is, banks U.S. states, the lack of access to financial ized cannabis either through an adult use program, a medical cannabis program, or have not fully embraced it. Only federal leg- services creates public safety hazards, in- islation can achieve the type of transparency cluding an increased chance of becoming a through cannabidiol programs. Additionally, seven states are expected to either create or and regulatory compliance sought by target for robberies, loss of economic oppor- FinCEN. For these reasons, we urge the tunity, and inability to retain workforce tal- expand cannabis programs via ballot initia- tives in 2020 and 2021. It is estimated that Committee to order the SAFE Banking Act ent. Restricting financial services to li- of 2019 favorably reported so that the full censed cannabis businesses also prevents the legal cannabis industry U.S. consumer spending on legal cannabis reached $10.4 bil- House of Representatives can consider this elimination of illicit businesses currently important legislation forthwith. operating in the grey and black markets. lion dollars in 2018. Even if no other states reform their laws, cannabis spending is ex- Sincerely, The SAFE Banking Act of 2019 would offer NEAL LEVINE, not only safe harbor for financial institu- pected to top $26 billion by 2025. The SAFE Act ensures that this economic growth can Chief Executive Officer, tions that choose to service cannabis related Cannabis Trade Federation. businesses, but would also provide much happen in legitimate channels instead of on the streets. needed clarity and direction from the federal CALIFORNIA CANNABIS INDUSTRY government. While there are many more facets of can- nabis reform that must be tackled in the fu- ASSOCIATION, After nearly a decade of significant regu- September 25, 2019. latory changes at the state level, now is the ture, the SAFE Banking Act will provide Hon. , time to pass the SAFE Banking Act of 2019. needed clarity. keep our communities safe, and foster economic growth and opportunity. Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Ending the conflict between state and fed- Washington, DC. eral cannabis laws will promote a sound and Sincerely, EVIN C ARTHY SAPHIRA GALOOB, Hon. K M C , robust financial system that best supports Minority Leader, House of Representatives, the economic growth and job creation driven Executive Director, National Cannabis Roundtable. Washington, DC. by the growing number of state-licensed can- DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- nabis businesses across the country. CTF, ER MCCARTHY: The California Cannabis In- Sincerely, dustry Association (CCIA) would like to offer March 25, 2019. AARON SMITH, its enthusiastic support for H.R. 1595, the Se- Re: CTF Supports the ‘‘Secure And Fair En- Executive Director & Founder. cure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of forcement Banking Act of 2019’’ or the 2019 (SAFE). From the passage of our state’s ‘‘SAFE Banking Act of 2019’’ NATIONAL CANNABIS ROUNDTABLE, medical cannabis program with Proposition September 25, 2019. Hon. , 215 in 1996, to the passage of adult use can- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, nabis with Proposition 64 in 2016, California Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. has been the leading ‘‘laboratory for democ- Washington, DC. Hon. PATRICK MCHENRY, racy’’ on cannabis policy. The SAFE Bank- Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Serv- ing Act is a massive victory for California Minority Leader, House of Representatives, ices, House of Representatives, Washington, cannabis business and consumers. Washington, DC. DC. CCIA is the collective voice of the state’s DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- DEAR CHAIRWOMAN WATERS AND RANKING cannabis industry, representing the diverse ER MCCARTHY: The National Cannabis MEMBER MCHENRY: The Cannabis Trade Fed- interests of cannabis retailers, cultivators, Roundtable (NCR) is proud to offer its strong eration (CTF), a national coalition of can- manufacturers, delivery services, distribu- support for H.R. 1595, the Secure and Fair nabis-related businesses that represent all tors, testing facilities, insurance groups, Enforcement Banking Act of 2019 (SAFE). aspects of the industry including cultivators, packaging companies, and various ancillary The passage of SAFE represents a clear, dispensaries, wholesalers, distributors, and services. Our unified voice includes over 500 common sense solution to one of the biggest ancillary businesses, strongly supports en- California businesses representing over 670 challenges for one of the fastest growing in- actment of the SAFE Banking Act, legisla- brands and approximately 15,000 employees. dustries in America. tion that would create a federal safe harbor Without question, the biggest challenge The National Cannabis Roundtable rep- for banks that offer direct or indirect serv- that all our members face is access to tradi- resents every aspect of the cannabis supply ices to cannabis-related businesses pursuant tional financial services. Due to restrictions chain. Our fifteen members operate in 23 to state law. The SAFE Banking Act will in Federal law, CCIA member businesses are states with legal cannabis programs, includ- benefit law enforcement, state regulatory forced to primarily operate through cash ing the District of Columbia. We are growers, bodies, including taxing authorities, and transactions, creating a massive public safe- processors, retailers, wellness centers, tech- cannabis-related businesses. ty problem, and a logistical nightmare when nology companies, investors, entrepreneurs, We associate ourselves with the testimony it comes to things like processing employee and publicly traded companies. provided to the Subcommittee on Consumer payroll and paying state and local taxes. In Since California passed Proposition 215 in Protection and Financial Institutions on fact, some members of CCIA have paid up- 1996 which legalized the use of medical can- February 13, 2019, by Rachel Pross, Chief wards of $500,000 in cash carried in duffel nabis by those with debilitating conditions, Risk Officer for Maps Credit Union, who tes- bags for quarterly tax payments. It is esti- states around the country have developed tified on behalf of the Credit Union National mated that legal cannabis sales will hit $3.1 cannabis programs by licensing and regu- Association. She correctly observed: billion in 2019 and $7.2 billion by 2024, a mar- lating cannabis businesses. Unfortunately, In the absence of a federal law providing ket that will be 40% larger than all of Can- due to the Schedule I status of cannabis, explicit legal clearance for financial institu- ada and 253% larger than Colorado. SAFE

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.002 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS E1442 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2019 moves these massive revenues into legiti- NATIONAL ARMORED CAR ASSOCIATION, Mr. Klose is a veteran of the mate banks and off the streets. With access September 25, 2019. Army. He served from 1961 to 1964 in the 3rd to banking services our businesses can rein- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Brigade 4th Armored Division and attained the Speaker of the House, Senate Committee on vest in communities, increase of trans- rank of Sergeant. parency of our operations, and help facilitate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. Serving the community of Laurel for 12 economic growth. Additionally, SAFE pre- years, Mr. Klose volunteers at the Laurel Sen- vents consumers from having to carry cash Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, to pay for their cannabis and allows them to Minority Leader, Senate Committee on Banking, ior Center as a board member and a volunteer purchase with credit cards. SAFE provides Housing, and Urban Affairs, Washington, driver. He has also served on the Yellowstone clarity for financial regulators and law en- DC. County Adult Resource Alliance for seven DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- forcement to sort out licensed business from years. For the last five years, Mr. Klose has ER MCCARTHY: On behalf of the National Ar- served as vice president of the Friends of the illicit actors. mored Car Association (NACA), I write to ex- The bill’s lead sponsors Ed Perlmutter (D– press our support for H.R. 1595, the Secure Yellowstone National Cemetery. CO), Denny Heck (D–WA), Steve Stivers (R– and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act Mr. Klose is a prominent member of the OH) and Warren Davidson (R–OH) have devel- of 2019. While NACA’s members do not take Montana American Legion. He has been the oped broad bipartisan support for this impor- a position in favor of or opposed to the legal- Department of Montana Commander, the Dis- tant legislation. The SAFE Act is supported ization of cannabis or marijuana, nor cur- trict 11 Adjutant, and Laurel’s Post No. 123 by a sweeping coalition of stakeholders. Ac- rently service the U.S. cannabis industry, we Commander. Mr. Klose is dedicated to the tivists in the drug policy community, busi- support H.R. 1595 because it would address post’s Funeral Honors detail where he has nesses in the cannabis industry, investors, the existing conflict between federal and participated in 85 percent of all funerals con- state law with respect to proceeds from state and local law enforcement, banking ducted at the Yellowstone National Cemetery. regulators, and many other groups. marijuana-related businesses and allow for safer transportation, storage and oversite of I ask my colleagues to join me today in The SAFE Banking Act is the first step of such proceeds. commending Richard Klose Senior for his hopefully many in federal cannabis reforms Formed in 1929, NACA is a business asso- dedication and service. that allow California and other states with ciation that brings together the three major f cannabis programs to become fully on par companies of the armored car industry— with other existing industries. Brink’s, Garda, and Loomis—with a focus on PERSONAL EXPLANATION Sincerely, protecting and promoting the common inter- LINDSAY ROBINSON, ests of the industry. These three organiza- Executive Director, tions comprise approximately 90% of the ar- HON. California Cannabis Industry Association. mored car industry in the United States, and OF FLORIDA NACA members have handled virtually every IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dollar and coin in circulation. They provide FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF Thursday, November 14, 2019 secure transportation and cash management AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES, February 13, 2019. services for the Federal Reserve, financial Mr. WALTZ. Madam Speaker, I mistakenly House Committee on Financial Services, institutions, state and local governments, returned from a meeting in the Rayburn Room Washington, DC. and private businesses and individuals across too late and missed the second vote of the se- the United States and internationally. ries. DEAR CHAIRWOMAN MAXINE WATERS AND Currently thirty-three states and several RANKING MEMBER MCHENRY: On behalf of territories, including the District of Colum- Had I been present, I would have voted Florida’s farmers, our medical marijuana bia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, have legalized YEA on Roll Call No. 613. professionals, and consumers, I want to the use of cannabis to some extent. However, f thank you for your efforts to provide the federal law prohibits cultivation, distribu- cannabis industry access to traditional tion, and possession of marijuana imposing INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL banking and express my strong support for significant legal risks to financial institu- EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT ACT the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking tions and ancillary businesses that might Act (H.R. 2215). consider providing financial services to the marijuana industry. Consequently, hundreds HON. Conflicting guidance from the federal gov- of millions of dollars in cash are being trans- OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ernment has unnecessarily, led to a higher ported and stored outside our banking sys- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES level of risk and hurdles for businesses in tem and often without adequate security and Thursday, November 14, 2019 this emerging market. This is an issue that oversight. The lack of available vendors to affected me personally—while running for provide secure transport and storage of cash Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to in- this office, our campaign had two bank ac- increases the risk of criminal activity that troduce the Federal Employee Recruitment counts closed due to my advocacy for med- can pose a danger not only to those involved Act of 2019 to require the Office of Personnel ical marijuana access and cannabis. The ab- in the cannabis industry, but the general Management (OPM) to develop, within three sence of traditional banking services forces public. H.R. 1595 would provide NACA mem- months of enactment of this bill, a plan for re- state-licensed businesses to resort to all cash ber companies with the needed legal protec- operations, which is inefficient and a public tion and clarity to safely and securely trans- cruiting new workers into federal service. With safety concern. Businesses can’t operate pro- port cash in states that have legalized and the aging of the federal workforce, this bill is ficiently with irregularities restricting their regulated cannabis. more important than ever. growth, stability, and the ability to pay We urge members of the House to support The average age of federal employees has bills, rent, and employees, when their ac- H.R. 1595. steadily increased over the course of the last counts are inevitably closed. This is an issue Sincerely, two decades, hitting 47.5 years in 2017. In the impacting our state and national economy. BASIL THOMSON, private sector, 54 percent workers are over 40 Senior Director, NACA. One of the important provisions of the re- years old, while in the federal workforce, that cently signed 2018 Farm Bill (the Agriculture f number is 69 percent. At the end of last year, Improvement Act of 2018) is the relisting of RECOGNIZING RICHARD KLOSE only 6 percent of the federal workforce were hemp as an agricultural commodity. But SENIOR FOR THE 2019 MONTANA under 30, while almost a quarter of private- without congressional action, continued con- CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- sector employees were under 30. fusion and misinformation regarding hemp MENDATION There are numerous consequences to an could discourage financial institutions from aging federal workforce. For example, as older partnering with our farmers on this new federal employees opt to retire, the govern- commodity. HON. GREG GIANFORTE ment risks permanently losing much of its in- OF MONTANA The Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking stitutional knowledge if federal agencies can- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Act (H.R. 2215) is a strong first step in pro- not find adequate replacements. viding legitimate cannabis related and state- Thursday, November 14, 2019 Possible solutions to the problem of a licensed farmers, business, and consumers Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise graying workforce include increased federal with access to an efficient and safe banking system, and traditional loans and capital today to recognize Richard Klose Senior of recruitment at college and university cam- markets. Laurel, a recipient of the 2019 Montana Con- puses, increased technological innovation in Sincerely, gressional Veteran Commendation for his how applications are submitted, and a greater NICOLE FRIED, service to his country and leadership in his number of internships. Improved benefits, in- Commissioner of Agriculture. community. cluding paid family leave, increased telework,

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