E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 No. 182 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was economies have flourished. We are in opportunity. Let’s get to work and hold called to order by the Speaker pro tem- desperate need of updating NAFTA to a vote immediately. pore (Mr. CUELLAR). meet modern-day economic demands. f f I know many of us have staff who are younger than NAFTA, and we can all WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO agree that the world has changed an The SPEAKER pro tempore. The TEMPORE awful lot in the last three decades. Chair recognizes the gentleman from The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Congress needs to bring the United Maryland (Mr. HOYER) for 5 minutes. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, we are in- fore the House the following commu- States-Mexico-Canada trade agree- volved in a very serious process to de- nication from the Speaker: ment, or USMCA, to a vote imme- diately to keep trade free and fair. A termine whether the President of the WASHINGTON, DC, United States has committed high November 14, 2019. vote on USMCA is long overdue. crimes and misdemeanors. I hereby appoint the Honorable HENRY It has been more than 400 days since The Constitution provides for the re- CUELLAR to act as Speaker pro tempore on President Trump announced this his- this day. toric agreement, and Mexico and Can- moval of high officials who violate , ada have already given USMCA the their oath of office, who violate the powers of their office, and who commit Speaker of the House of Representatives. green light. For farmers, ranchers, bribery or treason, or high crimes and f manufacturers, and everyone in be- misdemeanors. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE tween, we must follow suit. So many In the course of that process, we have different industries can benefit from a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- been involved with numerous people modern trade agreement. asking for the whistleblower to testify. ant to the order of the House of Janu- In Pennsylvania, nearly 43,000 jobs ary 3, 2019, the Chair will now recog- I will not speak to the substance of the depend on manufacturing exports to consideration that is ongoing with re- nize Members from lists submitted by Canada and Mexico. Last year alone, the majority and minority leaders for spect to the impeachment of the Presi- Pennsylvania exported $15 billion dent of the United States, but I do morning-hour debate. worth of products to Canada and Mex- The Chair will alternate recognition want to speak pointedly to the calls ico. from so many that the whistleblower between the parties. All time shall be There is no telling what economic po- equally allocated between the parties, be identified. tential lies ahead with a new revamped The whistleblower, of course, has no and in no event shall debate continue trade agreement. direct evidence to offer. What the whis- beyond 11:50 a.m. Each Member, other In Pennsylvania, agriculture—and tleblower is is somebody who responded than the majority and minority leaders dairy, in particular—is the backbone of to ‘‘if you see something, say some- and the minority whip, shall be limited the Commonwealth’s economy. thing.’’ to 5 minutes. USMCA’s elimination of Canada’s Class We have witnesses to wrongdoing all f 6 and Class 7 dairy pricing programs over this country and all over the would be a big win for dairy farm fami- NAFTA ANNIVERSARY AND USMCA world, and our police departments have lies. These programs have unfairly lim- a line that is called an anonymous tip The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ited our export potential over the line so that somebody who sees some- Chair recognizes the gentleman from years. thing will say something. It is anony- Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 The signing of USMCA into law will mous so that we do not intimidate minutes. also signal to other major trade part- those people or expose them to Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. ners, like China and Japan, that we are for coming forward to out criminal be- Mr. Speaker, this coming Sunday serious about these kinds of deals and havior. marks the 26th anniversary of the we are committed to a bright future for The President of the United States House of Representatives passing the American exports. has made an analogy to this informa- North American Free Trade Agree- There is no reason why we cannot tion coming forward as the result of ment, or NAFTA. pass USMCA before the end of the year. spying, treason, which, as we all know, This agreement with our two closest USMCA will create more jobs, boost according to the President, can subject trading partners, Canada and Mexico, wages, and spur the Nation’s economy. someone to capital punishment. has become outdated as time has What are we waiting for? Each day Why do we have a whistleblower stat- passed, markets have diversified, and that passes without a vote is a missed ute? We have a whistleblower statute,

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 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.000 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Mr. Speaker, because we want to en- (Mr. BUDD) for 5 min- neys general in all 50 States, along courage people, and we want to not ex- utes. with FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. pose them to danger or intimidation— Mr. BUDD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today As scammers adjust the way they including from the most powerful per- to discuss an issue that has afflicted perpetrate fraud on the American peo- son on Earth, the President of the nearly every American, including me, ple, it seems like common sense that United States—or retaliation. Yet we and it is the influx of annoying and de- our laws should be updated to fight continue to hear: Tell us who the whis- ceptive robocalls. These seemingly end- back. No matter which side of the aisle tleblower is. Let us throw the whistle- less automated calls disrupt every part we find ourselves on, we should all be blower into the lion’s den. of our daily lives, constitute a serious able to agree that it is time for these In fact, of course, what we do know is form of harassment, and expose mil- illegal robocalls to be stopped once and the whistleblower, the information lions of Americans to dangerous finan- for all. cial scams. that was brought forward, A, led to the f release of funds to the Ukrainians just A prime example of the insidious na- shortly thereafter and, in addition, has ture of these calls occurred last year in b 1015 New York when scammers pretended to led to substantive testimony corrobo- HONORING THE LIFE OF be from the Chinese consulate and de- rating the information that the whis- THADDEUS SEYMOUR, SR. tleblower either saw or heard. manded money from people with what If you see something, say something. they considered to be Chinese-sounding The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It is irresponsible, it is wrong, and, in last names. As a result, 21 Chinese im- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from fact, in almost every jurisdiction, there migrants lost a total of $2.5 million. Florida (Mrs. MURPHY) for 5 minutes. are criminal penalties for threatening In another instance, scammers at- Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speak- a witness, for impeding justice. tempted to phish personal information er, I rise to honor Thaddeus Seymour, So, Mr. Speaker, when people say, by calling people and threatening them Sr., who passed away recently at the ‘‘Show me the whistleblower,’’ what with fines unless they signed up for age of 91. they are doing is not only trying to in- health insurance. In the obituary that appeared in our These incidences are financially dev- timidate that whistleblower, they are local, hometown paper, the Orlando astating and are happening to far too trying to intimidate every other whis- Sentinel, Thad was described by one of many people across our country. If tleblower who might deign to come for- his many admirers as a community there is one thing Republicans and ward because they saw something or treasure, and I think that sums up his Democrats should be able to agree on is heard something. life and legacy perfectly. that Congress can no longer sit back I would hope all of my colleagues Thad moved with his beloved wife, and ignore this problem. Our efforts would think to themselves: Why do we Polly, and their children to the Or- must be focused on adding teeth to the have a whistleblower statute? lando area over 40 years ago when Thad Federal Government’s ability to detect I represent 62,000 Federal employees, was named the 12th president of Rol- and punish individuals and organiza- and, very frankly, I want them to have lins College, where I had the privilege tions that abuse automated dialing the confidence to come forward if they to teach before being elected to Con- technology. see wrongdoing in the Federal Govern- gress. With that in mind, I am proud to be Thad served for a dozen years as the ment, even if it is about the President a cosponsor of the TRACED Act, intro- of the United States, and even if the president of Rollins, from 1978 to 1990, duced by my friend, . President of the United States wants and although he had long left by the This legislation expands the penalties time I arrived, his name was spoken on to make an analogy to a capital of- and the timeframes under which the fense—despicable—undermining the campus with respect and affection. Federal Communications Commission Thad was recognized as a popular and very essence of why the Congress of the can identify robocallers and pursue United States enacted a whistleblower effective leader of the institution, help- civil action. This is entirely bipartisan, ing make this gem of a school shine statute and the essence of why police and it passed the Senate, last May, 97– even brighter. departments all over the United States 1. One decision Thad made during his have anonymous tip lines and why al- Under the TRACED Act, the FCC will most every State has a statute which be able to impose fines of up to $10,000 tenure may seem modest, but it was imposes a criminal penalty for the in- for each individual scam call. Cur- meaningful to people who know Rollins timidation of witnesses. rently, telemarketing scammers face a best. In the 1950s, one of Thad’s prede- We are a nation of laws, not of men. maximum fine of only $1,500. I am con- cessors established Fox Day. Each We are proud of that. But if we are to fident that increasing the maximum spring, as finals loomed and on a day be a nation whose top leaders try to in- penalty up to $10,000 will deter many considered too beautiful to sit in a timidate those who would come for- scammers by making the cost of get- classroom, the school’s president would ward if they see something or hear ting caught simply too expensive. cancel classes and provide students something and they say something, To make these harsher penalties the with a surprise day off. then we will be a lesser nation, less fo- norm and not the exception, the FCC The tradition was ended during the cused on a nation of laws. needs to be given more time to find the Vietnam war, but Thad brought it Mr. Speaker, I would hope that Mem- perpetrators of illegal robocalls. If the back. As Thad would recall years later: bers on both sides of the aisle, political TRACED Act becomes law, the period ‘‘The world had grown so grim, I pundits, commentators, and, yes, the in which the source of a robocall can be thought we needed to cheer ourselves President of the United States would investigated and found liable will be up.’’ It is a choice that underscores cease and desist from trying to intimi- tripled from 1 year to 3 years. both Thad’s love of life and his belief date this whistleblower and all of those This important provision will work that, at core, a college should be a who may be whistleblowers. in lockstep with the increased fines. close-knit community where young The intent of that legislation, the in- The FCC has told Congress that ex- men and women live together; learn to- tent of those protections, the intent of tending the statute of limitations in gether; and, in many cases, become witness protection statutes and intimi- this way would improve the Commis- lifelong friends. Because Fox Day dation of witnesses is so that we will sion’s enforcement efforts. helped foster a sense of community and get at the truth and that our govern- During my time in office, I have shared experience, Thad believed it ment of the people, by the people, and heard frustration from countless con- mattered. for the people will be more honest, will stituents on this issue. Robocalls fre- Thad left Rollins in 1990, but he never be more safe, will be more just. quently interrupt our daily lives, ring- left central Florida, and he never f ing our phones during important work- stopped caring about our community. hours, and distracting us from time In fact, he literally helped build it, co- TRACED ACT spent at home with our families. founding a chapter of Habitat for Hu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The TRACED Act is an important bi- manity in Winter Park and in Chair recognizes the gentleman from partisan bill that is supported by attor- Maitland.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.002 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8831 There is a wonderful picture of Thad I also have to mention that one of Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY) for 5 min- in the Orlando Sentinel obituary. He is her sons is retiring as a State rep- utes. helping construct a home for someone resentative of over 36 years, who I will Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, last less fortunate. He is perched on a lad- recognize next, and her other is a su- Friday, November 8, the Department of der. His shirt is splattered with paint. pervisor in her home county of Lee Health and Human Services announced He has a broad smile on his face. That County. that the new Medicare part B pre- is how I will always remember Thad: The Hollands are icons in Lee Coun- miums starting in January 2020 will in- happily helping, happily building. ty, and I thank Judge Sadie Holland crease by $9.10 a month, a 6.7 percent May President Seymour rest in for her service. increase over last year. peace. RECOGNIZING STATE REPRESENTATIVE STEVE In dollars and cents, this means that f HOLLAND premiums will go to $144.60 a month, up RECOGNIZING FORMER MIS- Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. from $135 a month. As seniors know all too well, that $144 will be deducted SISSIPPI SPEAKER BILLY MCCOY Speaker, today I rise to recognize soon- to-be former—he is about to retire automatically from their Social Secu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The from the Mississippi House of Rep- rity checks, which is a bitter pill given Chair recognizes the gentleman from resentatives—Representative Steve the fact that Social Security itself is Mississippi (Mr. KELLY) for 5 minutes. Holland. slated only to rise by 1.6 percent start- Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. ing January 1. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Steve has served in the House of Rep- resentatives in the Mississippi legisla- Very simply, that $9-a-month in- former speaker of the Mississippi crease for millions of seniors will chew House of Representatives, the Honor- ture for 36 years. He was also a desk mate, I think, of former Speaker up a large part of any COLA that they able Billy McCoy, who is pictured here. can possibly receive starting in Janu- Former Mississippi Speaker Billy McCoy, and they were good friends. ary. McCoy passed away on November 12 Steve has represented the 16th Dis- So, Mr. Speaker, I just want to after an incredible, lifelong career of trict of Mississippi proudly, as he has footstop that point about the fact that public service. represented all of the people of his dis- Billy was directly responsible for rev- trict. He is a true Mississippian who the Social Security system’s COLA, olutionizing the economy of Mis- prioritized legislation that would cre- which is tied to general inflation in the sissippi and bringing thousands of jobs ate a brighter future for Mississippi. economy, is going up 1.6 percent; to our great State. As speaker, Speaker And, if you have never met Steve whereas, the Medicare part B premium, McCoy championed the 1987 infrastruc- Holland, he is a character who is not which is tied to healthcare costs, is ture plan that created four-lane high- large enough for this body to contain. going up 6.7 percent. ways throughout Mississippi. The four- What a gentleman. Always for the This is something that we know is lane highways brought industries and State of Mississippi and a true Mis- endemic throughout the healthcare added more than 1,300 miles of high- sissippian at heart, but always with a system. In the State of Connecticut, ways to the State. quip and quick humor. He was always the Department of Insurance increased Billy was also dedicated to improving willing to never take himself too seri- commercial insurance rates, that went public education in Mississippi and giv- ously, although all the matters that he up again above inflation, and identified ing every child a chance for success. achieved were very serious. the fact that prescription drug cost His influence on the lives of numerous Steve Holland is an icon in Mis- was the primary cost driver. Mississippians will not be forgotten, sissippi politics. I look forward to The Center for Medicare Services last but his honorable demeanor and com- working with Steve in his retirement Friday, when they announced the mitment will be greatly missed. and thank him for his service. Medicare part B premiums, also con- firmed the fact that it is prescription I just think back to being at Jacinto, IMPEACHMENT PROCESS an ancient courthouse that predates drug costs that are driving that 6.7 per- Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. the Civil War in Mississippi near cent increase. Speaker, I just want to talk a little bit Rienzi, where Speaker McCoy was The increase in prescription drug about this impeachment process, or from. Whether you are a Republican or costs that Medicare paid from 2018 to whatever you want to call it that we a Democrat, when you got ready to 2019 was 10 percent, and they are pro- have going on. run, you had better go pay homage to jecting that it is going to go to 10.10 The American people deserve the the great Speaker Billy McCoy, who percent in 2020; thus, we have a $9 in- facts—and just the facts—not suppo- did so much for Mississippi. crease coming up in terms of people’s And I can still see him sitting on the sition from witnesses who have second- premiums. front lawn in front of the trailer with and third- and fourth- and fifth-hand This is not going to come as a great the hay bales on it, where I would information. surprise to the American people. If you speak for my first political speech, and They have a right to not have law- go back to last year’s election in 2018, seeing Speaker McCoy out there, know- yers and alleged whistleblowers, who the exit polls showed that the number ing that I would have gone by and got- the lawyer has—the coup started in one issue that people cared about and ten advice from him, even though we 2017 as soon as our President took of- were concerned about and wanted Con- were on opposite political parties. fice, or impeachment next. gress to act on was healthcare costs— May Mr. Speaker rest in peace. Mr. Speaker, the people of America more specifically, prescription drug deserve the facts. They don’t deserve RECOGNIZING JUDGE SADIE HOLLAND costs. Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. secret proceedings, leaks, misinforma- That was an election that had the Speaker, I rise today to recognize tion, and disinformation. largest voter turnout since 1914 in a Judge Sadie Holland, another icon in And I just want to make a small midterm election and elected a new history. And thank goodness she is still point. A whistleblower is not afforded majority with a 10-million-vote plu- here with us. She is just retiring. anonymity by the statute. They are af- rality. She is retiring from Lee County Jus- forded the protection from firing or re- So, that is the context that we are in tice Court as a judge, after 16 years of taliation, not anonymity. It is not a right now, at a moment where this service in that capacity. She also has a hotline or an anonymous tip line. Congress, and particularly the House of history of being Lee County’s first fe- Mr. Speaker, I ask that the misin- Representatives, is poised to take up male justice court judge. She served, formation and disinformation stop. H.R. 3, which is the Lower Drug Costs before that, as the Tupelo court admin- Just the facts. Now Act. And in the midst of all the istrator and mayor of Nettleton, a f media focus on impeachment, it is im- small community in Lee County. portant to know that the committees Judge Holland’s influence in the com- RISING PRESCRIPTION DRUG that have cognizance over healthcare— munity has been so significant, Lee COSTS the Ways and Means Committee, the County proclaimed November 3 as The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Energy and Commerce Committee, and Sadie Holland Day. Chair recognizes the gentleman from the Education and Labor Committee,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.004 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 on which I sit—reported out basically sional District of , Master Ser- Master Sergeant Williams exempli- the same version of H.R. 3. geant Matthew Williams. fies the selfless commitment our men And it is, again, a matter of just a Master Sergeant Williams received and women in uniform give to the couple of weeks for the Congressional the at the United States of America, our values, Budget Office to finish scoring the bill 2 weeks ago for his heroic actions while and our way of life. that we are going to take up that serving as Weapons Sergeant, Special Master Sergeant Williams from measure for a vote. Forces Operational Detachment Alpha Texas-21, from Boerne, Texas, the What does it do? It basically 3336, Special Operations Task Force-33, State of Texas and the entire Nation is unhandcuffs the Department of Health in support of Operation Enduring Free- proud of the honor you received 2 and Human Services to negotiate with dom. weeks ago. the pharmaceutical companies. By law, According to the Medal of Honor ci- HONORING SERVICE OF RICK PERRY they have been prohibited, with what is tation, on April 6, 2018, Williams, his Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I also want to called the noninterference clause, from team, and roughly 100 Afghan com- say a few remarks quickly about my negotiating lower drug prices. mandos were airdropped from heli- The VA system has been negotiating friend and former boss, and the former copters into a mountainous area in Af- Governor of the State of Texas, Rick prescription drug costs for decades, ghanistan’s Shok Valley. and, in fact, they get a much better Perry. He is going to be ending his The terrain was too rough for the service as the Secretary of Energy, I price for veterans in America than the helicopters to land, so the soldiers folks who, again, are covered by Medi- believe at the end of this month. jumped from 10 to 12 feet off the back He is a patriot, a proud veteran of care. of the helicopters to start the mission. So that noninterference clause is the Air Force, and a proud Aggie, Some landed on jagged rocks. Others going to be scaled back. DHS is going which he and my Aggie wife like to re- landed waist-deep in a river. None of to be able to negotiate the 250 highest mind me of regularly. them were detoured from the mission. brand-name drug costs tied to an inter- He was born in Paint Creek, Texas, in After making their way through fast- national price index—because America a house that didn’t have indoor plumb- moving water and up rocky terrain, an pays the highest drug costs by far. The ing. He lived in that house for 5 years element of Williams’ team faced an on- next highest country is Switzerland, without indoor plumbing. slaught of machine gun fire, sniper fire, and they pay 25 percent less than we do He worked up to graduate from A&M, and rocket-propelled grenades. here in the U.S. serve in the Air Force, serve as a State Again, what do those savings mean in Williams and his group were forced to representative, as the Texas Agri- terms of folks on Medicare? Already take cover. Once Williams learned culture Commissioner, the Lieutenant CBO has told us, for people on part D, members of his team were trapped and Governor, and the 14-year Governor of which is the outpatient prescription taking heavy fire, he quickly joined a the State of Texas. drug benefit, they, again, will see a re- small assault team to assist the He is my friend. I respect him im- duction in the out-of-pocket costs, wounded and the troops taking heavy mensely. I thank him for his service as which today are unlimited in terms of fire. the Secretary of Energy. any copayments that they are paying Williams led the group up the moun- I would just say that when I worked for medications. That will be capped at tain and across a 100-meter valley of for him, I was battling Hodgkin’s $2,000. boulders and difficult terrain toward lymphoma, and the Governor could not I have a constituent up in Killingly, the American troops in danger. have been more gracious and more sup- Connecticut; she is a retired teacher. b 1030 portive of me and my young family at She has AFib. She is on Medicare part Quickly, they set up a human chain the time. D. It has been a great help to her. But to bring the wounded down the moun- He will always be someone for whom those copayments, because the AFib tain. As they were setting up the chain, I will be happy to crawl across broken medication is so expensive, cost her one of his fellow soldiers was hit. With- glass for any day, any week, anywhere $13,000 a year. out a moment’s hesitation, Williams in the United States. I know his public That will be brought down to $2,000 a braved enemy fire to give the soldier service is far from over because he year if we pass H.R. 3, and that is just first aid and get him out of the line of loves this country so much. one example of the benefits—$350 bil- fire. QUESTIONS FOR MAJORITY LEADER lion in savings to Medicare over 10 After helping his fellow soldier, Wil- Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I would make years, according to the Congressional liams immediately turned around and only one other point in my remaining Budget Office. fought his way back up to the moun- 20 seconds. Again, this is a program, Medicare, tain to where his teammates were I heard the distinguished majority which is slated to go into negative ter- pinned down. leader talking about the whistleblower. ritory, according to the trustee, start- After taking out multiple insurgents, We are in the middle of the Nation fo- ing in 2026. We are giving a $350 billion Williams worked to get his unit orga- cusing on what the House of Represent- lifeline to Medicare to make sure that nized. He then went back to putting atives is doing, and the Nation is won- it is an enduring program moving for- himself between enemy fire and his fel- dering why we aren’t working on the ward in the future. That is why organizations like low soldiers, to protect them as they things that will make their lives bet- AARP, the National Committee to Pre- were making their way to safety. ter: lowering healthcare prices, bal- serve Social Security and Medicare, Insurgents began attacking a small ancing the budget, securing the border, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social house at the base of the mountain the and doing the work that we should be Justice, Patients for Affordable Drugs American troops were using as the col- doing to make their lives better in the Now, and the Small Business Majority lection point for casualties and injured United States of America. are supporting H.R. 3. soldiers. To buy time for helicopters to To listen to the majority leader talk- It is time to sit up and pay attention extract the wounded and get them to ing about the whistleblower in some to what just happened last week to safety, Williams led a counterattack hallowed respect when that very whis- Medicare and pass H.R. 3 for America’s against a group of over 200 insurgents, tleblower had an attorney who was patients and seniors. fighting them off as his troops were talking about a coup in 2017, I would being saved. ask one question: Why hasn’t this al- f Master Sergeant Williams’ actions leged whistleblower fired that attor- HONORING MASTER SERGEANT were critical in helping to save the ney? MATTHEW WILLIAMS lives of four wounded soldiers. There is Did the whistleblower know that the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The no doubt that Williams protected his attorney was talking about a coup in Chair recognizes the gentleman from fellow soldiers from grave danger. Be- 2017? If he did, why did he hire him? If Texas (Mr. ROY) for 5 minutes. cause of his actions and that of his he didn’t, why hasn’t he fired him? Mr. ROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to brave teammates, no American service- Those would be my questions for the honor a native of the 21st Congres- members were killed. distinguished majority leader.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.006 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8833 RECOGNIZING GLOBAL COALITION come from the United States. For grants, low-income individuals, com- TO DEFEAT ISIS every piece of intelligence that they munities of color, and the homeless. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The risk their lives to collect, that is one For many Americans, community Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from fewer piece that we need to collect and health centers are the first and only Michigan (Ms. SLOTKIN) for 5 minutes. risk our lives for. place they turn when they need to see Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Most importantly, working in coali- a medical professional. Making sure today to speak about a bipartisan reso- tion keeps the American homeland that these Americans receive the care lution I am introducing today, to- safer than it would be simply if it were they need is good for our healthcare gether with a group of Democrats and up to us to defend. In an era of system, for our economy, and for work- Republicans, recognizing the global co- globalized threats that can come from ing families in all of our communities. alition to defeat ISIS. anywhere, we need a global coalition We have long had bipartisan support This resolution recognizes the crit- before the threats land on our shores. on community health centers, but our ical contributions of the counter-ISIS As we know in Michigan, our hand- failure to provide long-term funding coalition partners; the value of those shake is our bond; our word is our rep- hurts their ability to budget and plan. partnerships to countering threats, utation; and we are stronger together It creates uncertainty and has an im- both today and tomorrow; and the im- than we are apart. pact on the patients they serve, includ- portance of building and maintaining I am, therefore, proud to be intro- ing hundreds of thousands of my con- trust among partners for the sake of ducing this resolution, together with a stituents. future fights—as well as reaffirming bipartisan group, as a signal of our ap- With them in mind, I urge my col- Congress’ commitment to defeating preciation and our word and as a sign leagues to join me to support stable, ISIS. of our commitment to our counter-ISIS long-term funding for our Nation’s It is important to remember how this partners today and into the future. community health centers. coalition of 60-plus countries came to- f f gether in the first place. Take yourself HONORING SERVICE OF DR. APPRECIATION FOR FSA MARKET back 5 years. ISIS had taken over wide DWIGHT VINES FACILITATION PAYMENTS swaths of Iraq and Syria. They had huge amounts of territory. They were The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The systematically slaughtering the oppo- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Chair recognizes the gentleman from sition. They were targeting ethnic (Mr. ABRAHAM) for 5 min- (Mr. MARSHALL) for 5 minutes. groups. They were targeting Chris- utes. Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, last tians. They were targeting Yazidis. Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, the week, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue They were systematically raping people of Louisiana lost a great man announced another round of market fa- women. They were setting up bureau- when former University of Louisiana at cilitation payments to help farmers cratic structures, charging taxes, and Monroe President Dwight Vines passed and ranchers deal with the continued extorting people. away at the age of 88. impacts of ongoing trade disruptions. They were projecting violence and Dr. Vines was born in Jackson Parish President Trump is delivering on his threats out of that territory into in 1931. After earning his doctorate de- promise to help agriculture producers places like , into places like gree in business administration, he be- while he works to open new markets Russia, and into places like the United came a professor at Northeast Lou- and deliver free, fair, and reciprocal States. So the Department of Defense isiana University, which would later trade agreements for farmers and and the Department of State pieced to- become ULM. ranchers. While these payments serve gether 60 nations to contribute to a co- Under his leadership as president, only as a short-term solution, a Band- alition. from 1976 to 1991, ULM developed 40 Aid, President Trump and USTR con- Some of those countries provide F–16 new degree programs and built a school tinue to fight, both day and night, to air cover. Some provide overhead im- of nursing, an aquatic center, and a secure a deal with China. agery. Some provide human intel- sports stadium, and it expanded its li- I also want to give a special shout- ligence. Some train the Iraqi security brary. out and thanks to Farm Service Agen- forces and police. Everyone has a part In addition to his time at ULM, Dr. cy State Executive Director for Kansas to play. Vines served as economic development David Schemm, my good friend. David Today, as I speak, Secretary Pompeo officer for the city of Monroe and dis- and the men and women of Kansas’ 105 is convening the counter-ISIS coalition trict director for former Fifth District FSA county offices work tirelessly to at the highest levels in an emergency Congressman Dr. John Cooksey. process tens of thousands of MFP ap- session to discuss the future of the Please join me in honoring a great plications for Kansas farmers. counter-ISIS mission, following Presi- Louisianan, Dr. Dwight Vines. Thank you, David, and your team, for dent Trump’s decision to pull out U.S. f all you do for Kansas agriculture. forces from northern Syria. IMPEACHMENT EVIDENCE SHOWS NO HIGH CRIME SUPPORT LONG-TERM FUNDING Our allies and partners are rightfully OR MISDEMEANOR FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CEN- questioning the future of this coali- Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, this TERS tion. The President surprised these na- week, House Democrats began the pub- tions, all 60 of them, with the pullout. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lic hearing phase of their partisan im- Many of our partners found out about Chair recognizes the gentleman from peachment sham, which continues in a the pullout, in which they are involved, California (Mr. GOMEZ) for 5 minutes. completely unfair, unjust, and unprece- via tweet and via the media. Mr. GOMEZ. Mr. Speaker, we are just dented manner. As the counter-ISIS coalition part- days away from another funding cliff There are at least four indisputable ners come to Washington, I, therefore, for our community health centers. pieces of evidence showing no high want to take a moment to recognize This is unacceptable. Our Nation’s crime or misdemeanor committed by their partnership, their contributions, community health centers need stable, the President. and their commitment to the counter- long-term funding to serve the most Number one, the July 25 call sum- ISIS fight. vulnerable patients in our communities mary, the best evidence of the con- Why is it important to have a coali- effectively. versation, shows no evidence of pres- tion? Why is it important that 60 na- Community health centers are a sure or conditions. tions come together to fight this ter- bright spot in our Nation’s healthcare Number two, President Zelensky and rorist group? It is not just for show. system. Last year, they served 29 mil- President Trump have both said there For every airman, marine, soldier, or lion patients across the country, in- was no pressure on the call. sailor from the U.K., Spain, France, or cluding 693,000 who visited 74 different Number three, the Ukrainian Govern- Norway who comes to contribute to the sites in my district alone. Community ment was not aware of a hold on U.S. fight, that is one fewer soldier, airman, health centers like Clinica Romero in assistance at the time of the July 25 marine, or naval officer who needs to Boyle Heights provide care to immi- call.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.007 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Number four, President Trump met would like to take a moment to high- Memorials like those for World War with President Zelensky, and the U.S. light improvements made to our VA II, Korea, and Vietnam have provided assistance flowed to Ukraine in Sep- healthcare system by the VA MISSION the opportunities for those generations tember 2019, without Ukraine inves- Act. This week, our office partnered whose lives and service were defined by tigating President Trump’s concern for with Newman Regional Health Center those conflicts, and it is now time for corruption. in Emporia to host a community forum the current generation of veterans to Mr. Speaker, there is no objective to share information about healthcare have that same opportunity. It is our evidence to undo the votes of 63 million options available to veterans through hope that, by honoring them in the Na- Americans. the VA MISSION Act, which went into tion’s Capital, we will ensure a loca- Not only do the Democrats and their effect June 6. tion befitting of their service and their leadership ignore the facts in order to Since being implemented, the VA sacrifice. impeach President Trump, but they are MISSION Act has benefited thousands Over 21⁄2 million Americans have also ignoring the American people by of veterans in Kansas greatly, allowing served in uniform in the global war on failing to get anything done. them the option to get care at home. In terrorism, and millions more first re- Republicans stand at the ready to rural Kansas, it can be costly and bur- sponders, law enforcement, and civil pass USMCA, secure our border, and densome for many veterans to travel to servants have also supported global op- create a bipartisan plan to lower pre- a nearby VA facility which might be as scription drug costs. Sadly, Democrats erations. To date, over 7,000 Americans intend to deny the American people many as 2 to 3 hours away. The MIS- have given the ultimate sacrifice and such progress. SION Act enables them to seek the over 53,000 have been wounded. Many care they want from a provider closer more bear the invisible scars of the war COMMEMORATING SERVICE DURING MILITARY WEEK to home. that will be with them for the rest of Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, in We must continue to empower our their lives. honor of Veterans Day, this week is veterans, providing them with the If these feel like statistics to some, Military Week for our office. This choice they need to receive the care they are not to me and to many others. week, we will honor the sacrifices of they deserve, the care we promised At a time when Congress feels more di- those who have and are currently serv- them all. Thanks to Congress and the vided than ever before, I hope that this ing in America’s armed forces. work of the Trump administration, we Congress can focus on what we do have This year, our office took part in the are taking steps to provide our vet- in common and what does bring us to- 2019 Veteran History Project to give erans the very best of care because gether so that we can move our coun- our Nation’s heroes a platform to tell they deserve nothing less. try forward. their stories. This project will allow fu- f We have a sacred duty to those who have selflessly served in our Nation’s ture generations to hear directly from AMERICANS WHO HAVE VOLUN- veterans to better understand their re- longest war, and it is a charge that we TARILY SERVED AND SAC- alities, the personal sacrifices of war, do not take lightly. I urge my col- RIFICED DESERVE OUR DEEPEST and the importance of public service. leagues to join me in this effort by sup- GRATITUDE AND RECOGNITION For this project, our office inter- porting the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The viewed three constituents from the Big f First District about their military Chair recognizes the gentleman from service. All three gentlemen not only (Mr. CROW) for 5 minutes. RECESS served their country overseas but re- Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- turned home to make lasting impacts in support of the Global War on Ter- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair on their communities and create a bet- rorism Memorial Location Act, which I declares the House in recess until noon ter Kansas for all of us. am very proud to have introduced today. Listening to these veterans’ stories along with my friend and colleague Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 49 of sacrifice and bravery is quite inspir- from Wisconsin, Congressman MIKE minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- ing. Thank you to each of these fine GALLAGHER. cess. gentlemen for your service, for your The global war on terrorism changed families’ sacrifices, and for sharing the course of American history and the f your stories for future generations. lives of millions of servicemembers, b 1200 FIGHTING NORTHWEST KANSAS WILDFIRES first responders, and civil servants—in- AFTER RECESS Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, this cluding my own. past Saturday, a disaster declaration On 9/11 and since, we have learned The recess having expired, the House was issued for Cheyenne County in that we can never take our democracy was called to order by the Speaker pro northwest Kansas after a series of or our country’s security for granted. tempore (Mr. CUELLAR) at noon. grass fires broke out between St. It is a fight that, sadly, continues f Francis and Wheeler. today. Thanks to fast-acting volunteers and The millions of Americans who have PRAYER the National Guard, many homes, voluntarily served and sacrificed for Mr. Dipesh Pandya, BAPS farms, and, most importantly, families our Nation deserve our deepest grati- Swaminarayan Sanstha, Warrington, were kept safe. Even pheasant hunters tude, but they also deserve our recogni- Pennsylvania, offered the following out on opening day pitched in to help tion. prayer: fight the fires. Several generations of Americans Aum. Time and time again, rural Kansans have now come of age during the global O, Lord, lead us from illusion to the rise to the occasion and the challenges war on terrorism. There are now Amer- truth. Lead us from darkness to light. to provide for their communities’ needs icans born after 9/11 who are serving Lead us from death to immortality. without a moment’s notice. That is today, overseas, in uniform in what has May everyone in the world be happy. what Kansans do. These are Kansas become our Nation’s longest conflict. May everyone be healthy. May all ex- values. That is one of the reasons why it is perience what is good. May there be no Thank you to all the first responders, now time for us to recognize the sev- suffering. the troops, and the citizen volunteers eral generations of Americans who O, Lord, may the skies give us peace. who bravely responded to put out these have volunteered to serve our Nation: May space bring us peace. May the fires in Cheyenne County. Thank you those of us who have served and who Earth give us peace. May the waters for helping take care of your neighbors. have worked to help our fellow vet- give peace. May herbs and plants give b 1045 erans understand the important power us peace. May all the beings of the HIGHLIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS TO VA of place, the transformational power of Earth bring us peace. May the deities HEALTHCARE SYSTEM a sacred location where veterans and bestow peace. May all of Your cre- Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, in their families can come together to ations bring us peace. May peace pre- honor of Military Week in my office, I heal, to remember, and to reflect. vail throughout the universe.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.009 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8835 As we are here to celebrate Diwali, festival celebrated by over 2 million In- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. the Hindu festival of lights, I invoke dian Americans across the United Speaker, after over a month of secret the credo of my spiritual leader, His States. This 5-day celebration signifies investigations against the President, Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj: ‘‘In the triumph of light over darkness, Democrats have now decided to open the joy of others lies our own. In the knowledge over ignorance, and hope these controlled hearings to the public. progress of others rests our own. In the over despair. This continued deception by Demo- good of others abides our own.’’ Diwali reminds us that there is joy in crats to mislead the American people O, Lord, may all the Members of this serving God, serving our country, serv- is insulting. No Republican witnesses, House and their staff receive Your ing our community, and our fellow citi- no counsel of the President to partici- guidance in their thoughts and actions. zens, particularly during times of ca- pate, and full exoneration by the cou- May our Armed Forces stay victorious, lamity and despair. Traditionally, rows rageous President Zelensky of Ukraine. and may they be protected. of divas, or candles, were used to illu- It is said that, instead of focusing on May God bless the United States of minate and dispel darkness. funding our military through the Na- America. Today we are reminded that we must tional Defense Authorization Act or f work together, united and in friend- passing the United-States-Mexico-Can- ship, to serve this great Nation and the ada Agreement to create jobs, which THE JOURNAL communities in which we live. improves our schools, like Lexington The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Indeed, the BAPS community District 1, Democrats continue. Chair has examined the Journal of the throughout the United States continu- They have wasted $30 million of tax- last day’s proceedings and announces ously strives to serve society through payer money on the Russian hoax and to the House his approval thereof. various charitable and humanitarian are now proceeding with the Ukrainian Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- activities, ranging from food drives to hoax. This partisan witch hunt diverts nal stands approved. disaster relief efforts, including the attention from the President’s suc- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. planting of trees. cesses. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule On behalf of my fellow Members of The unemployment rate is at a I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Congress, I am proud to recognize and record low; there is record job creation; Speaker’s approval of the Journal. welcome the BAPS members who have and the stock market is thriving, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The traveled here to Washington from showing President Trump keeps his question is on the Speaker’s approval across the country. promises. of the Journal. In conclusion, God bless our troops, f The question was taken; and the and we will never forget September the Speaker pro tempore announced that ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 11th in the global war on terrorism. the ayes appeared to have it. PRO TEMPORE Thank you, President Lech Walesa of Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Poland, a world hero, for testifying The SPEAKER pro tempore. The yesterday for freedom. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the Chair will entertain up to 15 further re- f ground that a quorum is not present quests for 1-minute speeches on each and make the point of order that a side of the aisle. LOWER DRUG PRICES NOW quorum is not present. f (Mr. CRIST asked and was given per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mission to address the House for 1 ant to clause 8, rule XX, further pro- SUPPORTING THE FARM minute.) ceedings on this question will be post- WORKFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT Mr. CRIST. Mr. Speaker, I rise in poned. (Mr. DELGADO asked and was given support of lower drug prices, because The point of no quorum is considered permission to address the House for 1 Americans are getting squeezed while withdrawn. minute.) drug companies are raking in the cash. f Mr. DELGADO. Mr. Speaker, I rise One of my constituents, Mike PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE today on behalf of the nearly 5,000 McKenny, runs a minority-owned, farmers in my district, 96 percent of small business in St. Petersburg. He The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the which are family-owned farms. works hard for a living, making pay- gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. COMER) Every time I am home, I meet with roll, serving his customers. come forward and lead the House in the farmers about the major challenges When Mike’s daughter Taylor was di- Pledge of Allegiance. they face today. The need to modernize agnosed with diabetes, he had to pull Mr. COMER led the Pledge of Alle- and make more effective our H2A visa thousands out of the family’s 401(k) giance as follows: program is consistently flagged. and do, in his words, ‘‘other creative I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the That is why I am proud to support things’’ to make ends meet when the United States of America, and to the Repub- the bipartisan Farm Workforce Mod- insurance coverage ran out. At the lic for which it stands, one nation under God, toughest point, he paid $120 for a 3-day indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ernization Act, a historic bill that both simplifies and broadens the scope of supply of the insulin to keep his daugh- f the H2A application process. In addi- ter alive. WELCOMING MR. DIPESH PANDYA tion to ensuring critical protections for Mr. Speaker, $120 for 3 days. That is work, the bill will finally allow dairy immoral. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Under the Elijah Cummings Lower objection, the gentleman from Penn- and other farm operations to access the H2A farm worker program, a critical Drug Costs Now Act, nearly 600,000 of sylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) is recog- my constituents will pay less for drugs, nized for 1 minute. priority for farmers in New York-19. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of upstate some dramatically so. There was no objection. End the drug company abuse. Lower produce and vegetable growers, dairy Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I drug prices now. rise today to recognize our guest chap- operators, and all farmers in my dis- f lain for today, Dipesh Pandya, along trict, I applaud the bipartisan work of with members of the BAPS mandirs in my colleagues in negotiating this im- SALUTING MILITARY FAMILIES our district in Pennsylvania. portant agreement. Now let’s come to- (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given They are here with hundreds of gether and get this done. permission to address the House for 1 prominent Indian Americans who are f minute.) also members of the BAPS organiza- Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, it is tion, a Hindu faith that holds services IMPEACHMENT HOAX my greatest privilege to represent our in 32 States across 91 congressional dis- (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina military servicemembers and their tricts. asked and was given permission to ad- families in the 25th District of Texas, They are here with us today to cele- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- and I am humbled to be their voice in brate Diwali, the festival of lights, a vise and extend his remarks.) Washington.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.011 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 During the month of November, we The Department of Labor has contin- the unfortunate position this institu- honor the dedication, the commitment, ually recognized the importance of ap- tion has been placed in over the past and daily sacrifices of 2.6 million mili- prenticeships to the future of work in several weeks. Long before Speaker tary family members in the United our Nation and, for the fifth year in a PELOSI launched this impeachment in- States. These men and women may not row, dedicated a week to highlighting quiry, many of my colleagues had al- take an oath to defend our liberty, but the need for expanded access to these ready made it clear that their number they are the forces behind our educational and career opportunities. one priority was impeaching the Presi- frontlines. They are the faces of cour- It is essential we increase awareness dent. age and the steadfast models of resolve of the benefits of these crucial pro- Congress should rightfully use its right here at home. grams which link our education system oversight powers to ensure laws are ex- Their contributions to our national with our workforce development initia- ecuted faithfully, but this exercise has security are indisputable, and because tives. shown itself to be the ultimate manip- of them, America continues to shine as As I travel throughout Kentucky’s ulation of the legislative branch’s over- a beacon of hope throughout this First Congressional District, I hear sight to achieve political gains. world. from employers of all sizes and indus- I caution my colleagues from placing I salute all our military families in tries that say they are unsatisfied with political expediency ahead of modera- the 25th District and across our Nation recent graduates’ credentials and they tion. A vote for impeachment will for- and thank them for the sacrifices they are lacking workers with the skills ever change this institution. Imagine a have made. necessary to perform the duties of future where this body utilizes the May God bless all these families. May their job. most severe of its constitutional tools God continue to bless the United As a new member to the Committee to continually put the minority party States of America. Most importantly, on Education and Labor this Congress, on trial. in God we trust. I am proud of the bipartisan pieces of Mr. Speaker, the American people f legislation we have advanced and look have elected their representatives to be WE ARE BETTER THAN THIS forward to future opportunities to sup- their voice and vote on matters most port employers, provide skills develop- important to this country. We must (Ms. DEAN asked and was given per- ment for those already employed, and collectively focus on these issues, not mission to address the House for 1 enhance the jobs and generations of the the political impulses of a few. minute and to revise and extend her re- future. For the sake of this institution, and marks.) for the good of the Nation, this cannot Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, this week f become the new normal. the Supreme Court heard oral argu- b 1215 ments surrounding DACA. Now 800,000 lives hang in the balance. BRING DOWN PRESCRIPTION DRUG f Mr. Speaker, 800,000 is a big number, PRICES and in the face of abstract figures it is (Mr. LIPINSKI asked and was given THANKING VETERANS FOR easy to lose touch with the human re- permission to address the House for 1 SERVICE ality. minute and to revise and extend his re- (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given So let’s think of, maybe, just one marks.) permission to address the House for 1 person, one young woman who has Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise minute and to revise and extend her re- lived virtually her entire life in this today with a call to action to bring marks.) country; whose friends, family, and down prescription drug prices. Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, I re- community are here; who attends Some say a drug company should be cently spent time visiting schools school and plays on the soccer team able to charge any price because that is throughout the Virgin Islands. and volunteers at a food bank; who just how the market works. But the While it is always exciting to spend speaks English and no other language. market for many prescription drugs is time with our young people, it was sad Which one of us would take that broken. to see that the school libraries across child to the border and send her across As a diabetic, I know how the price of the territory are in dire need of books alone? insulin has skyrocketed for no good and librarians to provide students and Which one of us would banish her to reason. Medicare spent 31⁄2 times more teachers with educational resources, a place she has never been? on insulin per patient in 2016 than in including territory-specific material Which one of us would force her to 2007. that will enlighten our young people build a life and a language she does not Many Americans depend on other about their rich heritage. We all have even know? drugs to survive: EpiPens for life- to do better. Which one of us could abandon that threatening allergies, emergency inhal- My office also hosted two townhalls child with a clear conscience? ers for asthma, chemotherapy drugs for I suspect the answer is very few of us. with officials from the VA and the U.S. cancer. Patients relying on life-sus- And, if that is right, if in our hearts we Postal Service to discuss issues facing taining drugs can’t simply vote with would not permit us to behave with our veterans and the community at their wallet to fight back against price such coldness and cruelty, then we can- large. Within the next few months, it is gougers. not allow our government to do so ei- my hope that both the Postal Service That is why I introduced H.R. 5039, to ther. and the VA will make measurable As our dear colleague Mr. Cummings give Medicare the tools it needs to progress. said, we are better than this. bring down the price of life-sustaining I thank members of my community drugs, similar to other developed coun- for coming out, particularly our vet- f tries. erans, because, on Monday, we com- CELEBRATING NATIONAL American families deserve better memorated Veterans Day, paying trib- APPRENTICESHIP WEEK than the Big Pharma status quo. Let’s ute to men and women who have served (Mr. COMER asked and was given pass H.R. 5039 and give that to them. in the U.S. Armed Forces. permission to address the House for 1 f Elmer Davis once said it ‘‘will re- minute and to revise and extend his re- main the land of the free only for so CALLING FOR CAUTION ON marks.) long as it is the home of the brave.’’ Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise IMPEACHMENT I am proud that the Virgin Islands today to celebrate National Appren- (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania has one of the highest rates of military ticeship Week. asked and was given permission to ad- service in our country, including my I am proud the Trump administra- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- father. tion has, once again, placed an empha- vise and extend his remarks.) I thank every veteran across the Na- sis on these crucial skills development Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. tion for your service to America and to and employee advancement programs. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight freedom.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.013 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8837 CONGRATULATING GREATER SUS- we treat juveniles to ensure that we measures Office. Jay’s forward-looking QUEHANNA VALLEY CHAMBER don’t throw away lives; that if you vision allowed him to project capabili- OF COMMERCE have a mistake at the age of 12 or 14, ties and actions decades into the fu- (Mr. KELLER asked and was given your life is in front of you; and that we ture. He was respected by his peers, his permission to address the House for 1 help parents with wraparound services. subordinates, and his superiors. He was minute.) What I hear most of all is a parent our adversary’s worst nightmare. Mr. KELLER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf saying: ‘‘Help me. I don’t know where I will miss him as a naval flight offi- cer, a commander, a decorated veteran, of the people of Pennsylvania’s 12th to go. I don’t have the resources.’’ A nation as great as America can in- a family man, and my mentor. Congressional District, congratulations You changed everyone’s life for the to the Greater Susquehanna Valley vest in her children, whether it is the DACA status of our young children at- better, Jay. Fair winds and following Chamber of Commerce on being named seas, Captain. the Chamber of the Year by the Penn- tempting to be part of this Nation or sylvania Association of Chamber Pro- whether or not, in fact, it is those f fessionals. young people who made a slight wrong DEMOCRATS DELIVERING ON Located in Shamokin Dam, the turn and are thrown away for years in AGENDA FOR AMERICAN PEOPLE Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber detention centers that are like jails. (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given has been in operation for 99 years and We are a nation that can do better. permission to address the House for 1 is a conglomeration of other local And, yes, God bless our veterans. minute.) chambers, some of which are older than f Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise the main organization. It was named RECOGNIZING CITIES FOR TREE today to remind our Republican col- Chamber of the Year based upon its or- CITY USA DESIGNATION leagues how much work has been done ganizational strengths, including pro- by the House Democrats. grams that encourage networking and (Mr. TAYLOR asked and was given There has been a lot of discussion a chamber ambassador program. permission to address the House for 1 about the ongoing impeachment in- The chamber’s most recent success is minute and to revise and extend his re- quiry. While that work is being done, in attracting Luzerne County Commu- marks.) we have been hard at work, delivering nity College to open a branch campus Mr. TAYLOR. Mr. Speaker, today, I on our agenda for the people of this in Watsontown, Pennsylvania. Cham- rise to recognize eight cities in Texas’ country: driving down healthcare ber officials credit its success to the Third Congressional District that have costs, driving down the cost of pre- work of its members and staff working received this year’s Tree City USA des- scription drugs, raising family incomes together to achieve positive economic ignation by the Arbor Day Foundation. with a real emphasis on rebuilding the outcomes for the people of the Greater Allen, Fairview, Frisco, McKinney, crumbling infrastructure of America, Susquehanna Valley. Murphy, Plano, Prosper, and Wylie, all taking on self-dealing and corruption Again, congratulations to the Great- located in Collin County, have proven in Washington, and getting the govern- er Susquehanna Valley Chamber of they care about ensuring the environ- ment to work for the people of this Commerce and to president and CEO ment around them is thriving and full country again. Bob Garrett on receiving the Chamber of life. In that effort, we have passed over of the Year award. These Collin County cities under- 300 pieces of legislation: 10 healthcare stand that trees serve an integral pur- bills, 4 that will reduce the cost of pre- f pose in our community, including im- scription drugs; raising family incomes SUPPORT DACA AND JUVENILE proved health, clean air and water, and by raising the minimum wage for 33 JUSTICE SYSTEM REFORM a positive impact on business and million Americans and providing equal (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was homes in the area. Not only are these pay for equal work; universal back- given permission to address the House communities dedicated to providing ground checks; restoring net neu- for 1 minute.) necessary municipal tree care, but they trality; preventing our separating out Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let are encouraging their residents to do of the climate accord; a new vet- me speak to a young man in my office the same. erans tax credit; and on and on. Eighty who is studying at St. Edwards College I commend these cities for their in- percent of those bills are sitting on in Austin, Texas. He is a person who is vestments in green infrastructure and MITCH MCCONNELL’s desk, awaiting ac- able to fulfill his dreams because of for creating a lasting, positive impact tion. DACA. for generations to come. Maybe most importantly, we passed Yesterday, the Supreme Court heard I ask my colleagues in the House of H.R. 1, the biggest anticorruption bill the case about all of these young peo- Representatives to join me in con- passed by Congress since Watergate. Again, 80 percent of those bills are ple, 800,000 who are working as para- gratulating these eight communities awaiting action in the Senate. medics, in medical school, in law on their efforts to maintain healthy The Senate doesn’t have to pass the and green environments and school, going into rural communities version we passed. This is a legislative neighborhoods. and being servants of the people, some process. Bring it to the floor, amend it, wanting to go into the United States f send it back, but do your job. military. Here is a program that was HONORING MEMORY OF JAY The American people are expecting working well, and this administration KISTLER us to deliver on the promises that we imploded it because of wrongheaded de- made to get government to work for (Mr. RIGGLEMAN asked and was cisions about immigrants. the people of this country again. This is a nation of laws and of immi- given permission to address the House grants. We want to comply with the for 1 minute and to revise and extend f law. That is what DACA was allowing his remarks.) IMPEACHMENT IMPOSES these young people to do. Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise OPPORTUNITY COST We need to restore DACA, work to- today to honor the memory of a dear (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given gether so that young people all over, friend, Jay Kistler. Jay passed away on permission to address the House for 1 no matter what walk of life they come October 14 of this year, after a life of minute.) from, can have opportunity. heroism and bravery. He was 71 years Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, the im- At the same time, I am looking to re- old. peachment hearings are continuing, in form the juvenile justice system. Most He had been married to his wonderful spite of the following factors existing. people don’t know that when you go wife, Sheila, for almost 50 years, and he Number one, this is a very unfair into a juvenile detention center, there was the father of Brooke, Kerri, and process. If Democratic leadership was is no sentence, and there is no bail. The Jay Kistler III. truly interested in determining guilt or bail process is complicated. Jay retired as a Navy captain and re- innocence, why not establish bipar- We are looking to provide what we tired as the government lead for the tisan rules and procedures allowing the call an omnibus bill to deal with how Electronic Warfare and Counter- President due process?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.015 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Number two, the leading Democratic loved community member who trag- Services. After general debate the bill shall players have maintained predeter- ically passed away on September 22, be considered for amendment under the five- mined presumptions of guilt for well 2019, in a car accident. minute rule. In lieu of the amendment in the Cole was a lifelong resident of nature of a substitute recommended by the over a year now and have repeatedly Committee on Financial Services now print- been untruthful about contact with the Friendswood, Texas, and would have ed in the bill, an amendment in the nature of whistleblower. The whistleblower’s at- been a graduate of Friendswood High a substitute consisting of the text of Rules torney even called for a Presidential School class of 2020. He was planning Committee Print 116-36 shall be considered coup more than 2 years ago. on attending Western Texas College in as adopted in the House and in the Com- Number three, Democratic leadership Snyder, Texas, to pursue a degree in mittee of the Whole. The bill, as amended, does not have any facts that constitute agribusiness. shall be considered as the original bill for an impeachable offense. There has been Cole was a member and 3-year officer the purpose of further amendment under the no evidence whatsoever of quid pro of the Friendswood FFA, Future Farm- five-minute rule and shall be considered as read. All points of order against provisions quo. There was no ‘‘this for that.’’ ers of America. He interned the last in the bill, as amended, are waived. No fur- This inquiry is called a sham by two summers on the Lackey Livestock ther amendment to the bill, as amended, many for these reasons. farm and volunteered with the Light- shall be in order except those printed in the This has also been a great oppor- house Charity Team, right by the side report of the Committee on Rules accom- tunity lost at a high opportunity cost of his dad, Scott. panying this resolution. Each such further to our country. Because of this politi- Cole had earned many ribbons, ban- amendment may be offered only in the order cally motivated impeachment pro- ners, and buckles showing livestock all printed in the report, may be offered only by ceeding, there has been no USMCA, no over Texas, and even at the World Pork a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the illegal immigration reform, no low- Expo in Iowa. He had great plans to time specified in the report equally divided ering of prescription drug costs, no in- ‘‘go big’’ for his senior year, raising six and controlled by the proponent and an op- frastructure bill, nothing except inves- pigs for stock shows all over the Na- ponent, shall not be subject to amendment, tigations to nowhere. tion. But it is his incredible dedication and shall not be subject to a demand for divi- f to service that will never be forgotten. sion of the question in the House or in the Before Cole gained his passion for Committee of the Whole. All points of order HONORING SACRIFICES OF OUR livestock, he spent most of his time against such further amendments are NATION’S VETERANS volunteering. He volunteered with the waived. At the conclusion of consideration of (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was the bill for amendment the Committee shall Friendswood Fire, Police, and Emer- rise and report the bill, as amended, to the given permission to address the House gency Medical Services Departments, House with such further amendments as may for 1 minute and to revise and extend along with the Rotary Club of Gal- have been adopted. The previous question his remarks.) veston, the Galveston County Emer- shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I gency Response Team, and the amended, and on any further amendment rise today in celebration of Veterans Friendswood Chamber of Commerce. thereto to final passage without intervening Day, when we honor the extraordinary The Rotary Club stated that Cole motion except one motion to recommit with sacrifices made by our Nation’s vet- ‘‘exemplified the creed of service above or without instructions. erans. SEC. 2. Section 201 of House Resolution 6 is self in serving 9 years of volunteerism amended as follows: While Veterans Day has already with the Rotary Club Galveston.’’ (1) In subsection (f)(3), strike ‘‘At the con- passed this year, Congress must con- His service throughout his entire life clusion of the first session of the One Hun- tinue providing veterans with the sup- supported nearly 750 charitable events, dred Sixteenth Congress’’ and insert ‘‘By Oc- port they need following their service. helping to serve approximately 500,000 tober 30, 2020’’. We saw significant progress in this people. (2) In subsection (g)(1), strike ‘‘on Feb- area in June, when President Trump Mr. Speaker, Cole made a lasting im- ruary 1, 2020’’ and insert ‘‘at the conclusion signed the bipartisan Blue Water Navy pact on the 14th Congressional District of the One Hundred Sixteenth Congress’’. SEC. 3. House Resolution 661 is hereby Act into law. This bill expands Viet- of Texas. He has not and will not ever adopted. nam veterans’ access to VA benefits. be forgotten. SEC. 4. House Resolution 693 is hereby Yet, we still have much work to do. Today, we honor and we recognize adopted. The bipartisan Keeping Our Promises the extraordinary life and service of SEC. 5. (a) At any time on the legislative Act would further assist Vietnam-era Cole Easton Gordon. day of Thursday, November 21, 2019, it shall be in order without intervention of any point servicemembers exposed to Agent Or- f ange. of order to consider in the House a motion to b 1230 discharge the Committee on Foreign Affairs May we focus the attention of this from further consideration of the concurrent body on what our Founders described PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION resolution (H. Con. Res. 70) directing the as the pursuit of happiness. May we OF HR. 4863, UNITED STATES EX- President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War work across the aisle to provide both PORT FINANCE AGENCY ACT OF Powers Resolution to remove United States former and active servicemembers with 2019; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Armed Forces from hostilities in the Syrian both the support and the resources Arab Republic that have not been authorized Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, by by Congress, if offered by Representative they need. direction of the Committee on Rules, I As Theodore Roosevelt said: ‘‘A man Gabbard of Hawaii. The motion shall be con- call up House Resolution 695 and ask sidered as read. The previous question shall who is good enough to shed his blood for its immediate consideration. be considered as ordered on the motion to its for his country is good enough to be The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- adoption without intervening motion except given a square deal afterwards.’’ lows: 20 minutes of debate equally divided and con- Our democracy and freedom continue trolled by Representative Gabbard of Hawaii H. RES. 695 to thrive, thanks to the sacrifices of and an opponent. The question of adoption of Resolved, That at any time after adoption the motion may be subject to postponement veterans and their families. On behalf of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant of the Fourth District of Arkansas, as though under clause 8 of rule XX. to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the (b) The provisions of section 7 of the War thank you for your service. House resolved into the Committee of the Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1546) shall not f Whole House on the state of the Union for apply during the remainder of the One Hun- consideration of the bill (H.R. 4863) to pro- HONORING LIFE OF COLE EASTON dred Sixteenth Congress to House Concur- mote the competitiveness of the United rent Resolution 70. GORDON States, to reform and reauthorize the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- (Mr. WEBER of Texas asked and was States Export Finance Agency, and for other tleman from California is recognized given permission to address the House purposes. The first reading of the bill shall for 1 hour. be dispensed with. All points of order against for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, for consideration of the bill are waived. General his remarks.) debate shall be confined to the bill and shall the purpose of debate only, I yield the Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I not exceed one hour equally divided and con- customary 30 minutes to the gen- rise today to remember the life of 17- trolled by the chair and ranking minority tleman from Georgia (Mr. WOODALL), year-old Cole Gordon, an active and be- member of the Committee on Financial pending which I yield myself such time

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.016 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8839 as I may consume. During consider- Bank’s activities. In short, the United been talking about it here in this insti- ation of this resolution, all time yield- States Export Finance Agency Act will tution. We got together on Monday, ed is for the purpose of debate only. help support even more jobs, with new and we did it together. Not one head- GENERAL LEAVE emphasis on small business, women- line, not one 6 p.m. news story. Repub- Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I and minority-owned businesses. licans and Democrats standing to- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- As a former small business owner, I gether in this House on behalf of vet- bers be given 5 legislative days to re- am encouraged by this effort. To stay erans who were not being served as vise and extend their remarks. on top, the United States must stay well as we knew we could serve them, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there competitive. This bill gives us that we fixed it together, but that is not objection to the request of the gen- chance to help workers, help busi- what we are talking about. tleman from California? nesses, and help our economy. How many folks, Mr. Speaker, if we There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of go outside today, are going to know Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, yes- my time. that we passed Ms. BROWNLEY’s Debo- terday the Rules Committee met and Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield rah Sampson Act, which recognizes the reported a rule, House Resolution 695, myself such time as I may consume different needs that women veterans providing for the consideration of H.R. and thank my friend from California and newborn children have and estab- 4863, the United States Export Finance for yielding me the time. lished a department within the VA to Agency Act, under a structured rule. I want to tell a different story, Mr. make sure those needs are met? The rule provides 1 hour of debate Speaker. You and I haven’t gotten a Yes, the VA was formed as a male- equally divided and controlled by the chance to work together down here centric institution. Of course, in 2019, chair and ranking member on the Com- when I have really gotten to come there are going to be needs that were mittee on Financial Services, makes in down here and really sell these rules, unmet. We have known that. We have order 21 amendments, and provides for because back when I was in the major- talked about that. We have pushed that a motion to recommit. It also provides ity on the Rules Committee, we didn’t down the road. But this House this that, upon passage of the rule, H. Res. always get it right; but, as a rank-and- week came together, Republicans and 661 and H. Res. 693 will be hereby file member of the committee, I always Democrats, to solve that issue once adopted. Additionally, it makes the had a chance to improve the bill, to and for all, but I challenge you to find motion to discharge H. Con. Res. 70 in make it better, to try to hear some somebody standing outside who knows order on November 21 if offered by Rep- voices. that is what their U.S. House of Rep- resentative GABBARD, debatable for 20 My friend from Florida is not down resentatives has been working on this minutes. Lastly, the rule extends the here with us today. My friend from week. positive work of the Select Committee California knows, the worst thing What about Mr. CUNNINGHAM’s VA on the Modernization of Congress to about having ALCEE HASTINGS on your Tele-Hearing Modernization Act? You the conclusion of the 116th Congress. committee is that he gets all fired up have the same concerns in your vet- Mr. Speaker, given that the United and all geared up, and you almost get erans community that I do, Mr. Speak- States is the third largest exporter of upset because so often he is right, and er: folks trying to file their appeals, goods in the world, maintaining and he is pointing out your flaws and he is trying to get in touch with those hear- supporting this industry is imperative making you do it better. We need more ing boards, but because their mobility for our economic well-being and for of that from one another, Mr. Speaker, is limited, because they are distant good-paying jobs across the country. In where we get ourselves wound up, not from those population centers, they 2018, we shipped over $2.5 trillion worth about Republicans and Democrats, but can’t get that done. Mr. CUNNINGHAM’s of commercial aircraft, machinery, in- about how to do the process better. bill improves the ability to do that dustrial supplies, consumer goods, and I know that your week and my friend with the telecommunications that are agricultural products overseas. from California’s week has been just available to us in 2019. The Export-Import Bank, or Ex-Im like my week. It started out with Vet- Of course, we should have gotten that Bank, plays a large role in supporting erans Day events back home in your done. Of course, we should have. We that business. Through direct loans, district. And you didn’t find a man or have been working on it; we have been medium- and long-term loan guaran- a woman who said, ‘‘Let’s do better for perfecting it. This week, this House, tees, working capital, and insurance, Republican veterans but not so much Republicans and Democrats, came to- the Ex-Im Bank steps in where private for Democratic veterans,’’ or vice gether and did that for veterans, too. financing is unavailable and has been versa. You found men and women who Mr. HARDER’s Protecting Families of supporting American exporters for were proud of their service. You found Fallen Servicemembers Act, to ensure nearly a century. Because of work like men and women who wanted to support that family members of servicemen this, in the last 10 years, Ex-Im has those men and women who had served and -women and Active-Duty reservists created 1.7 million American jobs. us. You found folks grateful for our op- who were killed or seriously injured on Over the last several years, we have portunities to be in community with Active Duty are allowed to terminate seen the Bank go through a lot of un- one another and do better tomorrow their financial dealings back home in a necessary political turmoil. After suc- than we did yesterday. way that is easy. cessfully reauthorizing the Bank in Then we showed up here on Tuesday My father passed away last summer, 2015, the Senate has failed to confirm after Veterans Day break and we start- Mr. Speaker. It is incredibly difficult board members. Under current law, ed with our suspension calendar. when you lose a family member to deal without Senate action, the Bank was For the life of me, I don’t understand with all of those end-of-life issues, all left almost inoperable. why this institution hides all the good of those financial issues. The last thing The effects were felt across the Na- things that it does and accentuates all our service families need to be dealing tion, and in my own district, it was af- the controversial things it does. If we with is sorting through all of that pa- fected there. In the past 5 years, my took a poll outside the Capitol today, perwork. district in northern California has been Mr. Speaker, I just want to ask you, We have now come together in a col- home to nine exporters, of which seven and I want to make sure I get it right: laborative partnership way to solve are small businesses and five are owned How many folks walking past the Cap- that issue. I challenge you to find a by women and minorities. After Senate itol today know that, in a bipartisan man or woman outside the Capitol who negligence left the Bank unable to do way, you and I and the gentleman from knows that. its work, today there are only three ex- California came together on Tuesday Now, why do I tell you that story, porters remaining in my district. and passed General Bergman’s GI Bill Mr. Speaker? I tell you that story be- In today’s bill to reauthorize the Planning Act to ease the burden on cause that was just Monday and Tues- Bank, we make substantial improve- new servicemembers as they try to sort day, a little bit of Wednesday, and we ments that not only address the polit- out accessing their education benefits? are not talking about that on the floor ical problems displayed in the Senate, This is an important issue that has of this House. Instead, I am down here but also improve and diversify the been plaguing our veterans. We have today to talk about the Ex-Im Bank

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.019 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 bill, which is an important bill, an im- In fact, Mr. Speaker, and it gives me is a Democrat, Mr. GRAVES is a Repub- portant bill that we could have done in no pleasure to say this, because my lican. They have been leading this a bipartisan way but didn’t. chairman on the Rules Committee committee in partnership together, I don’t know if you remember those works very hard, the last two rules I tackling thorny issue after thorny headlines. I brought them down here have been down here to talk about, Re- issue in a collaborative way. with me, Mr. Speaker, if you don’t re- publicans got the same number or even The House only authorized the com- call them. This is when we produced a few more amendments than Demo- mittee for a year. This rule gives them the bipartisan Ex-Im Bank bill, the one crats got. It was the first time it had a second year. It is a great idea, it is a that was going to committee, the one happened that I had been down here great thing to do. that Chairwoman WATERS and Ranking carrying such a rule, and it did bring Because this is a rule and because it Member MCHENRY worked out together some partnership back to the institu- contains all of these provisions that in a bipartisan way back in June: ‘‘Ex- tion. completely shut out Republican con- port-Import Bank Deal in Peril Amid But for this bill, the Ex-Im Bank, tributions on the Financial Services Democratic Backlash.’’ how do we finance trade in America, legislation that is before us today, it is b 1245 not a partisan issue, we have got indi- going to pass on a party-line vote. All The bipartisan bill that had been vidual Democratic Members who have the Democrats are going to vote ‘‘yes,’’ worked out didn’t meet the standards been offered more amendments person- many having not read it, as is the func- of some in the Democratic Caucus. The ally than the entire Republican Party tion of rules, all Republicans are going bill got pulled back. has collectively. Let me say that to vote ‘‘no.’’ ‘‘Democrats Defy Waters on Ex-Im again, Mr. Speaker, because this insti- We have a chance here to have taken Bank Restrictions’’. Again, this is a tution is divided roughly down the that language out, to have done that bill to reform the Ex-Im Bank. It im- middle here. I have got individual together, to have talked about the suc- posed some new restrictions. The Members of the Democratic Party who cesses we have had collaboratively on Democratic Caucus pushed back. The have been offered personally more op- the Modernization Committee. We are bipartisan bill was pulled. portunities to change and improve this missing that chance today. What we have before us today, Mr. bill than the entire Republican side of I am not enough of a failed student in Speaker, is a bill that is completely the aisle combined. Combined. It is as mathematics, Mr. Speaker, to believe partisan in its passage. The only thing if we go out of our way to find division that I am going to prevail on the vote that is bipartisan about the bill today in what ought to be partnership issues. on the rule today. I have done the is the folks that voted against it. Re- Eighty-one percent of the amend- math again in my head. They still have publicans and Democrats said: No, this ments that are offered are Democratic more votes than we have. I am pre- is not the right bill. Only Democrats amendments; 17 Democratic amend- pared to lose. said: This is the right bill. ments made in order, two Republican What I am not prepared to do is give All of these things we could be doing amendments, two bipartisan amend- up on doing better. in partnership, things like Ex-Im Bank ments. I challenge my friends on both sides that started in partnership. It seems The funny thing about this institu- of the aisle to find a partisan advan- we go out of our way to focus on our di- tion, Mr. Speaker, and you see it better tage in extending the Modernization visions instead of our successes. from your chair than any of us do from Committee hidden inside the rule in- So when we went to the Rules Com- our chairs, is that if you are in the ma- stead of having that debate on the floor mittee in the midst of all of these great jority, you get to win. Two things are of the House. You won’t find it there. veterans bills passing the floor of the important to winning. Being in the ma- I challenge the body to find a par- House, we advocated to make improve- jority means you have the votes. Now tisan advantage to spending 10 minutes ments to the Ex-Im Bank bill. Again, you have to bring a good idea to pair on Tuesday talking about serving vet- this was a bill that started out as a bi- with those votes. You can carry the erans in a bipartisan way and spending partisan bill, a collaborative bill, one day. 2 hours on Thursday and Friday talk- that had been sorted out between Re- We have gotten into that habit, Mr. ing about financial services in a way publicans and Democrats so that we Speaker, of having all Republicans or that could have been bipartisan, but in- could move forward, and it turned into all of Democrats carry the bills one di- stead has been converted to a strictly a partisan bill. rection or the other. partisan issue, and to add insult to in- We went up to the Rules Committee Where are those opportunities, like jury, has denied all but two Republican to try to get some Republican amend- we did on veteran bill after veteran bill amendments and bipartisan voices to ments made in order to try to improve after veteran bill on Tuesday and the debate. the bill in some way. I know that habits are difficult I know it is popular, and the lore Wednesday of this week, to come to- things to break. Some of the bad habits back home is if you are in a different gether and do things collaboratively? I will give you another example. I that we are in in this institution start- party, you don’t have anything produc- ed under Republican leadership, some tive to add to the debate. I hear that at don’t understand what the self-loath- some county meetings, and I am sure ing is from time to time here, Mr. of the bad habits that we are in in this my friends on the other side of the Speaker, that prevents us from cele- institution started under Democratic aisle do, too. It is just nonsense. brating what is the most democratic leadership. Having good ideas does not have a institution in the world today. If we want to have a day of debate on Republican or Democratic requirement This rule that we are talking about who is to blame, I have a pretty good to it. Folks on both sides of the aisle today hides deep within it an extension idea how those lines would fall out. I have something to offer. of the Select Committee on the Mod- am not interested in that day of de- But when Republicans brought their ernization of Congress. The Select bate. I am interested in a day of debate ideas to the Rules Committee, Mr. Committee on Modernization is a bi- not talking about who is to blame, but Speaker, with the exception of two Re- partisan committee, it is the only one talking about how we are working to- publican amendments, every other idea we have right now, Mr. Speaker, equal gether to fix it. was rejected. Every other idea was re- number of Republicans and Democrats. Because I don’t know if your con- jected. Why? Because they are not working on stituency is anything like mine, but Now, that is the way it went in com- partisan issues. They are trying to im- my constituency is starting to think mittee, too, Mr. Speaker. If you prove the institution. They are trying that we have given up working to- weren’t following the committee hear- to improve the process. They are try- gether to fix it. When my constituency ings, the amendments in committee ing to make this institution work bet- turns on or MSNBC, that is the Republicans offered were rejected ter for the American people. not what the talking head of the day is on a party-line vote. It is led by two great Members of this talking about. They had their chance in the Rules institution: out of The thing that keeps me up at night, Committee to improve upon it. Those Washington State, TOM GRAVES out of Mr. Speaker, isn’t all the things we are amendments: rejected one by one. the great State of Georgia. Mr. KILMER voting against, it is all the things we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.020 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8841 miss an opportunity to vote for, those Can we fix it this afternoon? Maybe b 1300 things that, because we are here in not. Will we fix it if we stop focusing This is bipartisan. This is where we community together today, we have an on it? Definitely not. help people, no matter who they are. I opportunity to fix. My commitment to my colleagues, am a strong supporter of this bill be- I have got one for you, if you are in- for better or for worse, is that I will cause it takes into consideration work- terested and if you haven’t had a spend my next 14 months focusing on it ing men and women, and it takes into chance to take a look at it. It is the as long as my friend from California consideration the environment. Adoptee Citizenship Act, Mr. Speaker. continues to yield me 30 minutes in the All of our union friends, who provide It is just crazy to me. Rules Committee debate, for which I a pathway of success for working The best part of this job, as my am grateful. Americans, support this bill because it Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of friend from California knows, is that helps bring back manufacturing. We my time. really smart people spend time with us support it because it gives alternative to make us smarter. Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman options for energy a boost where jobs The Adoptee Citizenship Act, it is can be created with renewable energy. from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). H.R. 2731, is a bill that my Democratic The SPEAKER pro tempore. The colleague, , and I have of- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California time of the gentlewoman has expired. fered together. When American fami- Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I (Mr. DESAULNIER) for his leadership, lies adopted children from overseas in yield an additional 1 minute to the and my good friend from Georgia, I the 1970s and 1980s, those children gentlewoman. thank him for his explanation of the didn’t automatically get citizenship. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let process of democracy in this place. You would think an American family me just simply say that you have to adopts a child, that child has American But I am excited to announce that this is a bipartisan effort, because the live this to understand it, and I have parents, they are going to become an spoken to those businesses that have American citizen. Not so, Mr. Speaker. bipartisan aspect of it are the results of how this legislation will impact all benefited from Export-Import. It is an incredibly long process. It sounds like a name that you can’t of America irrespective, not respect- Now, in the 1970s and 1980s, we didn’t get your hands around, but just under- ing, their region, their faith, or their care that much about that, but fast stand it simply. You want to do busi- party. forward to September 11, 2001, we start- ness overseas. You want to get your ed talking a lot about citizenship sta- Let me be very clear to say what we are actually talking about today and products overseas. It is a big hurdle. tus, only to find out that thousands You need additional finance. This is upon thousands of Americans didn’t the real-life stories that make a dif- ference. It is called the Export-Import the place to come. have their citizenship because their And they have been successful in Bank and it is legislated as the United parents didn’t know they had to file all paying for themselves. That $175 billion States Export Finance Agency, and its of this additional paperwork. is over 10 years, but it pays for itself Now, who among us is opposed to let- short name, as I said, Export-Import. What does that mean? with the number of businesses that ting American families that have been I rise to support it, because it means Americans can take advantage of and American families for 40 years, citizens something to individual businesses. It create new businesses for the sole pur- who were adopted into American fami- means something to rural American pose of selling that product overseas, lies, get that citizenship document and farmers. It means something to small selling that small farmer produce, live the normal life that we all thought manufacturers. what is on that small farm, allowing they were supposed to be living here? We have been documenting that man- them to send it to markets that are H.R. 2731. ufacturing is going down, manufac- desperate for the wonderful bounty of The list of things that we do collabo- turing based upon how you sell your food products that we are able to raise ratively, cooperatively that make dif- products. in this wonderful country. ferences for the American people is as This is a 10-year plan with $175 bil- In particular, I would like to add, it long as any statement anyone is going lion to help those businesses, those is a good place for veterans who want to read on the floor of the House today, small farms, those entrepreneurs in to start their business, to add to their and it is not going to be what we cele- your community. That is jobs. business, because many of them, obvi- brate this week. What it means is the company that ously, understand the international The last vote today is at 2 o’clock. makes light bulbs can now export those realm. We are going to do amendment debate to developing nations on the continent Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill. I sup- for the rest of the day. If we don’t start of Africa or they can go deep into port this bill, the Ex-Im Bank, and I spending more time on this floor cele- Southeast Asia or Asia and sell prod- hope that my colleagues will support brating those things that we are doing ucts from the United States to a for- it. together, Mr. Speaker, we are going to eign country. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield lose the confidence of our constituency For those of us who have seen the myself 30 seconds to say that I agree back home. I dare say, for many fami- lopsidedness, there are governments with every good thing my friend from lies, they have lost confidence in us al- that actually fund businesses outside Texas said that the Ex-Im Bank is able ready. the United States. We don’t do that, to do, which is why, when this bill I don’t shy away from the serious mostly, unless it is through a grant or began, it was a bipartisan bill by the fights we are going to have down here through a funding for a project that we chairwoman of the committee and the at all. This is supposed to be a place need, and so you are on your own. ranking Republican on the committee. where serious people come together But this is going to provide small It devolved from that so that, as it and disagree about some ideas and sort businesses with an extra hand up. It is passed out of committee, it is not a bi- it all out. going to help those who are, in par- partisan bill. What I take issue with is when we ticular, minority and women-owned The only thing bipartisan about this stop trying to sort it all out and when businesses, along with others. It is bill is the opposition to it. Republicans we send the message back home that going to create a process so that it and Democrats opposed it in com- instead of succeeding on behalf of our does not lapse. mittee. Only Democrats support it be- bosses, we are actually just arguing We had a period where there was no cause of the partisan turn that it took. amongst ourselves. It is not true. It is quorum. We couldn’t help small busi- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the not true. nesses. gentleman from (Mr. We are missing another opportunity I remember sitting in a room with LUCAS), the gentleman from the Finan- today, as our ranking member said in this company in a foreign country, a cial Services Committee who tried to the Rules Committee debate last night, U.S. company that was there, and they make the bill better. He offered two to do better. I know that we have men said, ‘‘If it had not been for the Export- amendments in the Rules Committee and women on this floor, in this insti- Import Bank, we would have lost 300 that would have brought bipartisan tution who want to do better. employees in the United States.’’ support to this bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.022 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the But being the practical fellow I am, I of structured rules to date, and fewer gentleman from Georgia for yielding offered amendment No. 18. What did closed rules to date, under his leader- me time. No. 18 say? Basically, it was the most ship than we did under the previous Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor popular bill in the United States Sen- Congress. Just 2 weeks ago, not that today to ask my colleagues to reject ate at this time to reauthorize the in- this is a baseball game, there were the rule that would enable a vote later stitution: a 10-year reauthorization, three times as many Republican this week on reauthorizing the Export- raise the capitalization level to $175 amendments in the natural resources Import Bank. billion, and address the quorum re- bill as there were Democratic. Many of you will say: ‘‘Why, Frank, quirement. Having said that, I think we can do of all people, would you come to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The better. floor to ask for the rejection of the rule time of the gentleman has expired. I do want to note to my colleague and the underlying bill?’’ The reason Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield that I am a cosponsor of the Adoptee they would ask that is because no one an additional 1 minute to the gen- Citizen Act, a great piece of legislation has worked harder than I have, in my tleman because we are hearing from a with great authors. As we continue to career here, to make sure that this eco- member of the committee who supports try to do more together and better to- nomic tool is available to American the Bank but who opposes this rule. gether, I think you know I yearn to businesses. No one has struggled harder Mr. LUCAS. Either amendment, I be- serve in a body like that, where we than I have to make sure that those in- lieve, would have passed the floor. One have legitimate differences of opinion dividuals who make their living in the amendment would have assured us a from our perspective, from what our industries that use the Bank are able signature immediately. The second constituents expect, and there is hon- to continue to do that. No one has amendment would have assured us, I est respect for both sides, that we cre- worked harder. believe, passage in the Senate. But the ate a work product that is probably The last time this bill was reauthor- forces fought themselves to exhaus- more reflective of both. I have said ized, I sat in the majority. My leader- tion. that before. We have had this discus- ship at that time was opposed to the I came, as I had before, to appeal to sion. reauthorization of the Export-Import this body as a whole. I was denied that In this instance, I think we are try- Bank. My colleague from Tennessee opportunity. So, yes, I am voting ing to do better all the time. For me, and I used a procedure from the begin- against the rule. I will vote against the and I know for the chair and our staff, ning of the previous century to dis- bill because, you see, somebody that we want to continue to work with the charge a clean version of the bill, to matters greatly on the other side of gentleman to do better. bring it to the floor, to pass it, and, ul- this campus said this bill will never be Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of timately, for it to be passed by the heard over there, will never be heard. my time. Senate and signed by the President. So I am here to make things happen, Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield there is no one who appreciates more working with you. I am here working myself such time as I may consume. than I do the importance of this bill. on behalf of our constituents, working Mr. Speaker, I do enjoy working with So, why am I here? I had a couple of with you. That is what I tried. my friend from California. When I am amendments offered in the Rules Com- Reject the rule. Force this back to critical of our work product, I am crit- mittee. I know some of my colleagues the Rules Committee. Give me a second ical of all 13 of us on the Rules Com- have said: ‘‘Frank, why didn’t you offer chance. Give me a second chance. But mittee. We are tasked with getting the those amendments in the markup of you have to vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule. job done, and when we don’t get it the bill?’’ Well, Mr. Speaker, I have Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman done, it falls on all of us. been around here long enough, and I from Georgia for the opportunity to ex- I was critical earlier today of stuffing have been in this great life that we live press my concerns. so many things into this rule because I long enough, to understand there are Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I like to do things one at a time. But if some fundamental rules. yield myself such time as I may con- we are going to stuff all the things into My ranking member and my chair- sume. this rule, Mr. Speaker, I would like to man on that committee engaged in one Mr. Speaker, I first want to recognize tell my colleagues that if we defeat the of the most splendid, intense, philo- my colleague from Oklahoma and his previous question, I will add one more sophical battles over reauthorizing this passion, his history on this bill, and his into this rule. It will be a collaborative bill that you will ever see. They fought argument. I also want to thank him for effort, not a Republican effort, a col- hard over every principle. They had the bull analogy, although I am not laborative effort. If we defeat the pre- proponents on both sides of the com- sure how the chair of the committee vious question, Mr. Speaker, I will add mittee trying to drive the bill further might take that. an amendment that will bring to the to the left and, simultaneously, further Having said that, I do want to say to floor H.R. 2207. That is the Protect to the right. That is a difficult set of my friend from Georgia a little bit Medical Innovation Act of 2019, which issues to balance out. about his comments. I find myself in most of my colleagues know is the bill You say: ‘‘Well, Frank, why weren’t agreement whenever I come down here to prevent the medical device tax, you engaged?’’ There is an old country on much of what Mr. WOODALL says in eliminate that tax. logic that goes something like this: terms of the aspiration of working Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- When your neighbor’s bull jumps into more together and still keeping our sent to insert the text of my amend- your pasture, or when two of your bulls unique perspectives on things. ment and any extraneous materials in get in the same pasture together and Mr. Speaker, I would hope that he the RECORD immediately prior to the engage in a fight and get mad and get would admit that the chair of the vote on the previous question. hot and try to fight to the death, you Rules Committee, Mr. MCGOVERN, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there don’t get between them because they the ranking member—certainly, two of objection to the request of the gen- will kill you. They will kill you. the Members I respect the most, in ad- tleman from Georgia? My perspective was, let the com- dition to my colleague. We have had There was no objection. mittee do its will, but on the floor of these debates in the committee, and I Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I told this United States House, let’s offer al- think that there is an earnest effort of you this was a bipartisan piece of legis- ternatives. both parties to do better. As you said, lation. It has 253 bipartisan cosponsors. You say: ‘‘What were your amend- we can do better. It is authored by a Democrat from Wis- ments that were rejected that would So I would like to thank my col- consin, a great Member, Mr. KIND, and have made a difference?’’ league for mentioning and referring to it makes a real difference to so many Amendment No. 17 simply reflected the instances when we did agree. I Americans. I can’t explain it as well as what the White House had said: Send would like to remind us all that Mr. my friend from can. us a clean 10-year reauthorization. MCGOVERN has been very insistent on Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the Clean, 10 years. Straightforward, un- the 72-hour rule, which has been help- gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. derstandable, logical. ful. We have done a higher percentage WALORSKI), a Member who has worked

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:14 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.024 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8843 tirelessly to correct this legislative not that his ideas weren’t put into the vices. All points of order against consider- flaw on behalf of the American people. language, but that he was not even al- ation of the bill are waived. The bill shall be Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, as my lowed a chance to debate his ideas. considered as read. All points of order colleague said, if we defeat the pre- I will say it again: Only two Repub- against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall be considered as or- vious question, Republicans will amend lican ideas were made in order for con- dered on the bill and on any amendment the rule to include the consideration of sideration in this rule, and more thereto to final passage without intervening the repeal of the medical device tax. amendments were given to individual motion except: (1) one hour of debate equally The medical device tax hurts jobs members of the Democratic Party than divided and controlled by the chair and rank- and innovation, preventing the devel- the entire Republican Party combined. ing minority member of the Committee on opment of cutting-edge, lifesaving That is not the way we ought to be Ways and Means; and (2) one motion to re- technologies. That also increases the doing things. We ought to have a full commit. cost of patient care for all of our con- airing of issues and concerns. SEC. 7. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not apply to the consideration of H.R. 2207. stituents, Republican and Democrat. You heard it from the gentleman There is not a corner on the market for from Oklahoma, vote ‘‘no’’ on the rule. Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I patient success and lifelong cures more But also vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous yield back the balance of my time and than the medical device tax elimi- question. move the previous question on the res- nation. Mr. Speaker, you heard from my olution. Hoosiers in my State are proud to be friend from Indiana. We have an oppor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The leaders in medical innovation, with tunity in a bipartisan way to solve a question is on ordering the previous more than 300 medical device manufac- nationwide problem by eliminating the question. turers in my State alone supporting medical device tax. Everybody from The question was taken; and the nearly 55,000 good-paying jobs. How- the far left to the far right knows it; Speaker pro tempore announced that ever, after this tax took effect, the in- from the east, to the west, to the the ayes appeared to have it. dustry lost nearly 30,000 of those jobs north, to the south. We can do this to- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, on that nationwide from 2012 to 2015, according gether. I demand the yeas and nays. to the Commerce Department data. If we have to do this closed rule that The yeas and nays were ordered. Congress has temporarily suspended eliminates the diversity of ideas in this The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this job-killing tax since 2016, and this institution, then let’s at least do it ant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 15- expires in January. Here we are at a with the medical device tax language minute vote on ordering the previous crux that we have never faced before. included. question will be followed by 5-minute We are 3 months away. Congress needs Vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question. votes on: to act today, now, not for me, for all of Add that language. If we can’t defeat Adoption of the resolution, if or- us on this floor. the previous question, I am going to dered; and These folks who live and die by med- have to ask my colleagues to defeat the Agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of ical devices do not declare themselves rule and see if we can’t come back with the Journal, if ordered. as being Republicans, Democrats, or a process that opens up this bill to The vote was taken by electronic de- independents. They are Americans in more voices; not just from across the vice, and there were—yeas 226, nays need of our help, and they need it now. parties, but from across the country. 198, not voting 6, as follows: Medical devices have literally We can do better than this. My col- [Roll No. 615] changed the way we think about leagues know it, as do I. YEAS—226 healthcare. In all of our districts, pa- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Adams Davis (CA) Jayapal tients undergo less invasive proce- of my time. Aguilar Davis, Danny K. Jeffries dures, which leads to shorter hospital Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I Allred Dean Johnson (GA) Axne DeFazio Johnson (TX) stays. New technologies diagnose ill- yield myself the balance of my time. Barraga´ n DeGette Kaptur nesses earlier, lowering the impact of It is always a pleasure to be down Bass DeLauro Keating care on a person’s daily life. Yet, all here or on the Rules Committee with Beatty DelBene Kelly (IL) Bera Delgado Kennedy these notable gains will be wiped out if my friend from Georgia. I appreciate Beyer Demings Khanna the medical device tax elimination re- what we agree with, and I appreciate Bishop (GA) DeSaulnier Kildee peal is not carried through here today. the passion that the gentleman brings Blumenauer Deutch Kilmer It will divert millions of dollars that when he disagrees with us. Blunt Rochester Dingell Kim Bonamici Doggett Kind could have been spent on critical in- I do want to say, as we fight for these Boyle, Brendan Doyle, Michael Kirkpatrick vestments in research and development things, there was a famous Frenchman F. F. Krishnamoorthi of cures and therapies. who President Reagan used to quote, Brindisi Engel Kuster (NH) the quote was: ‘‘Don’t let the perfect be Brown (MD) Escobar Lamb b 1315 Brownley (CA) Eshoo Langevin the enemy of the good.’’ Bustos Espaillat Larsen (WA) There is huge bipartisan support for So somewhere in there, in this proc- Butterfield Evans Larson (CT) this bill. Unlike very few other bills in ess I think we try to find the best prod- Carbajal Finkenauer Lawrence this place, it is bipartisan because we Ca´ rdenas Fletcher Lawson (FL) uct we can. I believe what we have in Carson (IN) Foster Lee (CA) have all recognized at one time or an- front of us is that product. And I do Cartwright Frankel Lee (NV) other that our constituents need our also think and commit to this that we Case Fudge Levin (CA) help and we are doing something to can always do better. Casten (IL) Gallego Levin (MI) help them. Castor (FL) Garamendi Lewis Mr. Speaker, a vote for this rule and Castro (TX) Garcı´a (IL) Lieu, Ted By defeating the previous question, this bill is a vote to promote Amer- Chu, Judy Garcia (TX) Lipinski we can do that. We can unleash the po- ican-made jobs, goods, and the Amer- Cicilline Golden Loebsack tential of the medical device tech- Cisneros Gomez Lofgren ican economy. Clark (MA) Gonzalez (TX) Lowenthal nology that could be developing better I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the rule and Clarke (NY) Gottheimer Lowey treatments, managing chronic care, the previous question. Clay Green, Al (TX) Luja´ n and improving the quality of life for The text of the material previously Cleaver Grijalva Luria people in all of our districts. Clyburn Haaland Lynch referred to by Mr. WOODALL is as fol- Cohen Harder (CA) Malinowski Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to lows: Connolly Hastings Maloney, vote against the previous question. Cooper Hayes Carolyn B. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield AMENDMENT TO HOUSE RESOLUTION 695 Correa Heck Maloney, Sean myself the balance of my time. At the end of the resolution, add the fol- Costa Higgins (NY) Matsui lowing: Courtney Himes McAdams Mr. Speaker, I can’t say it any better Cox (CA) Horn, Kendra S. McBath SEC. 6. Immediately upon adoption of this Crist Horsford McCollum than my friend from Oklahoma said it. resolution, the House shall proceed to the He supports the goal of the underlying Crow Houlahan McEachin consideration in the House of the bill (H.R. Cuellar Hoyer McGovern bill. He is going to oppose this rule be- 2207) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of Cunningham Huffman McNerney cause his ideas were not even heard, 1986 to repeal the excise tax on medical de- Davids (KS) Jackson Lee Meeks

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:36 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.026 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Meng Richmond Suozzi NOT VOTING—6 Meeks Richmond Suozzi Moore Rose (NY) Swalwell (CA) Meng Rose (NY) Swalwell (CA) Gabbard Schiff Timmons Morelle Rouda Takano Moore Rouda Takano Omar Serrano Yoho Moulton Roybal-Allard Thompson (CA) Morelle Roybal-Allard Thompson (CA) Mucarsel-Powell Ruiz Thompson (MS) b 1348 Moulton Ruiz Thompson (MS) Murphy (FL) Ruppersberger Titus Mucarsel-Powell Ruppersberger Titus Nadler Rush Tlaib Messrs. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma, Murphy (FL) Rush Tlaib Napolitano Ryan Tonko WITTMAN, SPANO, BILIRAKIS, and Nadler Ryan Tonko Neal Sa´ nchez Torres (CA) Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER changed Napolitano Sa´ nchez Torres (CA) Neguse Sarbanes Torres Small Neal Sarbanes Torres Small Norcross Scanlon (NM) their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Neguse Scanlon (NM) O’Halleran Schakowsky Trahan Mr. of California, Ms. Norcross Schakowsky Trahan Ocasio-Cortez Schneider Trone MENG, Mr. CLEAVER, and Ms. POR- O’Halleran Schiff Trone Pallone Schrader Underwood TER changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Ocasio-Cortez Schneider Underwood Pallone Schrader Panetta Schrier Van Drew ‘‘yea.’’ Van Drew Pappas Scott (VA) Vargas Panetta Schrier Vargas Pascrell Scott, David Veasey So the previous question was ordered. Pappas Scott (VA) Veasey Payne Sewell (AL) Vela The result of the vote was announced Pascrell Scott, David Vela Perlmutter Shalala Vela´ zquez as above recorded. Payne Sewell (AL) Vela´ zquez Peters Sherman Visclosky Stated for: Perlmutter Shalala Visclosky Peterson Sherrill Wasserman Peters Sherman Wasserman Pingree Sires Schultz Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, had I been Peterson Sherrill Schultz Pocan Slotkin Waters present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall Phillips Sires Waters Porter Smith (WA) Watson Coleman No. 615. Pingree Slotkin Watson Coleman Pocan Smith (WA) Pressley Soto Welch Welch Stated against: Pressley Soto Price (NC) Spanberger Wexton Wexton Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I voted electroni- Price (NC) Spanberger Quigley Speier Wild Wild Quigley Speier Raskin Stanton Wilson (FL) cally but it did not register. Had I been Wilson (FL) Raskin Stanton Rice (NY) Stevens Yarmuth present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall Yarmuth Rice (NY) Stevens No. 615. NAYS—198 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The NAYS—198 Abraham Gooden Norman question is on the resolution. Abraham Gosar Nunes Aderholt Gosar Nunes The question was taken; and the Aderholt Granger Olson Allen Granger Olson Allen Graves (GA) Palazzo Amash Graves (GA) Palazzo Speaker pro tempore announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Amash Graves (LA) Palmer Amodei Graves (LA) Palmer Amodei Graves (MO) Pence Armstrong Graves (MO) Pence Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, on that Armstrong Green (TN) Perry Arrington Green (TN) Perry I demand the yeas and nays. Arrington Griffith Porter Babin Griffith Phillips The yeas and nays were ordered. Babin Grothman Posey Bacon Grothman Posey Bacon Guest Ratcliffe Baird Guest Ratcliffe The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Baird Guthrie Reed Balderson Guthrie Reed 5-minute vote. Balderson Hagedorn Reschenthaler Banks Hagedorn Reschenthaler The vote was taken by electronic de- Banks Harris Rice (SC) Barr Harris Rice (SC) vice, and there were—yeas 228, nays Barr Hartzler Riggleman Bergman Hartzler Riggleman Bergman Hern, Kevin Roby Biggs Hern, Kevin Roby 198, not voting 4, as follows: Biggs Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) [Roll No. 616] Bilirakis Hice (GA) Roe, David P. Bishop (NC) Hice (GA) Roe, David P. Bishop (NC) Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL) Bishop (UT) Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL) YEAS—228 Bishop (UT) Hill (AR) Rogers (KY) Bost Hill (AR) Rogers (KY) Adams Davids (KS) Jackson Lee Bost Holding Rooney (FL) Brady Holding Rooney (FL) Aguilar Davis (CA) Jayapal Brady Hollingsworth Rose, John W. Brooks (AL) Hollingsworth Rose, John W. Allred Davis, Danny K. Jeffries Brooks (AL) Hudson Rouzer Brooks (IN) Hudson Rouzer Axne Dean Johnson (GA) Brooks (IN) Huizenga Roy Buchanan Huizenga Roy Barraga´ n DeFazio Johnson (TX) Buchanan Hunter Rutherford Buck Hunter Rutherford Bass DeGette Kaptur Buck Hurd (TX) Scalise Bucshon Hurd (TX) Scalise Beatty DeLauro Keating Bucshon Johnson (LA) Schweikert Budd Johnson (LA) Schweikert Bera DelBene Kelly (IL) Budd Johnson (OH) Scott, Austin Burchett Johnson (OH) Scott, Austin Beyer Delgado Kennedy Burchett Johnson (SD) Sensenbrenner Burgess Johnson (SD) Sensenbrenner Bishop (GA) Demings Khanna Burgess Jordan Shimkus Byrne Jordan Shimkus Blumenauer DeSaulnier Kildee Byrne Joyce (OH) Simpson Calvert Joyce (OH) Simpson Blunt Rochester Deutch Kilmer Calvert Joyce (PA) Smith (MO) Carter (GA) Joyce (PA) Smith (MO) Bonamici Dingell Kim Carter (GA) Katko Smith (NE) Carter (TX) Katko Smith (NE) Boyle, Brendan Doggett Kind Carter (TX) Keller Smith (NJ) Chabot Keller Smith (NJ) F. Doyle, Michael Kirkpatrick Chabot Kelly (MS) Smucker Cheney Kelly (MS) Smucker Brindisi F. Krishnamoorthi Cheney Kelly (PA) Spano Cline Kelly (PA) Spano Brown (MD) Engel Kuster (NH) Cline King (IA) Stauber Cloud King (IA) Stauber Brownley (CA) Escobar Lamb Cloud King (NY) Stefanik Cole King (NY) Stefanik Bustos Eshoo Langevin Cole Kinzinger Steil Collins (GA) Kinzinger Steil Butterfield Espaillat Larsen (WA) Collins (GA) Kustoff (TN) Steube Comer Kustoff (TN) Steube Carbajal Evans Larson (CT) Comer LaHood Stewart Conaway LaHood Stewart Ca´ rdenas Finkenauer Lawrence Conaway LaMalfa Stivers Cook LaMalfa Stivers Carson (IN) Fletcher Lawson (FL) Cook Lamborn Taylor Craig Lamborn Taylor Cartwright Foster Lee (CA) Crawford Latta Thompson (PA) Crawford Latta Thompson (PA) Case Frankel Lee (NV) Crenshaw Lesko Thornberry Crenshaw Lesko Thornberry Casten (IL) Fudge Levin (CA) Curtis Long Tipton Curtis Long Tipton Castor (FL) Gallego Levin (MI) Davidson (OH) Loudermilk Turner Davidson (OH) Loudermilk Turner Castro (TX) Garamendi Lewis Davis, Rodney Lucas Upton Davis, Rodney Lucas Upton Chu, Judy Garcı´a (IL) Lieu, Ted DesJarlais Luetkemeyer Wagner DesJarlais Luetkemeyer Wagner Cicilline Garcia (TX) Lipinski Diaz-Balart Marchant Walberg Diaz-Balart Marchant Walberg Cisneros Golden Loebsack Duncan Marshall Walden Duncan Marshall Walden Clark (MA) Gomez Lofgren Dunn Massie Walker Dunn Massie Walker Clarke (NY) Gonzalez (TX) Lowenthal Emmer Mast Walorski Emmer Mast Walorski Clay Gottheimer Lowey Estes McCarthy Waltz Estes McCarthy Waltz Cleaver Green, Al (TX) Luja´ n Ferguson McCaul Watkins Ferguson McCaul Watkins Clyburn Grijalva Luria Fitzpatrick McClintock Weber (TX) Fitzpatrick McClintock Weber (TX) Cohen Haaland Lynch Fleischmann McHenry Webster (FL) Fleischmann McHenry Webster (FL) Connolly Harder (CA) Malinowski Flores McKinley Wenstrup Flores McKinley Wenstrup Cooper Hastings Maloney, Fortenberry Meadows Westerman Fortenberry Meadows Westerman Correa Hayes Carolyn B. Foxx (NC) Meuser Williams Foxx (NC) Meuser Williams Costa Heck Maloney, Sean Fulcher Miller Wilson (SC) Fulcher Miller Wilson (SC) Courtney Higgins (NY) Matsui Gaetz Mitchell Wittman Gaetz Mitchell Wittman Cox (CA) Himes McAdams Gallagher Moolenaar Womack Gallagher Moolenaar Womack Craig Horn, Kendra S. McBath Gianforte Mooney (WV) Woodall Gianforte Mooney (WV) Woodall Crist Horsford McCollum Gibbs Mullin Wright Gibbs Mullin Wright Crow Houlahan McEachin Gohmert Murphy (NC) Yoho Gohmert Murphy (NC) Young Cuellar Hoyer McGovern Gonzalez (OH) Newhouse Young Gonzalez (OH) Newhouse Zeldin Cunningham Huffman McNerney Gooden Norman Zeldin

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:36 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.004 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8845 NOT VOTING—4 PERMISSION FOR MEMBER TO BE General debate shall be confined to Gabbard Serrano CONSIDERED AS FIRST SPONSOR the bill and shall not exceed 1 hour Omar Timmons OF H.R. 1915 equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Com- b 1404 Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may here- mittee on Financial Services. So the resolution was agreed to. after be considered to be the first spon- The gentlewoman from California The result of the vote was announced sor of H.R. 1915, a bill originally intro- (Ms. WATERS) and the gentleman from as above recorded. North Carolina (Mr. MCHENRY) each duced by Representative Cummings of A motion to reconsider was laid on will control 30 minutes. Maryland, for the purposes of adding the table. The Chair recognizes the gentle- cosponsors and requesting reprintings woman from California. f pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there THE JOURNAL myself such time as I may consume. objection to the request of the gentle- Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. woman from Massachusetts? port of H.R. 4863, the United States Ex- PAYNE). Pursuant to clause 8 of rule There was no objection. port Finance Agency Act of 2019. XX, the unfinished business is the f H.R. 4863 reauthorizes and makes key question on agreeing to the Speaker’s COMMUNICATION FROM THE improvements to the job-creating Ex- approval of the Journal, which the CLERK OF THE HOUSE port-Import Bank. Let me begin by de- Chair will put de novo. scribing why the Ex-Im Bank is so im- The question is on the Speaker’s ap- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- portant. proval of the Journal. fore the House the following commu- The Ex-Im Bank was established 85 Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- nication from the Clerk of the House of years ago and is the official export nal stands approved. Representatives: credit agency of the United States. Its OFFICE OF THE CLERK, mission is to promote the export of f HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. goods and services in order to help Washington, DC, November 14, 2019. AUTHORIZING OFFICE OF GEN- create and sustain jobs in the United Hon. NANCY PELOSI, States. ERAL COUNSEL OF HOUSE OF The Speaker, House of Representatives, REPRESENTATIVES TO RETAIN Washington, DC. Over the last 10 years, the Ex-Im PRIVATE COUNSEL IN SUPPORT DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the Bank has supported more than 1.5 mil- OF ONGOING INQUIRY INTO permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II lion American jobs at no cost to the WHETHER SUFFICIENT GROUNDS of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- taxpayer, financed more than $255 bil- EXIST FOR HOUSE OF REP- tives, the Clerk received the following mes- lion in U.S. exports, and remitted more RESENTATIVES TO EXERCISE sage from the Secretary of the Senate on No- than $3.4 billion in deficit-reducing re- vember 14, 2019, at 11:51 a.m.: ITS CONSTITUTIONAL POWER TO ceipts to the Treasury. That the Senate passed S. 2851. In my district, the Ex-Im Bank is IMPEACH PRESIDENT DONALD That the Senate agreed to without amend- JOHN TRUMP ment H. Con. Res. 72. currently financing $269 million worth of exports from 13 different exporters, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- With best wishes, I am, Sincerely, including 10 small businesses. ant to House Resolution 695, H. Res. 661 CHERYL L. JOHNSON. Ex-Im does not compete with the pri- is considered as adopted. f vate sector but, instead, fills in gaps The text of the resolution is as fol- when the private sector lacks the ca- lows: UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE pacity or willingness to provide the fi- H. RES. 661 AGENCY ACT OF 2019 nancing required by U.S. exporters. Resolved, That the Office of General Coun- GENERAL LEAVE During the financial crisis, the Ex-Im sel of the House of Representatives is au- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask Bank was an important source of fi- thorized to retain private counsel, either for unanimous consent that all Members nancing when private capital was sim- pay or pro bono, in support of the ongoing in- may have 5 legislative days within ply unavailable to many businesses. quiry into whether sufficient grounds exist which to revise and extend their re- Ex-Im estimates that during fiscal year for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach Donald marks on H.R. 4863 and to insert extra- 2010, in the depths of the financial cri- John Trump, President of the United States neous materials thereon. sis, it supported 227,000 jobs at more of America. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there than 3,300 companies. objection to the request of the gentle- The Bank also plays a key role in f woman from California? leveling the international playing field AUTHORIZING DIRECTOR OF OF- There was no objection. by offsetting the financing offered by FICE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLU- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- foreign export credit agencies. The Ex- SION AND DIRECTOR OF OFFICE ant to House Resolution 695 and rule Im Bank is one of more than 100 export OF THE WHISTLEBLOWER OM- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in credit agencies around the world that BUDSMAN TO EACH APPOINT the Committee of the Whole House on help their home-country exporters AND FIX PAY OF EMPLOYEES OF the state of the Union for the consider- compete in the global markets. If we fail to reauthorize the Bank, THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICES ation of the bill, H.R. 4863. The Chair appoints the gentleman American businesses will be harmed, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) to pre- and thousands of jobs will be lost. ant to House Resolution 695, H. Res. 693 side over the Committee of the Whole. Unfortunately, in 2015, the Repub- is considered as adopted. lican leadership in the House allowed The text of the resolution is as fol- b 1409 the Bank’s charter to expire for the lows: IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE first time in the Bank’s history. At H. RES. 693 Accordingly, the House resolved that time, a number of countries, in- Resolved, That, pursuant to regulations itself into the Committee of the Whole cluding China, celebrated the Bank’s issued by the Committee on House Adminis- House on the state of the Union for the closure because of the competitive ad- tration— consideration of the bill (H.R. 4863) to vantage it gave them over U.S. busi- (1) the Director of the Office of Diversity promote the competitiveness of the nesses and workers. and Inclusion established under section United States, to reform and reauthor- Later, Republicans in the Senate 104(d) of House Resolution 6 may appoint and ize the United States Export Finance hobbled Ex-Im for 4 years by refusing fix the pay of employees of the Office; and to confirm board directors, which pre- (2) the Director of the Office of the Whis- Agency, and for other purposes, with tleblower Ombudsman established under sec- Mr. BLUMENAUER in the chair. vented them from having a quorum. tion 104(e) of House Resolution 6 may ap- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Ex-Im reported that it was unable to point and fix the pay of employees of the Of- The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the approve $40 billion worth of trans- fice. bill is considered read the first time. actions during this period, which would

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.008 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 have supported an estimated 250,000 appointing, though, is an understate- They are not a strategic ally; they jobs. ment. are a threat. And if we are savvy to Earlier this year, Chairwoman b 1415 this, we will ensure that we don’t take WATERS and I joined together to intro- an important tool of our government H.R. 4863 is intended to renew the duce a bipartisan Ex-Im reauthoriza- and subsidize Beijing. If we want to confidence of U.S. exporters in the Ex- tion bill, and it is here in the House counter Beijing’s ambitions, we Im Bank while also sending a message known as H.R. 3407. It included sensible shouldn’t use Ex-Im to provide cheap to the world that the U.S. is ready and reforms for Ex-Im that both parties financing for the Chinese Communist is prepared to aggressively compete in could support. Party. overseas export markets. The chairwoman and I spent hours To compete with Beijing, we cannot H.R. 4863 reauthorizes the Ex-Im negotiating this package, but, unfortu- subsidize Beijing. It is bad policy for Bank for 10 years and increases the nately, she didn’t have the support Americans, and we should agree on Bank’s lending authority from $135 bil- from her fellow Democrats to bring that. And, in fact, we did in the bill lion to $175 billion. The bill strength- that to markup, and that is a sad that Chairwoman WATERS and I filed. ens support for small businesses, which thing. It is a sad thing because, in that To be clear, Republicans support sell- are the engine of growth in our econ- bill, we took on the generational chal- ing American goods and services omy, and it creates an Office of Minor- lenge that is incumbent upon us as around the globe and in China. That is ity and Women Inclusion as well as an American policymakers to be sensible why we support the reset of the trade Office of Territorial Exporting to sup- about, which is the threat and aggres- arrangement with China that the port exporters in Guam, Puerto Rico, sion of China, both the economic and President is negotiating. It is a very the Virgin Islands, and other U.S. ter- military aggressiveness of that regime. important thing. ritories. The bill that we negotiated would The bill also focuses the Bank’s at- have served as the most comprehensive We also know that the Chinese Com- tention on protecting the environment and the longest extension to an author- munist Party sits on $3 trillion of dol- by creating an office for renewable en- ization of the Ex-Im Bank, and it had a lar-denominated reserves. This debate ergy exports, strengthening the Bank’s chance to get the President’s signature is not about commerce; it is about fi- environmental policies and procedures, and actually be legislated in the Sen- nancial assistance. Why use a mecha- and encouraging greater accountability ate, as well. nism of our government to subsidize with respect to local communities that Sadly, the Democrats walked away the Chinese economy? Why would we could be negatively affected by Bank- from that agreement because it limited do that? That is not sound policy. That supported projects. Ex-Im’s subsidies to some businesses is not good policy. Importantly, H.R. 4863 also includes owned by the Chinese Communist And when we marked up this bill, the procedures to avoid a lapse in the Party. The Democratic majority Democrats raised two interesting Board’s quorum so that the Bank can stripped out all the reforms we had counterarguments to this view. The maintain its full operational capacity agreed to, and what we are left with in first one was—amazingly and, I think, even when the Senate is unable to con- this bill text is a restatement of cur- absurdly—that the Financial Services firm Board directors. rent law and current practice by the Committee should not weigh in on any The bill includes a number of provi- Export-Import Bank on this list of Chi- international matter, even though at sions to ensure that Ex-Im financing nese businesses that the Bank cannot Ex-Im’s creation, the focus was on does not inadvertently support bad ac- do business with. They don’t do busi- Marxist-Leninist countries and Soviet tors. For example, the bill prohibits fi- ness with them, and that creates an- aggression internationally. We wanted nancing for the Chinese military, the other glaring hole for abuse. more trading partners to us in selling The President has a Statement of Ad- Chinese intelligence services, and any American goods. Well, I think, like- ministration Policy just issued from other bad actors, including anyone who wise, we have a similar challenge with the White House, and it says the Presi- has criminally violated the Foreign China this day. dent would veto this bill, so it is not Corrupt Practices Act or has violated Even though Ex-Im has been used as going to get signed into law. U.S. intellectual property laws. a tool of foreign policy from the very Moreover, the Senate majority leader beginning, this argument was made in Moreover, H.R. 4863 would require the said this morning: ‘‘’We’re not going to parties to an Ex-Im transaction to cer- committee. pass the House bill,’ McConnell said.’’ We also have important work that we tify that neither they nor any of their We do not want that bill. ‘‘We do want do with oversight of the World Bank, subsidiaries engage in activities in vio- to extend Ex-Im. A logical place to do the International Monetary Fund, a lation of U.S.-sanctioned laws. that would be on the CR,’’ on the con- number of global institutions coming So, Mr. Chairman, it is imperative tinuing resolution, which will happen. out of the financial services arena. All that we reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank so That is what is going to happen. that our businesses, U.S. businesses So those watching, those listening of these things fall under the Financial large and small, will have the financ- here, this is all a show; and at the end Services Committee’s purview, and ing support they need to compete in of the day, this won’t make it into law. Democrats on this committee the global markets while preserving We are going to have a clean extension shouldn’t opine that Ex-Im can’t get and creating American jobs at home. of this Bank, which is an important into this. Ex-Im, at its creation, got Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance economic tool for us. into it and continues to get into it; and of my time. In our bipartisan agreement, though, that is the nature of Ex-Im financing: Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield the most important compromise we to have more allies with us in opposi- myself such time as I may consume. had reached is that provision to limit tion to other regimes around the globe. Today I rise in opposition to H.R. Ex-Im’s support for the Chinese Com- The second argument the Democrats 4863. The bill we are debating today en- munist Party. put forth is that their partisan bill has capsulates so much of what is wrong in As we all know, Beijing poses a stra- limits on China anyway because it bars Congress today. tegic threat to our national interest Ex-Im from financing the People’s Lib- This is a partisan bill to reauthorize through its economic and military ag- eration Army, which current law pre- what a bipartisan group supports, and gression. We know about the Chinese vents American companies from doing it is a failure of legislating. That is Government’s shocking abuse of that directly. So it is a restatement of why we have a partisan bill on the human rights. We see this in Hong policy, existing law. House floor to reauthorize the Export- Kong and the suppression of freedom It says that companies on the De- Import Bank. there. partment of Commerce’s entity list are This bill passed the House Financial We know the Chinese Government’s banned from financing. Well, the joke’s Services Committee by three votes, true motives for the Belt and Road Ini- on that argument because those people with Republicans all in opposition and tiative and the Made in China 2025 ini- on the entity list, we can’t do com- a few of my Democratic colleagues in tiative, and that is to extend China’s merce with them—not even a question opposition, as well. To say this is dis- global dominance. of who subsidizes it or not.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.036 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8847 So it is all a complete kabuki dance. These are just a few of the many ex- It is vital to our national and local And it is of no surprise to folks watch- amples of companies controlled by the economies, especially manufacturers, ing or listening to this debate that Ex- Chinese Communist Party that the farmers, and small businesses, but it Im doesn’t provide financial products Democrat majority wants the Export- has suffered badly under misguided at- to the submarine force of the Chinese Import Bank to cater to under this bill. tacks, such as that to which you were Navy. Nice try, very cute, but we don’t Again, we can’t let that happen. We just treated. I have seen this damage do that. should not let that happen. That is not firsthand, despite our ongoing at- However, Ex-Im does provide financ- good policy. It is not commensurate tempts to fight them. ing for companies that the Chinese with where we are as a nation with this This year, I am pleased and proud military can control to achieve Bei- rising threat of China. that we finally have an opportunity to jing’s strategic objectives. In the lan- I want to reiterate my support of an reverse that damage and reinvigorate guage of this bill, we will have a extension of the Ex-Im Bank’s authori- and expand the Ex-Im. handy-dandy chart that no one at ties to ensure that the Bank remains I support the Export-Import Bank be- home can read. We have a massive open to support U.S. jobs and exports cause we want to see more U.S. ex- chart. It doesn’t matter. We have a and job creation around the globe, but ports. The international market for long list of entities that Ex-Im could with a caveat that we should not be goods and services is three times as still subsidize that this bill doesn’t af- doing it in China to fund their aggres- large as our domestic economy, and fect, does not touch. sion. that gap, by the way, is widening. So the Democrats put in this bill So I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this bill. We The American economy has not his- meaningless language for political will have an extension of the Bank. It torically been export oriented, so tar- cover rather than to do something will happen. It will be a bipartisan geting foreign markets and increasing right and real for the American econ- vote. exports holds untapped promise to omy. They don’t have a response for This, though, is a bad bill that does raise living standards. As I like to say, if we want to keep the deep questions of Chinese aggres- not deserve to pass the House of Rep- our middle class, we better sell into the sion. resentatives. And even if it does pass Ex-Im does provide financing to com- world’s growing middle class. the House of Representatives, it is Maximizing exports will require a panies like AsiaSat, which is con- going nowhere in the Senate. And even strong Export-Import Bank. Over the trolled by the Chinese Government and if it passes the Senate, the President last many years, the committee has has helped Chinese security forces says he is going to veto it. heard testimony and seen analysis that crack down on protesters in western So let’s think calmly and rationally the private market will not maximize China. Again, the Democrats’ bill about it. Let’s not waste the people’s exports if left to its own devices. would do nothing to stop any of that, time here in the House of Representa- Trade financing markets fail in pre- as one example. tives with a needless debate on some- dictable and repeated ways. The scale And, of course, the Democrat bill thing that is going to go nowhere. Let’s is too large for new exporters to access; does nothing to stop Ex-Im from fi- actually work on something that could the timeframes are too short for the nancing government-controlled compa- take us somewhere. largest, most expensive products; and nies that are acting contrary to our na- We had a bipartisan bill. Sadly, the there are some countries that private tional interests but which may not majority walked away from it. lenders simply will not lend into. happen to be on this entity list of the Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues So without a robust official export Commerce Department. to vote ‘‘no,’’ and I reserve the balance credit agency to fill these gaps, we sim- Take Huawei, for example, which Ex- of my time. ply lose out on overseas sales, espe- Im had authorized transactions for be- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I would cially for small businesses and capital fore the company was put onto the en- just like to remind this body that Mr. equipment makers and farmers. tity list in May. This is a recent exam- MCHENRY is one of the ones responsible Every country recognizes this fact, ple. for the nonreauthorization of the Ex- but the U.S. alone among major econo- Under the Democrats’ bill, Ex-Im Im Bank before. He didn’t support it mies has failed to fully act on this subsidies for Huawei were perfectly then, and he doesn’t support it now, knowledge. fine in April, but in May were unac- and he never will because he is opposed If we want to maximize our exports, ceptable. That is ridiculous. And it is to Ex-Im Bank reauthorization, period. we need to stop the sabotage of our bad policy for the American taxpayer Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 minutes to credit agency, the Ex-Im Bank, and en- to subsidize Chinese aggression. the gentleman from Washington (Mr. hance it. This is what this reauthoriza- By the same token, under the Demo- HECK), a key sponsor of this legislation tion bill does. crats’ bill, Ex-Im would safely finance and a major supporter of Ex-Im. It does make several critical Chinese Government-controlled ZTE Mr. HECK. I thank Chair WATERS for changes. It sets the bill up to succeed Corporation up until April 15 of 2018, yielding. by increasing the spending cap and ex- when it was put on the Commerce’s De- Mr. Chairman, I also am not going to panding the ability to use reinsurance nied Persons List. At that point, Ex-Im spend much time rebutting the argu- to lay off risk, and setting up new au- would no longer be able to finance ments of the previous speaker, indeed, thorities for the bank to go out and ZTE, except that it could finance ZTE given that he has opposed every single search for foreign buyers who it can just 3 months later when it was taken reauthorization of the Ex-Im since he match with U.S. suppliers, American off the list. began service in this Chamber—espe- jobs. Is anyone confused? Yes, you should cially since he supported every amend- It attempts to move past some of the be confused. This is the type of inco- ment that would have been harmful in misinformation about the agency’s herent nonsense that this partisan bill past reauthorization legislation; espe- purpose that has dogged the reauthor- has in it. It is not good for our national cially since he had the audacity, frank- ization fight the last many years by re- security. It is not smart policy. It is ly, to use Huawei as an example, which naming it to focus on its sole purpose: not good policy. he cannot cite a single line in the draft financing and expanding exports of So, as a reminder, ZTE is China’s sec- to which he refers that would have pro- U.S.-made goods. ond largest producer of telecommuni- hibited export financing to Huawei, It preserves the requirement that cations equipment, and it was involved and the bill before you does. goods must be made in the United in violations of our export control and States by U.S. workers in order to sanctions laws with respect to Iran and b 1430 qualify for assistance from the agency. North Korea. According to the Demo- No. I am going to use my time to do This is the strongest domestic content crats’ bill, taxpayer assistance should as I have in the past: to support and de- requirement in the world, and it rein- be flowing through Ex-Im Bank to fend the bank, one of the most impor- forces that the core of Ex-Im’s mission ZTE. I don’t think that is really what tant, least understood elements of our is supporting U.S. manufacturing jobs. they want, but that is what their legis- national manufacturing strategy, the It continues Ex-Im’s historical role lative text does. Export-Import Bank. in leading export credit agencies

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.038 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8848 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 around the world toward higher envi- I rise today in opposition to H.R. 4863, by China’s economic and military ef- ronmental standards, stricter pollution the United States Export Finance forts is not in the best interests of controls, and more concern for the ef- Agency Act. American workers or jobs. fects of infrastructure projects in de- According to its charter, the mission The CHAIR. The time of the gen- veloping countries. of the Export-Import Bank is to ‘‘con- tleman has expired. This is a legacy to be proud of and to tribute to maintaining or increasing Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield the build on, and I am glad to see that our employment of United States workers’’ gentleman an additional 30 seconds. environmental advocates and our ex- by subsidizing the export of U.S. goods Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I will port sector have come together to and services to foreign markets. move quickly through this. agree on the importance of this lan- Over the years, Congress has amend- Yes, it is true, I have been a sharp guage. ed Ex-Im’s charter to reflect numerous critic of the Export-Import Bank. I It aligns Ex-Im more closely with congressional interests regarding lend- have been accused of wanting to do U.S. foreign policy and anticorruption ing practices, transparency, and for- nothing more than shut it down by the efforts. Ex-Im financing will now be eign policy objectives, so much so, that other side, as much was said to the barred if a foreign customer appears on the Bank’s charter has grown from four ranking member. any one of several bad actor lists main- pages at its inception to more than 150 However, I was also a part of a group tained by various agencies of the U.S. pages now, and with that expansion, we trying to come up with a bipartisan Government. have seen the Bank expand its portfolio agreement in 2012 and 2015, and I was No, Mr. Chair, it is not a restatement to a staggering $135 billion. willing to support the bipartisan bill of current policy. It is an expansion of Well, each reauthorization of the Ex- that was introduced by the ranking it, and they full well know it. port-Import Bank has afforded Con- member and the chair. These targeted provisions allow Ex- gress the opportunity to revisit the I wasn’t necessarily happy with all Im to focus on maximizing U.S. sales charter and to work for reform and to the provisions, but I felt that there was to good customers while also increas- modernize the Bank appropriately. sufficient and significant progress ing the leverage that our foreign pol- However, this flawed partisan proposal made in those much-needed reforms. Well, unfortunately, this bipartisan icymakers have in encouraging foreign that we have before us today fails to agreement was abandoned by the other countries and corporations to clean up make any meaningful reforms to the side. The bill that we have before us is their act. Export-Import Bank. a flawed bill, and I urge my colleagues Finally, it makes it much faster and Now, despite the claims that you are to vote ‘‘no.’’ easier for Ex-Im to match financing hearing across the aisle about the com- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I would like terms with those foreign export credit pany not being able to do business with to remind the House that the gen- agencies that subsidize financing in China and Russia, this simply isn’t the tleman from Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA) their country’s exporters. fact. has 16 total exporters in his district, The CHAIR. The time of the gen- In fact, I had an amendment, two would support a value of $52 million. I tleman has expired. amendments, that would have actually would hope that as he opposes this bill, Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I yield an not allowed the bank to deal with he is reminded that between 2014 and additional 1 minute to the gentleman. state-owned enterprises in China and in Mr. HECK. Mr. Chair, I thank Chair- 2020, his district received substantial Russia. woman WATERS for yielding. support. Mr. Chair, China, in particular, has Now, why? Because of this: the Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the human rights record in China is deplor- used this tactic to crowd out U.S. man- gentleman from Texas (Mr. GREEN), a ufacturers, and Ex-Im will finally have able. We are seeing it play out today in strong supporter of the Bank and the the tool it needs to counter this tactic. Hong Kong, literally, right now. chair of the Subcommittee on Over- We also know that we are battling I am proud of the work we have done sight and Investigations of the Com- the Belt and Road Initiative that has on this bill. Building a stronger Ex- mittee on Financial Services. port-Import Bank, if I may be personal been a Chinese initiative that has gone Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Chair, I for just one second, is one of the main around the world, and it has no busi- thank Madam Chair for yielding. In- reasons why I was asked and honored ness getting U.S. taxpayer dollars in deed, I am a strong supporter of the to become a member of the Financial support of it. Bank and I am also a strong supporter Services Committee 7 years ago. Well, this initiative allows the Bank of the chairwoman. This is a bill that would achieve that to provide taxpayer financing to enti- I support this legislation because the mission for a decade to come, and I ties owned and controlled by the Chi- Export Bank is not a traditional bank. urge all of my colleagues to vote nese Government, including Chinese Traditional banks take deposits. The ‘‘yes.’’ state-owned enterprises involved in Ex-Im Bank makes deposits. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield military activities, human rights Over the last 10 years, it has depos- myself such time as I may consume. abuses, and this Belt and Road Initia- ited 1.5 million jobs, American jobs; Mr. Chair, let me restate that, as I tive. over the last 10 years, $3.4 billion in the said in my opening statement, to be At a time when China is diverting U.S. Treasury; over the last 10 years, clear, the bill that Chairwoman massive subsidies to state-owned enter- $255 billion to those who are exporting WATERS and I filed, H.R. 3407, is a 7- prises, specifically through the use of by way of financing these exports. year extension of the Export-Import export subsidies, why would Congress In the way of jobs, if we look at the Bank. authorize the use of taxpayer dollars to State of Texas, we can see that from It is clear by my cosponsorship of make the Chinese Communist Party’s 2014 to 2019, it has assisted 91 minority- that with Chairwoman WATERS that I job easier? I am baffled by that. owned businesses, 14 percent of which support reauthorizing the Bank. And as Now, claims of the opposite can be are in my district; 467 small business I said in my opening statement, I sup- repeated and they can be repeated in exporters; 55 women-owned exporters. port the Bank staying open through louder and louder voices, but that still A total of 810 businesses have benefited the continuing resolution or the appro- doesn’t make it true. from the Ex-Im Bank. priations vehicle, whatever it is that is The simple fact is my amendment If you like diversity, you will love going to become law. So I will restate that was rejected by the other side of the Ex-Im Bank. It has within it an Of- that to both my colleagues so they can the aisle would have limited inter- fice of Minority and Women Inclusion. hear. action with Chinese and Russian state- It will have an Office of Territorial Ex- Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the owned actors. porting to help Guam, Puerto Rico, and gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Well, we all know that the primary the U.S. territories. HUIZENGA), the ranking member of the goal of the Export-Import Bank is to I support the Ex-Im Bank because it Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship support American jobs through ex- not only makes good sense, it makes and Capital Markets Subcommittee. ports. However, any Ex-Im reauthoriza- good dollars and cents. Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Chair, I appre- tion that doesn’t address the strategic This is a bill that we should support. ciate Mr. MCHENRY yielding to me, and threat to our national interests posed If we didn’t have the Ex-Im Bank, we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.040 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8849 would invent it. Why reinvent the ment official Michael Pillsbury details Additionally, this bill includes com- wheel when we have something that China’s strategy to supplant the monsense environmental and commu- can roll out right now? United States as the world’s dominant nity engagement standards that seek Mr. Chair, I support this bill. power by 2049, the 100th anniversary of to make sure the Bank is helping meet Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 the founding of the People’s Republic. our Paris climate accord commit- minutes to the gentleman from Ken- He said, ‘‘Only recently have there ments. tucky (Mr. BARR), the ranking member been disturbing signs that a more mili- While these improvements to the of the Oversight and Investigations taristic China may be ascendant, which Bank contained in the bill are impor- Subcommittee. has caused some to question the wish- tant, I don’t want to take away from Mr. BARR. Mr. Chair, I rise today in ful thinking that has prevailed for the bottom-line fact, and that is it cre- opposition to this bill, not because I more than 40 years.’’ ates jobs. believe the Export-Import Bank should Unless we take a hard stand and a This bill supports American manu- not exist under any circumstances, but hard line against China, including facturers. This bill supports our ex- because I believe we can produce a bet- through more powerful restrictions on porting sector. This bill helps reduce ter bill, a bill that would actually help the Ex-Im Bank’s interactions with our trade deficit. That is why I am America compete while holding other Chinese SOEs, we risk ceding our pre- calling on all of my colleagues to join nations like China accountable in the eminence in a fair and free global mar- me in passing this critical legislation. global market. ket. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 I am concerned that the bill in its Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to minutes to the gentleman from Arkan- current form would actually enable oppose this bill, which will allow U.S. sas (Mr. HILL), the ranking member of China’s malign activities to the det- taxpayer funds to subsidize Chinese as- the Subcommittee on National Secu- riment of U.S. national security. cendency and its Communist state- rity, International Development and Now, let me be clear. I supported the owned enterprises and enable China’s Monetary Policy. compromise bill that Chairwoman theft of our intellectual property, its Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Chair, I WATERS and Ranking Member forced transfer of technology, and its thank my friend from North Carolina MCHENRY negotiated in June, and I blatant violation of human rights. for yielding. I congratulate the ranking compliment my friend, the gentleman This bill could be better. The Export- member and the chairwoman for trying from North Carolina (Mr. MCHENRY) Import Bank could help us combat Chi- to work together to produce a bipar- for his leadership on this. I recognize nese growing imports. This bill doesn’t tisan bill that we can all support and the value a reformed Ex-Im Bank can do it. demonstrate our keen interest in a provide to U.S. businesses. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I would like long-term, bipartisan reauthorization The new Ex-Im president and chair- to again remind Mr. BARR that between of the Ex-Im Bank, an important for- man, Kimberly Reed, has impressed 2014 and 2020, his State received $10 eign policy tool for this Nation, not me. She visited my district and made million in total export value. just in the situation with China, but clear her commitment to helping U.S. I would also like to remind this body generally. exporters, including small businesses that he did not support reauthorization To my friend from Washington who in Kentucky, compete in the global in the past. He does not do it now. I talked about Huawei a few minutes market. She also, importantly, com- don’t know if there will ever be a good ago, it is not just state-owned enter- mitted to reforming the Bank to aban- enough bill to have him and the rank- prises that we are concerned about. It don Obama-era policies that discrimi- ing member support Export-Import. is not public companies in China we are nated against Ex-Im support of tradi- Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the concerned about, or private companies tional fossil energy and related ex- gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. GARCIA). in China. We are concerned with any- ports. Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Chair, one who has engaged in something that But the bill we are debating today first, I thank the gentlewoman from is going to challenge the national secu- cannot be fixed by a strong leader like California, and my chairwoman, for her rity of this country. Kimberly Reed. It is flawed, it is not leadership in bringing this incredibly I would remind my friends on the the right answer, and we can and important bill to the floor. other side that China’s laws say: Any should do better. Mr. Chair, I rise to speak in support organization or citizen shall support, Specifically, this bill does not go far of the Ex-Im Bank. assist, and cooperate with the People’s enough to combat malign Chinese in- Mr. Chair, the Bank provides tar- Republic of China intelligence effort. fluence and China’s aspirations to re- geted credit and export support to our They shall provide all efforts truth- place the United States as the pre- small businesses that need it most to fully and may not refuse. eminent global economic power. stay competitive. We know that the So it is not just small companies or b 1445 Bank’s programs work, and we should state-owned enterprises; it is all com- The Communists in Beijing continue not abandon them. panies in China that we have that risk. to steal our intellectual property and I fully support the reauthorization. I offered an amendment that was place their thumb on the scale of glob- The Ex-Im Bank plays an irreplaceable turned down by the Rules Committee, al economic competitiveness by prop- role in promoting American exports ruled out of order by the majority, to ping up its economy through state- and keeping small businesses competi- try to tackle the issue of intellectual owned enterprises. tive on the international market and property, something we have dealt Additionally, we see rampant human helps in creating jobs for America, with in this country for 30 years. That rights abuses and violent quashing of some 352,000 jobs. was going to be an effort, I think, in freedom seekers in Hong Kong. Over Since 2014, the Bank has provided this compromise bill that would have the last 5 months, we have observed over $450 million worth of export sup- been so helpful, had we been able to protestors in Hong Kong being shot, port value in my district alone in the successfully get it done. beaten, gassed, and arrested. Houston area. Among the 53 total ex- I have been a longtime advocate for My amendment to this bill, which porters supported in my district, 39— proceeding with care as it relates to the Rules Committee did not make in well over half—are small businesses. In foreign policy with China. There is no order, would have made Ex-Im assist- Texas, the Bank has supported $12 bil- doubt that intellectual property is at ance to Chinese state-owned enter- lion in exports and 815 exporters, in- the heart of that challenge, and the prises contingent on their commitment cluding 470 small businesses. Bank has a role to play as it reviews fi- to upholding the Sino-British declara- Along with the reauthorization of nancing activities in China for our tion, which established the ‘‘one coun- this bill, it also includes an Office of businesses. try, two systems’’ principle that would Women and Minority Inclusion. This is Nothing has been more pirated than allow Hong Kong to retain its capi- important because, in my district computer software, music CDs, and talist system. alone, seven out of the 53 businesses Hollywood videos. All that has been In his book ‘‘The Hundred-Year Mar- are minority-owned and four are fe- taken by the People’s Republic of athon,’’ former senior Defense Depart- male-owned. China to the detriment of business in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.041 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8850 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 America. It plagued President Clinton; ing. The gentlewoman from California U.S. businesses and workers are not deprived it plagued President Bush 43; and it has 111⁄2 minutes remaining. of a tool enjoyed by their competitors plagued President Obama. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I reserve in every other country. the balance of my time. The Chamber strongly supports the Mr. Chair, let’s work together on a ‘‘United States Export Finance Agency Act bipartisan bill that we can all support. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I am of 2019.’’ This legislation builds off of S. 2293, Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, this is an- pleased that the gentleman from Ari- the ‘‘Export-Import Bank Reauthorization other Member on the opposite side of zona just talked about the kind of sup- Act of 2019,’’ which was introduced earlier the aisle, the gentleman from Arkan- port he has in his district. Let me re- this year with the bipartisan support of Sen- sas, who, when we were trying to get mind the House that we have support ators Kevin Cramer and Kyrsten Sinema, the Bank up and running, he voted from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and cosponsored by Senators Thom Tillis, against reauthorization. He is voting Aerospace Industries Association, Maria Cantwell, Roy Blunt, Patty Murray, against it again today. I don’t know International Association of Machin- Lindsey Graham, Chris Coons, Susan Collins and Maggie Hassan. This legislation would what it would take to make these ists and Aerospace Workers, AFL–CIO, provide exporters with 10 years of much- Members who have consistently op- International Federation of Profes- needed certainty. posed reauthorization to ever support sional and Technical Engineers, Na- In May, the Senate confirmed three of Ex- Ex-Im. tional Association of Manufacturers, Im’s board members, establishing a quorum I would like to remind him there are Boeing, and Air Tractor, Inc. What you for the first time since 2015 and finally mak- 10 exporters in his district for a total of have here is business and labor have ing the Bank fully functional after several $43 million—that is a total value of ex- come together to support this most im- years of being limited to only supporting transactions less than $10 million. This bill port—between 2014 and 2020. portant bill. would also establish an alternative proce- Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the Mr. Chair, I include in the RECORD dure during any future lapses in the board’s gentleman from Arizona (Mr. STAN- letters of support. quorum to ensure that Ex-Im can continue TON). CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to serve its vital role in supporting U.S. jobs. Mr. STANTON. Mr. Chair, I thank OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, U.S. exporters and the hundreds of thou- the gentlewoman for yielding. Washington, DC, October 28, 2019. sands of jobs that they support need long- Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Hon. , term certainty—simply extending the life of Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, H.R. 4863, the United States Export Fi- Ex-Im through short-term continuing resolu- House of Representatives, Washington, DC. tions is not enough. The Chamber strongly nance Agency Act, which will reau- Hon. PATRICK MCHENRY, urges members of the Committee to vote in thorize the Export-Import Bank for 10 Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Serv- support of this long-term legislation and years. ices, urges members to oppose the adoption of any I am proud to cosponsor and support House of Representatives, Washington, DC. ‘‘poison pill’’ amendments that are intended this bill for one simple reason: Busi- DEAR CHAIRWOMAN WATERS AND RANKING to prevent this legislation from viable con- nesses across Arizona looking to create MEMBER MCHENRY: The U.S. Chamber of sideration on the House floor or in the U.S. great jobs and export their products Commerce thanks the committee for consid- Senate. ering legislation to provide for long-term re- across our international borders need The Chamber thanks you for your atten- authorizations of the Terrorism Risk Insur- tion on these important issues and looks for- certainty to succeed. ance Act (‘‘TRIA’’) program and the Export- ward to working with you to ensure long- Main Street is still the backbone of Import Bank of the United States (‘‘Ex-Im’’). term reauthorizations of both of these im- my State’s economy, and the Export- The Chamber strongly supports the sub- portant programs. Import Bank is an essential tool to en- stitute amendment to H.R. 4634, the ‘‘Ter- Sincerely, sure they remain competitive in an in- rorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthoriza- NEIL L. BRADLEY, creasingly competitive global market. tion Act of 2019.’’ The Chamber also strongly Executive Vice President & Chief Policy I want to highlight one business supports the ‘‘United States Export Finance Officer. Agency Act of 2019,’’ and opposes all amend- headquartered in Tempe in my district. ments that are intended to serve as ‘‘poison U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, First Solar focuses on securing the en- pills’’ which would prevent this legislation CONGRESSIONAL & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ergy of the future by developing next- from viable consideration on the House floor Washington, DC, November 11, 2019. generation PV technology. or in the Senate. TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF The company exports solar panel H.R. 4634, THE ‘‘TERRORISM RISK INSURANCE REPRESENTATIVES: The U.S. Chamber of technology around the world and has PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019’’ Commerce strongly supports H.R. 4863, the ‘‘United States Export Finance Agency Act benefited from nearly $4 million in ex- Since its initial enactment in 2002, TRlA of 2019,’’ which would provide for a long-term port financing from the Bank. First has served as a vital public-private risk shar- reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank ing mechanism, ensuring that private ter- Solar is just one of the many environ- (‘‘Ex-Im’’). The Chamber will consider in- rorism risk insurance coverage remains com- mentally friendly companies that bene- cluding votes on this legislation—including mercially available and that the U.S. econ- fits from the Export-Import Bank. votes on amendments—in our annual How omy would more swiftly recover in the event In Arizona, four out of five exporters They Voted scorecard. of a terrorist attack. As the official U.S. export credit agency supported by the Bank are small busi- The Chamber strongly supports the sub- (‘‘ECA’’), Ex-Im’s mission is to support do- nesses. In the last 5 years alone, it has stitute amendment to H.R. 4634, the ‘‘Ter- mestic jobs by facilitating the export of supported upward of $2 billion in ex- rorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthoriza- goods or services when private sector lenders ports in my State. tion Act of 2019,’’ and applauds the leader- are unable or unwilling to provide financing. ship of Chairwoman Waters and Ranking Congress has a duty to reassert its Foreign governments have established 113 Member McHenry in reaching this bipartisan role in U.S. trade policies as exporters ECAs of their own around the world. In 2018, deal which would provide a seven-year reau- continue to face challenges on all China’s two ECAs alone provided 130 times as thorization of this important program while fronts. If we can’t find common ground much medium- and long-term export credit providing for a study on the evolving risks in support as the Ex-Im Bank. Due to the ex- and reauthorize the Bank, we will be cyberterrorism and the affordability and tensive competition in this space, it is vital removing one of the most essential availability of TRIA coverage for places of that Ex-Im be reauthorized to ensure that tools American companies have. worship. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my col- U.S. businesses and workers are not deprived THE ‘‘UNITED STATES EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY of a basic tool enjoyed by their competitors leagues to support this important bill ACT OF 2019’’ in every other country. in order to provide certainty and to As the official U.S. export credit agency H.R. 4863 builds off of S. 2293, the ‘‘Export- level the playing field for American (‘‘ECA’’), Ex-lm’s mission is to support do- Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2019,’’ businesses across the country. mestic jobs by facilitating the export of which was introduced earlier this year with Mr. Chair, I thank Chairwoman goods or services when private sector lenders the bipartisan support of Senators Kevin WATERS for leading this important ef- are unable or unwilling to provide financing. Cramer and Kyrsten Sinema, and cospon- fort. Foreign governments have established 113 sored by Senators Thom Tillis, Maria Cant- ECAs of their own around the world. In 2018, well, Roy Blunt, Patty Murray, Lindsey Gra- Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, if I may China’s two ECAs alone provided 130 times as ham, Chris Coons, Susan Collins and Maggie inquire of the Chair how much time re- much medium- and long-term export credit Hassan. Both of these pieces of legislation mains on both sides. support as the Ex-Im Bank. Due to the ex- would provide 10 years of much needed cer- The CHAIR. The gentleman from tensive competition in this space, it is vital tainty, establish an alternative procedure North Carolina has 91⁄2 minutes remain- that Ex-Im be reauthorized to ensure that during any future lapses in the board’s

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This legislation would Agency Act of 2019’’ (H.R. 4863) scheduled for army and intelligence services, sanctioned create and sustain U.S. jobs in manufac- floor consideration this week. entities, and known violators of anti-bribery turing and other strategic industries and im- A healthy Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im and intellectual property laws. prove the balance of trade between the U.S. Bank) is pivotal to the creation and sustain- U.S. exporters and the hundreds of thou- and high export nations by reauthorizing the ability of U.S. jobs in manufacturing, as well sands of jobs that they support need long- Export-Import Bank for the next ten years. as increasing U.S. exports, thereby improv- term certainty—simply extending the life of The Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) is ing the balance of trade between the U.S. Ex-Im through short-term continuing resolu- one of the few U.S. institutions that actually and high export countries. tions is not enough. The Chamber urges you supports U.S. exports and jobs by providing H.R. 4863 reauthorizes the Ex-Im Bank for to support H.R. 4863. vital loan guarantees for the sale of U.S. the next ten years and would gradually in- Sincerely, goods and services to international markets. crease the bank’s lending authority by $40 JACK HOWARD. This legislation would rename the Ex-IM billion, resulting in an expansion of projects. Bank to the United States Export Finance Although the bill would rename the Ex-Im AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION, Agency, but its mission would remain the Bank as the ‘‘United States Export Finance Arlington, VA, October 29, 2019. same, ‘‘to assist in financing the export of Agency,’’ its intended mission ‘‘to assist in Hon. MAXINE WATERS, U.S. goods and services’’, enabling ‘‘large financing the export of U.S. goods and serv- Chairwoman, House Committee on Financial and small companies to turn export opportu- ices’’ would remain unchanged. The legisla- Services, Washington, DC. nities into real sales that help to maintain tion also includes provisions that reform the Hon. PATRICK MCHENRY, and create U.S. jobs and contribute to a Bank’s quorum rules that have severely lim- Ranking Member, House Committee on Finan- stronger national economy.’’ With the banks ited the Bank’s viability in recent years. cial Services, Washington, DC. authorizing charter set to expire in Novem- The creation of U.S. jobs is essential to a DEAR CHAIRWOMAN WATERS AND RANKING ber 2019, it is imperative that Congress work strong economy, and with the Bank’s author- MEMBER MCHENRY: On behalf of the nearly expeditiously to pass this Ex-IM Bank reau- izing charter set to expire in later this 340 member companies of the Aerospace In- thorization legislation before the bank’s month, now is the time to pass this impor- dustries Association (AIA), we urge you to charter lapses. tant piece of legislation. For the reasons reauthorize the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank American jobs depend upon a fully func- stated above, we urge you to vote for the im- before the November 21 deadline. A fully tioning Ex-Im Bank with a fully staffed mediate passage of H.R. 4863. functioning Ex-Im Bank is vital to aerospace board of directors to provide vital financing Sincerely, and other industries. for the export of U.S. made products. Under WILLIAM SAMUEL, The U.S. aerospace and defense industry the Bank’s current charter projects which Director, supports more than 2.5 million American require more than $10 million in financing Government Affairs. jobs, thousands of which have been supported must be approved by the Ex-IM Bank board by Ex-Im Bank financing solutions that fa- of directors. However, the lack of a quorum INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF PRO- cilitate the export of American goods and on the board in recent years has crippled the FESSIONAL & TECHNICAL ENGI- services. Moreover, the Bank is essential for Ex-Im Bank’s ability to support U.S. manu- NEERS, businesses of all sizes, as more than 90 per- facturers and workers, particularly in the Washington, DC, November 12, 2019. cent of the Bank’s transactions in FY2019 di- aerospace industry, one of the last sectors in DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As the executive rectly supported American small businesses. which the U.S. enjoys a positive balance of officers of the International Federation of This is done at no cost to the U.S. taxpayer. trade with the rest of the world. According Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE), In fact, in 2014 (the last entire year the Bank to the bank’s most recent annual report, the representing upwards of 90,000 workers, we was fully operational), the Bank paid $1 bil- Ex-Im Bank authorized only $3.3 billion in urge you to vote to reauthorize the Export- lion into the U.S. Treasury, generated from export credit in FY 2018. This is down from Import Bank by passing H.R. 4863. ‘‘United the interest paid on loans and the fees from $20 billion in authorized export credit in FY States Export Finance Agency Act of 2019.’’ the Bank’s foreign customers. 2014, which was the last year the bank was This legislation supports American jobs in Ultimately, the Ex-Im Bank levels the fully operational with a fully staffed board. strategic industries and sectors of the U.S. playing field against foreign competitors in Consequently, the bank estimates that it economy, helps domestic manufacturing increasingly competitive international mar- supported a mere 33,000 U.S. jobs in FY 2018, compete with manufacturers in high export kets. Key competing nations view aerospace a fraction of the 164,000 American jobs that nations. and takes steps to maintain the Ex- as critical for their economic growth and se- the bank supported in FY 2014 when it oper- port-Import Bank’s (EXIM) operations over curity interests and are increasing invest- ated with a full quorum. Meanwhile, job pro- the next ten years. ments in their respective domestic aerospace ducing export projects are being taken by EXIM is a critical tool that promotes U.S. industries. These countries are using their foreign competitors. Our international com- manufacturing exports, from the primary ex- export credit agencies (ECAs) to increase petitors continue to support their companies porter down through the domestic supply foreign sales and thus gain advantage in the through comprehensive industrial policies in chain and requires at least 85% domestic market. U.S. industries are up against more addition to robust export financing agencies. content for full financing support. Among than 110 foreign ECAs in an increasingly China alone has three export credit agencies the U.S. workers that have benefited from competitive export market. Without the that dwarf what our Ex-Im Bank provides. EXIM are IFPTE members working at Boe- Bank, we’re giving foreign powers the advan- The proposed legislation not only reau- ing. Spirit AeroSystems. and Triumph Com- tage—the Bank is a necessary equalizer. thorizes the Ex-IM bank over the next ten posite Systems. EXIM’s financing for com- We overwhelmingly support moving for- years, but it includes important provisions mercial airplane exports not only supports ward with Ex-Im legislation that will pass to reform the bank’s quorum rules which high-paying jobs and strategic sectors of the both the House and Senate. This legislation have severely limited the banks effectiveness economy but also helps reduce the U.S. trade must include key principles, including long- in recent years. The bill provides for a proc- deficit. and provides financing for diverse in- term reauthorization, an increase in the au- ess to seat a temporary board if a quorum dustries, including small- and medium-sized thorization ceiling, and a quorum fix. cannot be reached over a 90 day period. In business. consumable and durable goods ex- We look forward to working with you on addition to these needed reforms to the porters, and services exporters. The Ex-Im reauthorization and ensuring that our quorum rules, this legislation would gradu- ExportImport Bank also results in a reduc- industry remains economically competitive ally increase the Ex-Im Bank’s lending au- tion of our national debt. as it has proven globally. thority from $135 billion to $175 billion, al- itself to be a federal agency that added $9.6 Sincerely, lowing the bank to expand its portfolio of billion in revenue to our national budget TIM MCCLEES, projects, increase U.S. exports, create addi- since 1992. Vice President, Legis- tional U.S. jobs, and drive economic growth. Emerging national economies have aggres- lative Affairs, Aero- For all of these reasons, I urge all members sively expanded their export financing agen- space Industries As- of the House Financial Services Committee cies and Organization for Economic Coopera- sociation. to support this vitally important legislation tion & Development (OECD) nations con- and vote ‘‘Yes’’ in favor of passage of The tinue their export credit support, making it INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION United States Export Finance Agency Act of critically important for Congress to respond OF MACHINISTS AND AEROSPACE 2019. by reauthorizing EXIM before its current au- WORKERS, For more information, please contact IAM thorization expires after November 21. Chi- Upper Marlboro, MD, October 28, 2019. Legislative Director. na’s two export credit agencies totaled $39 DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the Thank you, billion in new medium- to long-term export International Association of Machinists and ROBERT MARTINEZ, JR., credits in 2018, an amount greater than the Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest aero- International President. next three countries’ (, German, and

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South Korea) combined authorizations. By billion in export credit in 2018, more support AIR TRACTOR INC., comparison, EXIM committed just $300 mil- than all G7 export credit agencies combined. Olney, TX, October 28, 2019. lion in medium- to long-term export credits To counter China and remain competitive, Hon. MAXINE WATERS, Chair, for 2018 with all financial authorizations for manufacturers in the United States need Hon. PATRICK MCHENRY, Ranking Minority the year totaling $3.3 billion. EXIM’s finan- H.R. 4863. It includes a 10-year reauthoriza- Member, cial authorizations have ranked near the tion, an increase in the authorization ceiling House Committee on Financial Services, bottom of OECD nations and emerging na- and measures to ensure that the agency’s Washington, DC. tional economies over the last three years board of directors will remain fully func- DEAR CHAIRMAN WATERS AND RANKING due to EXIM lacking a quorum for its Board tioning for the length of the reauthorization. MEMBER MCHENRY: It is my understanding from mid-2015 to May 2019, leaving it unable The USEFAA also includes important re- that your committee will consider mark up to approve transactions exceeding $10 mil- forms to prevent the misuse of Ex-Im Bank tomorrow of which one consideration is reau- lion during that time. The three-year back- financing by entities connected to the Chi- thorization of the Export-Import Bank log of transactions in the EXIM pipeline to- nese People’s Liberation Army or other sanc- (United States Export Finance Agency of tals $40 billion and is estimated by EXIM to tioned entities involved in corruption, intel- 2019). I have communicated to you before on support 240,000 jobs. lectual property theft and other activities how important the Export-Import Bank IFPTE supports this legislation as well as that threaten U.S. security. At the same (‘‘Ex-Im’’) is to Air Tractor, a small business the Senate bill sponsored by Senator Kevin time, this legislation will enable manufac- manufacturer and exporter. Ex-Im allows us Cramer, S. 2293, because it includes straight- turers in the United States to compete with to create and sustain jobs in rural north forward measures to reform EXIM’s quorum China everywhere, outside and inside China. Texas. There is no substitute for Ex-Im and rules so that EXIM’s ability to support The USEFAA is a win for American manu- its products. Ex-Im is very important to American exports and jobs cannot be limited facturing workers. It will level the playing small business and in my opinion, to all ex- by political gridlock, reauthorizes EXIM for field, help manufacturers win sales and set porters large and small. Ex-Im means U.S. ten years. and gradually increases EXIM’s an example of the values we are proud to rep- jobs. exposure cap from $135 billion to $175 billion resent on the global stage. Manufacturers I would urge swift and bipartisan action over seven years. These provisions will cre- urge your support for H.R. 4863 and ask that tomorrow to advance this legislation as cur- ate stability and room for EXIM’s financing you reject amendments that would under- rently proposed. The U.S. needs a robust and ability to grow its portfolio of projects, sup- mine this robust reauthorization and the long-term reauthorization of Ex-Im. port U.S. exports and jobs. and drive eco- ability of the agency to enable manufactur- If you have any questions of me, please nomic growth. ers to compete effectively around the world. contact me. For these reasons, we urge you to vote for Sincerely, Sincerely, the ‘‘United States Export Finance Agency JAY TIMMONS. DAVID ICKERT, Act of 2019.’’ Thank you for your consider- Treasurer and CFO. ation. Should you have any questions. please THE BOEING COMPANY, feel free to contact either of us or IFPTE Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 Arlington, VA, October 28, 2019. legislative representative. minutes to the gentlewoman from Hon. MAXINE WATERS, Sincerely. Pennsylvania (Ms. DEAN). Chairwoman, House Committee on Financial PAUL SHEARON, Services, Washington, DC. Ms. DEAN. Mr. Chair, I thank Chair- President. DEAR CHAIRWOMAN WATERS, The Boeing woman WATERS and Representative MATTHEW BIGGS, Company values your commitment to Amer- HECK for this important legislation. Secretary-Treasurer/ ican manufacturing and job growth. As you I am excited to stand here in support Legislative Director. know well, American workers create some of of the Export-Import Bank. It is criti- the best products and services in the world. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF cally important to my home State of When we are able to compete on a level play- MANUFACTURERS, Pennsylvania and, in particular, my November 14, 2019. ing field, we are able to create good-paying home district of Montgomery County DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: Following strong jobs by selling those products around the and Berks County. growth and job creation over the past several globe. We write today to express our strong sup- With over 200 total exporters in years, manufacturers in America are now Pennsylvania, which have contributed facing global economic headwinds and grap- port for your legislation, the United States pling with uncertainty in trade policy. If Export Finance Agency Act of 2019, which over $4 billion in total export value this uncertainty is allowed to persist, Amer- would provide a long-term reauthorization from 2014 to 2019, the Export-Import ica will feel the consequences of reduced de- for the Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im). Bank has helped businesses across the mand, production and employment in the A full, long-term reauthorization of the Commonwealth gain access to new manufacturing industry. That is why the Na- Ex-Im Bank is critical to stabilizing and markets, create jobs, and compete tional Association of Manufacturers urges strengthening America’s economic capa- globally. you to act now to help reverse this trend by bility in this current, unstable global mar- ket. Manufacturers and businesses that in- That is why I am pleased to be supporting H.R. 4863, the United States Ex- among the original cosponsors and sup- port Finance Agency Act, which provides a vest in equipment and other building mate- long-term reauthorization of the U.S. Ex- rials would be greatly empowered by the sta- porters of H.R. 4863, the United States port-Import Bank that will enable manufac- bility brought by your legislation’s 10 year Export Finance Agency Act, which re- turers to export more of our products, invest reauthorization of the Ex-Im charter. authorizes the Bank for 10 years and more in our communities and hire more We also strongly support the permanent fix makes critical reforms to help busi- American workers. to the quorum requirements for larger deals. nesses across our Nation. H.R. 4863 will provide the tools that manu- as well as the increase in cap thresholds, In particular, this reauthorization facturers need to compete in the global econ- bringing the policies of Ex-Im in line with bill increases the Bank’s lending au- the modern challenges our American work- omy. More than 100 foreign export credit thority to $175 billion, includes a agencies around the world are actively help- ers and businesses face in the global market- ing their manufacturers win sales and jobs. place today. quorum fix, and enhances the Bank’s Failing to reauthorize the bank is akin to During the last eight years, Ex-Im has sup- environmental practices. Importantly, unilateral disarmament. The Ex-Im Bank ported more than 1.4 million U.S. jobs. In it also establishes an Office of Minority fills the gaps when the private sector is un- 2018 alone, the Ex-Im Bank helped more than and Women Inclusion and an Office of able or unwilling to finance or provide other 2,100 small businesses export their products. Territorial Exporting, two important tools needed to participate in foreign These impressive data points don’t include provisions that will help diversify the projects or make export sales. Since 2000, the the countless other supply chain companies Bank’s activities and our global activi- who do business with larger U.S. exporters Ex-Im Bank has facilitated nearly $450 bil- ties. lion in exports from thousands of U.S. com- who also use Ex-Im financing. panies-with more than 90% of its trans- Ex-Im is a tremendous asset to American Finally, the bill has key endorse- actions directly supporting small businesses- businesses. We support your leadership in au- ments, as the chairwoman has so elo- and supported more than 2.5 million Amer- thoring the United States Export Finance quently listed, from various industry ican jobs. Agency Act and urge all members of the stakeholders, including labor and the In the decade following the Great Reces- House Financial Services Committee to vote business community. sion, countries have prioritized exports, lead- in favor of its passage. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairwoman ing to a substantial increase in global export Sincerely, WATERS and Representative HECK for credit financing. China is the most aggres- TIM KEATING, sive nation, using export credit to expand its Executive Vice Presi- introducing this reauthorization bill, influence around the globe. Chinese pro- dent, Government and I urge adoption of the bill. grams are opaque and unregulated, with esti- Operations, The Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I continue mates that China provided more than $500 Boeing Company. to reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.024 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8853 Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, it is my I had made the point with Mr. Cantor this bill. Not this exact bill. This bill pleasure to yield 1 minute to the gen- that I believed that the majority of Re- should have that kind of support, too. tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), publicans would support the reauthor- There is not a single provision in this the distinguished majority leader and a ization. And, in fact, they did. The ma- bill that those on the other side of the longtime supporter of Ex-Im. jority of Republicans, when the vote aisle can legitimately label a poison Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chair, I thank the came, voted for the bill that had been pill. That doesn’t mean it is exactly chairwoman for yielding. refused by Mr. Hensarling to bring it to like they want it. We don’t always get And I thank Mr. MCHENRY for his the floor. everything we want. But the central work on the committee. Mr. Chair, I So this is not as if it is some partisan part of this bill ought to be supported say to Mr. MCHENRY: There is still piece of legislation. I would hope the by every one of us. time to get well. Republicans would have the courage— The last time this came up, one Dem- Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of although I see them too often march- ocrat voted against it. He is no longer this legislation. I have been the major- ing in lockstep to their party principle with us—not because of his vote on this ity leader in years past, the minority rather than their own principle. I am bill. But I point out to you that we are whip in years past, and now again the disappointed with that, Mr. Chair, be- overwhelmingly for this bill. Business majority leader. During all of those cause this is a piece of legislation that wants this bill. years, I have been a strong supporter of will protect and create hundreds of Usually, you don’t see the Democrats the Ex-Im Bank. thousands of jobs and because it will saying yes to business groups. This is Mr. Cantor, who was the majority make us more competitive. for jobs for working Americans. That is leader, and I worked together the last We make some of the best products why this bill has the strong and unified time we brought this bill to the floor in the world, period. But we need to be support of the business community. for reauthorization. There were 42 Re- price competitive because people will I am disappointed, frankly, that Re- publicans, many of whom served on the be inclined to buy, perhaps, a less qual- publicans have decided to make this Financial Services Committee, who ity product because it is cheaper. bill partisan. Frankly, Mr. MCCARTHY signed a discharge petition, a Repub- That is why the U.S. Chamber of was for this bill before he was against lican discharge petition, because the Commerce is overwhelmingly in sup- this bill—not this bill. He was for the chairman of the committee refused to port of this. That is why the adminis- Export-Import Bank before he was bring this bill to the floor. tration is in favor of reauthorizing the against it, if you look at the RECORD. b 1500 Ex-Im Bank. He is going to vote against it this time. Mr. Chair, this bill enjoys the sup- They say they want it clean. The Mr. SCALISE voted against it last port of the United States Chamber of President was initially, during the time, as did Mr. MCCARTHY on the re- Commerce, wide support among the course of his campaign, opposed to the authorization that I just mentioned business community throughout Amer- Ex-Im Bank. Then he talked, frankly, that was discharged out of committee, ica, support of the labor movement— to some people in manufacturing who as did Mr. MCHENRY. All three of them the AFL–CIO and labor unions—all said: Mr. President, if we don’t have an opposed this bill in the past. over America, and the support of mil- Export-Import Bank, you said you So it is not a question of these lions of workers who are producing want to create jobs, but you are going amendments. For whatever reasons, products here in America. to lose jobs. they are opposed to this bill. That is a I have an agenda. I call it Make It In So he changed his mind. Then, unfor- shame. There is no reason for sup- America. This is critical to that be- tunately, he appointed somebody to porters of American exports on both cause all of our competitors around the head up the Ex-Im Bank who was to- sides of the aisle not to come together world have an agency similar to the tally against it, a guy named Scott and support the Ex-Im Bank’s reau- Export-Import Bank that facilitates Garrett from New Jersey. The good thorization. their products being sold in competi- news is the Senate said, because it sup- My hope is that what this House will tion with ours. ports the Ex-Im Bank, they are not do today is send a strong message of If we fail to reauthorize this piece of going to take Garrett, so his name was support for the Export-Import Bank. legislation, and if we fail to effect the withdrawn. Tell the rest of the world we are going reforms that have been included in not Mr. Chair, I appreciate Chairwoman to compete. Tell the rest of the world only dealing with the amount of money WATERS for bringing this to the floor. I we are going to compete on an even that they are authorized to lend but urge every Member of this body to sup- playing field. Tell the rest of the world also the fact that we will not be locked port it. Don’t snatch partisanship from we are going to support our exporting into the inability of either a President the jaws of bipartisanship every time community. or a Senate to confirm members of the you get the opportunity. Indeed, according to the National As- Ex-Im board, but we will be able to act. Let’s try to reflect to the American sociation of Manufacturers, during the This legislation, therefore, is better people that business and labor are to- 4-year period from 2015 to 2019 when the than we have done before. gether, and, yes, even Democrats and Ex-Im Bank lacked a quorum needed to I thank MAXINE WATERS for her Republicans, conservatives and lib- do its job properly, our country gained untiring leadership on this issue, and I erals, are together because this is good 80,000 fewer manufacturing jobs and also congratulate my friend DENNY for American jobs. It is good for people lost $119 billion in manufacturing out- HECK, a member of the committee from who want to make it in America. put, all because we didn’t fix the Washington State who has been as te- That is what Ms. WATERS, the chair quorum, which is now fixed in this bill. nacious and faithful in his support of of the committee, has been arguing, Let me repeat that: 80,000 fewer manu- ensuring the reauthorization when we and Mr. HECK, and , who facturing jobs and $119 billion in lost had the discharge petition, and this chaired the subcommittee when we output. time, as anybody in this House. I thank took it out last time, and others who This fixes that. If you vote against the gentleman, Mr. HECK, for his lead- have fought so hard for this bill. this bill, you may be voting against ership on this issue. Our economy depends on strong ex- $119 billion—probably more because of When that bill was discharged, some port growth, not just for large busi- inflation, maybe $150 billion—to the of you may remember, even though the nesses, but small and medium-sized good. Not government spending, in- Republican leadership would not bring businesses in communities across the creased output, increased economic ac- it to the floor, it had to be discharged. country. It is not just the exporter. It tivity, and increased jobs of 80,000, Forty-two Republicans signed the dis- is all the secondary small businesses probably more. charge petition, led by Mr. LUCAS and that provide products for those large Countries all around the world have Mr. Fincher from Tennessee. exporters. export credit agencies, as I have said. Mr. LUCAS is still here. I hope Mr. For this reason, the Export-Import In fact, China has three export credit LUCAS will vote for this bill when he Bank has traditionally had strong, bi- agencies that provided more support in has the opportunity to do so one more partisan support. A majority of Repub- just 1 year than the Export-Import time. licans just a few years ago supported Bank has provided in its entire history.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.045 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8854 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 What do you say by a ‘‘no’’ vote? We who signed the discharge petition working relationship, and I appreciate are going to retreat from that competi- against my own chairman and against that friendship. I regret that he is op- tion. We are not going to play. Who my own leadership in 2014 and sup- posing this bill. I know there was an does that advantage? China. Who does ported the Ex-Im Bank. attempt to reach a bipartisan agree- that advantage? Every one of our other I would love to be here this afternoon ment. competitors. Who does that disadvan- to be supporting a bipartisan bill on re- In candor, I think everybody on this tage? American workers. authorizing the Ex-Im Bank. We had a floor needs to know there were outside Mr. Chair, we need to give our ex- bipartisan bill in June, and it wasn’t business concerns about that agree- porters a fair, fighting chance by pro- the Republicans who walked away from ment, so it was not simply a partisan viding export financing to American it. It was the Democratic majority that act. It was that those who see this as a business. That is what this bill does. walked away from it. The bill was job creator thought that some of the It is not a partisan bill. It is not a marked up on a party-line vote in the provisions that were put in the so- Republican bill or a Democratic bill. Financial Services Committee. called compromise would be harmful to Those of you who say you are I think it is really important to note job creation and to the sale of exports probusiness and proworker and want to that we will reauthorize the Export- across the sea. build jobs, that is why the President of Import Bank in the appropriations But the reason I really rose—and I the United States decided he is for re- process, and many of us support that. thank Madam Chairwoman for yield- authorization. He may not like a provi- We do not want a lapse. But this bill is ing—is to say, yes, the President said sion or two in this bill, but the admin- going to the Senate where it goes no- he was going to veto this; yes, the ma- istration says they are for reauthor- where. And the administration has said jority leader in the Senate said he is izing this. they would veto it. not going to bring things up. That is This gives you the opportunity to do Let’s not pursue a partisan vehicle unfortunate, but the statement I made that. Take it. This is not going to be a here. The Rules Committee had an op- is accurate. partisan bill for any of us. Take this portunity to allow for some amend- The President of the United States says he is for the reauthorization of opportunity to stand up as the major- ments that would have addressed some the Export-Import Bank. That is a ity of your colleagues did the last time very important issues, including one change in his position during the this reauthorization came to the floor, from my colleague from Arkansas (Mr. course of his campaign in 2016. It is a and as they have done every time it HILL) that would have stopped China change because he was convinced that has come to the floor. from stealing intellectual property. the reauthorization of the Export-Im- Join me, my colleagues, in voting for They chose to block consideration of port Bank is good for America, good for American workers, American manufac- those amendments. jobs, good for business, good for work- turers, suppliers, subcontractors, little Ex-Im reauthorization is now, unfor- ing men and women in this country. businesses, small businesses, and me- tunately, tied to the appropriations And so he has repaired, also, to par- dium businesses. This is good for Amer- process, and I think we all know that. ica. Vote ‘‘yes.’’ tisanship. I want to reiterate that my fear is There are no poison pills in here. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield that we are needlessly moving forward There may be some things you wanted myself such time as I may consume. with a party-line vote, or a mostly I would assure my colleagues that that are not in this bill; there may be party-line vote, on something that has some things in this bill that I would when the President says that he is and should be bipartisan. going to veto the bill, as he put out have liked that are not in this bill. But b 1515 with a Statement of Administration the central point of this is this reau- Policy, he intends to veto this bill if it Finally, I want to address some com- thorizes the Bank. The CHAIR. The time of the gen- hits his desk. That is number one. ments made earlier by one of my col- leagues expressing skepticism about tleman has expired. Two, the Senate majority leader Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I yield an the ranking member, Mr. MCHENRY’s says: ‘‘We are not going to pass the additional 1 minute to the majority House bill.’’ willingness to back the reauthorization effort. leader. They also say they are going to take Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chair, I thank the We all know that the ranking mem- this up as a part of the CR, and I think gentlewoman. that is important. We don’t want this ber reached a deal with the chair- It takes care of the challenge that we Bank to lapse. woman in June on reauthorization, had when there was no quorum, and the I would also commend for my col- and, again, it was the Democratic ma- fact that we had no quorum was all leagues that—it is a bit rich, a bit jority that walked away from it, not about politics. thick, because people voted for Ex-Im the ranking member. I just want to Don’t make this about politics as and against Ex-Im in the past, includ- make sure everybody understood that well. An estimate of 80,000 jobs, $150 ing Chairwoman WATERS, who voted that was what happened. billion lost because we didn’t have a against reauthorization in 2002. So Furthermore, the deal actually in- quorum. Let’s not twist in the wind. times change, issues change, and our creased Ex-Im’s lending cap up to $175 This bill has 95 percent agreement. votes reflect those changes in time. billion, something that I know our The gentleman who spoke before me I would say that the majority leader, former chairman would have never said he voted for this last time. There in his speech, does outline that he is a done. So I think our ranking member is no change that, in my opinion, war- strong advocate for the Bank. He abso- has dealt in good faith through this rants a change in heart. lutely is. That is why I have great as- whole process. I also think it is com- I know that there is some upset that surance when this bill passes or doesn’t pletely inaccurate that they didn’t deal the bipartisan bill that was agreed to pass that we will have an extension of in good faith. didn’t fly, but it didn’t fly mostly be- the Bank, and we are going to have a Regardless of what happens today, I cause the outside came in and said: functioning bank. It is important. am hopeful that we will find a way to This will not help us; this will not af- Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the reauthorize the Export-Import Bank, fect the end that we want. That record gentleman from Ohio (Mr. STIVERS), and I now know it is definitely tied to ought to be clear, Mr. Chairman. the ranking member of the Sub- the appropriations process. So the chairwoman worked on bring- committee on National Security, Inter- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 ing a bill to the floor that will help. national Development and Monetary minutes to the gentleman from Mary- She has done that. I hope my col- Policy, a great advocate for the Ex-Im land (Mr. HOYER), the majority leader, leagues will put their partisanship be- Bank, to talk through his position on to respond to anything he would like to hind them, put protecting, frankly, Ex-Im. respond to. their positioning in terms of negotia- Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Chair, I thank the Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chair, I thank the tion behind them and vote for this bill. ranking member for yielding. gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, may I I don’t want to fall into revisionist Mr. Chair, by the way, Mr. MCHENRY inquire how much time I have remain- history. I was one of the Republicans is my friend. He and I have a good ing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.047 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8855 The CHAIR. The gentleman from And yet, my amendment, in process, the violence that is happening in re- North Carolina has 6 minutes remain- was rejected in committee, and there is pression of the Chinese people and the ing. The gentlewoman from California no trace of proactive restraint against folks in Hong Kong. This is what we has 5 minutes remaining. the Belt and Road investments in the are trying to stop, and their bill does Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I bill on the floor today. nothing to stop this type of subsidiza- would commend for the House that, It is completely nonsensical to have tion of our goods, our American tax yes, there is an opportunity for biparti- the Export-Import Bank offer U.S. tax- dollars going into the harm that is per- sanship. I think that will be on the CR payer-backed subsidies to companies petrated there. to extend the Export-Import Bank. It implementing projects that further So you can make a nice political case is an important institution. At its Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions. that you have done something, but in height, it supported almost 2 percent of Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 reality, in terms of legislative text, American exports. It is a small amount minutes to the gentleman from Wash- you don’t do squat. And that is a huge of global trade, but it is important. We ington (Mr. HECK). problem. That is the reason why there want to make sure the Bank continues Mr. HECK. Mr. Chair, consistency is is opposition over here. to function, but this is not the bill to the hobgoblin of small minds, and no- I would also commend to my col- do that. We will take care of that in body is ever going to accuse the other leagues that every Republican voted another vehicle, and I am hopeful we side of having a small mind, because I for the bipartisan bill that I negotiated can have a bipartisan vote there. have been here just long enough to re- with Chairwoman WATERS in com- Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the member when they railed with right- mittee. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. TIPTON), eous indignation to pass legislation my colleague. gentleman from Ohio (Mr. GONZALEZ). even though the Obama administration Mr. GONZALEZ of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Chairman, we hear had issued an SAP. Evidently, that is the President is for the extension, the thank Ranking Member MCHENRY for not a standard that applies today, but his leadership on this issue. Senate is for the extension. The prob- it applied then. lem is, they are not for this piece of Let me start by saying that I fully Listen, I have heard no objections to support the Export-Import Bank and legislation. the content of the proposed legislation. I think it is important to be able to recognize the important role that the What mostly I have heard is that we Bank plays in supporting businesses note that the ranking member, once had a deal that fell apart and it is all again, on the Committee on Financial and jobs across my district and State. our fault. That is pretty good revi- Services had a deal in principle with This is my first time having the op- sionist history. It fell apart because it the chair to be able to reauthorize the portunity to vote on this and state didn’t have the votes. Bank, to be able to add strong protec- that, and I want to state it emphati- And it wasn’t just a question of what cally. tions against China’s global interest. happened on the majority side. They I appreciate that the majority leader Unfortunately, that deal was pulled, know full well there were minority and Mr. HECK have articulated what and we are left with the bill that does party Members who were not going to specifically is at issue here. And what not address these issues head-on. is at issue here is that outside groups In the committee’s process, I offered vote for it. There was bipartisan oppo- have captured this bill and objected to an amendment to be able to combat sition, frankly, because of all the ex- every single provision, no matter how China’s Belt and Road Initiative that ternal stakeholder opposition, because small, dealing with the People’s Repub- would prohibit Ex-Im’s assistance to it does not work. lic of China. the Government of China unless other- What are the differences, the major differences? Basically, that other deal They objected, in particular, to an wise authorized by the President of the amendment that I offered that would United States. would have prohibited sale into coun- tries—China, in particular—with state- require exporters receiving Ex-Im as- China’s envisioned the Belt and Road sistance to certify that they do not as an economic tool to be able to ex- owned enterprises. What are those? All railroads, all punish their employees for private pand their influence and, in some communications on issues that China cases, force countries to become overly utilities, all airlines. That is not the way we engage other countries and is so sensitive to, specifically, freedom reliant on financing from China. in Hong Kong and human rights in The Belt and Road projects also raise change their behavior. Xinjiang and Tibet—not throwing a specter of infrastructure that could Materially, factually wrong that we would subsidize the Chinese Com- China out of the WTO, though I am be used by China’s military, even as very, very happy to have a debate on China promotes international reach munist Party. In fact, in the last 30 years, the Export-Import Bank has that. with the yuan and the potential dis- But that is not what this was about. transferred up to $10 billion into the placement of the dollar. This was about preventing our compa- U.S. Treasury. With more than 60 countries poten- nies from censoring their own employ- Listen, I just wish people would have tially hosting Belt and Road projects ees, domestic employees, on their own the courage of their convictions. The and estimated total financing exceed- time, in the comfort of their own argument seems to be made, and I ing $1 trillion, the Chinese Govern- home. ment’s ambitions are massive and seri- think it is a debate worth having, is Nothing in this amendment would ous—and should be taken so. should we kick China out of the World have affected a company’s policies in The Obama administration actively Trade Organization. That is really the workplace or its ability to manage attempted to be able to keep foreign what is being said here. Let’s have that business communications. But when countries from joining China in their debate. employees are expressing themselves Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Looking back, I think it is question- on their own time and if they want to over concerns that the resources would able that they were admitted without stand by victims of oppression, an Ex- support Beijing’s geopolitical ambi- stronger accountability, and I think we Im beneficiary wouldn’t have been able tions. need stronger accountability. to retaliate against them. The bill on the floor today does noth- Mr. Chair, great irony, the bill before I was disheartened that the majority ing to be able to address these issues. If you has incredible advance progress would not allow this body to debate anything, the Belt and Road Initiative over current law in terms of account- and vote on this commonsense amend- is even more worrying, and we ought to ability with China. So, at the end of ment that would have protected the take a strong stance against it. the day, here it is: revenue generating, free speech of American workers. Further, according to the Council on job generating, American jobs. Vote And a final point, because I have a Foreign Relations, China’s Belt and ‘‘yes.’’ feeling that somebody is about to read Road Initiative is one of the main Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, this is back to me what they believe they planks of China’s statecraft under the what we are trying to not fund for know about my district. current regime, and it is a key compo- American taxpayers. We are having We have a wonderful system, and in nent of the Made in China 2025 eco- American taxpayer dollars go to sub- our system of government, we rep- nomic development strategy. sidize Chinese companies to perpetrate resent our own districts. Okay? We

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.048 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8856 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 know our districts better than anybody introduced that had none of Mr. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. else. That is why we are here. MCHENRY’s problematic provisions. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United States On behalf of northeast Ohio, let me Then, last week, the President simi- Export Finance Agency Act of 2019’’. tell you, China has absolutely deci- larly said that he also supported a 10- SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. mated our manufacturing sector, and I year clean reauthorization, which is The table of contents of this Act is as follows: am proud to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. odd since the Republicans claimed he Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I reserve supported Mr. MCHENRY’s hurdles for the balance of my time. Sec. 3. Renaming of the Export-Import Bank of the Ex-Im Bank. the United States. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, may I in- I continue to believe that this provi- Sec. 4. Authorization period. quire how much time I have remaining. sion will hamper Ex-Im’s ability to Sec. 5. Aggregate loan, guarantee, and insur- The CHAIR. The gentleman from support U.S. exporters and American ance authority. North Carolina has 30 seconds remain- jobs. Sec. 6. Office of Minority and Women Inclu- ing. The gentlewoman from California Let me just wrap this up by saying sion. has 3 minutes remaining. that this is a significant bill that we Sec. 7. Support for United States territories. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I am pre- have before this House. This is a bill Sec. 8. Alternative procedures during quorum pared to close. May I inquire if there that will correct the harm that has lapse. are further speakers on the other side. Sec. 9. Strengthening support for U.S. small been done to our export agency. This is businesses. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I am pre- a bill that will create more jobs. Sec. 10. Enhancing flexibility to respond to pared to close. This is a bill that has the support of predatory export financing by Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, GE, China. myself the balance of my time. Boeing, the AFL–CIO, the Inter- Sec. 11. Restriction on financing for certain en- Mr. Chair, this is a failure of bipar- national Association of Machinists and tities. tisan policymaking, and this is a sad Aerospace Workers, the International Sec. 12. Prohibitions on financing for certain day. Brotherhood of Boilermakers, the persons involved in sanctionable I am not angry. I appreciate Chair- International Brotherhood of Elec- activities. Sec. 13. Promoting renewable energy exports, woman WATERS attempting to strike a trical Workers, the International Fed- bipartisan deal. In fact, we had a deal, environmental and social stand- eration of Professional and Technical ards, and accountability. and we filed that bill. It is H.R. 3407 Engineers, the Business Roundtable, Sec. 14. Reinsurance program. that encouraged Members to sign the and North America’s Building Trades Sec. 15. Information technology systems. discharge petition so we can actually Unions. Sec. 16. Administratively determined pay. support something that was a bipar- So, here we have a bill where we have SEC. 3. RENAMING OF THE EXPORT-IMPORT BANK tisan negotiation, not this bill before people who oppose each other all the OF THE UNITED STATES. us today that doesn’t take on the im- time and have come together because (a) IN GENERAL.—The Export-Import Bank of portant work of banning Chinese state- they know that it is in the best inter- the United States is hereby redesignated as the owned enterprises from accessing our United States Export Finance Agency. ests of our country. They know that (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference to the Ex- export credit agency. That is what this they have put us in a position—those port-Import Bank of the United States in any is about. who have been voting against reauthor- law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, in- So I ask my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ ization—of being noncompetitive with struction, or other official paper in force on the on this very important measure of China and other countries who like to date of the enactment of this Act is deemed a international export activities, and I see us in that weakened position. reference to the United States Export Finance yield back the balance of my time. This bill is going to bring us out of Agency. SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION PERIOD. b 1530 that weakened position. This is a bill that improves upon our ability to pro- Section 7 of the Export-Import Bank Act of Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield vide export financing. This is a bill 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635f) is amended by striking myself such time as I may consume. ‘‘2019’’ and inserting ‘‘2029’’. Earlier this year when the Ex-Im re- that will create jobs. This is a bill that recognizes that we SEC. 5. AGGREGATE LOAN, GUARANTEE, AND IN- authorization was still in committee, SURANCE AUTHORITY. are not manufacturing at the rate that we entered into good-faith negotiations Section 6(a)(2) of the Export-Import Bank Act we should be in this country. And we with Ranking Member MCHENRY. Un- of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635e(a)(2)) is amended to read are not going to be in that position any fortunately, the China state-owned en- as follows: more. ‘‘(2) APPLICABLE AMOUNT DEFINED.—In this terprise provision insisted on by the This is a bill that creates jobs in all subsection, the term ‘applicable amount’ ranking member came up short and of our districts. This is a bill that I means— prevented us from reaching broad bi- would ask my Members to please sup- ‘‘(A) $145,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; ‘‘(B) $150,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2021; partisan support for the bill. port, and let’s keep America moving In fact, his China provision was ‘‘(C) $155,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; forward with the export-import bill. ‘‘(D) $160,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; roundly rejected in seven different Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of votes in committee. This provision was ‘‘(E) $165,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; my time. ‘‘(F) $170,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and voted down during markup because my The CHAIR. All time for general de- ‘‘(G) $175,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years colleagues realized that it would do bate has expired. 2026 through 2029.’’. more to harm U.S. exporters and U.S. Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be SEC. 6. OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN INCLU- jobs than help to counter against the considered for amendment under the 5- SION. very real problems faced by U.S. ex- minute rule. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3(i) of the Export- porters competing with China. In lieu of the amendment in the na- Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a(i)) is There are a number of other provi- ture of a substitute recommended by amended to read as follows: sions in Mr. MCHENRY’s bill that are the Committee on Financial Services, ‘‘(i) OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN INCLU- unnecessary, even burdensome, and SION.— printed in the bill, an amendment in ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Agency shall es- aimed at diminishing the bank’s abil- the nature of a substitute consisting of tablish an Office of Minority and Women Inclu- ity to function. In fact, in many ways, the text of Rules Committee Print 116– sion which shall be responsible for carrying out rather than seeking to strengthen and 36 shall be considered as adopted. The this subsection and all matters relating to diver- improve the flexibility of the bank to bill, as amended, shall be considered as sity in management, employment, and business meet the challenges faced by U.S. in- an original bill for purpose of further activities in accordance with such standards dustry today, the provisions in this bill amendment under the 5-minute rule and requirements as the Director of the Office put forward by the ranking member and shall be considered as read. shall establish. consistently sought to further con- ‘‘(2) TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITIES.—The The text of the bill, as amended, is as Agency shall ensure that, to the extent that the strain the bank with unnecessary and, follows: responsibilities described in paragraph (1) (or in many cases, new limits and restric- H.R. 4863 comparable responsibilities) were, as of the date tions. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- of the enactment of this subsection, performed What the Republicans don’t say is resentatives of the United States of America in by another office of the Agency, the responsibil- that a bipartisan bill in the Senate was Congress assembled, ities shall be transferred to the Office.

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‘‘(3) DUTIES WITH RESPECT TO CIVIL RIGHTS in print and digital media oriented toward ‘‘(A) at least 1 staffer responsible for liaising LAWS.—The responsibilities described in para- women and people of color; with Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin graph (1) shall not include enforcement of stat- ‘‘(B) partnering with organizations that are Islands; and utes, regulations, or executive orders pertaining focused on developing opportunities for minori- ‘‘(B) at least 1 staffer responsible for liaising to civil rights, except that the Director of the ties and women to place talented young minori- with the United States territories of Guam, the Office shall coordinate with the President of the ties and women in industry internships, summer Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Is- Agency, or the designee of the President of the employment, and full-time positions; and lands, and American Samoa. Agency, regarding the design and implementa- ‘‘(C) by use of any other mass media commu- ‘‘(3) DEFINITION OF TERRITORY.—In this Act, tion of any remedies resulting from violations of nications that the Director of the Office deter- the term ‘territory’ means the Commonwealth of the statutes, regulations, or executive orders. mines necessary.’’. Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, ‘‘(4) DIRECTOR.— (b) INCLUSION IN ANNUAL REPORT.—Section 8 Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Office of such Act (12 U.S.C. 635g) is amended by add- iana Islands, and American Samoa.’’. shall be appointed by, and shall report directly ing at the end the following: (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Section 8 of such Act to, the President of the Agency. The position of ‘‘(l) OFFICE OF MINORITY AND WOMEN INCLU- (12 U.S.C. 635g), as amended by section 6(b) of Director of the Office shall be a career reserved SION.— this Act, is amended by adding at the end the position in the Senior Executive Service, as that ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Agency shall include following: position is defined in section 3132 of title 5, in its annual report to the Congress under sub- ‘‘(m) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES IN THE TERRI- United States Code, or an equivalent designa- section (a) a report from the Office of Minority TORIES.—The Agency shall include in its annual tion. and Women Inclusion regarding the actions report to Congress under subsection (a) a report ‘‘(B) DUTIES.—The Director shall— taken by the Agency and the Office pursuant to on the steps taken by the Agency in the period ‘‘(i) develop standards for equal employment section 3(i), which shall include— covered by the report to increase— opportunity and the racial, ethnic, and gender ‘‘(A) a statement of the total amounts paid by ‘‘(1) awareness of the Agency and its services diversity of the workforce and senior manage- the Agency to contractors since the most recent in the territories; and ment of the Agency; report under this subsection; ‘‘(2) the provision of Agency support to export ‘‘(ii) develop standards for increased partici- ‘‘(B) the percentage of the amounts described businesses in the territories.’’. pation of minority-owned and women-owned in subparagraph (A) that were paid to contrac- SEC. 8. ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES DURING businesses in the programs and contracts of the tors as described in section 3(i)(5)(A); QUORUM LAPSE. Agency, including standards for coordinating ‘‘(C) the successes achieved and challenges (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3(c)(6) of the Ex- technical assistance to the businesses; and faced by the Agency in operating minority and port-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. ‘‘(iii) enhance the outreach activities of the women outreach programs; 635a(c)(6)) is amended— Agency with respect to, and increase the total ‘‘(D) a description of the progress made by the (1) by inserting ‘‘(A)’’ after ‘‘(6)’’; and amount of loans, guarantees, and insurance Agency in supporting exports by minority- (2) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(B)(i) If there is an insufficient number of provided by the Agency to support exports by owned small business concerns and the progress directors to constitute a quorum under subpara- socially and economically disadvantaged small made by the Agency in supporting small busi- graph (A) for 90 consecutive days during the business concerns (as defined in section 8(a)(4) ness concerns owned by women, including esti- term of a President of the United States, a tem- of the Small Business Act) and small business mates of the amounts made available to finance porary Board, consisting of the following mem- concerns owned by women. exports directly by both categories of small busi- bers, shall act in the stead of the Board of Di- ‘‘(C) OTHER DUTIES.—The Director shall ad- ness concerns, a comparison of these amounts vise the President of the Agency on the impact rectors: with the amounts made available to all small ‘‘(I) The United States Trade Representative, of the policies of the Agency on minority-owned business concerns, and a comparison of such and women-owned businesses. ‘‘(II) The Secretary of the Treasury, amounts with the amounts so made available ‘‘(III) The Secretary of Commerce, and ‘‘(5) INCLUSION IN ALL LEVELS OF BUSINESS AC- during the 2 preceding years; ‘‘(IV) The members of the Board of Directors. TIVITIES.— ‘‘(E) the challenges the Agency may face in ‘‘(ii) If, at a meeting of the temporary Board— ‘‘(A) CONTRACTS.—The Director of the Office hiring qualified minority and women employees ‘‘(I) a member referred to in clause (i)(IV) is shall develop and implement standards and pro- and contracting with qualified minority-owned present, the meeting shall be chaired by such a cedures to ensure, to the maximum extent pos- and women-owned businesses; and member, consistent with Agency bylaws; or sible, the inclusion and utilization of minorities ‘‘(F) any other information, findings, conclu- ‘‘(II) no such member is present, the meeting (as defined in section 1204(c) of the Financial sions, and recommendations for legislative or shall be chaired by the United States Trade Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Agency action, as the Director of the Office Representative. Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 1811 note)) and women, deems appropriate. ‘‘(iii) A member described in subclause (I), and minority- and women-owned businesses (as ‘‘(2) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: (II), or (III) of clause (i) may delegate the au- such terms are defined in section 21A(r)(4) of the ‘‘(A) MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS CON- thority of the member to vote on whether to au- Federal Home Loan Bank Act (12 U.S.C. CERN.—The term ‘minority-owned small business thorize a transaction, whose value does not ex- 1441a(r)(4)) in all business and activities of the concern’ has the meaning given the term ‘so- ceed $100,000,000, to— Agency at all levels, including in procurement, cially and economically disadvantaged small ‘‘(I) if the member is the United States Trade insurance, and all types of contracts. The proc- business concern’ under section 8(a)(4) of the Representative, the Deputy United States Trade esses established by the Agency for review and Small Business Act. Representative; or evaluation for contract proposals and to hire ‘‘(B) SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN.—The term ‘‘(II) if the member is referred to in such sub- service providers shall include a component that ‘small business concern’ has the meaning given clause (II) or (III), the Deputy Secretary of the gives consideration to the diversity of the appli- that term under section 3(a) of the Small Busi- department referred to in the subclause. cant. ness Act.’’. ‘‘(iv) If the temporary Board consists of mem- ‘‘(B) APPLICABILITY.—This paragraph shall (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 8(f) of bers of only 1 political party, the President of apply to all contracts for services of any kind, the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. the United States shall, to the extent prac- including all contracts for all business and ac- 635g(f)) is amended— ticable, appoint to the temporary Board a quali- tivities of the Agency, at all levels. (1) by striking paragraph (4); and fied member of a different political party who ‘‘(C) OUTREACH.—The Agency shall establish (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through occupies a position requiring nomination by the a minority outreach program to ensure the in- (8) as paragraphs (4) through (7), respectively. President, by and with the consent of the Sen- clusion (to the maximum extent practicable) of SEC. 7. SUPPORT FOR UNITED STATES TERRI- ate. contracts entered into with the enterprises of TORIES. ‘‘(v) The temporary board may not change or minorities and women and businesses owned by (a) CREATION OF THE OFFICE OF TERRITORIAL amend Agency policies, procedures, bylaws, or minorities and women, including financial insti- EXPORTING.—Section 3 of the Export-Import guidelines. tutions, investment banking firms, underwriters, Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a) is amended by ‘‘(vi) The temporary Board shall expire at the accountants, brokers, and providers of legal adding at the end the following: end of the term of the President of the United services. ‘‘(n) OFFICE OF TERRITORIAL EXPORTING.— States in office at the time the temporary Board ‘‘(6) DIVERSITY IN AGENCY WORKFORCE.—The ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President of the Agen- was constituted or upon restoration of a quorum Agency shall take affirmative steps to seek di- cy shall establish an Office of Territorial Ex- of the Board of Directors as defined in subpara- versity in its workforce at all levels of the Agen- porting, the functions of which shall be to— graph (A). cy consistent with the demographic diversity of ‘‘(A) promote the export of goods and services ‘‘(vii) With respect to a transaction that the United States, in a manner consistent with from the territories; equals or exceeds $100,000,000, the Chairperson applicable law, including— ‘‘(B) conduct outreach, education, and dis- of the temporary Board shall ensure that the ‘‘(A) to the extent the Agency engages in re- seminate information concerning export oppor- Agency complies with section 2(b)(3).’’. cruitment efforts to fill vacancies— tunities and the availability of Agency support (b) TERMINATION.—The amendments made by ‘‘(i) recruiting at historically Black colleges for such activities; and subsection (a) shall have no force or effect after and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, ‘‘(C) increase the total amount of loans, guar- the 10-year period that begins with the date of Tribal colleges and universities, women’s col- antees, and insurance provided by the Agency the enactment of this Act. leges, and colleges that typically serve majority benefitting the territories. SEC. 9. STRENGTHENING SUPPORT FOR U.S. minority populations; and ‘‘(2) STAFF.—The President of the Agency SMALL BUSINESSES. ‘‘(ii) recruiting at job fairs in urban commu- shall hire such staff as may be necessary to per- (a) SMALL BUSINESS POLICY.—Section 2(b)(1) nities, and placing employment advertisements form the functions of the Office, including— of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12

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U.S.C. 635(b)(1)) is amended by striking sub- SEC. 11. RESTRICTION ON FINANCING FOR CER- ‘‘(3) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.—The cer- paragraph (E)(i)(I) and inserting the following: TAIN ENTITIES. tification described in paragraph (2) shall be ‘‘(E)(i)(I) It is further the policy of the United Section 2 of the Export-Import Bank Act of made after reasonable due diligence and based States to encourage the participation of small 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635) is amended by adding at the on best knowledge and belief.’’. business (including women-owned businesses, end the following: SEC. 13. PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY EX- minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned busi- ‘‘(l) RESTRICTION ON FINANCING FOR CERTAIN PORTS, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SO- nesses, businesses owned by persons with dis- ENTITIES.— CIAL STANDARDS, AND ACCOUNT- ABILITY. abilities, and businesses in rural areas) and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on the date that (a) OFFICE OF FINANCING FOR RENEWABLE EN- start-up businesses in international commerce, is 180 days after the date of the enactment of ERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY STORAGE and to educate such businesses about how to ex- this subsection, the Board of Directors may not approve a transaction that is subject to ap- EXPORTS.—Section 2(b)(1)(C) of the Export-Im- port goods using the United States Export Fi- port Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(C)) is nance Agency.’’. proval by the Board with respect to the provi- sion by the Agency of any guarantee, insur- amended to read as follows: (b) OUTREACH.— ance, or extension of credit, or the participation ‘‘(C) OFFICE OF FINANCING FOR RENEWABLE (1) PLAN.—Within 120 days after the date of by the Agency in any extension of credit for ENERGY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENERGY STOR- the enactment of this Act, the United States Ex- which the end user, obligor, or lender is de- AGE.—The President of the Agency shall estab- port Finance Agency shall prepare and submit scribed in paragraph (2). lish an office whose functions shall be to pro- to the Committee on Financial Services of the ‘‘(2) PROHIBITED END USER, OBLIGOR, OR LEND- mote the export of goods and services to be used House of Representatives and the Committee on ER.—An end user, obligor, or lender is described in the development, production, and distribution Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the in this paragraph if the end user, obligor, or of renewable energy resources, and energy effi- Senate a comprehensive outreach plan to ensure lender is known to the Agency to be: ciency and energy storage technologies, and dis- that small business owners are aware of the fi- ‘‘(A) The People’s Liberation Army of the Peo- seminate information concerning export oppor- nancing options available to them through the ple’s Republic of China. tunities and the availability of Agency support Agency. The plan shall include— ‘‘(B) The Ministry of State Security of the for such activities, to increase the total amount (A) input from the Small Business Administra- People’s Republic of China. of loans, guarantees, and insurance provided by tion and statewide small business coalitions ‘‘(C) Included on the Denied Persons List or the Agency to support exports related to renew- with operations in rural, urban, and suburban the Entity List maintained by the Bureau of In- able energy, energy efficiency, and energy stor- regions; dustry and Security of the Department of Com- age.’’. (b) ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PROCE- (B) an emphasis on outreach to businesses merce. DURES.—Section 11(a) of such Act (12 U.S.C. owned by women, minorities, veterans, and per- ‘‘(D) Included on the Arms Export Control Act 635i–5(a)) is amended— sons with disabilities; and debarred list maintained by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the Department of (1) in paragraph (1)— (C) a proposed budget for carrying out the (A) in the 2nd sentence, by inserting ‘‘, in- State. plan during fiscal years 2020 through 2029, that cluding to potentially impacted communities in ‘‘(E) Any person who has paid a criminal fine provides for the spending of at least $1,000,000 the country in which the activity will be carried or penalty pursuant to a conviction or resolu- annually for outreach to small businesses. out, at least 60 days before the date of the tion or settlement agreement with the Depart- (2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Section 2(b)(1)(E) of vote,’’ before ‘‘and supplemental’’; ment of Justice for a violation of the Foreign such Act (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(E)) is amended by (B) by inserting after the 2nd sentence the fol- Corrupt Practices Act in the preceding 3 years. adding at the end the following: lowing: ‘‘The procedures shall include a require- ‘‘(F) A person who, in the preceding 3 years, ‘‘(xi) After consultation with the Committee ment for an analysis of the environmental and appeared on the Annual Intellectual Property social impacts, including worker impacts and on Financial Services of the House of Represent- Report to Congress by the Intellectual Property atives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, anticipated health impacts and costs, of the pro- Enforcement Coordinator in the Executive Of- posed activity and of alternatives to the pro- and Urban Affairs of the Senate, the Agency fice of the President, if the person was convicted shall implement the outreach plan referred to in posed activity, including mitigation measures, in any court where appropriate.’’; and section 9(b)(1) of the United States Export Fi- ‘‘(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: nance Agency Act of 2019.’’. (C) in the 3rd sentence, by striking ‘‘The pre- ‘‘(A) PERSON.—The term ‘person’ means an in- ceding sentence’’ and inserting ‘‘This para- (c) EXCLUSION OF UNUTILIZED INSURANCE AU- dividual or entity. graph’’; THORITY IN CALCULATING SMALL BUSINESS ‘‘(B) ENTITY.—The term ‘entity’ means a part- (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para- THRESHOLD.—Section 2(b)(1)(E)(v) of such Act nership, association, trust, joint venture, cor- graph (7) and inserting after paragraph (1) the (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(E)(v)) is amended by adding poration, group, subgroup, or other organiza- following: at the end the following: ‘‘For the purpose of tion.’’. ‘‘(2) CONSULTATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY IM- calculating the amounts of authority required SEC. 12. PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCING FOR CER- PACTED COMMUNITIES.—In any credit or common under this clause, the Agency shall, with respect TAIN PERSONS INVOLVED IN terms agreements to which the Agency is a party to insurance, exclude unutilized authorizations SANCTIONABLE ACTIVITIES. relating to a transaction described in paragraph that terminated during the fiscal year.’’. Section 2 of the Export-Import Bank Act of (1), the Agency shall include a provision to en- (d) INCREASE IN SMALL BUSINESS THRESH- 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635), as amended by section 11 of sure that robust consultations with potentially OLD.— this Act, is amended by adding at the end the impacted communities in the country in which (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 2(b)(1)(E)(v) of such following: the activity will be carried out have been and Act (12 U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(E)(v)) is amended by ‘‘(m) PROHIBITIONS ON FINANCING FOR CER- will continue to be carried out throughout the striking ‘‘25’’ and inserting ‘‘30’’. TAIN PERSONS INVOLVED IN SANCTIONABLE AC- project cycle. TIVITIES.— (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made ‘‘(3) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DUE DILI- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Beginning on the date that by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, GENCE PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES REVIEW.— is 180 days after the date of the enactment of 2028. By the end of 2020 and once at the end of each this subsection, the Board of Directors of the subsequent 3-year period, the Board of Directors SEC. 10. ENHANCING FLEXIBILITY TO RESPOND Agency may not approve any transaction that is of the Agency shall complete a review of the En- TO PREDATORY EXPORT FINANCING subject to approval by the Board with respect to BY CHINA. vironmental and Social Due Diligence Proce- the provision by the Agency of any guarantee, dures and Guidelines ensuring that the proce- (a) DEEMING RULE UNDER TIED AID CREDIT insurance, or extension of credit, or the partici- dures and guidelines incorporate requirements PROGRAM.—Section 10(b)(5)(B)(i)(III) of the Ex- pation by the Agency in any extension of credit, for project consideration that are consistent to port-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635i– to a person in connection with the exportation limit greenhouse gas emissions and, to the max- 3(b)(5)(B)(i)(III)) is amended by adding at the of any good or service unless the person pro- imum extent possible, to affirm that the Board end the following new sentence: ‘‘The require- vides the certification described in paragraph operates consistently with the multilateral envi- ment that there be credible evidence of a history (2). ronmental agreements to which the United of a foreign export credit agency making offers ‘‘(2) CERTIFICATION DESCRIBED.—The certifi- States is a party that are directly related to not subject to the Arrangement is deemed met in cation described in this paragraph is a certifi- transactions in which the Agency is involved. the case of exports likely to be supported by offi- cation by a person who is an end user, obligor, ‘‘(4) The Agency shall operate consistently cial financing from the People’s Republic of or lender that neither the person nor any other with Annex VI of the Arrangement on Officially China, unless the Secretary of the Treasury has person owned or controlled by the person en- Supported Export Credits, as adopted by the reported to the Committee on Financial Services gages in any activity in contravention of any Organisation for Economic Co-operation and of the House of Representatives and the Com- United States law, regulation, or order applica- Development as of January 2019. mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs ble to the person concerning— ‘‘(5) The Agency shall make publicly available of the Senate that China is in substantial com- ‘‘(A) trade and economic sanctions, including the estimated amounts of CO2 emissions ex- pliance with the Arrangement.’’. an embargo; pected to be produced from pending projects (b) COLLABORATION WITH USDA ON EXPORT ‘‘(B) the freezing or blocking of assets of des- that the Agency has designated as Category A FINANCING PROGRAMS.—Section 13(1)(A) of such ignated persons; or and B projects and work with other export cred- Act (12 U.S.C. 635i–7(1)(A)) is amended by in- ‘‘(C) other restrictions on exports, imports, in- it agencies to encourage them to do the same. serting ‘‘, the Department of Agriculture,’’ be- vestment, payments, or other transactions tar- ‘‘(A) The Agency shall report CO2 emissions fore ‘‘and other Federal agencies’’. geted at particular persons or countries. associated with projects that the Agency has

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.017 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8859 designated as Category A and B fossil fuel on allegations by affected parties of any failure ‘‘(6) Exploring different time periods of cov- projects in its annual report by product cat- of the Agency to follow its own policies and pro- erage. egories. cedures with regard to the environmental and ‘‘(7) Exploring both excess of loss structures ‘‘(B) The Agency shall advocate within the social impacts of projects, and on situations on a per-borrower as well as an aggregate basis. OECD and other multilateral fora for the full where the Agency is alleged to have failed in en- ‘‘(d) BIENNIAL REPORTS.—Not later than 1 reporting of CO2 emissions associated with ap- suring the borrower is fulfilling its obligations year after the date of the enactment of this sub- propriate energy and non-energy projects in- in financing agreements with respect to the poli- section, and every 2 years thereafter through cluding manufacturing and agriculture. cies and procedures; 2029, the Agency shall submit to the Committee ‘‘(C) The Agency shall undertake periodic re- (2) the accountability mechanism should be on Financial Services of the House of Represent- views with stakeholders to ensure that the able to provide advice to management on poli- atives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, Agency employs the most appropriate method- cies, procedures, guidelines, resources, and sys- and Urban Affairs of the Senate a written re- ology of estimating and tracking the CO2 emis- tems established to ensure adequate review and port that contains an assessment of the use of sions from Category A and B projects the Agen- monitoring of the environmental and social im- the program carried out under subsection (a) cy supports. pacts of projects; since the most recent report under this sub- ‘‘(6) The Agency shall develop and maintain (3) in carrying out its mandate, the confiden- section. measures to provide increased financing support tiality of sensitive business information should ‘‘(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this for evolving technologies that reduce CO2 emis- be respected, as appropriate, and, in consulta- section shall be construed to limit any authority sions. tion with potentially impacted communities, of the Agency described in section 2(a)(1) of the ‘‘(A) The Agency shall develop and maintain project sponsors, Agency management, and Export-Import Bank Act of 1945.’’. measures to encourage foreign buyers to seek other relevant parties, a flexible process should SEC. 15. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS. available, commercially viable technology to re- be followed aimed primarily at correcting project Section 3(j) of the Export-Import Bank Act of duce the CO footprint of projects. 2 failures and achieving better results on the 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a(j)) is amended— ‘‘(B) The Agency shall develop and maintain ground; (1) in paragraph (1), by striking all that pre- initiatives to finance aspects of project develop- (4) the accountability mechanism should be cedes subparagraph (A) and inserting the fol- ment that reduce or mitigate CO emissions, 2 independent of the line operations of manage- lowing: such as effective carbon capture and sequestra- ment, and report its findings and recommenda- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraphs (3) tion technology, while maintaining the competi- tions directly to the Board of Directors of the and (4), the Agency may use an amount equal tiveness of United States exporters. Agency and annually to the Congress; to 1.25 percent of the surplus of the Agency dur- ‘‘(C) In coordination with the Department of (5) the annual report of the Agency should in- ing fiscal years 2020 through 2029 to—’’; and the Treasury, the Agency shall advocate in clude a detailed accounting of the activities of (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the international fora for the availability of financ- the accountability mechanism for the year cov- following: ing incentives for low to net zero CO -emitting 2 ered by the report and the remedial actions ‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—The aggregate of the projects, a common methodology for evaluating taken by the Agency in response to the findings amounts used in accordance with paragraph (1) and taking into account the social cost of car- of the accountability mechanism; for fiscal years 2020 through 2029 shall not ex- bon. (6) in coordination with the accountability ceed $40,000,000.’’. ‘‘(D) The Agency shall encourage export cred- mechanism, the Agency and relevant parties SEC. 16. ADMINISTRATIVELY DETERMINED PAY. it agencies and other relevant lending institu- should engage in proactive outreach to commu- Section 3 of the Export-Import Bank Act of tions to adopt similar CO2 policies, including en- nities impacted or potentially impacted by Agen- 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a), as amended by section 7(a) couraging transparency and the involvement of cy financing and activities to provide informa- of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the stakeholders.’’; and tion on the existence and availability of the ac- following: (3) in paragraph (7) (as so redesignated by countability mechanism; ‘‘(o) COMPENSATION OF EMPLOYEES.— paragraph (2) of this subsection), by striking (7) the President of the Agency should, subject ‘‘(1) RATES OF PAY.—Subject to paragraph (2), ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and inserting ‘‘this sub- to the approval of the Board of Directors of the the Board of Directors of the Agency, consistent section’’. Agency, and consistent with applicable law, (c) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Section with standards established by the Director of through an open and competitive process, in- 11(c) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 635i–5(c)) is amend- the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, cluding solicitation of input from relevant stake- ed to read as follows: may set and adjust rates of basic pay for em- holders, appoint a director of the accountability ‘‘(c) INCLUSION IN ANNUAL REPORT TO CON- ployees and new hires of the Agency without re- mechanism, who would be responsible for the GRESS.—The Agency shall include in its annual gard to the provisions of chapter 51 and sub- day-to-day operations of the mechanism, and a report to Congress under section 8 a summary of chapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States panel of not less than 3 experts, including the its activities under subsections (a) and (b). The Code, except that no employee of the Agency director, who would also serve as chair of the Board of Directors shall submit to the Congress may receive a rate of basic pay that exceeds the panel; and a report, which shall be made publicly available rate for level III of the Executive Schedule (8) The accountability mechanism director on the Internet at the time of delivery— under section 5313 of such title. and members of the panel should not have been ‘‘(1) that provides a detailed accounting of the ‘‘(2) LIMITATIONS.—The Board of Directors of employed by the Agency within the 5 years pre- methodology used to make greenhouse gas emis- the Agency may not apply paragraph (1) to ceding their appointment, and should be ineli- sions project determinations; and more than 35 employees at any point in time. gible from future employment at the Agency. ‘‘(2) details the steps taken to ensure that the Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to Environmental and Social Due Diligence Proce- SEC. 14. REINSURANCE PROGRAM. apply to any position of a confidential or pol- dures and Guidelines of the Agency are con- Section 51008 of the Fixing America’s Surface icy-determining character that is excepted from sistent with— Transportation Act (12 U.S.C. 635 note) is the competitive service under section 3302 of title ‘‘(A) reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and amended— 5, United States Code, (pursuant to schedule C ‘‘(B) operating consistently with the multilat- (1) in the section heading, by striking of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of the Code of eral environmental agreements to which the ‘‘PILOT’’; Federal Regulations) or to any position that United States is a party that are directly related (2) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘pilot’’; would otherwise be subject to section 5311 or to transactions in which the Agency is in- (3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking 5376 of title 5, United States Code.’’. ‘‘$1,000,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$2,000,000,000’’; volved.’’. The CHAIR. No further amendment (d) FINANCING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, EN- and ERGY EFFICIENCY, AND ENERGY STORAGE TECH- (4) by striking subsections (c) through (e) and to the bill, as amended, shall be in NOLOGIES.—Section 2(b)(1)(K) of such Act (12 inserting the following: order except those printed in House Re- U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(K)) is amended by inserting ‘‘, ‘‘(c) FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION IN REINSUR- port 116–289. energy efficiency, and energy storage. It shall ANCE POOLS.—In implementing this section, the Each such further amendment may be a goal of the Bank to ensure that not less Agency shall, with respect to a reinsurance be offered only in the order printed in than 5 percent of the applicable amount (as de- pool, pursue appropriate objectives to reduce the report, by a Member designated in fined in section 6(a)(2)) is made available each risk and costs to the Agency, including by the the report, shall be considered as read, fiscal year for the financing of renewable en- following, to the extent practicable: ergy, energy efficiency, and energy storage tech- ‘‘(1) Ensuring a reasonable diversification of shall be debatable for the time speci- nology exports’’ before the period. risks. fied in the report equally divided and (e) SENSE OF THE CONGRESS REGARDING AGEN- ‘‘(2) Including larger exposures where the pos- controlled by the proponent and an op- CY ACCOUNTABILITY.—It is the sense of the Con- sibility of default raises overall portfolio risk for ponent, shall not be subject to amend- gress that— the Agency. ment, and shall not be subject to a de- (1) the Board of Directors of the United States ‘‘(3) Excluding transactions from the pool that mand for division of the question. Export Finance Agency (in this section referred are covered by first-loss protection. AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MRS. TORRES OF to as the ‘‘Agency’’) should, after a public con- ‘‘(4) Excluding transactions from the pool that CALIFORNIA sultation process, establish a formal, trans- are collateralized at a rate greater than stand- parent, and independent accountability mecha- ard market practice. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- nism to review, investigate, offer independent ‘‘(5) Diversifying reinsurance pools by indus- sider amendment No. 1 printed in dispute resolution to resolve, and publicly report try and other appropriate factors. House Report 116–289.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.017 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8860 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. The CHAIR. Without objection, the The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate Chair, I have an amendment at the gentleman from North Carolina is rec- the amendment. desk. ognized for 5 minutes. The text of the amendment is as fol- The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate There was no objection. lows: the amendment. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, Repub- Page 21, line 9, strike ‘‘or’’. The text of the amendment is as fol- licans unanimously voted to support Page 21, after line 9, insert the following: the Waters-McHenry bipartisan bill to ‘‘(C) sanctions relating to serious viola- lows: tions of human rights or free speech, includ- Page 16, line 3, strike ‘‘and’’. strengthen the bank and combat Chi- ing any sanctions— Page 16, after line 3, insert the following: nese aggression but will not support ‘‘(i) imposed under the Global Magnitsky (C) an emphasis on outreach to businesses this partisan bill. Human Rights Accountability Act; that export goods and services that are pro- And, while I am not opposed to the ‘‘(ii) related to the efforts to the Chinese duced by Indian tribes and that are made, as- Torres amendment, I would simply government to limit or punish demonstra- sembled, or otherwise derived on or from an note that there is a point where addi- tions in Hong Kong; Indian tribe’s Indian land (as defined in sec- tional reporting requirements and ‘‘(iii) related to the political repression or tion 2601(2) of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 other mandates can burden agencies to detention of religious and ethnic minorities (25 U.S.C. 2501(2)); in China or Burma; or Page 16, line 4, strike ‘‘(C)’’ and insert the point of diminishing returns. I think it is important, though, that ‘‘(iv) related to the gross violation of inter- ‘‘(D)’’. nationally recognized human rights (as de- Page 17, after line 7, insert the following: Ex-Im be focused on American busi- fined in section 502B of the Foreign Assist- (e) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING IN- nesses, especially those in need and ance Act of 1961) in China; or’’. DIAN TRIBES.—Section 8 of such Act (12 that have great capacity like Tribal Page 21, line 10, strike ‘‘(C)’’ and insert U.S.C. 635g), as amended by the preceding businesses do. ‘‘(D)’’. provisions of this Act, is amended by adding So, it is a good amendment. I support at the end the following: The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- ‘‘(n) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING IN- it. lution 695, the gentlewoman from Cali- DIAN TRIBES.—The Agency shall include in What I would also mention to this fornia (Mrs. TORRES) and a Member op- its annual report to Congress under sub- body is that the negotiation on the posed each will control 5 minutes. section (a) a report on the steps taken by the Waters-McHenry bill took the small The Chair recognizes the gentle- Agency in the period covered by the report business mandate for the bank and woman from California. to increase— raised it so that Ex-Im would make Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. ‘‘(1) awareness of the Agency and its serv- small businesses more of a priority for Chair, I yield myself such time as I ices available to Indian tribes; and this reauthorization than it previously ‘‘(2) the provision of Agency support to may consume. tribal export businesses.’’. had been; and, instead, we have a bill As the new Export Finance Agency before us today that delays that raise works to help American businesses ex- The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- for 10 years, until the last year of the port their products and services, it is lution 695, the gentlewoman from Cali- authorization of the bill before us. critical that we ensure that we are not fornia (Mrs. TORRES) and a Member op- I think this is a missed opportunity. enriching or empowering the bad ac- posed each will control 5 minutes. It is bad for small business, bad for tors, especially those involved in drug The Chair recognizes the gentle- Tribal export businesses, which would trafficking, corruption, or human woman from California. qualify as a small business, most of rights violations. Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. them—almost all of them, in fact— We don’t want to help those whose Chairman, I yield myself such time as under the purview of the Ex-Im Bank actions are contrary to our American I may consume. and the designation of Ex-Im Bank. values, and we certainly don’t want to My amendment would add language So that small business mandate help those who act against our best in- directing the U.S. Export Finance shows that that was not a priority for terests. Agency to emphasize outreach to Trib- the Democrats who wrote this bill. And That is why H.R. 4863 prohibits the al businesses, including Alaskan Native that is a sad thing. It is a bad thing. It Export Finance Agency from doing corporations, that export goods and is not helpful to American business and business with individuals who are sub- services. not helpful to the bank. ject to U.S. sanctions. There is a long history of successful Mr. Chair, I support the Torres I have offered an amendment to fur- Federal economic development pro- amendment, the Torres-Cole amend- ther clarify that this prohibition also grams leaving—leaving—Indian Coun- ment, commend the gentlewoman for extends to individuals who are subject try behind. offering it, and I yield back the balance to sanctions related to human rights Ensuring that Tribal businesses are of my time. and violations of free speech. This is aware of the services and resources Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. especially important given the growing that the agency provides is absolutely Chairman, I thank the ranking member challenges to free speech across the critical. Companies that increase their for his support. There has been a lot of world, including in Hong Kong and in exports are able to raise wages, take on talk around China and zero talk around Xinjiang. additional employees, and further in- Indian Country. Government officials or other enti- vest in their communities. All this amendment does is require ties who are involved in the suppres- Increased economic development in the agency to conduct outreach—out- sion of free speech should not benefit Indian Country means increased eco- reach—to Indian Country to ensure from the agency’s investment, and all nomic opportunity, which, in turn, that Tribal export businesses benefit of us should agree to that. means more self-determination for from the same services and resources Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of Tribes and a greater ability to take we offer every other American busi- my time. care of their people as sovereign na- ness. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I seek tions. Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues time in opposition, but I am not op- The U.S. Export Finance Agency has to support this amendment, and I yield posed to the amendment. proven to be an important tool in ex- back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. Without objection, the panding U.S. exports and creating The CHAIR. The question is on the gentleman from North Carolina is rec- American jobs, but we need to ensure amendment offered by the gentle- ognized for 5 minutes. that it is a tool that benefits all Amer- woman from California (Mrs. TORRES). There was no objection. icans, including Native Americans. And The amendment was agreed to. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, let me say that is exactly what this amendment AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MRS. TORRES OF this: Republicans unanimously voted does. CALIFORNIA to support the Waters-McHenry bipar- Mr. Chair, I urge all of my colleagues The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- tisan deal in committee to strengthen to support this amendment, and I re- sider amendment No. 2 printed in and combat Chinese aggression, but we serve the balance of my time. House Report 116–289. are not going to support this partisan Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I claim Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. bill that is before us. time in opposition, though I am not op- Chair, I have an amendment at the This amendment, in my view, is a posed to the amendment. desk. very simple one. It is a restatement of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.053 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8861 existing law. You cannot do business Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- the Agency shall establish an office whose with sanctioned individuals. American ance of my time. functions shall be to— ‘‘(i) advise the Board of Directions on ways businesses cannot do business with b 1545 sanctioned individuals or entities. It is of promoting the export of goods and serv- Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield ices to be used in the development, produc- American law. tion, and distribution of energy efficiency So, if American businesses can’t do myself the balance of my time. Again, let me state this: If you are a and clean energy resources; business with sanctioned entities, what ‘‘(ii) disseminate information concerning this amendment says is they also can- sanctioned individual or entity, under export opportunities and the availability of not get subsidized by the Ex-Im Bank American law, American businesses Agency support for such activities; and to do that business that they can’t do. cannot do business with them. ‘‘(iii) act as a liaison between the Agency So, fine. I don’t oppose the amend- We have an amendment here that and the Department of Commerce and other ment, but what this looks like to me is says they also can’t get subsidized fi- appropriate departments and agencies of the cover to Democrats for gutting impor- nancing from Ex-Im to do that business Federal Government.’’. tant national security provisions in the that they are prevented from doing. (b) AFFORDABLE ENERGY.—Section 11(a) of Okay, fine. I get this. It has language such Act (12 U.S.C. 635i–5(a)) is amended— Waters-McHenry bipartisan Ex-Im re- (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para- authorization bill. about human rights, but we already graph (3) and inserting after paragraph (1) In that legislation, Republicans have that limitation in law, in fact. If the following: sought to restrict Ex-Im assistance for we wanted to do something real and ‘‘(2) AFFORDABILITY OF ENERGY CONSIDER- Chinese government-controlled entities substantive when it comes to sanc- ATION.—The Agency shall establish proce- in light of Beijing’s suppression of free- tioned individuals, we would have gone dures to consider, concurrently with compli- dom of speech, freedom in Hong Kong, a step further, including the China pro- ance with the procedures established under its political repression of religious and visions in the bipartisan Waters- paragraph (1), potential increases to energy ethnic minorities, and other actions in- McHenry bill. prices resulting from the export of any good All this does is restate existing law. or service supported by the Agency.’’; and consistent with our national interests. (2) in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated)— Rather than support those provi- It is not a good amendment. It is not a (A) by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and insert- sions, Democrats have decided to par- bad amendment. It is a political cover ing ‘‘this subsection’’; rot China, this China language, and, amendment. It is a sad thing that, in- (B) by inserting ‘‘or energy affordability’’ well, quite frankly, take Republicans’ stead of doing things of substance and after ‘‘environmental’’ the 1st place it ap- intellectual property here and talking having real impact, we are doing this. pears; and points, if you will, and try to cover it. So, fine. Vote for it. Add it to the (C) by inserting ‘‘and energy affordability’’ And that is what this amendment is. bill. It doesn’t matter. The bill is not after ‘‘environmental’’ the 2nd place it ap- So, American businesses cannot do going to become law. pears. (c) ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Section business with sanctioned entities. We are restating existing policy here, 11(c) of such Act (12 U.S.C. 635i–5(c)) is What this says is that they also can’t existing law. American businesses can- amended to read as follows: get Ex-Im financing for the business not do business with sanctioned enti- ‘‘(c) INCLUSION IN ANNUAL REPORT TO CON- that they can’t do. ties. If they do, they become poten- GRESS.—The Agency shall include in its an- Fine. Great. Fine. We will let it go. It tially sanctioned under American law. nual report to Congress under section 8 a re- is fine. But, news flash to anyone: You We have a provision of law already for port on the following: can’t finance something that doesn’t ‘‘(1) Whether the provision by the Agency this. Now you are saying Ex-Im can’t of financing for the goods and services de- actually happen. finance something that can’t happen. scribed in section 2(b)(1)(C)(i) have increased So this amendment, it is fine. It Okay, fine. energy affordability in the countries to checks the box, covers a little political Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of which the goods and services have been ex- cover. I got it. It is fine. So we will just my time. ported. let it go, but that is really what this The CHAIR. The question is on the ‘‘(2) An estimate of any reductions in emis- does. It is a political cover vote rather amendment offered by the gentle- sions (including emissions of sulfur dioxide, than actually anything of substance. woman from California (Mrs. TORRES). nitrogen dioxide, greenhouse gases, particu- So I will let it go. I will let it go by a The question was taken; and the lates, and lead) resulting from the provision voice vote. Chair announced that the ayes ap- by the Agency of financing for the goods and But I think what will happen is that services referred to in paragraph (1) of this peared to have it. subsection.’’. the Democrat majority will call a roll- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I de- The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- call vote so their Members can show mand a recorded vote. lution 695, the gentleman from Texas they have a vote to do something that The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of (Mr. FLORES) and a Member opposed gives them political cover. It is good. It rule XVIII, further proceedings on the each will control 5 minutes. is great. It is fine. But I am not going amendment offered by the gentle- The Chair recognizes the gentleman to participate in that charade. woman from California will be post- from Texas. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of poned. Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, again, I my time. AMENDMENT NO. 3 OFFERED BY MR. FLORES am offering this amendment on behalf Mrs. TORRES of California. I take The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BUR- issue with the ranking member ques- sider amendment No. 3 printed in GESS). tioning my hard work. I have spent House Report 116–289. This amendment requires the Export- every year since I came to Congress in Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, I offer Import Bank to take into consider- 2015 working to address the issues of an amendment as the designee of Mr. ation energy affordability, in addition public corruption in Central America BURGESS. to environmental impact, before ap- and throughout Latin America. So for The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will proving transactions. It further re- this to come up now is, frankly, very designate the amendment. quires the Export-Import Bank to re- disappointing. The text of the amendment is as fol- port on how transactions impact the My amendment, yes, does build on lows: cost of energy in the importing coun- important provisions that are already Page 21, strike line 17 and all that follows try and the estimated emissions reduc- in the bill, which prohibit extending through page 30, line 9, and insert the fol- tions caused by Bank-financed exports. credit to individuals who are subject to lowing: Clean energy sources from nonrenew- U.S. sanctions. SEC. 13. PROMOTING AFFORDABLE ENERGY, EN- able sources, such as hydrogen, nu- These provisions will protect the new ERGY EFFICIENCY, AND CLEAN EN- clear, and natural gas, are just as im- agency, uphold American values, and ERGY EXPORTS. portant to lowering emissions as re- protect our national security. (a) OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND newable energy. The bill, as written, I urge my colleagues to find a way to CLEAN ENERGY EXPORTS.—Section 2(b)(1)(C) only focuses on renewable energy of the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (12 see through this fog and understand U.S.C. 635(b)(1)(C)) is amended to read as fol- sources, but we should also promote that this is the right way to go about lows: nonrenewable clean energy sources it. I hope they will support the bill and ‘‘(C) OFFICE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND such as nuclear, hydrogen, and natural support my amendment. CLEAN ENERGY EXPORTS.—The President of gas.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.056 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8862 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 If emissions reductions are the goal, those environmental reforms would be Mr. Chairman, the amendment under Federal policies must focus on total eliminated by the Burgess amendment, consideration has nothing to do with performance and not favor one tech- harming our efforts to compete with moving the Ex-Im forward. Instead, it nology over the other. In the devel- China on new environmental tech- eliminates needed reforms in the un- oping world, affordable, clean energy nologies and undermining Ex-Im’s ef- derlying bill to modernize the Bank will give people more opportunity for a forts to responsibly finance projects and bring it into the 21st century. It better life when expensive alternatives around the world. takes this bill back toward the past are unaffordable. Why? Because of this theory about rather than looking toward the future. I urge passage of this amendment to economics. Let me be very clear. Coal I urge all my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ ensure that energy affordability, en- is dying right now for the same reason on this misguided amendment. I yield ergy efficiency, and clean energy re- that clean energy is rising, because of back the balance of my time. main an important component of our economics. The CHAIR. The question is on the export policy. Does it cost money to build new amendment offered by the gentleman projects? You bet it does. Where I come Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance from Texas (Mr. FLORES). of my time. from, that is called an investment, es- The question was taken; and the Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chair- pecially when you replace a 1950s tech- Chair announced that the noes ap- man, I seek to claim the time in oppo- nology with a high marginal operating peared to have it. sition. cost with a new, modern technology Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, I de- The CHAIR. The gentleman is recog- that doesn’t cost anything to operate. mand a recorded vote. Claiming economics in defense of nized for 5 minutes. The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of blocking clean energy is foolish. It is Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chair- rule XVIII, further proceedings on the irresponsible. It ain’t leadership. It is man, I rise to strongly oppose the Bur- amendment offered by the gentleman gess amendment and in support of the cowardice. It is irresponsible. This is the time we have to stand up from Texas will be postponed. underlying bill, the United States Ex- and lead, and I urge all of my col- AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY MR. MCADAMS port Finance Agency Act of 2019. leagues to oppose this amendment. The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- The science is really clear. The cli- I reserve the balance of my time. sider amendment No. 4 printed in mate crisis is here, and we are already Mr. FLORES. Mr. Chairman, with all House Report 116–289. seeing its devastating impact. Despite due respect to my colleague, I don’t Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Chair, I have an the best efforts of the current adminis- think he understands my amendment. amendment at the desk. tration to the contrary, the United Nuclear energy has zero emissions. The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate States must be a global leader in act- Hydrogen has zero emissions. Natural the amendment. ing to combat the climate crisis. gas has much-reduced emissions com- The text of the amendment is as fol- Leading in climate action will not pared to coal. lows: only protect our future from the worst The advantage of nuclear energy is it Page 21, line 9, strike ‘‘or’’. impacts of climate change but will is always on. Renewable is not always Page 21, after line 9, insert the following: make our Nation more competitive and on. ‘‘(C) sanctions relating to the illegal traf- enable U.S. companies and workers to This is a chance to give the import- ficking of synthetic opioids, including any own the clean energy technologies and ing companies a chance to have clean sanctions imposed pursuant to the Foreign jobs of tomorrow. energy, affordable energy, and to be Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act; or’’. I was proud to work with all of my able to advance their economies using Page 21, line 10, strike ‘‘(C)’’ and insert colleagues on the Financial Services U.S. know-how and technology, which ‘‘(D)’’. Committee to introduce an amendment leads in several of these areas. The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- in markup that added strong environ- I urge a ‘‘yea’’ vote for my amend- lution 695, the gentleman from Utah mental protections to this reauthoriza- ment because it is the right thing to do (Mr. MCADAMS) and a Member opposed tion. if we really care about emissions reduc- each will control 5 minutes. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 4863 provides im- tion, affordability around the world, The Chair recognizes the gentleman portant reforms to the Ex-Im Bank to and being able to export the United from Utah. ensure it is able to support America’s States’ leading technology and clean Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Chair, my exporters in the 21st century. Let me energy. amendment builds on the work of the describe precisely what this amend- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- underlying bill, which has strong and ment would eliminate. ance of my time. smart prohibitions on financing to bad It would eliminate a new office fo- Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chair- actors known to the U.S. Government, cused on supporting renewable energy- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentle- such as those violating U.S. laws re- related exports so that we can make woman from California (Ms. WATERS), lated to trade and economic sanctions. these products here in the United the chairwoman of the committee. Specifically, my amendment ensures States and sell them around the world. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I thank that the Export-Import Bank, renamed It would eliminate a new target that the gentleman for yielding. as the U.S. Export Finance Agency I strongly oppose this amendment. 5 percent of Ex-Im’s financing goes to under the bill, prohibits any trans- This amendment undermines a care- support renewable energy-related ex- action to people involved in fully crafted compromise on environ- ports. sanctionable activities related to the mental reforms, both in the underlying It would eliminate a requirement illegal trafficking of synthetic opioids, bill and developed by my good friend that the Ex-Im Bank consult with local including any sanctions imposed pursu- from Illinois. ant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin communities to ensure that U.S.-fi- It undermines U.S. leadership on nanced projects are not causing harm. growing more jobs in renewable energy, Designation Act. It would eliminate a direction from eliminates accountability at Ex-Im, We know synthetic opioid trafficking Congress that the Ex-Im Bank estab- and ends efforts to have Ex-Im consult is a problem, specifically coming from lish an accountability mechanism to with local communities on projects it China, where they are the leading pro- provide persons who may have been supports. ducer of fentanyl. We have taken bipar- negatively affected by an Ex-Im I urge all of my colleagues to oppose tisan action in this Congress to put project to find resolution. this amendment. more pressure on China to stop opioid And it would eliminate required dis- Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chair- trafficking, which is fueling so many closures of the estimated CO2 emissions man, has the gentleman from Texas deaths and so much tragedy across our expected to be produced from Ex-Im closed? communities. supported projects. The CHAIR. The gentleman from Earlier this year, we passed legisla- Mr. Chairman, these provisions were Texas has relinquished his time. tion introduced by my colleague from carefully crafted by the committee to Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chair- New York (Mr. ROSE), who is a cospon- protect the environment and support man, I yield myself the balance of my sor of this amendment, the Fentanyl American workers. However, all of time. Sanctions Act. That act would apply

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.059 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8863 pressure to the Chinese Government to and disappointed that my Democratic Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- honor their commitment to make all colleagues have offered another amend- ance of my time. fentanyl illegal and to provide the ment that is another stunt provision The CHAIR. The question is on the United States with more tools and re- for this dead-end bill. amendment offered by the gentleman sources to go after illicit traffickers in We had a bipartisan path forward, from Utah (Mr. MCADAMS). China, Mexico, and other countries. and Democrats are wasting floor time The question was taken; and the This amendment builds on that effort with this bill that will never be en- Chair announced that the ayes ap- by ensuring those bad actors are not acted to law. peared to have it. seeing the benefit of our export finance Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I de- agency and that U.S. companies are of my time. mand a recorded vote. not engaged in business with criminal Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Chairman, I The CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of enterprises abroad. yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman rule XVIII, further proceedings on the Mr. Chair, this is a commonsense from California (Ms. WATERS), the amendment offered by the gentleman amendment. We should not be doing chair of the House Financial Services from Utah will be postponed. business with bad actors, especially Committee. AMENDMENT NO. 5 OFFERED BY MR. DAVIDSON those that are poisoning our commu- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I thank OF OHIO nities with synthetic opioids. the gentleman for yielding, and I thank The CHAIR. It is now in order to con- I urge adoption of this amendment, him for offering this important amend- sider amendment No. 5 printed in and I reserve the balance of my time. ment. House Report 116–289. Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair, I This amendment builds on the impor- Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- claim time in opposition, but I am not tant work of the gentleman from New man, I have an amendment at the desk. opposed to the amendment. York on combating illegal opioids in The CHAIR. The Clerk will designate The CHAIR. Without objection, the this country. It ensures that those who the amendment. gentleman from Ohio is recognized for are sanctioned because of their in- The text of the amendment is as fol- 5 minutes. volvement in the illegal trade of lows: There was no objection. opioids do not get access to Ex-Im as- Page 33, after line 22, insert the following: Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair, sistance, including any sanctions im- first, let me say Republicans unani- SEC. ll. PROHIBITION ON ASSISTANCE TO GOV- posed pursuant to the Foreign Nar- ERNMENT THAT FAILS TO COOPER- mously voted to support the Waters- cotics Kingpin Designation Act. ATE ON PREVENTING ILLEGAL McHenry bipartisan deal to strengthen I strongly support the gentleman’s TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC OPIOIDS. the Export-Import Bank and combat amendment to strengthen this bill with Chinese aggression, but we will not Section 2 of the Export-Import Bank Act of respect to preventing the illegal traf- 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635), as amended by the pre- support this partisan bill. ficking of synthetic opioids and urge ceding provisions of this Act, is amended by This is yet another do-nothing all my colleagues to do so. adding at the end the following: amendment offered by the Democrats Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- ‘‘(n) PROHIBITION ON ASSISTANCE TO GOV- so they can send out a press release man, as we will see shortly, to high- ERNMENT THAT FAILS TO COOPERATE ON PRE- claiming they care about national se- light the fact that this isn’t about get- VENTING ILLEGAL TRAFFICKING OF SYNTHETIC curity or, in this case, the opioid crisis. ting the provision into law, I am con- OPIOIDS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Agency may not au- In fact, it is a poison pill meant to fident a recorded vote will be requested counter an amendment that will be of- thorize the provision of financial assistance because it is all theater. It is not for a lender, obligor, or end user that— fered shortly. meant to change the law in a sub- ‘‘Amend and pretend’’ is going to be ‘‘(A) is a covered government; and stantive way; it is meant to provide ‘‘(B) in the determination of the President a running theme during this debate. cover. of the United States, does not closely cooper- Like another measure offered today by Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- ate with the United States to prevent opioid Mrs. TORRES, Mr. MCADAMS’ amend- ance of my time. trafficking. ment would simply require Ex-Im users Mr. MCADAMS. Mr. Chair, I yield ‘‘(2) WAIVER AUTHORITIES.— to self-certify that they are not break- myself the balance of my time. ‘‘(A) PRESIDENT OF THE AGENCY.—The ing the law by violating opioid traf- Mr. Chairman, the bill before us is a President of the Agency may waive para- graph (1) on reporting to the Committee on ficking sanctions. This way, Democrats strong measure to support economic can claim that they don’t like opioids. Financial Services of the House of Rep- development and to support job cre- resentatives and the Committee on Banking, See how it works? They push this ation throughout our country. The leg- bill. It means nothing. Criminals, of Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate islation improves the agency’s ability that the financial assistance— course, are going to say: No. Who, me? to support exports, and it supports ‘‘(i) would enable exports directly by I wouldn’t violate the law. small businesses in my home State of United States small business concerns; or The real opioid measure that we have Utah. It is supported by businesses and ‘‘(ii) is required for the export of humani- before us today is being offered by me labor, and it does this all at no expense tarian goods or services. shortly. Mr. MCADAMS’ amendment ‘‘(B) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.— to the taxpayer. The President of the United States may would actually prevent Ex-Im assist- Miles Hansen, who is the president ance from going to foreign govern- waive paragraph (1) for not more than 1 year and CEO of the World Trade Center ments that significantly contribute to at a time on reporting to the committees Utah, said that the Export-Import opioid trafficking if those governments specified in subparagraph (A) that the waiver Bank plays an important role in sup- fail to cooperate with U.S. is essential to the national interest of the porting Utah’s economic growth and United States, with a detailed explanation of antinarcotics efforts. That is a serious Utah’s companies’ ability to compete the reasons therefor. amendment. It prevents taxpayer- with countries such as China, Brazil, ‘‘(3) CLOSE COOPERATION.—For purposes of backed financing from going to govern- the U.K., and Germany: ‘‘Direct access this subsection, a government shall be con- ments that help to poison taxpayers. It sidered to be closely cooperating with the to the Export Finance Agency’s finance is logical. United States to prevent opioid trafficking if Unfortunately, my opioid trafficking and risk management programs pro- the government is doing 2 or more of the fol- amendment was so logical that Demo- vide Utah’s small businesses with crit- lowing: crats opposed it in committee and have ical tools for international growth.’’ ‘‘(A) Implementing substantial improve- pledged to oppose it here on the floor I agree with Mr. Hansen, and I am a ments in regulations involving the chemical strong supporter of the agency and the and pharmaceutical production and export of shortly. illicit opioids. Again, this McAdams amendment is underlying bill, which strengthens and reauthorizes Ex-Im for 10 years. ‘‘(B) Implementing substantial improve about a press release for Democrats, so ments in judicial regulations to combat amend and pretend it is today with the My amendment is a commonsense ad- dition to the bill to ensure that we are transnational criminal organizations that McAdams amendment. traffic opioids. not doing business with opioid traf- b 1600 ‘‘(C) Increasing efforts to prosecute foreign fickers overseas. I urge adoption of the opioid traffickers. I want to be clear that I do not op- amendment, and I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on ‘‘(D) Increasing intelligence sharing and pose the amendment, but I am opposed final passage. law enforcement cooperation with the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.062 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8864 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 United States with respect to opioid traf- troduced in the House by MAX ROSE The beneficiaries of Ex-Im’s assist- ficking. and cosponsored by our colleague from ance are U.S. exporters and the Amer- ‘‘(4) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: Arkansas, . In the Senate, ican workers they employ. It is in ‘‘(A) COVERED GOVERNMENT.—The term the Senate minority leader, Democrat America’s interest to have a fully func- ‘covered government’ means— ‘‘(i) the state and the government of China, CHUCK SCHUMER, is the lead sponsor, tioning Ex-Im because it allows U.S. the state and the government of Mexico, and joined by Republican Senator PAT companies to compete in the global the state and the government of any other TOOMEY and others. markets. country that, in the determination of the Under the House and Senate fentanyl Mr. DAVIDSON’s amendment would ef- President of the United States, is a signifi- bills, the President could waive sanc- fectively ban using the Ex-Im Bank in cant contributor to opioid trafficking, as tions against foreign state-owned China or Mexico to try to put pressure well as any political subdivision, agency, or banks if a foreign government is close- on Governments of Mexico and China instrumentality of any of the foregoing; ly cooperating with our efforts to pre- to cooperate with the U.S. to stop the ‘‘(ii) any entity owned or controlled, di- vent opioid trafficking. trafficking of synthetic opioids. rectly or indirectly, by any of the foregoing, This amendment’s approach is simi- No one wants to support the traf- including any corporation, partnership, asso- lar. It simply says that the United ficking of opioids, but Ex-Im is pre- ciation, or other entity in which any of the foregoing owns a 50 percent or greater inter- States will oppose Ex-Im Bank assist- cisely the wrong agency to use to est or a controlling interest, and any entity ance to a government and the entities achieve foreign policy outcomes. If which is otherwise controlled by any of the it controls if the President determines Mexico or China do not cooperate, foregoing; that the government isn’t cooperating those countries will not be harmed by ‘‘(iii) any person that is or has been acting with us to stop the flood of opioids into this amendment; American companies or purporting to act, directly or indirectly, our country. China and Mexico, in par- and workers will be. The Mexican or for or on behalf of any of the foregoing; and ticular, have been identified by the Chinese Governments will simply buy ‘‘(iv) any other person which the Secretary U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as pri- products from another country that is of the Treasury determines is included in mary producers of these opioids. more than willing to sell them exports. any of the foregoing. This amendment is not targeting If the goal is to fight the opioid cri- ‘‘(B) OPIOID TRAFFICKING.—The term ‘opioid trafficking’ means any illicit activity— those who need assistance from the sis, we need to support programs like ‘‘(i) to produce, manufacture, distribute, United States most; in fact, my amend- Ex-Im that are going to be creating sell, or knowingly finance or transport— ment would provide a waiver where ex- good, well-paying jobs in every district ‘‘(I) synthetic opioids, including controlled ports are needed to the government in all over the country and support small substances that are synthetic opioids and question for the export of humani- businesses that are the drivers of com- listed chemicals that are synthetic opioids; tarian goods or services. We want to munity investment and development. or help those who need assistance, but we And if we really want to put pressure ‘‘(II) active pharmaceutical ingredients or must be doing all that we can do to on foreign governments to cooperate chemicals that are used in the production of with the U.S. in preventing the traf- controlled substances that are synthetic confront the opioid epidemic that is opioids; wreaking havoc in the United States. ficking of opioids, then we need to bol- ‘‘(ii) to attempt to carry out an activity According to the Centers for Disease ster our sanctions program, which can described in paragraph (1); or Control, opioids are the main driver of deny the bad actor to the largest econ- ‘‘(iii) to assist, abet, conspire, or collude opioid deaths in America, with deaths omy in the world. with other persons to carry out such an ac- linked to synthetic opioids, especially I understand Mr. DAVIDSON’s strongly tivity. fentanyl, rising exponentially. Areas in held desire to do something to address ‘‘(5) REPORT REQUIRED.—If the Agency au- southwest Ohio, where I represent, this opioid epidemic and to protect Ex- thorizes financial assistance for a lender, ob- have some of the highest per capita Im from being improperly accessed by ligor, or end user that is a covered govern- criminal networks trafficking in syn- ment and the authorization is not made pur- opioid overdose deaths in the Nation. suant to waiver authorities provide in para- And this is an epidemic impacting all thetic opioids. That is why I strongly graph (2), the President of the United States our Nation’s communities. In 2017 support Mr. MCADAMS’ and Mr. ROSE’s shall certify to the Committee on Financial alone, 28,000 deaths in the United amendment to directly cut off Ex-Im Services of the House of Representatives and States involved synthetic opioids, and financing from those criminal entities the Committee on Banking, Housing, and deaths have risen all across demo- that violate sanctions dealing with il- Urban Affairs of the Senate that the covered graphic groups in nearly half of U.S. legal opioids, including violations of government is closely cooperating with the States. the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Des- United States, within the meaning of para- In short, this is a problem that ignation Act. Mr. ROSE also has legisla- graph (3), with a description of the coopera- touches all of us, and close cooperation tion.’’. tion pending that would further broad- with countries receiving Ex-Im assist- en those who are sanctioned under U.S. The CHAIR. Pursuant to House Reso- ance from the United States is essen- law for illegal opioids. lution 695, the gentleman from Ohio tial. Mr. DAVIDSON’s concerns are under- (Mr. DAVIDSON) and a Member opposed If we care about stopping this epi- standable, but in practice, this amend- each will control 5 minutes. demic, my amendment is a small but ment would limit the ability of Ex-Im The Chair recognizes the gentleman important step that we should all be to support U.S. jobs and small busi- from Ohio. able to agree on. I urge my colleagues nesses, further exacerbating the condi- Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- to support its adoption. tions that have contributed to this man, I yield myself such time as I may I want to clarify that countries that opioid epidemic. consume. have problems, like China or Mexico, Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Mr. Chairman, I would like to start don’t need to completely eliminate to vote against this amendment, and I off by saying that I wholeheartedly their problem; what they do need to do reserve the balance of my time. support reauthorization of the Export- is cooperate with the United States, Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- Import Bank. It is an important tool to and when they do, the Export-Import man, how much time do I have remain- help ensure American companies can Bank can continue to function well ing? stay competitive in foreign markets where it was designed to function well. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman and can be used as an important na- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance from Ohio has 2 minutes remaining. tional security tool in countering of my time. Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- countries such as China. Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in man, I yield myself the balance of my Unfortunately, there are several opposition to the amendment. time. commonsense reforms that I think The Acting CHAIR (Mr. RUIZ). The I would like to make the point that could dramatically improve the agency gentlewoman from California is recog- this amendment that I have offered has but which are not being considered nized for 5 minutes. substance because it expects something under this bill, which is why I am offer- Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, this for America’s assistance. ing my amendment. amendment demonstrates a funda- At least some of my colleagues are My amendment is modeled after the mental misunderstanding about what consistent: They don’t want the Presi- bipartisan Fentanyl Sanctions Act, in- Ex-Im does and whom it benefits. dent of the United States, whoever

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.020 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8865 that is, to expect anything from a for- The Acting CHAIR. The question is recover, and sometimes it takes dec- eign power in exchange for American on the amendment offered by the gen- ades longer, but it shouldn’t be this participation. They want nothing in re- tleman from Ohio (Mr. DAVIDSON). way. turn for our dollars, no condition on The question was taken; and the Act- There is evidence that adequate re- their behavior. ing Chair announced that the noes ap- porting and proper investment may be In fact, rather than trusting the peared to have it. able to speed that pace of recovery for United States of America to determine Mr. DAVIDSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- these kinds of communities. whether a country is cooperating with man, I demand a recorded vote. According to the Economic Innova- us on our efforts to stop synthetic The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to tion Group, 52.3 million people, or 17 opioids, they want to trust the people clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- percent of the American population, who may very well be using the system ceedings on the amendment offered by experienced an average 6 percent drop to create that market for their own the gentleman from Ohio will be post- in the number of adults working and a benefit, self-certification. poned. 6.3 percent average drop in the number of business establishments. I am sure the Sinaloa Cartel would AMENDMENT NO. 6 OFFERED BY MS. TLAIB Specifically, Mr. Chair, workers and certify that they don’t participate in The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order their families living in especially hard- trafficking drugs, as well. to consider amendment No. 6 printed in hit communities face challenges such That is what the McAdams approach House Report 116–289. as unemployment that often arises does. That is the version that our Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chairman, I have an from mass layoffs associated with de- chairwoman has, unfortunately, chosen amendment at the desk. clines in specific industries and busi- to support, and I believe it is the wrong The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will nesses. path. designate the amendment. For communities like mine, 13 dis- I encourage people to support this The text of the amendment is as fol- tricts strong, the impact on employ- amendment if they are serious about lows: ment and income can be extremely per- trying to stop opioids and if they are Page 16, after line 8, insert the following: sistent. serious about using the foreign policy (2) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES IN ECONOMICALLY Currently, Detroit is one of the five tools, including trade, that the United DISADVANTAGED REGIONS.—Section 8 of such cities with the greatest number of peo- States has to offer. Act (12 U.S.C. 635g), as amended by sections ple in distressed ZIP codes and it ranks 6(b) and 7(b) of this Act, is amended by add- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- number ten as the most distressed city ance of my time. ing at the end the following: ‘‘(n) REPORT ON ACTIVITIES IN ECONOMI- in the United States of the country’s Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield CALLY DISADVANTAGED REGIONS.— 100 largest cities. Wayne County, 1 minute to the gentleman from Wash- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Agency shall include Michigan, which I represent, ranks sec- ington (Mr. HECK) in its annual report to Congress under sub- ond in the Nation for inequality with Mr. HECK. Mr. Chairman, I under- section (a) a report on the steps taken by the job creation. stand the temptation to dabble in for- Agency in the period covered by the report Addressing the economic and social eign affairs when it comes to Ex-Im re- to increase— costs associated with persistent local- authorization. We have seen a lot of ‘‘(A) awareness of the Agency and its serv- ized economic distresses requires ade- that here today. But there is a reason ices in economically disadvantaged regions; quate reporting, as it is essential to ad- and why we have separate committees in ‘‘(B) the provision of Agency support to ex- dressing the causes and the costs of the House: so that Members can de- port businesses in economically disadvan- long-term economic distress for work- velop expertise and apply that exper- taged regions. ers, their families, and the commu- tise. Financial services, simply put, is ‘‘(2) DEFINITION.—In paragraph (1), the nities. not the main repository of that kind of term ‘economically disadvantaged region’ Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to expertise, and it shows in this ap- means a county or equivalent division of support this amendment to help ensure proach. local government of a State in which, ac- that we have the tools to uplift every But let me be clear: No one here cording to the most recently available data community across the country like wants to support the trafficking of syn- from the Bureau of the Census, 20 percent or mine. more of the residents have an annual income thetic opioids, of course not. There is a Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of that is at or below the poverty level.’’. my time. right way and a wrong way to do it. Page 16, line 9, strike ‘‘(2)’’ and insert Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I claim This is the wrong way to do it. ‘‘(3)’’. the time in opposition to the amend- And, in fact, if my friend, the author The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to of this amendment, and I do consider ment, even though I am not opposed to House Resolution 695, the gentlewoman it. him a friend—if you want to ensure from Michigan (Ms. TLAIB) and a Mem- The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- that those who are sanctioned for deal- ber opposed each will control 5 min- tion, the gentleman from North Caro- ing illegal opioids cannot use this utes. lina is recognized for 5 minutes. Bank, vote in support; indeed, vote in The Chair recognizes the gentle- There was no objection. support of the McAdams amendment. woman from Michigan. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, let me say It is not theater. It is not cover. It is a Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chairman, my first that Republicans unanimously strong amendment that is targeted and amendment would require that Ex-Im voted to support the Waters-McHenry substantive and, in fact, is going to get provide an annual report to the United bipartisan deal to strengthen the Bank at the very underlying problem with- States Congress on the agency’s activ- and combat Chinese aggression, but we out costing American jobs and without ity in economically disadvantaged are not going to support this partisan hurting American businesses. areas and efforts that they are taking bill here on the floor today. So I urge you to join the Foreign Af- to support those areas. This amendment is a fine one. This fairs Committee or support the efforts Government must be about people amendment, as with some other of the McAdams amendment. first, so when we talk about economic amendments that the Democrats are Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chairman, I yield opportunity, Mr. Chair, we must ensure offering today that the Rules Com- myself the balance of my time. that we are using every tool possible to mittee made in order—as I understand Mr. Chairman, this misguided amend- uplift communities that are struggling it, they made in order 19 Democrat ment is going to hurt American work- like my district. amendments and two Republican ers and American businesspersons. This amendments, so that is quite a ratio, b 1615 is not the way to get at the issue the but I think there is a point where addi- gentleman from Ohio is concerned After the Great Recession of 2008, the tional reporting requirements, as I said about. He should be supporting the country experienced an economic re- earlier, and other mandates can burden McAdams-Rose amendment if he wants covery from 2011 to 2015, but already an agency to the point of diminishing to do that. vulnerable communities missed out on returns. I urge all my colleagues to vote most of that growth and opportunity. If you want the Export-Import Bank against this amendment, and I yield There is no question that some commu- to be effective, it is often better to ad- back the balance of my time. nities suffer more and take longer to vocate for initiatives within the Bank,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.066 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8866 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 like the Waters-McHenry bill, and Again, I rise in support, as I hope my The Acting CHAIR. The question is make the Bank focus on priorities. colleagues support me in rising in sup- on the amendment offered by the gen- This is one area, with opportunity port of this amendment, again, to tlewoman from Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). zones, that we support in a bipartisan make sure that we do our due diligence The amendment was agreed to. way to get investment in disadvan- as Members of Congress in making sure AMENDMENT NO. 7 OFFERED BY MR. CASE taged communities across the country. there are no other kind of scandalous The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Those opportunity zones are a part of controversies that we see now with the to consider amendment No. 7 printed in now tax law. opportunity zones in our country. House Report 116–289. That standalone bill was a bipartisan Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I have an one last Congress and the Congress be- my time. amendment at the desk. fore that had great consensus. So what Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. myself such time as I may consume. designate the amendment. TLAIB) is advocating here matches up I would say, Mr. Chair, to my col- The text of the amendment is as fol- quite nicely with that to ensure that league from Michigan, under the oppor- lows: the Bank is focused on those same tunity zones provision of the tax bill Page 6, line 8, after the 1st close paren- areas that have been historically dis- we passed last year, governors des- thesis, insert ‘‘, which definition is deemed, advantaged or economically left be- ignate those census tracks. So if the for purposes of this subparagraph, to include hind. gentlewoman has a problem with the American Indians, Native Hawaiians (as de- Some of those areas are in my dis- census tracks designated in Michigan, fined in section 103 of the Native American Languages Act (25 U.S.C. 2902)), and Alaska trict, some are in her district, but they that is a problem with the Governor of Natives (defined as a member of any Indian are throughout the country. Michigan, not the underlying impor- tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian So, as I said, I do not oppose the tant tax law. Self-Determination and Education Assist- amendment, I support the amendment, Mr. Chair, I would also commend my ance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304)) that is based in the and I think it is important for the colleague, this is her first term in Con- State of Alaska)’’. Bank to focus on important commu- gress, two Congresses ago this was a bi- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to nities across the country, but espe- partisan bill, it had wide bipartisan House Resolution 695, the gentleman cially those that are economically dis- support, and we had a similar number from Hawaii (Mr. CASE) and a Member advantaged. of Republicans and Democrats support opposed each will control 5 minutes. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of the opportunity zone legislation. And I The Chair recognizes the gentleman my time. think it is really important, powerful from Hawaii. Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, I think it is legislation, important law now that is Mr. CASE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in really important, and I am glad the going to have a strong impact on those support of my amendment to confirm ranking member did mention the op- economically disadvantaged commu- that Native Hawaiians and Alaska Na- portunity zones. One of the key con- nities, many in my district and those tives are included for the purposes and troversies around opportunity zones across the country. I think it is going considerations of the U.S. Export Fi- right now is that out of the hundreds of to have a very positive effect over the nance Agency’s new Office of Minority opportunity zone census tracks that long-term. and Women Inclusion. were chosen, five did not qualify under Mr. Chair, I would say again, I sup- I am very proud to be joined in offer- the poverty guidelines requirements port this amendment, will not oppose, ing this amendment by my friend and for opportunity zones. and I reserve the balance of my time. colleague, the dean of this House, the Reporting like this creates trans- Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Chair, again, I com- gentleman from Alaska (Mr. YOUNG). parency and accountability, Mr. Chair, pletely agree that that is the process. In reauthorizing the Ex-Im Bank of and that is why it is critically impor- However, it is our responsibility, since the United States, H.R. 4863 would cre- tant that we don’t make the mistake we are the ones who created the bipar- ate an Office of Minority and Women again to support these kinds of tax tisan support of opportunity zones. Inclusion for the new U.S. Export Fi- breaks and loans and opportunities However, it doesn’t make it exempt nance Agency. This office would be re- through the Federal Government with- from corruption, Mr. Chair, and that is sponsible for engaging with minority- out any accountability and follow- exactly what is happening. owned and women-owned businesses in through with the United States Con- So then-Governor Snyder may have the program, contracts and activities gress annually. That is why it is criti- given his friend an advantage by not of the agency. This includes outreach cally important. complying with the opportunity zone to those businesses to ensure their We are talking about five commu- requirement that it be a poverty- awareness of the export assistance pro- nities that should not have gotten the stricken census track, that it is within vided by the agency. opportunity zone designation, includ- those guidelines. That did not happen. The laudable policy goal of this office ing two in the city of Detroit that were So it is our due diligence, because we is to increase access to export assist- promoted by billionaire Dan Gilbert. It allowed the pathway for opportunity ance and foster overall business for should never have been designated. zones, to have accountability. And this underrepresented communities. They didn’t qualify, Mr. Chair. amendment basically allows us to However, H.R. 4863 currently uses ref- That is why it is important that we check in, Mr. Chair, and make sure erences to section 1204(c) of the Finan- have these kinds of amendments and that they are following those guide- cial Institutions Reform, Recovery, requirements that the United States lines, and that is exactly what didn’t and Enforcement Act of 1989, which de- Congress can then proceed to create happen with the opportunity zones. fines ‘‘minority’’ as ‘‘any Black Amer- transparency. Just because they were bipartisan does ican, Native American, Hispanic Amer- I fully support, obviously, opportuni- not mean they were exempt from cor- ican, or Asian American.’’ ties for development in communities ruption, it is exempt from account- Because of the unique statuses that that deserve it, especially representing ability. Native Hawaiians and Alaska Natives the third poorest congressional district Mr. Chair, I hope my colleagues on have and the complexities of Federal in the country. However, we cannot the other side of the aisle will join me law, the term ‘‘Native American’’ is allow those political donors, like the in having transparency and account- not always understood to include Na- billionaire Dan Gilbert, to pick and ability. It is our responsibility. They tive Hawaiians and Alaska Natives. choose where those opportunity zones are our tax dollars. They are our pro- My amendment is a simple clarifica- are designated. grams that we have to, again, hold ac- tion that for the purposes of the agen- However, we are talking about Ex-Im countable for those that take advan- cy and its Office of Minority and today, and let’s do this right by sup- tage by using the system and tainting Women Inclusion, those groups are in- porting this kind of annual reporting the process. cluded, as they are for many other to make sure that we are helping eco- Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of comparable Federal programs. nomically disadvantaged communities my time. Adopting this amendment ensures like ours to be able to, again, have ac- Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I yield that Native Hawaiian-owned and Alas- countability for the American people. back the balance of my time. ka Native-owned businesses will be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.069 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8867 part of the agency’s outreach efforts over the global economic and national I am disappointed that we are not and have greater opportunity to ben- security threats posed by China and dealing with that policy. Instead, the efit from the agency’s export assist- even Russia. majority decided to go the partisan ance. OMWIs are important. That is fine. route, which the Republican majority In my home State of Hawaii, Native We included that in the bipartisan bill, leader of the Senate has already said is Hawaiian-owned businesses are an es- and that was part of the tradeoff of a dead on arrival. The President said he sential part of our economy, but this is bipartisan bill, including something is going to veto this bill. also true in countless other commu- that was a priority for Chairwoman We could have gone a bipartisan nities throughout our country. WATERS, but also in that agreement route with a bipartisan outcome, but According to the 2012 Survey of Busi- were provisions that were tough on they chose a different route. ness Owners, there are almost 26,000 China. I thought it was a fair trade in Look, the majority is the majority. Native Hawaiian-owned businesses in order to get a bipartisan bill. They have the votes to go do what they the United States, employing over OMWIs and being tough on China are want to do. But that means I don’t 20,000 people. not mutually exclusive ideas, but my need to vote for bad policy just to get Improving outreach to Native Hawai- colleagues on the other side of the aisle along. That is why I tried to negotiate ian-owned businesses by the agency felt that they needed to prioritize, and a good bill, and that is why we had a provides these businesses the chance to so they chose OMWIs as opposed to a good bill. grow and expand opportunities for the rational stance against Chinese aggres- Mr. Chairman, I support the amend- families and communities they sup- sion or even Russian actions. ment, and I yield back the balance of port, not just in Hawaii, but across the To the extent that Mr. CASE’s amend- my time. country. ment clarifies language that will have The Acting CHAIR (Mr. ROUDA). The Native Hawaiian-owned businesses no impact and will not be enacted any- question is on the amendment offered contribute to the economies of every way, I don’t oppose it. by the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. single State and the District of Colum- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance CASE). bia. Nearly half of those businesses op- of my time. The amendment was agreed to. erate outside of Hawaii. b 1630 AMENDMENT NO. 8 OFFERED BY MS. SPEIER These statistics demonstrate the in- The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order volvement of Native Hawaiian busi- Mr. CASE. Mr. Chairman, I appre- to consider amendment No. 8 printed in nesses in our business communities, ciate very much that, in the middle of House Report 116–289. but they also do not adequately give the remarks of my colleague, I cer- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I have voice to the extent to which their busi- tainly heard and detected support for an amendment at the desk. nesses contribute to the overall em- this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will powerment of Native Hawaiian commu- I appreciate my colleague in the mi- designate the amendment. nities, nor do such numbers tell the nority recognizing the importance of The text of the amendment is as fol- story of the countless lives that have minority- and women-owned businesses lows: throughout our country and their con- been improved and the communities Page 22, line 7, after ‘‘efficiency’’ insert strengthened as a result of their inno- tributions to our export community. ‘‘(including battery electric vehicles, bat- vation and entrepreneurship. This is certainly consistent with my teries for electric vehicles, and electric vehi- Everything that I have said here colleagues’ earlier comments that they cle charging infrastructure)’’. today applies equally to Alaska Na- fully support the provisions of this bill Page 22, line 12, after ‘‘energy efficiency’’ tives, as I am sure Mr. YOUNG would be that do, in fact, recognize that dis- insert ‘‘(including battery electric vehicles, quick to point out. advantaged communities throughout batteries for electric vehicles, and electric This amendment will ensure that the our country often need extra assist- vehicle charging infrastructure)’’. ance. As I said earlier, this is con- Page 27, line 17, after ‘‘energy efficiency’’ reauthorized agency will help Native insert ‘‘(including battery electric vehicles, Hawaiian-owned and Alaska Native- sistent very much with other Federal batteries for electric vehicles, and electric owned businesses pursue new business programs. vehicle charging infrastructure)’’. opportunities, support American jobs I would certainly, to the gentleman’s Page 27, line 21, after ‘‘energy efficiency’’ across the country, and sustain and en- comments about China, Russia, and insert ‘‘(including battery electric vehicles, rich the communities they support, as other countries, emphasize that, in this batteries for electric vehicles, and electric will be the case for other minority- and particular area, the more American vehicle charging infrastructure)’’. women-owned businesses. businesses that can participate in ex- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to port-related activities throughout the House Resolution 695, the gentlewoman support this amendment, and I reserve world, the better we will all be in this from California (Ms. SPEIER) and a the balance of my time. country with respect to our relations Member opposed each will control 5 Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I claim with these other countries. minutes. the time in opposition to the amend- Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- The Chair recognizes the gentle- ment, even though I am not opposed to ance of my time. woman from California. it. Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I com- The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- myself the balance of my time. mend the chairwoman of the Financial tion, the gentleman from North Caro- Mr. Chairman, I would say to my col- Services Committee and the commit- lina is recognized for 5 minutes. league, yes, it is important that we tee’s efforts to support exports in re- There was no objection. have robust global trade. Ex-Im, at its newable energy and energy-efficiency Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, let me say height, at its strongest year, supported technology. first, Republicans unanimously voted just shy of 2 percent of American ex- My amendment makes clear that for the Waters-McHenry bipartisan ports. when it comes to supporting domestic deal to strengthen the Bank and com- I don’t want to diminish a little less businesses exporting green energy bat Chinese aggression, but we are not than 2 percent, but most export is done technology, electric vehicles need to be going to support this partisan bill. through the private sector without a near the top of that list. It quite sim- I would note that the amendment of- government program like Ex-Im. ply states that ‘‘energy efficiency’’ in- fered here clarifies the definition of mi- I would also say that, as a matter of cludes electric vehicles as well as the norities under the section of the bill our national interest, we shouldn’t be batteries and the charging infrastruc- that was a priority for the chair of our subsidizing Chinese foreign policy with ture needed to make them move. committee, Chairwoman WATERS, One Belt, One Road. We shouldn’t be Electric vehicles are good for the en- which is the Office of Minority and subsidizing their island-building in the vironment; they are good for the econ- Women Inclusion, which is referred to Pacific. We shouldn’t be subsidizing omy; and they are good for our na- as OMWI. their actions in Hong Kong. That is tional security. Zero-emission electric I would just note that in this bill, the what we negotiated with the Waters- vehicles will help combat the climate Democrats have prioritized OMWIs McHenry bipartisan bill. crisis. Since transportation accounts

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.072 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8868 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 for 15 percent of global greenhouse gas to see the future. We have failed to see I think there is opportunity for us to emissions, electric vehicles are critical around the corner. We have failed to legislate in a bipartisan way. I com- for the future of clean energy. invest in the future and claim that fu- mend Ms. SPEIER’s amendment. Unfor- Electric vehicles also present a huge ture for ourselves. tunately, I don’t think this bill is opportunity for the U.S. economy. We This amendment will ensure one ad- going to become law, so I don’t think it now know that 4 million jobs in the ditional piece that makes sure that we is going to have the impact that we auto industry are reliant on us con- have a claim on the future and that we need. But I think, on separate legisla- tinuing to build new innovation. We can be the leader in electric vehicles. It tion, I would like to work with the will lose hundreds of thousands of jobs is the right thing to do. I support the sponsor of this amendment on those if we don’t recognize the importance of amendment, and I support the under- technological breakthroughs that we building more electric vehicles. The lying legislation. have to have for our environment, for global market will be a strong growth Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I reserve my children and the children and sector, and letting the rest of the world the balance of my time. grandchildren of current Americans so beat us out will cost us mightily in Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I they can have a safe and sustainable economic prosperity and domestic claim the time in opposition, though I environment and have jobs at the same manufacturing. am not opposed to it. time. It is the technological break- Though the United States was home The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- throughs that are going to take us to the first highway-ready all-electric tion, the gentleman from North Caro- there that I am so passionate about car, the Tesla Roadster, Chinese com- lina is recognized for 5 minutes. and that are so impactful. petitors have outpaced us and are There was no objection. Mr. Chairman, I commend the poised to dominate the market. China Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, let me amendment sponsor, and I support its sells half of all electric vehicles in the say first that Republicans unanimously adoption. world, while the United States sells a voted in the Financial Services Com- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance mere 10 percent. mittee to support the bipartisan bill of my time. The figures for domestic battery pro- that Chairwoman WATERS and I nego- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I like duction are even more stark. China tiated to strengthen the Bank and the fact that we are speaking the same controls a whopping 75 percent of glob- combat Chinese aggression, but we are language. It is wonderful to have that al battery capacity, 15 times more than not going to support this partisan bill opportunity. I look forward to working our 5 percent. Because batteries will be on the floor today. with the gentleman on the other side of the backbone of the 21st century econ- It does seem strange that the sponsor the aisle on the legislation that I am omy, they are essential to our national needs to spell out that energy storage, about to introduce. We might see some security. which already appears in the text, re- bipartisan work here. For a future of clean energy and a fers to batteries. I think it is a good This is about green jobs. That is what thriving automotive industry, I ask thing, a fine thing, but energy storage this amendment is all about. We have you to support this amendment. And I is the broader terminology that we had to secure the jobs for the rest of this am proud to be soon introducing com- discussed, in terms of the negotiations century in the auto industry, and we prehensive legislation to incentivize between Chairwoman WATERS and I. are not going to do it unless we move electric vehicle use and production and We both share, as I do with the into electric vehicles. stimulate American jobs. amendment sponsor, the need for more Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- Mr. Chairman, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to options in the marketplace, including ance of my time. the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. KIL- better batteries for cars and for mobil- Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield DEE). ity purposes, for sure. So I would com- back the balance of my time. Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank mend the sponsor’s interest in electric The Acting CHAIR. The question is Congresswoman SPEIER for her leader- vehicles and related infrastructure. I on the amendment offered by the gen- ship on climate issues in general and think it is a good thing. I think we tlewoman from California (Ms. SPEIER). specifically on electric vehicles. have nice bipartisan support, actually The amendment was agreed to. Mr. Chairman, we are suffering the growing support among Republicans, AMENDMENT NO. 9 OFFERED BY MR. RUIZ climate crisis right now. In my home for some sensible policies that would The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order State of Michigan, climate change is have a positive impact on our environ- to consider amendment No. 9 printed in changing our environment impacting ment and, at the same time, have more House Report 116–289. the Great Lakes: record lake levels, options in the marketplace for con- Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Chairman, I have an algal blooms, and invasive species like sumers so they can choose how they amendment at the desk. Asian carp. seek to power their homes, their cars, The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will As Members of Congress, we have a and their lives. designate the amendment. duty to act on commonsense policies What Chairwoman WATERS and I ne- The text of the amendment is as fol- that support climate solutions, and gotiated is in H.R. 3407. That bill lows: this amendment is a good example of pushed Ex-Im to devote no less than 20 Page 33, after line 22, insert the following: that. percent of its authority to technologies SEC. ll. AUTHORITY OF THE UNITED STATES I support this amendment because it of tomorrow. This was a priority of EXPORT FINANCE AGENCY TO USE 3 PERCENT OF ITS PROFITS FOR AD- will make explicit the Export-Import mine, and that was in that bill that is MINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. Bank’s role in supporting clean energy not in the bill before us today. That is Section 3 of the Export-Import Bank Act of in our domestic exports, especially a huge missed opportunity. That in- 1945 (12 U.S.C. 635a), as amended by the pre- electric vehicles, their components, cluded energy storage and energy-effi- ceding provisions of this Act, is amended by and vehicle charging infrastructure. cient technologies. adding at the end the following: ‘‘(p) AUTHORITY TO USE PORTION OF AGENCY As Congresswoman SPEIER said, Those provisions, I think, would have China makes more electric vehicles had a really strong impact. I am sad- SURPLUS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.— ‘‘(1) AUTHORITY.— than anybody else in the world. That dened that Chairwoman WATERS re- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph doesn’t have to be the case. We have to jected that, in terms of the bill that (2), in addition to any other amounts that invest in policy that supports electric she filed and brought before us today. the Agency may use to cover administrative vehicles so that the U.S. can lead the The energy sources and technologies expenses of the Agency, the Agency may use future in transportation. This amend- of tomorrow are going to have the not more than 3 percent of the surplus (as ment would help to do that. most powerful impact on reducing car- defined in subsection (j)(2), without regard to I come from Flint, Michigan, a com- bon emissions, making sure that the subparagraph (B)(ii) of such subsection) of munity with a great auto history. But globe is safe and sustainable for gen- the Agency, for each fiscal year in the 5-year period beginning with the date of the enact- I have seen automotive jobs sent over- erations to come. It is those techno- ment of this paragraph, to cover administra- seas over the years, and the livelihood logical breakthroughs that we should tive expenses of the Agency. of families I represent go right along prioritize, not just for carbon reduc- ‘‘(B) USE FOR REGIONAL OFFICES.—Of the with those jobs, because we have failed tion, but for powering our economy. amount of the surplus which may be used as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.075 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8869 provided in subparagraph (A), the Agency expand their businesses deserve to have to year, it is divorced from Ex-Im’s ac- shall use at least 1⁄3 to expand or establish local and regional access to export fi- tual assessment of needs for its re- regional offices of the Agency. nancing services. gional operations. ‘‘(2) SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATIONS.—The au- The potential for more American jobs There are a couple of technical issues thority provided by paragraph (1) may be ex- ercised only to such extent and in such and more American exports is there. here. I appreciate the gentleman for of- amounts as are provided in advance in appro- We just have to unlock it. Regional fi- fering the amendment and his interest priations Acts.’’. nance offices help small businesses and in serving his constituents, but for The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to small farms succeed where private cap- these reasons I have outlined, I am op- House Resolution 695, the gentleman ital cannot. posed to the amendment. Most of the farm businesses in my Since I am in opposition, I do believe from California (Mr. RUIZ) and a Mem- ber opposed each will control 5 min- district are small. Seventy-five percent I have the right to close and am willing utes. are fewer than 50 acres in size. Last to close, and I reserve the balance of The Chair recognizes the gentleman year, the Export-Import Bank financed my time. from California. $1.1 billion worth of agricultural prod- Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Chairman, I just want Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Chairman, I am offer- ucts, and 81 percent of those were small to clarify something, that the $3.4 bil- ing my bill, the Increasing American businesses. lion surplus goes to the U.S. Treasury. Jobs and Exports Act, as an amend- With more regional offices, we can My bill will not take one-third of that, ment to H.R. 4863. continue to grow American exports and only up to the 3 percent that would be Mr. Chairman, my amendment is jobs and help small businesses com- available for regions that would like to simple. It will allow the Export-Import pete. I urge support of my amendment have a regional finance office near Bank to use up to 3 percent of its sur- and the Increasing American Jobs and them. plus profits per year for 5 years to open Exports Act, and I reserve the balance For example, in North Carolina, new regional offices. These additional of my time. which my esteemed colleague is from, offices will grow small businesses by Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I claim his constituents have to drive all the assisting with their capital needs to in- the time in opposition, and I am op- way to south Florida, to Miami, to get crease their exporting capacity and job posed to the amendment. services from the Export-Import Bank. growth ability. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman So it is in my constituents’ interest, This bill will grow American jobs, in- from North Carolina is recognized for 5 and it is the interest of my colleague’s crease exports of American goods, and minutes. that a regional office is financed closer strengthen our local and regional Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chair, I rise in to his State so that his businesses can economies around the country. opposition to the amendment not be- acquire the capital necessary to in- The Export-Import Bank is impor- cause its goals are necessarily objec- crease jobs and increase exports. tant for our Nation. Over the last 10 tionable. The gentleman is right to In fact, there is data to show that the years, it has supported more than 1.5 focus on exports, especially given the cluster of businesses that benefit, by million jobs at absolutely no cost to economy of his district and his State, far, are those that are near the sur- the American taxpayer. The Bank has and his State’s and district’s impor- rounding regional offices. So it is com- helped grow American jobs at no cost. tance to the Nation and the national mon sense to assume that, if you open It has even returned more than $3.4 bil- economy. an office near the region, more busi- lion to the United States Treasury. The reason why I am opposed to it is nesses will benefit and you will have The Export-Import Bank helps grow because it doesn’t appear based on any created more jobs with more exports. American jobs, grow small businesses, empirical study of Ex-Im resource I want to thank Chairwoman WATERS and grow our economy. needs and may hinder the Bank from for her work on this important legisla- Trade and exports are important to working effectively. tion and for her support for my amend- my district and, specifically, to the To start, the amendment would allow ment. The Export-Import Bank has Coachella Valley in the Inland Empire. up to 3 percent of Ex-Im’s surplus to be been a success story and can continue The Inland Empire is one of the fastest used for administrative expenses, on to grow. Today’s legislation will fur- growing economic regions in the top of the resources that it already ther that success. United States and is a hub for inter- has. I am unaware of any concerns by The Bank supports American jobs, national trade. The Riverside-San Ex-Im that it is unable to cover its ad- while also returning money to tax- Bernardino region is 38th nationally in ministrative expenses, currently. payers year after year. My amendment total export value and sixth in Cali- Traditionally, excess funds from the would not cost the taxpayer a single fornia in total export value. Let me re- Bank’s surplus are supposed to go back dime. My amendment would grow jobs mind everybody, California has the to the Treasury, where it can reduce and businesses by exporting American fifth-largest economy in the world. the deficit, something that both Re- goods. publicans and Democrats have long I urge my colleagues to support my b 1645 supported and, I hope, will continue to amendment, the Increasing American The Riverside-San Bernardino Coun- support. Jobs and Exports Act, and I yield back ties region is home to 6,200 exporters, In addition, the amendment seems to the balance of my time. as well as $10 billion worth of exported only provide for this during half of the Mr. MCHENRY. Mr. Chairman, I yield products. reauthorization period. So what hap- myself the balance of my time. More specifically, exports are impor- pens in the second half of Ex-Im Bank’s On this amendment, in 1 year, this tant to my district; and within reauthorization under the bill, and would be hundreds of millions of dol- Coachella Valley agriculture, there are would it leave Ex-Im without recourse lars, and, in other years, it would be $500 million worth of fruits, nuts, vege- to the funds? We need to consider this zero. So to finance these regional fi- tables, and melons, and all are top carefully. nance centers, you probably want to California exports. They are exported Finally, the amendment would re- have more stable funding than that to more than 50 countries. quire that at least one-third of the new fluctuation. I want this success repeated across surplus funds devoted to administra- That is the technical problem, in my my district and the entire Nation. The tive expenses be used to expand re- view, on this, not that these regional problem, however, is that the closest gional finance centers. Regional fi- finance centers are a bad idea. They Export-Import regional finance office nance centers are fine, but what is the are not a bad idea. In fact, I think it is is more than a 2-hour drive away, in budgetary need? important that Ex-Im focuses on small San Diego. That office serves busi- Mr. Chair, I think a little more work businesses and does more outreach nesses in four California counties and needs to be done. We didn’t have this with small businesses. even three States: Montana, Wyoming, discussion during the markup or in the The bill that I negotiated with Chair- and Arizona. single hearing we had about Ex-Im, and woman WATERS actually raises the Small business owners who have the since the one-third requirement in the small business mandate. This bill fails product, the vision, and the ability to amendment would fluctuate from year to do it until the 10th year. That focus

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But we wanted to come something Chairwoman WATERS and I entire Fort Worth Independent School here and actually start to share with agreed to, on that need for greater out- District. our brothers and sisters in this body reach from just a couple of urban cen- Tomorrow night, on Friday, go some of the amazing technology that is ters where they are currently planted, Steers. here that I don’t know how to get indi- as has been said. f viduals in this body who care about the So while I support the laudatory goal environment to start to understand. of this, the functionality of it is not HOPE FOR VICTIMS OF HUMAN We are living in the time of miracles. workable. I would like the Bank to ac- TRAFFICKING We all saw last week, MIT had a major tually work. Of course, that is not part (Mr. SPANO asked and was given per- breakthrough in ambient carbon cap- of the debate that I would actually mission to address the House for 1 ture; right? Okay. So the frustration is have that view, but I actually do want minute.) that I will hear people get behind these the Bank to work and be effective for Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise microphones and talk about how much American businesses. It is really just today to proudly announce the intro- they care about global warming, how the technical problem of how the gen- duction of a bipartisan bill to combat much they care about greenhouse tleman allocates the resources here, human trafficking, the HOPE for Vic- gases, how much they care, and then and that is why I oppose it. tims of Human Trafficking Act. they don’t spend time reading miracles Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of Too often, trafficking victims are that are happening in the technology. my time. forced to do things that they would This is technology that just came out The Acting CHAIR. The question is never choose to do, and sometimes in a paper from MIT. They crashed the on the amendment offered by the gen- they are forced by their captors to cost of yanking carbon directly out of tleman from California (Mr. RUIZ). break the law. This bill creates a legal the air. The amendment was agreed to. presumption which states that human Ms. WATERS. Mr. Chair, I move that trafficking victims who commit a cov- b 1700 the Committee do now rise. ered offense while being trafficked are It is negative carbon capture. It is The motion was agreed to. presumed to have committed that of- ambient. It is basically, if you have a Accordingly, the Committee rose; fense under coercion unless the pros- generation source, let’s say you are a and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. ecution can prove otherwise. concrete plant, a power generation— VEASEY) having assumed the chair, Mr. Consequently, this bill will stop this and that—you could actually be ROUDA, Acting Chair of the Committee many unjust convictions human traf- using this. It uses shockingly little of the Whole House on the state of the ficking victims face, which will then electricity. Union, reported that that Committee, better allow them to find employment, They basically came up with this having had under consideration the bill seek additional education, and recover concept of: Let’s run these plates. Let’s (H.R. 4863) to promote the competitive- from their trauma. actually put nanotubes on it. We will ness of the United States, to reform I am proud to cointroduce this bill run a certain low voltage through and reauthorize the United States Ex- with my friend Representative ALCEE these plates, and it will catch the car- port Finance Agency, and for other HASTINGS. bon in the air. purposes, had come to no resolution On behalf of the many human traf- And it doesn’t matter. The tech- thereon. ficking groups that supported the bill, nology doesn’t care whether you are at f including Shared Hope International, 1 part per 400 million or heavy carbon. Rights4Girls, Selah Freedom, and oth- It is just an example of how technology CONGRATULATING FORT WORTH’S ers, I encourage my colleagues to sup- is about to provide us a revolution on NORTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL FOR port this legislation, too. how we protect our environment. And MAKING IT TO THE STATE HIGH f it is here. SCHOOL PLAYOFFS How do we actually, as policymakers, (Mr. VEASEY asked and was given THOUGHT EXPERIMENT IN incentivize these technology break- permission to address the House for 1 GLOBAL WARMING throughs to happen, and how do we get minute.) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. these technology breakthroughs to be- Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ROUDA). Under the Speaker’s an- come part of our society? congratulate a high school in the dis- nounced policy of January 3, 2019, the It is not enough to come up here and trict that I represent, North Side High gentleman from Arizona (Mr. virtue signal, coming up behind these School. They are also known as the SCHWEIKERT) is recognized for 60 min- microphones, telling us all how much Steers, and for the past couple of dec- utes as the designee of the minority you care and then not to understand. ades, this school has excelled in sports leader. The revolution of technology is here, like cross country, soccer, baseball, Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, this that if you actually care about carbon and volleyball, but not under the Fri- is something we try to do every couple in the environment and its effects on day night lights of Texas in football. of weeks is come here and actually, global warming, guess what? You have However, for the first time in 40 typically, our opening board here is we just had a major, major breakthrough, years, the football team has made it to are talking about what are the because can the U.S. stop China from the State high school playoffs, and if headwinds to our society, what are the building its—what?—33 coal-fired you are from Texas, you know that headwinds to our country, particularly plants that are going up right now that that is a really, really big deal. over the next 30 years. basically have no carbon capture? This The school has a population of The reality of it is—and we will get type of technology becomes part of the around 1,800 students, and 95 percent to that. We have it on some of the solution. are Latino. North Side High School is boards that come a little bit later. I wish I could get our brothers and hoping to dispel the myth that the They talk about our economic prom- sisters here to stop being sort of, shall community can’t succeed on the grid- ises: Social Security, Medicare, certain we say, antiscience and be willing to iron. healthcare entitlements. The fact of keep up with the incredible progress we I want to congratulate Principal An- the matter is they consume every in- are making in environmental science. tonio Martinez and Coach Joseph Tur- cremental dollar. We will get to that. So this is a big deal for anyone who ner—who was given the job 5 years ago But one of the reasons I am actually is watching, anyone who is listening, despite having zero head coaching ex- starting with this board here is, this anyone who actually cares. Please, perience—and all of the football play- week, I believe the Democrats actually grab your phone. Let’s Google ‘‘MIT ers on the Steers team for their his- held what they call a Member Day with ambient carbon capture.’’ Look at the toric accomplishment. They are really the global warming or environmental graphics. They have a great little video a prime example of hard work and dedi- change committee. Forgive me for get- of how it works, a simple explanation cation and how far it can take you. ting the name wrong. of how it works. This is a big deal.

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First, just the thought ex- for the Treasury Department to finish vironmental discussion here that we periment. all the rules and the regs, but the con- must shut down any uses of these fossil World agriculture is said to produce cept was: You are an energy producer. fuels, of these hydrocarbons. 2.2 times the greenhouse gases of every If you would capture your carbon, we Many of us are just trying to say: I car on Earth. Okay. If you are using will give you a tax credit. If you take need you to open up your hearts and crops that had this technology associ- that carbon and then sequester it your minds to science and the math. ated with it so they grew 40 percent someplace or turned it into other uses, We can demonstrate we can actually more efficient, using these crops would we will give you another credit. use our energy and do it in a way where equal removing every car off the face Now, all of a sudden, we have the we capture the very thing you were of the Earth and its greenhouse gases. cost breakthrough of capturing that most concerned about. It is here. It is You just have to be willing to eat carbon. It is from a pure math stand- not theory. It is here. Let’s have just a something that technically is a GMO, point. This isn’t Republican or Demo- little moment of joy that science, once but the math equals removing every crat. This should be hope and optimism again, ran faster than at least we car off the face of the Earth. that, once again, sort of the thought it would. So, once again, the science is here. Malthusians in this place who thought So the other thing, also, to walk We have had this amazing break- the only way we could ever accomplish through, and I do this one just because through. It is the United States leading these things is crashing, just crashing I am fascinated—and I have the micro- the way. our economy, the end of use of hydro- phone. Earlier this year, we had a But also, this technology can be used carbons. They are wrong. major breakthrough in, I believe, tech- for growing forests, changing the grass We are going to walk through some nically, it is referred to as synthetic bi- in your ball fields, these other things. more of this, and you will see how this ology. It is here. We did it. And yet I see no will ultimately tie together, at least, I Does everyone remember their high one else coming behind these micro- hope you will. school biology class where we basically phones to talk about the optimism. So this is an example of the facility learned, hey, you are a plant cell? And If you care about the environment, in the current state of technology. This since time immemorial, plant cells ac- embrace, learn, listen, read, study, un- is a facility that I believe is going up in tually have an inherent inefficiency. derstand the scientific breakthroughs Canada right now. I believe the Bill & They really, really want that carbon that are here that make a difference. Melinda Gates Foundation and others molecule so they can grow a sugar, and I do this one just as a continuation of are investing in it. This is sort of an the plant can grow. And then some- the thought experiment: How many of active type of carbon capture. They times the plant cell, though, doesn’t you live in a community? How many of thought they could get down to $100 a end up getting that carbon molecule. It those of us here in D.C. live in a com- ton, and we were all giddy about this. ends up grabbing an oxygen. And now munity where you are not allowed to The previous board may cut this price it has to spend all this time and energy have a plastic straw? How many plastic in half. purging that. straws are in the ocean from North This is a big deal, when we just had I believe it is the University of Illi- America? Functionally, none. It is vir- not an incremental improvement, but a nois and a couple Federal agencies that tue signaling. It is theater. We do this major, major, major improvement in have been playing with this for awhile. to feel better that we care. what you call ambient air capture. It is Because the original thought was: But if you actually cared, it turns functionally mining the air and pulling Could we do some tweaking of plant bi- out the math will set you free. The carbon out of it. ology so it would create a greater car- math says 90 percent of the plastic in So let’s actually now think about fa- bon synch? the ocean comes from 10 rivers: 8 in cilities like this. This facility is up and Somewhere in that research, they hit Asia, 2 in Africa. running outside Houston. It is a nat- the holy grail, and that holy grail is If you actually care about plastic in ural gas power plant, and it doesn’t they can now make that plant always the ocean, stop the virtue signaling have a smokestack. They created grab the carbon molecule, so the plant about straws that are in D.C., that are something—and I always screw this up. grows 40 percent more efficiently. never going to actually be in the ocean, I believe it is the Allam cycle. Well, think about, first, what does and start caring about the 90 percent of This engineer had this idea for, ap- that mean to society? What does that the plastic that comes from 10 rivers. parently, decades, this concept saying: mean to the world? Well, it means we And we know where they are. Okay. We burn the natural gas; we heat will probably feed the world for the Change foreign policy. Change our steam; we take the steam; we turn the next couple hundred years. environmental age. Change our tech- turbines. Why not just blow up the nat- It also means you need 40 percent nical assistance. Go to those 10 rivers. ural gas, send the carbon from that, less land, 40 percent less water, 40 per- Change it, and then remove 90 percent smash it into the turbines, spin the cent less food, 40 percent less fertilizer. of the plastic from the ocean instead of turbines, and then capture the CO2 on It also means it is going to be disrup- just talking about it or having this the other side? tive to the value of farmland; it is charity group or this NGO or raising It works. It is up and running today, going to be disruptive to agricultural money off the issues and having no ac- and, apparently, it is incredibly effi- pricing; it is probably going to be dis- tual effect. cient. They are raising money. I think ruptive to agricultural credit. If you actually care, do something. they are going to dramatically increase But it is here. It is technology. It is Don’t engage in the political theater the size, but it is natural gas genera- coming. that makes you puff up your chest and tion—no smokestack—and it works. It also means, all of a sudden, if you sound like you actually care. Help us. And guess what happens? On the are someone who particularly likes Those of us on the Republican side, we other end, they capture all the CO2, biofuels, with this type of synthetic bi- are working on trying to change those and they use it for enhanced oil recov- ology, did you just change the pricing foreign aids, the technical aids, the ery. They can sequester it in concrete structures? technical assistance to do this. Help us and other places or just stick it back This is coming. The technology has do it. into the ground. But we know how to already succeeded in tobacco crops. We This shouldn’t be Republican. It do this because it is not a theory. It is use tobacco because that was the first shouldn’t be Democrat. It is tech- running today. one we knew the genome of, and I be- nology. We know where the plastic in How much discussion, how much lieve now they are experimenting in a the ocean comes from. We have ideas praise, how much interest do we get on number of row crops. on how to add a value to this plastic so this from our brothers and sisters here But, once again, there is an incred- it is collected, so it never ends up in who claim to care about the environ- ible disruption coming to the world those rivers. Go to the source where

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We have speak about it, talk about it, even hind these microphones should be been actually sort of demonstrating think about it, because you have to ex- about how not to screw it up, how to this one for a year, and I still can’t get plain something. It is hard, but it is understand what is working and do many of my brothers and sisters on the manageable if we do everything. more of it. left to say: Oh, God, that is right. It is And the very last board I am going to Because, you remember the previous math. We know where it is. Let’s go show is, once again, our sort of holistic slide that talked about the growth of get it. approach of, if we pull all the levers, debt, where our allocations go? If we It makes no sense to me. Is it we are we have done the math, we think we grow the economy, it gives us a fight- going to take away a talking point, a can keep it at 95 percent of debt to ing chance. Now, we still have to do a theatrical point? Help us actually GDP, this isn’t the absurd untruthful bunch of other things. make—I love scuba diving. Before I got conversations that we are going to pay And this is back to the ultimate this job, I used to actually get to spend off the debt, because every day 10,300 of point. I have been trying to argue now some time doing it. us turn 65. We need to deal with the for multiple years: There is a path Help us. Take credit for it. We just truth about the math. where we don’t have to be buried in a want the right thing to happen, but it And the math isn’t Republican or financial collapse as a society because is not virtue signaling. It is actually Democrat. It is math. we built up stunning amounts of debt. And I know some don’t want to hear it, going to where the problem actually is. b 1715 So let’s actually make a circle and but it is the math. see if I can tie this in to what it means So, first off, the number one pillar we We believe we have built the math to our future. have to engage in—because it makes that we could kiss up against 95 per- This is one of the things I have come everything else possible—is a robust, a cent of debt to GDP and hold it to this floor on for years, because we powerful, strong economic growth, the through the baby boomers. are having the wrong discussion here. robustness of the economy, the partici- I have a 4-year-old little girl. She de- We as a country are buried in debt, and pation in the labor force. serves to live in an America that the debt is going to get dramatically We must do everything possible, works, that grows, that provides oppor- bigger. whether it be changes in the Tax Code, tunities. Remember, we are in a world First, we need to pull out our cal- whether it be changes in trade, wheth- right now where, if we can keep up this culators—for those who actually own er it be changes in going to smart, level of growth, about every 30, 35 calculators here on Capitol Hill—and crowd-sourced type of technology- years the standard of living doubles. Or have a moment of honesty. based regulation. We must grow. we go back to the bad old days of just The debt is substantially driven by Growth is moral. a couple of years ago where the GDP our demographics. It is not Republican Because, if we don’t grow, you can’t growth was so slow and so fat, the or Democrat; it is just what we are. make any of the other math work. And standard of living was only going to We have 74 million of us who are this is the reality. double about every 70 years. baby boomers. Congress did not pay at- So, how many of my brothers and sis- So, how do we do this? I just walked tention that there were 74 million of us ters came behind these microphones through, first, our financial levers that who were going to turn 65 one day and when we did tax reform and told us the are solely responsible for us in this step into our earned entitlements. world was coming to an end—except for room. We own the levers. We own the So if you look at this chart right the fact that we, just last month, got levers of tax policy that grow the econ- now, 1965, you see the red area, it is 34 the revenues. Excuse me. They are omy. We own the levers of immigration percent. That is what mandatory called receipts. Total receipts into the policy that goes to a talent-based sys- spending was. That was everything Federal Government: turns out to be tem, that maximizes economic growth. from entitlements you get, you earned. the highest ever. We grew over 5 per- We own the levers with the administra- You earned your Social Security. You cent in our receipts in a post tax re- tion on smart regulations. We own the earned your Medicare. You earned your form world. levers, ultimately, on trade agreements veterans benefits. We had a parade of economists from that are fair and grow our economy. There are some you get because you the left come and tell us this could not But we have to do other things. We are part of a Tribal group or some you happen, but it happened. How about have to change many of our social enti- get because you fell under a certain in- that parade of economists from the left tlement structures to incentivize work. come. who came to us and told us we were If you are on Social Security dis- Today, it is now crossing over 70 per- going to force ourselves into a reces- ability, don’t create a cliff; create a cent of all of our spending is on for- sion? It didn’t happen. glide path so you are incentivized to be mula. When we stand on this floor and How about those who said, hey, you in the labor force. Because, think vote for appropriations, we don’t even guys can never get back into the 60- about it. When the models were done vote on that red portion, that 70-plus plus, 61, 62, 63 percent labor force par- after we did tax reform, the fragility— percent of our spending. We don’t even ticipation, but it has happened. the smart economists kept coming to vote on it. It is a formula. You could never have a society with us saying: Our capital stock. Will there And then what is remaining? Half of more jobs than available workers, but be enough money to finance the it is defense. You see that little blue it has happened. growth? area over there? That is the defense. You could never possibly see, like we It turns out, there is. We did it. You see there the green? That is all did in 2018, unmarried women with no Americans are saving. Some of that is we really have. partner at home having a 7.6 percent demographics. Some of it is substan- And if you actually look at what we rise in their incomes, but it happened. tially because of tax reform. call discretionary, nondefense discre- You could never cut the poverty rate It turns out, repatriation, we had— tionary, it has been substantially flat a full half a percent in a single year, what was the report?—$140 billion more for the last 10 years. It is just math. but we did it. come back than we expected. And it So if I come to you and say Social You would think things like that turns out, because we have a healthy Security, Medicare, healthcare entitle- would bring joy in this body, joy across economy, capital is coming in from all ments, just the growth from those over the country. We have an economy that over the world. So we have the capital the next 5 years, just the growth will is working. We had Jay Powell here to invest and grow. equal the spending of the Defense De- yesterday, the Federal Reserve chair- But the other fragility was labor, partment. Let’s double it. Hey, every 10 man, talking about we are in a sweet available workers. What a great prob- years, we will add two full Defense De- spot. It is working. The most stable lem to have, but we need to think of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.084 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8873 every lever we have in society, every- nology is illegal under the way our needs the strong labor force to grab thing from dealing with the opioid cri- laws are written today. those who may have been rotated in sis to incentives to participate in the There is a revolution coming. The the economy. It all has to work to- labor force. other side of the spectrum is drugs like gether. Come to Phoenix, Arizona. We have a the single-shot cure for hemophilia. My heartbreak as I come behind this homeless shelter. There is an organiza- You saw that we think we now have microphone and the reason I am here is tion there called St. Joseph The Work- the cure for sickle cell anemia. On cys- to save this country and save it from er. It is a 100-year-old-plus Catholic tic fibrosis, it looks like we think we that huge monster that is our debt, be- charity. You walk in the door, and they may have the drug that stabilizes it. cause I have the world’s greatest little will show you—they have a stack of job We know we have the drug that sta- 4-year-old girl, and I am going to find opportunities for the most disaffected bilizes ALS. a way to fix this for my country, but of our society, people who are trying to They are all going to be really expen- also for my daughter. get on their program, trying to deal sive. These are miracles in the biologic I have been coming behind this with mental health demons and sub- pharmaceutical world. We need to now microphone now with this for over a stance abuse demons and those things. work on a financing mechanism for the year. We have meeting after meeting But they are there. distribution of these pharmaceuticals after meeting after meeting on the fact There should be joy that there is that cure our brothers and sisters with that there is a path. It requires being such a labor shortage that our brothers chronic conditions. Because, remem- willing to accept disruption in tech- and sisters in the business community ber, 5 percent of our population with nology. It requires being able to actu- are willing to take a risk on our broth- chronic conditions is the majority of ally drop some of the crazy ideology ers and sisters who are living in a our healthcare spending. and actually use a calculator on the homeless shelter. That part, we have And we are about to start curing a math on the things that actually grow proven, works. number of them, because a few years the economy. How do we expand participation in ago the Republicans in this body, we And the ideology of rage has blinded the labor force? How do we also, now, passed the Cures Act, and it is work- us from, I think, in many ways, doing incentivize the other end? If you are ing. the right thing for working men and healthy, if you are fit, if you are sharp, And my terror is the left is moving a women, for my little girl, for this coun- if you just want to, do we actually bill called H.R. 3. It made it through try. start to say: Well, you are 72 years old. the Ways and Means Committee, and it And I don’t care if you are on the You want to work. We are going to breaks my heart because they are right or the left; you should be having start adding certain levels of taxes. We about to screw up the very incentives your soul ripped out because we are are going to start taking away parts of that have created these miracles, that now—we have been here, what, 10-plus your Social Security. We are going to are about to start curing individuals months, and we have squandered al- tax these benefits because you are out with these chronic conditions. most every day we have been here be- there working. Understand, if we could get our act cause we know the path we have to go Just the opposite. We want as much together, if we could actually start to down, yet, in many ways, all we have of our society to stay in the labor understand the technology disruption done is make it worse. force. And if you want to and you are that is here, we can start to crash the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance older, let’s redesign some of these in- price of healthcare, instead of having of my time. centives to stay in the labor force. the absurd debate of who should get f Our millennial males that we still subsidized and who should have to pay. have a math problem entering the Is that Republican or Democrat? It is IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS labor force and the other end of the age just technology. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under curve—let’s fix it. Those are policies. Is But when you work in an environ- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- that Republican or Democrat? It is just ment where rage is the actual com- uary 3, 2019, the gentleman from Texas rational policy to keep the economy modity of exchange, how do you ever (Mr. GOHMERT) is recognized for the re- growing. actually get to solutions? mainder of the hour as the designee of The other one that I come to the And then the last one, which will be the minority leader. floor constantly and speak about is the the most difficult one, is we have to Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, these disruption of technology that is about have an honest conversation of what to are interesting times, and I build more to crash the price of healthcare. And do in the actual incentives, are there respect for my friend from Arizona this is one of those moments I seem to things we could do in the incentives of every time I hear him speak. I am very succeed in offending everyone, so staying healthy, of how you deliver grateful for his presence and his ef- maybe it is the right thing. Medicare and Medicare part A and B forts. The ACA, ObamaCare—let’s have a and D, the incentives there. At this point I would like to address moment of truth and reality about it. Could we actually create some incen- this ongoing issue, ongoing for only It was substantially a finance mecha- tives for Social Security that, if you about 3 years, because it was imme- nism. It was about who got subsidized, wanted to work longer, you get spiffs diately upon President Trump being who had to pay. and those things? elected President that we immediately Our Republican alternative, well- But, if we do those five things, we started hearing all of the saber-rattling meaning, had a number of kickers, a can make the math work that we as a that we have got to impeach this guy, number of incentives in it, but it society, we as a country do not have to he is not qualified, he is crazy, he has wasn’t about who got subsidized and fall off the debt cliff. And it is the committed crimes. who had to pay; it was substantially hardest thing you can imagine for a And we have been hearing for nearly about who had to pay and who got sub- body that is completely calcified in its 3 years: there is no question, there is sidized. inability to actually do anything of lots of direct evidence, President This body needs to stop having the value. Because it would require owning Trump has committed crimes, a lot absurd conversation about the financ- a calculator; it would require thinking; more than you might think; in fact, a ing part of healthcare and start think- it would require some creativity; and it lot more than circumstantial evidence. ing about what we do to crash the ac- would require doing everything at one Oh, it is overwhelming. tual delivery price. time to make the math work. We have heard from so many people It turns out there is a revolution of You can’t just do one of these things, for nearly 3 years—well, actually, over technology out there, the thing you walk away, and pretend you did some- 3 years now—over 3 years. can blow into that can actually tell thing. It all has a synergistic feed be- Then we get down to it. The great you you have the flu. It can bounce off cause the labor force participation hope was the man that I believe did your phone, check your medical needs the strong economy; the strong more damage to the FBI than all of the records, and then order antivirals. Ex- economy needs the investments for the FBI directors for the last 50 years, a cept for, the problem is, that tech- technology; the technology disruption guy named Mueller.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.086 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8874 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 b 1730 I mean, I have been in courts for my yesterday, Ambassador Taylor recalls, He ran off thousands and thousands whole adult life, and you might have a and this is Sondland’s testimony, that of years of our best FBI experience. Ap- stenographer miss a word here and Tim Morrison told Ambassador Taylor parently, he just wanted yes-people. He there. They are amazing. They hardly that Sondland ‘‘told Mr. Morrison that didn’t want people who had enough ex- ever make mistakes. But if you have I conveyed this message to Yermak on perience to tell him when he was on four stenographers sitting on a call, September 1, 2019, in connection with the wrong track. you are not going to have four stenog- Vice President PENCE’s visit to Warsaw He said he had no reason to apologize raphers miss anything when they con- and a meeting with President when he destroyed the lives of innocent sult each other and work together. Zelensky.’’ people. And yet, that is the person who That is just not going to happen. Astounding. That is where Mr. Tay- was put in charge of this investigation. I had one of the best court reporters lor says he got his clear understanding What did he do? He went out and in the world, and, you know, there was of what had happened. hired over a dozen people who abso- a mistake now and then. If you look at his testimony, you get lutely despise , put them You put four people like that to- a real sense of how this honorable serv- to work trying to destroy our sitting gether, like we are taking down the ing military member, fine graduate of President. They harassed him and his President and President Zelensky’s West Point, has been tainted over the family, business associates, people in call, and they don’t make mistakes. years. the administration, threatened their But it had to send shivers up the You look at his testimony, first of families, threatened them. spines of anybody in our intelligence all, he says something like—he an- Even after all that, after virtually 2 community that had worked with swered a question. He had never seen years, nearly 2 years of investigation Ukrainians, Russians, former MI–6, aid conditioned on political interests. by the Mueller cabal, they had nothing. Italians, Australians to try to destroy And yet, what he probably had in his They had nothing. I think Mueller President Trump. It had to send shiv- mind is he had never seen aid condi- would have been happy to keep inves- ers up their spine. It had to get them tioned on something he disagreed with. tigating and using up millions and mil- very concerned. Most of our aid is conditioned on lions of taxpayer dollars, tens of mil- Oh, my gosh. This President is going something. If it is not, we need to find lions, as he had been doing. Fortu- to close in on us because this new it and get conditions on it. nately, his investigation came to an President, we understand he is honest. As I have said ever since I have been end. That is what we keep hearing, that he here, you don’t have to pay people to After thousands of witnesses, they wants to end corruption in Ukraine. hate you. They will do it for free. And had nothing. No Russia collusion. A This whole body, I think there were yet, our country continues to pay dic- hoax is what it turned out to be. maybe 10 or 12 or so that didn’t vote for tators that hate us. When it was clear there was no Rus- the bill in 2014 that talks about Russia, That stuff ought to be stopped. It sia collusion—of course, it is not a I mean—not Russia, but Ukrainian cor- ought to be conditioned on making crime to collude. It is a crime to con- ruption, and how we need to push them those countries less corrupt. That is spire. to end that corruption. So, I mean, ev- what this House has tried to do on both There was no Russian conspiracy be- erybody on this floor basically knows. sides of the aisle, in prior years, to end tween anybody with the Trump cam- And I think the ‘‘no’’ votes were based corruption in Ukraine. paign and the Russians. But it is very on some other reason, not on a desire But you get a sense of things when— clear, the Russians, what they really not to end corruption. We all had the this is his testimony, at page 11, Mr. wanted, for people who have really dug same goal, just concerns about dif- Taylor’s. Let’s see. ‘‘The first summary into this, they wanted and what they ferent parts. of the July 25 Trump-Zelensky call always want, always have wanted, back The fact is, people know. There has that I heard from anybody inside the when it was the Soviet Union, they been a lot of corruption. It sounds like U.S. Government was during a phone want to divide America. They want to President Zelensky wants to end it. call I had with Tim Morrison, Dr. Hill’s destroy this Republic. You put that with a President who recent replacement at the NSC, on Unfortunately, they found allies, doesn’t mind rattling cages and trying July 28.’’ willing or otherwise, here in this coun- to drain the swamp and trying to That is what Ambassador Sondland try, to take absolute lies that were cre- change the way we do things for the was apparently talking about. He got ated, were spun up, were twisted—had better, and of course, it offends those that from Tim Morrison, who conveyed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance whether they say they are part of the a message that Yermak got from Am- Act court, the FISA court, manipu- deep state or not. It is the people that bassador Sondland about Vice Presi- lated fraud upon the FISA court, which work here that have never been elected dent PENCE’s visit to Warsaw and meet- has exposed to me, as a former judge here but think they run this country, ing with President Zelensky. and chief justice, that since we have and those in embassies who, beyond He goes on, and his next statement, seen nothing from the FISA court of what they are assigned to do, they next paragraph: ‘‘By August, I was be- outrage, as a good judge should have think they run foreign policy. We have coming more concerned.’’ when they realized there has been a gotten a taste of that through these Yeah, Mr. Taylor was becoming con- fraud upon the court, nothing, which hearings and through these witnesses cerned because he had heard fourth- tells me we either need to totally get and through their testimony. hand the President wanted to end some rid of the FISA court or we need to The star witness yesterday, Mr. Tay- corruption in Ukraine that was affect- have some dramatic changes. lor, I don’t impugn his military serv- ing the United States election. We certainly need to change the ice, but I know if he had been the kind I thought that is what everybody FISA judges themselves because either of gossipmonger in the Army or at here wanted to do. That is what we they were unwilling and unknowing ac- West Point that he has turned into at have been hearing from the leftwing, or complices with the fraud upon the the State Department, he sure many call it the mainstream, but the court, or they knew what was going on wouldn’t have gone very far. His next leftwing, alt-left media. They have and he or she, or they, were proud to OER in the Army would have destroyed been saying, oh, how horrible. play a part in trying to destroy the his career. In West Point, he would Well, here you have a President try- Trump campaign and the Trump Presi- have gotten the lowest peer review rat- ing to do something about it, and Mr. dency. ings. He would not have done very well Taylor, the wonderful, honorably serv- I think it is interesting, this call be- at all. ing Army man, is now concerned be- tween President Trump and President This is, apparently, a different Mr. cause of the fourth-hand account he Zelensky, July 25, I mean, when so Taylor than the one that went through got about what the President did. many people—we find out now so many West Point and served honorably and Now, we are told: Oh, by the way, I people were on the call, including at well in the Army. heard about a staffer who overheard a least four stenographers taking down But as Ambassador Sondland testi- conversation between the Ambassador every word. fied, and our friend JIM JORDAN read and the President, and he mentioned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.089 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8875 the interviews, had some question And I would just suggest, if we have United States military personnel who about the interviews, maybe how they a vote to send this matter of impeach- have been unfairly treated, people who were going. ment, actually impeach this President saw it as their patriotic duty to sign up Oh, my goodness. The investigation, for violating the sense of propriety of and serve this country, risk their lives wanted to know how it was going. Gee, somebody who is so deep in the state and limbs and their life as a family how horrible that we had a President and in the intel that they don’t like member to serve this country. who wanted to know about corruption somebody coming in trying to drain Greater love hath no one, Jesus told in Ukraine that was affecting the the swamp, if that is what they want to us, that they would be willing to lay United States. impeach this President over, trying to down their lives for their friends, and Then we get down—and I think this end corruption in Ukraine that affects that is what these people do. tells us a great deal about their star our election, well, then, the Senate, I My group, my 4 years on Active witness, until his staffer, who was know some have said, ‘‘Oh, we are not Duty, we were never sent to combat, eavesdropping and heard a conversa- going to have a vote on that,’’ well, I but we have, currently, a Secretary of tion, we are told, when Mr. Taylor imagine they probably will, and they the Department of Defense who is try- ing to stop efforts and came out and says, ‘‘A formal U.S. request to the are going to need to have a trial. Ukrainians to conduct an investigation In looking back and researching this publicly—basically threatened the based on violations of their own law again, you know, there are no rules of President, don’t you dare try to right struck me as improper.’’ evidence for impeachment; there are no what you think are wrongs in people Well, my understanding was the rules of procedure. The Constitution who I would tell you have been rail- President wants to know about corrup- provides for it, the impeachment trial roaded by a broken military justice tion in Ukraine that may have violated in the Senate. But as I understand it, system. The reason Congress created the American law, our laws, work with our the Senate may have even gone to the UCMJ, where military members don’t U.S. Attorney General to try to get to Old Senate Chamber to have a session even get all the rights that we give to the bottom of not Ukraine, per se, but out from under C–SPAN cameras to Ukrainians’ effort to affect our elec- terrorists, to foreign terrorists ille- work out the rules of evidence and pro- gally in our country—we don’t give our tion. cedure, limit time, limit witnesses, That offends these deep staters in the military as many rights as they have. how questions are asked, all that. They The reason we had to shortcut, or State Department, these people that have to come up with that every im- don’t like a President that doesn’t see Congress did, back when the UCMJ was peachment, a new set of rules. passed was because both sides of the things exactly like they do. How dare I would point to Article III, Section 3 this President come in and want to aisle understood that, when you are in for a little bit of guidance here. a combat theater, you don’t have time exert his foreign policy that he got Article III, Section 3 talks about elected to put in place. He doesn’t un- to go back and have a thorough inves- treason, and President Trump is not tigation, gather up all the forensic evi- derstand. We are the ones that run guilty of any treason. He is not being things. dence and then come back and have a accused of treason, except from people nice jury trial in America. You have You see it here. He says that ‘‘struck who are suffering from PTSD. That is me as improper.’’ I am the judge, the got to deal with it quickly and then get President Trump stress disorder. But back on the battlefield. purveyor of what is right or not in my otherwise, there will be no charge of realm. And yet what we have seen over and treason against this President, because over, when the military chooses for po- You find that in a number of people it didn’t happen. in the State Department. We run litical expedience or political correct- But it is such an important issue ness purposes or when they want to things. when you talk about removing a duly Of course, they come in and testify. satisfy a terrible leader like Maliki elected President for the first time in was in Iraq who created all kinds of ‘‘I have worked for this many Presi- our history. And there is a rule on trea- dents, carried out their foreign policy.’’ trouble for that country, we would send son. It is in the Constitution: ‘‘No per- a Vice President over to stand by him Then we find out that what means. ‘‘I son shall be convicted of treason unless carry out their foreign policy as long and say we are going to get these guys, on the testimony of two witnesses to or tell Karzai, a corrupt family in Af- as they do what I tell them. Or I ignore the same overt act.’’ That means direct them and carry out what I know is ghanistan, oh, yes, we are going to evidence, no hearsay, two people who prosecute our guys who, turned out, much better.’’ You get that sense. actually witnessed this despicable act. He goes on: ‘‘And I recommended to killed people who created IEDs that I would submit to the Senate that re- killed Americans, people who were Ambassador Volker we ‘stay clear’’’ be- moving a President properly duly cause I, Mr. Taylor, know much better trying to kill Americans, and elected for the first time in our his- yet we have hung some of our own peo- than the elected President. I know bet- tory, even after there were Ukrainians ter than the Attorney General. ple out to dry. and Russians trying to help the Demo- So we have a letter, a bunch of us do. b 1745 crats to keep him from being elected— It should go out in the morning, I I know better than all of these he still won, got a huge majority of the guess, to the Defense Secretary, and, clowns who are elected or have been electoral college votes. This would be you know, I put the words in there my- confirmed by the Senate. Who are they every bit as serious as charging some- self that I think, if he doesn’t realize to go around what I think? one with treason. The Senate ought to that there needs to be some corrections And he goes on: ‘‘To find out the set a rule that says: We have got to within military justice so we don’t legal aspects of the question, however, have two direct witnesses to whatever keep sending innocent people defending I gave him,’’ the Ambassador, ‘‘the they are saying he did wrong. We are our country, defending their brothers name of a deputy assistant attorney not going to take hearsay to remove a and sisters on the battlefield, if we general, whom I thought would be the President for the first time. don’t stop sending them to prison and proper point of contact for seeking a I would suggest that if the Senate bring them back to America for a trial, U.S. request for a foreign investiga- would do that, they won’t even have to don’t allow the defendant to bring wit- tion.’’ worry about setting time deadlines, nesses back from the combat theater, How dare President Trump try to go witness deadlines. Just put that re- oh, no, but the CID and our officials around the way I, Mr. Taylor, think quirement on, and it will be a very will make deals with Taliban or with that foreign affairs ought to be handled short trial because there are no direct people in Iraq who want to destroy our and the way corruption ought to be ad- witnesses of any allegation that would country and us, if they will come over dressed when it affects the United rise to the level of what is being ac- and say terrible things about our mili- States? How dare he? I am the one who cused here. tary member, we will put them in pris- knows these things, not this clown MILITARY PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN TREATED on, and we will give them visas. President. UNFAIRLY And that happened with Sergeant I mean, it is pretty clear what was in Mr. GOHMERT. Now I want to turn Derrick Miller. We got a whole bunch his mind, and it needs to stop. quickly to the issue of some of our of people.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14NO7.090 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8876 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Clint Lorance, hoping that the Presi- them back. Use your money from de- ance Corporation, transmitting the Corpora- dent will act. Apparently got slowed fense. Use that not in courts-martial tion’s final rule — Resolution Plans Re- down by the Defense Secretary jump- but here in the United States in a civil quired (RIN: 3064-AE93) received November 7, ing in. court, and that will solve the problem. 2019, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the John Hatley, a first sergeant, two Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Committee on Financial Services. bronze stars, He should have gotten a of my time. 2946. A letter from the Director, Office of silver star, but that was apparently f Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Insur- pulled as a recommendation. ance Corporation, transmitting the Corpora- , Corey Clagett, we RECOGNIZING SALEM MEDICAL tion’s final rule — Changes to Applicability have got a whole bunch of folks, and we CENTER Thresholds for Regulatory Capital and Li- have a Congressional Justice for War- (Mr. VAN DREW asked and was given quidity Requirements (RIN: 3064-AE96) re- riors Caucus here that is working on permission to address the House for 1 ceived November 7, 2019, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. minute and to revise and extend his re- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 this. Stat. 868); to the Committee on Financial And we have got a guy who recog- marks.) Services. nized a Taliban member from the day Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, today 2947. A letter from the Auditor, Office of before when he had his AK–47 and I want to acknowledge the Salem Med- the District of Columbia Auditor, transmit- grabbed him in the middle of our U.S. ical Center, as they recently celebrated ting a final report: ANC 8C Misappropriated Army camp in Afghanistan and starts 100 years of service to the south Jersey Funds, pursuant to Public Law 93-198, Sec. questioning him, and he starts lying community. 455(d); (87 Stat. 803); to the Committee on through the interpreter: Oh, I was here The medical center has been a staple Oversight and Reform. of the area since its creation and has 2948. A letter from the Administrator, Gen- to fix electrical. Oh, no, I was here to eral Services Administration, transmitting fix plumbing. evolved over time to meet the chang- the Administration’s Semiannual Report to And that sergeant pulled his gun and ing needs of Salem County. Congress from the Office of the Inspector demanded answers. The guy grabs for Salem Medical Center offers cutting- General; to the Committee on Oversight and the gun and, in the struggle, the edge hospital services and a wide array Reform. Taliban member was shot. That ser- of outpatient programs to ensure the 2949. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- geant was brought back to America. people of south Jersey have access to ment of Health and Human Services, trans- the healthcare they need. The center mitting The Department’s determination on The translator, who they told separate a petition filed on behalf of workers at the stories—I mean, they told separate sto- has also been expanding in recent Y-12 Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to be ries, but it was the same story told sep- years, thus providing patients with added to the Special Exposure Cohort, pursu- arately. more advanced technology and higher ant to 42 U.S.C. 7384q(c)(2); Public Law 106- Yet, after the CID got through prom- quality care. 398, Sec. 1 (as amended by Public Law 108-375, ising or somebody promising this guy I want to thank the Salem Medical Sec. 3166(b)(1)); (118 Stat. 2188); to the Com- that had been trying to get a visa into Center for their reliable service to mittee on the Judiciary. 2950. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- America and turned down every time: south Jersey for the past 100 years and hope they continue to flourish in ment of Health and Human Services, trans- If you will come to America and testify mitting the Department’s determination on that the Taliban member never Salem County for 100 more. Their a petition filed on behalf of workers at the grabbed his gun, then we will give you nurses, their doctors, their technicians, West Valley Demonstration Project in West and your family visas; you will prob- all of their employees are our heroes. Valley, New York, to be added to the Special ably be able to get citizenship. May God bless them. Exposure Cohort, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. Oh, okay, then that is my story now, f 7384q(c)(2); Public Law 106-398, Sec. 1 (as amended by Public Law 108-375, Sec. he never tried to grab the gun. ADJOURNMENT And you threaten another witness 3166(b)(1)); (118 Stat. 2188); to the Committee on the Judiciary. who was there, he is going to prison if Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. 2951. A letter from the Deputy Chief, Regu- you don’t turn around and change what latory Coordination Division, U.S. Citizen- you have said from the very beginning The motion was agreed to; accord- ship and Immigration Services, Department without any influence from Sergeant ingly (at 5 o’clock and 58 minutes of Homeland Security, transmitting the De- Miller, and you put the guy in prison p.m.), the House adjourned until to- partment’s final rule — Registration Fee Re- for premeditated murder? morrow, Friday, November 15, 2019, at 9 quirement for Petitioners Seeking To File H- You don’t have the weapon? Oh, no, a.m. 1B Petitions on Behalf of Cap Subject Aliens you don’t let him have the weapon. f [CIS No.: 2652-19; DHS Docket No.: USCIS- 2019-0006] (RIN: 1615-AC36) received November You don’t have it examined so that it EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 8, 2019, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Pub- can show that the fingerprints of the ETC. lic Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Taliban member were on that gun, he Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Committee on the Judiciary. did try to grab it. And he is sentenced 2952. A letter from the Management and communications were taken from the for premeditated murder for the rest of Program Analyst, FAA, Department of Speaker’s table and referred as follows: his life. Transportation, transmitting the Depart- Well, we got that turned around. We 2942. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- ment of Agriculture, transmitting a letter tives; Saab AB, Saab Aeronautics (Formerly got it paroled, and thank God we did. reporting a violation of the Antideficiency Known as Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems) Air- He is one of the finest people I have Act by the Department of Agriculture, pur- planes [Docket No.: FAA-2019-0520; Product ever known, Sergeant Derrick Miller suant to 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); Public Law 110-161, Identifier 2019-NM-046-AD; Amendment 39- here, working for me now, and he is Sec. 1517(b); (121 Stat. 2285); to the Com- 19770; AD 2019-21-04] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received working for our caucus. mittee on Appropriations. November 7, 2019, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. We have a system that is broken, and 2943. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 we need to fix it. And if our Secretary ment of Agriculture, transmitting a letter Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- of Defense doesn’t recognize that, he reporting a violation of the Antideficiency tation and Infrastructure. Act by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2953. A letter from the Management and needs to go, and we need to take the pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); Public Law 110- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of money that we have allowed them to 161, Sec. 1517(b); (121 Stat. 2285); to the Com- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- use to drag people back to America, mittee on Appropriations. ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- away from the combat field, away from 2944. A letter from the General Counsel, tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: juries that have combat experience, we Government Accountability Office, trans- FAA-2019-0724; Product Identifier 2019-NM- need to put them on trial in a civil mitting the Fiscal Year 2018 Antideficiency 134-AD; Amendment 39-19773; AD 2019-21-07] Federal court and let them have all the Act Reports Compilation, pursuant to 31 (RIN: 2120-AA64) received November 7, 2019, rights and privileges they should have U.S.C. 1351; Public Law 97-258; (96 Stat. 926) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law and 31 U.S.C. 1517(b); Public Law 110-161, Sec. 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- as American citizens. 1517(b); (121 Stat. 2285); to the Committee on mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- If you are not going to do it in the Appropriations. ture. combat theater the proper way with 2945. A letter from the Director, Office of 2954. A letter from the Management and the proper investigation, let’s bring Legislative Affairs, Federal Deposit Insur- Program Analyst, FAA, Department of

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Transportation, transmitting the Depart- LOUDERMILK, Mr. HURD of Texas, Mr. late the labeling of products made in the ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- TIPTON, Mr. PENCE, Mr. WITTMAN, and United States and introduced in interstate tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia): or foreign commerce, and for other purposes; FAA-2019-0718; Product Identifier 2019-NM- H.R. 5082. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 128-AD; Amendment 39-19771; AD 2019-21-05] enue Code of 1986 to provide tax benefits for By Mrs. FLETCHER (for herself and (RIN: 2120-AA64) received November 7, 2019, investments in gigabit opportunity zones; to Mr. MULLIN): pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law the Committee on Ways and Means, and in H.R. 5089. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- addition to the Committee on Energy and enue Code of 1986 to extend the credit for al- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- Commerce, for a period to be subsequently ternative fuels; to the Committee on Ways ture. determined by the Speaker, in each case for and Means. 2955. A letter from the Management and consideration of such provisions as fall with- By Ms. FUDGE: Program Analyst, FAA, Department of in the jurisdiction of the committee con- H.R. 5090. A bill to require the Adminis- Transportation, transmitting the Depart- cerned. trator of General Services to issue regula- ment’s final rule — Airworthiness Direc- By Mr. SCHWEIKERT (for himself, Mr. tions allowing the leasing of certain space tives; Airbus SAS Airplanes [Docket No.: NORMAN, Mr. MEADOWS, and Mr. for preventive health fitness programs, and FAA-2019-0522; Product Identifier 2019-NM- GAETZ): for other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- 082-AD; Amendment 39-19737; AD 2019-19-01] H.R. 5083. A bill to provide that, in the erans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Com- event that the Secretary of the Treasury es- (RIN: 2120-AA64) received November 7, 2019, mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- timates that the debt ceiling will be reached, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law ture, for a period to be subsequently deter- the Secretary is required to issue GDP- 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- linked bonds to pay the principal and inter- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- sideration of such provisions as fall within est on the public debt and the President is ture. the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. authorized to request the rescission of cer- By Mr. HUFFMAN: f tain unobligated balances and sell certain H.R. 5091. A bill to establish a community mortgage-related assets, and for other pur- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON wildfire defense grant program, and for other poses; to the Committee on Ways and Means, purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS and in addition to the Committees on Finan- tation and Infrastructure, and in addition to cial Services, the Budget, and Rules, for a Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of the Committees on Natural Resources, and period to be subsequently determined by the committees were delivered to the Clerk Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently Speaker, in each case for consideration of determined by the Speaker, in each case for for printing and reference to the proper such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- calendar, as follows: tion of the committee concerned. consideration of such provisions as fall with- in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Mr. DEFAZIO: Committee on Transpor- By Mr. MEEKS (for himself and Mrs. cerned. tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 2247. A bill to CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York): amend the Federal Water Pollution Control H.R. 5084. A bill to amend the Securities By Mr. LANGEVIN (for himself and Act to provide assistance for programs and Exchange Act of 1934 to require the submis- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania): H.R. 5092. A bill to amend the Elementary activities to protect the water quality of sion by issuers of data relating to diversity and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to pro- Puget Sound, and for other purposes; with an and for other purposes; to the Committee on vide grants to States to establish a com- amendment (Rept. 116–290). Referred to the Financial Services. prehensive school career counseling frame- Committee of the Whole House on the state By Mr. BIGGS (for himself and Mr. work; to the Committee on Education and of the Union. NORMAN): Labor. Mr. DEFAZIO: Committee on Transpor- H.R. 5085. A bill to remove the discre- By Mr. TED LIEU of California: tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 4275. A bill to tionary inflater from the baseline and to pro- H.R. 5093. A bill to amend the West Los An- amend the Federal Water Pollution Control vide that the salaries of Members of a House geles Leasing Act of 2016 to provide for the Act to reauthorize the Lake Pontchartrain of Congress will be held in escrow if that treatment of proceeds from seized or for- Basin Restoration Program, and for other House has not agreed to a concurrent resolu- feited assets in connection with certain purposes; with an amendment (Rept. 116–291). tion on the budget for fiscal year 2022; to the third-party land use, and for other purposes; Referred to the Committee of the Whole Committee on the Budget, and in addition to to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. House on the state of the Union. the Committees on House Administration, and Oversight and Reform, for a period to be By Mr. TED LIEU of California: f subsequently determined by the Speaker, in H.R. 5094. A bill to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to credit applicable med- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS each case for consideration of such provi- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ical facilities accounts at the West Los An- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public committee concerned. geles Campus of the Department of Veterans bills and resolutions of the following By Ms. CHENEY (for herself, Mr. GAL- Affairs in , California with reve- titles were introduced and severally re- LAGHER, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. BUDD, Mr. nues received pursuant to the use of ease- ferred, as follows: KING of New York, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, ments at the Campus; to the Committee on Mr. ZELDIN, Mr. CRAWFORD, Mrs. Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. SPANO (for himself, Mr. HAS- LESKO, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- By Mr. LUETKEMEYER (for himself, TINGS, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. DEUTCH, lina, Mr. TURNER, Mr. WALTZ, Mr. Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee, Mr. SMITH and Mr. WALTZ): DESJARLAIS, Mr. WOMACK, Mr. of Nebraska, Mr. ROUZER, and Mr. H.R. 5080. A bill to amend title 18, United BYRNE, Mr. WEBER of Texas, Ms. YOUNG): States Code, to establish a rebuttable pre- STEFANIK, Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee, H.R. 5095. A bill to require the Secretary of sumption that certain Federal offenses were Mr. CHABOT, Mr. BABIN, Mr. ARM- the Interior to delist certain endangered spe- induced by coercion if a defendant was the STRONG, Mr. STEUBE, and Mr. MITCH- cies and threatened species; to the Com- victim of trafficking when such offense was ELL): mittee on Natural Resources. committed, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 5086. A bill to terminate certain waiv- By Ms. MATSUI (for herself and Mr. Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition ers of sanctions with respect to Iran issued FORTENBERRY): to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a in connection with the Joint Comprehensive H.R. 5096. A bill to improve passenger ves- period to be subsequently determined by the Plan of Action, and for other purposes; to the sel security and safety, and for other pur- Speaker, in each case for consideration of Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addi- poses; to the Committee on Transportation such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- tion to the Committees on Financial Serv- and Infrastructure. tion of the committee concerned. ices, the Judiciary, and Oversight and Re- By Ms. MENG (for herself, Mr. HAS- By Mr. WRIGHT (for himself, Mr. form, for a period to be subsequently deter- TINGS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. NADLER, Ms. GAETZ, Mr. PENCE, Mr. RIGGLEMAN, mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- TLAIB, Mr. CISNEROS, and Ms. Mr. WEBER of Texas, Mr. CARTER of sideration of such provisions as fall within ESCOBAR): Texas, and Mr. BILIRAKIS): the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. H.R. 5097. A bill to require greater notifica- H.R. 5081. A bill to require the Attorney By Mr. CLAY: tion to the public regarding product recalls, General to establish a grant program to as- H.R. 5087. A bill to require non-Federal and for other purposes; to the Committee on sist with the medical expenses of qualified prison, correctional, and detention facilities Energy and Commerce. working dogs, and for other purposes; to the holding Federal prisoners or detainees under By Mr. NORCROSS (for himself and Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition a contract with the Federal Government to Mr. KIM): to the Committee on Armed Services, for a make the same information available to the H.R. 5098. A bill to amend titles 10 and 38, period to be subsequently determined by the public that Federal prisons and correctional United States Code, to make certain im- Speaker, in each case for consideration of facilities are required to make available; to provements to transitional services for sepa- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- the Committee on the Judiciary. rating members of the Armed Forces and tion of the committee concerned. By Mr. COOK: educational assistance under laws adminis- By Mr. COLLINS (for himself, Mr. H.R. 5088. A bill to make exclusive the au- tered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, CUELLAR, Mr. RIGGLEMAN, Mr. thority of the Federal Government to regu- and for other purposes; to the Committee on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L14NO7.000 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE H8878 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the H.R. 5107. A bill to amend title 49, United States on Public Health Thank You Day, No- Committee on Armed Services, for a period States Code, to establish a program at San vember 25, 2019; to the Committee on Energy to be subsequently determined by the Speak- Francisco International Airport for purposes and Commerce. er, in each case for consideration of such pro- of soundproofing residential buildings in sur- By Mr. NEGUSE (for himself, Mr. CASE, visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the rounding communities; to the Committee on Ms. CRAIG, Ms. HAALAND, Mr. LEVIN committee concerned. Transportation and Infrastructure. of California, Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL, By Ms. NORTON: By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. PHILLIPS, Mr. ROSE of New York, H.R. 5099. A bill to require the Director of and Mr. RASKIN): Ms. SCANLON, Ms. SCHRIER, Ms. the Office of Personnel Management to sub- H.R. 5108. A bill to require the Adminis- SHALALA, Mr. STANTON, Ms. TLAIB, mit to Congress a plan to ensure that the ex- trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- Ms. UNDERWOOD, and Mr. ROUDA): ecutive branch of Government has a full tion to continue processing the proposed H. Con. Res. 74. Concurrent resolution en- workforce composed of qualified employees, SFO NIITE Departure Southbound Transi- couraging the Architect of the Capitol to and for other purposes; to the Committee on tion and the OAK HUSSH Departure South- transition to the exclusive use of electricity Oversight and Reform. bound Transition, and for other purposes; to derived from renewable energy sources to By Mr. O’HALLERAN (for himself and the Committee on Transportation and Infra- power the United States Capitol Complex by Mr. SCHWEIKERT): structure. 2032; to the Committee on Transportation H.R. 5100. A bill to direct the Secretary of By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. CASE, and Infrastructure. Agriculture to establish a grant program to Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. By Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma remove nonnative plant species that con- PANETTA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. ROUDA, (for herself, Mr. CRENSHAW, Mr. tribute to drought conditions, and for other Ms. LEE of California, Mr. SUOZZI, TAKANO, Mr. BRINDISI, Ms. STEFANIK, purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ESHOO, and Mr. Mr. ROSE of New York, Ms. TORRES By Mr. PALLONE (for himself and Mr. SMITH of Washington): SMALL of New Mexico, Mr. SWALWELL PASCRELL): H.R. 5109. A bill to amend title 49, United of California, Mr. CASE, Mr. TRONE, H.R. 5101. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- States Code, to expand the priorities of the and Mr. LARSEN of Washington): enue Code of 1986 to extend the financing of Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad- H. Res. 698. A resolution expressing the the Superfund; to the Committee on Ways ministration in develop plans and policy for sense of the House of Representatives on the and Means. the use of the navigable airspace; to the importance of assisting justice-involved vet- By Mr. PANETTA (for himself, Mr. Committee on Transportation and Infra- erans; to the Committee on the Judiciary, WALTZ, Mr. ROUDA, Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. structure. and in addition to the Committee on Vet- CARBAJAL, Mr. SUOZZI, Ms. ESHOO, By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. CASE, erans’ Affairs, for a period to be subse- and Mr. RICHMOND): Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each H.R. 5102. A bill to designate public col- PANETTA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. ROUDA, case for consideration of such provisions as leges and universities that provide research, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. SUOZZI, fall within the jurisdiction of the committee data, and recommendations on physical and Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SMITH of concerned. biological science, social science, economic Washington, and Mr. NEGUSE): By Mr. BURCHETT: analysis, policy analysis, risk analysis, mon- H.R. 5110. A bill to direct the Adminis- H. Res. 699. A resolution celebrating the itoring, predicting, and planning for sea- trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations be- level rise and associated coastal flooding and tion to ensure representatives of aviation tween the United States and Poland; to the shoreline erosion as National Centers of Ex- roundtables may participate in the NextGen Committee on Foreign Affairs. cellence in Coastal Resilience Research and performance-based navigation implementa- By Ms. CHENEY: Education, and for other purposes; to the tion process of the Federal Aviation Admin- H. Res. 700. A resolution supporting the Committee on Science, Space, and Tech- istration, and for other purposes; to the designation of December 10, 2019, as ‘‘Wyo- nology, and in addition to the Committees Committee on Transportation and Infra- ming Women’s Suffrage Day’’; to the Com- on Natural Resources, and Armed Services, structure. mittee on Oversight and Reform. for a period to be subsequently determined By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. CASE, By Mr. GRIJALVA (for himself, Mrs. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. KIRKPATRICK, Mr. POCAN, and Mr. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- PANETTA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. ROUDA, TAKANO): risdiction of the committee concerned. Ms. LEE of California, Mr. SUOZZI, H. Res. 701. A resolution expressing support By Mr. PETERSON (for himself and Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SMITH of for policies that maintain a robust, fully- Mr. TIPTON): Washington, and Mr. NEGUSE): funded and staffed Veterans Health Adminis- H.R. 5103. A bill to amend title XVIII of the H.R. 5111. A bill to require the Adminis- tration of the Department of Veterans Af- Social Security Act to extend the floor on trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- fairs and do not jeopardize care for veterans the area wage index under the inpatient pro- tion to notify the public of proposed new by moving essential resources to the for- spective payment system to certain sole Performance Based Navigation Implementa- profit private sector; to the Committee on community hospitals; to the Committee on tion Process flight procedures, and for other Veterans’ Affairs, and in addition to the Ways and Means. purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- Committee on Education and Labor, for a pe- By Mr. POCAN: tation and Infrastructure. riod to be subsequently determined by the H.R. 5104. A bill to ensure full labor protec- By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Ms. ESHOO, Speaker, in each case for consideration of tions for graduate student workers, and for Ms. NORTON, and Mr. RASKIN): such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- other purposes; to the Committee on Edu- H.R. 5112. A bill to establish that no Fed- tion of the committee concerned. cation and Labor. eral statute is intended to preempt a cause By Ms. PRESSLEY: By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. CASE, of action against an airport maintained in H. Res. 702. A resolution recognizing that Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. any State small claims or superior court by the United States has a moral obligation to PANETTA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. ROUDA, any individual or city within 5 miles of an meet its foundational promise of guaranteed Ms. LEE of California, Mr. SUOZZI, airport when an action is brought for noise justice for all; to the Committee on the Judi- Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SMITH of or nuisance caused by ground-based noise in ciary. Washington, and Mr. NEGUSE): violation of a State statute as specified, and By Miss RICE of New York (for herself, H.R. 5105. A bill to require the Adminis- for other purposes; to the Committee on Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mrs. DAVIS of trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- Transportation and Infrastructure. California, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Mr. tion to respond to requests for information By Mr. WELCH: MOULTON, Mr. POCAN, Mr. KHANNA, from Members of Congress, and for other H.R. 5113. A bill to amend the Clean Air Mr. BROWN of Maryland, Mr. NOR- purposes; to the Committee on Transpor- Act to reform the renewable fuel program CROSS, Ms. LEE of California, Ms. tation and Infrastructure. under that Act, and for other purposes; to BONAMICI, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. CAR- By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Mr. CASE, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, SON of Indiana, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mrs. Ms. NORTON, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. and in addition to the Committees on Nat- LAWRENCE, Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. ROUDA, ural Resources, and Science, Space, and BERA, Ms. WILSON of Florida, Mr. Ms. LEE of California, Mr. SUOZZI, Technology, for a period to be subsequently KILMER, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Mr. RASKIN, Ms. ESHOO, Mr. SMITH of determined by the Speaker, in each case for Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Ms. Washington, and Mr. SHERMAN): consideration of such provisions as fall with- NORTON, Mrs. AXNE, Mr. TAKANO, Ms. H.R. 5106. A bill to amend title 49, United in the jurisdiction of the committee con- CRAIG, and Mr. COURTNEY): States Code, to allow airports to impose an cerned. H. Res. 703. A resolution supporting the access restriction for certain hours, to assess By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Ms. designation of the week beginning November certain penalties against air carriers or air- ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. WITTMAN, and 11, 2019, as ‘‘National Apprenticeship Week’’; craft operators, and for other purposes; to Mr. SIMPSON): to the Committee on Education and Labor. the Committee on Transportation and Infra- H. Con. Res. 73. Concurrent resolution ex- By Ms. SHALALA (for herself and Mr. structure. pressing the sense of Congress that public ADERHOLT): By Ms. SPEIER (for herself, Ms. ESHOO, health professionals should be commended H. Res. 704. A resolution expressing support Mr. PANETTA, and Mr. RASKIN): for their dedication and service to the United for the goals of National Adoption Month

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L14NO7.100 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8879 and National Adoption Day by promoting na- Article 1, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- tional awareness of adoption and the chil- ‘‘lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and lation pursuant to the following: dren waiting for adoption, celebrating chil- excises, to pay the debts and provide for the Article I, Section VIII of the Constitution dren and families involved in adoption, and common defense and general welfare of the By Mr. PANETTA: encouraging the people of the United States United States.’’ H.R. 5102. to secure safety, permanency, and well-being By Ms. FUDGE: Congress has the power to enact this legis- for all children; to the Committee on Edu- H.R. 5090. lation pursuant to the following: cation and Labor. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, clause 18 By Ms. SLOTKIN (for herself, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. PETERSON: BACON, Mr. BANKS, Mr. BROWN of Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 H.R. 5103. Maryland, Mr. CISNEROS, Mr. COSTA, The Congress shall have Power * * * To Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. CROW, Ms. ESCOBAR, Mr. regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, lation pursuant to the following: GALLEGO, Mr. HURD of Texas, Mr. and among the several States, and with the Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United KIM, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mrs. LURIA, Mr. Indian Tribes. States Constitution MOULTON, Mr. ROSE of New York, Mr. By Mr. HUFFMAN: By Mr. POCAN: SCHIFF, Mr. SMITH of Washington, H.R. 5091. H.R. 5104. Ms. SPANBERGER, Ms. TORRES SMALL Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- of New Mexico, Mr. TRONE, and Ms. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1: The Congress SHERRILL): Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- H. Res. 705. A resolution recognizing the shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, tion. Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS; to the Com- Duties, Impost and Excises; to pay the Debts By Ms. SPEIER: mittee on Foreign Affairs. and provide for the common Defense and H.R. 5105. general Welfare of the United States; but all Congress has the power to enact this legis- f Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform lation pursuant to the following: CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY throughout the United States. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power STATEMENT By Mr. LANGEVIN: granted to Congress under Article 1, Section H.R. 5092. 8 of the United States Constitution. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. SPEIER: the Rules of the House of Representa- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5106. tives, the following statements are sub- Article I, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- mitted regarding the specific powers By Mr. TED LIEU of California: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5093. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power granted to Congress in the Constitu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion to enact the accompanying bill or granted to Congress under Article 1, Section lation pursuant to the following: 8 of the United States Constitution. joint resolution. Article I, Section VIII By Ms. SPEIER: By Mr. SPANO: By Mr. TED LIEU of California: H.R. 5107. H.R. 5080. H.R. 5094. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Article 1, Section 8 Article I, Section VIII granted to Congress under Article 1, Section By Mr. WRIGHT: By Mr. LUETKEMEYER: 8 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 5081. H.R. 5095. By Ms. SPEIER: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5108. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Constitutional authority on which Article 1, Section 8 lation pursuant to the following: this bill rests is the power of Congress to lay By Mr. COLLINS of Georgia: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and ex- H.R. 5082. granted to Congress under Article 1, Section cises to pay the debts and provide for the Congress has the power to enact this legis- 8 of the United States Constitution. common Defense and general welfare of the lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. SPEIER: Article I, Section 8 United States, as enumerated in Article I, H.R. 5109. By Mr. SCHWEIKERT: Section 8, Clause 1. Thus, Congress has the Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5083. authority not only to increase taxes, but lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- also, to reduce taxes to promote the general This bill is enacted pursuant to the power lation pursuant to the following: welfare of the United States of America and granted to Congress under Article 1, Section Article I, Section 8 of the United States her citizens. Additionally, Congress has the 8 of the United States Constitution. Constitution Constitutional authority to regulate com- By Ms. SPEIER: By Mr. MEEKS: merce among the States and with Indian H.R. 5110. H.R. 5084. Tribes, as enumerated in Article I, Section 8, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Clause 3. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. MATSUI: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Article 1, Commerce Clause H.R. 5096. granted to Congress under Article 1, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. BIGGS: 8 of the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5085. By Ms. SPEIER: Article 1, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5111. By Ms. MENG: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5097. Article I of the U.S. Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. CHENEY: lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 5086. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- granted to Congress under Article 1, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion. 8 of the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: [Page H10170] By Ms. SPEIER: Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution of By Mr. NORCROSS: H.R. 5112. the United States H.R. 5098. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. CLAY: Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5087. lation pursuant to the following: This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8 granted to Congress under Article 1, Section lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. NORTON: 8 of the United States Constitution. Pursuant to the power granted to Congress H.R. 5099. By Mr. WELCH: under Article I, Section 8 of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5113. States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. COOK: clause 18 of section 8 of article I of the lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5088. Constitution. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The Con- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. O’HALLERAN: gress shall have Power To . . . make all lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5100. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for Article I, Section 8 Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- By Mrs. FLETCHER: lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 5089. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 stitution in the Government of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. PALLONE: States, or in any Department or Officer lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5101. thereof..

VerDate Sep 11 2014 20:25 Feb 03, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD19\NOVEMBER\H14NO9.REC H14NO9 sradovich on DSKJLST7X2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H8880 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 14, 2019 ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 2208: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. H.R. 4107: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. H.R. 2222: Ms. GABBARD, Mr. MAST, and Ms. H.R. 4153: Mr. JOYCE of Ohio and Ms. SE- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors BLUNT ROCHESTER. WELL of Alabama. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 2234: Mr. SCALISE. H.R. 4193: Miss GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N of Puerto tions, as follows: H.R. 2242: Ms. PLASKETT. Rico. H.R. 20: Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. KELLY of H.R. 2315: Mrs. HAYES. H.R. 4194: Ms. CRAIG, Mr. EMMER, and Mr. Pennsylvania, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. H.R. 2321: Mrs. AXNE. KIND. WESTERMAN, Mr. DUNN, Mr. JOHNSON of H.R. 2382: Mr. UPTON, Mr. AMODEI, and Mr. H.R. 4228: Mr. JOYCE of Ohio and Mr. KEN- South Dakota, Mr. BYRNE, Mr. CURTIS, Mr. WILLIAMS. NEDY. LONG, Mr. GREEN of Tennessee, Mr. H.R. 2398: Mr. LAWSON of Florida. H.R. 4229: Mr. WELCH and Mr. WITTMAN. H.R. 4236: Mr. LYNCH. LOUDERMILK, and Mr. KELLER. H.R. 2435: Mr. TONKO and Mr. GOLDEN. H.R. 4243: Ms. CRAIG. H.R. 94: Ms. PINGREE. H.R. 2441: Mr. LYNCH. H.R. 4248: Mr. KELLER. H.R. 103: Ms. SCHRIER. H.R. 2501: Mr. COX of California. H.R. 4252: Mr. WENSTRUP. H.R. 451: Mr. SUOZZI. H.R. 2599: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. H.R. 4259: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 566: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 2653: Mr. KIND and Mr. MCADAMS. H.R. 4280: Mr. VAN DREW. H.R. 573: Mr. LOUDERMILK. H.R. 2655: Mr. ABRAHAM. H.R. 4327: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 712: Mr. SHERMAN. H.R. 2702: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. H.R. 4337: Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee H.R. 784: Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. MOOLENAAR, H.R. 2727: Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. and Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. DUNN, Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma, Mr. H.R. 2733: Mr. FULCHER. H.R. 4343: Mrs. AXNE. H.R. 2747: Mr. KENNEDY and Mr. TAKANO. LONG, and Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. H.R. 4348: Mr. KENNEDY and Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 2767: Mr. COURTNEY. H.R. 798: Mr. GRIFFITH. H.R. 4349: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. H.R. 2771: Mr. MITCHELL and Mr. GREEN of H.R. 803: Mr. MASSIE. H.R. 4371: Ms. WILD. H.R. 808: Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Tennessee. H.R. 4397: Mr. KIM. H.R. 877: Mr. KIND. H.R. 2788: Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. H.R. 4436: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 895: Ms. SCHRIER. H.R. 2825: Mr. SMITH of . LEVIN of Michigan, Mr. SOTO, and Mr. H.R. 935: Ms. BASS. H.R. 2856: Mr. ROY. SUOZZI. H.R. 961: Ms. PRESSLEY, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- H.R. 2895: Mr. WELCH, Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. H.R. 4492: Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. ginia, and Ms. TLAIB. VAN DREW, and Mr. PAYNE. H.R. 4499: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. H.R. 1019: Mr. BURCHETT. H.R. 2896: Ms. KELLY of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 4508: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, Mrs. H.R. 1027: Mr. WILLIAMS. QUIGLEY, and Mr. DEUTCH. RADEWAGEN, and Mr. CHABOT. H.R. 1034: Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H.R. 2907: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 4526: Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 1042: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 2913: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 4592: Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. H.R. 1043: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. H.R. 2985: Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. BERA, Mr. H.R. 4615: Mrs. HAYES. H.R. 1055: Ms. TLAIB. BISHOP of Utah, and Mr. AGUILAR. H.R. 4650: Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H.R. 1099: Mr. PASCRELL. H.R. 2986: Mr. KIM. H.R. 4659: Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. H.R. 1139: Mrs. MURPHY of Florida and Mr. H.R. 3010: Mr. HARDER of California. H.R. 4671: Mr. MALINOWSKI. THOMPSON of Mississippi. H.R. 3048: Ms. PINGREE. H.R. 4684: Mrs. BEATTY. H.R. 1154: Mr. STIVERS and Ms. DAVIDS of H.R. 3072: Mr. WATKINS. H.R. 4694: Mr. PENCE. Kansas. H.R. 3077: Mr. MOOLENAAR and Mr. YOUNG. H.R. 4698: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 1161: Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 3100: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 4704: Mr. LAMB, Ms. KENDRA S. HORN H.R. 1257: Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. H.R. 3114: Ms. DELAURO. of Oklahoma, and Mr. PERLMUTTER. H.R. 1345: Mr. FOSTER. H.R. 3157: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 4722: Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. PHILLIPS, and H.R. 1349: Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. H.R. 3162: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 1379: Mr. MOOLENAAR, Mr. KEVIN HERN H.R. 3252: Mr. SWALWELL of California. H.R. 4748: Mr. CROW. of Oklahoma, Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, and H.R. 3265: Mr. LOWENTHAL. H.R. 4752: Mr. COLE. Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H.R. 3306: Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. H.R. 4753: Mr. MAST and Mr. JOHNSON of H.R. 1380: Ms. JOHNSON of Texas and Ms. PETERS, and Ms. SLOTKIN. Louisiana. TLAIB. H.R. 3328: Mr. KENNEDY and Mr. LARSEN of H.R. 4782: Mrs. AXNE. H.R. 1397: Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Washington. H.R. 4856: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 1398: Mr. PENCE, Mr. BABIN, Mr. COOK, H.R. 3366: Mr. VAN DREW. H.R. 4864: Ms. JACKSON LEE and Ms. Mr. RIGGLEMAN, Mr. GIBBS, Ms. SPANBERGER, H.R. 3441: Mr. MALINOWSKI and Mr. JOHN- KUSTER of New Hampshire. Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina, Mr. SON of Georgia. H.R. 4872: Mr. HASTINGS. H.R. 4881: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. NEWHOUSE, and Mr. SCHNEIDER. H.R. 3446: Mrs. AXNE. OHNSON UELLAR H.R. 1440: Mr. PHILLIPS. H.R. 3452: Ms. DELBENE. J of South Dakota, Mr. C , Mr. H.R. 1488: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. H.R. 3456: Mr. HIGGINS of New York. WRIGHT, and Mr. BOST. H.R. 4894: Ms. NORTON and Mr. STEUBE. H.R. 1531: Mr. CONNOLLY. H.R. 3463: Mr. CUELLAR and Ms. DAVIDS of H.R. 4899: Mr. FLEISCHMANN. H.R. 1597: Ms. DEAN, Mr. MAST, Mr. Kansas. H.R. 4900: Mr. FLEISCHMANN. CORREA, and Mrs. HAYES. H.R. 3466: Mr. LAHOOD, Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, and H.R. 4901: Mr. CISNEROS. H.R. 1601: Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Mr. COLE. H.R. 4903: Mr. COLE and Mr. GROTHMAN. H.R. 1605: Mr. FLORES. H.R. 3495: Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. MULLIN, Mr. H.R. 4913: Mr. BUDD, Mr. TONKO, Mr. JOYCE H.R. 1682: Mr. RUTHERFORD. YOUNG, Mr. PALAZZO, Ms. SHERRILL, Mr. of Ohio, and Mr. SOTO. H.R. 1691: Mrs. HAYES. HECK, Mr. AMODEI, Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Ten- H.R. 4920: Mr. VISCLOSKY. H.R. 1695: Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Mr. nessee, Mr. ALLEN, and Mr. WRIGHT. H.R. 4934: Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. LONG, Mr. CORREA, and Ms. BROWNLEY of H.R. 3524: Ms. TITUS. H.R. 4935: Mr. GROTHMAN and Mr. ALLEN. H.R. 3555: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. California. H.R. 4946: Mr. FLEISCHMANN. H.R. 3564: Mr. GAETZ. H.R. 1707: Mr. TED LIEU of California. H.R. 4965: Mrs. HAYES. H.R. 3584: Mr. MCKINLEY. H.R. 1754: Mr. CASTEN of Illinois and Ms. H.R. 4968: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. H.R. 3702: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. TLAIB. H.R. 4984: Mr. JEFFRIES. H.R. 3708: Mr. DAVID P. ROE of Tennessee. H.R. 1766: Mr. AMODEI. H.R. 4989: Mr. SOTO. H.R. 1783: Mr. NEGUSE. H.R. 3735: Ms. SLOTKIN. H.R. 4996: Mr. WALDEN and Mr. ENGEL. H.R. 1786: Ms. of California. H.R. 3778: Ms. CRAIG. H.R. 5002: Mr. COHEN and Ms. KENDRA S. H.R. 1816: Mr. KHANNA. H.R. 3817: Mr. LYNCH. HORN of Oklahoma. H.R. 1819: Mr. BERGMAN. H.R. 3884: Mr. SHERMAN. H.R. 5018: Mr. WRIGHT. H.R. 1854: Mr. ROUZER. H.R. 3894: Mr. QUIGLEY. H.R. 5019: Ms. JACKSON LEE. H.R. 1869: Mr. RIGGLEMAN. H.R. 3896: Mr. VEASEY, Mr. KILDEE, and Ms. H.R. 5034: Mr. GARCI´A of Illinois and Mr. H.R. 1896: Mr. LAMB. MCCOLLUM. GRIJALVA. H.R. 1981: Mr. RUIZ. H.R. 3961: Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire. H.R. 5036: Mr. HECK and Ms. OCASIO-COR- H.R. 2001: Mr. CALVERT, Mr. EVANS, Ms. H.R. 3962: Mr. DESAULNIER. TEZ. SHERRILL, Mr. KIND, and Mr. CARBAJAL. H.R. 3973: Mr. VAN DREW, Mr. SIRES, and H.R. 5045: Mr. SOTO and Mr. CUELLAR. H.R. 2075: Mr. COOK. Ms. CLARKE of New York. H.R. 5052: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. H.R. 2096: Ms. MENG and Mr. KIM. H.R. 4028: Mr. WITTMAN. H.R. 5060: Mrs. RODGERS of Washington and H.R. 2111: Ms. ESCOBAR. H.R. 4056: Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. FITZPATRICK, Ms. JACKSON LEE. H.R. 2148: Ms. TITUS. Mr. RYAN, Mr. GOSAR, Mr. ROSE of New York, H.R. 5066: Mr. TAKANO. H.R. 2178: Mr. TRONE and Mr. BOST. and Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. H.R. 5068: Ms. JAYAPAL and Ms. JACKSON H.R. 2179: Mr. ROUZER, Mr. ROONEY of Flor- H.R. 4069: Mr. COMER. LEE. ida, Mr. GUEST, and Mr. WATKINS. H.R. 4077: Ms. TLAIB. H.J. Res. 78: Mr. BUDD, Mr. HICE of Geor- H.R. 2200: Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. VELA, Mr. FOR- H.R. 4092: Mr. MEEKS. gia, Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma, Mr. DUN- TENBERRY, and Mr. LATTA. H.R. 4096: Mr. COHEN. CAN, Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina, Mr.

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO7.032 H14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with HOUSE E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 116 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 165 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2019 No. 182 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was Mounting pressure to pay the bills, public service, including nearly two called to order by the President pro to get the crops out, and to make ends decades rising through the ranks of the tempore (Mr. GRASSLEY). meet can be overwhelming. We have Customs and Border Patrol. f lately expressed lots of worries and His leadership at DHS saw significant pressures that come from the increase progress in mitigating major aspects of PRAYER in farm bankruptcies and the increase our border security and humanitarian The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- in rural and farm suicides. crisis, a strong focus on cyber security, fered the following prayer: There are many uncertainties in and hard work to strengthen the De- Let us pray. farming that are beyond human con- partment all across the board. So I Eternal Father, the source of light trol, but there are other areas where thank the outgoing Acting Secretary and life, we praise Your Holy Name. Congress can help. As a farmer and as for his years in public service and, par- Because of You, we live and move and a Senator representing the No. 1 agri- ticularly, for his leadership in this re- have our being. Remind us that we are cultural State, I am fighting to build cent chapter. not adequate for our daily task with- mental health resources—as an exam- Now, today, we will vote on the con- out Your strength and abiding pres- ple, there is the Grassley-Tester bill to firmation of Steven Menashi to the ence. help preempt suicides—to uphold the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Lord, empower our Senators this day RFS by fighting with the EPA, and to Menashi won majority support on the to think clearly, speak wisely, and live pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Judiciary Committee on the basis of faithfully. May they strive to do their Agreement. strong academic and legal qualifica- best and then leave the results to You. These are issues that are tops on the tions—degrees from Dartmouth and Eternal God, we are trusting You to minds of Iowans and not just the farm- Stanford, clerkships on the appellate fulfill Your purposes for our Nation level and the Supreme Court, and expe- ers. and world. rience in both teaching and practicing I yield the floor. We pray in Your powerful Name. law. Amen. f I would urge all of our colleagues to f RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY vote to confirm this impressive nomi- nee this afternoon. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE LEADER f The President pro tempore led the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: jority leader is recognized. NATIONAL DEFENSE I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the f AUTHORIZATION ACT United States of America, and to the Repub- NOMINATIONS Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, lic for which it stands, one nation under God, as my colleagues know, I have no indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, qualms about spending floor time on The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. while our Senate Democratic col- the personnel business. Our Democratic HYDE-SMITH). The Senator from Iowa. leagues continue blocking this body colleagues have made it necessary by Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, I from considering funding for our subjecting this President’s nominees to ask unanimous consent to speak for 1 Armed Forces, the Senate has taken unprecedented, systematic delays and minute as in morning business. advantage of the time to confirm more obstruction. The majority has been The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of President Trump’s well-qualified willing to do things the hard way. We objection, it is so ordered. nominees for Federal service, as well as are giving the American people the f the judiciary. government they voted for, as chosen Yesterday, we confirmed Chad Wolf by the President they elected. GOVERNMENT FUNDING to serve at the Department of Home- My Republican colleagues and I wish Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, a land Security. Following President that we could also be spending floor 5-year decline in farm income, retalia- Trump’s decision to designate him Act- time on productive, bipartisan legisla- tory tariffs on U.S. ag commodities, ing Secretary, he is now heading up the tion that the American people need to disrupted renewable biofuel policies, Department. actually become law. We want to pass devastating natural disasters, and now I want to take a moment to thank the USMCA and the 176,000 new Amer- shortages of LP gas needed to dry har- the outgoing Acting DHS Secretary, ican jobs it would create, but Speaker vested grain add to the growing bur- Kevin McAleenan. His tenure leading PELOSI continues to block it. The far dens weighing heavily on the minds of the Department of Homeland Security left objects to their passing anything— Iowans and American farmers. capped off a distinguished career in anything—that the President likes.

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

S6579

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.000 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 We want to pass a conference report interference from our Nation’s adver- The Department of Homeland Secu- for the NDAA, critical legislation for saries, and neither were the 2018 mid- rity now runs a National Cybersecurity our national defense. Congress has term elections last year. and Communications Integration Cen- passed a bipartisan NDAA every single As of now, there are no reports of for- ter—a physical war room of sorts—on year since 1961. Now it is another cas- eign intrusion into voter records and election day for sharing information ualty of the impeachment obsession. no reports of significant and successful and coordinating action. That is along House Democrats steamrolled Repub- disinformation efforts on social media with an online platform that 200 juris- licans in order to pass a wholly par- or anywhere else. By any reasonable dictions reportedly tapped into last tisan bill. I believe this may be the standard and by all available evidence, week. first time ever that either Chamber has the past two elections have gone a Long before election day, this admin- passed a purely partisan NDAA. Now whole lot more smoothly than back in istration was connecting with all 50 they are stalling the conference com- 2016. States and more than 2,000 localities to mittee and jeopardizing the whole Now, this wasn’t for lack of trying. deploy new cyber security tools, new process. Russia and our other adversaries have training for election workers, and to We want to pass the defense funding tried for decades to interfere in our provide threat alerts, and the list goes bill that our Democratic colleagues politics and to undermine the com- on and on. have now filibustered twice so that our petence of the American people in our Our adversaries are still at the door, servicemembers and commanders get democracy, and they will not likely let but for two election days in a row now, what they need. Back in the summer, up anytime soon. This fight is nowhere we have benefitted from stronger de- the Republican and Democratic leaders near over. But make no mistake, our fenses. Progress like this should earn in the House and Senate all agreed and defenses are a whole lot stronger. bipartisan applause. Like I said, behind all signed onto an agreement with A massive coordinated effort to con- closed doors, it did, but in public our President Trump—a bicameral, bipar- front this threat has brought together Democratic colleagues have not loudly tisan agreement. Everybody signed it. the Congress, the Trump administra- cheered the successes. Instead, they are We brokered this deal to make sure the tion, all 50 States, the private sector, trying to use the very serious issue of appropriations process did not—did and more than 2,000 local jurisdictions. election security to repackage their not—get bogged down with bickering We have worked to address the weak- long-held liberal view that Washington, over policy issues. We all agreed to nesses Russia sought to exploit during DC, needs far more power over elec- keep poison pills out so that govern- the Obama administration and have tions. Look, nobody really believes that all ment funding could move forward. proactively strengthened our defenses. the partisan proposals from Speaker But just a few months later, our Last week, the Attorney General, the PELOSI and company are some kind of Democratic colleagues are now insist- Secretary of Defense, the Acting Home- tailored response to Russian meddling, ing on exactly the kinds of poison pills land Security Secretary, the acting not when they transparently serve the they foreswore when they signed onto DNI, and the heads of the FBI, the same goals the Democrats have wanted the agreement this summer. They are NSA, the U.S. Cyber Command, and the since way before 2016. holding up funding for our men and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Secu- For goodness’ sake, the New York women in uniform because they dis- rity Agency issued a statement. Here is Times was editorializing for federal- agree with the President’s views on what it said: izing elections right after election day border security. They want to chip Election security is a top priority. . . . In 2012, even when they liked the out- away at the exact Presidential authori- an unprecedented level of coordination, the come. That was the same election ties that they specifically agreed not U.S. government is working with all 50 cycle, by the way, in which President states and U.S. territories, local officials, to be touched. Let me say that again. Obama mocked—mocked—his Repub- They want to chip away at the exact and private sector partners to identify threats, broadly share information, and pro- lican opponent for being too tough on Presidential authorities that they spe- Russia. cifically agreed not to be touched. In tect the democratic process. Now, I know my colleagues already So let’s not mistake these long-held short, my friends in Democratic leader- liberal policy goals as some new, tar- ship smelled an opportunity to pick a know about these significant efforts thanks to the groundwork laid by the geted response to Russian meddling. political fight. Election security is too important to Our servicemembers need their fund- Intelligence Committee’s painstaking investigation. We know about it be- become a Trojan horse for ideological ing. American workers and small busi- goals that Democrats have wanted for nesses need their new trade deal. Our cause we have provided $380 million to help modernize State election systems. many years. Armed Forces need the authorizing leg- We need to continue the serious work Back in September, I cosponsored an islation that has been a bipartisan that Federal, State, and local officials amendment in committee that will slam dunk every year for almost 60 are engaging in every day—work that bring the total to more than $600 mil- years—60 years. is already yielding results—and we lion. We cannot cease all legislation just need to stay vigilant because our ad- We know about the progress because because Democrats would rather fight versaries will not stop. with the President. We will not neglect we have had a bipartisan, all-Members So I want to salute the Federal, the business of the American people briefing from administration experts. State, and local professionals who just because a House committee is Senators literally broke into applause helped make last week an apparent holding some public hearing. If they in appreciation for what the adminis- election security success. I urge Senate are going to keep plowing ahead with tration was doing to protect our elec- Democrats to stop blocking a bipar- their impeachment obsession, they tion. The story is not finished. The cru- tisan appropriations process so that we cannot abdicate their basic govern- cial work continues, but the progress is can secure hundreds of millions of dol- ment responsibilities at the very same undeniable. lars more for the folks out there on the time. No longer is threat intelligence frontlines. f siloed within the Federal Government. This administration has moved to f ELECTION SECURITY share vital information systematically RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, with everyone, from States and local- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under now, on another matter, last Tuesday ities to social media companies. No the previous order, the leadership time was election day in dozens of States longer is interference cost-free for ad- is reserved. and localities, including in my home versaries. The administration has sanc- f State of Kentucky. There was one im- tioned and prosecuted Russians en- portant aspect of election day that gaged in election interference and CONCLUSION OF MORNING didn’t get much attention. Unlike in issued an Executive order that paves BUSINESS 2016, last week’s elections were not the way for additional sanctions on The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning marred to the same extent by foreign those who seek to interfere. business is closed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.001 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6581 EXECUTIVE SESSION serving as a Sunday school teacher and SD. Mike and Kim have a tremendous a Presbyterian Church elder. heart for children. They have five bio- In 2008, Kay ran for and won a U.S. logical children, but as they learned EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Senate seat, becoming the Senate’s more about the plight of children in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under first female Democratic Senator. With poverty, they were drawn to adoption. the previous order, the Senate will pro- her family’s military background, it God put the country of Ethiopia on ceed to executive session to resume surprised no one that Kay fought hard their hearts in a particular way. In consideration of the following nomina- in the Senate for military families and 2008, they adopted a daughter from tion, which the clerk will report. veterans. When she heard about 9-year- Ethiopia—Eva. Within a few years, The senior assistant legislative clerk old Janey Ensminger—daughter of a re- they had adopted three more children— read the nomination of Steven J. tired marine—passing away from leu- Selena and Amanuel from Ethiopia and Menashi, of New York, to be United kemia because of contaminated water Shakira from Uganda—making them a States Circuit Judge for the Second on the base of Camp Lejeune, she family of 11. The story doesn’t end Circuit. worked to pass the Janey Ensminger there. Seeing the poorest of the poor in Mr. MCCONNELL. I suggest the ab- Act to help those affected receive Ethiopia deeply moved them, and in sence of a quorum. healthcare. addition to adoption, they sought ways The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Kay also introduced a bill that was to help communities stuck in poverty. clerk will call the roll. close to my heart. It would ban for- The needs of children were particu- The senior assistant legislative clerk profit colleges from using the phrase larly close to their hearts. In 2013, proceeded to call the roll. ‘‘GI bill’’ in their aggressive marketing Mike and Kim agreed to take over two Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I ask efforts aimed at separating veterans schools in Ethiopia when the agency unanimous consent that the order for and servicemembers from their hard- running them was forced to pull out of the quorum call be rescinded. earned education benefits. the country. The Adams family formed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Kay was fearless with her voting. She the Adams Thermal Foundation to sup- objection, it is so ordered. made the toughest votes count, know- port the schools. Today the foundation REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN ing the consequences to her own ca- supports more than 1,000 students in Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, last reer. As long as it helped people of two schools in Ethiopia. The schools’ month, we lost Kay Hagan after a long North Carolina and the United States, mission is to serve children most in illness. she was always a crucial partner. The need—those who might otherwise miss Kay was always a fighter, starting Affordable Care Act and the 2009 eco- out on the opportunity for an edu- with her days in the North Carolina nomic stimulus package were politi- cation. In addition to academic in- State Legislature and continuing to cally difficult for many, but Kay structions, schools provide other re- when she answered the call of serving stepped up and supported them. She sources in an effort to alleviate some of was brave to the highest degree. Histo- the Senate during the perilous days of the effects of poverty and to make it rians will remember that bravery. She the great recession. Kay was the right easier for the children to stay in stepped up when America needed her. person to fight for North Carolina school. when she was needed the most. Today, because of it, America is To name one example, at the end of She came from a family who knows stronger and better. last year, the foundation completed a We will all remember Kay Hagan for service and sacrifice. Her uncle was project to provide a permanent source her friendship and that we had the Lawton Chiles, a Korean war veteran of clean water to its school in Ottoro, privilege to call her a friend and col- and former Representative, Senator, Ethiopia, as well as to seven local vil- league. and Governor of Florida. Her father She is survived by her husband Chip, lages. In addition to providing essen- and brother served in the Navy. Her fa- her three children—Jeanette Hagan, tial health and sanitation benefits, the ther-in-law was a major general in the Tilden Hagan, Carrie Hagan Stewart— new pipeline also frees children from Marine Corps. Her husband is a Viet- her father Joe P. Ruthven, two broth- the hours-long task of fetching water nam veteran who used his GI bill to ers, and five grandchildren. for their families, meaning more chil- pay for law school. When Kay talked It was my honor to serve with Kay dren can attend school. about veterans’ issues, she spoke from Hagan and to memorialize her service In learning Mike and Kim’s story, I the heart. to North Carolina and the United was struck by how love multiplies and Kay was born into politics. As a States in this statement today. expands. Mike and Kim’s willingness to young girl, she was putting bumper I yield the floor. open their hearts has led not only to stickers on cars for her uncle. Her fa- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- four children finding a forever home ther won an election to become mayor jority whip. but to hope and opportunity for hun- of Lakeland, FL. While interning for NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH dreds more. I feel privileged to have her uncle, Kay learned about the ups Mr. THUNE. Madam President, No- learned their story and to be able to and downs of Congress, literally. She vember is National Adoption Month. nominate them for an Angels in Adop- operated the Senators-only elevator in Later this morning, I will be spending tion Award this year. this building. time with a family I nominated to re- National Adoption Month is a chance North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt ceive an Angels in Adoption Award this to honor all those who, like the Adams, first encouraged Kay to run for office year. The Angels in Adoption Program chose to welcome a child in need of a when she served as his Guilford County is designed to bring recognition to indi- home. Sadly, not every child is born campaign chairman. In 1998, she un- viduals and organizations who are, in into a safe and loving home. Some are seated a Republican incumbent and the words of the program, ‘‘making ex- born to parents who are unable to take won a seat in the North Carolina State traordinary contributions to adoption, care of them. Some lose their parents Senate. For 10 years, Kay Hagan permanency, and child welfare.’’ to war, accident, or illness, and, trag- earned a reputation as a commonsense Angels in Adoption is a program in ically, some are born to parents who hard worker, interested in results, not the Congressional Coalition on Adop- refuse to take care of them or actively partisan fighting. As cochair of the tion Institute, and each year Members seek to damage the great gift in their State budget committee, she increased of Congress are invited to nominate an care. the State’s rainy day fund and bal- individual or family to receive an An- Thankfully, there are parents out anced five straight budgets. She helped gels in Adoption Award. I have been there eager to receive these children. make record investments in education, making these nominations for more Across our country, there are countless raised the pay for teachers, and in- than a decade now. It has been a privi- parents whose homes and hearts are al- creased the minimum wage. lege and an inspiration to meet South ready prepared to welcome a child in She was one of the most versatile Dakota families who have opened their need. They may not yet know the women in her State. She juggled Girl hearts and homes to children in need. names of their future sons or daugh- Scout events, winning reelection four This year, I nominated Mike and Kim ters, but they are ready and waiting to times, raising her growing family, and Adams, fellow residents of Sioux Falls, meet them.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.003 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 National Adoption Month is a good the States. The States are the ones of stifling progress. Instead, he should time to rededicate ourselves to caring that have the say. The bottom line is take a hard look in the mirror. for children in need and helping them they think we need to do more, and the IMPEACHMENT find loving families to receive them. experts think we need to do more. Only Madam President, in the House im- In the gospel of Mark, Jesus says, Leader MCCONNELL doesn’t. Again, he peachment inquiry into President ‘‘Whoever welcomes one of these little is blocking that. If Russia interferes in Trump, public hearings began yester- children in my name welcomes me.’’ 2020—and I hope it will not—all eyes day with the testimony of George Kent There are few actions more worthy of will be on the Republican leader, who and William Taylor. admiration than a decision to welcome has repeatedly prevented us from mov- Ambassador Taylor, who is a career a child in need and to create for that ing forward on bipartisan legislation to public servant and a war hero who has child a secure and loving home. make our elections safer. long served Presidents of both parties, I am so grateful for all of the gen- To show another example of the leg- provided a startling new revelation— erous families across this country who islative graveyard, in a few minutes, that his aide overheard a conversation have opened their hearts and found the two Senators from Connecticut— between President Trump and Ambas- sons and daughters through adoption. I MURPHY and BLUMENTHAL—will be sador Sondland, during which the am also thankful for all of the birth moving forward on bipartisan back- President made clear he cared more mothers who have chosen adoption for ground checks, H.R. 8. It is overwhelm- about Ukraine’s investigating the their children to give them better lives ingly supported by the American peo- Bidens than he did about helping in loving families. ple. Senator MURPHY and Senator Ukraine. The aide is reportedly set to I am honored to recognize the Adams BLUMENTHAL will ask for unanimous appear before the House for a deposi- family today for their embrace of their consent, and the Republicans will ob- tion later this week, and Mr. Sondland own adopted children, as well as every- ject. So, while the Republican leader is set to appear before the Intelligence thing they have done to make life bet- accuses the Democrats of being too dis- Committee for a public hearing next ter for children in Ethiopia. tracted to make progress, he has week. I yield the floor. turned the Senate into a legislative All Senators will have an obligation I suggest the absence of a quorum. graveyard, where we hardly ever vote to seek and review the full facts that The PRESIDING OFFICER. The on legislation, where we hardly ever will be developed by this inquiry to be clerk will call the roll. have an open amendment process, able to render impartial justice. How- The senior assistant legislative clerk where we hardly ever debate major ever, some of my Republican friends in proceeded to call the roll. issues. This is despite commitments the Senate have said they are not even Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, I that have been made by the Republican paying attention to the hearings in the ask unanimous consent that the order leader in the past. At one point, he House. The distinguished chairman of for the quorum call be rescinded. said—and I am sure my colleagues from the Committee on the Judiciary—a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Connecticut will point this out—yes, former House manager of an impeach- objection, it is so ordered. we ought to do something on back- ment case, who, at the time, repeatedly RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER ground checks. Yet nothing has hap- urged Senators not to make up their The Democratic leader is recognized. pened—nothing. minds before the case was in—recently SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA You don’t even have to ask me. My said that he has made up his mind, that Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, friend the Republican Senator from there is nothing there. This is before a for the past few weeks, including this Pennsylvania, Mr. TOOMEY, said some- single bit of evidence has been pre- morning, the Republican leader has thing last week that caught my atten- sented in the Senate. Alice in Wonder- amazingly accused the Democrats of tion. He and I may not agree on much, land: First is the verdict, then the being uninterested in making progress but here is what he said: ‘‘Our Demo- trial. That is not becoming for the for the American people because we are cratic colleagues have frequently criti- chairman of the Committee on the Ju- so distracted by the impeachment in- cized the Republican leadership and diciary. quiry into President Trump. It is a lu- Republican majority for not legis- While my Republican colleagues may dicrous charge, not the least because lating. Sometimes they have a point.’’ not have been paying attention, I have Leader MCCONNELL has shuttered the Those are his words, not mine. been paying attention, and my Demo- Senate when it comes to legislative I was here on the floor yesterday cratic colleagues in the Senate, who business. with the senior Senator from Texas, know they might have to act as judges The House has passed over 250 bills and we talked about how the Senate and jurors in this case, are paying at- that Leader MCCONNELL has taken no might go about trying to lower the tention. America is also paying atten- action on here in the Senate. Leader costs of prescription drugs. I disagreed tion. The evidence we all heard from MCCONNELL proudly called himself the with the Senator’s unanimous consent Mr. Taylor and Mr. Kent has cast a Grim Reaper and blocked just about request, as it was too narrow a rifle troubling portrait of a President who is everything that came through the shot. We need to do a whole lot more. trying to use the powers of his office House long before impeachment was Yet we agreed we could work through for personal political gain. As the pub- even being talked about. So this idea the issues if the Republican leader lic hearings continue, we have a re- that impeachment is blocking us from would only allow a debate on the floor sponsibility here in the Senate not to doing things belies Senator MCCON- whereby both sides could offer amend- prejudge the case but to examine the NELL’s record. Let me repeat it. The ments and receive votes. We Democrats evidence impartially. At the very least, House has passed 250 bills, and Senator very much want to vote on legislation Senators should be paying attention. MCCONNELL has taken no action on that would maintain protections for NOMINATION OF STEVEN J. MENASHI them from January forward. the people who have preexisting condi- Madam President, the Senate will There are lots of these bills we could tions. We Democrats very much want vote today on the confirmation of Ste- have put on the floor this week, but to have a vote on allowing Medicare to ven J. Menashi to serve on the Second there has been not a one. The Repub- negotiate with the drug companies to Circuit Court of Appeals. licans just block and block. They block dramatically lower drug prices. Let’s In all my time in this body, Mr. legislation to protect Americans with have a debate on all of these. Who is Menashi has been one of the most con- preexisting conditions, to reauthorize stopping that? It is not the Democrats. temptible nominees to have come be- the Violence Against Women Act, and It is the Republican leader. fore the Senate. He would be a disgrace even to secure our elections from for- The fact of the matter is, the kinds to the seat once held by the great eign interference. of open debates for which we wish and Thurgood Marshall. A few minutes ago, I heard Leader the American people wish have not While sitting before the Committee MCCONNELL say that everything was happened in Leader MCCONNELL’s legis- on the Judiciary, Menashi refused to fine with the elections and that we lative graveyard. The man who proudly answer simple questions. He showed a don’t need any more legislation. Go called himself the Grim Reaper goes breathtaking contempt for Senators on talk to the election officials around far too far in accusing the Democrats both sides of the aisle. His record on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.006 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6583 race, women’s equality, LGBTQ rights, that OMB Director and Acting White mother devastated by how the gun vio- and the rights of immigrants should be House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney lence epidemic is tearing apart our disqualifying. At the Department of blocked funding for these new health families and ravaging our communities Education, he helped to cook up an il- benefits because of what it would cost. in every State. legal scheme to use the Social Security Think about that. Mick Mulvaney, who I am furious at Republican leaders data of students who had been swindled thought adding $1.5 trillion to our def- who continue to stand by and do noth- by for-profit colleges in order to deny icit was an acceptable cost for tax cuts ing while more and more lives are lost, them debt relief. A judge ruled this to the rich, believes the cost of health just as I was after Newtown, Parkland, scheme violated Federal privacy laws. benefits for sick veterans is just too Sutherland Springs, and Marysville in At the very least, a candidate for a high. So wrong. So wrong. It is shame- my home State of Washington. I could judgeship should show respect for the ful that Mulvaney could actually be in go on. law. That is the lowest possible bar. A the position he is. We don’t have to continue this cycle judge is supposed to revere the law, up- The next time the President claims of violence, heartbreak, and inaction, hold it, and apply it with an even hand. to be a champion for our Nation’s vet- and we are here today to emphasize How can anyone trust Mr. Menashi to erans, the American people should re- that there is action we can take right come even close to doing that? Mr. member what he is doing here—deny- now because earlier this year, the Menashi is a textbook example of ing benefits to men and women who House passed H.R. 8—meaningful, bi- someone who does not deserve to sit on were in our Armed Forces, exposed to partisan gun safety legislation—to ad- the Federal bench, particularly with a Agent Orange, and are now sick. It is dress this terrible crisis through uni- lifetime appointment. too expensive to help them but not too versal background checks and other My Republican colleagues, in my expensive to give tax cuts to the popular reforms. But in the 260 days view, have rubberstamped too many of wealthiest of Americans. Shame on the since H.R. 8 passed the House, it has these extreme, unqualified nominees— administration, shame on Mulvaney, languished here in the Senate despite repeated calls from myself and my nominees, in Mr. Menashi’s case, who and shame on President Trump. have been almost craven, but on few What about our farmers? It is no se- Democratic colleagues for a vote. That is why 58 days ago, following occasions, a small group has stood up cret that America’s farmers have the tragic events at El Paso, Dayton, and said: Enough. This is too far. struggled as a result of President and Midland, I joined my Senate Demo- Well, my colleagues, if there were Trump’s trade policies and retaliatory cratic colleagues here on the floor to ever anyone who was too far, it is tariffs from other countries. The ad- try to break the cycle and demand that Menashi. There is no reason President ministration even created a new pro- we address the scourge of gun violence Trump couldn’t find a more suitable gram through USDA to help offset the in this country by taking a vote here nominee for the Second Circuit Court losses farmers were facing. in the Senate on H.R. 8, which would of Appeals. I urge my Republican col- Well, now it turns out that the install universal background checks—a leagues to do the right thing today and Trump administration has grossly mis- policy that, by the way, is supported by reject the Menashi nomination. handled that program. A report by the an overwhelming majority of Ameri- TAX RETURNS Democratic minority on the Agri- cans. On tax returns, yesterday a Federal culture, Nutrition, and Forestry Com- In the face of Republican apathy, appeals court ruled that Congress can mittee, led by its ranking member, people across the country raised their seek 8 years of the President’s tax re- Senator STABENOW, revealed that the voices even louder, demanding action turns. No doubt, the President will ap- lion’s share of Federal aid has gone to to end the endless wave of gun tragedy, peal the ruling to the Supreme Court large agricultural conglomerates scat- so much so that after this summer’s in an effort to keep hidden what the tered across the South, not to small string of horrors, President Trump President has been hiding for as long as family farms in the Midwest who have bowed to public pressure and made a he has been in public life—his tax re- suffered the most. Ninety-five percent commitment to finally act to address turns. of the largest per-acre payments have the gun violence epidemic. Why the President has engaged in gone to Southern States, while the After months and years of inaction such an astounding breach of trans- lowest payments have disproportion- and far, far too many lives lost, it was parency is still unknown. ately gone to the farmers who are suf- the first sliver of hope in a long while— President Trump, what are you hid- fering in the Midwest. The administra- that the President and Senate Repub- ing? tion lifted the limits on aid to row licans would finally put the safety of The DC Circuit’s decision—an 8-to-3 crops but kept the limits for other our families over their allegiance to ruling—was clearly the correct legal crops, meaning that more aid has gone the NRA and do something substantive result. It should be upheld. into the pockets of the largest and about ending this Nation’s gun vio- FARMERS AND VETERANS wealthiest farms in America. The re- lence epidemic, working with Demo- Last but not least, on farmers and port even showed that tens of millions crats toward commonsense reforms to veterans, President Trump has long of dollars have gone to foreign-owned end gun violence and keep people safe. fashioned himself a champion of every- entities, including a beef factory in Now, more than 2 months later, day Americans—workers, farmers, vet- Brazil. President Trump has betrayed his erans. This week has been a grim re- President Trump has claimed to look pledge to address this tragic epidemic minder that despite the President’s after our farmers, and he has claimed as if the past summer never even hap- promises, almost every week his ad- to look after our veterans, but he has pened. Once again, he has chosen to ab- ministration undermines the very peo- instead turned his back on them. More dicate his responsibility to keep our ple he claims to champion. and more Americans—farmers, vet- families and our communities safe and Take our veterans whose service we erans, others—are starting to notice. has broken yet another promise he commemorated earlier this week on I yield the floor. made to the American people, kow- Veterans Day. The Department of Vet- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. towing to the NRA and its unpopular, erans Affairs decided in 2017 to help SCOTT of Florida). The Senator from hard-right agenda to stymie common- Vietnam-era veterans who were ex- Washington. sense gun reform as soon as mass posed to Agent Orange by expanding H.R. 8 shootings were out of the headlines. the list of diseases that were eligible Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I want Well, I can assure you, Senate Demo- for health benefits to include bladder to thank Senators MURPHY and crats and I are going to keep fighting cancer, hypertension, Parkinson’s-like BLUMENTHAL for their tremendous lead- for commonsense gun safety reforms, symptoms, and hypothyroidism. ership that we are here on the floor like universal background checks, even There are tens of thousands of vet- today to speak about. when gun violence isn’t making a head- erans whose lives would be changed by I come today not just as a Member of line that day, because while President this decision. It was the right decision the Senate representing my home Trump continues carrying water for based on research done by the VA. Un- State of Washington but as a former the NRA and Senate Republicans con- fortunately, it was recently revealed educator, as a mother, and as a grand- tinue hiding behind President Trump,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.007 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6584 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 Democrats here understand that Con- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 8 news that I can convey to her is that gress has a duty to act to protect lives, Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, as Sen- my Republican Senate friends who and that the President’s cowardice ab- ator MURRAY noted, 100 people die from want to have some impact into the solutely should not set Congress’s gunshot wounds every single day. We consideration of the future of Amer- agenda. can’t go 24 hours without news of an- ican gun laws have ample opportunity While President Trump’s back- other mass shooting somewhere in to do that because they are in the ma- tracking on this serious issue is dis- America. My kids and millions of oth- jority. graceful, I ask my Republican col- ers hide in corners of their classrooms Senate Republicans control the Judi- leagues to remember that we are not or in their bathrooms preparing for a ciary Committee. Senator MCCONNELL beholden to the President or to the gun mass shooting at their school, and this can decide to bring any measure to the lobby and that we do not need Presi- body does nothing about it. floor. If the concern is that there dent Trump’s permission to vote on The good news is, we have a piece of hasn’t been enough Republican input bills or to act to save lives. legislation that enjoys 95 percent sup- into the question of whether criminals In fact, in States across the country, port in the American public and will or terrorists or people who are seri- we have been able to take on the gun undoubtedly make an enormous impact ously mentally ill get guns, then, con- lobby and make meaningful progress to on gun violence rates in this country. vene a discussion on this, bring a de- address this crisis. I will give more extensive remarks bate to the floor, have a process in the In my home State of Washington, we after I make this unanimous consent Judiciary Committee. Don’t just stay have closed background check loop- request, but my request will be that silent. It doesn’t pass the straight-face holes, and we have enacted extreme the Senate immediately take up H.R. 8, test to come down here and say: Well, risk protection orders. We were able to the universal background checks bill we can’t take up H.R. 8, despite the accomplish those things because of the which was passed in a bipartisan way fact it has 90 percent public approval advocacy of groups like Moms Demand in the House of Representatives and because we haven’t had input on it. Action across my State, the Wash- which has received no action, no debate You are in the majority. You have the ington State Alliance for Gun Respon- here in the U.S. Senate since that ability to pass legislation that you sup- sibility, Everytown for Gun Safety, time. port and that Democrats can support March for Our Lives, and so many As in legislative session, I ask unani- as well. more, as well as the dedicated volun- mous consent that the Senate proceed The idea that we are just going to sit teers and activists behind those organi- to the immediate consideration of Cal- here and twiddle our thumbs week zations, the brave people who have endar No. 29, H.R. 8; further, that the after week as 100 people are killed by been out making their voices heard and bill be considered read a third time and guns through suicides and homicides putting pressure on lawmakers to do passed and the motion to reconsider be and accidental shootings is an abdica- their jobs to end this senseless epi- considered made and laid upon the tion of our basic responsibility as U.S. demic, people like Jane Weiss, who table with no intervening action or de- Senators. There is nothing that mat- lives in Mill Creek, WA. After she trag- bate. ters more to our constituents than ically lost her niece to gun violence, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Jane joined the fight to pass lifesaving their physical safety. an objection? There are kids who are walking to legislation in Washington State by put- The Senator from Mississippi. school in cities in every single State in ting pressure on her State lawmakers Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, this Nation who fear for their lives, and won. There are people like Jane all across reserving the right to object, legisla- whose brain chemistry is changed by the country who are speaking up and tion that would affect the rights of the trauma they go through because of fighting back, even when it means re- American citizens under the Second that fear for their safety, and they living some of the hardest moments of Amendment should not be fast-tracked can’t learn, they can’t cope, and they their lives, in order to prevent others by the Senate. Efforts to criminalize can’t build strong relationships. from suffering as much as they have. otherwise lawful conduct with firearms My kids go through active shooter That is hard and brave work to do, but by law-abiding gun owners should not drills at school because they, in fact, there is absolutely nothing hard or be exempt from consideration by the expect that someday someone will brave about simply having a vote on bi- appropriate committee of jurisdiction. walk through their doors and start fir- partisan, House-passed legislation to It should not be exempt from debate on ing a military-style assault weapon in ensure universal background checks. the Senate floor. one of their classrooms. To the contrary, it is the height of If this so-called commonsense, bipar- I get it that there is a difference of cowardice not to hold that vote while tisan legislation was indeed crafted opinion on exactly how we should ex- families across the country wonder with strong bipartisan input, it pand background checks. I understand which movie theater or shopping mall shouldn’t have any problems advancing that maybe my Republican colleagues or synagogue or mosque or church or by regular order. don’t want to support H.R. 8. But you community space is next and while stu- Many questions about this legisla- are in the majority. You have the abil- dents spend their time in school on ac- tion need to be answered before it is ity to lead a conversation that can find tive shooter drills while they should be forced upon law-abiding gun owners. If that common ground on expanding learning. Unfortunately, cowardice is I wanted to give my best friend’s son or background checks. what we are seeing from far too many grandson my hunting rifle, would we I am not going to accept this argu- Republicans here in the Senate and in first have to appear before a licensed ment that we can’t bring H.R. 8 to the the White House when it comes to pro- gun dealer and go through a lengthy floor because we have some concerns tecting families from this scourge of and potentially expensive background about it. I can’t get a piece of legisla- gun violence. check? This is my understanding. We tion to the floor any other way than to I want to be clear. I hope my Repub- have many questions like this. offer this motion. lican colleagues allow this legislation My constituents would like to have The American public is not going to to pass today, but if they don’t, for an opportunity to weigh in on meas- accept silence from this body week Jane and so many others, Senate ures like these, which is why we can’t after week, month after month, in the Democrats are going to keep shining a fast-track legislation that affects face of this epidemic carnage that is spotlight on the inaction on gun vio- America’s Second Amendment rights. happening across this country. Parents lence here in the Senate and the bro- I object to this unanimous consent. know their kids aren’t safe, and they ken promises coming out of the White I yield the floor. expect us to act. House. We are going to keep making The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- The President’s Attorney General the case, building support, and we will tion is heard. said the other day that we made some not give up until this is done. The Senator from Connecticut. progress on the issue of background I yield the floor. Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I appre- checks over the summer, but now we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ciate the good-faith objection from my have the impeachment proceedings, ator from Connecticut. friend from Mississippi, but the good and so that stops all of this discussion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.009 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6585 That is not true. The impeachment This will not be the last time we responsibility. It is a moral impera- proceedings right now are in the House come down to the floor to try to force tive. The unconscionable loss of life is of Representatives. The discussion on a debate, to force a conversation in our responsibility. the future of a background checks bill this body so that we can find bipar- This problem is one that we can was in the Senate. It was happening be- tisan consensus on an issue that enjoys solve. We may not be able to prevent tween myself and Senator MANCHIN and 95 percent public support, 80 percent all the deaths that occur—all 100 every Senator TOOMEY. We are still at the support from gun owners, and 70 per- day in America—but we can save lives. table, ready to negotiate a compromise cent support from NRA members. Our goal has to be to save as many version of the Background Check Ex- There is almost nothing else that is lives as quickly as possible. pansion Act. We, frankly, have lots of less controversial in America today I have been hopeful for the first time time on our hands in the Senate be- than the issue of universal background in a long time, as I have talked with cause we are not doing anything other checks, and we will continue to press my colleague Senator GRAHAM. He and than approving an appointee here, a that case on behalf of the American I have worked together conscientiously judge there. We have plenty of time. people. and closely on ‘‘extreme risk protec- We have plenty of bandwidth in the I yield the floor. tion order’’ legislation. There have Senate to negotiate with the White The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- been a series of encouraging conversa- House over a universal background ator from Connecticut. tions with the White House, and all checks bill. Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, seemed to be proceeding well, until You can’t say that we can’t take up we ought to be aggrieved, we ought to there was a report of the President H.R. 8 because we haven’t had input. be angry, and we ought to be furious— talking to Wayne LaPierre of the NRA. Republicans are in charge. You have not just frustrated but furious—at this Apparently, it takes only a phone the ability to have as much input as sad, even pathetic, objection to moving call—or a couple of them—with the you want. The White House can’t say forward with a bill that is supported by NRA to turn around the White House the impeachment is stopping a debate 95 percent of the American people. The and stop the progress we have been on background checks from happening. simple fact is that our Senate col- making and throw out the window all I am ready to talk. Senator TOOMEY is leagues have been talking to us in good the good work we have done. ready to talk. Senator MANCHIN is faith, not only about a background Over these past several months, Sen- ready to talk. checks bill but also about emergency ator GRAHAM, the White House, and my We have evidence from this summer risk protection orders, because we office have made important strides on about how important universal back- know there is no single solution, no emergency risk protection. We know ground checks are. On the last day of panacea, and that emergency risk pro- that they work. They enjoy broad pop- August, a gunman fled from police in tection orders are the other side of the ular support. At least 70 percent of the Odessa, TX. He hijacked a U.S. Postal coin to background checks. American people support some type of Service van. He killed its driver and Last week, re- ‘‘extreme risk protection’’ legislation, then randomly fired on people as he ported that President Trump has given including two-thirds of Republicans drove through the streets. During his up on passing lifesaving gun violence and 60 percent of gun owners. shooting spree, the gunman killed legislation. The reason is fierce lobby States like Connecticut, which was seven people and wounded over 20 oth- by the NRA. the first to adopt them, have shown ers—a reign of terror throughout the Let’s face the stark truth here. The they have a palpable, tangible, measur- streets of this Texas town. The current background checks law objection on the floor today is not the able effect. They are a crucial tool for worked as it was intended to work. The result of any lack of clarity about the law enforcement. The full implementa- shooter tried to buy a gun in January need for background check legislation. tion of Connecticut’s ‘‘emergency risk 2014, but he was denied. Why? Because It is the result, purely and simply, of protection order’’ law was associated he had been found to be so seriously the President saying no. with a mere 14-percent decline in fire- mentally ill when he was committed to We need to do our job. We have con- arm suicide rates, and the passages of an inpatient institution that his name tinued talks, in fact, with members of Indiana’s law in 2005 is associated with was placed on the list of individuals the White House staff after the im- a 7.5-percent decline in the firearm sui- who were prohibited from buying weap- peachment proceedings began. My hope cide rate. ons. is that the Washington Post article is We know these laws work. In the 17 The problem is, Texas doesn’t have untrue. I believe it, certainly, in no jurisdictions that have passed them, universal background checks, meaning way forestalls or prevents these discus- there has been a decline in suicides and that it was as easy as pie for the shoot- sions from continuing. I think there is homicides and domestic violence shoot- er, after he got denied a gun purchase a reason to hope, but it will take cour- ings. We can save lives. We can put to- at a brick-and-mortar store, to just go age and strength to do it. gether a measure that combines back- find a private seller who would sell him The President said yesterday that he ground checks, emergency risk protec- a military-style weapon without a was too busy doing his job meeting tion orders, and other sensible steps. background check. In this case, it re- with the President of Turkey—an indi- We can work through this body. The sulted in 20 people getting hurt and vidual who has potentially enabled war objection that we are bringing it to the seven people being wounded—this easy crimes in northern Syria. If he wasn’t floor precipitously is absolutely ridicu- way to find loopholes through the Na- too busy to do that kind of meeting, he lous. There is no reason we have to tion’s background check system. But shouldn’t be too busy to do gun vio- give up now and throw away all our that happens every single day. Every lence prevention. work simply because the House is single day, somebody buys a gun at a The fact is that the stakes are simply doing something unrelated, on im- gun show or online or through a pri- too high for there to be delay, and peachment. vate sale because that is the way they 36,000 Americans are killed every year, There has been too much good work can get a gun without having to go or more. That is 100 every day. Gun as well by groups doing the grassroots through a background check. deaths are, in fact, rising, not declin- task of mobilizing public support— I am deeply troubled. I am pro- ing. Moms Demand Action, Students De- foundly aggrieved by my body’s reluc- The trends are absolutely alarming mand Action, and all of the groups that tance to even take up a conversation and appalling, and we are complicit in have rallied around for gun safety. In about the future of gun policy in this these deaths if we fail to act. As I Connecticut, the Newtown Action Alli- country. I wish there wasn’t an objec- speak on the floor right now, there is a ance, Connecticut Against Gun Vio- tion. I wish we had an opportunity to school shooting in Santa Clarita, CA. lence, and Sandy Hook Promise show be able to discuss the future of back- How can we turn the other way? How us the way. ground checks and the future of our can we refuse to see that shooting in In the last election, gun violence was gun laws on the Senate floor. Our con- realtime, demanding our attention, re- on the ballot. Gun violence prevention stituents expect us to have that de- quiring our action? We are complicit if won. That is the reason the House has bate. we fail to act. It is not just a political passed H.R. 8. That is the reason why

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.010 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6586 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 we should do it here. History will judge to be nonpartisan has to be the is a return to where we used to be, my Republican colleagues harshly if politicalization of the Violence Against where the Violence Against Women Act they fail that, and the voters will judge Women Act, or VAWA. For 25 years, enjoyed broad support on both sides of them even more immediately equally this program has supported survivors the aisle and was truly not just bipar- harshly. of domestic violence and sexual assault tisan but nonpartisan. It is a shame The NRA is imploding. Its vice-like through a range of critical programs that something as urgent and undeni- grip should be crumbling in this body. and resources. ably important as combating domestic They may have the ear of the Presi- As a longtime victims’ rights advo- violence and sexual assault has some- dent, but they should not have the ear cate myself, I am a proud supporter of how fallen prey to Washington, DC, of my Republican colleagues. the Violence Against Women Act, and I politics. To the President, I say: The NRA is have consistently fought not only to I hope our colleagues will reconsider telling the American public they own continue it but to strengthen it as and return to the negotiating table so you and that all they have to do is snap well. we can reach a compromise and finally their fingers, and you fall into line. I think there is more we can and reauthorize the Violence Against Prove them wrong. All you need to do should do to support victims, and I Women Act. is take the final steps on this legisla- know folks on the other side of the E-CIGARETTES tion. Give us a green light. Tell us that aisle feel the same way. It is safe to Mr. President, on another matter, in we can move forward and that you will say, though, that we have had our fair recent months, there has been a lot of sign this bill. share of disagreements on how exactly coverage in the news and in social To the majority leader I say, whether to accomplish that. media about the health consequences or not the President gives us that Earlier this year, our Democratic of e-cigarette use. The ‘‘e’’ stands for green light, we need to do our job. colleagues allowed VAWA to get electronic—electronic cigarette use. Please do your job. Let us have this caught in the crosshairs of a funding We have seen alarming headlines vote. debate when they insisted we should about vaping-related illnesses that Thank you. not fund this vital program because it have led to severe health consequences I yield the floor. is overdue for updates. This is a rash and dozens of deaths. I find it particu- f move, to be sure. It lines up with the larly concerning that an increased ‘‘my way or the highway’’ legislative DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE number of children in middle school strategy sometimes deployed by our HOUSE TO MAKE A CORRECTION and in high school are using these friends on the other side, but that IN THE ENROLLMENT OF H.R. products, even though it is incon- hasn’t stopped my Republican col- 2423 sistent with the law. It is against the leagues, led by Senator JONI ERNST law. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask from Iowa, from pursuing a com- The National Youth Tobacco Survey unanimous consent that the Senate promise. estimates that more than 5 million proceed to the immediate consider- For many months now, Senator middle and high school students cur- ation of H. Con. Res. 72, which was re- ERNST has been working with DIANNE rently use e-cigarettes, up from 3.6 mil- ceived from the House. FEINSTEIN, the Senator from Cali- lion last year. Five million middle and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The fornia, to find ways to make improve- high school children are using this clerk will report the concurrent resolu- ments that both sides can agree on. product that the law says they should tion by title. That is the way things get done around not be using. The legislative clerk read as follows: here: You try to build consensus, and Folks at home are certainly dealing A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 72) maybe you don’t get everything you with the fallout. Last year, 19 percent directing the Clerk of the House to make a want, but if you can get 80 percent of of Texas high school students had used correction in the enrollment of H.R. 2423. what you want, you ought to take it an e-cigarette in the last 30 days, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there and run. news reports lead me to believe the objection to proceeding to the meas- Last week, unfortunately, Democrats number has done nothing but go up. ure? walked away from the negotiating Certainly, there are negative health There being no objection, the Senate table when it came to the Violence consequences associated with it. A teen proceeded to consider the concurrent Against Women Act. Rather than con- in Michigan was recently hospitalized, resolution. tinuing the discussions with people of as my colleague from Michigan well Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask opposing views, they took the easy way knows. He was recently hospitalized unanimous consent that the resolution out and simply walked away and intro- after vaping and then had to have an be agreed to and that the motion to re- duced their own partisan reauthoriza- incredibly double lung transplant consider be considered made and laid tion—one they know has no chance of because of the damage done to the upon the table with no intervening ac- passing. lungs. tion or debate. Just like the version that passed the This is causing alarm for parents, for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there House earlier this year, this is a mes- educators, for health professionals, and objection? saging document, worth no more than just about everybody else who has Without objection, it is so ordered. the paper it is written on. It is not heard about it. It certainly caught my The concurrent resolution (H. Con. going to reauthorize VAWA or make attention. Res. 72) was agreed to. the program better, and it is not going Yesterday the HELP Committee—the VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT to support victims because it stands no Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, unfor- chance of becoming law. sions Committee—in the Senate held a tunately, this Congress has been de- I am truly disappointed that our hearing to look into the government’s fined by previously unprecedented po- Democratic colleagues, once again, lackluster response to these public litical antics. Things that used to be have chosen to play politics rather health concerns. I am seriously con- far above the political fray are now than deliver real results, this time for cerned with how, compared to tradi- getting roiled in controversy. the victims of domestic violence and tional cigarettes, this industry is able One example is yesterday, when the sexual assault. to evade countless government regula- minority leader blocked the bipartisan Despite the games being played here, tions, especially through online sales. bill that I introduced to reduce drug my Republican colleagues and I are Consumers are able to purchase tra- prices—a bill that received unanimous working to put in the hard work it ditional cigarettes online, but there support in the Judiciary Committee. I takes to actually accomplish some- are clear guardrails in place to prevent recognize my friend from Connecticut thing and legislate. minors from using online purchases to Senator BLUMENTHAL, who is the chief Senator ERNST said she will soon be skirt the age restrictions. Democratic cosponsor of that bill. introducing a good-faith proposal that At the time of delivery, if you buy I think the most egregious example actually has the chance to become law. cigarettes online, you have to sign and of politicalization of things that used It is not a partisan document. It really show an ID proving your age. That just

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.011 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6587 makes sense to me. You have to show fronts. However, I think they all have ange benefits without going through a ID when you purchase cigarettes at a a couple of things in common. lot of bureaucracy in order to get their gas station or convenience store, and The first is that they love our Nation healthcare coverage. He did so at the buying them online should be no dif- so much that they are willing to put urging of the National Academy of ferent, but in the case of e-cigarettes, their lives on the line for our Constitu- Medicine based on the science—medical it is different. Anyone, no matter how tion, our democracy, our values, and science—of the connection. old or how young, could go online and our ideals for our country. The second Unfortunately, veterans with these buy e-cigarettes and have them deliv- is that they understand that patriot- conditions are still waiting. This was ered to your front door, no questions ism is a lot more than a feeling of back in 2017. They are still waiting to asked. pride. Instead, it is a way of life. get that healthcare, and that is be- You better believe underage kids are Veterans don’t finish their military cause the Office of Management and taking advantage of that loophole. A service, hang up their uniforms, go Budget Director, Mick Mulvaney, recent survey found that about one- home, never to be heard from again. In- quietly ignored the science and re- third of underage e-cigarette users stead, these are the people around us jected the coverage expansion. Why? bought them online. who take a good look at their commu- We now know, through emails that What people need to understand is nity, their State, our country, see what have been made public, that he thought that e-cigarettes are essentially a nico- needs to be done, and step up. it was too costly. tine delivery device. Nicotine, of Not all of us have what it takes to Really? Let me remind you that course, is an addictive drug, so it is not serve in our Armed Forces. Yet all of these veterans each signed a blank as if there aren’t negative health con- us do have the ability to follow the ex- check to our Nation. For veterans who sequences. Even if they are not smok- ample of those who have served us, see were exposed to Agent Orange, the ing tobacco, if they use e-cigarettes, a need, and raise our hands. Imagine check they signed is in the amount of there are true risks to the health of how much better off our Nation would their health and well-being. these young people. be if we all had that same dedication to A number of colleagues in this Cham- Now, while an adult, I believe, ought give something back. ber, led by Senator TESTER and Sen- to be able to do things that maybe neg- As we have been celebrating Veterans ator BROWN, whom I see on the floor, atively impact their health, I think we Day this week, we should all remember have repeatedly asked the VA to ex- have an obligation to protect children, that when American men and women plain the delay in coverage. Their ques- particularly those who are making bad sign up to serve in our armed services, tions, over and over again, have gone decisions, before they are prepared to they really sign a blank check to our unanswered. understand what the consequences country—a check that could include We only now know what really hap- really are. everything, including losing their life. pened when a veteran trying to get So while it is important for us to un- When our Nation accepts that check, help, trying to get treatment, finally derstand the health impact of these de- we need to make sure we are holding filed a FOIA request—Freedom of In- vices and have serious conversations up our end of the bargain. formation Act request—to get informa- with our own children about the risks, Unfortunately, the Trump adminis- tion about who was holding it up and we should do something to prevent tration is failing to provide veterans what was going on. Just recently, we children from getting their hands on e- with the benefits they have earned, es- have found out that the Office of Man- cigarettes in the first place. I have introduced a bill with Senator pecially when it comes to healthcare. agement and Budget—that Mick Congress passed the VA MISSION FEINSTEIN and Senator VAN HOLLEN Mulvaney blocked the care because he that prevents the online sale of e-ciga- Act last year to improve veterans’ ac- thought it was going to cost too much. rettes to minors using the same safe- cess to healthcare and to expand bene- It is now November of 2019, and Viet- guards that stop them from being able fits to caregivers, which is so impor- nam veterans are still not getting to use regular cigarettes and smokeless tant. Yet the VA missed the October treatment for these diseases. Yester- tobacco products on the internet. The deadline—missed the October dead- day, my friend Senator BROWN from law is the same with regard to who can line—to include Vietnam and Korean Ohio requested unanimous consent on legally purchase them, so we ought to war veterans in the expansion. his resolution, which I am pleased to be have the procedures in place that pre- The VA has kicked eligible veterans a cosponsor of, that expands the dis- vent underage smokers from buying out of the caregiver program without eases covered by the VA for Agent Or- cigarettes online without a signature explaining why. Meanwhile, more than ange exposure. It would fix this and say and without an identification card 60,000 veterans who received emergency to the OMB Director: We want to make proving their age. We ought to have care at non-VA facilities in 2017 are sure we are keeping our end of the bar- the same procedures in place for e-ciga- still waiting for the VA to pay their gain for our Vietnam vets who were ex- rettes. medical bills. posed to Agent Orange. This bill, thankfully, has broad bi- Perhaps worst of all, this administra- Once again, Leader MCCONNELL and partisan support, with one-quarter of tion turned their backs on more than Republicans chose to stand with the all Senators serving as cosponsors, and 80,000 Vietnam-era veterans who devel- Trump administration and Mick it has recently passed the House by a oped illnesses because of toxic exposure Mulvaney to stop veterans from get- voice vote. to Agent Orange. We have known for a ting this critical healthcare coverage. I When we talk about passing con- long time that Agent Orange exposure was amazed to actually hear the objec- sensus legislation in the Senate, this is has caused many serious health issues. tion include the words, ‘‘It costs too about as easy as it comes. I hope we In fact, I first started working on much.’’ can bring this legislation to the Senate this issue regarding Agent Orange and It is not enough to praise our vet- floor soon so we can prevent the next fighting for our veterans when I was in erans with words. We do that all the generation from using legal loopholes the Michigan State legislature, trying time, especially around the 11th of No- to get their hands on e-cigarettes. to get the Federal Government to rec- vember. Praise doesn’t pay the medical I yield the floor. ognize and provide VA health coverage bills. Praise doesn’t give a veteran a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- for these illnesses. Over the years, healthy life, a job, a home, or opportu- ator from Michigan. some things have changed and im- nities. VA MISSION ACT proved, but it has been way, way too This administration, Congress, and Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, this slow. our country must keep each and every week, America is paying tribute to Veterans who have been suffering for promise our country has made to those more than 19 million people in our years were offered hope in 2017 when who have served, period. Each and country and a half million people in then-Veterans Affairs Secretary David every one of them signed that blank Michigan who show us every day what Shulkin added bladder cancer, under- check to our country. service is all about. active thyroid, high blood pressure, Leader MCCONNELL, it is time to hold America’s veterans have served in and Parkinson’s-like symptoms to the up our country’s end of the bargain. many ways and on many different list of diseases eligible for Agent Or- I yield the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.014 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6588 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Every time I think about this, I just surprisingly, he continues to serve ator from Ohio. can’t believe that the President of the through his wishes to be an organ Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank United States, who didn’t serve—I donor. Senator STABENOW. She is exactly didn’t either. I understand that. But In times of tragedy, Ohioans always right. A couple of times, she used the you know, because I didn’t serve in rise to the occasion. We have witnessed term ‘‘blank check.’’ When people join Vietnam and I am just slightly on the an outpouring of community support in the Army, people become marines, peo- young side of this generation, because I the days since Detective Del Rio was ple go off to a service academy, and didn’t serve, maybe I should work a lit- taken from us. While no gesture, of people enlist in the National Guard, es- tle harder, as a member of the Vet- course, can ever repay him or Kathy sentially they sign a blank check erans’ Committee, to make sure the and his children and grandchildren for cashed by all of us who care so much people who did serve are taken care of. their sacrifice, today we honor this about protecting our country. This President, who didn’t serve—I hero’s memory, and we lift up the en- Senator STABENOW has been, with don’t judge him for that. No matter tire Dayton community. Senator TESTER, one of the real leaders what he said, I don’t judge him for I suggest the absence of a quorum. on this. You know, it used to be, many that. But maybe he ought to work a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The years ago, when it became clearer that little harder, not just making speeches clerk will call the roll. veteran after veteran after veteran— about how much he loves veterans but The bill clerk proceeded to call the young veterans in those days, 20 years actually coming to the table and tell- roll. ago, not that far removed from Viet- ing Senator MCCONNELL: Quit blocking Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I ask nam—were coming down with these ill- our attempts to take care of these unanimous consent that the order for nesses, Congress decided bipartisanly, 80,000 veterans. It is just outrageous. the quorum call be rescinded. almost unanimously, that rather than Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. make every single veteran, every sol- unanimous consent that the remainder HYDE-SMITH). Without objection, it is dier, every marine, and every sailor of my remarks be placed at a different so ordered. prove to the government, prove to the point in the RECORD. EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT VA that they should be eligible for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Mr. CARDIN. ‘‘Equality of rights healthcare coverage based on the ill- objection, it is so ordered. under the law shall not be denied or ness they got because of Agent Or- HONORING DETECTIVE JORGE ‘‘GEORGE’’ DEL RIO abridged by the United States or by ange—Congress decided that we Mr. President, I rise to honor a dedi- any State on account of sex.’’ Most shouldn’t make every single person go cated Ohio public servant, Detective Americans believe that the Equal through proving this—through that George Del Rio. For three decades, De- Rights Amendment is part of our Con- process. So what did we do? We made a tective Del Rio served his community stitution today, but it is not. list of illnesses that typically come in Dayton with honor and integrity. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader from exposure to Agent Orange, and On November 4, a few days ago, he Ginsburg stated: any veteran who was sick from one of was working as part of a local DEA Every Constitution written since the end these illnesses, no questions asked, got drug task force, and he made the ulti- of World War II includes a provision that healthcare. That is what we did. That mate sacrifice to keep his fellow Ohio- men and women are citizens of equal stature. was then. ans safe. He laid down his life while Ours does not. Today, in this time when I hear my doing his job. He was working with fel- The State of Maryland has a provi- colleagues who sit over here—I don’t low Dayton officers to protect the peo- sion very similar to that in its State want to make this partisan, but it has ple he was sworn to serve in Miami constitution. Many of our States have become that because it is President Valley. acted on the Equal Rights Amendment, Trump, Vice President PENCE, and Sen- In the days since his passing, we have but, as Justice Scalia said, ‘‘Certainly ator MCCONNELL who say no to this. We heard story after story after story of the Constitution does not require dis- have the Secretary of the VA, ap- Detective Del Rio’s service to his com- crimination on the basis of sex. The pointed by the President of the United munity and to his family. only issue is whether it prohibits it. It States, President Trump—the Sec- As he was hospitalized, officers from doesn’t.’’ retary of the VA came up with these around Miami Valley packed the hos- We need to pass the Equal Rights four additional illnesses around which pital hallways and parking lots to show Amendment in the Constitution of the there is scientific consensus saying their support and their respect for De- United States for many reasons. The that these illnesses are caused by tective Del Rio and his wife Kathy and most basic reason is that it provides Agent Orange, and individual veterans their children and grandchildren. additional protection against discrimi- shouldn’t have to, one at a time, prove Detective Del Rio was beloved by nation against women. It has a higher that they got sick, that they got this friends and colleagues. He was devoted standard to prevent discrimination. It kind of Parkinson’s or they had blad- to his family. He was kind. He was shows America’s leadership globally on der cancer based on Agent Orange. We funny. He was fair. He was a good cop human rights. ought to just accept that. That is how even while spending his days under- In 1972, Congress started the process we serve those who served us. taking dangerous work, often under- by passing the Equal Rights Amend- But do you know what Senator cover. ment. We passed it in 1972. Now, of MCCONNELL does? You know, his office Detective Del Rio’s career is a re- course, it requires 38 States to ratify it is down the hall, as my colleagues minder of the contributions that immi- before it can become law. To date, 37 know. Senator MCCONNELL apparently grants make to our great country and States have ratified the Equal Rights says that we should do tax cuts for rich to my State. He came to this country Amendment. We are one short of ac- people, but we can’t afford to spend a as a child from Mexico. His decades of complishing our objective of putting few billion dollars. It is a lot of money, teamwork as part of the Dayton Police the Equal Rights Amendment at long but these are our people, and these are Department and the DEA saved lives last in the Constitution of the United people who served in Southeast Asia and changed lives. He embodied the States. But there is an additional po- mostly in the 1960s and 1970s. Dayton PD’s motto of ‘‘Honor through tential hurdle; that is, when Congress Senator MCCONNELL wants to turn service and service with honor.’’ passed the resolution in 1972, it put a 7- his back on them. President Trump Chief Richard Biehl—whom I have year time limit for the States to act. turns his back on them. The new Sec- gotten to know on a number of occa- They extended that to 10 years. This is retary of the VA, appointed by Presi- sions because of the tragedies of the strictly a provision that is discre- dent Trump, turns his back on these shooting and the tornado and the tionary to Congress. Article V of the soldiers. There are 80,000 of them. Does KKK’s attempted rally in Dayton—said Constitution puts no limit on the time President Trump just want to wait till that Detective Del Rio had an impact for ratification of a constitutional all 80,000 are dead, and then we will not regionally, nationally, and internation- amendment proposed by Congress for have to worry about this anymore? Or ally. His legacy will live on through the States to ratify. In fact, the 27th do we serve those who served us? the many lives he touched, and, not Amendment was ratified in 1992. That

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.018 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6589 deals with congressional pay raises. It The deadline passed in 1982, so isn’t this ef- We have a plan to get this done by was first proposed in 1789 to be part of fort futile? Not at all. passing the resolution I talked about, the Bill of Rights, and over 200 years Nationally, momentum began to shift the 38th State to ratify it, and that at later, it was ratified. So there is no about two years ago, as women across the long last, the United States will pro- country began to raise their voices again in time limit in the Constitution for the calls for solidarity and equality. The ERA vide the leadership on universal human ratification of a constitutional amend- had never gone away, but the #MeToo move- rights by placing the Equal Rights ment. ment gave it a jolt of energy and a new spot- Amendment in our Constitution. To remove any doubt, Congress light for inequalities in U.S. law. I suggest the absence of a quorum. should extend the time, as it did once In March 2017, 45 years to the day after The PRESIDING OFFICER. The before. In order to accomplish that, I Congress overwhelmingly approved the ERA, clerk will call the roll. joined with Senator MURKOWSKI, the Nevada became the 36th state to ratify the Senator from Alaska, in a bipartisan amendment. And then, in May 2018, Illinois The bill clerk proceeded to call the became the 37th. roll. effort on S. Res. 6 that removes the What had for years been referred to as a deadline, the time limit on the passage three-state plan—working to have Congress Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I of the Equal Rights Amendment. remove the ratification deadline so that ask unanimous consent that the order Madam President, I ask unanimous three more states could ratify the ERA, and for the quorum call be rescinded. consent to have printed in the RECORD it would become enshrined in our constitu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without an op-ed piece written by Senator MUR- tion—had suddenly become a one-state plan. objection, it is so ordered. KOWSKI and myself in regard to why we Earlier this month, Virginia started the ratification process in their state legisla- Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I need to get that resolution passed. ask unanimous consent to speak as in There being no objection, the mate- ture. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, morning business. rial was ordered to be printed in the North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without RECORD, as follows: and Utah could also become state No. 38. objection, it is so ordered. [From the Washington Post, Jan. 25, 2019] Congress can do its part by explicitly remov- IT’S TIME TO FINALLY PASS THE EQUAL ing the deadline it once set. HEALTHCARE RIGHTS AMENDMENT Article V of the Constitution contains no Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, as (By Lisa Murkowski and Ben Cardin) time limits for ratification of amendments. President Trump and the Senate Re- The states finally ratified the 27th Amend- Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, represents ment in 1992 regarding congressional pay publicans continue to press forward Alaska in the Senate. Ben Cardin, a Demo- raises more than 200 years after Congress with their relentless attacks on fami- crat, represents Maryland in the Senate. proposed it in 1789 as part of the Bill of lies’ healthcare, the Democrats are Men and women should be treated equally Rights. going to continue to make clear just under the law. It seems pretty basic, right? The original deadline for ERA ratification what is at stake by lifting up stories of As we approach the 100th anniversary of was not in the amendment itself but only in patients and families across the coun- women’s suffrage, it comes as a shock to so the text of the joint resolution proposing the many that the U.S. Constitution does not try, starting with Natasha from my amendment. This is to say the amendment home State of Washington. guarantee women the same rights and pro- itself has no arbitrary deadline attached. tections as men. Whether on purpose or not, Congress hand- Because of a diagnosis she received We come from different ends of the polit- cuffed itself at the time it passed the ERA. when she was young, Natasha had long ical spectrum, but we agree that this needs But this Congress can and should easily believed she could not conceive, so she to change. Women compose a majority of the amend that language to remove the deadline and her partner were particularly sur- American population but continue to be for ratification. underrepresented in government, elected of- prised last year to get the news that We are proud to work together on a bipar- she was pregnant. With that unex- fice, the courts and business world. A level tisan basis to move this essential legislation playing field should not be a euphemism but over the finish line and finally make the pected news, came all sorts of ques- rather a reality for women (and men) from ERA part of the Constitution—guaranteeing tions, including whether they could Anchorage to Annapolis and everywhere in equality under the law for women. handle the cost of things like mater- between. Women should not be held back or provided nity care, postpartum care, and new- ‘‘Equality of rights under the law shall not less opportunity, respect or protections born care. Fortunately, Natasha’s fam- be denied or abridged by the United States or under the law because of their gender. This ily had coverage through Medicaid, so by any State on account of sex.’’ is not a partisan issue but one of universal This is the full substance of the Equal all of the medical costs she had been so human rights. Gender equality should be an concerned about were completely cov- Rights Amendment. It’s a little less than a explicit, basic principle of our society. tweet, but it will make a positive difference Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, on ered. Instead of worrying about how in the lives of millions of women. they would pay for the healthcare she Why is this still necessary? During a 2011 November 13, the House Judiciary Committee took up a very similar reso- needed, she and her partner were able interview, Justice Antonin Scalia summed to focus on getting ready to welcome up the need for an Equal Rights Amendment. lution, H.J. Res. 79 by Representative the newest addition to their family. He said: ‘‘Certainly the Constitution does , and it has now been re- not require discrimination on the basis of ported out favorably. So we now have Natasha’s story shows why families sex. The only issue is whether it prohibits it. moving through the House of Rep- across the country are so worried as It doesn’t.’’ resentatives a resolution that would the Republicans continue down the On the other side of the spectrum, Justice remove this time limit that was im- damaging path they have been on for Ruth Bader Ginsburg laid out the rationale years. Since day No. 1 of the Trump ad- for the ERA in simple terms: ‘‘Every con- posed in the 1970s on the ratification of stitution written since the end of World War the Equal Rights Amendment. ministration, the Republicans have II includes a provision that men and women What I am imploring upon my col- been working to raise families’ are citizens of equal stature. Ours does not.’’ leagues is, we are very close to getting healthcare costs, take away their cov- Why has it taken this long? Per the Con- this done. We know there was a change erage, and make healthcare lower qual- stitution, an amendment must be ratified by in leadership in Virginia. Virginia ity. three-fourths of the states to be enacted. could very well be the 38th State. But In the Senate, the Republicans have While most amendments are put forward without a time limit, this one came with a let’s remove the ambiguity as to a time stood with President Trump as he has seven-year deadline. The original was ex- limit. tried to implement draconian caps on tended to 10 years, but still, only 35 states We will celebrate in this Congress the Medicaid through his Trumpcare bill had ratified the ERA by 1982. 100th anniversary of the passage of the and has proposed budgets that slash While the clock stood frozen at the federal 19th Amendment to the Constitution, funding for Medicaid. They have also level, today, nearly half of the states—in- the women’s suffrage amendment that stood by as President Trump has im- cluding Maryland and Alaska—have a passed in 1920. Why did it take so long plemented a gag rule on title X-funded version of the ERA written into their con- for women to have the right to vote? clinics—jeopardizing reproductive stitutions. Gender-based equality represents the present-day views of the vast majority of Well, people are asking: Why is it tak- healthcare for millions of patients. The people across the United States, and is the ing so long to put the Equal Rights Republicans are also opposing the spirit that underpins our bipartisan legisla- Amendment into the Constitution of Democrats’ efforts to lower sky- tion. the United States? rocketing prescription drug prices by

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.020 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 allowing Medicare to negotiate on be- healthcare, the Democrats are going to lege campuses. The administration’s half of patients and to reverse Presi- be here to continue to remind our col- own analysis concluded that the new dent Trump’s steps to promote junk in- leagues on the other side of the aisle rules would dramatically reduce the surance plans that do not protect pa- that everything we do and don’t do in number of sexual assault investiga- tients with preexisting conditions and the Capitol has real consequences for tions. do increase families’ healthcare costs. real families, especially when it comes Mr. Menashi worked on the rule roll- The Republicans are even to issues like healthcare, which every ing back efforts to address disparities cheerleading a partisan lawsuit that family has to deal with. in the discipline of students of color will be catastrophic to families across Whether it is losing coverage right as and those with disabilities. In March, a the country. We could get a ruling on you finally have the chance to start a Federal court ruled that the Depart- this lawsuit any day now. If the Repub- family or whether it is being rejected ment had engaged in an illegal delay licans get their way, protections for because you have a preexisting condi- and had acted arbitrarily and capri- the over 100 million people in this tion, we are going to continue lifting ciously. country with preexisting conditions up those voices who aren’t on the Sen- During Mr. Menashi’s time at the De- could be thrown out the window. Mil- ate floor, and we are going to continue partment of Education, the administra- lions of families who are covered making clear what the GOP’s tion argued that it was appropriate to through the exchanges and Medicaid healthcare plan would actually mean use Federal education funds to pur- expansion could be thrown off of their to people’s lives. This isn’t a matter of chase guns for schools. healthcare, and young adults could be politics for families; it is a matter of Also consider Mr. Menashi’s time as kicked off of their parents’ plans before life and death, and we aren’t going to a White House counsel where he helped they turn 26. Patients could also be let the Republicans forget it. Stephen Miller in crafting some of the stuck paying tens of thousands of dol- I yield the floor. administration’s most draconian immi- lars for their care as caps on their out- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- gration policies. While he was an advi- of-pocket costs are eliminated, as caps ator from Rhode Island. sor, the White House cut refugee ad- on their lifetime and annual benefits NOMINATION OF STEVEN J. MENASHI missions to a historic low, effectively come back—even for those, by the way, Mr. REED. Madam President, I have banned asylum for refugees traveling who are covered through their employ- serious philosophical disagreements through Mexico, and threatened to end ers’ plans—and as essential benefits with many of the judicial nominees put birthright citizenship. that make sure their coverage includes forth by this administration, but I be- His views and work experience call things like prescription drugs and lieve Mr. Menashi is especially unfit to into question how his personal biases emergency care go away. serve on the Federal bench. His record would color his rulings, and whether he For patients like Natasha, the Re- indicates an inability to serve as a fair has the judicial temperament and po- publicans’ healthcare agenda would be and impartial judge. And so I urge my litical independence necessary to serve a disaster. Not only would it gut Med- colleagues on both sides of the aisle to on the Federal bench. This is not the icaid, which helped her to get the help reject his nomination to a lifetime ap- kind of legal judgment that deserves a she needed, but if the Republicans suc- pointment on the bench. lifetime appointment to the Federal ju- ceed in this lawsuit, insurance compa- Steven Menashi’s public record dem- diciary. nies could discriminate against pa- onstrates a deep contempt for a wide SENATE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA tients like her for having preexisting spectrum of Americans, and particu- While the Senate has spent consider- conditions, including, by the way, larly some of the most vulnerable able time and hours on Mr. Menashi’s being pregnant, and insurance compa- amongst us. In his own writings and as nomination, one can’t help but notice nies could choose not to cover essential editor in chief of the Dartmouth Re- the fact that the majority leader seems health benefits like maternity care. view, he has directly expressed or con- to scrupulously avoid calling up votes The junk plans President Trump is doned disturbing views on issues such on legislation that would help working already promoting leave patients fac- as LGBT rights, racism, and student Americans and working families. ing similar problems today. In fact, as aid. I hear from my Rhode Island con- part of their application process, many Even if we were to cast these senti- stituents every day about countless of those junk plans ask patients wheth- ments aside, Mr. Menashi’s recent pressing issues that the Senate should er they are pregnant or are planning to work in the Trump administration pro- be debating and voting on. We could be become pregnant. That is because these vides ample evidence that he is unfit considering an infrastructure bill that junk plans are already allowed to deny for a lifetime appointment to the would provide robust investment to en- coverage, exclude benefits, or charge bench. Consider his performance as act- able the rebuilding of our crumbling higher premiums for patients with pre- ing general counsel at the Department roads, bridges, schools, and other crit- existing conditions. of Education. Mr. Menashi oversaw the ical infrastructure. We could be work- The Republicans’ approach to pa- rollback of regulations designed to pro- ing to increase Pell grants and lower tients’ healthcare—making it more ex- tect students and taxpayers from pred- the cost of college. pensive, harder to get, and lower qual- atory for-profit institutions of higher I think every Member of this body ity—is clearly designed to work for big education. would agree that another vital issue insurance companies, not for people More egregiously, Mr. Menashi wrote that we hear often from our constitu- like Natasha. Her story is one of many. the memo outlining the administra- ents about is the need to address sky- In fact, it is one of tens of millions. tion’s scheme to provide only partial rocketing prescription drug costs. Ac- There are so many other families debt relief to students defrauded by cording to Families USA, nearly 3 in 10 across the country who are seeing their for-profit colleges—a scheme that a American adults—nearly 80 million well-being being put at risk by the Re- Federal judge ruled violated Federal people—have not taken required medi- publicans’ harmful healthcare agenda. privacy laws. Under this scheme, the cine due to its costs. In fact, addressing Yet we have seen before what can hap- Department of Education used data prescription drug costs alone would go pen when people share their stories, that was collected to hold institutions a long way toward bringing down when we lift those stories up, and when accountable for providing education healthcare costs overall. we put faces or names to the people the leading to gainful employment to fur- There are dozens of proposals from Republicans could hurt with their poli- ther punish their victims. The Depart- Senators on both sides of the aisle that cies. When the Republicans tried to ment has still failed to comply with would help to address this issue. Yet jam through their Trumpcare bill, we the court’s orders, resulting in the Sec- Republican leadership has refused to stopped it because people across the retary of Education being held in con- allow any debate on prescription drug country fought back, and they spoke tempt. prices or on healthcare costs more up. Mr. Menashi supervised the legal broadly this year. Something I, and As President Trump and the Repub- work on the administration’s proposal many of my colleagues, have proposed licans continue using every tool they to rewrite the rules dealing with sexual numerous times would be to require can to try and undermine families’ assault and sexual harassment on col- Medicare to negotiate drug prices with

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.027 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6591 the drug companies to ensure seniors mous consent that the Senate Vet- The time has come to expand this and taxpayers get the best price. The erans’ Affairs Committee be discharged vital patient protection to cover vet- Department of Veterans Affairs al- from further consideration of S. 1573 erans enrolled in VA healthcare. Con- ready does this. While there is no silver and the Senate proceed to its imme- gress has the power to stop veterans bullet in solving rising drug costs, this diate consideration. I further ask that from being the only ensured Americans would be a commonsense first step in the bill be considered read a third time who are charged copays and out-of- the right direction. and passed and the motion to recon- pocket fees for essential drugs and po- There are also more than 250 bills sider be considered made and laid upon tentially lifesaving preventive health passed by the House that Majority the table with no intervening action or medication. This includes everything Leader MCCONNELL refuses to bring up debate. from critical vaccinations to common and that have been left in the legisla- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there medications such as aspirin to lower tive graveyard. Let me repeat that. objection? the risk of heart disease and more ad- More than 250 bills are awaiting action The Senator from Arkansas. vanced drugs such as tamoxifen inhibi- here in the Senate. The House is doing Mr. BOOZMAN. Madam President, re- tors to lower the risk of breast cancer. its part to look out for the people’s serving the right to object, while we The question is simply, Does the Sen- business, and the Senate should follow very much appreciate what Senator ate majority in this Congress have the suit. DUCKWORTH is trying to accomplish, I will to exercise this power to swiftly These include the Enhanced Back- must object to the request for unani- fix the problem? ground Checks Act, which would ex- mous consent. Unfortunately, today’s objection pro- pand the national firearms background The bill has only one cosponsor and vided a disappointing answer. I hope check system to include virtually all has not gone through regular order, the the majority will reconsider its opposi- Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee gun transfers, and block the illegal tion to passing the bipartisan Veterans has not considered the policy implica- sales that currently happen through Preventive Health Coverage Fairness tions of the legislation, and the Appro- gun shows and private transfers. They Act by unanimous consent. priations Subcommittee on Veterans include the reauthorization of the Vio- I am confident that a Democratic Affairs that I chair has not been given lence Against Women Act, which is the House majority would act swiftly to an opportunity to understand the budg- primary law to provide services for vic- pass S. 1573 if we can get this common- etary impacts the bill would have. tims of domestic violence, sexual as- sense bill to that Chamber. After all, I This legislation would be a signifi- sault, and stalking. They include the am confident that if asked, the major- cant policy change for VA and would American Dream and Promise Act, ity of Americans—if not all Ameri- reduce revenue to VA medical centers which would provide a pathway to citi- cans—would agree it is simply wrong by eliminating certain copayments. zenship for DACA recipients, TPS hold- to force veterans to pay more for essen- Policy changes such as this should be ers, and those with DED. That’s De- tial preventive medications that are thoughtfully considered through full ferred Enforced Departure. critically important to heart disease committees before being considered by Furthermore, Republicans continue and building bone density. the full Senate. This should not be controversial. It is to block Democratic-led efforts to pass I look forward to working with Sen- commonsense election security legisla- certainly viewed as a commonsense ator DUCKWORTH to see if we can get legislative update by the veterans com- tion. This is despite warning after this resolved, but based on these facts, munity. warning from our intelligence and na- I object. tional security agencies that Russia The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- That is why my bipartisan bill has undertook an unprecedented effort to tion is heard. been endorsed by the Veterans of For- interfere in our 2016 elections and that The Senator from Illinois. eign Wars of the United States, the the Russians are actively working to Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President, American Legion, the Disabled Amer- do it again in 2020. I am disappointed that the majority ican Veterans, and the Paralyzed Vet- Instead of elevating someone with an has objected to passing our bipartisan erans of America. extreme record like Mr. Menashi to one legislation. Making sure veterans enrolled in the of the highest courts in the land, we Every Senator should support a sim- VA system can obtain preventive medi- should be debating and voting on legis- ple fix to assure veterans enrolled in cations without paying out of pocket lation that will protect healthcare, ex- the VA system can obtain preventive should be something every Senator can pand educational opportunity, secure medications without out-of-pocket agree on. our elections, fully fund the census, costs. Senate Democrats certainly share and prevent gun and domestic vio- All Americans deserve access to the this conviction. That is why every lence—in addition to many, many best healthcare possible, especially the Member of the Democratic caucus other important priorities. veterans who signed up to defend our agreed to pass the bipartisan Veterans The majority has refused to allow the Nation. Yet, because of this objection, Preventive Health Coverage Fairness Senate to vote on and address the our veterans will continue to pay more Act right now. pressing issues that Americans care for essential preventive medications Unfortunately, today’s objection about. And this body is failing to get compared to every other insured Amer- proves that not every Member of the its appropriations work done on time. ican. Republican conference shares this con- So I urge the majority leader to end One of the Affordable Care Act’s crit- viction. this partisan paralysis and let the Sen- ical patient protections was prohib- With deep disappointment, I yield the ate get to work on issues that can im- iting insurance companies and other floor. prove the lives of Rhode Islanders and health systems, including the Depart- I suggest the absence of a quorum. all Americans. ment of Defense’s own TRICARE, from The PRESIDING OFFICER. The I yield the floor. charging copayments for drugs that are clerk will call the roll. I suggest the absence of a quorum. designated as preventive by the U.S. The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Preventive Services Task Force. proceeded to call the roll. clerk will call the roll. The ACA recognized that preventing The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The senior assistant legislative clerk serious illness, such as heart disease ator from Colorado. proceeded to call the roll. and breast cancer, may help avoid com- Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, I Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President, plex and costly medical treatments ask unanimous consent that the order I ask unanimous consent that the order down the line. for the quorum call be rescinded. for the quorum call be rescinded. Most importantly, preventive medi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cine may also increase patient survival objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. odds. That is why the ACA required VETERANS DAY UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1573 every insurer to cover preventive medi- Mr. GARDNER. Madam President, Ms. DUCKWORTH. Madam President, cations at no additional cost to enroll- this week across this country, we cele- as in legislative session, I ask unani- ees. brated Veterans Day. Veterans Day in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.028 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6592 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 Colorado and across the country means else had been treated. Lieutenant Mur- of the fact that they sacrifice for our a lot of different things to so many phy stayed on the battlefield until country every day. They have put their people across our Nation, but one thing every marine was accounted for. bodies and their minds through vig- it has always stood for is a day of When President Eisenhower pre- orous training, boot camps, and deploy- thanks to share and celebrate the men sented Murphy with the Medal of ments. They have given up valuable and women in our families and our Honor, he was quoted as saying: time with their loved ones. They are communities who have done so much ‘‘What is it about the water out there in away from home for months at a time, for our country so that it continues to Pueblo? All you guys turn out to be heroes!’’ if not longer. There are the holidays be the greatest Nation on the face of That is our Pueblo, CO. Whatever it they will never get back and the impor- this Earth. is, there must be a lot of it in Colo- tant milestones they have missed with In Colorado, we celebrated with pa- rado’s water. their families as they placed their ci- rades, parties, charity fundraisers, U.S. Army CPT Florent Groberg—an- vilian lives on hold to serve our coun- races and marathons, and events all other Coloradan—was based out of Fort try. And too many people return with over the Centennial State to recognize Carson. He received the Medal of Honor wounds of war, both physical and men- the work of our veterans and the sac- for his heroic actions in Afghanistan. tal. All of these sacrifices and their rifice of our veterans and their fami- In 2012, his patrol was ambushed by an willingness to place their lives on the lies. Admission to all of our State individual wearing a suicide vest. Cap- line for the country they love add up to parks was free so veterans and their tain Groberg rushed to the individual a debt we can never repay—never pay families could enjoy the land they have and grabbed him, driving him away back. defended. from his fellow troops and down to the I hope that the Veterans Day celebra- In Colorado Springs, where we have a ground. The bomber’s vest exploded, se- tion this week serves as a reminder number of veterans and Active-Duty verely wounding Captain Groberg. He that it is our responsibility to take military members, three of the largest miraculously survived the blast, and care of those who have taken care of school districts didn’t take the day off his heroic actions and selflessness us. We owe it to our Nation’s veterans for Veterans Day but, instead, they saved many of his patrol members’ to ensure that they can receive the held veteran appreciation events, lives. His actions were certainly ex- best possible care and that they have breakfasts and lunches with local vet- traordinary, and they showed the char- the tools and support necessary to erans, invited special speakers, wrote acter of the men and women who serve. navigate civilian life. letters to men and women who have They would do anything to protect The Senate and the House have taken served, and had other opportunities for those they love. great steps to improve the lives of vet- students to learn about the sacrifices I am also reminded of a Coloradan I erans and the care they receive, but we our veterans have made for our coun- have had the honor of working with can always do more, and we must do try. and meeting over the last several more. We must do more and never give We in Colorado—we in this country years. Two years ago, in fact, I had a up. We can do better than the status take great pride in our veterans and Veterans Day experience I will never quo. For veterans living in rural areas our veteran community. In Colorado, forget with another veteran who re- like the Western Slope or Eastern our six military bases, including the fused to give up on his fellow brothers Plains of Colorado, long drive times U.S. Air Force Academy, all play a and sisters in arms. I was visiting Don- and a shortage of doctors and nurses at critical role in defending our Nation ald Stratton, who was a seaman 1st the VA facilities make it difficult to and keeping the world a safer place. class on the USS Arizona when the Jap- receive the care we promised. There Colorado is home to more than 400,000 anese launched a surprise attack on has never been a fight too dangerous or veterans who have bravely served our Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. a task too difficult for these men and country. Mr. Stratton was one of the last five women who have served our country, Earlier this year, I was fortunate remaining survivors stationed on the and that is the approach we need to enough to meet more than 100 Colorado USS Arizona. Since that time 2 years take. We have to be in this fight to heroes as part of the High Plains Honor ago, we have lost Lauren Bruner. There make sure we approach veterans’ care Flight, a tradition that has been car- are even fewer today than there were. with the same commitment and find ried on for a number of years. It is an He told me how a young sailor named creative solutions to ease the transi- incredible tradition every year—bring- Joseph George disregarded the orders tion to civilian life, to make sure they to abandon ship in order to save his life ing Colorado veterans to our Nation’s have the care they need, and to make and the other sailors. Joseph George Capital, touring the war memorials, sure we have enough physicians and never received a medal for his actions, and taking the opportunity to meet nurses and doctors in these places to and Donald Stratton didn’t think that these veterans, look them in the eye, provide the best possible care. shake their hands, and say thank you. was fair. It didn’t sit well. Mr. Stratton Earlier this year, I introduced my VA I could spend all week talking on the and I and his family worked together Readiness Initiative, which is a com- floor about Colorado’s veterans and to finally convince the Navy to honor prehensive package of improvements their incredible acts of service, but if Joe George, to give this hero the rec- and reforms to ensure we are following you get the chance, I hope you will ognition he deserves. through on every one of these promises visit Pueblo, CO. The Home of Heroes Donald Stratton’s story sticks with to veterans. The VA Readiness Initia- Medal of Honor Memorial is in Pueblo, me because he had already fought one tive focuses on four pillars to support CO. The memorial pays tribute to more war for his country, and then he had to veterans: expanding access to services, than 3,400 people who have received our spend another 16 years fighting govern- encouraging innovation, VA account- country’s highest award for military ment bureaucracy in order to honor ability, and empowering transitioning valor. the man who saved his life and the servicemembers. Outside the memorial, there are four lives of others. It is a reminder that It introduces more oversight and statues, one for each of Pueblo’s Medal our veterans need our help and our sup- more transparency and accountability of Honor recipients. port to receive the recognition and the at VA facilities to eliminate fraud and One of these men, Lt. Raymond G. care they continue to deserve. increase the quality of care. Murphy, was a U.S. marine who was All of the stories I have shared and In order to ease the transition to ci- serving in Korea in 1953. After a failed the individuals I have talked about are vilian life, it enhances programs that raid with heavy casualties, Lieutenant extraordinary, but there are so many help veterans start small businesses Murphy organized and led his platoon other—countless acts of heroism. and train for future careers in the in a heroic rescue effort to save his fel- Every single person in our armed serv- science, technology, engineering, and low marines. Providing cover and driv- ices today is extraordinary. Every day, math fields. ing back the enemy, he rescued his fel- they perform heroic acts of service and It promotes innovative approaches to low men who were under intense enemy make sacrifices that may not make the suicide prevention, which is a heart- fire. He sustained numerous wounds national news or the front page of breaking problem in the veteran com- but refused treatment until everyone newspapers, but we shouldn’t lose sight munity.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.024 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6593 In Colorado, we are losing one of our We all know this can be a difficult aside for our veterans. It was a wonder- own nearly every 7 hours to suicide. In time of the year. The holidays are com- ful day in Blue Ash, but every day of recent years, we have lost more vet- ing up for troops and their families. As the year this memorial park is there, erans to suicide than we lost in com- all of us celebrate Thanksgiving, and it is beautiful. It commemorates bat. Think about that. We have lost Christmas, Hanukkah, and other tradi- veterans from every single war. There more veterans to suicide than we have tions in our families, I hope each one of are 11 soldiers, sailors, marines, and lost in combat. In Colorado, we lose our prayers will go to a military family airmen who are representing each of roughly 200 veterans a year to suicide. in need, heroes who are placing their the conflicts America has been engaged I am working with my colleague Sen- dreams on hold to protect the Amer- in, all the way from the American Rev- ator TAMMY BALDWIN from Wisconsin ican dream. olution to the heroes of the Global War to designate 9–8–8 as a national suicide To everyone who has served this on Terror. Behind a description of each hotline that veterans and anyone else country, thank you for the sacrifice of those conflicts is a separate statue in crisis can call when they need help. you have all made, and know that our of a fighting man or woman. Most im- Veterans answered our call when we Nation is grateful. It is because of the portantly to me, on Monday, on the needed them; we need to answer their commitment you bring that we can other side of those statues, were the call when they need us. continue to live in a nation with un- veterans. They were there from every When somebody is suffering from a limited opportunities, a nation founded conflict—from World War II and right heart attack or a medical emergency, a in liberty and rooted in the principles up to those soldiers who have recently crisis, we all know to call 9–1–1, but that inspire hope and optimism around come back from Afghanistan. how many people know a number to the world. Today, as we are here on the floor call if they find themselves in a time of To every veteran, thank you from talking about our great veterans, there mental health crisis? Is there a 10-digit the bottom of my heart for everything are soldiers, marines, sailors, and air- hotline? Yes, there is. How many peo- you have done in service to our beloved men on Active Duty in places all ple can know that and know that now country. May God bless you, and may around the world, including in Syria, off the top of their heads? How many God bless this great United States of Afghanistan, and Iraq. people can tell a friend in need what America as you continue to serve and After this event in Blue Ash, OH, I that hotline number is? Let’s simplify as we continue to serve you. then went to Columbus, OH, and had it. Let’s make it a three-digit number I yield the floor. the opportunity to go to the National like 9–1–1 for health crisis emergencies. The PRESIDING OFFICER. (Mr. Veterans Memorial and Museum. This Let’s make sure we have 9–8–8 for men- YOUNG). The Senator from Ohio. is a new, spectacular museum outside tal health needs. Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, Mon- of Columbus, OH. It is something we The current suicide hotline number day was Veterans Day, and it gave us are very proud of in Ohio. I took the is 10 digits long. This is an easy-to-re- all the opportunity to come together as lead in the Senate to try to be sure member hotline—9–8–8—to connect peo- Republicans and Democrats and Inde- that we had the national designation. ple in crisis with professional help. pendents alike to express our immense We have that now. It is the National When a veteran is in need, a phone call gratitude to our veterans for putting Veterans Memorial and Museum. It is made, and they will receive special- on the uniform of the United States on was funded almost entirely with pri- ized care for veterans. Press 1 to be di- behalf of our great country and on be- vate sector dollars. Over $75 million rected to the veterans support line, half of all of us. was raised just from the private sector where they can receive mental health I just listened to my colleague from in the Columbus-Central Ohio area. support specific to the unique needs of Colorado talk about our cherished vet- President Trump signed the legislation into law last year to designate it as the our veterans. erans and their service. He is a cham- I also hope every veteran in Colorado pion for our veterans. He is absolutely national memorial. It is a beautiful way to pay tribute to will look to our offices—my office in right—our veterans need to be at the our veterans, mostly by stories. You Colorado and my colleagues’ offices— front of the line for healthcare and get- walk in, and there are story boards Senator BENNET and others—if there is ting access to the best care possible. about different veterans’ experiences. anything we can do to help. Often- That hasn’t always been the case. We The facility itself is inspiring—one of times, too many people don’t know have made some improvements in the the finest architectural designs, we are about the services that can help them. last few years, and those are now being told, in the country the year it was Thanks to the outpouring of veterans implemented. They are not perfect, but built. who contact my office each and every thankfully it is much better. I heard When I went around and thanked vet- year, we were able to help open the VA that over Veterans Day. erans at this memorial, I heard the Medical Center in Aurora, CO, last He also talked about our families. same thing I heard in Blue Ash and year. It was long overdue but essential The families of veterans also make sac- that I hear every time I thank a vet- to their care and to making sure we rifices, and sometimes we forget that. eran, which is more or less this: Thank have the finest medical care for Colo- In the last several years, as the up- you for your service. The response radans. tempo has been a little higher and fam- being: I was just doing my job. I was Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON from Geor- ilies have had to sacrifice even more, just doing my duty. gia, chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs we are particularly grateful for those Duty. I am the son of a World War II Committee—somebody who is stepping families. veteran and the grandson of a World down from this Chamber at the end of The Presiding Officer today is one of War I veteran. ‘‘Duty’’ is a word I the year, and we will miss him great- our veterans in the Chamber. As a ma- heard a lot growing up and ‘‘service’’ ly—was instrumental in making this rine, he has served our country with and ‘‘honor.’’ For our country today, happen and will be greatly missed when distinction, and we appreciate him and those words are very important to re- he leaves. JOHNNY is a true statesman all the other veterans here in the Sen- member. and a champion for our veterans. We in ate. Our veterans have played a key role Colorado are grateful for his work to In my home State of Ohio, we have in ensuring we have the freedoms we make sure that the VA hospital in Au- 850,000 veterans, roughly. It makes us a too often take for granted, but also rora is the crown jewel of our support State that is particularly proud. We there is a culture around veterans that system in our State for veterans. are a State that has produced some of we need to hear more and more of November is also Military Family the great American fighting men and today, and we need to be sure more of Appreciation Month. I certainly want women heroes, from Ulysses S. Grant our young people are hearing, which is to express my gratitude to the military to Neil Armstrong. this notion that service beyond self is families who share the burden of serv- When I go to veterans’ events, I am important; that duty, honor, and sac- ice. This is not just an individual ef- just inspired and overwhelmed by the rifice are part of the fundamental val- fort; it is indeed a family effort. When families and the veterans I get to meet. ues of our country. one member of the family serves, the On Veterans Day, I was in Blue Ash, The fact that we have had such sup- entire family serves. OH, at a memorial that has been set port for our veterans, to me, ought also

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.025 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 to be translated into support for those lion of positive economic impact Combat Vehicle and land-based who are on Active Duty, because when spread out over our 88 counties in Ohio. hypersonic missiles. But it also means I talk to our veterans about their con- We have some great facilities. I men- more than 4,000 military family and cerns—yes, they talk about healthcare tioned Wright-Patterson Air Force single-soldier dwellings would not be or disability and other issues that my Base and the Youngstown Air Reserve awarded to servicemembers, and that office helps veterans with every day, Station. We also have the Joint Sys- nearly 300 military housing units in and we are proud to do that—what they tems Manufacturing Center in , desperate need of repair will not get also tell me is that they want to be OH, which is the place where we make the upkeep they need. sure we are taking care of the troops. our tanks. During the Obama adminis- For the Navy, they tell me failing to They want to be sure we are honoring tration, that facility was nearly shut pass the appropriations bill will mean our veterans by ensuring that the men down. A bunch of us led the fight, and delaying the start of 3 dozen new crit- and women in uniform today, who are I led the fight here in the Senate to ical military construction projects, out on the frontlines for all of us, are keep it open. Thank goodness we did. and it creates a nearly $2 billion short- getting the support they need from the Today, we need it. We need to be pro- fall for research and development, U.S. Congress. ducing these tanks. We need to push among other things. By the way, that Unfortunately, we are letting them back against the threats that we see. includes holding research into artifi- down right now, whether it is with the Our Army wants these vehicles—ar- cial intelligence development, or AI de- National Defense Authorization Act— mored vehicles—including Strykers velopment, which is critical right now. which is still in conference, which nor- and tanks. We are very proud of that China is making great strides in that mally is a bipartisan bill that gets facility in Ohio. We want to be sure area. We have to be sure we are more done quickly and that establishes the that we have the funding for it so we than keeping up. framework for how we provide readi- can move forward. In this appropria- For the Air Force, they tell me this ness and how we provide the right tions bill there is funding for new funding is necessary to field the new F– weapons, being sure our soldiers, ma- tanks and new Stryker vehicles. 15EX fighter plane, to maintain and rines, airmen, and sailors have the very At the spray facility I talked about improve, of course, the F–35 fleet, and best—but, secondly, we are not even at the Youngstown Air Reserve Sta- to help recruit and train new pilots to providing the funding bill this year. tion, they need new airplanes. They operate these state-of-the-art aircraft. We have tried. We have brought it to need to have upgrades. Right now they In Ohio, a CR would negatively im- the floor of the Senate, and we have need to be sure that the funding we pact our operations at Wright-Patter- son and the critical work we do for our asked for a vote on it. We have not have in this appropriations bill goes Nation at NASIC, which is a counter- been able to get that vote. So right through because it actually enables intelligence operation, among other now we are operating on what is called them to construct a gate for the facil- things. a continuing resolution, which is not ity that is safe. The homeland security Again, failing to pass the agreement good for the military. folks have told them that their current will also keep us from moving forward I was at the Youngstown Air Reserve gate does not protect the base prop- with the across-the-board 3.1-percent Station last week, which is a reserve erly. So we have funding in this legisla- pay increase for our troops, which is unit in Ohio that provides airlift capa- tion to be able to do that. key to ensuring they are fairly com- bility and a spray mission for our mili- I remain concerned that we are not pensated for their hard work and the tary. They have about 1,500 airmen sup- coming together, as we do for our vet- sacrifices we have talked about today. port people and pilots there. They are erans, for our Active Duty. It would be the largest pay raise in a My colleagues on the other side of very worried about the continuing res- decade, and they shouldn’t be pre- olution and its impact. They can’t plan the aisle have repeatedly blocked these vented from getting it because of our for training exercises. They can’t plan procedural motions to move the bill political differences here on other for upgrades in their equipment to forward, but their disagreements seem issues. keep the cutting-edge technology they to be more with broader issues—how Anyone who has read the Constitu- want to have for the safety of their pi- we are going to fund other issues, tion will tell you that the very first lots and the crews. maybe including the wall on the south- stated purpose of the Federal Govern- I also heard, of course, a lot about west border—from what they say. Let’s ment is to ‘‘provide for the common de- the possibility of a government shut- deal with that bill separately, but let’s fense.’’ That is our fundamental re- down and how devastating that would not take it out on our troops. Let’s not sponsibility here. If we can’t put aside be for our military. Wright-Patterson make our troops a pawn in these polit- these partisan disagreements and reach Air Force Base is in Ohio. That is their ical fights. an agreement to fund our Armed top concern. The funding bill we have was drafted Forces, we are failing to carry out Unfortunately, I will tell you that al- on a bipartisan basis. It also is bi- those duties. though our highest priority here in the cameral, in the sense that the House I hope it doesn’t come to that. I hope Senate ought to be ensuring that at a bill for Defense appropriations this politics can be put aside, and we can minimum our troops have what they year is very similar to the Senate bill. agree soon to give our men and women need, we haven’t done that this year. The United States and the defense in uniform the comprehensive support I would urge my colleagues on both framework we have built over the they need, because when you meet vet- sides: Lets’s figure out how to do what years with our allies is under siege in erans, as I did on Veterans Day across we typically do here, which is, if we places like Iran, China, North Korea, our State, you can’t help but wonder can’t agree on everything in the spend- Turkey, and Russia. While we fight where they would be if they didn’t have ing bills, let’s at least agree on pro- over funding our defense this year, the funding they needed when they viding this funding for our troops. their arsenals—those countries’ arse- were out there putting their lives on By the way, it is particularly impor- nals—continue to grow. the line for all of us. tant this year because in that funding I have heard from every branch of the Again, to honor our veterans, we also is a pay raise for the troops that they military on this. Again, they all say have to honor our Active Duty. It is need badly. It is very important for the same thing: Failing to pass this critical to our men and women in uni- Ohio. funding agreement and defaulting to a form, and it is critical to our national I said earlier that we are one of those continuing resolution—God forbid we security. States that is proud of all the veterans go to a government shutdown, but even I yield back. who live there and all of the people a continuing resolution where the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- from Ohio who have stood up and funding wouldn’t increase—negatively ator from Pennsylvania. served their country, but we are also affects their ability to carry out their Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask proud of our military facilities. De- missions. unanimous consent to speak as in fense spending now accounts for 66,000 For the Army, by the way, that morning business. direct jobs in Ohio, more than $4 bil- means delaying procurement of critical The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lion in salaries, and more than $14 bil- equipment, like their Next Generation objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.029 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6595 REMEMBERING KAY HAGAN similar or, I should say, related legisla- tion on that building about public serv- Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise tion, which at that time was called the ice is very simple. It says: ‘‘All public today to recount the life of a colleague Affordable Health Choices Act. That service is a trust given in faith and ac- who recently passed away, Senator Kay was the original healthcare bill that cepted in honor.’’ That is what it says Hagan from the State of North Caro- went through that committee, the in that inscription. It is a great sum- lina. I wish I didn’t have to stand here HELP Committee. It ultimately mation of what public service must be to talk about her in the past tense. So changed when it was considered by the about and what an election must be many people who have served in the Finance Committee and then by the about, that public service is a trust Senate with Kay Hagan, so many staff whole Senate, and the changes were that is given to one person, given to a people across the Senate—and, in the made in negotiation and deliberation group of people, and that trust must be context of both Members and staff, I with the House. honored by the service that you render. would say both parties—recall serving But here is what she said. I guess this Here is another way of saying it by a with her fondly and also were very sad- would have been sometime in 2009. She predecessor of Kay Hagan, in a sense, dened by her passing. talked about this one particular because she was a Member of the Sen- It is very difficult to encapsulate healthcare bill as it stood at that mo- ate and, at the time, a real pioneer for someone’s personality or their life in a ment. She said: women in the Senate. Margaret Chase few short remarks, but you could not Our bill also ensures that a pre-existing Smith once said: have met Kay Hagan even for a short condition will not prevent you from getting Public service must be more than doing a period of time or worked with her even coverage. This compromise package focuses job efficiently and honestly. It must be a for a short period of time without on prevention and wellness, which will keep complete dedication to the people and to the being captivated by her spirit, her en- our nation healthier and save taxpayers’ nation. ergy, and her optimism, not only about money in the long run. I will continue work- That is what Senator Margaret Chase ing with my colleagues to get reform legisla- Smith once said, and I think Kay her life but about work. You could also tion to the President that stabilizes costs, be captivated by her ability to connect expands coverage and improves the quality Hagan’s service was totally consistent with people and to demonstrate the of care for all Americans. with that sentiment, that public serv- kind of uncommon decency that we That is what Senator Kay Hagan said ice is more than just doing a job hon- don’t see enough of in politics and even at the time. Of course, we are still estly and efficiently, as Senator Smith said at the time. It must be a complete public service. We are going to miss wrestling with a lot of those issues. dedication to the people in the Nation. that energy, that optimism, and that She was predicting, in a sense, some of Kay Hagan demonstrated that in her decency. We are also going to miss her our future debates. commitment to public service, even Kay Hagan wanted to get things done life and in her work. I have joined so many Members of when she was not an elected public offi- for the people she represented and real- the Senate in expressing condolence cial. ly for the American people. One of the and also commendation for the good My remarks today will not in any areas where she demonstrated that work that she did. I express condo- way encapsulate her whole life or her commitment to leadership and that lence, of course, to her family. I speak life of service, but I will try to provide commitment to getting things done some reflections. on behalf of my wife Terese and many was in the area of children’s issues. In One thing you knew about Kay people here in the Senate who served that same committee, the Health, Edu- Hagan when she got to the Senate was with Kay to offer condolence to Kay’s that she was very clear about the peo- cation, Labor, and Pensions Com- husband Chip and to her three chil- ple she represented in the State from mittee, she was the chair of the Sub- dren—Jeanette, Tilden, and Carrie— which she came. If you were in a short committee on Children and Families. and Kay’s five grandchildren. We are conversation with her or a long con- Later, I was able to follow in her foot- thinking of them today and all these versation—even a 30-second conversa- steps. days since her passing, and we pray That was so emblematic of Kay tion—you were likely to hear the two that she will rest in peace. I express Hagan’s service not to be concerned words, ‘‘North Carolina,’’ if not once in again how much we will miss Kay just about what is right in front of us— a short conversation, several times. Hagan not only in the Senate but also She was so proud of her State and so the issue of the day or the issue of the because of the person she was. God proud of the opportunities she had to moment, as important as those issues bless you, Kay. represent the people of North Carolina. are—but always thinking about what With that, I yield the floor. She, of course, understood her work comes next, always focusing on the fu- I suggest the absence of a quorum. and was faithful to the basic obligation ture, thinking about the future, and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to represent the Nation as well. She not just in a compassionate way, as it clerk will call the roll. was fiercely loyal to and always con- relates to children, but in a very stra- The bill clerk proceeded to call the cerned about the people of North Caro- tegic way. Kay Hagan knew that in- roll. lina. vesting in our children was essential Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I She was a fierce advocate for work- for building the economy of the future ask unanimous consent that the order ing people in North Carolina and and having the kind of country we say for the quorum call be rescinded. around the country. She also happened we want to have. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to serve at a time when the Senate was So Kay Hagan was ahead of her time objection, it is so ordered. considering and then, ultimately, took in that regard, focusing on America’s Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I a vote on the Patient Protection and future, which meant focusing on Amer- ask unanimous consent that unless Affordable Care Act. At that time, it ica’s children—whether it was financial there is objection, the 1:45 p.m. vote be was a long debate and a lot of conten- literacy and the curriculum for middle held now. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tion, obviously, and there still is on and high school students or whether it objection? healthcare. But Kay Hagan was very was from her earliest days in the Sen- ate—to improve the lives of children in Without objection, it is so ordered. clear about where she stood. All postcloture time is expired. We happened to serve as members of any way that she could. The question is, Will the Senate ad- When I think about Kay Hagan, I the Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- vise and consent to the Menashi nomi- think of not just a Senator, not just a sions Committee, known by the acro- nation? nym HELP—one of the two committees colleague and a friend, but a public Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I in the Senate that considered servant, someone who cared very deep- ask for the yeas and nays. healthcare. Both the HELP Committee ly about service. I have often quoted The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a and the Finance Committee had fierce the inscription on a building in which I sufficient second? debate about and then, ultimately, worked in the State capital of Pennsyl- There is a sufficient second. votes on the Patient Protection and vania—Harrisburg. It is called the Fi- The bill clerk will call the roll. Affordable Care Act. nance Building, and I served in that Mr. THUNE. The following Senator is Here is what Senator Kay Hagan said building for 10 years and worked in necessarily absent: the Senator from when the HELP Committee approved that building for 10 years. The inscrip- South Dakota (Mr. ROUNDS).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:09 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.031 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Colorado (Mr. BENNET), read the nomination of Robert J. Luck, question is on agreeing to the motion. the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. of Florida, to be United States Circuit The motion was agreed to. BOOKER), the Senator from California Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. f (Ms. HARRIS), the Senator from Ala- CLOTURE MOTION EXECUTIVE SESSION bama (Mr. JONES), the Senator from Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Sen- send a cloture motion to the desk. ator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR the Senator from Massachusetts (Ms. ture motion having been presented Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I WARREN) are necessarily absent. under rule XXII, the Chair directs the move to proceed to executive session to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there clerk to read the motion. The senior assistant legislative clerk consider Calendar No. 454. any other Senators in the Chamber de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The siring to vote? read as follows: CLOTURE MOTION question is on agreeing to the motion. The result was announced—yeas 51, The motion was agreed to. nays 41, as follows: We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The [Rollcall Vote No. 356 Ex.] Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby clerk will report the nomination. YEAS—51 move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The senior assistant legislative clerk Alexander Fischer Paul nation of Robert J. Luck, of Florida, to be read the nomination of Adrian Barrasso Gardner Perdue United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Zuckerman, of New Jersey, to be Am- Blackburn Graham Portman Circuit. bassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Blunt Grassley Risch Rick Scott, Steve Daines, Mike Crapo, potentiary of the United States of Boozman Hawley Roberts Pat Roberts, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Braun Hoeven Romney Graham, John Hoeven, Roy Blunt, America to Romania. Burr Hyde-Smith Rubio CLOTURE MOTION Capito Inhofe Sasse Mike Rounds, John Thune, John Cor- Cassidy Isakson Scott (FL) nyn, Deb Fischer, John Barrasso, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Cornyn Johnson Scott (SC) James E. Risch, John Boozman, Tim send a cloture motion to the desk. Cotton Kennedy Shelby Scott, Mitch McConnell. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- Cramer Lankford Sullivan f ture motion having been presented Crapo Lee Thune Cruz McConnell Tillis LEGISLATIVE SESSION under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Daines McSally Toomey clerk to read the motion. Enzi Moran Wicker Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The senior assistant legislative clerk Ernst Murkowski Young move to proceed to legislative session. read as follows: NAYS—41 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the motion. CLOTURE MOTION Baldwin Hassan Rosen The motion was agreed to. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Blumenthal Heinrich Schatz ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Brown Hirono Schumer f Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Cantwell Kaine Shaheen Cardin King EXECUTIVE SESSION move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Sinema nation of Adrian Zuckerman, of New Jersey, Carper Leahy Smith to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Casey Manchin Stabenow Collins Markey Tester EXECUTIVE CALENDAR potentiary of the United States of America Coons Menendez Udall to Romania. Cortez Masto Merkley Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Van Hollen Mitch McConnell, John Boozman, Cindy Duckworth Murphy move to proceed to executive session to Warner Hyde-Smith, Pat Roberts, James M. Durbin Murray Whitehouse consider Calendar No. 488. Inhofe, Chuck Grassley, Richard C. Feinstein Peters The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Gillibrand Reed Wyden Shelby, Roger F. Wicker, John Cornyn, question is on agreeing to the motion. Cory Gardner, , Mike NOT VOTING—8 The motion was agreed to. Braun, John Hoeven, Roy Blunt, John Bennet Jones Sanders The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Barrasso, James E. Risch, John Thune. Booker Klobuchar Warren clerk will report the nomination. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Harris Rounds The senior assistant legislative clerk consent that the mandatory quorum The nomination was confirmed. read the nomination of Barbara Lagoa, calls be waived. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under of Florida, to be United States Circuit The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the previous order, the motion to re- Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. objection, it is so ordered. consider is considered made and laid CLOTURE MOTION Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I upon the table, and the President will Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. be immediately notified of the Senate’s send a cloture motion to the desk. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The actions. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- clerk will call the roll. The majority leader. ture motion having been presented The senior assistant legislative clerk under rule XXII, the Chair directs the f proceeded to call the roll. clerk to read the motion. Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, I LEGISLATIVE SESSION The senior assistant legislative clerk ask unanimous consent that the order Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I read as follows: for the quorum call be rescinded. move to proceed to legislative session. CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- objection, it is so ordered. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the question is on agreeing to the motion. AFRICA Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby The motion was agreed to. move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, f nation of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to be this past weekend, I was the first Sen- United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh ator in a really long time to fly into EXECUTIVE SESSION Circuit. Somalia’s notoriously dangerous cap- Rick Scott, Steve Daines, Mike Crapo, ital city. I will tell you, at first glance, Pat Roberts, Marco Rubio, Lindsey it looks like things in Mogadishu have EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Graham, John Hoeven, Roy Blunt, gotten back to normal. But the situa- Mike Rounds, John Thune, John Cor- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I tion on the ground, after you fly in and nyn, Deb Fischer, John Barrasso, move to proceed to executive session to James E. Risch, John Boozman, Tim get out of the plane and you get on the consider Calendar No. 487. Scott, Mitch McConnell. ground, you see it is really quite a dif- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The f ferent story. question is on agreeing to the motion. There is a reason why our recollec- The motion was agreed to. LEGISLATIVE SESSION tion of Somali history focuses on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Black Hawk Down incident—the ter- clerk will report the nomination. move to proceed to legislative session. rible Battle of Mogadishu—and then-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:54 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.002 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6597 President Bill Clinton’s decision to traditional government has never acted competition through the military. But evacuate American troops from the as their main arbiter. Powerful clans we also look at the way China and Rus- Horn of Africa. decided for themselves who would con- sia are pushing into their economic Somalia’s legacy is rooted in years of trol territory and resources, and the sectors. Great power competition is not violence that overwhelmed the world’s clans are still very evident in that just playing out in the Indo-Pacific or most elite military forces, froze the country. The victors, in turn, in Eastern Europe; it is playing out economy, and left the Somali people weaponized access to clean water, food, right now on the African Continent. In- very much alone in the world—at least and healthcare in order to keep citi- stead of playing defense, as we do in until 9/11, when Western powers were zens in line. other theaters, we have the oppor- forced to focus on multiple fronts in Violent extremist organizations like tunity to be on offense when it comes the War on Terror. al-Shabaab, ISIS, and factions of al- to Africa. I was fortunate enough last weekend Qaida have been watching, and now If we decide that now we have had to visit our Djibouti-based troops at they are employing the same tactics to enough, these threats—from the mili- Camp Lemonnier. Our base there was destabilize existing governments in and tary, that sector, and from the eco- established in the wake of 9/11, and beyond the Horn, in northeast Nigeria, nomic sector—will degrade American since then, has expanded to support and in the Sahel and the Lake Chad re- influence and will threaten the home- AFRICOM’s mission in the Horn of Af- gions of West Africa. land and will imperil the delicate and rica. Their leadership is committed to We may have eradicated the physical completely reversible balance that we not repeating the mistakes of the past. caliphate, but mom-and-pop terror have fought so hard to gain. Our Na- They have developed the best un- shops are thriving. What is more, the tion’s security cannot afford to give manned aerial system force in the digital caliphate is alive and well, and ground, to cede ground, on the Con- world. it will take more than ground forces to tinent of Africa. It is amazing what they are doing wipe it out. I yield the floor. with these UAVs. Between that pro- Many of my colleagues may be I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The gram and our impressive intelligence tempted to assume that these insur- clerk will call the roll. surveillance and reconnaissance capa- gent hotbeds have lowered Africa’s The senior assistant legislative clerk stock in the eyes of global powers, but bilities, the military has stepped up proceeded to call the roll. we shouldn’t be fooled about that in their ability to keep our troops safer in Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask the world’s most volatile theater. this era of great power competition. It unanimous consent that the order for I was pleased to know that the 101st is going to sound mighty familiar to all the quorum call be rescinded. Airborne out of Fort Campbell—which of us, but China and, to a lesser extent, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. is located in Montgomery County, TN, Russia are doing all they can to actu- BRAUN). Without objection, it is so or- and also there on the Kentucky bor- ally buy their way into strategic domi- dered. der—are supporting the vital post- nance. This is some of what we heard AMERICA RECYCLES DAY Benghazi East Africa Response Force and what we learned this week. For ex- Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise to mission and that the Nashville-based ample, China has made inroads by talk about something that is really im- 118th Air Wing unit of the Tennessee agreeing to hold 80 percent of the gov- portant, I think not only to our Nation Air National Guard plays a vital role in ernment of Djibouti’s debt. Think and our planet but to me and my fam- regional security operations. about that. China has gone to this ily personally. It brought home to me the point of country and they have said: Look, we As cochair and cofounder, along with why we have to get the NDAA finished, will hold this debt for you, 80 percent Senator JOHN BOOZMAN of Arkansas, of why we have to get these resources to of it. the Senate Recycling Caucus, I am our men and women in uniform who In turn, Djibouti has accommodated proud to stand side by side with all the are fighting every day and need 21st- China’s first overseas military outpost Members of our caucus on the matter century warfare in order to keep us and granted them access to crucial of recycling and its importance. safe. shipping lanes. They have also bought Today Senator BOOZMAN and I have The work they are doing there—and into China’s Smart City Program, introduced a resolution to commemo- of course I can’t say exactly what it is those all-seeing cameras that I encoun- rate tomorrow, November 15, as Amer- that they are doing—should make us tered at every intersection at Djibouti ica Recycles Day. I would say that all really humbled and grateful for City. In other words, the Chinese must every day should be America Recycles those who choose to serve. feel like they have struck gold. They Day. For a lot of our families, that is Our mission in Africa is changing. have a huge port going in. They are what it is. I don’t have any idea how Things are shifting a little bit. As we helping to turn this into an intermodal many millions or tens of millions of urge our local partners in Africa to transit system with a port, with a rail- families recycle every day, but it is a take ownership over their own secu- way. By the way, we are going to put lot of people, and we need even more. rity, the chattering class is at it again these cameras up to help you keep your For more than two decades, commu- and what we will hear from people is: community safe. And what is China nities across our country have come to- Well, I think we have done enough for doing? China is collecting all that data. gether on November 15, and they do so Africa. Don’t you think we have given They are scanning all of these faces. to observe America Recycles Day and enough? They are watching everything that to celebrate their commitment to recy- My response this week to those who comes into these ports and are moni- cling. have made that statement has been: toring everything that goes on the First, I want to thank all of those No, we have not done enough. We have rails. who have worked hard to make Amer- invested more than a decades’ worth of China is doing this not only with ica Recycles Day a success for all of time, money, and manpower. We have Djibouti but with other countries in these years. I have been a huge advo- lost men, lost ground, regained that Africa. They are trying to secure this cate of recycling for the past 50 years. ground, expanded our abilities, and coastline in Africa for themselves to I first recycled, I think, when I was a have achieved moderate regional sta- expand their reach. lieutenant JG in the Navy stationed in bility. But most importantly, we have For 12 years, the United States and Moffett Field in California, which is confirmed the Horn of Africa is still a our partners have worked together to close to Palo Alto. I took my geopolitical powder keg. bring stability to the Horn of Africa. recyclables to a warehouse there in The same forces that swept the Horn The State Department and USAID have Palo Alto and have never stopped. I into anarchy in the 1990s and allowed laid the groundwork for education, for don’t go to the one in Palo Alto any- terrorism to metastasize in the 2000s health development, institution build- more, but we recycle all over Delaware. are now triggering instability all ing, and permanent democratic transi- Frankly, when I go around the country, across that continent. tion. Yet the region remains vulner- I recycle. I recycled on the train this For a long time, Somalia managed to able. Our role is going to change be- morning, somewhere around Baltimore, limp along as a failed state because a cause, yes, we look at it as great power coming down from Wilmington.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:54 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.040 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 I really welcomed the opportunity to recycling the Explorer. People do that Since the law’s passage, the First collaborate—I want to say more than a every day in Delaware and other places State—that is Delaware, if you didn’t decade ago—with Senator Olympia as well. know—has continued to recycle some- Snowe of Maine. Together, we helped We have a waste facility in our State where around 40 percent of all of our create the Senate Recycling Caucus in of Delaware, and one of the things they waste, most recently recycling a little 2006. Since the retirement of Senator oversee is recycling. About every bit more than 43 percent in 2017. Snowe 6 years ago, I have been fortu- month, from spring to the fall, they I have a friend who, when you ask nate enough to have as my running hold recycling events. A lot of times him how he is doing, he sometimes re- mate and cochair Senator BOOZMAN of they are in school parking lots, maybe plies: Compared to what? Well, com- Arkansas. high school parking lots. They do them pared to more than a decade ago, in In this year alone, our caucus has on Saturdays. 2006, the First State diverted about held four briefings to learn more about One Saturday I called ahead, and I half as much—23 percent of our waste the current state of recycling in this asked: Do you guys recycle dehumidi- from landfills. So we pretty much dou- country and to discuss ways in which fiers? We had a dehumidifier. It was bled that over the last 10 years. Hope- the Federal Government might play an about 20 years old. It had been in our fully, we will come close to doubling it even more important role in encour- basement forever. They said: Yes, we again in the years to come. aging additional recycling in the years do that—which is great, and we Today the recycling industry faces to come. checked on paints, paint thinners, oil- unprecedented challenges, especially The State and local governments are based paints, and stuff. They said: We with respect to plastics. The United heavily involved in recycling, and are doing hazardous materials recy- States used to ship a lot of our there is a huge role for them—I say cling. So I took several cans of paint recyclables, as you know, to China, but this as former Governor—a huge and thinners. beginning in 2017, China decided to ban important role for State and local gov- We had all these outdoor lights from 24 types of what are called scrap im- ernments to be involved in this, but our house over the years that kind of ports and deployed strict contamina- there are also opportunities for the died out on us, and I didn’t know what tion requirements for the scraps they Federal Government to play a con- to do with them. Sure enough, they will accept. They didn’t want to have structive role. We are doing that, and took these household lights, as well as glass mixed up with metals, mixed up hopefully we will be able to do that all kinds of cords and everything, with plastic and paper. They are look- even better in the days to come. paints and stuff. ing to reduce contamination like that, My sister and I were born in a coal Every Monday in my neighborhood, and they made their rules a whole lot mining town in West Virginia. We grew we have big canisters outside where we stricter in that regard. up later on in Virginia, where I was a can recycle all kinds of things. I al- Now, because of the policies China Boy Scout and a Civil Air Patrol cadet. ways had water bottles in there and implemented in March of this year, In scouting, we were taught to ‘‘leave other kinds of cans and so forth, news- local governments and municipalities no trace.’’ When we were hunting or papers, you name it—actually, compost are facing an uphill challenge to keep fishing, my dad, a big hunter and fish- too. If you actually add up what we put their recycling programs alive. Accord- erman, used to say basically to leave in our big recycling bin every Monday ing to the EPA, the United States recy- no trace behind so no one would actu- for pickup, you look at what we put in cles less than 22 percent of our dis- ally know we were there. I think that our compost in our backyard, and you carded materials, which makes me feel admonition is one that has stuck with compare that to the actual amount of better in Delaware because we are like me throughout my life. trash that is picked up at our house on twice the national average now. I believe we have a moral obligation Thursdays, there are many times more According to a peer-reviewed study to be devoted stewards of our environ- recyclables and compostables than published in 2017, more than 90 percent ment and our planet and to leave our there is actually trash. of plastic has never been recycled. Let planet in even better shape than we We like to do that where I live. Hope- me say that again. According to a peer- found it. fully, we will learn from other commu- reviewed study published in 2017—2 Lately, I have been thinking about nities and States, and hopefully they years ago—more than 90 percent of another quote. This one I really like is will learn from us. plastic has never been recycled. That from Martin Luther King that a lot of One of the reasons I love recycling so means we have only recycled about 9 people have heard. It goes something much flows from my belief that all of percent of our plastic around the like this: ‘‘Everybody can be great, be- us can do our part to preserve limited world. Of the 8.3 billion metric tons of cause anybody can serve.’’ This call to resources and reduce landfill input, plastic produced, 6.3 billion tons—that service reminds me of recycling be- while at the same time helping our en- is about three-fourths of all that is pro- cause almost anyone can help better vironment and creating jobs. duced—becomes waste. The rest gets protect our environment by reducing Mine is a little State. I tell people, recycled; the lion’s share of it does not. the waste we produce, and we can do even today, that we are the 49th largest Most of it ends up in landfills, and too that, in part, by recycling. State. That means only Rhode Island is much of it, unfortunately, ends up in I have a chart here that indicates smaller than us. We are about 100 miles our oceans and environment. just some of the things I recycled of long and 50 miles wide, so recycling is I have a couple of our colleagues on late. This is not a green Ford Explorer. particularly important. We just doesn’t the Environment and Public Works I bought my wife a car—actually, she have a lot of space for landfills. We Committee. The Presiding Officer is bought it years and years ago, probably have about 1 million people, and it is one of them, and we have Senator 15 years ago. We call it the Ford ‘‘ex- just a matter of having enough space. BOOZMAN. The three of us are all mem- ploder.’’ It never exploded. It was a That space limitation is actually what bers on the committee. I think Senator great car. She used it for 9 or 8 years or prompted Delaware to pass the Uni- DAN SULLIVAN from Alaska and Sen- so and passed it down to our son, Chris- versal Recycling Law in 2010. It re- ator SHELDON WHITEHOUSE—a Repub- topher. He used it for a couple of years quires that all waste haulers who pro- lican and a Democrat—have been work- and passed it down to Ben, who used it vide residential trash collection also ing hard, along with TOM UDALL from for about 3 years. Finally, it just gave have to provide for the collection of New Mexico, who is on the Commerce up the ghost. I took it one day to a recyclables. Think about that. That Committee, to try to address some of place where they recycled cars. I drove was the law we passed about 9 years these plastic contaminations. in. They put it on a huge machine that ago, I think under the leadership of ei- If we continue down this path, the actually weighed it. I think of—you ther Governor Markell or Governor world economic forum predicts that we know, you get on a scale to weigh your- Minner. We started a little bit of recy- are on track to have plastic pollution self. Well, this was like a scale for ve- cling. We started getting serious about in our oceans outweigh the fish in our hicles, including our Ford Explorer. it when I was Governor. They really world’s ocean by 2050. Let that sink in They wrote out a check literally before ramped it up in the last decade, which for just a minute. By 2050, if we con- I left to actually pay, I think $900, for is wonderful. tinue on the track we are on, we are

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If we a difference. cated in Blytheville, AR, has the ca- don’t begin to change our recycling I once read somewhere how many pacity to recycle 6 million tons of steel habits, the waves that grace our pris- aluminum cans we drink and use and per year—6 million tons—and over 27 tine beaches will be better known for consume. It could be tea, it could be million tons nationwide, making it washing up plastic waste than giving soda, it could be milk or variety of North America’s largest recycler. surfers those big waves to ride. waters, but if people just would recycle Nucor has also taken its efforts a step Almost every year I participate in their aluminum cans, it would have a further by teaming with local recycling something called Delaware’s Annual terrific effect on, believe it or not, car- facilities to help tackle some of the Coastal Cleanup, along with thousands bon dioxide. It is put up in the air. So biggest challenges associated with the of people. We start down at Fenwick Is- that affects climate change as well. practice in rural communities. There are a lot of good effects. Recy- land—right in the southernmost part of Nucor donated a recycled cardboard cling is something that every Amer- Delaware, a great beach town, and baler to Abilities Unlimited, a local ican can do to make a difference. I right north of the Ocean City, MD, nonprofit that runs a nearby recycling would ask you to start today. If you line—to clean up our beaches and our facility. This investment has proven waterfronts, from the Delaware and have already gotten started, figure out how to do better. On America Recycles mutually beneficial to Nucor and to Maryland line all the way up almost to the community. This facility now pro- Pennsylvania in the north. Day, our children and our grand- children will be glad that we did it in vides an outlet for the steel company While we are still waiting for the and community members to recycle in numbers from this year, last year, in the years to come. Again, I am grateful to be here today a much more cost-effective manner. 2018, my fellow volunteers and I—thou- In fact, Nucor plants in Arkansas sands of us—together collected 2.7 tons with my dedicated cochair, my compadre, Senator BOOZMAN. I thank have the capability to recycle about 60 of waste, including plastic water bot- tons of cardboard annually thanks to tles, straws, takeout containers, tires, him for his leadership and for pro- viding, with our staff, great ideas to this baler. More than 195 tons of card- and you name it. This was from just board, 21 tons of paper, and 71 tons of one weekend of work along 70 miles of make this particular America Recycles Day an even bigger and better thing mixed plastics have been recycled coastline. through this partnership. Sadly, those 2.7 tons of trash col- than before. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Another industry leader leading the lected last year in Delaware pale in ator from Arkansas. way is Walmart. As the world’s largest comparison to what we are seeing Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I retailer, Walmart has put recycling around the world. Our 2.7 tons of trash thank Senator CARPER and his staff front and center by raising its pack- is like the tip of the iceberg, compared and my staff for the tremendous job aging standards to include more recy- to all the rest of this washing up in that they have done in recent years in cled content and to eliminate specific places around the world. really trying to educate, through the nonrecyclable packaging materials by I think we might have one more caucus, the rest of the staff and Mem- chart. Some of you have also heard of 2020. Earlier this year, Walmart an- bers as to the importance of recycling. nounced its intention to achieve 100 the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, As a result of their efforts, it really is which now covers a surface area on the percent recyclable, reusable, or indus- making a big difference. trially compostable packaging by 2025. Earth 250 times larger than my whole We hear a lot about Republicans and State of Delaware and contains a whop- Its leadership in this arena will help to Democrats not getting along on this create more demand for recycled con- ping 80,000 tons of trash. Here it is. Can and that, not getting anything done, you imagine? Look at all that trash. tent and open the door for other com- and I think this is a great example of panies to follow suit. It is out in the Pacific Ocean, and I something that is very, very impor- would like to say that it is getting Lastly, I want to highlight the recy- tant. It is not glamourous, but it is cling accomplishments of Bryce Cor- smaller. I don’t think it is, but it needs things like this that really can make a to, and we need to be a part of that in poration, a trailblazer in flexible pack- huge difference, as Senator CARPER al- aging. This is the packaging commonly making some progress. luded to. We appreciate him and appre- used for chips, juice pouches, pet food, As we celebrate America Recycles ciate his friendship. lawn and garden materials, cleaning Day tomorrow, I just want to encour- Well, tomorrow, November 15, is age you to join Senator BOOZMAN and America Recycles Day. So we are ask- supplies, and many other products. join our colleagues and their constitu- ing Americans to join us as we come Bryce employs about 750 people at its ents and join us in looking for new together and reaffirm the importance Searcy facility and has achieved an en- ways to dramatically increase recy- and the benefits of recycling on this oc- vironmental footprint that the Central cling in our country and around the casion. We all know that recycling is a Arkansas community can be very world. We need solutions that are a commonsense way for us to be respon- proud of. win-win for our economy on the one sible stewards of our environment. Re- At this location alone, Bryce has hand and for our environment on the cycling also strengthens our economy maintained a 98-percent landfill-free other hand. I believe recycling is one of and creates hundreds of thousands of status and has supported the circular those win-win solutions. well-paying jobs throughout our coun- economy by recycling over 15 million By the way, you may be surprised to try. This is something that I believe pounds of plastics each year. The mate- learn that recycling and manufac- everyone can agree is truly a win-win rial recycled from this facility is turing industries are beneficial for our situation. repurposed into other products, rang- economy, accounting for more than Most Americans are familiar with ing from plastic pallets to automotive 750,000 jobs and approximately $6.7 bil- traditional recycling efforts at their parts. Bryce Corporation’s innovative lion in tax revenues. That reminds me city and county levels, which encour- efforts are a sterling example of recy- of one of my favorite sayings: ‘‘It is age citizens to recycle household goods cling done right, and I am grateful for possible to do good and to do well at or business goods, such as paper, soda the example it has set for the rest of the same time.’’ It is possible to clean cans, and bottles. However, recycling is the country. up our planet and make the planet much broader than these common prac- Our country has certainly faced its safer and create jobs and economic op- tices. Recycling is a $200 billion indus- fair share of recycling woes and set- portunities. try in our country, and it entails much, backs, but I have always maintained It is not a Hobson’s choice. It is not much more than just traditional mu- that in adversity lies opportunity. I be- one or the other. We can do both. I be- nicipal recycling programs. lieve there is much to be learned from

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The other thing I would say is that While we are having this conversa- I look forward to continue my work we got some shredding machines. I had tion, I just want to mention that when with my cochair of the Recycling Cau- a picture up there of an old shredding we showed up at the recycling event at cus, Senator CARPER. Again, I thank machine, and we bought a new one not Glascow High School last Saturday him and his staff and my staff, who are long ago. So we ended up with a lot of afternoon, they took a bunch of our doing such a tremendous job, and the shredded paper. As it turns out, the stuff to recycle—papers, bottles, cans, other members of the caucus who de- weekly recyclers, when they come paint thinners, a dehumidifier, and all velop meaningful, long-term solutions through our neighborhood and collect, kinds of stuff. One thing they wouldn’t that address the challenges facing the they are happy to take the paper, but take was our Styrofoam. We have one industry. they don’t want to take the shredded place in Delaware—and we are not a I encourage all Americans to use paper. What they said that we ought to big State; 100 miles long and 50 miles America Recycles Day as an oppor- do is to put it in our compost. wide—we have one place in Delaware tunity to reflect on the critical impor- My wife came up with this idea of that will take Styrofoam. tance of recycling and to consider what composting 10 years ago. Somebody What I would love to do in the we can do to support our environment was nice enough to build a 4-by-6 and months to come and in the new year is through our own individual efforts. about 3-feet high bin and then lined it for us to start on recycling projects Mr. CARPER. Would the Senator with materials, and we put grass in it, and focus on that because it is not a yield for a moment? recyclables, leaves, and we ended up problem only in Delaware; there are a Mr. BOOZMAN. Yes, sir. with this great mulch. We have, I Mr. CARPER. Thank you for sharing lot of places where it is hard to recycle think, taken what a lot of people have Styrofoam. We can try to figure it out. with us the terrific ideas of what busi- seen as waste product and ended up ac- nesses around Arkansas and the coun- Maybe somebody around the world or tually turning it into something to somebody in other States has figured try are doing to recycle. They do it for make our lawn and our trees and our a variety of reasons. It is the right this out and they are doing it. We need shrubs even healthier. to learn from them, find out what thing to do, and a lot of them are com- It is all good. I am just thrilled to be works, and do more of that. In my mitted to being good environmental on the floor with my friend and to be State, we have a hard time dealing stewards. It can also be to their eco- able to thank those who are recycling nomic advantage. Instead of having to with it. and remind others, if you are not, that Mr. BOOZMAN. We look forward to pay to have stuff being carted away to you are missing out on the fun. Come a landfill, the ability to recycle mate- having a robust bunch of programs. and join us. You will be glad you did. It is so important to educate people rials is, I think, desirable. Mr. BOOZMAN. I think you make a on what is recyclable because not ev- We used to have a big Chrysler plant great point in the sense that we do eryone knows. Different things are re- in Delaware, in Newark, close to the things for the right reasons. That is so cyclable from one area to another area. University of Delaware and close to the important. Also, it is important, too, So we need education on that, and that Maryland line. The plant was about 60 that not only can we do it for the right will make it much more efficient, with years old, and in the middle of the reasons and benefit our environment, people putting in the correct things. great recession, Chrysler went into but it also can be cost-effective to our So we have some obstacles to over- bankruptcy, and we lost that plant. It businesses. closed, and about 3,000 jobs were gone. A good example of that is Walmart. come, but the good news is, there are We had a GM plant as well about 15 Several years ago, they wanted to re- people working together, and we are miles from there, just outside of Wil- duce their fuel cost and then also re- moving in the right direction. Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I think mington, and the same thing happened. duce the harm in the sense of the land- I will yield back the time. About 3,000 jobs were gone, which was fills and things like that. They looked Mr. BOOZMAN. With that, I suggest just really, really tough. and saw that on their trucks, the lim- Having said that—in your words the absence of a quorum. iting factor was not weight. It was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The again, in adversity lies opportunity— bulk. You know how you go to the the folks at the University of Delaware clerk will call the roll. store and you buy something and it has The legislative clerk proceeded to called me. After Chrysler had gone into got this huge box or whatever and it bankruptcy, they announced that they call the roll. has got the little bitty product in it. Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I ask were selling the plant. They were look- They said, you know, we don’t need to unanimous consent that the order for ing to sell it, and the folks at the Uni- be doing that. the quorum call be rescinded. versity of Delaware and the president So they told their vendors that they The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without of the university, Pat Harker, called would like to go in that direction, and objection, it is so ordered. me and said: Do you think the Chrysler to their credit, the vendors cooperated. people might be interested in selling As a result, they were able to put more f that plant to the university? products on the truck, thus reducing LEGISLATIVE SESSION It was just about a half mile south of fuel costs—again benefiting the econ- the University of Delaware in Newark. omy—and having less bulk for con- I called the people at Chrysler and sumers to deal with eventually. That MORNING BUSINESS said: You may have an interested buyer was putting less pressure on the envi- Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I ask here. ronment because, you know, some peo- unanimous consent that the Senate They ended up coming to an agree- ple don’t do a good job of recycling. proceed to legislative session and be in ment on the terms of the purchase, and These things can be so good for not a period of morning business, with Sen- that old Chrysler plant has been recy- only doing the right thing but also im- ators permitted to speak therein for up cled. The plant was largely taken proving the bottom line and making to 10 minutes each. down—not entirely, but largely taken sure that we really are putting less The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without down. The money that the University pressure on the environment. objection, it is so ordered. of Delaware earned and generated from We appreciate your leadership. You f the sale of the recyclables—the con- have been doing this for a long time, as struction stuff that the plant was made Governor and now as Senator, helping REDUCING PANDEMIC RISK out of—more than paid for taking down to put these things together. We very Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, we do not and leveling the plant. much appreciate it. have to be reminded of the more than

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:54 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.044 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6601 50 million lives lost in the 1918 influ- use data, research, and technology to Vermonters’ one-stop shop for all of enza pandemic or the many thousands proactively identify viral threats. their outdoor recreational needs, re- lost in the SARS, Ebola, MERS, and Using existing health science and tech- gardless of the season. other recent infectious disease out- nology to continue to fill the knowl- Since its inception, the Skirack has breaks to recognize that far more must edge gap for unknown viruses will save been the recipient of numerous honors be done to reduce the risk of cata- precious lives and dollars in the future. and accolades. The store has been strophic pandemics. Rather than wait- Thanks to the work of USAID, we named the Snowsports Retailer of the ing until disease outbreaks occur, then have a strong basis of knowledge on Year and Nordic Retailer by Ski Indus- scrambling at great expense for 2 or 3 which to expand this critical research. tries of America. But recognition of years or however long it takes to de- While the large pool of viral threats the Skirack goes far beyond their snow velop a vaccine while countless people lying dormant in animals has not sport inventory. For 5 years in a row, die, we need to act proactively. It is changed, human interaction with wild- from 2013 through 2017, it was named worth noting that tens of millions of life has. In this increasingly globalized one of America’s best bike shops by the people have died, and we still lack a and densely populated world, where it National Bicycle Dealers Association vaccine against HIV. is easier than ever for zoonotic diseases and in 2018 was named one of the 20 Viral threats will continue to emerge to rapidly spread across regions and Best Running Shops in America by at a rapidly accelerating pace in re- continents, it is essential that the Gear Patrol. sponse to expanding global populations international community focus on find- The Skirack has gone through many in the least developed countries, inter- ing innovative ways to reduce pan- changes throughout its 50 years of op- national travel, and human encroach- demic risk. eration. In 1974, Karen, Zandy, Spike, ment into wildlife habitat. And we One approach is through a global and John moved the Skirack from its know that the vast majority of emerg- viral discovery effort, in which coun- small shop on Center Street to where it ing viruses, like HIV, are zoonotic—in- tries share data on previously unknown is currently located on Main Street in fectious diseases that can spread be- viruses, which will transform the fight downtown Burlington. Over time, they tween animals and humans. against pandemic threats from a reac- were able to double the size of their In an effort to strengthen global ca- tive to a proactive undertaking. This is store by expanding to the building next pacity for detection and discovery of not a technological challenge; it is door. Then, in May 2011, they began a zoonotic viruses, the U.S. Agency for matter of political will and resources. special partnership with Patagonia and International Development, USAID, It will require commitments from gov- opened a second store, Patagonia Bur- initiated the PREDICT project in 2009. ernments around the world to collect lington. And today, the Skirack em- Its goal was to identify new emerging and share data on previously unknown ploys more than 80 Vermonters. Vermont’s economy depends on small viruses with pandemic potential and viruses. While I recognize that is easier businesses like the Skirack. Over the improve predictive modeling to better said than done, better equipping hu- years, those small businesses have be- focus surveillance, data collection, and manity to protect itself against cata- come the backbone of Vermont’s econ- analytics to reduce the risk of animal strophic pandemics is an investment omy. In 2018, the more than 77,000 small viruses spilling over and spreading in we cannot afford not to make. businesses made up 99 percent of human populations. Through the col- f Vermont businesses—99 percent. In lection and analysis of wildlife samples Vermont, almost 60 percent of employ- in areas of the world most at risk for 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ees, over 158,000 Vermonters, are em- zoonotic disease, PREDICT was able to SKIRACK ployed by a small business. I am proud discover disease pathogens at their Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, Vermont, that small businesses such as The source, rather than waiting for human the Green Mountain State, is filled Skirack, have not only been able to not infection. with outdoor enthusiasts: people who only survive but thrive. Over the past decade and through its ski, snowboard, mountain bike, hike, With the holiday season approaching, work in more than 30 countries, PRE- and do so much more. Outdoor enthu- it is important for Americans across siasts who live in Chittenden County or DICT has identified hundreds of viruses the country to visit their hometown who have visited the area are likely to and has estimated that there are more Main Street stores as they shop for have perused the walls, shelves, and than 1.6 million unknown viral disease friends and family. Holiday sales rep- aisles of the Skirack in Burlington, species in mammalian and avian popu- resent 20 percent of average annual VT. Today I want to commemorate the lations, of which an estimated 600,000 sales across most industries and 30 per- 50th anniversary of the Skirack, a to 850,000 have the potential to infect cent or more for some businesses. humans. PREDICT has proven the fea- small business that has become a sta- Marcelle and I congratulate Karen, sibility of a global, systematic viral ple of downtown Burlington. Zandy, Spike, and John on an incred- discovery program and paved the way Just a few blocks from its present lo- ible 50 years of operations at the for continued progress toward a more cation at the corner of Main and Pine Skirack. We wish them all the best of proactive approach to reducing pan- Streets in downtown Burlington, the luck, and we hope for 50 more strong demic risk. Skirack first opened its doors on No- years. As the PREDICT project comes to an vember 22, 1969, driven by the vision of f end next year, USAID is exploring a group of University of Vermont stu- ways to build on its successful analyt- dents. The founders of the Skirack— U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE ical and modeling work and is in the Karen George, Zandy Wheeler, Spike Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I process of designing the next phase of Clayton, and John George-Wheeler— rise to speak up for those who serve programming to continue this critical opened the shop with one goal in mind: our country all around the world, cou- effort. It is my hope that others in the to provide the finest outdoor goods and rageously, selflessly, with great sac- international community will use the services. Over the next 50 years, their rifice. I rise on behalf of our diplomatic lessons learned and techniques proven store has equipped Vermonters and corps, our Foreign Service Officers, from PREDICT to inform their own ef- visitors to our State with the essen- civil servants, and State Department forts. tials as they face the elements and personnel. I rise on behalf of patriotic Currently, the international commu- reach new heights, both literal and fig- Americans serving our country on the nity often targets global health invest- urative. front lines of war zones and dev- ments on infrastructure, institutions, Vermont has a proud and prominent astating conflicts, in countries with and human resources. While that ap- legacy of outdoor recreation. oppressive governments and societies proach works to strengthen public Vermonters, or those who visit, can hostile to our own. health systems and to tackle existing cross country ski, swim in Lake Cham- Our national security is stronger be- diseases, reducing the risk of future plain, mountain bike, or go on a trek cause of them. American people are pandemics will require a substantially through any of Vermont’s magnificent safer because of them. Our children’s different approach. As the PREDICT forest trails. Contrary to the store’s futures will be more secure, more pros- project has shown, there are ways to name, the Skirack has been perous, because of them. And because

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:02 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.015 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 of them and their hard work and sac- thing. This week, we sent a letter to For a quarter of a century, The Last rifice, our grandchildren may know a the Deputy Secretary of State, John Green Valley advocates have worked to world with less pain, less strife, less Sullivan, and the Undersecretary for care for the corridor through nonprofit conflict. And yet they have come under Management, Brian Bulatao, calling on stewardship. Overall, the valley com- attack, simply for serving their coun- them to do what Pompeo has not: to prises a 1,100-square-mile area, which try. publicly support the brave officials who ranges from eastern Connecticut to This week, three State Department are putting their careers, their reputa- south-central Massachusetts. One of witnesses are testifying during the tions, and terribly, even their personal the most notable aspects of the valley House of Representatives’ impeach- finances on the line—all to serve their is its rural characteristics despite its ment hearings on the Trump-Ukraine country. I hope that they do, even in proximity to three of New England’s scandal. These individuals have, in the face of vicious and unfounded at- largest urban areas. Among its 707,000 many cases, spent their entire careers tacks unleashed by the President, his acres, 77 percent of this range is farm- serving our Nation with distinction, on allies, and those who refuse to stand up land and forest. behalf of both Republican and Demo- for the truth. The Last Green Valley’s designation cratic administrations. Some have Some have been called ‘‘disloyal,’’ as a national heritage corridor by Con- even worn the uniform of the U.S. ‘‘unpatriotic,’’ and ‘‘Never Trumpers.’’ gress acknowledges its status as a Armed Forces. In fact, yesterday morning, as State of- unique national resource. Included in These men and women are not par- ficials were about to begin testifying, this designation are 26 towns in Con- tisans. They are patriots, patriots who the President tweeted, in all caps, necticut and 9 in Massachusetts. The put our country first. And for putting ‘‘NEVER TRUMPERS!’’ These false at- underdeveloped, green area so close to country first, for being willing to tell tacks misunderstand the entire many large urban spaces makes it a the truth, they have come under at- premise of public service. To be a ca- point of special ecological interest and tack—not by a foreign regime bristling reer public servant means to work a great environmental asset to Con- at their efforts to promote democracy, every day on behalf of the public, our necticut and the nation. not by oligarchs and criminals who government, our country, our Con- Dedicated to preserving the natural fear their effectiveness—though that stitution, to check politics at the door. beauty and resources of New England has happened as well. To argue otherwise demonstrates this from development and despoilment, No. They have come under attack in President’s warped view of how our The Last Green Valley sets a positive our own country, by our own President, government works. Our career Federal example of environmental conservation by the head of our government that employees do not serve him. They and protection. I applaud its accom- they so bravely and selflessly serve. It serve our country. They serve the plishments and hope my colleagues pains me, and so I am standing before American people. will join me in congratulating The you today to speak up on their behalf, The only ‘‘loyalty’’ they pledge is Last Green Valley on 25 years of excel- on behalf of each voice that has come loyalty to the oath they take to uphold lence.∑ forward in this time of need and tu- our Constitution. In coming forward, in f mult for our country. This is a time speaking the truth, in raising concerns RECOGNIZING K. NEAL TRUCK AND when we need truth—truth above about events that trouble them as BUS CENTER party, truth above political loyalties guardians of our national security, and expediency, truth above self-inter- they are carrying out an act of selfless ∑ Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, it is est. These diplomats, these profes- patriotism and love of country that with great pride that I name K. Neal sionals, these proud public servants are that this President is incapable of un- Truck and Bus Center the United putting the country before them- derstanding, let alone doing himself. States Senate Small Business of the selves—if only this President could do I hope that some of our other senior Week. the same, if only he—just once—could officials will step forward and show K. Neal Truck and Bus Center is a put the interests of others ahead of his just a sliver of the backbone that these family-owned business based in Hyatts- own. individuals have shown. I hope they ville, MD. Following a decades-long ca- But frankly, I am not the one who will do the right thing. I hope they will reer in the grocery business, Stephen should be standing up on behalf of our issue statements of public support for Neal purchased a trucking business and diplomatic corps, nor should it be only officials courageously coming before renamed it after his son, Korey Neal. the Democrats on the Foreign Rela- Congress and commit to protecting Together, the father-son team has tions Committee. There is a job post them from retribution or reprisal. turned K. Neal into the second largest that actually entails standing up for Our State Department employees de- minority-owned truck and bus supplier the men and women of our State De- serve commendation, not retaliation. in the country, with more than $100 partment each and every day. The job They deserve our thanks, not our million in annual revenue and just is called Secretary of State. It is a job scorn. Above all else, they deserve under 100 employees. held by Secretary Mike Pompeo. Yet leaders who will defend them, not On the Senate Small Business Com- under Secretary Pompeo’s watch, the desert them when it matters most. mittee, we often speak of small busi- dedicated Americans who serve in the nesses as drivers of economic growth f State Department have been thrown to and innovation, but they are often also the wolves. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS pillars in their communities, and K. Our Secretary of State should be the Neal is no exception. No. 1 defender of our diplomatic corps. I had the privilege of meeting with He should come forward and tell the 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAST Stephen, Korey, and several K. Neal ex- American people what he saw, what he GREEN VALLEY ecutives last month, and I was im- heard, and what he did about it. He ∑ Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, pressed by the company’s commitment should defend the officials who serve in today I rise to recognize The Last to empowering all its employees and his own Department. And he could Green Valley National Heritage Cor- investing in its community. start by uttering just one word of sup- ridor as it celebrates 25 years of protec- Half of the executives at K. Neal are port for Ambassador Taylor, Deputy tion and preservation of this environ- women, and for the past 5 years, the Assistant Secretary Kent, and Ambas- mentally sensitive, pristine area. company has partnered with the Prince sador Yovanovitch. But he has had Originally designated as the George’s County Economic Develop- plenty of time for that. We have seen Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Val- ment Corporation to train workers very clearly where he stands. ley National Heritage Corridor, the from underserved communities to be- So instead, I, along with my Demo- valley was officially designated as a come diesel technicians. I am proud to cratic colleagues on the Senate For- critical natural resource by President share that 14 individuals have com- eign Relations Committee, are calling Clinton on November 2, 1994. Twenty pleted the program, and 8 of them are on other senior officials at the State years later, it was officially renamed currently employed by the company. Department to step up and do the right The Last Green Valley. The company also voluntarily banned

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:24 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.022 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6603 the box for returning citizens convicted the American dream. The skills vet- voted to the treatment of medical con- of nonviolent crimes. erans learn as members of the military ditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, Thanks to K. Neal’s history of busi- are invaluable and undoubtedly con- nerves, and joints. His expertise made ness success and commitment to in- tribute to Idaho’s flourishing veteran him a natural fit for the Manchester vesting in their community and their business community. I am proud of the VAMC’s Spinal Cord Clinic, and he neighbors, the U.S. Black Chambers of sacrifices veterans have made to pro- began to treat many veterans whose Commerce presented its 2019 Emerging tect our country and that they are mobility and well-being were impacted Leaders & Influencers Award to the choosing Idaho to call home when they by spinal cord injury or dysfunction. company. complete their service in the military. Dr. Kois sought to provide a standard I applaud Stephen and Korey for As your United States Senator from of care consistent with the core values building a successful company and the great State of Idaho, it is my pleas- of the Veteran’s Administration—in- using their company to make a posi- ure to recognize Critical Power Prod- tegrity, commitment, advocacy, re- tive difference in the lives of so many. ucts and Services in Post Falls as the spect, and excellence—and his own They have truly made Prince George’s Veteran-owned Idaho Small Business of strong moral compass. proud.∑ the Day for November 14, 2019. Critical This fierce devotion to his principles f Power is owned and operated by U.S. compelled Dr. Kois to lead a team of 11 Army veteran Will Alt. The company is whistleblowers alleging inadequate TRIBUTE TO TONY HARBAUGH a proven leader in backup power and care at the Manchester VAMC. Al- ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this cooling system recycling and redis- though soft-spoken among friends and week I have the honor of recognizing tribution. The company serves cus- colleagues, he became a powerful voice Sherriff Tony Harbaugh of Custer tomers who want to dispose of and pur- and a public face in the effort to expose County for his tremendous impact on chase backup diesel and natural gas substandard treatment and demand the State of Montana. generators, air-handling equipment, better care for America’s veterans. The In early October, Sheriff Harbaugh uninterrupted power supply systems, advocacy of Dr. Kois and his colleagues was awarded the Montana Board of power distribution units, chillers, cool- caught the attention of the Crime Control Lifetime Achievement ing towers, and raised access floors. Globe Spotlight investigative team, Award at the 12th Annual Montana The company provides its services to which published a story in July 2017 Crime Prevention Conference in Bil- small regional firms as well as inter- that directed public attention to the lings. national Fortune 500 companies across shortcomings at the Manchester Harbaugh began his career at the all sectors. VAMC. It prompted a top-to-bottom re- Custer County Sheriff’s Office in 1978 Alt opened Critical Power Products view that delivered needed changes and as the only jailer. He was then offi- and Services in Post Falls in 2018. Alt improvements at the site. cially sworn in as a deputy with the served in the U.S. Army for 5 years, As with any whistleblower com- sheriff’s office in May of 1979. Harbough which included multiple overseas tours plaint, Dr. Kois undertook significant quickly climbed the ranks and was offi- attached to a multinational special op- risk in bringing these subjects to light. cially elected as Custer County eration team. Critical Power attributes Yet, with an uncompromising spirit Sherriff in 1986, holding that title until much of its success to Alt’s time serv- that many attribute to his amateur today. ing our Nation, stating ‘‘it ingrained boxer father, he was willing to sacrifice Throughout his long career in law en- professionalism, discipline, and dedica- his livelihood if it meant that veterans forcement, Harbaugh has served in a tion into his work ethic that is second would receive the care they need and number of leadership positions in law to none.’’ The company employs sev- deserve. And he was eager to sit down enforcement. Currently, Harbaugh is eral veterans and even has a Fallen with hospital administration and work the Montana law enforcement rep- Soldiers Memorial in front of their with them to develop policies that ful- resentative on the Western States 18,000 square foot Post Falls facility. fill that promise. His efforts benefited Sheriff’s Board, chairman of the Peace Congratulations to Will Alt and all of countless men and women in the Gran- Officers Standards and Training Coun- the employees at Critical Power Prod- ite State and across the country. cil, chairman of the Eastern Montana ucts and Services for being selected as Dr. Kois is survived by his wife of 29 Drug Task Force, and is the National the Veteran-owned Idaho Small Busi- years, Pamela Greenley, as well as Sheriffs liaison for Montana Sheriffs ness of the Day for November 14, 2019. many loving family members, treas- and Peace Officers Association. You make our great State proud, and I ured colleagues, and cherished friends. It is my honor to recognize Sherriff look forward to your continued growth Ms. Greenley will be on hand next week Harbaugh for his extraordinary dedica- and success.∑ to accept the First Amendment Award on her husband’s behalf from the tion to public service and public safety. f His role as leader in the law enforce- Nackey S. Loeb School of Communica- ment community has made Montana a REMEMBERING DR. WILLIAM ‘‘ED’’ tions. This distinction honors Granite better place to live, and I am grateful KOIS Staters who go above-and-beyond in for his selfless service to the Custer ∑ Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise their use of the freedoms guaranteed community and Montanans statewide.∑ on behalf of the New Hampshire con- by the First Amendment of the U.S. f gressional delegation—Senator MAGGIE Constitution. We join the Loeb School, HASSAN, Congresswoman ANN MCLANE as well as the Boston Globe Spotlight RECOGNIZING CRITICAL POWER KUSTER, and Congressman CHRIS team, in saluting the work and the life PRODUCTS AND SERVICES PAPPAS—to pay tribute to Dr. William of a deserving recipient, Dr. William ∑ Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, as a mem- ‘‘Ed’’ Kois, a passionate and caring pro- ‘‘Ed’’ Kois.∑ ber and former chairman of the Senate vider at the Manchester Veterans Af- f Committee on Small Business and En- fairs Medical Center, whose life was MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE trepreneurship, each month I recognize tragically cut short in July of this and celebrate the American entrepre- year. Dr. Kois was relentless in making At 10:27 a.m., a message from the neurial spirit by highlighting the suc- sure that each patient coming through House of Representatives, delivered by cess of a small business in my home the hospital doors received the best Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- State of Idaho. However, in honor of medical care possible. He was often de- nounced that the House has passed the Veterans Day on November 11, this scribed, especially by the many vet- following bills, in which it requests the month I will honor a veteran-owned erans he served, as the quintessential concurrence of the Senate: small business for each of the 10 days ‘‘patient’s doctor.’’ H.R. 499. An act to amend the Small Busi- the Senate is in legislative session. The Dr. Kois began his work at the Man- ness Act to clarify the treatment of certain personal sacrifices made by America’s chester VAMC in 2012 after two-and- surviving spouses under the definition of small business concern owned and controlled veterans have protected the very free- half decades of private practice in by service-disabled veterans. doms and values that give each of us Nashua, NH. He specialized in H.R. 1615. An act to transfer the responsi- and our children the ability to achieve physiatry, a branch of medicine de- bility of verifying small business concerns

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:24 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G14NO6.017 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 owned and controlled by veterans or service- and for other purposes; to the Committee on purposes; to the Committee on Environment disabled veterans to the Small Business Ad- Small Business and Entrepreneurship. and Public Works. ministration, and for other purposes. H.R. 3734. An act to require the Comp- By Mr. LEE (for himself and Mr. H.R. 1663. An act to amend title 36, United troller General of the United States to re- GRASSLEY): States Code, to revise the Federal charter for port on access to credit for small business S. 2863. A bill to amend the Immigration the Foundation of the Federal Bar Associa- concerns owned and controlled by covered in- and Nationality Act to modify the eligibility tion. dividuals, to require the Administrator of criteria for E visas; to the Committee on the H.R. 1773. An act to award a Congressional the Small Business Administration to report Judiciary. Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in on the veterans interagency task force, and By Ms. SINEMA (for herself, Mr. the United States who joined the workforce for other purposes; to the Committee on TILLIS, Mrs. BLACKBURN, and Mrs. during World War II, providing the aircraft, Small Business and Entrepreneurship. GILLIBRAND): S. 2864. A bill to require the Secretary of vehicles, weaponry, ammunition and other f material to win the war, that were referred Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot pro- to as ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’, in recognition of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND gram on information sharing between the the contributions to the United States and JOINT RESOLUTIONS Department of Veterans Affairs and des- the inspiration they have provided to ensu- ignated relatives and friends of veterans re- ing generations. The following bills and joint resolu- garding the assistance and benefits available H.R. 3537. An act to amend the Small Busi- tions were introduced, read the first to the veterans, and for other purposes; to ness Act to codify the Boots to Business Pro- and second times by unanimous con- the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. gram, and for other purposes. sent, and referred as indicated: By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Ms. COL- LINS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, H.R. 3661. An act to support entrepreneurs By Ms. SMITH (for herself, Mr. Mr. MARKEY, Mr. WYDEN, Mr. REED, serving in the National Guard and Reserve, CRAMER, Ms. BALDWIN, Mrs. HYDE- Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. and for other purposes. SMITH, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. WICKER): MERKLEY, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. KAINE, H.R. 3734. An act to require the Comp- S. 2855. A bill to require the Secretary to troller General of the United States to re- and Mr. BOOKER): conduct a study and issue a report on the af- S. 2865. A bill to amend title 38, United port on access to credit for small business fordability of insulin; to the Committee on States Code, to prohibit smoking on the concerns owned and controlled by covered in- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. premises of any facility of the Veterans dividuals, to require the Administrator of By Ms. HASSAN (for herself, Ms. COL- Health Administration, and for other pur- the Small Business Administration to report LINS, Mr. KING, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- on the veterans interagency task force, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. fairs. for other purposes. CASEY, Mr. MURPHY, Mr. CARPER, By Mrs. CAPITO (for herself and Ms. H.R. 4258. An act to authorize the Marshal Mrs. SHAHEEN, and Mr. COONS): HASSAN): of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court S. 2856. A bill to establish the Office of Re- S. 2866. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Police to protect the Justices, employees, gional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Programs enue Code of 1986 to allow private activity and official guests of the Supreme Court out- within the Environmental Protection Agen- bonds to be used for qualified broadband side of the Supreme Court grounds, and for cy, and for other purposes; to the Committee projects and to provide for tax credit pay- other purposes. on Environment and Public Works. ments to issuers of tax-exempt bonds used to The message also announced that the By Mr. CARPER (for himself, Mr. finance broadband infrastructure projects; to House has agreed to the following con- LANKFORD, Mr. CASSIDY, and Mr. the Committee on Finance. current resolution, in which it requests TESTER): By Ms. HASSAN (for herself and Mrs. the concurrence of the Senate: S. 2857. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- CAPITO): cation Act of 1965 to count military and vet- S. 2867. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H. Con. Res. 72. Concurrent resolution di- erans education benefits as Federal edu- enue Code of 1986 to provide an investment recting the Clerk of the House to make a cational assistance, and for other purposes; credit for qualified broadband projects; to correction in the enrollment of H.R. 2423. to the Committee on Health, Education, the Committee on Finance. f Labor, and Pensions. By Ms. MCSALLY: By Mr. MORAN (for himself and Ms. S. 2868. A bill to amend title 38, United MEASURES REFERRED BALDWIN): States Code, to ensure that veterans may at- tend pre-apprenticeship programs using cer- The following bills were read the first S. 2858. A bill to require the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin- tain educational assistance provided by the and the second times by unanimous istration to establish an advisory board fo- Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other consent, and referred as indicated: cused on creating opportunities for women in purposes; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- H.R. 499. An act to amend the Small Busi- the trucking industry, and for other pur- fairs. ness Act to clarify the treatment of certain poses; to the Committee on Commerce, By Mr. INHOFE (for himself, Mr. COT- surviving spouses under the definition of Science, and Transportation. TON, Mr. PERDUE, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. small business concern owned and controlled By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself and Mr. CRAMER, and Mr. CRUZ): by service-disabled veterans; to the Com- BARRASSO): S. 2869. A bill to amend the Immigration mittee on Small Business and Entrepreneur- S. 2859. A bill to amend the Public Health and Nationality Act to provide for exten- ship. Service Act with respect to the designation sions of detention of certain aliens ordered H.R. 1615. An act to transfer the responsi- of general surgery shortage areas, and for removed, and for other purposes; to the Com- bility of verifying small business concerns other purposes; to the Committee on Health, mittee on the Judiciary. owned and controlled by veterans or service- Education, Labor, and Pensions. By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. BOOK- disabled veterans to the Small Business Ad- By Mr. LANKFORD (for himself, Mr. ER, Ms. HARRIS, and Mr. SCHATZ): S. 2870. A bill to limit the use of solitary ministration, and for other purposes; to the YOUNG, Mr. COTTON, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. confinement and other forms of restrictive Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. INHOFE, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. BOOZMAN, housing in immigration detention, and for H.R. 1663. An act to amend title 36, United Mr. BARRASSO, Mr. TILLIS, Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- States Code, to revise the Federal charter for BRAUN, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. PAUL, and diciary. the Foundation of the Federal Bar Associa- Mr. CRAPO): By Mr. UDALL (for himself and Ms. tion; to the Committee on the Judiciary. S. 2860. A bill to repeal changes made by MURKOWSKI): H.R. 1773. An act to award a Congressional health care reform laws to the Medicare ex- S. 2871. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Gold Medal, collectively, to the women in ception to the prohibition on certain physi- enue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross in- the United States who joined the workforce cian referrals for hospitals, and for other come payments under the Indian Health during World War II, providing the aircraft, purposes; to the Committee on Finance. Service Loan Repayment Program and cer- vehicles, weaponry, ammunition and other By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. tain amounts received under the Indian material to win the war, that were referred MERKLEY): Health Professions Scholarships Program; to to as ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’, in recognition of S. 2861. A bill to amend the Secure Rural the Committee on Finance. their contributions to the United States and Schools and Community Self-Determination By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. ISAK- the inspiration they have provided to ensu- Act of 2000 to clarify the prohibition on the SON, Mr. KAINE, and Mr. PORTMAN): ing generations; to the Committee on Bank- use of certain Federal funds for lobbying, S. 2872. A bill to amend title III of the So- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. and for other purposes; to the Committee on cial Security Act to extend reemployment H.R. 3537. An act to amend the Small Busi- Energy and Natural Resources. services and eligibility assessments to all ness Act to codify the Boots to Business Pro- By Ms. SINEMA (for herself and Mr. claimants for unemployment benefits, and gram, and for other purposes; to the Com- CORNYN): for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- mittee on Small Business and Entrepreneur- S. 2862. A bill to direct the Secretary of nance. ship. Agriculture to establish a grant program to By Mr. UDALL: H.R. 3661. An act to support entrepreneurs remove nonnative plant species that con- S. 2873. A bill to amend the Clean Air Act serving in the National Guard and Reserve, tribute to drought conditions, and for other to reform the renewable fuel program under

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:02 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.011 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6605 that Act, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. BEN- (Mr. CASSIDY) was added as a cosponsor mittee on Environment and Public Works. NET, Mr. INHOFE, and Ms. WARREN): of S. 750, a bill to amend the Internal By Mr. CRUZ (for himself, Mr. GRA- S. Res. 425. A resolution designating Octo- Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently ber 2019 as ‘‘National Down Syndrome HAM, Mr. COTTON, and Mr. RUBIO): extend the new markets tax credit, and S. 2874. A bill to terminate certain waivers Awareness Month’’ and supporting the goals of sanctions with respect to Iran issued in and ideals of National Down Syndrome for other purposes. connection with the Joint Comprehensive Awareness Month; considered and agreed to. S. 753 Plan of Action, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. KENNEDY: At the request of Mr. BROWN, the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban S. Res. 426. A resolution expressing the name of the Senator from Maryland Affairs. sense of the Senate that Members of Con- gress should substitute teach at least 1 day (Mr. VAN HOLLEN) was added as a co- By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself and Mr. sponsor of S. 753, a bill to amend title WYDEN): per year in a public school to gain firsthand S. 2875. A bill to amend the Smith River knowledge on how to address the prevailing XVIII of the Social Security Act to National Recreation Area Act to include cer- challenges facing educators and how to re- count a period of receipt of outpatient tain additions to the Smith River National move obstacles to learning for students; to observation services in a hospital to- Recreation Area, to amend the Wild and Sce- the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, ward satisfying the 3-day inpatient nic Rivers Act to designate certain wild riv- and Pensions. hospital requirement for coverage of By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. ers in the State of Oregon, and for other pur- skilled nursing facility services under poses; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- MENENDEZ, and Mr. CARDIN): S. Res. 427. A resolution recognizing the Medicare. ural Resources. historical, cultural, and religious signifi- S. 877 By Mr. SCHUMER (for Mr. SANDERS cance of Sikh Americans, and for other pur- (for himself, Mr. MERKLEY, and Ms. At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. WARREN)): her name was added as a cosponsor of S. 2876. A bill to provide economic em- f S. 877, a bill to prohibit the sale of powerment opportunities in the United ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS shark fins, and for other purposes. States through the modernization of public S. 880 housing, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. 283 mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the fairs. name of the Senator from New Mexico name of the Senator from Delaware By Mr. TILLIS (for himself, Ms. SMITH, (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- (Mr. CARPER) was added as a cosponsor Ms. MCSALLY, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. sor of S. 283, a bill to amend title XVIII of S. 880, a bill to provide outreach and PERDUE, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. of the Social Security Act to improve reporting on comprehensive Alz- CRAMER, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, Mr. access to, and utilization of, bone mass heimer’s disease care planning services MORAN, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. ROUNDS, Mr. measurement benefits under part B of furnished under the Medicare program. SCHATZ, Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina, S. 901 Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. CRAPO, and Mr. the Medicare program by establishing a BROWN): minimum payment amount under such At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the S. 2877. A bill to reauthorize the Terrorism part for bone mass measurement. name of the Senator from Wisconsin Risk Insurance Act of 2002, and for other pur- S. 460 (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- At the request of Mr. WARNER, the sor of S. 901, a bill to amend the Older ing, and Urban Affairs. name of the Senator from Wisconsin Americans Act of 1965 to support indi- By Mr. COONS (for himself and Mr. (Mr. JOHNSON) was added as a cosponsor viduals with younger onset Alzheimer’s LEE): of S. 460, a bill to amend the Internal disease. S. 2878. A bill to limit the use of facial rec- ognition technology by Federal agencies, and Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the ex- S. 962 for other purposes; to the Committee on the clusion for employer-provided edu- At the request of Ms. HASSAN, her Judiciary. cation assistance to employer pay- name was added as a cosponsor of S. ments of student loans. f 962, a bill to provide funding for feder- S. 479 ally qualified health centers and the SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the National Health Service Corps. SENATE RESOLUTIONS names of the Senator from Washington S. 1280 (Mrs. MURRAY) and the Senator from The following concurrent resolutions At the request of Mr. CASEY, the and Senate resolutions were read, and New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) were names of the Senator from Arizona added as cosponsors of S. 479, a bill to referred (or acted upon), as indicated: (Ms. MCSALLY) and the Senator from revise section 48 of title 18, United By Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Ohio (Mr. BROWN) were added as co- States Code, and for other purposes. Mrs. MURRAY): sponsors of S. 1280, a bill to amend title S. Res. 421. A resolution congratulating Se- S. 610 XVIII of the Social Security Act to es- attle Sounders FC on winning the 2019 Major At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, tablish a system to notify individuals League Soccer Cup; to the Committee on the name of the Senator from Colorado approaching Medicare eligibility, to Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor simplify and modernize the eligibility By Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. of S. 610, a bill to amend title 9 of the BOOZMAN): enrollment process, and for other pur- United States Code with respect to ar- poses. S. Res. 422. A resolution recognizing No- bitration. vember 15, 2019, as ‘‘America Recycles Day’’ S. 1476 S. 642 and expressing the sense of the Senate that At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, At the request of Mr. ALEXANDER, the recycling promotes a healthy economy and the name of the Senator from Ten- responsible environmental stewardship; con- name of the Senator from Iowa (Ms. nessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN) was added as sidered and agreed to. ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. MANCHIN (for himself, Ms. 642, a bill to award a Congressional a cosponsor of S. 1476, a bill to waive COLLINS, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. YOUNG, Gold Medal to Master Sergeant the 24-month waiting period for Medi- Mr. BOOKER, Mr. LANKFORD, Ms. Rodrick ‘‘Roddie’’ Edmonds in recogni- care eligibility for individuals disabled HIRONO, Ms. HASSAN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, tion of his heroic actions during World by Huntington’s disease. Mr. COONS, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. S. 1622 PETERS, and Mr. REED): War II. S. Res. 423. A resolution recognizing No- S. 696 At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the vember 2019 as ‘‘National Homeless Children At the request of Mr. MERKLEY, the name of the Senator from Tennessee and Youth Awareness Month’’; considered name of the Senator from Arizona (Ms. (Mr. ALEXANDER) was added as a co- and agreed to. SINEMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. sponsor of S. 1622, a bill to amend the By Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. 696, a bill to designate the same indi- Controlled Substances Act to list BENNET): vidual serving as the Chief Nurse Offi- fentanyl-related substances as schedule S. Res. 424. A resolution recognizing the cer of the Public Health Service as the I controlled substances. 100th anniversary of the Colorado Farm Bu- S. 1657 reau Federation and celebrating the long his- National Nurse for Public Health. tory of the Colorado Farm Bureau Federa- S. 750 At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the tion representing the farmers and ranchers At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the name of the Senator from Utah (Mr. of Colorado; considered and agreed to. name of the Senator from Louisiana ROMNEY) was added as a cosponsor of S.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:24 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.013 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 1657, a bill to provide assistance to from South Carolina (Mr. GRAHAM) and respect to foreign support for Pales- combat the escalating burden of Lyme the Senator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN) tinian terrorism, and for other pur- disease and other tick and vector-borne were added as cosponsors of S. 2160, a poses. diseases and disorders. bill to require carbon monoxide alarms S. 2695 S. 1728 in certain federally assisted housing, At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the and for other purposes. names of the Senator from Mississippi name of the Senator from New Mexico S. 2321 (Mrs. HYDE-SMITH), the Senator from (Mr. HEINRICH) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN), the Senator sor of S. 1728, a bill to require the name of the Senator from Michigan from Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the United States Postal Service to sell the (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Alzheimer’s semipostal stamp for 6 ad- of S. 2321, a bill to require the Sec- THUNE) were added as cosponsors of S. ditional years. retary of the Treasury to mint a coin 2695, a bill to authorize the Secretary S. 1810 in commemoration of the 100th anni- of Agriculture to provide for the de- At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the versary of the establishment of Negro fense of United States agriculture and name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. Leagues baseball. food through the National Bio and COLLINS) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2394 Agro-Defense Facility, and for other 1810, a bill to amend the Richard B. At the request of Mr. VAN HOLLEN, purposes. Russell National School Lunch Act to the names of the Senator from New S. 2739 allow schools that participate in the Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) and the At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the school lunch program to serve whole Senator from Kentucky (Mr. PAUL) name of the Senator from Oklahoma milk, and for other purposes. were added as cosponsors of S. 2394, a (Mr. INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor S. 1822 bill to require certain reports and of S. 2739, a bill to provide for the effec- At the request of Mr. WICKER, the briefings to Congress relating to the tive use of immigration detainers to name of the Senator from Wyoming expiration of the New START Treaty, enhance public safety. (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of and for other purposes. S. 2741 S. 1822, a bill to require the Federal S. 2451 At the request of Mr. SCHATZ, the Communications Commission to issue At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the names of the Senator from Maine (Mr. rules relating to the collection of data name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. KING), the Senator from West Virginia with respect to the availability of SCOTT) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mrs. CAPITO), the Senator from New broadband services, and for other pur- 2451, a bill to amend chapter 171 of title Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN), the Sen- poses. 28, United States Code, to allow suit ator from Alaska (Mr. SULLIVAN), the S. 1838 against the United States for injuries Senator from Montana (Mr. TESTER), At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the and deaths of members of the Armed the Senator from Alaska (Ms. MUR- names of the Senator from Oklahoma Forces caused by improper medical KOWSKI), the Senator from Virginia (Mr. LANKFORD), the Senator from Ne- care, and for other purposes. (Mr. KAINE), the Senator from Montana braska (Mr. SASSE) and the Senator S. 2599 (Mr. DAINES), the Senator from Rhode from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) were added At the request of Mr. TESTER, the Island (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) and the Sen- as cosponsors of S. 1838, a bill to amend names of the Senator from North Caro- ator from Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY) were the Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, and lina (Mr. TILLIS) and the Senator from added as cosponsors of S. 2741, a bill to for other purposes. Alabama (Mr. JONES) were added as co- amend title XVIII of the Social Secu- S. 1907 sponsors of S. 2599, a bill to amend the rity Act to expand access to telehealth At the request of Ms. SMITH, the Department of Agriculture Reorganiza- services, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from California tion Act of 1994 to provide assistance to S. 2805 (Ms. HARRIS) was added as a cosponsor manage farmer and rancher stress and At the request of Mr. WICKER, the of S. 1907, a bill to amend the Richard for the mental health of individuals in names of the Senator from Massachu- B. Russell National School Lunch Act rural areas, and for other purposes. setts (Mr. MARKEY) and the Senator to prohibit the stigmatization of chil- S. 2627 from Rhode Island (Mr. REED) were dren who are unable to pay for school At the request of Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, added as cosponsors of S. 2805, a bill to meals, and for other purposes. the name of the Senator from Ohio improve transit-oriented development S. 1941 (Mr. BROWN) was added as a cosponsor financing, and for other purposes. At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the of S. 2627, a bill to amend the Internal S. 2850 name of the Senator from California Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an above- At the request of Mr. LEE, the name (Ms. HARRIS) was added as a cosponsor the-line deduction for attorney fees of the Senator from Vermont (Mr. of S. 1941, a bill to amend the Richard and costs in connection with civil SANDERS) was added as a cosponsor of B. Russell National School Lunch Act claim awards. S. 2850, a bill to focus limited Federal to establish a permanent, nationwide S. 2628 resources on the most serious offend- summer electronic benefits transfer for At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the ers. children program. name of the Senator from Minnesota S. RES. 98 S. 1982 (Ms. SMITH) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mrs. BLACKBURN, At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the of S. 2628, a bill to amend title XIX of the names of the Senator from North name of the Senator from Mississippi the Social Security Act to remove a Carolina (Mr. TILLIS), the Senator from (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor limitation on an individual’s eligibility Colorado (Mr. GARDNER) and the Sen- of S. 1982, a bill to improve efforts to for medical assistance under the State ator from Florida (Mr. RUBIO) were combat marine debris, and for other Medicaid plan while the individual is in added as cosponsors of S. Res. 98, a res- purposes. custody pending disposition of charges. olution establishing the Congressional S. 2059 S. 2671 Gold Star Family Fellowship Program At the request of Mr. TILLIS, the At the request of Mr. COONS, his for the placement in offices of Senators name of the Senator from Oklahoma name was added as a cosponsor of S. of children, spouses, and siblings of (Mr. INHOFE) was added as a cosponsor 2671, a bill to build safer, thriving com- members of the Armed Forces who are of S. 2059, a bill to provide a civil rem- munities, and save lives by investing in hostile casualties or who have died edy for individuals harmed by sanc- effective violence reduction initiatives. from a training-related injury. tuary jurisdiction policies, and for S. 2680 S. RES. 409 other purposes. At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the S. 2160 name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. names of the Senator from New Hamp- At the request of Mr. SCOTT of South GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) and the Senator Carolina, the names of the Senator S. 2680, a bill to impose sanctions with from Vermont (Mr. LEAHY) were added

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:02 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.006 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6607 as cosponsors of S. Res. 409, a resolu- ‘‘(2) The term ‘smoke’ includes— (A) composed of staff at the facility at tion requesting information on Tur- ‘‘(A) the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, which a detained alien resides who are re- key’s human rights practices in Syria and any other combustion or heating of to- sponsible for reviewing the initial placement pursuant to section 502B(c) of the For- bacco; and of the alien in solitary confinement and any ‘‘(B) the use of any electronic nicotine de- extensions of time in solitary confinement; eign Assistance Act of 1961. livery system, including electronic or e-ciga- and S. RES. 411 rettes, vape pens, and e-cigars.’’. (B) that includes— At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of (i) not fewer than 1 licensed mental health names of the Senator from North Da- sections at the beginning of subchapter II of professional; (ii) not fewer than 1 medical professional; kota (Mr. HOEVEN) and the Senator chapter 17 of such title is amended by strik- ing the item relating to section 1715 and in- and from Wisconsin (Mr. JOHNSON) were serting the following new item: (iii) not fewer than 1 member of the leader- added as cosponsors of S. Res. 411, a ‘‘1715. Prohibition on smoking in facilities of ship of the facility. resolution affirming that States main- the Veterans Health Adminis- (5) PROTECTION CASE.—The term ‘‘protec- tain primacy for the regulation of hy- tration.’’. tion case’’ means a detained alien who, by draulic fracturing for oil and natural (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 526 the request of the alien or through a staff de- gas production on State and private of the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 (Pub- termination, requires protection. lands, that the President has no au- lic Law 102–585; 38 U.S.C. 1715 note) is re- (6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ pealed. means the Secretary of Homeland Security. thority to declare a moratorium on the (7) SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS.—The term use of hydraulic fracturing on State By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. ‘‘serious mental illness’’ means— and private lands, and that the Presi- BOOKER, Ms. HARRIS, and Mr. (A) a finding by a qualified mental health dent should not attempt to declare a professional that the detained alien is at se- SCHATZ): moratorium on the use of hydraulic rious risk of substantially deteriorating S. 2870. A bill to limit the use of soli- mentally or emotionally while confined in fracturing on Federal lands (including tary confinement and other forms of the Outer Continental Shelf) or lands solitary confinement, or already has so dete- restrictive housing in immigration de- riorated while confined in solitary confine- held in trust for an Indian Tribe, unless tention, and for other purposes; to the ment, such that diversion or removal is the moratorium is authorized by an Committee on the Judiciary. deemed to be clinically appropriate by a Act of Congress. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask qualified mental health professional; or f unanimous consent that the text of the (B) a current or recent diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional of 1 or bill be printed in the RECORD. STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED more of the following disorders described in BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS There being no objection, the text of the most recent edition of the Diagnostic the bill was ordered to be printed in By Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Ms. and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: the RECORD, as follows: (i) Schizophrenia or another psychotic dis- COLLINS, Mr. BROWN, Mr. S. 2870 order. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (ii) Major depressive disorder. WYDEN, Mr. REED, Mrs. MUR- resentatives of the United States of America in (iii) Any type of bipolar disorder. RAY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. MERKLEY, Congress assembled, (iv) A neurodevelopmental disorder, de- mentia or other cognitive disorder. Ms. HIRONO, Mr. KAINE, and Mr. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (v) Any disorder commonly characterized BOOKER): (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as S. 2865. A bill to amend title 38, by breaks with reality or perceptions of re- the ‘‘Restricting Solitary Confinement in ality. United States Code, to prohibit smok- Immigration Detention Act of 2019’’. (vi) Any type of anxiety disorders. ing on the premises of any facility of (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- (vii) Trauma or stressor related disorder. the Veterans Health Administration, tents for this Act is as follows: (viii) Severe personality disorders. and for other purposes; to the Com- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. (8) SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.—The term ‘‘sol- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. Sec. 2. Definitions. itary confinement’’ means confinement char- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask Sec. 3. Solitary confinement reforms. acterized by substantial isolation in a cell, Sec. 4. Reassessment of detained alien men- unanimous consent that the text of the whether alone or with other detained aliens, tal health. including administrative segregation and bill be printed in the RECORD. Sec. 5. Oversight responsibilities. disciplinary segregation. There being no objection, the text of Sec. 6. Rulemaking. (9) SUBSTANTIAL AND IMMEDIATE THREAT.— the bill was ordered to be printed in Sec. 7. Authorization of appropriations. The term ‘‘substantial and immediate the RECORD, as follows: Sec. 8. Effective date. threat’’ means any set of circumstances that S. 2865 SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. require immediate action in order to combat In this Act: a significant threat to the safety of a de- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (1) ADMINISTRATIVE SEGREGATION.—The tained alien, other detained aliens, staff, or resentatives of the United States of America in term ‘‘administrative segregation’’ means a the public. Congress assembled, nonpunitive form of solitary confinement (10) U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS EN- SECTION 1. PROHIBITION ON SMOKING IN FA- that removes a detained alien from the gen- FORCEMENT FACILITY.—The term ‘‘U.S. Immi- CILITIES OF THE VETERANS HEALTH eral population of a detention center or gration and Customs Enforcement facility’’ ADMINISTRATION. other facility in which the alien is being de- means— (a) PROHIBITION.— tained for— (A) a detention facility owned and admin- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1715 of title 38, (A) investigative, protective, or preventa- istered by U.S. Immigration and Customs United States Code, is amended to read as tive reasons because of a substantial and im- Enforcement; or follows: mediate threat to the safety or security of (B) a Federal, State, local, or private facil- ‘‘§ 1715. Prohibition on smoking in facilities the detained alien, other detained aliens, ity that has contracted (directly or indi- of the Veterans Health Administration staff, or the public; or rectly) with U.S. Immigration and Customs ‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.—No person (including (B) temporary administrative reasons. Enforcement to detain aliens in Federal cus- any veteran, patient, resident, employee of (2) APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF CARE.—The term tody, including a U.S. Marshals facility that the Department, contractor, or visitor) may ‘‘appropriate level of care’’ means the appro- houses alien detainees, and regardless of any smoke on the premises of any facility of the priate treatment setting for mental health time limits that exist for the duration of the Veterans Health Administration. care that a detained alien with mental ill- detention in such a facility. ‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: ness requires, which may include outpatient SEC. 3. SOLITARY CONFINEMENT REFORMS. ‘‘(1) The term ‘facility of the Veterans care, emergency or crisis services, day treat- (a) USE OF SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.— Health Administration’ means any land or ment, supported residential housing, infir- (1) IN GENERAL.—A detained alien may not building (including any medical center, nurs- mary care, or inpatient psychiatric hos- be placed in solitary confinement within a ing home, domiciliary facility, outpatient pitalization services. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement clinic, or center that provides readjustment (3) INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY.—The term facility unless such confinement— counseling) that is— ‘‘intellectual disability’’ means a significant (A) is limited to the briefest term and the ‘‘(A) under the jurisdiction of the Depart- mental impairment characterized by signifi- least restrictive conditions practicable, in- ment of Veterans Affairs; cant limitations in intellectual functioning cluding not fewer than 4 hours of out-of-cell ‘‘(B) under the control of the Veterans and adaptive behavior. time every day; Health Administration; and (4) MULTIDISCIPLINARY STAFF COMMITTEE.— (B) is consistent with the rationale for ‘‘(C) not under the control of the General The term ‘‘multidisciplinary staff com- placement and with the progress achieved by Services Administration. mittee’’ means a committee— the detained alien;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.009 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 (C) allows the detained alien to participate (B) may not place a detained alien who is (III) providing an appropriate level of care in meaningful programming opportunities considered to be a protection case in solitary through a licensed mental health profes- and privileges that are similar to those confinement due to the status of the alien as sional; available in the general population as prac- a protection case unless— (iii) such confinement is limited to the ticable, either individually or in a classroom (i) the alien requests to be placed in soli- briefest term and the least restrictive condi- setting; tary confinement, in which case, at the re- tions practicable, including access to med- (D) allows the detained alien to have as quest of the alien to be released from soli- ical and mental health treatment; much meaningful interaction with others, tary confinement, the alien shall be trans- (iv) such confinement is reviewed by a such as other detained aliens, counsel, visi- ferred to a safer alternative, such as— multidisciplinary staff committee for appro- tors, clergy, or licensed mental health pro- (I) an alternative general population unit; priateness every 24 hours; and fessionals, as practicable; and (II) an alternative U.S. Immigration and (v) as soon as practicable, but not later (E) complies with the provisions of this Customs Enforcement facility; or than 5 days after such confinement begins, section. (III) an alternative to detention; or the detained alien is diverted, upon release (2) SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS ON ADMINISTRA- (ii) such confinement is limited to— from solitary confinement, to a general pop- TIVE SEGREGATION AND DISCIPLINARY SEG- (I) not more than 5 days of administrative ulation unit, a mental health treatment pro- REGATION.—The Secretary— segregation; and gram described in subsection (b)(2), or an al- (A) shall limit administrative segregation (II) is necessary to protect the alien during ternative to detention; in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce- preparation for transfer to a safer alter- (C) the detained alien is lesbian, gay, bi- ment facilities— native, such as 1 of the alternatives de- sexual, transgender (as defined in section (i) to situations in which such segregation scribed in subclauses (I) through (III) of 115.5 of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, is necessary to control a substantial and im- clause (i). or any successor regulation), intersex (as de- mediate threat that cannot be addressed (4) VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.—A U.S. Im- fined in section 115.5 of title 28, Code of Fed- through alternative housing; and migration and Customs Enforcement facility eral Regulations, or any successor regula- (ii) to a duration of not more than 14 con- may not place a detained alien in solitary tion), or gender nonconforming (as defined in secutive days, and not more than 14 days in confinement if— section 115.5 of title 28, Code of Federal Reg- a 21-day period, unless— (A) the detained alien is younger than 18 ulations, or any successor regulation), if (I) the detained alien is considered a pro- years of age, unless— such placement is based (in whole or in part) tection case and requests to remain in ad- (i) such confinement is a temporary re- on such identification or status; ministrative segregation under paragraph sponse to the behavior of the detained alien, (D) the alien is HIV positive, if the place- (3)(B)(i); or which poses a substantial and immediate ment is based (in whole or in part) on the (II) to address the continued existence of a threat; HIV positive status of the alien; substantial and immediate threat, a multi- (ii) all other options to de-escalate the sit- (E) the placement is based (in whole or in disciplinary staff committee approves a tem- uation have been exhausted, including less part) on the alien’s race, religion, or nation- porary extension, which— restrictive techniques such as— ality; or (aa) shall be in writing and include a thor- (I) penalizing the detained alien through (F) the placement is based (in whole or in ough explanation of the reasons for which loss of privileges; part) on a detained alien’s report of an inci- the extension is warranted, including any (II) speaking with the detained alien in an dent of abuse or misconduct, a detained factors weighing against the extension; attempt to de-escalate the situation; and alien’s decision to engage in a hunger strike, (bb) shall be reviewed— (III) providing an appropriate level of care or any other form of retaliation against a de- (AA) by the multidisciplinary staff com- through a licensed mental health profes- tained alien, unless the alien has been classi- mittee every 3 days during the period of the sional ; fied as a protection case under paragraph (3). extension, in order to confirm the continued (iii) such confinement is limited to— (5) ACCESS TO COUNSEL.—Aliens placed in existence of the substantial and immediate (I) 3 hours after the detained alien is solitary confinement shall be offered access threat; placed in solitary confinement, if the alien to counsel to the same extent that detained (BB) by the appropriate Enforcement and poses a substantial and immediate threat to aliens in the general population are offered Removal Operations Field Office Director others; or access to counsel. within U.S. Immigration and Customs En- (II) 30 minutes after the detained alien is (6) RIGHT TO REVIEW PLACEMENT IN SOLI- forcement after the initial extension and placed in solitary confinement, if the alien TARY CONFINEMENT.—The Secretary shall en- every 7 days thereafter during the period of poses a substantial and immediate threat sure that each alien placed in solitary con- the extension, in order to review the findings only to his self or her self; and finement has access to— of the multidisciplinary staff committee and (iv) if, after the applicable maximum pe- (A) written and verbal notice provided in a determine whether such extensions are per- riod of confinement under subclause (I) or language that the alien understands that missible; (II) of clause (iii) has expired, the detained thoroughly details the basis for placement or (CC) by a subcommittee of the Detention alien continues to pose a substantial and im- continued placement in solitary confinement Monitoring Council within U.S. Immigration mediate threat described in that subclause— not later than 6 hours after the beginning of and Customs Enforcement, which shall be (I) the detained alien shall be transferred such placement, including— chaired by the Custody Management Divi- to another facility or internal location (i) thorough documentation explaining sion and shall include representatives from where services can be provided to the alien why such confinement is permissible and Enforcement and Removal Operations Field without relying on solitary confinement; or necessary under this subsection; and Operations, the Health Service Corps, the Of- (II) if a qualified mental health profes- (ii) if an exception under paragraph fice of the Principal Legal Advisor, the Of- sional believes the level of crisis service (2)(A)(ii), (3)(B), (4)(A), or (4)(B) is used to fice of Professional Responsibility, the Office needed is not currently available, a staff justify placement in solitary confinement, of Acquisition Management, and the Depart- member of the facility shall initiate a refer- thorough documentation explaining why ment of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil ral to a location that can meet the needs of such an exception applies; Rights and Civil Liberties, after any exten- the detained alien; (B) a timely, thorough, and continuous re- sion is approved by an Enforcement and Re- (B) the detained alien has a serious mental view process that— moval Operations Field Office Director; and illness, has an intellectual disability, has a (i) occurs not fewer than 3 days after place- (cc) shall include additional out of cell physical disability that a licensed medical ment in solitary confinement, and thereafter time, socialization, and programming oppor- professional determines is likely to be exac- at least on a weekly basis, unless required tunities for the detained alien, so that each erbated by placement in solitary confine- more frequently under this section; detained alien placed in solitary confine- ment or that solitary confinement is clini- (ii) includes private, face-to-face inter- ment for more than 14 days is given not cally contraindicated, is pregnant, or is in views with a multidisciplinary staff com- fewer than 4 hours of out of cell time each the first 8 weeks of the post-partum recovery mittee; and day; and period after giving birth, or has been deter- (iii) examines whether— (B) may not permit the use of solitary con- mined by a licensed mental health profes- (I) placement in solitary confinement was finement as a form of discipline. sional to likely be significantly adversely af- and remains necessary; (3) PROTECTIVE CUSTODY.—The Secretary— fected by placement in solitary confinement, (II) the conditions of confinement comply (A) shall establish policies to ensure that unless— with this section; and an alien who is considered a protection case, (i) the detained alien poses a substantial (III) any exception under paragraph upon the request of the alien, is transferred and immediate threat; (2)(A)(ii), (3)(B), (4)(A), or (4)(B) used to jus- to a safer alternative, such as— (ii) all other options to de-escalate the sit- tify placement in solitary confinement was (i) an alternative general population unit uation have been exhausted, including less and remains warranted; in the U.S. Immigration and Customs En- restrictive techniques such as— (C) a process to appeal the initial place- forcement facility; (I) penalizing the detained alien through ment or continued placement of the detained (ii) an alternative U.S. Immigration and loss of privileges; alien in solitary confinement; Customs Enforcement facility; or (II) speaking with the detained alien in an (D) prompt and timely written notice of (iii) an alternative to detention; and attempt to de-escalate the situation; and the appeal procedures; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.017 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6609 (E) copies of all documents, files, and (ii) an explanation of the application of gration Detention Act of 2019 to the Officer records relating to the detained alien’s any exception under subsection (a) used to for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, includ- placement in solitary confinement, unless justify an adjustment to the alien’s time or ing— such documents contain contraband, classi- conditions in solitary confinement; and ‘‘(A) not less than 2 procedures for aliens fied information, or sensitive security-re- (C) the release of any detained aliens from and others to report violations of section 3 of lated information. solitary confinement. such Act to an entity or office that is not (b) MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALIENS IN (2) PUBLICATION OF USE OF SOLITARY CON- part of the facility, and that is able to re- SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.— FINEMENT.—Without revealing personally ceive and immediately forward reports to the (1) MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING.—Not later identifiable information, the Secretary shall Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, than 6 hours after a detained alien is placed publish online weekly updates regarding— allowing the alien to remain anonymous in solitary confinement in a U.S. Immigra- (A) the number of aliens in solitary con- upon request; and tion and Customs Enforcement facility, the finement at each U.S. Immigration and Cus- ‘‘(B) not less than 2 procedures for aliens alien shall receive a comprehensive, face-to- toms Enforcement facility; and and others to report violations of section 3 of face mental health evaluation by a licensed (B) any instances in which a facility has such Act to the Officer for Civil Rights and mental health professional in a confidential placed a detained alien in solitary confine- Civil Liberties in a confidential manner, al- setting. ment for more than 15 days. lowing the alien to remain anonymous upon (2) MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT PROGRAM.— (3) INTERNAL REVIEW OF DATA.— request. A detained alien diagnosed with a serious (A) WEEKLY REVIEWS.—The appropriate En- ‘‘(3) NOTICE TO DETAINEES.—The Secretary mental illness after an evaluation under forcement and Removal Operations Field Of- shall ensure that each U.S. Immigration and paragraph (1)— fice Director within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility provides (A) may not be placed in solitary confine- Customs Enforcement shall— aliens with— ment under subsection (a)(4)(B); and (i) on a weekly basis, review the daily re- ‘‘(A) notice of how to report violations of (B) shall receive an appropriate level of ports from each U.S. Immigration and Cus- section 4 of the Restricting Solitary Confine- care to address the detained alien’s mental toms Enforcement facility under his or her ment in Immigration Detention Act of 2019 health needs. jurisdiction to ensure that each facility is in in accordance with paragraph (2), including— ‘‘(i) notice prominently posted in the living (3) CONTINUING EVALUATIONS.—After each 7- compliance with this Act; day period during which a detained alien is (ii) report any instances in which a U.S. and common areas of each such facility; held in continuous placement in solitary Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- ‘‘(ii) individual notice to aliens at initial confinement— cility failed to comply, or is suspected of intake into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, when transferred to a (A) a licensed mental health professional failing to comply, with this Act to the sub- new facility, and when placed in solitary shall conduct a comprehensive, face-to-face, committee established under subsection confinement; out-of-cell mental health evaluation of the (a)(2)(A)(ii)(II)(bb)(CC) for review; and ‘‘(iii) notice to aliens with disabilities in alien in a confidential setting; and (iii) direct a U.S. Immigration and Cus- accessible formats; and (B) the Secretary shall adjust the place- toms Enforcement facility that failed to ‘‘(iv) written or verbal notice in a language ment of the alien in accordance with this comply, or is suspected of failing to comply, the alien understands; and subsection. with this Act to immediately address any ‘‘(B) notice of permissible practices related such failures to comply, including by imme- (c) TRAINING FOR DETENTION CENTER to solitary confinement in U.S. Immigration diately removing a detained alien from soli- STAFF.— and Customs Enforcement facilities, includ- tary confinement if the alien’s placement or (1) TRAINING.—All employees of a U.S. Im- ing the requirements under section 3 of such continued detention in solitary confinement migration and Customs Enforcement facility Act. was not in compliance with this Act. who interact with aliens on a regular basis ‘‘(4) ACCESS.—The Officer for Civil Rights (B) MONTHLY REPORTS.—The subcommittee shall be required to complete training in— and Civil Liberties— established under subsection (A) recognizing the symptoms of mental ‘‘(A) shall have unrestricted access to U.S. (a)(2)(A)(ii)(II)(bb)(CC) shall— illness; Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- (B) the potential risks and side effects of (i) promptly review any reports received cilities; psychiatric medications; pursuant to subparagraph (A)(ii); and ‘‘(B) shall be able to review documents, re- (C) de-escalation techniques for safely (ii) submit monthly reports to the full De- quest and review information, and speak pri- managing individuals with mental illness; tention Monitoring Council and the Director vately with aliens, contractors, volunteers, (D) the consequences of untreated mental of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce- and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforce- illness; ment that identify areas of concern regard- ment facility staff. (E) the long- and short-term psychological ing particular cases or facilities that war- ‘‘(5) ANNUAL ASSESSMENT OF SOLITARY CON- effects of solitary confinement; and rant further examination. FINEMENT USE IN IMMIGRATION DETENTION.— (F) de-escalation and communication tech- SEC. 4. REASSESSMENT OF DETAINED ALIEN ‘‘(A) OBJECTIVES.—Not later than 90 days niques to divert detained aliens from situa- MENTAL HEALTH. after the last day of each fiscal year, the Of- tions that may lead to the alien being placed Not later than 180 days after the date of ficer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties in solitary confinement. the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit an assessment to the Com- (2) NOTIFICATION TO MEDICAL STAFF.—An shall— mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- employee of a U.S. Immigration and Customs (1) assemble a team of licensed mental mental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee Enforcement facility shall immediately no- health professionals, which may include li- on the Judiciary of the Senate, the Com- tify a member of the facility’s medical or censed mental health professionals who are mittee on Homeland Security of the House of mental health staff if the employee— not employed by the Department of Home- Representatives, and the Committee on the (A) observes a detained alien with signs of land Security, to conduct a comprehensive Judiciary of the House of Representatives mental illness, unless such employee has mental health reevaluation for each alien that analyzes the use of solitary confine- knowledge that the alien’s signs of mental held in solitary confinement for more than ment in U.S. Immigration and Customs En- illness have previously been reported; or 14 days (as of the date of enactment of this forcement facilities during such fiscal year. (B) observes a detained alien with signs of Act), including a confidential, face-to-face, ‘‘(B) DATA.—Each assessment submitted a mental health crisis; out-of-cell interview by a licensed mental under subparagraph (A) shall include aggre- (d) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.— health professional; and gated and disaggregated data reported by (1) DAILY TRACKING OF USE OF SOLITARY (2) adjust the placement of each alien in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement CONFINEMENT.—Each U.S. Immigration and accordance with this Act. facilities, to be provided by U.S. Immigra- Customs Enforcement facility shall submit a SEC. 5. OVERSIGHT RESPONSIBILITIES. tion and Customs Enforcement to the Officer daily report to the Director of U.S. Immigra- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 705 of the Home- for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties not later tion and Customs Enforcement that identi- land Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 345) is than 30 days after the last day of each fiscal fies, for the applicable day— amended by adding at the end the following: year, including— (A) any detained aliens who were placed in ‘‘(c) IMMIGRATION DETENTION.— ‘‘(i) the policies and regulations of U.S. Im- solitary confinement, including— ‘‘(1) DEFINED TERM.—In this subsection, the migration and Customs Enforcement, includ- (i) the rationale behind each such place- term ‘U.S. Immigration and Customs En- ing— ment; and forcement facility’ has the meaning given ‘‘(I) any changes in policies and regula- (ii) whether any exception under sub- the term in section 2 of the Restricting Soli- tions, for determining which aliens are section (a) used to justify placement in soli- tary Confinement in Immigration Detention placed in solitary confinement; and tary confinement or increased restrictive Act of 2019. ‘‘(II) a detailed description of the condi- conditions in solitary confinement was ap- ‘‘(2) INTERNAL REPORTING.—The Secretary tions and restrictions of solitary confine- plied; shall ensure that each U.S. Immigration and ment; (B) the continued detention of any aliens Customs Enforcement facility provides mul- ‘‘(ii) the number of aliens in U.S. Immigra- in solitary confinement, including— tiple internal ways for aliens and others to tion and Customs Enforcement facilities who (i) the number of days such aliens have promptly report violations of section 3 of the were housed in solitary confinement for any been detained in solitary confinement; and Restricting Solitary Confinement in Immi- period and the percentage of all aliens who

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.017 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 spent at least some time in solitary confine- toms Enforcement and the Secretary under (2) qualified for the ment during the reporting period; paragraph (6); and Cup Playoffs for an unprecedented 11th ‘‘(iii) the demographics of all aliens housed ‘‘(iii) the response from U.S. Immigration straight season; and in solitary confinement, including race, eth- and Customs Enforcement and the Depart- (3) earned the number 2 seed in the Major nicity, religion, age, and gender; ment to such recommendations for reform. League Soccer Western Conference; ‘‘(iv) the policies and regulations of U.S. ‘‘(D) AUTHORITY ON FINAL REPORT.—Each Whereas Sounders FC plays home Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- assessment submitted under subparagraph games at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, cilities, including any updates in policies (A) may be reviewed by U.S. Immigration Washington, and, on November 10, 2019, 69,274 and regulations, for subsequent reviews or and Customs Enforcement and the Secretary Seattle Sounders FC fans from across the appeals of the placement of a detained alien before submission, but the Officer for Civil State of Washington packed CenturyLink into or out of solitary confinement; Rights and Civil Liberties has final author- Field and set the record for the largest crowd ‘‘(v) the number of reviews of and chal- ity on the text and release of the assessment. at a sporting event in the 17-year history of lenges to the placement of a detained alien ‘‘(6) REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE SEC- the stadium; in solitary confinement during the reporting RETARY AND THE DIRECTOR OF U.S. IMMIGRA- Whereas the 2019 roster of Seattle Sound- period and the number of reviews or appeals TION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT.—The Offi- ers FC players includes— that directly resulted in a change of place- cer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties shall (1) Saad Abdul-Salaam; ment; meet regularly with the Secretary and the (2) ; ‘‘(vi) a detailed description of the condi- Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs (3) ; (4) Handwalla Bwana; tions and restrictions for solitary confine- Enforcement— ‘‘(A) to identify problems with the solitary (5) Jonathan Campbell; ment, including the number of hours spent in (6) Emanuel Cecchini; isolation and the percentage of time these confinement policies and practices in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- (7) Jordy Delem; conditions involve 2 aliens celled together in (8) Justin Dhillon; cilities, including overuse of solitary con- solitary confinement; (9) ; finement; and ‘‘(vii) the mean and median length of stay (10) Bheem Goyal; in solitary confinement, based on all individ- ‘‘(B) to present recommendations for such (11) ; uals released from solitary confinement dur- administrative action as may be appropriate (12) Kim Kee-hee; ing the reporting period, and any maximum to resolve problems relating to solitary con- (13) ; length of stay during the reporting period; finement policies and practices in U.S. Im- (14) ; ‘‘(viii) the cost for each form of solitary migration and Customs Enforcement facili- (15) Nicola´ s Lodeiro; confinement described in subparagraph (A) ties.’’. (16) ; in use during the reporting period, including (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than De- (17) ; as compared with the average daily cost of cember 31 of each year, the Inspector Gen- (18) ; housing a detained alien in the general popu- eral of the Department of Homeland Secu- (19) ; lation; rity shall issue a report analyzing— (20) Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez; ‘‘(ix) the policies for mental health screen- (1) the use of solitary confinement in U.S. (21) Vı´ctor Rodrı´guez; ing, mental health treatment, and subse- Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- (22) ; quent mental health reviews for all detained cilities; and (23) ; ´ ´ aliens, including any update to the policies, (2) the Department’s compliance with this (24) Raul Ruidıaz; and any additional screening, treatment, and Act and the amendments made by this Act. (25) ; monitoring for detained aliens in solitary SEC. 6. RULEMAKING. (26) Luis Silva; (27) Brad Smith; confinement; The Secretary and the Director of U.S. Im- (28) ; ‘‘(x) a statement of the types of mental migration and Customs Enforcement shall prescribe rules, in accordance with section (29) Nouhou; and health staff that conducted mental health (30) Roma´ n Torres; 553 of title 5, United States Code, to carry assessments for U.S. Immigration and Cus- Whereas Seattle Sounders FC defender Kel- out this Act and the amendments made by toms Enforcement facilities during the re- vin Leerdam scored the first goal in the 57th this Act. porting period, a description of the different minute of the championship game; positions in the mental health staff of U.S. SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Whereas Seattle Sounders FC Immigration and Customs Enforcement fa- There are authorized to be appropriated to Vı´ctor Rodrı´guez— cilities, and the number of part- and full- the Secretary such sums as may be nec- (1) scored the second goal in the 76th time psychologists and psychiatrists em- essary to carry out this Act and the amend- minute; and ployed by U.S. Immigration and Customs En- ments made by this Act. (2) received the 2019 Major League Soccer forcement facilities during the reporting pe- SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE. Cup Most Valuable Player award; riod; Except as otherwise provided, this Act and Whereas Seattle Sounders FC forward Rau´ l ‘‘(xi) data on mental health and medical the amendments made by this Act shall take Ruidı´az scored the third and final goal in the indicators for all detained aliens in solitary effect on the date that is 18 months after the 90th minute; confinement, including— date of the enactment of this Act. Whereas Seattle Sounders FC forward Jor- ‘‘(I) the number of aliens requiring medica- f dan Morris— tion for mental health conditions; (1) scored a career-high 13 goals and a ca- ‘‘(II) the number diagnosed with an intel- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS reer-high 8 assists throughout the 2019 sea- lectual disability; son; and ‘‘(III) the number diagnosed with serious (2) received the 2019 Major League Soccer mental illness; SENATE RESOLUTION 421—CON- Comeback Player of the Year award after ‘‘(IV) the number of suicides; GRATULATING SEATTLE SOUND- suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament ‘‘(V) the number of attempted suicides and ERS FC ON WINNING THE 2019 (ACL) in 2018; number of aliens placed on suicide watch; MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CUP Whereas Seattle Sounders FC Head Coach ‘‘(VI) the number of instances of self-harm Brian Schmetzer won his second Major committed by aliens; Ms. CANTWELL (for herself and Mrs. League Soccer Cup; ‘‘(VII) the number of aliens with physical MURRAY) submitted the following reso- Whereas the 2019 Seattle Sounders FC disabilities, including blind, deaf, and mobil- lution; which was referred to the Com- coaching and technical staff includes— ity-impaired aliens; and mittee on Commerce, Science, and (1) Head Coach Brian Schmetzer; ‘‘(VIII) the number of instances of forced Transportation: (2) Assistant Coach ; feeding of aliens; (3) Assistant Coach Djimi Traore; ‘‘(xii) any instances in which an Enforce- S. RES. 421 (4) Assistant Coach ; ment and Removal Operations Field Office Whereas, on November 10, 2019, Seattle (5) Club Director of Goalkeeping Tom Director reported that a U.S. Immigration Sounders FC won the 2019 Major League Soc- Dutra; and Customs Enforcement facility in his or cer Cup; (6) General Manager and President of Soc- her jurisdiction failed to comply with or was Whereas that win on November 10, 2019, is cer Garth Lagerwey; and suspected of failing to comply with the Re- the second Major League Soccer champion- (7) Vice President of Soccer Chris Hender- stricting Solitary Confinement in Immigra- ship won by Seattle Sounders FC in the 11 son; tion Detention Act of 2019; and years that Seattle Sounders FC has been in Whereas the owners of Seattle Sounders ‘‘(xiii) any other relevant data. Major League Soccer; FC, Adrian Hanauer, Drew Carey, Jody ‘‘(C) CONTENT.—Each assessment submitted Whereas Seattle Sounders FC beat the To- Allen, and Peter Tomozawa, and the 11 fami- under subparagraph (A) shall include— ronto Football Club 3–1 in the 2019 Major lies that joined the ownership contingent in ‘‘(i) an analysis of the data provided under League Soccer Cup; 2019, have built a culture of success and con- subparagraph (B); Whereas Seattle Sounders FC— tributed greatly to Seattle, Washington, and ‘‘(ii) recommendations for reform offered (1) dominated the competition in the reg- the surrounding region through philan- to the Director of U.S. Immigration and Cus- ular season, with 16 wins and 10 losses; thropy;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.017 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6611 Whereas Seattle Sounders FC has exhibited (2) produced approximately $36,600,000,000 Whereas 29 percent of unaccompanied dedication to positive social impacts by in wages, 0.62 percent of total wages paid in homeless youth between 13 and 25 years of strengthening communities through the the United States; and age have spent time in foster care, compared RAVE Foundation partnership with organi- (3) produced approximately $6,700,000,000 in to approximately 6 percent of all children; zations in Seattle, Washington, and the sur- tax revenue, 0.90 percent of total tax revenue Whereas homelessness among children and rounding region; and in the United States; youth is a complex issue that often co-occurs Whereas the dedication and hard work of Whereas recycling conserves natural re- with deep poverty, low education and em- Seattle Sounders FC has inspired and em- sources and fresh water; ployment levels, substance misuse and powered girls, boys, women, and men of all Whereas recycling prevents waste and dis- abuse, mental illness, lack of affordable ages: Now, therefore, be it carded materials from ending up in oceans housing, and family conflict; and Resolved, That the Senate— and waterways and harming water and wild- Whereas awareness of child and youth (1) recognizes Seattle Sounders FC for win- life; homelessness must be heightened to encour- ning the 2019 Major League Soccer Cup; Whereas, in 2015, approximately 67,800,000 age greater support for effective programs to (2) applauds the people of Seattle, Wash- tons of municipal solid waste were recycled, help children and youth overcome homeless- ington, and the surrounding region for their in contrast with 137,700,000 tons of municipal ness: Now, therefore, be it enthusiastic support of Seattle Sounders FC; solid waste that were landfilled; and Resolved, That the Senate— (3) supports equity in men’s and women’s Whereas, with respect to the 67,800,000 tons (1) supports the efforts of businesses, orga- professional sports; and of municipal solid waste that were recycled, nizations, educators, and volunteers dedi- (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary paper and paperboard accounted for 67 per- cated to meeting the needs of homeless chil- of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of cent, metals accounted for 12 percent, and dren and youth; this resolution to Seattle Sounders FC Head glass, plastic, and wood accounted for be- (2) applauds the initiatives of businesses, Coach Brian Schmetzer, Assistant Coach tween 4 and 5 percent: Now, therefore, be it organizations, educators, and volunteers Gonzalo Pineda, Assistant Coach Djimi Resolved, That the Senate— that— Traore, Assistant Coach Preki, Club Director (1) recognizes November 15, 2019, as ‘‘Amer- (A) use time and resources to raise aware- of Goalkeeping Tom Dutra, General Manager ica Recycles Day’’; ness of child and youth homelessness, the and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey, (2) acknowledges that recycling benefits causes of such homelessness, and potential Vice President of Soccer , and strengthens the economy, environment, solutions; and and the existing ownership contingent of and communities of the United States; and (B) work to prevent homelessness among Adrian Hanauer, Drew Carey, Jody Allen, (3) encourages the people of the United children and youth; and Peter Tomozawa and the 11 families who States to be cognizant of their environ- (3) recognizes November 2019 as ‘‘National shall be mentioned by name below: mental footprint and to incorporate addi- Homeless Children and Youth Awareness (A) Terry Myerson and Katie Myerson. tional recycling practices into their daily Month’’; and (B) Russell Wilson and Ciara. lives. (4) encourages those businesses, organiza- (C) Benjamin Haggerty ‘‘Macklemore’’ and f tions, educators, and volunteers to continue Tricia Davis. to intensify their efforts to address home- (D) and Anu Nadella. SENATE RESOLUTION 423—RECOG- lessness among children and youth during (E) and Max Kleinman. NIZING NOVEMBER 2019 AS ‘‘NA- November 2019. (F) and Kristina Belfiore. TIONAL HOMELESS CHILDREN f (G) Soma Somasegar and Akila Somasegar. AND YOUTH AWARENESS SENATE RESOLUTION 424—RECOG- (H) Chee Chew and Christine Chew. MONTH’’ (I) David Nathanson and Sabina NIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY Nathanson. Mr. MANCHIN (for himself, Ms. COL- OF THE COLORADO FARM BU- (J) Brian McAndrews and Elise Holschuh. LINS, Ms. CANTWELL, Mr. YOUNG, Mr. REAU FEDERATION AND CELE- (K) Mark Agne and Tomoko Agne. BOOKER, Mr. LANKFORD, Ms. HIRONO, BRATING THE LONG HISTORY OF Ms. HASSAN, Mrs. FEINSTEIN, Mr. f THE COLORADO FARM BUREAU COONS, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. PETERS, FEDERATION REPRESENTING SENATE RESOLUTION 422—RECOG- and Mr. REED) submitted the following THE FARMERS AND RANCHERS NIZING NOVEMBER 15, 2019, AS resolution; which was considered and OF COLORADO agreed to: ‘‘AMERICA RECYCLES DAY’’ AND Mr. GARDNER (for himself and Mr. EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE S. RES. 423 BENNET) submitted the following reso- SENATE THAT RECYCLING PRO- Whereas, in the United States, public lution; which was considered and MOTES A HEALTHY ECONOMY schools identified approximately 1,300,000 agreed to: AND RESPONSIBLE ENVIRON- homeless children and youth during the 2016– 2017 school year; S. RES. 424 MENTAL STEWARDSHIP Whereas an estimated 1,200,000 children Whereas, on March 22, 1919, a group of 10 Mr. CARPER (for himself and Mr. younger than 6 years of age in 2014 and ap- local counties and farmers met to form what BOOZMAN) submitted the following res- proximately 4,200,000 youth and young adults was termed a ‘‘Farm Bureau’’, with the goal olution; which was considered and in 2017 experienced homelessness, with many of ‘‘making the business of farming more profitable and the community a better place agreed to: such youth and young adults staying on couches, in motels, in shelters, or outside; to live’’; S. RES. 422 Whereas infants who are homeless are at a Whereas W.G. Jamison, the first president Whereas recycling is among the top ac- higher risk for developing certain illnesses of the Colorado Farm Bureau Federation, tions that people in the United States can do and health conditions, homeless families are helped to lead a grassroots organization of to improve the environment and the econ- more likely to experience involvement in the farmers that represent all agricultural pro- omy of the United States; child welfare system, and homeless children ducers across the State of Colorado; Whereas, according to the Environmental are more likely to experience difficulty with Whereas the Colorado Farm Bureau Fed- Protection Agency, in the United States, school attendance; eration, with a State farm bureau, 45 county only 21.4 percent of recyclable waste is recy- Whereas a recent survey found that more farm bureaus, and 23,000 member families, is cled; than 1 in 3 high school students experiencing 1 of the largest farmer-led organizations in Whereas, in the United States, recycling is homelessness had attempted suicide, and the State of Colorado; an industry valued at approximately nearly 1 in 4 high school students experi- Whereas the mission of the Colorado Farm $200,000,000,000; encing homelessness had experienced dating Bureau Federation is ‘‘to promote and pro- Whereas diverting 75 percent of waste in violence; tect the future of agriculture and rural val- the United States from landfilling and incin- Whereas individuals without a high school ues’’; eration to recycling by 2030 would result in degree or general educational development Whereas the Colorado Farm Bureau Fed- the creation of approximately 2,300,000 recy- certificate (GED) are more than 3 times eration fulfills that mission— cling jobs, nearly 2 times the number of re- more likely to report homelessness than (1) by representing farm and ranch families cycling jobs that existed in the United their peers, making lack of education the united for the purpose of formulating action States in 2008; leading risk factor for homelessness; to support rural communities; Whereas the 2016 Recycling Economic In- Whereas, in 2016, the high school gradua- (2) by improving agricultural production, formation Report by the Environmental Pro- tion rate for homeless students was 64 per- economic opportunity, leadership develop- tection Agency found, using 2007 as a base cent, compared to 77 percent for low-income ment, and public policy; and year, that recycling and reuse activities— students and 84.6 percent for all students; (3) by promoting the well-being of the peo- (1) accounted for approximately 757,000 Whereas the rate of youth homelessness is ple of the State of Colorado; jobs, 0.52 percent of all jobs in the United the same in rural, suburban, and urban Whereas the Colorado Farm Bureau Fed- States; areas; eration has represented the interests of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.015 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 farmers with respect to the consideration who have easy access to updated, evidence- the challenges that educators and students and enactment of all major legislation im- based medical care guidelines for children face, including challenges relating to— pacting farmers since the founding of the and adults with the condition; (1) a growing shortage of teachers; Colorado Farm Bureau Federation; and Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally (2) issues of teacher pay; Whereas the Colorado Farm Bureau Fed- and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions (3) a lack of resources in both urban and eration plays a vital role in promoting the Awareness Act (Public Law 110–374; 122 Stat. rural areas; well-being of the people of Colorado— 4051) was enacted to increase referrals to pro- (4) teacher preparedness; (1) by analyzing the problems faced by viders of key support services for mothers (5) chronic absenteeism among students; farm and ranch families; and who have received a positive prenatal diag- (6) poverty; and (2) by formulating action to achieve the nosis for Down syndrome or a positive diag- (7) parental involvement: Now, therefore, goals of farm and ranch families: Now, there- nosis for other prenatally or postnatally di- be it fore, be it agnosed conditions; Resolved, That the Senate— Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas promoting the acceptance and in- (1) recognizes the contributions of teachers (1) commemorates the 100th anniversary of clusion of individuals born with Down syn- to the United States; the Colorado Farm Bureau Federation; drome, a genetic condition, will help those (2) thanks teachers for their service; and (2) recognizes the Colorado Farm Bureau individuals achieve their full potential in all (3) recommends that each Member of Con- Federation for 100 years of promoting farm aspects of their lives; gress spend at least 1 day per year serving as and ranch interests for the benefit of the Whereas, on September 28, 1984, President a substitute teacher in a public school. people of the State of Colorado; and Ronald Reagan signed a joint resolution f (3) applauds the Colorado Farm Bureau (Public Law 98–437; 98 Stat. 1683) proclaiming Federation for its past, present, and future October 1984 as ‘‘National Down’s Syndrome SENATE RESOLUTION 427—RECOG- efforts to advocate for farm interests that Month’’, and similar resolutions were en- NIZING THE HISTORICAL, CUL- are critical to the State of Colorado. acted annually through 1989; and TURAL, AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFI- Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of f people with Down syndrome, the valuable CANCE OF SIKH AMERICANS, SENATE RESOLUTION 425—DESIG- contributions of people with Down syndrome AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES NATING OCTOBER 2019 AS ‘‘NA- as promoters of well-being and diversity Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. TIONAL DOWN SYNDROME within their communities, and the impor- MENENDEZ, and Mr. CARDIN) submitted AWARENESS MONTH’’ AND SUP- tance of the individual freedom and inde- the following resolution; which was re- pendence of people with Down syndrome PORTING THE GOALS AND should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it ferred to the Committee on the Judici- IDEALS OF NATIONAL DOWN Resolved, That the Senate— ary: SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH (1) designates October 2019 as ‘‘National S. RES. 427 Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. BEN- Down Syndrome Awareness Month’’; Whereas Sikhs have been living in the (2) supports the goals and ideals of Na- NET, Mr. INHOFE, and Ms. WARREN) sub- United States for more than 120 years, and tional Down Syndrome Awareness Month; during the early 20th century, thousands of mitted the following resolution; which (3) celebrates the significant contributions was considered and agreed to: Sikh Americans worked on farms, in lumber that people with Down syndrome make to mills and mines, and on the Oregon, Pacific, S. RES. 425 their families, their communities, and the and Eastern Railroad; Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States; Whereas Sikhs in the United States and United States has Down syndrome; (4) is committed to promoting the health, around the world live the values and ideals Whereas Down syndrome affects people of well-being, and inherent dignity of all chil- of equality, service, and devotion to God all ages, races, and economic levels and is dren and adults with Down syndrome; first preached by the first of the ten living the most frequently occurring chromosomal (5) supports the advancement of scientific gurus and the founder of Sikhism, Guru abnormality; and medical research on Down syndrome at Nanak; Whereas the life expectancy of people with the National Institutes of Health, including Whereas the devotion of Guru Nanak to Down syndrome has increased dramatically through the INCLUDE project, focused on spiritual matters led him to embark on a 24- in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 improving health outcomes for people with year spiritual journey throughout South to 60 years of age in 2019; the condition; and Asia and to places outside South Asia, in- Whereas people with Down syndrome at- (6) encourages awareness and education re- cluding Tibet, Baghdad, and Mecca; tend school, work, participate in decisions garding Down syndrome, including for new Whereas Guru Nanak was the first of the that affect them, have meaningful relation- and expectant parents. ten living gurus whose wisdom is now con- ships, can vote, and contribute to society in f tained in the Guru Granth Sahib, and the many ways; teachings of Guru Nanak became the basis of Whereas advancements in education, med- SENATE RESOLUTION 426—EX- Sikhism; ical care, and research and advocacy, and PRESSING THE SENSE OF THE Whereas 2019 is the year of the 550th birth- positive support from family, friends, and SENATE THAT MEMBERS OF day of Guru Nanak, and Guru Nanak’s the community enable people with Down Gurpurab, which is one of the most impor- syndrome to live healthy and fulfilling lives; CONGRESS SHOULD SUBSTITUTE tant dates in the Sikh calendar, is celebrated Whereas parents of babies and children TEACH AT LEAST 1 DAY PER across the United States and worldwide; with Down syndrome should receive the edu- YEAR IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL TO Whereas Vaisakhi, which is one of the cation and support they need to understand GAIN FIRSTHAND KNOWLEDGE most historically significant days of the year the condition and acquire new hope for the ON HOW TO ADDRESS THE PRE- for Sikhs, is celebrated every April; future of their children; VAILING CHALLENGES FACING Whereas Sikhism is the fifth largest reli- Whereas there are lifespan and health care EDUCATORS AND HOW TO RE- gion in the world, and there are more than disparities for minorities, such as African MOVE OBSTACLES TO LEARNING 25,000,000 Sikhs worldwide and more than Americans with Down syndrome, that should 750,000 Sikh Americans; be understood and addressed; FOR STUDENTS Whereas Sikh men and women have nota- Whereas people with Down syndrome have Mr. KENNEDY submitted the fol- bly contributed to the society of the United a dramatically different health profile than lowing resolution; which was referred States since their arrival in the United other individuals, as people with Down syn- to the Committee on Health, Edu- States in the late 1800s; drome are predisposed to develop major dis- cation, Labor, and Pensions: Whereas Sikh Americans pursue diverse eases (such as autoimmune disorders, leu- professions that add to the social, cultural, kemia, and Alzheimer’s disease) and may be S. RES. 426 and economic vibrancy of the United States, protected from other major diseases (such as Whereas teachers play a critical role in including by serving as members of the solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, shaping the minds and lives of children; Armed Forces and making significant con- and stroke); Whereas there are projected to be 3,200,000 tributions in the fields of agriculture, infor- Whereas advancing research and medical full-time public school teachers in 2020; mation technology, small business, hospi- care for people with Down syndrome can not Whereas approximately 200,000 teachers tality, trucking, medicine, and technology; only increase life expectancy and improve leave the profession each year; Whereas Sikh Americans, such as Bhagat health outcomes for this unique population, Whereas in the 115th Congress, there were Singh Thind, served in the Armed Forces but also holds great promise for treating and more than 2 times as many Members of Con- during World War I and World War II; perhaps curing life-threatening diseases af- gress that had backgrounds in public service Whereas the first Asian-American Member fecting millions of other people in the United or politics than Members of Congress that of Congress, Dalip Singh Saund, was a Sikh States; had backgrounds in education; and American elected to office in 1957; Whereas people with Down syndrome Whereas Members of Congress should be on Whereas Gurbir Singh Grewal became the should have access to health care providers the ground in public schools to understand first Sikh-American State attorney general

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.023 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6613 in the history of the United States when he the Senate on Thursday, November 14, gressional delegation: my colleague, was confirmed by the State Legislature of 2019, at 9:30 a.m., to conduct a hearing Senator HOEVEN, chairman of the In- New Jersey on January 16, 2018; on the nomination of Peter Gaynor, of dian Affairs Committee, and Congress- Whereas Lieutenant Sandeep Singh Rhode Island, to be Administrator of man , who has an Dhaliwal was the first observant Sikh to serve in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office the Federal Emergency Management identical bill introduced in the House. and was one of the first observant Sikhs in Agency, Department of Homeland Se- In 1904, the game preserve was named the State of Texas to receive a policy accom- curity. after GEN Alfred Sully. Unfortunately, modation to practice his religion while serv- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY General Sully gained notoriety by com- ing as a police officer, and on Friday, Sep- The Committee on the Judiciary is mitting several massacres of Native tember 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas, Lieuten- authorized to meet during the session Americans, most notably on September ant Dhaliwal was killed by gunfire while 3, 1863, in the Dakota Territory. As re- serving in the line of duty; of the Senate on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 10 a.m., to conduct a hearing prisal for the Dakota conflict of 1862, Whereas Sikh-American women, such as his troops destroyed a village of over Grammy-winning artist Snatam Kaur, Offi- on the following nominations: Patrick cer Gursoach Kaur of the New York City Po- J. Bumatay, of California, to be United 500 teepees that lodged the Yankton, lice Department, and Professor Supreet Kaur States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Cir- Dakota, and Lakota people, killing of the University of California, Berkeley, cuit, Lawrence VanDyke, of Nevada, to hundreds of Native Americans. Many of continue to make diverse contributions to be United States Circuit Judge for the the descendants of his victims live on the United States; Ninth Circuit, Philip M. Halpern, to be the very Tribal lands that surround Whereas the inventor of fiber optics, Dr. this hill. Narinder Kapany, and the largest peach United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, Ber- With the issues that our Federal Gov- grower in the United States, Didar Singh ernment is dealing with today, chang- Bains, are Sikh Americans; nard Maurice Jones II, to be United Whereas Sikh Americans distinguish them- States District Judge for the Western ing the name of a game preserve in selves by fostering respect among all people District of Oklahoma, and Barbara Bai- North Dakota may seem like a small through faith and service; ley Jongbloed, to be United States Dis- matter, but let me assure you, Mr. Whereas the Senate is committed to edu- trict Judge for the District of Con- President and colleagues, this is no cating citizens about the religions of the necticut. small matter to the people of the Spirit world, the value of religious diversity, toler- Lake Nation. I am sorry it has taken COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION ance grounded in the principles of the First us so long to correct this wrong. It has Amendment to the Constitution of the The Committee on Rules and Admin- taken us over 100 years to correct this United States, a culture of mutual under- istration is authorized to meet during mistake. standing, and the importance of reducing vi- the session of the Senate on Thursday, olence; and Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- November 14, 2019, at 10 a.m., to con- sent that the Senate proceed to the im- Whereas the Senate seeks to further the di- duct a hearing. versity of its community and afford all resi- mediate consideration of Calendar No. dents the opportunity to better understand, COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND 223, S. 2099. recognize, and appreciate the rich history ENTREPRENEURSHIP The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and shared experiences of Sikh Americans: The Committee on Small Business clerk will report the bill by title. Now, therefore, be it and Entrepreneurship is authorized to The legislative clerk read as follows: Resolved, That the Senate— meet during the session of the Senate A bill (S. 2099) to redesignate the Sullys (1) recognizes the historical, cultural, and on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 10 Hill National Game Preserve in the State of religious significance of the 550th birthday of a.m., to conduct a hearing. North Dakota as the White Horse Hill Na- Guru Nanak; tional Game Preserve. (2) recognizes that the teachings of Guru SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE Nanak on equality and service have inspired The Select Committee on Intel- There being no objection, the Senate millions of people and can serve as an inspi- ligence is authorized to meet during proceeded to consider the bill, which ration for people of all faiths; the session of the Senate on Thursday, had been reported from the Committee (3) recognizes the invaluable contributions November 14, 2019, at 2 p.m., to conduct on Environment and Public Works. and sacrifices made by Sikh Americans; a hearing. Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I ask (4) recognizes the discrimination that Sikh unanimous consent that the bill be Americans have faced in the United States f considered read a third time and passed and around the world; and PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR and that the motion to reconsider be (5) expresses its respect for all Sikhs who practice their faith. Mr. MURPHY. Mr. President, I ask considered made and laid upon the table. f unanimous consent that the following five interns in my office be granted The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO floor privileges for the remainder of objection, it is so ordered. MEET the year: Madison Malin, Chris Brown, The bill (S. 2099) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Britt Jacovich, Devon Bradley, and have 6 requests for committees to meet Alanna Van Nostrand. the third time, and passed, as follows: during today’s session of the Senate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without S. 2099 They have the approval of the Majority objection, it is so ordered. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives of the United States of America in and Minority leaders. f Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph Congress assembled, 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- WHITE HORSE HILL NATIONAL SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘White Horse ate, the following committees are au- GAME PRESERVE DESIGNATION ACT Hill National Game Preserve Designation thorized to meet during today’s session Act’’. of the Senate: Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, Sullys SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF WHITE HORSE HILL NA- COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL Hill is a national game preserve that is TIONAL GAME PRESERVE, NORTH RESOURCES located entirely within the Spirit Lake DAKOTA. The Committee on Energy and Nat- Nation in North Dakota. I have a bill, (a) REDESIGNATION.—The first section of the Act of March 3, 1931 (46 Stat. 1509, chap- ural Resources is authorized to meet S. 2099, that I want to ask to be voted ter 439; 16 U.S.C. 674a), is amended by strik- during the session of the Senate on on shortly. If enacted, my bill would ing ‘‘Sullys Hill National Game Preserve’’ Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 10:30 change the game preserve’s name from and inserting ‘‘White Horse Hill National a.m., to conduct a hearing on the nomi- ‘‘Sullys Hill’’ to the English trans- Game Preserve’’. nation of Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, lation of its traditional Dakota name, (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 2 of to be Secretary of Energy. ‘‘White Horse Hill.’’ the Act of March 3, 1931 (46 Stat. 1509, chap- ter 439; 16 U.S.C. 674b), is amended by strik- COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND The name change has the full support ing ‘‘Sullys Hill National Game Preserve’’ GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS of the Spirit Lake Nation and all of the and inserting ‘‘White Horse Hill National The Committee on Homeland Secu- leadership of the local, State, and na- Game Preserve’’. rity and Governmental Affairs is au- tional government in North Dakota, (c) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, thorized to meet during the session of including the entire North Dakota con- map, regulation, document, paper, or other

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:23 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO6.022 S14NOPT1 Sspencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with SENATE S6614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE November 14, 2019 record of the United States to the Sullys Hill Postal Service should issue a commemora- ate now proceed to the en bloc consid- National Game Preserve shall be considered tive postage stamp series honoring women eration of the following Senate resolu- to be a reference to the ‘‘White Horse Hill veterans of the Armed Forces and that the tions, which were submitted earlier National Game Preserve’’. Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee should today: S. Res. 422, S. Res. 423, S. Res. Mr. CRAMER. Thank you, Mr. Presi- recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp series be issued. 424, and S. Res. 425. dent. There being no objection, the Senate There being no objection, the com- I suggest the absence of a quorum. proceeded to consider the resolutions mittee was discharged, and the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. The en bloc. proceeded to consider the resolution. clerk will call the roll. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous The legislative clerk proceeded to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the reso- consent that the resolutions be agreed call the roll. to, the preambles be agreed to, and the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I lution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to recon- motions to reconsider be considered ask unanimous consent that the order made and laid upon the table, all en for the quorum call be rescinded. sider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or bloc. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. f objection, it is so ordered. The resolutions (S. Res. 422, S. Res. ONDCP TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS The resolution (S. Res. 415) was 423, S. Res. 424, and S. Res. 425) were ACT OF 2019 agreed to. agreed to. The preambles were agreed to. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The preamble was agreed to. (The resolutions, with their pre- ask unanimous consent that the Com- (The resolution, with its preamble, is ambles, are printed in today’s RECORD mittee on the Judiciary be discharged printed in the RECORD of November 7, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) from further consideration of H.R. 3889 2019, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) f and the Senate proceed to its imme- f diate consideration. RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without CULTURAL, AND RELIGIOUS SIG- ORDERS FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER objection, it is so ordered. NIFICANCE OF THE 550TH BIRTH- 18, 2019 The clerk will report the bill by title. DAY OF GURU NANAK AND THE Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The legislative clerk read as follows: CONTRIBUTIONS AND SAC- A bill (H.R. 3889) to amend the Office of Na- ask unanimous consent that when the RIFICES MADE BY SIKHS OF THE Senate completes its business today, it tional Drug Control Policy Reauthorization UNITED STATES Act of 1998 to make technical corrections. adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, Novem- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I There being no objection, the com- ber 18; further, that following the pray- ask unanimous consent that the Com- mittee was discharged, and the Senate er and pledge, the morning hour be mittee on the Judiciary be discharged proceeded to consider the bill, which deemed expired, the Journal of pro- from further consideration of S. Res. was reported from Committee on the ceedings be approved to date, the time 393 and the Senate proceed to its imme- Judiciary. for the two leaders be reserved for their diate consideration. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous use later in the day, and morning busi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The consent that the bill be considered read ness be closed; further, that following clerk will report the resolution by a third time and passed and the motion leader remarks, the Senate proceed to title. to reconsider be considered made and executive session and resume consider- The legislative clerk read as follows: laid upon the table. ation of the Luck nomination; finally, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A resolution (S. Res. 393) recognizing the that the cloture motions filed during historical, cultural, and religious signifi- objection, it is so ordered. today’s session ripen at 5:30 p.m. on cance of the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak Monday. The bill (H.R. 3889) was ordered to a and the contributions and sacrifices made by third reading, was read the third time, Sikhs of the United States. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. and passed. There being no objection, the com- f mittee was discharged, and the Senate f EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE proceeded to consider the resolution. SENATE THAT THE UNITED Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, STATES POSTAL SERVICE ask unanimous consent that the reso- NOVEMBER 18, 2019, AT 3 P.M. lution be agreed to, the preamble be SHOULD ISSUE A COMMEMORA- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if TIVE POSTAGE STAMP SERIES agreed to, and the motions to recon- sider be considered made and laid upon there is no further business to come be- HONORING WOMEN VETERANS fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- OF THE ARMED FORCES the table with no intervening action or debate. sent that it stand adjourned under the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without previous order. ask unanimous consent that the Com- objection, it is so ordered. There being no objection, the Senate, mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- The resolution (S. Res. 393) was at 4:01 p.m., adjourned until Monday, ernmental Affairs be discharged from agreed to. November 18, 2019, at 3 p.m. further consideration of S. Res. 415 and The preamble was agreed to. the Senate proceed to its immediate (The resolution, with its preamble, is f consideration. printed in the RECORD of October 31, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 2019, under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) CONFIRMATION clerk will report the resolution by f Executive nomination confirmed by title. the Senate November 14, 2019: RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY The legislative clerk read as follows: THE JUDICIARY Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I A resolution (S. Res. 415) expressing the STEVEN J. MENASHI, OF NEW YORK, TO BE UNITED sense of the Senate that the United States ask unanimous consent that the Sen- STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT.

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HONORING THE SERVICE OF mendations during his time, including the INTRODUCTION OF THE TOTAL KRISTIN SHAPIRO Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. RECALL ACT OF 2019 Following his return home, Mr. Cogley HON. helped build the VFW Hall in his hometown of HON. OF CALIFORNIA Jordan, Montana. He continues to be a part of OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the VFW through volunteering and performing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the Honor Guard at veteran funerals. Thursday, November 14, 2019 Over the years, he has also been involved in Thursday, November 14, 2019 Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise Habitat for Humanity, coordinating the building Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to today to recognize the service of Kristin A. of several homes in Helena. In addition, Mr. announce the introduction of the Total Recall Shapiro, who is leaving the House to join the Cogley volunteers with the Montana Military Act of 2019, which would require businesses Office of Legal Counsel at the United States Museum at Fort Harrison and helps build dis- to strengthen and streamline notifications for Department of Justice. Ms. Shapiro has plays. product recalls to consumers. served in the Office of General Counsel for I ask my colleagues to join me today in Every year, the Consumer Product Safety nearly three years as an Assistant General commending Herbert Cogley for his service to Commission (CPSC) recalls at least 400 prod- Counsel and has provided frequent and in- his country and community. ucts, but due to poor notification practices by valuable legal advice and representation to the manufacturers and producers, the average re- House community, particularly in connection f sponse rate of consumers for most recalls is with federal court litigation involving issues of only between 4 and 18 percent. Consumers great institutional importance. HONORING THE DENMARK FAMILY are purchasing or failing to stop using prod- Ms. Shapiro provided extensive advice and AND RAISING AWARENESS OF ucts because they are unaware of recall notifi- litigation expertise to several Committees, in- PHELAN–McDERMID SYNDROME cations. cluding the Committees on Armed Services, As a mom myself, I know that parents can- Appropriations, and Budget, in connection with HON. MAX ROSE not be expected to check the CPSC website the House’s litigation regarding the funding for every time they purchase a product for their OF NEW YORK wall construction on the Southern border. In families. If a company sells a dangerous item, addition, Ms. Shapiro provided litigation assist- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that company should be expected to market ance to both the Committee on Ways and Thursday, November 14, 2019 the recall as aggressively as they marketed Means and the Joint Committee on Taxation the sale of the product. Mr. ROSE of New York. Madam Speaker, I regarding the application of the Freedom of In- That is why I am introducing the Total Re- rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in formation Act to Congressional records. As the call Act, legislation which will implement much commending the Denmark family of Staten Is- Chairperson of the Committee on House Ad- needed reforms to increase the effectiveness land for their hard work to raise awareness of ministration, I know firsthand that our Mem- of products recalled by the CPSC. This bill will Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Back home in bers and House staff also came to rely on Ms. increase requirements for companies to post New York, we recognized their efforts on Oc- Shapiro’s expertise and guidance, particularly recall notices on their websites and social tober 22, which Governor Cuomo proclaimed in connection with how the use of social media media, and require or encourage companies ‘‘Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Awareness platforms by Members intersects with the First to use parts of the original marketing budgets Day’’ in the state, and now I ask my col- Amendment. of the product in question on notifying con- leagues to join me in giving them the same Ms. Shapiro has played a very significant sumers of the recall. recognition here in the House. role in safeguarding the legal and institutional The numbers don’t lie; if consumers are not interests of the House of Representatives. She Drew Denmark suffers from Phelan- participating in recalls, then companies need has served the House with great distinction, McDermid Syndrome, as well as Autism. In to work harder to let their consumers know and we know she will continue to serve our many cases, including Drew’s, individuals about any dangers that they face from contin- Nation with that same level of distinction at the struggling with this disease are non-verbal and ued use of these products. Companies know Department of Justice. I know that I speak for are afflicted with cognitive disabilities. Phelan- how to market products, it is time for them to all of my colleagues on the Committee on McDermid is often misdiagnosed as another apply those same skills to marketing recalls. ailment, resulting in this syndrome being very House Administration, and the entire House f community, in thanking Ms. Shapiro for her under-diagnosed. devoted service, and extend to her our very After Drew’s diagnosis, the Denmark family COLLEGE FOOTBALL best wishes for continued success. got to work ensuring that Phelan-McDermid ANNIVERSARY Syndrome received the recognition it de- f serves, in hopes that more families will now HON. RECOGNIZING HERBERT COGLEY be able to receive a proper diagnosis. I am OF COLORADO FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- honored to have walked with Drew and his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- family a few of weeks ago at the Autism MENDATION Speaks Staten Island Walk and am proud to Thursday, November 14, 2019 be on Team Drew each and every day. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise HON. GREG GIANFORTE As more and more patients struggling with today to recognize and applaud NCAA football OF MONTANA this disease receive accurate diagnoses of on the 150th anniversary of their first colle- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and families are giate game. able get their loved ones the care they need, On November 6, 1869, Rutgers College Thursday, November 14, 2019 they will in no small part have the Denmark (now Rutgers University) went on to defeat the Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise family to thank for it. College of New Jersey (now Princeton Univer- today to recognize Herbert Cogley of Clancy This family embodies what it means to be sity) by a score of 6–4. Football was nothing for the Montana Congressional Veteran Com- Staten Islanders and New Yorkers: when we like today’s game. It used a rugby-type ball on mendation for his service to his country and want change to happen, we go out and fight a 110-yard field. A touchdown was worth four community. for it. So, Madam Speaker, I ask my col- points and the games had two 45-minute Mr. Cogley served with the U.S. Army in leagues in the House to join me in honoring halves with a running clock. Vietnam as a combat engineer with the 101st Drew and the rest of the Denmark family for The University of Colorado Buffaloes are Airborne Division. He received multiple com- the courage, and tenacity they have displayed. rich in football history. The CU Buffs began

∑ 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 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14NO8.001 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS 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. ZOE LOFGREN commending Roland Heaton for his service record of 697–479–36. OF CALIFORNIA 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. 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 Ed Perlmutter (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. NANCY PELOSI, 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. MAXINE WATERS, 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 United States 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,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.003 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1443 and short-term disability insurance allowing groups, or other concerned members of his or- grams with the Department of Veteran Affairs, coverage for non-work-related injury or illness ganization. and brought veteran employment fairs and job or pregnancy, can also likely increase recruit- Human rights groups including Amnesty opportunities to the agency. Additionally, she ment and retention of employees by the fed- International have cited alarming but unverified placed a key role in organizing the Yellow- eral government. reports of torture and maltreatment at the stone Homeless Veterans Stand Down. I urge my colleagues to support this impor- hands of the regime’s thugs, including the I ask my colleagues to join me today in tant bill. withholding of necessary medical care, food commending Mary LaForge for her dedication f and water. and service to her country and community. It is a disgrace that the King and Queen of f RECOGNIZING ALICE SEFCIK Spain are in Cuba, while Ferrer languishes in SULAK prison, and have failed to exercise simple CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF human decency by demanding his release, or AUSTIN TICE HON. JOHN R. CARTER meeting with other courageous independent SPEECH OF OF TEXAS democracy and human rights activists. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The regime in Cuba has the blood of inno- HON. DEREK KILMER cents on its hands, those whose only ‘‘crime’’ Thursday, November 14, 2019 OF WASHINGTON was daring to speak against the evils of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, dictatorship including: I’m honored to recognize the incredible life Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who died in state Tuesday, November 12, 2019 and achievements of Alice Sefcik Sulak of custody on February 23, 2010; Juan Wilfredo Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, more than seven Temple, Texas. Her contributions to the re- Soto Garcia, who died on May 8, 2011; years ago, Austin Tice, an American journalist gion, as well as her commitment to maintain- Laura Pollan, the renowned leader of the and Marine Corps veteran, disappeared in ing the proud traditions of her Czech ancestry, Ladies in White, who died under suspicious Syria. have made her a beloved member of the Cen- circumstances on October 14, 2011; Since the day he vanished, his parents, tral Texas community. Wilman Willar Mendoza, who died on Janu- family, friends, and supporters, have worked Renowned for both her singing voice as well ary 19, 2012; tirelessly to ensure that no stone is left as her abilities to play multiple instruments, Armando Sosa Fortuny, who died on Octo- unturned and no avenue ignored to see Austin Alice was one of Texas’ pioneering Czech vo- ber 28, 2019; return home safely. calists who distinguished herself as an accom- We also remember Oswaldo Paya and Har- In the seventh year of Austin’s captivity, l plished and respected musician with a distinc- old Cepero of the Christian Liberation Move- ask that whomever holds Austin release him tive and recognizable style. Throughout her ment, both of whom died on July 22, 2012 in immediately so that he can return to his loved life, she both mentored young musicians and a suspicious car accident that has not been ones. helped popularize Czech music throughout fully and appropriately investigated. I also ask the assistance of the Government Texas. The regime of firing squads, political pris- of Syria do whatever it can to help facilitate Alice remains a vital member of the Temple oners, the Tugboat Massacre, the Brothers to Austin’s release. community. In 1923, her parents built Tom the Rescue shootdown, the Black Spring, and There are things that transcend politics and Sefcik Hall, a classic Texas dance hall. Alice the murders of activists continues its evils to diplomacy, bridge cultural divides, and need grew up working at the hall, and in 1970 she this day. It continues to intimidate, detain, en- no translation across different languages. took over the operation, which she continues courage acts of repudiation, and inflict brutal Those are things like love and hope—rep- to run today. Sefcik Hall is a community gath- violence to suppress the Cuban people. resented by a mother and father who wake up ering place and the site of countless first Jose Daniel Ferrer must be released imme- each day with deep love and concern for their dates, weddings, anniversary celebrations, diately and without condition, and those who son and the belief that today could be the day birthday parties, and family reunions. While participate in vile human rights abuses must when they get the chance to hug him again. the number of dance halls across Texas are be held accountable. The world is watching. I ask for the help of whomever holds Austin dwindling, the lights remain on at Sefcik Hall, Should any harm come to Ferrer, the mur- and can assist with his release—without the where new memories are made every day. derous Cuban dictatorship headed by Rau´l assignment of blame or malice to anyone—so Recognizing her invaluable contributions, Castro and his puppet Miguel Diaz-Canel bear that this year is the last that Austin remains so the City of Temple has proclaimed November sole responsibility. far from home and his family. 17, 2019 as ‘‘Alice Sefcik Sulak Day.’’ She is f f truly a local treasure and a fitting recipient of our recognition and appreciation. Her commit- RECOGNIZING MARY LAFORGE HONORING ROSA EMILIA ´ ´ ment to investing her gifts, talents, and abili- FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- RODRIGUEZ-VELEZ ties to improve her community is a deeply held GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- creed that speaks to the generosity of a true MENDATION HON. JENNIFFER GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N and devoted citizen. OF PUERTO RICO Alice Sefcik Sulak’s life is the story of a HON. GREG GIANFORTE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES woman unafraid to chase her passions and OF MONTANA Thursday, November 14, 2019 devote her time to make good communities IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES great. I join all Temple residents in celebrating Miss GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N of Puerto Rico. Thursday, November 14, 2019 her on this special day. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the distin- f Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise guished career of the honorable Rosa Emilia today to recognize Mary LaForge of Crow Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez, on her retirement as U.S. At- GRAVE CONCERN FOR THE WEL- Agency for the Montana Congressional Vet- torney for the District of Puerto Rico. FARE OF JOSE DANIEL FERRER eran Commendation for her service to her The experience and commitment of U.S. At- country and service to fellow veterans at Crow torney Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez has been vital in the HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART Agency. Puerto Rico District. Her record in this office is OF FLORIDA Ms. LaForge served in the United States Air of outstanding performance in the face of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Force as a reprographic specialist. She re- great challenges in the fight against violent ceived multiple commendation during her time crime, drug and arms trafficking, national se- Thursday, November 14, 2019 in the Air Force, including the Air Force Over- curity threats, human trafficking, organized Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Madam Speaker, I am seas Service Ribbon and the Good Conduct crime, illegal entry into the U.S., and most no- gravely concerned for the welfare of Jose Medal. tably the fight against public corruption. Daniel Ferrer, a courageous Cuban pro-de- At the Crow Agency, Ms. LaForge has U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez mocracy activist and hero of the Patriotic played a large role in providing many services has served the public interest since 1977 in Union of Cuba (UNPACU). to her fellow veterans. She coordinated with the Puerto Rico Department of Justice and Ferrer was seized on October 1, 2019, and the Billings Vet Center to ensure mental health since 1988 in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In remains held without access to family, friends, services are provided to Crow Agency vet- that role she held numerous key positions in legal counsel, international human rights erans, assisted others with enrolling in pro- her career as First Assistant U.S. Attorney,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.006 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS E1444 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2019 Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney, Civil Divi- RECOGNIZING LE GAUB FOR THE Iraqi children. It was through this first effort sion Chief, Deputy Chief for the White Collar/ 2019 MONTANA CONGRESSIONAL that the Kick For Nick Foundation was born. General Crimes unit, Administrative Officer, VETERAN COMMENDATION What began with a few soccer balls in a net High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Coordi- donated at the James P. Whipple American nator and Chairperson, Violent Crime Coordi- HON. GREG GIANFORTE Legion Post 86 in Wilton has since grown ex- ponentially with over 50,000 soccer balls hav- nator, Basic Criminal Advocacy Coordinator OF MONTANA ing been donated and distributed to date. The and Supervisor, Public Affairs Officer and Dis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trict Office Security Manager. Kick For Nick Foundation has received dona- Thursday, November 14, 2019 tions from 47 of the 50 states and, prior to dis- Ms. Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez was appointed U.S. Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise tribution, each one is inscribed three times Attorney by the Attorney General in June 2006 today to recognize Le Gaub of Bozeman, a re- with Nick’s name. Initially the balls were dis- and received a presidential nomination in Jan- cipient of the 2019 Montana Congressional tributed only by US troops in Iraq, but over the uary 2007. On October 13, 2007, the seven Veteran Commendation for his service to his years, in addition to soldiers, the distribution judges of the United States District Court for country and leadership in his community. network has grown to include US military con- the District of Puerto Rico unanimously ap- Mr. Gaub is a veteran of the U.S. Army. In tractors, volunteers, individuals, schools, and pointed Ms. Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez to serve as his distinguished service from 1972 to 2003, charitable organizations. Balls have been United States Attorney for the District of Puer- He earned multiple commendations, including given to underprivileged children in more than to Rico. On October 4, 2011, Ms. Rodrı´guez- the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, 50 countries including Afghanistan, Syria, Leb- Ve´lez was re-appointed to a new term as Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Na- anon, Bhutan, Guatemala, Colombia. Beyond, United States Attorney, pursuant to the unani- tional Defense Service Medal, and Armed the distribution of soccer balls, when they mous vote of the Court. Forces Reserve Medal. have the opportunity and the supplies, Kick For Nick has also provided uniforms, cleats, U.S. Attorney Rodrı´guez-Ve´lez has imple- Serving his community through Troops to Teachers, Mr. Gaub works as a program man- shin guards, personal hygiene supplies such mented numerous initiatives to combat drug ager to secure funding for military veterans as toothbrushes and toothpaste, school sup- trafficking and violent crime in Puerto Rico, in- seeking to transition to careers in K–12 edu- plies such as pencils, notebooks and cluding multiple drug strike forces responsible cation. He is a friendly face around many backpacks, as well as occasional food sup- for over 2,400 arrests; an Illegal Firearms and schools in Montana and in veteran support plies. Violence Reduction Initiative, responsible for groups and nonprofits where he invests much As I walked through the fundraiser and the over 500 arrests; and a RICO Unit to pros- of his time. Since his start with the Troops to many who had gathered to support the Foun- ecute violent drug trafficking organizations. Teachers program, he has helped bring in a dation, I was inspired by the displays showing She has received numerous awards and com- substantial amount of grants ensuring its suc- pictures of troops distributing the balls and of mendation letters during her years of service cess. notes of thanks from the soldiers distributing from both the Puerto Rico and United States I ask colleagues to join me today in com- them as well as the young people receiving Departments of Justice, as well as from state mending Le Gaub for his dedication and serv- them. I had the opportunity to speak with and federal law enforcement agencies. ice. Nick’s father, Bill, as well as several of his family members, finding myself in awe of their f Her character has been tested many times, strength and determination to ensure Nick’s often facing unfair political attacks and ob- HONORING THE KICK FOR NICK memory continues to make a difference in the struction, especially when addressing the fight FOUNDATION world. The Kick For Nick Foundation is an ex- against the scourge of public corruption, yet traordinary effort and a wonderful tribute to she has remained a steadfast prosecutor, al- HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO PFC Madaras. It is my hope that their success ways serving justice and believing in her oath continues to grow and that they can continue OF CONNECTICUT to the U.S. Constitution and Law. Because I in their mission to foster peace, good will and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES can attest to her courage, her integrity, her stability across the globe by collecting soccer professional excellence and her heartfelt belief Thursday, November 14, 2019 balls and delivering them into the hands of un- in justice and American values, I congratulate Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, just a few derprivileged children around the world—hon- her on a well and faithfully executed career— weeks ago I had the extraordinary opportunity oring the memory of PFC Nicholas A. 42 years working in both the Puerto Rico and to participate in a local fundraiser for the Kick Madaras and giving life to his dream of bring- U.S. Departments of Justice, 12 of them as For Nick Foundation and was so inspired by ing a bit of hope and joy to children living in the U.S. District Attorney for Puerto Rico. the generosity of the participants and the mis- difficult circumstances. I personally admire the courage of Attorney sion of the Foundation that I wanted to share f the experience with my colleagues. Rosa Emilia Rodrı´guez and recognize her as RECOGNIZING CHIEF DAVE PFC Nicholas A. Madaras of Wilton, Con- a role model for women. I thank her for her SPILLER service and, I wish her the best in all her fu- necticut served our country bravely in Iraq ture endeavors. until his life was cut tragically short by an IED on September 3, 2006. He was just 19 years HON. old and weeks away from the scheduled end OF CALIFORNIA f of his deployment. Nick had been an avid soc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, November 14, 2019 PERSONAL EXPLANATION cer player, coach, and referee growing up and when he had last came home on leave he had Mr. SWALWELL of California. Madam shared stories about connecting with young Speaker, I rise to recognize the dutiful work of HON. A. DONALD McEACHIN Iraqi children through the sport, often using my constituent, Police Chief Dave Spiller, on anything they could find as a ball, most times the occasion his retirement from the OF VIRGINIA nothing more than a tin can. Nick asked Pleasanton Police Department after 17 years IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES friends and family to send him a few soccer of service. balls to share with the children in Baqubah. Chief Spiller joined the Pleasanton Police Thursday, November 14, 2019 Unfortunately, he never got that chance. Department in 2002 after more than a decade Yet, from their grief, Nick’s family and serving the San Diego and Mountain View Po- Mr. MCEACHIN. Madam Speaker, I was un- friends found a new mission—a way to pay lice Departments. In 2011, Chief Spiller was avoidably detained on November 12, 2019 tribute to Nick’s memory, his passion for soc- appointed to be Pleasanton’s sixth police during roll call no. 610, On Motion to Suspend cer, and his desire to make a difference in the chief. He has served in every sworn rank of the Rules and Pass, as Amended, H.R. 4162, lives of the children he had met in the war-tom the police profession—from officer to chief. GI Bill Planning Act. Had I been present, I country where he served. Shortly after his Chief Spiller’s colleagues can attest not only would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ 1 was also unavoid- passing, Nick’s family was approached by Ken to his professionalism but to his commitment ably detained during roll call no. 611, On Mo- Dartley, also of Wilton, who had read Nick’s to safety and quality of life in Pleasanton. His tion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as story and asked to start a program collecting leadership as police chief was characterized Amended, H.R. 3224, Deborah Sampson Act. soccer balls in his honor to fulfill his wish to by compassion, integrity and responsiveness Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ share his love and passion for the game with to the city.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.010 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1445 Chief Spiller’s commitment to law enforce- RECOGNIZING LYNNE AND MYRON IN RECOGNITION OF LEITH ment has left an immeasurable impact that ex- MALNAA OF GLASGOW DAGHISTANI tends far beyond his own department. In his time as chief he has modernized the depart- HON. GREG GIANFORTE HON. ment’s training, technology, and equipment. OF MONTANA OF ILLINOIS He has fostered lasting partnerships that have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shaped the future of his community and local Thursday, November 14, 2019 Thursday, November 14, 2019 law enforcement. Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise Ms. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise Chief Spiller’s passion for public service is today to honor Lynne and Myron Malnaa of to recognize Leith Daghistani for his service in reflected by his pursuit of higher education Glasgow for their dedication to and compas- my office in Washington, DC. which culminated in his master’s degree in sion for Montana’s children. Leith joined our office as a legislative fellow public leadership from St. Mary’s College. After her eldest daughter graduated from and served as an advisor for my work on the Through his service as an advisory board high school and with their son and Myron House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, in ad- member on the Administration of Justice rodeoing, Lynne felt like she had an empty dition to handling a policy portfolio that in- Board and an adjunct faculty member at Las nest, and she says she found her quiet house cluded defense, foreign affairs, agriculture, Positas College, Chief Spiller is cultivating a unsettling. and trade. Among other accomplishments, he future police force that will reflect the same in- One day Lynne, who ran a daycare out of developed multiple pieces of legislation to im- tegrity and commitment that he has brought to their home for 25 years, got a call that prove health care delivery at the VA and the law enforcement community. changed her life. She was told there were a helped our agricultural community navigate a few desperate kids who needed a home right In addition, Chief Spiller serves as a mem- challenging year of tough weather and unprec- away. Lynne instantly stepped up and took ber of the International Criminal Justice Board edented trade tensions. Leith was also instru- them in. It happened so quickly, Myron, a law at the University of San Francisco, a member mental in ensuring House passage of the Vet- enforcement officer for 25 years, says he of the Board of Directors for the California Po- erans’ Care Quality Transparency Act and the doesn’t even remember Lynne talking to him Caring For Our Women Veterans Act. lice Chiefs Association, and he is an inde- about taking on such a big responsibility. pendent contract trainer and group facilitator Leith’s diligence, intelligence, and compas- Lynne says she did. sion were invaluable assets as we worked to serving non-profit organizations and municipal Since that day 18 years ago, the Malnaas governments. establish our legislative operation from scratch continue to provide a safe haven for many during my first year in office. I commend his I want to thank Chief Spiller for the contribu- kids in need. They have welcomed more than drive to advance mental health and suicide tions he has made to the Pleasanton Police 150 foster children into their home, embracing prevention services for veterans and to im- department and community. Your extraor- them with the unconditional love they need. prove outcomes for women veterans and dinary vision and leadership will be missed, Lynne and Myron nurture and care for the younger veterans. Although Leith may be leav- and we wish you a fulfilling retirement. kids, who come to them from various back- ing our office, our veterans in northern Illinois grounds. They watch them grow and give the and our community that supports and honors f opportunity to let the kids be kids. them will continue to benefit from the results Lynne and Myron have also adopted two of his hard work and expertise. children and are guardians to another. HONORING MS. MARY E. STUART Prior to joining my staff, Leith earned a For their commitment to Montana’s children, Bachelor of Science from the United States Lynne and Myron were recognized recently as Naval Academy and served our country as an HON. VAN TAYLOR 2019 Angels in Adoption honorees. Madam Speaker, for freely giving over 150 officer in the United States Navy. I am grateful OF TEXAS foster children unconditional love and a home, he chose to continue his career in public serv- ice by joining my office. Our office will miss his IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I recognize Lynne and Myron Malnaa for their Spirit of Montana. kindness, diligence, sense of humor, and Thursday, November 14, 2019 expertly-brewed coffee. f Madam Speaker, I would like to formally Mr. TAYLOR. Madam Speaker, today, I rise WENDELL ‘‘SKIP’’ BROWNFIELD thank Leith Daghistani for his service to my of- to recognize an outstanding individual who fice, to Illinois’s 14th Congressional District, has been volunteering for sixty consecutive HON. JOHN SHIMKUS and to our country. years. At the age of 91, Ms. Mary Stuart can OF ILLINOIS f be found working seven hour shifts at Medical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES City Plano five days a week. RECOGNIZING THE EXTRAOR- Thursday, November 14, 2019 DINARY WORK OF CALIFORNIA In 1959, Ms. Stuart began her hospital vol- Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise be- WIC unteer efforts in Newfane, New York, and later fore you today to recognize Wendell ‘‘Skip’’ relocated to Tallahassee, Florida where she Brownfield for his heroic service in the United continued her work in area medical centers. In HON. HARLEY ROUDA States Army during the Vietnam War. OF CALIFORNIA 1997, Mary moved to Plano and soon became On February 5, 1970, Skip and nine others IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a valued volunteer at Medical City Plano. In set out to a location where increased enemy Thursday, November 14, 2019 fact, just this year Ms. Stuart received her activity had been noticed. In route, Skip’s unit 25,500 hours volunteer pin which is the most triggered a booby trap, detonating a large ex- Mr. ROUDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today hours a volunteer has ever given to Medical plosive. The explosion was followed by heavy to recognize the work of California Special City Plano since they opened their doors in enemy fire. Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 1975. During the attack, two members of Skip’s Infants, and Children (WIC) for its tremendous Her unbelievable track record as a commu- unit were injured. Despite the enemy fire, Skip contribution to enhancing equity in access to nity servant who puts the needs of others and a fellow soldier got the two injured men to healthy foods for low-income families with above her own has earned her other pres- an opening so that a helicopter could rescue young children. The WIC program has been tigious titles such as the Texas Yellow Rose them. an important resource for vulnerable families, from former Texas Governor Rick Perry and Skip Brownfield’s heroism that night was not providing a critical nutritional safety net for Honorary Georgia Peach. the only time he served meritoriously in battle low-income pregnant women, infants, and during the Vietnam War. For actions he took young children across the United States. The Plano community is very proud of her in previous engagements with enemy forces, WIC’s contribution to the health and welfare leadership in volunteerism. Ms. Stuart exem- Skip was awarded a Bronze Star with ‘‘V’’ de- of Orange County residents is unparalleled. plifies a passion for helping others and she vice and Air Medal with ‘‘V’’ Device, among With its continued supply of nutritious foods, undoubtedly betters the world around her. other decorations. nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and I ask my colleagues in the House of Rep- Madam Speaker, I wish to send my most nutrition-related information, WIC has had a resentatives to join me in thanking Ms. Mary sincere gratitude to Mr. Brownfield for his significant positive impact on communities in Stuart for her sixty years of volunteer work. service to our nation. Skip is a hero to us all. Orange County. In addition, thanks to WIC

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.013 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS E1446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2019 programs, many residents have benefited from which collaborates with churches and min- CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND the substantial cost savings that have been istries within the surrounding community to de- WORK OF MARLENE DILILLO accrued from early investments in maternal velop a healthy living program which aims to and child nutrition. encourage individuals to develop a healthier HON. JOHN R. CARTER On November 11, 2019, the first wave of lifestyle. Pastor Coles also supports the Joy OF TEXAS WIC sites in Orange County began providing Soup Kitchen which serves lunch to those in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES food benefits in a new way—through the Cali- need. Further, his Outreach Network promotes fornia WIC Card. Previously, families served and assists the Community Unity Network Thursday, November 14, 2019 by WIC received paper vouchers instead. This which brings resources to the community con- Mr. CARTER of Texas. Madam Speaker, I change is expected to greatly improve the cerning health, food, community awareness, rise today to celebrate the life and work of WIC participant experience, while also improv- rental assistance, senior citizen programs, vet- Marlene DiLillo, the former Executive Director ing the reimbursement experience for WIC eran assistance and educational assistance. of the Greater Killeen Community Clinic, as vendors to ensure the dollars redeemed in Since his arrival he has been a shining star to she retires after years of incredible public stores in our community are received more ef- the community in need. service. With her ‘‘can-do’’ spirit and high- ficiently. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring minded vision, she’s a model citizen and trust- I ask all members to join me in recognizing ed community leader. this incredible public servant, but more impor- the extraordinary work and contributions of During Marlene’s nearly two decades as tantly, a wonderfully faithful servant of our California WIC and their efforts to modernize manager of a medical clinic, she has always Lord Jesus Christ, and my personal friend operations to ensure a better and more effi- shown great respect and support for both staff Pastor Rodney Coles, Sr. cient experience for all who participate. and colleagues as well as a willingness to f make tough decisions. As the Executive Direc- f RECOGNIZING PERRY MILLER FOR tor, she worked tirelessly to nurture relation- THE 2019 MONTANA CONGRES- HONORING THE LIFE OF VICKIE ships with other community organizations, by SIONAL VETERAN COMMENDA- HARTMAN NICKS convening and collaborating around commu- TION nity needs, and actively participating with gov- ernment agencies, nonprofits, businesses and HON. community leaders, and elected officials. HON. GREG GIANFORTE Marlene signs all her emails with the stirring OF MONTANA OF NORTH CAROLINA words ‘‘Our job is not to climb the ladder of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES success, but to descend the ladder of Thursday, November 14, 2019 servanthood.’’ All who’ve been blessed by her Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise Thursday, November 14, 2019 presence know that to her this isn’t a mean- today to recognize Perry Miller of Chinook for ingless expression but a deep and lasting Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to creed that has been the guiding force of the the Montana Congressional Veteran Com- honor the life of Vickie Hartman Nicks. mendation for his service to his country and life of a true and devoted public servant. dedication to his community. Vickie was born on July 9, 1953 in Thomas- Marlene DiLillo’s retirement is the richly-de- Mr. Miller served in both the U.S. Marines ville, North Carolina. She graduated from East served beginning of an exciting journey. I join and the Montana Army National Guard. During Davidson High School in 1971 and married her colleagues, family, and friends in honoring his combined 12 years of service, Mr. Miller Steve Nicks in 1979. In 1981, she took a posi- her career, commending her commitment to deployed overseas and received multiple com- tion as the Secretary of Mt. Zion Wesleyan public service, and wishing my friend nothing mendations, including the Meritorious Service Church, where she worked for 38 years. but the best in the years ahead. award. While being the church secretary certainly f Following his service, Mr. Miller became ac- kept her busy, her devotion to the community tive in the community. He currently serves as didn’t stop there. Vickie was involved in many RECOGNIZING KAREN SEMPLE FOR a Judge and the Justice of Peace for Blaine children and youth programs as well as being THE 2019 MONTANA CONGRES- County. Outside of his work, Mr. Miller has a member of the choir. She enjoyed painting SIONAL VETERAN COMMENDA- coached youth baseball, football, and wres- and crafts and was known for her quick wit TION tling, bringing many teams to state and indi- and keen sense of humor. vidual championships. Through the VFW Post 4620, he volunteers for Memorial Day and Outside of being active in her church, Vickie HON. GREG GIANFORTE Veterans Day services. Mr. Miller is also ac- was even more proud of being a wife, mother, OF MONTANA tive in his church, teaching CCD class to high grandmother, and lifelong resident of Davidson IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES schoolers. County. She was an excellent role-model for Thursday, November 14, 2019 I ask my colleagues to join me today in and steadfast supporter of her daughters, commending Perry Miller for his dedication Stefanie and Andrea, as well as her Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise and service to his community. grandsons Steven and Jacob. today to recognize Karen Semple of Montana f City for the Montana Congressional Veteran Vickie’s enormous impact on the lives of her Commendation for her service and dedication TRIBUTE TO PASTOR RODNEY loved ones is indelible, and will live on for to her community. COLES, SR. years to come. Ms. Semple served in the United States Air Vickie lost her life to a long drawn out battle Force for almost a decade. Ms. Semple re- HON. GREGORY F. MURPHY with cancer but her grit and tenacity never let ceived multiple commendations during her OF NORTH CAROLINA her lose faith. Recently, I had the opportunity time in the Air Force and continued to serve IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to meet with her husband, Steve Nicks, to her community when she returned home. learn about Vickie’s bravery while facing the Ms. Semple has served her community as a Thursday, November 14, 2019 final stages of her life. Her battle with cancer chaplain for various veteran groups and fire Mr. MURPHY of North Carolina. Madam was truly heartbreaking, representing a tragic departments. In her role with the American Le- Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Pastor Rodney loss to our Davidson County community. Her gion, she has led training for other chaplains Coles of Greenville, North Carolina. In the fall determination and grace provides an example to have the tools necessary to minister to vet- of 2007, Pastor Coles formed the Churches to us all. erans with moral injury, PTSD, and suicide Outreach Network in Greenville, North Caro- ideation. In addition, Ms. Semple serves as a Today I wear this bracelet given to me by lina. Its mission is to aid the community volunteer firefighter, and the American Legion through feeding the hungry and furnishing re- her husband that states, ‘‘Vickie Strong.’’ I of Montana Disaster Emergency Response source assistance to those in need. wear it today in her memory. Coordinator. Pastor Coles has tirelessly served the com- Madam Speaker, please join me in praying I ask my colleagues to join me today in munity through Churches Outreach Network for Vickie along with her husband Steve and commending Karen Semple for her dedication by supporting the Healthy Living Alliance the entire Nicks family. and service to her community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.017 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1447 HONORING THE CONNECTICUT NEW HOME, NEW BYLAWS, SAME range analysis of Academy needs through STATE LIBRARY’S ‘‘DIGGING MISSION: WPAOG HISTORY PART 2002. However, debate over whether to run an INTO HISTORY’’ PROGRAM IV (1996–2019) SECTION A Army Athletics Center Campaign or a Cadet Leadership Opportunities Campaign in con- junction with the Academy’s Bicentennial in HON. JOHN SHIMKUS 2002 slowed efforts to get the Bicentennial HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO OF ILLINOIS Campaign fully underway. All that changed OF CONNECTICUT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in 1996. Now with focus provided by Meyer and the West Point Fund Committee, chaired IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, November 14, 2019 by Jack Hammack ’49, and in partnership Thursday, November 14, 2019 Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise today with Lieutenant General Dan Christman ’65, USMA’s 55th Superintendent, AOG’s fund- to include in the RECORD Section A of the raising moved into high gear, thanks in large Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, it gives fourth and final installment of an article by me great pleasure to rise today to take a mo- part to lessons learned in the campaign to Keith J. Hamel honoring the 150th Anniversary raise funds for Herbert Alumni Center. The ment to recognize an extraordinary program of the West Point Association of Graduates: Bicentennial Campaign kicked off with a sponsored by the Connecticut State Library— ‘‘When the Association of Graduates of the goal to raise $150 million for West Point be- ‘‘Digging Into History.’’ This extraordinary pro- U.S. Military Academy moved into the Her- tween 1997 and 2002. gram brought together fifteen Connecticut high bert Alumni Center in the winter of 1995, it In the six years preceding the Bicentennial school students, five of which I am proud to was primed to capitalize on its past and, in Campaign, the average AOG annual collec- say are from my District, to take part in a the process, make new history as well. The tion was $9.4 million, from fewer than 14,000 unique learning experience and community AOG began on May 22, 1869, when a group of donors annually, but during the campaign, those numbers jumped to $28.8 million and service project. graduates, upon a suggestion from Robert Anderson, Class of 1825, held its first organi- 21,000 donors per year. But even more than The first German offensive against Amer- zational meeting in the office of Dr. Horace raising more money and growing the donor ican troops during World War I took place on Webster, Class of 1818. Out of this meeting pool, the Bicentennial Campaign provided April 20, 1918 in the village of Seicheprey, came the Association’s mission: ‘‘. . . to the vehicle to aid AOG’s burgeoning matu- France. It was Connecticut troops from the cherish the memories of our Alma Mater, rity. It made it necessary for the Association to grow and professionalize, developing new 102nd Infantry Regiment, also known as the and to promote the social intercourse and fraternal fellowship of its graduates.’’ Ever office systems where none had existed, estab- ‘‘Yankee Division,’’ that came under attack lishing gift acceptance and donor recogni- that morning as the German forces launched since then, the AOG mission has been about serving both West Point (‘‘Alma Mater’’) and tion policies and procedures, and educating the surprise offensive. The battle of the Long Gray Line (‘‘its graduates’’). graduates to overcome general objections of Seicheprey occurred on the southern side of In the first stage of its history (1869–1900), some alumni toward fundraising. It also the St. Mihiel salient. There, three companies covered in our Winter 2019 issue, AOG was in- transformed the physical, academic, and ex- of the Yankee Division’s 102nd Regiment oc- strumental in moving the remains of the tracurricular landscape of West Point, be- cause the result of the campaign was not cupied a trench, known as the Sibille trench. ‘‘Father of the Academy,’’ Sylvanus Thayer, Class of 1808, to the West Point Cemetery just ‘‘something for the Academy in the way The battle raged throughout the day with of a gift,’’ but a collection of many signifi- heavy losses on both sides and the village and memorializing him with a statue. Also during this era, one of AOG’s founding mem- cant and lasting gifts. ‘‘The response to the Bicentennial Cam- was destroyed. After the war’s end, Con- bers, George Cullum, Class of 1833, be- paign was overwhelming,’’ said Tom Dyer necticut citizens collected $5,000 to help re- queathed $250,000 to build a memorial hall at ’67, who was Chairman of the West Point build the water supply and installed a fountain West Point and $10,000 for ‘‘necessary ex- Fund during most of the Bicentennial Cam- with a plaque in the town square. A bond had penses’’ of the Association. In AOG’s second paign, and who took over as AOG Chairman stage (1901–45), outlined in our Spring 2019 been forged between Connecticut and in January 2002. When the campaign closed Seicheprey. issue, AOG raised money to purchase the on December 31, 2002, AOG had raised $218.6 Sanctuary Window in the newly built Cadet In recognition of the 100th anniversary of million for West Point, nearly $70 million Chapel and introduced initiatives such as more than its initial goal. What’s more, this battle and as a way to strengthen that ‘‘Alumni Day’’ (first held on June 11, 1923) bond, the ‘‘Digging Into History’’ program was nearly half of all West Point graduates had and ASSEMBLY magazine (which debuted in given at least one gift. ‘‘Never in our wildest created. The program brought fifteen Con- April 1942). The modern AOG (see the Sum- dreams did we think we would finish having necticut high school students to Seicheprey to mer 2019 issue) began to take shape in the raised nearly $220 million!’’ said Dyer, ad- take part in a community service project to late 1940s with the establishment of the West dressing the success of the Bicentennial clear and restore a section of the trenches Point Alumni Foundation and the granting Campaign in his Chairman’s Letter in the Connecticut soldiers occupied, with the goal of of tax-exempt status by the IRS. Thanks to March/April 2003 issue of ASSEMBLY ‘‘What these developments in AOG’s third era (1946– a great tribute to [all graduates] and dear creating a historic attraction to help spur tour- 95), fundraising for both the West Point Su- ism in the region. The students worked with friends who recognized how much the ‘mar- perintendent’s Fund and AOG’s annual ap- gin of excellence’ enriches the cadets’ experi- sixteen French students as well as military his- peal steadily grew, and in 1972, Major Gen- ence.’’ torians to clear vegetation from the trenches, eral William Knowlton ’43JAN, the 49th Su- EXPANDING AOG SERVICES re-dig sections and restore the trenches to perintendent, removed the AOG active duty While AOG’s Development team was busy officer from the Office of Assistant to the how they appeared a century ago. raising funds for the Bicentennial Campaign, Superintendent, freeing the Association to the AOG Alumni Support team was expand- It was an extraordinary opportunity for these solicit money for the Academy and to estab- ing services to graduates across a broad spec- young people, bringing the history of World lish new services for graduates. To meet trum of programs. In fact, according to one War I to life for them, and today they are shar- these dual objectives, AOG created both a Chairman and CEO Annual Report of this ing that experience with the presentation of Directorate of Development (fundraising) era, ‘‘the most rapidly expanding activity and a Directorate of Alumni Affairs (fra- ‘‘Digging Into History: Back From the Trench- managed by the Association of Graduates is ternal fellowship) in the 1970s and 1980s, set- es.’’ Having had visited Normandy and other its Alumni Support Program.’’ such sites myself, I can imagine how thrilling ting up the themes that dominate the In November 1996, the team hosted the first this project must have been. Though Congres- present era of its 150-year history. AOG Minority Alumni Conference. A year sional business keeps me in Washington for 1997–2002: THE BICENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN prior, the Association established the Minor- the event in Hartford, I hope to be able to see In 1996, after AOG had moved into Herbert ity Outreach Committee with the mission to the presentation myself soon. Alumni Center, Edward ‘‘Shy’’ Meyer ’51, enhance the participation of minority mem- Chairman of the Association, noted that it bers in AOG programs and activities. More These fifteen young men and women have was time for the Association to refocus its than 120 graduates and friends of West Point been incredible ambassadors for their commu- fundraising efforts. ‘‘The bulk of money has attended the first conference, raising and nities, the State of Connecticut, and our na- gone into the Alumni Center and alumni discussing issues of major concern to minor- tion. I am honored to have this opportunity to type things rather than the Superintendent’s ity graduates. A second conference was held extend my heartfelt congratulations to them for projects,’’ Meyer said, according to the min- in April 1998. Attended by 107 participants, their remarkable work on this project. I also utes of the October 1996 Board of Trustees the objective of the conference was to trans- meeting. ‘‘With 2002 coming up for a target, late those issues identified in 1996 into ac- want to extend my deepest thanks and appre- we have a responsibility as alumni to do tion plans to achieve specific objectives re- ciation to the Connecticut State Library for something for the Academy in the way of a lated to minority cadet recruiting, the expe- their work to organize this once in a lifetime gift.’’ In June 1990, AOG’s Long Range Plan- rience of minority cadets at the Academy, experience for these young people. I have no ning Committee had agreed to raise $100 mil- AOG support of minority graduates, and doubt it is a journey they will never forget. lion in 10 years for USMA, based on a long- fundraising for minority-related projects.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.021 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS E1448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 14, 2019 Another new initiative that emerged dur- Advisory Council made up of a representa- alma mater. After much discussion and de- ing this time was the 50-Year Affiliation Pro- tive group of class, society, and at-large liberation, WPAOG elected to follow the gram. In 1999, the Class of 1949 asked the Su- members. The Governance Committee be- model of several peer alumni associations perintendent if it could present second lieu- lieved that the Advisory Council would pro- and produce a new quarterly magazine that tenant bars, inscribed with ‘‘49–99,’’ to the vide AOG with broad graduate representa- would be mailed out free of charge to all graduates of the Class of 1999. The Super- tion and participation while also accessing a graduates. West Point magazine debuted in intendent agreed, and four members of the wide diversity of skills and experiences. January 2011, and in February WPAOG’s Class of 1949 greeted each cadet as he or she They also felt that service on the Advisory Publications Directorate became part of the left the dais, diploma in hand, and presented Council would be excellent training for fu- new Department of Communications and the bars. Called a ‘‘friend raising’’ program ture Board of Directors members. An addi- Marketing, which was charged with mas- by the Alumni Support team, the 50-year Af- tional change to note, the Governance Com- tering new communications technologies in filiation Program later expanded to include mittee concluded that role of Chief Execu- the internet era, becoming an ongoing source a class flag presented to the yearling class as tive Officer should not remain with the of information for graduates and promoting it completed summer training at Camp Chairman but transfer to the AOG President, participation in WPAOG services. Buckner and a class coin presented to the the person on-site in Herbert Alumni Center, At the same time, WPAOG’s Finance De- cow class upon their taking the affirmation who would have authority over the day-to- partment continued its management of gift oath. Today, the 50-Year Affiliation Program day affairs of the Association and the man- funds and endowments for West Point and features eight formal events and a handful of agement of its staff. After careful consider- the Long Gray Line, aided by expert advice unofficial events at which cadets ‘‘Grip ation and multiple compromises, the mod- from the Investment Committee. Today, Hands’’ with those who preceded them a half- ernization and rewrite of AOG’s Bylaws was WPAOG manages more than $380 million in century earlier, including R-Day, A-Day, completed and voted on in March 2005, elec- endowment funds, and the Association has Plebe Class Crest Unveiling, Yearling CFT tions were held in the fall of 2005, and, for received the highest rankings for trans- Class Flag Presentation, Cow Affirmation, the first time since the 1920s, a new model of parency and efficient funds management Ring Weekend, Branch Night and Gradua- AOG governance took effect on January 1, from non-profit watchdogs Guidestar (Plat- tion. 2006 under the chairmanship of Ted Stroup inum) and Charity Navigator (4 stars). Finally, in November 2000, AOG inaugu- ’62. In the early 2000s, AOG tried an innovative rated the Class Ring Memorial Program. A year after receiving its new streamlined approach to building gift funded brick and Proposed by Ron Turner ’58 in the May/June model of governance, AOG received a new mortar projects, which now encompass both 1999 edition of ASSEMBLY, the ‘‘Ring Melt,’’ name: the ‘‘West Point Association of Grad- new construction and renovation. WPAOG as it is more popularly known, has today be- uates’’ (WPAOG). Board of Trustee minutes successfully managed the planning, design come one of AOG’s most revered traditions. show that AOG’s Strategic Planning Com- and construction of the Hoffman Press Box As described by Turner, the program in- mittee had been considering the name in 2002–03 and proffered the completed volves ‘‘graduates bequeathing (or graduates’ change since 1998, as part of a larger effort to project as a gift to the government. The suc- descendants donating) West Point class rings change the fundraising, marketing, and busi- cess of this approach led to it becoming the for the specific purpose of incorporating the ness organization efforts of the Association, new model for gift-funded construction at gold into the class rings of future grad- but it wasn’t implemented until WPAOG West Point, and by 2019 WPAOG had com- uates.’’ Demonstrating that he had a long- launched its redesigned website in Sep- pleted over 170 projects, representing more term ‘‘tradition’’ in mind when he proposed tember 2007. The timing of this coincided than $250 million donated by members of the his idea, Turner also recommended retaining with ‘‘AOG Strategic Plan 2010,’’ which the Long Gray Line’’. some gold shavings after each melt so that Board considered in May 2007. One of the these could be placed in the following year’s considerations under discussion during this f melt, thus ensuring each year’s ‘‘Memorial meeting was branding, and the Association’s Gold ingot . . . would contain some of every new name now incorporated what many con- ring donated.’’ To date, a total of 575 rings RECOGNIZING WILLIAM WHITE sider to be one of the world’s premiere FOR THE 2019 MONTANA CON- have been donated, spanning the classes of brands—West Point. 1896 to 1997. All graduates’ rings from the The new website was the product of GRESSIONAL VETERAN COM- classes of 2002–2020 contain this ‘‘legacy WPAOG’s Information Systems Department MENDATION gold’’ from the Class Ring Memorial Pro- (ISD), which had been established in 1996 to gram. build and maintain AOG’s hardware and soft- HON. GREG GIANFORTE NEW GOVERNANCE, NEW OPERATIONS ware infrastructures. ISD also developed and OF MONTANA With growth in the number of services it executed the AOG Information Strategic offered and the amount of money it was rais- Plan, which leveraged existing technology to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing, AOG began considering changes to its enhance the ability to communicate infor- Thursday, November 14, 2019 organizational structure soon after the con- mation quickly via electronic means. In 1997, clusion of the Bicentennial Campaign. At the this plan led to a test program that provided Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise same time, legislation proposed by New classes with a notification of the death of today to recognize William White of Helena for York’s Attorney General requiring non-prof- one its members within 24 hours after con- the Montana Congressional Veteran Com- it organizations in the state to follow prac- firmation by AOG. That same year, AOG pur- mendation for his service to his country and tices similar to the Sarbanes-Oxley cor- chased software that enabled it to create community. porate reforms, which Congress enacted dur- real-time distribution of news items and ar- ing this period, also prompted AOG to con- ticles. This was the beginning of today’s Mr. White served in the U.S. Army for over sider changes to its governance model. Thus, Death Notification System (DNS), which 25 years, spanning from Vietnam to the Gulf in 2003, AOG formed the 2020 Governance each day receives and verifies death notifica- Wars. He received multiple commendations Committee, which presented the results of tions and then sends out daily updates to during his time in the Army, including the Le- its yearlong study to the Board of Trustees Class and Society leaders (on average 400 per gion of Merit. in January 2005. year). Mr. White has continued to serve his com- According to the Governance Committee’s Given the emphasis on improving commu- munity. Volunteering at Fort Harrison Veterans findings, the AOG board structure of the nication with graduate members and on in- Hospital, Mr. White has accumulated over time was inefficient: ‘‘too many people for creasing awareness of the new WPAOG name effective ideas, too infrequent for full consid- change, it wasn’t long before the Association 9500 hours serving in the office and as a driv- eration, too little time for all issues, too created a specific department to address er. For his efforts, he earned a Presidential cumbersome to act as needs demand.’’ Fur- both needs. Effective communication had Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, he thermore, in the opinion of AOG’s legal been a decade-long goal of AOG by 2009, and is an active member of the American Legion, counsel at the time, the early 2000s govern- in August of that year, the Association serving as Post Commander for Post No. 2 in ance model left its 54 Trustees exposed to po- began to seriously consider establishing an Helena, as the VA Volunteer Services Coordi- tential personal liability. The Governance integrated communications team. One of the nator for the American Legion of Montana, Committee’s solution was the creation of a questions facing WPAOG at the time was and serves on the National Veterans Affairs smaller Board of Directors (12–16 members), what to do with ASSEMBLY magazine. Al- plus Chairman and Vice-Chairman, who though beloved by many graduates, by 2009, Rehabilitation Commission. would be legally and fiduciarily responsible less than 20 percent were subscribing to the I ask my colleagues to join me today in for the Association, supported by a larger 57- magazine, which meant that the majority of commending William White for his service to member (ultimately reduced to 54-member) graduates were not receiving news from their his country and community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:53 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14NO8.023 E14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS Thursday, November 14, 2019 Daily Digest Senate that recycling promotes a healthy economy and re- Chamber Action sponsible environmental stewardship. Routine Proceedings, pages S6579–S6614 Pages S6611, S6614 Measures Introduced: Twenty-four bills and seven National Homeless Children and Youth Aware- resolutions were introduced, as follows: S. ness Month: Senate agreed to S. Res. 423, recog- 2855–2878, and S. Res. 421–427. Pages S6604–05 nizing November 2019 as ‘‘National Homeless Chil- Measures Passed: dren and Youth Awareness Month’’. Enrollment Correction: Senate agreed to H. Con. Pages S6611, S6614 Res. 72, directing the Clerk of the House to make Colorado Farm Bureau Federation 100th anni- a correction in the enrollment of H.R. 2423. versary: Senate agreed to S. Res. 424, recognizing Page S6586 the 100th anniversary of the Colorado Farm Bureau White Horse Hill National Game Preserve Des- Federation and celebrating the long history of the ignation Act: Senate passed S. 2099, to redesignate Colorado Farm Bureau Federation representing the the Sullys Hill National Game Preserve in the State farmers and ranchers of Colorado. of North Dakota as the White Horse Hill National Pages S6611–12, S6614 Game Preserve. Pages S6613–14 National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: ONDCP Technical Corrections Act: Committee Senate agreed to S. Res. 425, designating October on the Judiciary was discharged from further consid- 2019 as ‘‘National Down Syndrome Awareness eration of H.R. 3889, to amend the Office of Na- Month’’ and supporting the goals and ideals of Na- tional Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of tional Down Syndrome Awareness Month. 1998 to make technical corrections, and the bill was Pages S6612, S6614 then passed. Page S6614 Luck Nomination—Cloture: Senate began consid- Women veterans of the Armed Forces Commemo- eration of the nomination of Robert J. Luck, of Flor- rative Stamp: Committee on Homeland Security ida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Elev- and Governmental Affairs was discharged from fur- enth Circuit. Pages S6596, S6614 ther consideration of S. Res. 415, expressing the A motion was entered to close further debate on sense of the Senate that the United States Postal the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the series honoring women veterans of the Armed Forces Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent and that the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee agreement of Thursday, November 14, 2019, a vote should recommend to the Postmaster General that on cloture will occur at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, No- such a stamp series be issued, and the resolution was vember 18, 2019. Page S6596 then agreed to. Page S6614 Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- Guru Nanak 550th birthday: Committee on the ate took the following action: Judiciary was discharged from further consideration Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- of S. Res. 393, recognizing the historical, cultural, tive Session. Page S6596 and religious significance of the 550th birthday of Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Guru Nanak and the contributions and sacrifices tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S6596 made by Sikhs of the United States, and the resolu- A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- tion was then agreed to. Page S6694 viding that at approximately 3 p.m., on Monday, America Recycles Day: Senate agreed to S. Res. November 18, 2019, Senate resume consideration of 422, recognizing November 15, 2019, as ‘‘America Recycles Day’’ and expressing the sense of the Senate D1246

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:01 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14NO9.REC D14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with DIGEST November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1247 the nomination; and that the motions to invoke clo- Record Votes: One record vote was taken today. ture filed on Thursday, November 14, 2019, ripen (Total—356) Pages S6595–96 at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, November 18, 2019. Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- Page S6614 journed at 4:01 p.m., until 3 p.m. on Monday, No- Lagoa Nomination—Cloture: Senate began consid- vember 18, 2019. (For Senate’s program, see the re- eration of the nomination of Barbara Lagoa, of Flor- marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on ida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Elev- page S6614.) enth Circuit. Page S6596 A motion was entered to close further debate on Committee Meetings the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the (Committees not listed did not meet) Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition NOMINATION of the nomination of Robert J. Luck, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Cir- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee cuit. Page S6596 concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be Secretary of En- ate took the following action: ergy, after the nominee, who was introduced by Sen- Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- ators Cassidy, Cruz, and Kennedy, testified and an- swered questions in his own behalf. tive Session. Page S6596 Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- NOMINATION tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S6596 Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Zuckerman Nomination—Cloture: Senate began fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the consideration of the nomination of Adrian nomination of Peter Gaynor, of Rhode Island, to be Zuckerman, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to Ro- Administrator of the Federal Emergency Manage- mania, Department of State. Page S6596 ment Agency, Department of Homeland Security, A motion was entered to close further debate on after the nominee, who was introduced by Senator the nomination, and, in accordance with the provi- Reed, testified and answered questions in his own sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the behalf. Senate, a vote on cloture will occur upon disposition SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION OVERSIGHT of the nomination of Barbara Lagoa, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit. Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee concluded an oversight hearing to examine the Page S6596 Smithsonian Institution, after receiving testimony Prior to the consideration of this nomination, Sen- from Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithso- ate took the following action: nian Institution. Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Legisla- tive Session. Page S6596 NOMINATION Senate agreed to the motion to proceed to Execu- Committee on Rules and Administration: Committee tive Session to consider the nomination. Page S6596 concluded a hearing to examine the nomination of Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- Hugh Nathanial Halpern, of Virginia, to be Director lowing nomination: of the Government Publishing Office, after the By 51 yeas to 41 nays (Vote No. EX. 356), Steven nominee, who was introduced by Senator Blunt, tes- J. Menashi, of New York, to be United States Cir- tified and answered questions in his own behalf. cuit Judge for the Second Circuit. NONCOMPETE AGREEMENTS Pages S6581–86, S6586–96 Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Com- Messages from the House: Pages S6603–04 mittee concluded a hearing to examine noncompete Measures Referred: Page S6604 agreements and American workers, including S. 124, to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6605–06 prevent employers from using non-compete agree- Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: ments in employment contracts for certain non-ex- Pages S6607–10 empt employees, and S. 2614, to prohibit certain Additional Statements: Pages S6602–03 noncompete agreements, after receiving testimony from Evan Starr, University of Maryland Robert H. Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S6613 Smith School of Business, College Park; John W. Privileges of the Floor: Page S6613 Lettieri, Economic Innovation Group, Washington,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:01 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D14NO9.REC D14NOPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with DIGEST D1248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST November 14, 2019 D.C.; and Keith A. Bollinger, Conover, North Caro- INTELLIGENCE lina. Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel- ligence matters from officials of the intelligence community. h House of Representatives Agreed to: Chamber Action Torres (CA) amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 34 pub- Rept. 116–289) that requires the Agency to empha- lic bills, H.R. 5080–5113; and 10 resolutions, H. size outreach to tribal export businesses and to in- Con. Res. 73–74; and H. Res. 698–705 were intro- clude in their annual report a summary of those out- duced. Pages H8877–79 reach efforts and the provision of Agency support to Additional Cosponsors: Pages H8880–81 tribal export businesses; Pages H8859–60 Tlaib amendment (No. 6 printed in H. Rept. Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: 116–289) that requires the Agency to submit an an- H.R. 2247, to amend the Federal Water Pollution nual report to Congress about the Agency’s activities Control Act to provide assistance for programs and in economically disadvantaged regions and efforts to activities to protect the water quality of Puget Sound, and for other purposes, with an amendment support businesses in those regions; also defines eco- (H. Rept. 116–290); and nomically disadvantaged regions; Pages H8865–66 H.R. 4275, to amend the Federal Water Pollution Case amendment (No. 7 printed in H. Rept. Control Act to reauthorize the Lake Pontchartrain 116–289) that clarifies that, for the purpose of the Basin Restoration Program, and for other purposes, Agency’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion, ‘‘minority’’ is understood to include Native Hawai- with an amendment (H. Rept. 116–291). Page H8877 ians and Alaska Natives; Pages H8866–67 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein she Speier amendment (No. 8 printed in H. Rept. appointed Representative Cuellar to act as Speaker 116–289) that clarifies that the Bank’s activities to pro tempore for today. Page H8829 support exports in energy efficiency technologies Recess: The House recessed at 10:49 a.m. and re- shall include activities to support exports in electric convened at 12 noon. Page H8834 battery vehicles, batteries for electric vehicles, and Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the electric vehicle charging infrastructure; and Guest Chaplain, Mr. Dipesh Pandya, BAPS Pages H8867–68 Swaminarayan Sanstha, Warrington, Pennsylvania. Ruiz amendment (No. 9 printed in H. Rept. Pages H8834–35 116–289) that allows the U.S. Export Finance Agen- cy to use surplus funds to expand or establish addi- Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval tional regional finance centers. Pages H8868–70 of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H8835, H8845 Proceedings Postponed: United States Export Finance Agency Act of Torres (CA) amendment (No. 2 printed in H. 2019: The House considered H.R. 4863, to promote Rept. 116–289) that seeks to ensure that the Bank the competitiveness of the United States, to reform will not provide credit to any individual who is sub- and reauthorize the United States Export Finance ject to sanctions related to serious violations of Agency. Consideration is expected to resume tomor- human rights or free speech, including in China and row, November 15th. Pages H8845–70 Burma; Pages H8860–61 Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the na- Flores amendment (No. 3 printed in H. Rept. ture of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules 116–289) that seeks to strike Section 13 and create Committee Print 116–36 shall be considered as the office of energy efficiency and clean energy ex- adopted in the House and in the Committee of the ports which advises the EXIM board on ways to im- Whole, in lieu of the amendment in the nature of prove the export of goods and services that increase a substitute recommended by the Committee on Fi- energy efficiency and clean energy abroad; requires nancial Services now printed in the bill. the EXIM bank to consider energy affordability as Pages H8856–59 well as environmental impacts before approving

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Act’’; H.R. 4461, the ‘‘Network Security Informa- entitled ‘‘The Administration of Bail by State and tion Sharing Act of 2019’’; H.R. 2881, the ‘‘Secure Federal Courts: A Call for Reform’’. Testimony was 5G and Beyond Act of 2019’’; H.R. 4500, the ‘‘Pro- heard from public witnesses. moting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2019’’; H. Res. 575, expressing the sense of the EXAMINING THE USE OF ‘‘SNAP’’ House of Representatives that all stakeholders in the REMOVALS TO CIRCUMVENT THE FORUM deployment of 5G communications infrastructure DEFENDANT RULE should carefully consider and adhere to the rec- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Courts, ommendation of ‘‘The Prague Proposals’’; and H.R. Intellectual Property, and the Internet held a hearing 5035, the ‘‘Television Viewer Protection Act’’. H.R. entitled ‘‘Examining the Use of ‘‘Snap’’ Removals to 4227, H.R. 5000, H.R. 5035 were forwarded to the Circumvent the Forum Defendant Rule’’. Testimony full Committee, without amendment. H.R. 4229, was heard from public witnesses. H.R. 4998, H.R. 4461, H.R. 2881, H.R. 4500, H. LEGISLATIVE MEASURE Res. 575 were forwarded to the full Committee, as amended. Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on En- ergy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on H.R. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES 4248, the ‘‘Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee con- Act Amendments of 2019’’. Testimony was heard cluded a markup on H.R. 2445, the ‘‘Self-Employed from Representative Cartwright; John Stefanko, Dep- Mortgage Act’’; H.R. 3490, the ‘‘Small Business uty Secretary, Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Lending Fairness Act’’; H.R. 3948, the ‘‘Debt Col- Operations, Department of Environmental Protec- lection Practices Harmonization Act’’; H.R. 4403, tion, Pennsylvania, and Member, Interstate Mining the ‘‘Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act’’; H.R. 5021, Compact Commission; Alan Edwards, Deputy Direc- the ‘‘Ending Debt Collection Harassment Act of tor, Department of Environmental Quality, Wyo- 2019’’; H.R. 2398, to amend the United States ming, and Administrator, Wyoming Abandoned Housing Act of 1937 and title 38, United States Mine Land Program, Cheyenne, Wyoming; and pub- Code, to expand eligibility for the HUD–VASH pro- lic witnesses. gram, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to OVERSIGHT OF NOAA’S REPORT ON submit annual reports to the Committees on Vet- ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, AND erans’ Affairs of the Senate and House of Representa- UNREGULATED FISHING tives regarding homeless veterans, and for other pur- poses; H.R. 5003, the ‘‘Fair Debt Collection Prac- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on tices for Servicemembers Act’’; H.R. 5001, the Water, Oceans, and Wildlife held a hearing entitled ‘‘Non-Judicial Foreclosure Debt Collection Clarifica- ‘‘Oversight of NOAA’s Report on Illegal, Unre- tion Act’’; and H.R. 5013, the ‘‘Small Business Fair ported, and Unregulated Fishing’’. Testimony was Debt Collection Protection Act’’. H.R. 4403, H.R. heard from Alexa Cole, Acting Director of Inter- 3490, H.R. 5001, H.R. 5013, H.R. 3948, H.R. national Affairs and Seafood Inspection, National 5021, H.R. 2398, and H.R. 5003 were ordered re- Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, ported, as amended. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and public witnesses. THE U.S. POLICY IN THE SAHEL REGION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Africa, EXAMINING STATE EFFORTS TO Global Health, Global Human Rights, and Inter- UNDERMINE ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE national Organizations held a hearing entitled ‘‘The HEALTH CARE U.S. Policy in the Sahel Region’’. Testimony was Committee on Oversight and Reform: Full Committee heard from Whitney Baird, Deputy Assistant Sec- held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining State Efforts to retary for West Africa and Security Affairs, Bureau Undermine Access to Reproductive Health Care’’. of African Affairs, Department of State; and Cheryl Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Anderson, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Develop- ment. Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Full Com- mittee held a markup on H.R. 4979, the ‘‘Rural THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAIL BY STATE STEM Education Act’’; H.R. 4704, the ‘‘Advancing AND FEDERAL COURTS: A CALL FOR Research to Prevent Suicide Act’’; and H.R. 4990, REFORM the ‘‘Election Technology Research Act’’. H.R. 4704, Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime, H.R. 4990, and H.R. 4979 were ordered reported, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a hearing as amended.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 17:50 Nov 15, 2019 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD19\NOVEMBER\D14NO9.REC D14NO9 November 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1251 WATER AND GEOTHERMAL POWER: CYBERSECURITY CHALLENGES AND CYBER UNEARTHING THE NEXT WAVE OF RISK MANAGEMENT AT THE ENERGY INNOVATION DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Sub- Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Tech- committee on Energy held a hearing entitled ‘‘Water nology Modernization held a hearing entitled ‘‘Cy- and Geothermal Power: Unearthing the Next Wave bersecurity Challenges and Cyber Risk Management of Energy Innovation’’. Testimony was heard from at the Department of Veterans Affairs’’. Testimony David Solan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renew- was heard from Paul Cunningham, Deputy Assistant able Power, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renew- Secretary and Chief Information Security Officer, De- able Energy, Department of Energy; Joseph Moore, partment of Veterans Affairs; Nick Dahl, Deputy Manager, Utah Frontier Observatory for Research in Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evalua- Geothermal Energy, Department of Energy; and tions, Office of the Inspector General, Department of public witnesses. Veterans Affairs; and Greg Wilshusen, Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Govern- ment Accountability Office. ASSESSING THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN SERVING RURAL AMERICAN SMALL CARING FOR AGING AMERICANS BUSINESSES (PART ONE) Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Rural a hearing entitled ‘‘Caring for Aging Americans’’. Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneur- Testimony was heard from public witnesses. ship held a hearing entitled ‘‘Assessing the Govern- MEMBER DAY ment’s Role in Serving Rural American Small Busi- nesses (Part One)’’. Testimony was heard from Bette Select Committee on the Climate Crisis: Full Committee Brand, Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative held a hearing entitled ‘‘Member Day’’. Testimony was heard from Chairman Deutch, Chairman Kilmer, Service, USDA-Rural Development, Department of and Representatives Underwood, McCollum, Davis Agriculture; and Michelle Christian, National Direc- of California, Barraga´n, Ted Lieu of California, tor, Office of Rural Affairs, U.S. Small Business Ad- Bustos, Reed, Lee of California, Kaptur, Beyer, Phil- ministration. lips, DeFazio, Schneider, Peters, Axne, Tonko, Shalala, Stanton, Pingree, Schrier, Kennedy, Rouda, A FAIR PLAYING FIELD? INVESTIGATING Mucarsel-Powell, and Malinowski. BIG TECH’S IMPACT ON SMALL BUSINESS Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a Joint Meetings hearing entitled ‘‘A Fair Playing Field? Investigating Big Tech’s Impact on Small Business’’. Testimony No joint committee meetings were held. was heard from public witnesses. f COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, COMMERCIAL AND PASSENGER VESSEL NOVEMBER 15, 2019 SAFETY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- Senate committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- No meetings/hearings scheduled. tation held a hearing entitled ‘‘Commercial and Pas- House senger Vessel Safety: Challenges and Opportunities’’. Testimony was heard from Rear Admiral Richard V. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Full Com- mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Impeachment Inquiry: Ambas- Timme, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Pol- sador Marie ‘Masha’ Yovanovitch’’, 9 a.m., 1100 Long- icy, U.S. Coast Guard; Richard Balzano, Deputy Ad- worth. ministrator, U.S. Maritime Administration; Brian Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, Full Curtis, Director, Office of Marine Safety, National Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘Administrative Efficiencies: Transportation Safety Board; and public witnesses. Exploring Options to Streamline Operations in the U.S. House of Representatives’’, 9:30 a.m., 210 Cannon.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 3 p.m., Monday, November 18 9 a.m., Friday, November 15

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Monday: Senate will resume consideration Program for Friday: Complete consideration of H.R. of the nomination of Robert J. Luck, of Florida, to be 4863—United States Export Finance Agency Act of United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, and 2019. vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Heck, Denny, Wash., E1440 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E1439 Kilmer, Derek, Wash., E1443 Rose, Max, N.Y., E1439 Budd, Ted, N.C., E1446 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1439, E1440 Rouda, Harley, Calif. E1445 Carter, John R., Tex., E1443, E1446 McEachin, A. Donald, Va., E1444 Shimkus, John, Ill., E1445, E1447 DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E1444, E1447 Meng, Grace, N.Y., E1439 Swalwell, Eric, Calif., E1444 Diaz-Balart, Mario, Fla., E1443 Murphy, Gregory F., N.C., E1446 Gianforte, Greg, Mont., E1439, E1440, E1442, E1443, Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, Taylor, Van, Tex., E1440, E1445 E1444, E1445, E1446, E1446, E1448 E1442 Underwood, Lauren, Ill., E1445 Gonza´ lez-Colo´ n, Jenniffer, Puerto Rico, E1443 Panetta, Jimmy, Calif., E1440 Waltz, Michael, Fla., E1442

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