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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E1215 HON September 26, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1215 Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Standing for hours on end in, Tim overcomes torneys general who recognize that the me in honoring the life and service of Chief physical conditions that would otherwise states, territories and federal government David Huerta. Chief Huerta was a selfless render him immobile, purely to honor the men share a strong interest in protecting public man who put others before himself throughout and women who made the ultimate sacrifice safety and bringing grey market financial his career. His contributions to the Central for our country. activities into the regulated banking sector. To address these goals, we urge Congress to Valley will be felt for many years to come. I A modern-day hero, Tim selflessly rushed advance legislation that would allow states into the Pentagon after the crash of American join his family in honoring his great life. and territories that have legalized certain f Airlines Flight 77 during the 9/11 terrorist at- use of marijuana to bring that commerce tacks, without knowing what lay ahead for him, into the banking system. RECOGNIZING TAIWAN’S NATIONAL the victims, and our country. Tim stayed three DAY days in the attacks’ aftermath to continue res- This issue is of broad relevance: for exam- ple, thirty-three states and several U.S. ter- cue operations of his fellow Americans. Even ritories have legalized the medical use of HON. DON BACON in the most harrowing of times, Tim’s love of marijuana. However, because the federal OF NEBRASKA and dedication to country, along with his pro- government classifies marijuana as an ille- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES found bravery, has always overcome the most gal substance, banks providing services to colossal challenges. Thursday, September 26, 2019 state-licensed cannabis businesses and even A former Marine, Tim now acts as a vet- to other companies which sell services and Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today erans’ rights advocate, ensuring that the men products to those businesses could find to wish both the people of Taiwan and Ameri- and women who serve our country receive the themselves subject to criminal and civil li- cans celebrating the upcoming Taiwan’s Na- respect, honor, remembrance, and thanks they ability under the federal Controlled Sub- tional Day on October 10th a Happy Double deserve. stances Act and certain federal banking stat- Ten Day. As I attend the Rolling Thunder event this utes. This risk has significantly inhibited In the decades preceding and following the coming weekend in Columbus, I will think of the ability of financial institutions to pro- Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the United Tim’s honorable dedication to his country and vide services to these businesses and compa- States and Taiwan have built a solid bond that fellow veterans, and all the American nies. cannot be broken—born out of our shared val- servicemembers who may never get their due Despite the contradictions between federal ues and our cooperation with each other in welcome home. Tim Chamber’s devotion to and state law, the marijuana industry con- times of crisis, and in times of advancement. our Armed Forces is felt throughout our na- tinues to grow rapidly. Industry analysts es- During the years, this key ally in the Indo- tion, and I am humbled to honor him, returning timate 2017 sales at $8.3 billion and expect Pacific has transformed itself into a model of to him the recognition and glory he has shown those totals to exceed $25 billion by 2025. Yet democracy that respects human rights, free- for his fellow American heroes. those revenues are handled outside of the dom of speech, rule of law, and market econ- regulated banking system. Businesses are f forced to operate on a cash basis. The result- omy. Americans share these values, which is ing grey market makes it more difficult to why we have also contributed to Taiwan’s suc- SECURE AND FAIR ENFORCEMENT BANKING ACT OF 2019 track revenues for taxation and regulatory cess. compliance purposes, contributes to a public In 2018, Taiwan was the 11th largest trad- SPEECH OF safety threat as cash-intensive businesses ing partner for the United States overall, and are often targets for criminal activity, and it is my home state Nebraska’s 10th largest HON. ED PERLMUTTER prevents proper tracking of billions in fi- export market in the world. Our companies OF COLORADO nances across the nation. Importantly, this have substantial opportunities to expand their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES measure in no way constitutes an endorse- business and cooperation with Taiwan. I will, Wednesday, September 25, 2019 ment of any state or territory’s specific ap- together with Taiwanese friends, work to find proach to the legalization of marijuana-re- areas where we can partner to our mutual Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I in- lated transactions, and the Act is in no way benefit. clude in the RECORD the following letters of an endorsement for the legalization of med- This is a day to celebrate, and to be opti- endorsement for H.R. 1595, the SAFE Bank- ical or retail marijuana in those jurisdic- mistic. I ask my colleagues to join me in re- ing Act. tions that choose not to pursue such an ap- committing ourselves to the robust U.S.-Tai- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION proach. But regardless of how individual pol- icymakers feel about states permitting the wan relationship, and in wishing Taiwan a OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL, Washington, DC, May 8, 2019. use of medical or recreational marijuana, Happy Double Ten Day. Hon. NANCY PELOSI, the reality of the situation requires federal f Speaker of the House, rules that permit a sensible banking regime Washington, DC. RECOGNIZING TIM CHAMBERS FOR for legal businesses. Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, To address these challenges, we request HIS UNWAVERING DEDICATION Majority Leader, that Congress advance the SAFE Banking TO THE UNITED STATES OF Washington, DC. Act or similar legislation that would provide AMERICA Hon. STENY HOYER, Majority Leader, a safe harbor for depository institutions that Washington, DC. provide a financial product or service to a HON. TROY BALDERSON Hon. JAMES E. CLYBURN, covered business in a state that has imple- OF OHIO Majority Whip, mented laws and regulations that ensure ac- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Washington, DC. countability in the marijuana industry. An effective safe harbor would bring billions of Thursday, September 26, 2019 Hon. MIKE CRAPO, Chair, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing dollars into the banking sector, enabling law Mr. BALDERSON. Madam Speaker, I rise & Urban Affairs, Washington, DC. enforcement; federal, state and local tax today to recognize and honor the unwavering Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, agencies; and cannabis regulators in 33 dedication of retired Marine Staff Sergeant, Minority Leader, states and several territories to more effec- Tim Chambers. Washington, DC. tively monitor cannabis businesses and their First spotted in 2002, Tim Chambers—better Hon. CHARLES E. SCHUMER, transactions. Compliance with tax laws and Minority Leader, known as ‘‘The Saluting Marine’’—stood at at- requirements would be simpler and easier to Washington, DC. enforce with the regulated tracking of funds tention for hours as thousands of motorcyclists Hon. STEVE SCALISE, in the banking system, resulting in higher rode past during the Rolling Thunder ‘‘Ride for Minority Whip, tax revenues. Freedom’’ event in Washington, D.C. Since Washington, DC. Our banking system must be flexible then, Tim has not missed a Rolling Thunder Hon. RICHARD J. DURBIN, enough to address the needs of businesses in event. His single salute in 2002 set an exam- Minority Whip, Washington, DC. the various states and territories, with state ple that has since rippled throughout the na- and territorial input, while protecting the tion, raising awareness for missing-in-action Hon. SHERROD BROWN, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Bank- interests of the federal government. This in- servicemembers and prisoners of war. ing, Housing & Urban Affairs, Washington, cludes a banking system for marijuana-re- Year after year, Tim continues to give vet- DC. lated businesses that is both responsive and erans the welcome home they deserve yet did DEAR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS: We are a effective in meeting the demands of our not receive upon returning home from war. bipartisan group of state and territorial at- economy. We look forward to working with VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:16 Sep 27, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26SE8.023 E26SEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E1216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 26, 2019 you as Congress moves forward in this proc- UFCW Legislative & law enforcement identify suspicious trans- ess and to lending our voice and expertise as Political Action De- actions—an opportunity that is not available you develop legislation. partment. in an all-cash environment. Respectfully, The SAFE Banking Act, as amended, is an Phil Weiser, Colorado Attorney General; AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION, important measure that helps clarify many Karl A. Racine, District of Columbia Attor- September 24, 2019. issues for the banking industry, regulators, ney General; Aaron D. Ford, Nevada Attor- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, businesses and consumers. It also provides ney General; Wayne Stenehjem, North Da- Speaker, House of Representatives, immediate relief for urgent public safety and kota Attorney General. Washington, DC. cannabis industry oversight challenges, Kevin G. Clarkson, Alaska Attorney Gen- Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, which will help keep our communities safe eral; Mark Brnovich, Arizona Attorney Gen- Minority Leader, House of Representatives, and should not be delayed while Congress eral; Leslie Rutledge, Arkansas Attorney Washington, DC. works to build consensus on broader ques- General; Xavier Becerra, California Attorney DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- tions of national drug policy.
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